JP2008501412A - Oral care device - Google Patents

Abstract

  An oral care device is provided that includes a pumping assembly that dispenses fluid, such as a dentifrice, from the oral care device.

Description

  The present invention relates to oral care systems and methods for their use.

  Conventional toothbrushes with brush tufts mounted on the head are generally effective in removing plaque from the flat surfaces of the teeth and the areas along the interdental and gingival lines accessible by the brush. Typically, the consumer squeezes a small ball of paste by hand from the tube onto the brush brush before putting the conventional brush into the mouth. After the paste has been deposited on the brush, put the brush into the mouth and start brushing. As a further advancement over conventional toothbrushes, US Patent Application No. 2002/0108193 proposes a sonic electric toothbrush that can dispense additives at the brush head.

  The head can vibrate relative to the brush body by sound frequency vibration transmitted to the brush head.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides an oral care device comprising: (a) an elongate housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing; and (b) a housing. A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of the fluid passage therein, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed within the housing, the oral care device further comprising: (c) the fluid conduit in the compressible region Gradually compressing along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit, drawing fluid into the compressible region, and moving the fluid from the compressible region along the fluid path toward the outlet in the distal portion of the housing An oral care device including a motor driven pumping assembly configured in 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. That is, it has a radius of curvature that is greater than half the diameter of the cross section of the housing. The radius of curvature may be greater than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in some cases. In other embodiments, the path defined by the compressible region may include one or more local arcuate regions, but in such embodiments, the path may also be generally straight. Regions are also included. The compressible region geometry allows the pumping assembly to have a relatively small profile so that it fits within the elongated housing without making the housing diameter unwieldy. The compressible region geometry also facilitates removal of the fluid conduit from the housing, which is advantageous for reasons described below.

  Some implementations include one or more of the following features. The pumping assembly can be configured to gradually compress the conduit through a series of multiple individual compression events. The pumping assembly further includes a rotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral that may be continuous or discontinuous. For example, the spiral can include a discontinuous arrangement of protrusions that extend outwardly from the surface of the rotatable shaft. The spiral may be configured to gradually compress the conduit along at least a portion of the length of the conduit in the compressible region as the shaft rotates. The pumping assembly can further include a compression element that is disposed between the shaft and the conduit such that the compression element is displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to compress the conduit in the compressible region. Is done. The compression element can be displaceable by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to a plurality of angular positions. The compression element can be configured to be displaced in a direction generally transverse to the fluid path. For example, the compression element may be linearly displaced when the shaft is at a selected angular position. Alternatively, the compression element may be displaced by a rotational or bending motion or may be displaced by buckling of the compression element.

  The oral device can include a plurality of compression elements, the plurality of compression elements being disposed between the shaft and the conduit so that the shaft can be displaced when the shaft is rotated, and They can be arranged in one or more linear arrays.

  The oral care device may, for example, rotate the rotatable shaft at a selected speed or frequency in response to a signal from a controller disposed within the housing, or at various selected speeds or frequencies. A configured electric motor can be included. The controller can be programmed to increase or decrease the speed or frequency at which the motor rotates, for example, in response to input from the user.

  The major axis of the fluid conduit may be substantially parallel or coaxial with the major axis of the housing. The oral care device can further include a fluid reservoir disposed within the housing and in communication with the fluid pathway. The pumping assembly can be located downstream of the fluid reservoir. The oral care device can include a plurality of fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduit defining a fluid passageway, and each fluid conduit can have a compressible region. The plurality of fluid passages can gather together in the housing to mix the fluid upstream of the outlet.

  The oral care device can be configured such that all fluid passages are interchangeable.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides an oral care device comprising a fluid passage for directing fluid within a housing and a head sized to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing. The oral care device includes an enclosing housing and further features an oral care device including a reversible pumping assembly configured to move fluid along the passage.

  Some implementations include one or more of the features described above. Some implementations can include one or more of the following features.

  The reversible pumping assembly can be configured to move the fluid along the fluid path away from the outlet at the distal portion of the housing. The reversible pumping assembly can include an electric motor. The electric motor can be configured to rotate the rotatable shaft in either the first direction or the opposite second direction in response to a signal from a controller disposed within the housing. The oral care device can include a fluid reservoir in the housing fluidly coupled to the fluid passage, and the reversible pumping assembly can be configured to introduce fluid into the fluid reservoir. The reversible pumping assembly can be configured to introduce fluid from the fluid passageway into the fluid reservoir while operating in the reverse direction.

  In another aspect, the invention includes an oral care device that includes a housing including a head, a handle, and a neck connecting the head and the handle, the head being in a user's mouth. Dimensioned to fit, the oral care device further includes an energy source that powers the oral care device, and the housing includes a separable cartridge component that houses the fluid reservoir and the energy source; Features an oral care device.

  The energy source can be, for example, a battery. The energy source can be electrically connected to a motor configured to drive a pump assembly, such as the aforementioned pump assembly.

  In yet another aspect, the present invention is an oral care device that includes a movable head configured to rotate about a rotation axis, a handle portion, and a neck connecting the head and the handle portion. And the housing defines a housing axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation extending between the handle and the head, and the oral care device further extends to an outlet in the head disposed within the neck of the housing Featuring an oral care device including a fluid passage and a drive member coupled to the head at a location spaced from the housing shaft, wherein the drive member is configured to rotate the movable head about the rotational axis. To do.

  Some implementations can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid passage extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis or has a common extension with the rotation axis. The outlet and the rotation shaft can be separated from each other. The oral care device can include a drive assembly configured to move the drive member. The drive member is between about 0.05 to about 0.2 inches from the housing axis, for example, about 0.175 to 0.381 cm (0.075 to 0.150) from the housing axis. Inch), for example, at a distance (d) of about 0.125 inch (0.3175 cm).

  The invention also features a method of providing oral care using the aforementioned oral care device. For example, the present invention provides a compression volume (Vc) by compressing a fluid conduit by compressing the uncompressed volume (V0) of a fluid conduit disposed within the oral care device within a compressible region that defines a path that is not semi-circular. ), And when the fluid conduit is gradually compressed along the length (L) to move the fluid along the fluid path in the oral care device, the compression volume (Vc) is approximately Featuring a method that remains constant. The fluid conduit can be gradually compressed along L by a series of individual compression events, for example using the pumping assembly described above.

  The present invention also includes a series of parallel parallel compression events that gradually compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit, draw fluid into the compressible region, and compress the fluid. Moving from the possible area along the fluid path towards the fluid outlet in the head of the oral care device. The compressible region can be substantially linear.

  In another aspect, the invention provides an oral care device comprising: (a) a housing that includes a head sized to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing; and (b) a housing. A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of the fluid passage therein, and (c) a pouch disposed within the housing, the pouch including a pouch body including two sidewalls defining a volume therebetween, The oral care device further features an oral care device that includes (d) a fitment that provides communication between the pouch body and the fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the sidewalls are joined by seams along at least one longitudinal side edge. In some embodiments, the fitment has a height to width aspect ratio of less than 1, and the height and width are at the ends of the fitment disposed between the sidewalls, with the minor axis and the major axis, respectively. Measured along.

  The pouch volume may increase from the original unfilled volume as the pouch is filled with contents and may decrease as the pouch is emptied. When the pouch is nearly emptied, the pouch volume may be approximately equal to the original unfilled volume.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides an oral care device comprising: (a) an elongate housing including a head sized to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing; and (b) A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of the fluid passage within the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed within the housing, the oral care device further comprising: (c) the fluid conduit in the compressible region Gradually compressing along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit, drawing fluid into the compressible region, and moving the fluid from the compressible region along the fluid path toward the outlet in the distal portion of the housing A motor driven pumping assembly configured to gradually compress the conduit through a series of individual compression events. Configured, and wherein the oral care device.

  The present invention also provides an oral care device comprising: (a) an elongate housing including a head sized to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing; and (b) within the housing. A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of the fluid passage, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed within the housing, the oral care device further comprising: (c) the fluid conduit in the compressible region of the fluid conduit; Configured to gradually compress along at least a portion of the length, draw fluid into the compressible region, and move fluid from the compressible region along the fluid path toward an outlet in the distal portion of the housing. A motor driven pumping assembly, wherein the motor driven pumping assembly is disposed substantially parallel to a plane defined by the compressible region. Including a drive shaft, and wherein the oral care device. This relative arrangement of the drive shaft and compressible region provides a compact geometry that fits the pumping assembly within the elongated housing without compromising the housing diameter.

  The features described above can be combined in any desired combination with each other and with other features of the oral care device described below.

  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.

  Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown one embodiment of an oral care system 10 that includes an oral care device 12, in this case a toothbrush, and a docking station 14, where the docking station 14 is within the receiving portion of the docking station. The oral care device 12 is held in an upright position. As described in further detail below, the oral care device 12 has a motor driven head designed to release a fluid, such as a dentifrice or mouthwash, or a combination of various fluids during a dentifrice cycle. Electric toothbrush. The docking station 14 is designed to recharge a battery located within the oral care device and refill the oral care device with fluid (s).

  2A and 2B, the oral care device 12 comprises three interconnected components 152, 154, and 156 (eg, see also FIGS. 18A, 19A, and 20A). A separable multi-component housing 16 is included. When assembled, the oral care device 12 includes a distal portion 18 in which the head 20 is disposed and a proximal portion 22 in which a handle 24 is disposed. A neck 26 connects the handle portion 24 and the head 20. The head 20 is sized to fit in the user's mouth for brushing, and the handle 24 is grippable by the user, facilitating operation of the head 20 during use.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, which shows a rear view of the oral care device 12, an inlet 28 is located near the end face 30 at the proximal portion 22 of the oral care device. As described in more detail below, the inlet 28 can be mated with an outlet 280 (FIG. 23A) located at the docking station 14 to replenish the fluid pathway within the component 154. By placing the inlet 28 distal to the end face 30, the inlet is more than the seating surface 275 (FIG. 23A) in the receiving portion of the docking station where substances (eg, dentifrice, water, dust) may accumulate. Spaced apart so that the material does not interfere with the mating between the inlet 28 and outlet 280.

  Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the internal components of the oral care device 12 are shown. Oral care device 12 includes motors 34 and 36. The motor 34 drives a pumping assembly 38 that is used to move fluid along the fluid path 40 (see FIG. 3B) toward the distal portion 18 of the oral care device 12. As discussed further below, pumping assembly 38 moves fluid by compressing a portion of tube 60 with a compression element. In some embodiments, the motor 34 is reversible and can move fluid in the opposite direction toward the proximal portion 22 of the oral care device 12. Moving the fluid in the opposite direction can reduce, or even eliminate, fluid leakage from the head, which can occur due to, for example, increased pressure in the passage. The motor 36 drives the drive shaft 42 which in turn moves (eg, rotates) the head 20. A rechargeable battery 44 is electrically connected to the motor to supply power to the motors 34,36. A suitable rechargeable battery is Li-ion UR14500P available from Sanyo.

Pump Assembly As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the motor 34 is connected to a screw 48 having a spiral 50 (FIG. 4B) extended upwardly by a pair of gears 52 and 54. A possible shaft 46 is included. Screws 48 and spirals 50 are shaped to sequentially displace each finger (or compression element) in an array of interconnected fingers 56 as motor 34 rotates the screw. The fingers 56 are secured to the inner wall of the housing 16 (FIG. 2A) and are arranged in series in a compressible region 58 (FIG. 4A) that itself forms a portion of the fluid passage 40 and disposed adjacent to the tube 60. A cantilever protrusion is formed. As the finger 56 is displaced, the finger gradually compresses the tube 60 along the length of the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 in a series of multiple compression events, driving the fluid along the fluid path. (See FIGS. 7A-7E).

  In general, the motor 34 and gearing (eg, gears 52 and 54) can be selected as desired. A preferred motor 34 is FF-130SH available from Mabuchi. In some embodiments, the gearing is selected to reduce the speed by about 23: 1.

  Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, as shown, the finger arrangement includes seven interconnected fingers 56 that extend integrally from a common base 57. Although seven fingers are depicted, the number of fingers can be selected as desired (eg, two or more, up to 10, 50, 100, or 200 fingers). Multiple sequences can also be used. The fingers 56 are interconnected at one end 62 and each extend to a free end 64 that is displaceable depending on the angular position of the screw 48. The pump assembly 38 can be used without the finger 56 (eg, the spiral 50 of the screw 48 can be used to compress the tube 60 directly within the compressible region 58), but by using the finger 56, the compressible region 58 can be used. The rolling wear and sliding wear on the tube 60 can be reduced by the finger displacement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the tube 60. Such reduction in rolling and sliding wear can reduce the likelihood of rupture of the tube 60 which may lead to fluid leakage within the housing 16.

In general, the size and dimensions of each finger can be selected as desired. As shown, each finger 56 has a width _{W f} (e.g., about 0.127 cm (0.05 inches) to about 0.508 cm (0.2 inches), for example, about 0.254 cm (0.1 inches ), And a length L (e.g., from about 1.016 cm (0.4 inch) to about 1.524 cm (0.6 inch), such as about 1.27 cm (0.5 inch)), approximately Identical dimensions and shaped to reduce the volume occupied by the fingers in the housing. With particular reference to FIG. 5B, finger 56 extends relatively linearly within regions 66 and 68, and region 68 is offset from region 66 by distance T by bend 70. In operation, the surface 72 of the finger 56 can contact the outer surface of the tube 60, the opposite surface 74 can contact the screw 48, and vice versa. The offset can ensure that the downward force of the finger is fully applied to the tube 60. In some embodiments, one or more of the fingers can have different dimensions.

  The design of the finger 56 depends at least in part on the screw design and the tube 60 design. Each finger 56 is designed to compress an area of the tube 60 that is approximately equal to the width of the respective finger 56. The distance between each finger and adjacent fingers is minimized for pump efficiency (eg, about 0.015 inches).

  In general, the material forming the fingers 56 can be selected as desired. Preferred materials for forming an array of fingers have a high resistance to fatigue failure (eg, due to repeated displacement of the fingers) and at least a reasonable time (eg, 180 uses or more) An elastic material that can withstand rolling and sliding contact between the finger 56 and the spiral 50 is included. A suitable plastic material is DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable method can be used to form the fingers, such as molding (eg, injection molding), casting, and machining.

  Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the defining variables of the screw 48 include the screw pitch and the dwell time caused by the flat portion 76 at the top of the pitch. Other variables that affect screw design include finger width and number of fingers. The screw pitch P (ie, the center-to-center distance between the flat portions 76 along a line parallel to the shaft axis) ensures that at least one (preferably two or more) fingers are at least partly located. Try to compress the tube at a given moment. As shown in the figure, P is about 0.832 inches (2.032 cm), and the width of each flat portion is about 0.035 inches.

  In general, the dimensions of the screw 48 can be selected as desired. Preferably, however, the design of the screw 48 depends, at least in part, on the design of the finger 56 and the design of the tube 60 in the compressible region 58 to achieve a pumping action that moves fluid along the passage 40. It depends. As described above with respect to the fingers, preferred materials for forming the screw can withstand rolling and sliding contact between the spiral 50 and the finger 56 for at least a reasonable amount of time (eg, 180 uses or more). it can. A suitable plastic material is DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable method can be used to form the screw 48, such as molding (e.g., screw injection molding or plastic overmolding, e.g., on a metal shaft), and machining.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, a schematic diagram of a portion of the displacement sequence is shown for the aforementioned pump assembly 38 shown in FIG. 4A. In this displacement sequence, the fingers 56 of the array are sequentially displaced by the expansion spiral 50 (see FIG. 4B). Prior to compression, within the compressible region 58, the tube 60 has an initial uncompressed volume V ₀ for a substantially constant inner and outer diameter and length L (ie, the length of the compressible region 58), This L is approximately equal to the width W of the finger array (FIG. 5A). When the fingers 56 compress the tube 60, the volume of the L is reduced to compress the volume V _c. In some embodiments, V _c remains substantially constant during the entire displacement sequence. In other specific embodiments, V _c varies significantly during the displacement sequence. In either case, it is the geometry of the passage 40 through which the fluid flows that is affected by a series of discrete stepwise compression events to create the flow.

  With particular reference to FIG. 7A, the fingers 56a and 56b are displaced by the screw 48 due to the enlarged diameter of the spiral 50 (FIGS. 6A and 6B), which in turn is the tube 60 in the compressible region 58. A portion is compressed (eg, occluded) between the finger 56 and the wall 58 to displace the fluid positively along the passage 40. While the screw 48 displaces the finger 56a (finally the maximum distance l), the screw 48 also displaces the finger 56b. Referring also to FIG. 5B, as the screw 48 rotates, the finger 56a begins to return and draws fluid into the already displaced region of the tube 60, while the finger 56b is displaced by a distance l and the finger 56c is displaced. To start. As shown in FIG. 7C, the spiral 50 is such that the finger 56b is displaced by the distance l (or the maximum displacement distance) from at least the moment the finger 56a enters its return path until at least the finger 56c is displaced by the distance l. To be molded. Referring now to FIGS. 7D and 7E, this sequence continues until all seven fingers 56a-56g are displaced (only the displacement of the first four fingers 56a-56d is shown for simplicity). Then, it is repeated until the motor 34 stops the rotation of the screw 48. By always displacing more than one finger, the displacement sequence compresses the tube 60 relatively continuously along the length L and there is relatively little, if any, backflow. Minimizing backflow generally eliminates the need for a check valve to achieve pumping action. In some embodiments, l is approximately equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region 58, but l may be less than the inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region 58. . As shown in the figure, the inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region is about 1/16 inch and l is slightly larger than 1/16 inch.

  Referring to FIG. 8, a flexible membrane 80 can be placed between the finger 56 and the tube 60 (see FIGS. 20C and 20D). The membrane 80 is used to seal the internal components disposed within the housing component 156 from water, paste, or other liquids related to toothpaste. The membrane can be adhered to the inner wall 81 of the component 156 and / or overmolded on the component 156, for example. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A by way of example, in some embodiments, the membrane 80 replaces the finger 56 with a compression element 57 or array of compression elements that can be used to compress the tube 60 (or multiple arrays of compression elements). ). Further, to directly compress the tube 60 (or displace the compressible element), a rotating bending wire (eg, coiled wire or cam / crankshaft wire), solenoid, pneumatic cylinder, swing mechanism, and Other compression means are also contemplated, such as an annular restriction with magnetic fluid.

  By using the pump assembly described above, the fluid is displaced in the forward direction without backflow and without the need for a backflow prevention device such as a check valve as described above (although a check valve can be used if desired). be able to. The pump assembly described above is particularly well suited for delivering slurry, viscous, shear-sensitive, aggressive fluids. In addition, fingers, motors, gears, screws, and other internal components can be separated from the fluid as it travels along the passage 40, which in some cases can reduce the life of the oral care device 12. Can be extended.

Head Drive Assembly Referring back to FIG. 3A, the motor 36 moves (eg, translates linearly) the pivot drive shaft 42, which in turn moves (eg, oscillates) the rotary head 20. ). The drive shaft 42 employs an offset design that facilitates the installation of a fluid outlet to the head 20 and the installation of a tube 82 that forms part of the fluid passage 40 within the neck 26 of the housing 16. Connected to This offset design is described in further detail below.

  The movement of the rotary head 20 is accomplished, in part, with a cam follower system that converts the rotational output of the motor 36 into a linear movement that is used to drive the drive shaft 42 back and forth. With particular reference to FIG. 10A, a track 86 connected to the motor 36 by a series of interconnected gears extends outwardly from the shaft 84. The follower 88 includes a pair of protrusions 90 designed to ride on the track 86 when the shaft 84 is rotated by the motor 36. The track 86 is shaped so that the follower 88 vibrates linearly when the shaft 84 rotates. The alignment component 92 helps to align the follower 88 as the follower 88 vibrates. Although a raised track-follower system is shown, any suitable system can be utilized, including a variety of other cam systems, including a cylindrical cam with a follower and a grooved track with a follower. For example, referring to FIG. 10C, an alternative cam design includes a cam 94 having a cam structure on the inner surface 96 of the cup 98. In some cases, the cam follower can run axisymmetrically with the motor. Non-cam systems such as belt or chain systems can also be used. The belt or chain system can be replaced by a drive shaft system for driving the head 20 while leaving the shaft of the oral care device 12 available to create a path for the fluid passage 40 (shown).

  An intermediate drive shaft 100 is connected to the follower 88. The intermediate drive shaft 100 is slidably disposed within a guide assembly 102 that is fixed directly to the housing 16. Referring to FIG. 10D, the guide assembly 102 includes a gasket 104 (eg, rubber), a bushing 106 (eg, a bronze oilite bushing), and a mounting plate 108. The installation plate 108 is fixed to the housing 16 (see FIG. 10B). The guide assembly 102 provides alignment and stabilization for the intermediate shaft as the intermediate shaft 100 moves back and forth with the follower 88.

  Referring to FIG. 10B, a pivoting drive shaft 42 is coupled to the intermediate drive shaft 100. Drive shafts 100 and 42 are coupled by a pair of interconnecting notches 110A, 110B constructed to engage one another. The notch 110A is disposed at the end of the shaft 42 (FIG. 11), and the notch 110B is disposed at the adjacent end of the intermediate shaft 100 (FIG. 10A). The drive shaft 42 is within a bracket 112 that is secured within the neck 26 of the housing 16 (shown in phantom) to limit the lateral movement of the shaft 42 and maintain the connection between the notches 110. It is slidably arranged. Notches 110 are removable (eg, to separate component 152 and component 154) by applying a force to bracket 112 in a direction that separates notches 110 (eg, by a consumer). The bracket 112 is sufficiently flexible so that the notch 110 will disengage when pushed by the consumer so that the consumer can separate the component 154 from the components 152 and 156.

  As can be seen, the available space within the neck 26 of the housing 16 is relatively limited. As a result, the drive shaft 42 is shaped to facilitate installation of both the fluid transport tube 82 and the vibratory drive shaft 42 within the neck 26 of the housing 16. As more clearly shown in FIG. 11, the drive shaft 42 includes a number that helps maintain the distance between the fluid passage 40 and the drive shaft 42 so that the tube 82 does not interfere with the movement of the drive shaft 42. The bent portions 114 and 116 are included. The short bend 114 is coupled to the rotary head 20 but is designed to be short enough to be assembled into the neck 26 of the housing 16. This allows shaft 42 to be assembled through an opening in the bottom of component 152 (see FIG. 10B), facilitating the use of a relatively thin single housing component 152. However, the bent portion 114 is long enough to drive the rotary head 20. By including the bends 114, 116, the possibility that the drive shaft 42 and the tube 82 interfere with each other's motion during use is reduced.

  Referring now to FIG. 12, the rotary head 20 is rotatably connected to the housing 16 in a socket 118 formed in the housing 16. A non-rotating fitting (eg, bushing) 120 is secured over the distal end of the tube 82 and a valve 122 is fitted over the fitting 120. For valve 122 and fitting 120, valve 122 and fitting 120 are rotary so that, in operation, non-rotating fitting 120 receives most of the force from rotating head 20, thus reducing valve wear. It extends through a hole 124 in the head 20. The pin 126 passes through the hole 128 in the housing 16 and reaches the slot 130 formed in the rotary head 20, thereby fixing the rotary head 20 in the housing 16. The connection between the pin 126 and the slot 130 fixes the rotary head 20 in the housing 16 and rotates the rotary head 20.

  Referring also to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the drive shaft 42 is coupled to the rotary head 20 at a hole (not shown) formed in the rotary head 20 and is a distance d (eg, zero) from the longitudinal axis 131. Larger than, for example, about 0.127 cm (0.05) to about 0.508 cm (0.2 inches), such as about 0.3175 (0.125 inches). The longitudinal axis 131 intersects perpendicularly with the head rotation axis 134 (FIG. 13B), and the distance d is measured perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis 131 to the center of the hole. The shaft 42 is slip fitted into the hole to allow vibration of the rotary head 20 relative to the shaft 42. As drive shaft 42 translates back and forth, rotary head 20 oscillates about axis 134 at a desired frequency (eg, about 35 Hz to about 140 Hz, such as about 50 Hz to about 80 Hz, etc.).

  14 and 15, the head 20 includes a base 136 that includes an opening 124 (see FIG. 12), and a valve 122 extends outwardly through the opening 124 beyond the base. Although any suitable valve can be used, such as a duckbill valve or other type of check valve, the duckbill valve is easy to use and external fluids and particles are introduced into the fluid path (eg, in use and storage) ) Is preferable. In some embodiments, the distal end of tube 82 forms a fluid outlet without the use of a valve attached thereto. In some embodiments, the opening 124 forms part of the fluid path.

  Extending from the base 136 is an array of brush tufts 138. In the drawing, each tuft 138 is shown as a solid mass, but in practice each tuft is composed of a large number of individual plastic brushes. The brush may be composed of any desired polymer, such as nylon 6.12 or 6.10, and have any desired diameter, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 mm (4 to 8 mils). Good. Tuft 138 is supported by base 136 and may be held in place by any desired tufting technique as is well known in the art, for example, by hot tufting or stapling methods. . Tuft 138 may also be mounted for movement on base 136, as is well known in the toothbrush art. For a more detailed discussion of brush heads, Applicants refer to pending US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 666,497 (filed Sep. 9, 2003), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Incorporated into the book as a reference.

  In general, tuft 138 and fluid outlet 140 (along with opening 124) may be located where desired. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the tuft 138 is disposed around the centrally located valve 122. With particular reference to FIG. 14, a contoured elliptical head design is illustrated when the base 136 is elliptical. The valve 122 is shown positioned around the center of the elliptical base 136 (ie, the intersection of the major and minor axes of the ellipse) and the tuft 138 is disposed in an elliptical arrangement around the fluid outlet 140. Yes. FIG. 15 shows a more circular head design with the valve 122 positioned in the center of the base 136 and the tuft 138 positioned in a circular configuration around the fluid outlet 140.

  However, the valve 122 and associated fluid outlet 140 need not be located in the center of the rotary head 20 or the fluid outlet need not be aligned with the rotational axis 134 of the rotary head 20. For example, referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the movable head 142 includes an offset valve design. In this embodiment, the valve 122 and associated fluid passage 40 extend through the rotary head 142 at a distance from the rotational axis 134. As described above, the drive shaft 42 is coupled to the rotary head 142 at an offset from the longitudinal axis 131. As another example, referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the head 146 includes a movable portion 148 and a stationary portion 150 with a valve 122 and associated fluid passage 40 disposed in the stationary portion 150. As an alternative, the valve 122 can be disposed within the movable portion 148 as described above, rather than the stationary portion 150. The movable part 148 can be formed by a rotary head connected to the drive shaft, as described above. In some embodiments, the drive shaft 42 includes a fluid path that forms a portion of the fluid passage 40 by fluidly connecting the drive shaft 42 to the tube 60. The end of the drive shaft 42 (not shown) 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, the housing 16 is separable into three components 152, 154, and 156, as described above. Component 152 (ie, removable head assembly; FIGS. 18A and 18B) includes movable head 20 and neck 26 with drive shaft 42 and tube 82. Component 154 (ie, a removable refill cartridge assembly; FIGS. 19A and 19B) includes a tube 60, a compressible region 58 (FIG. 19B), and an inlet. Motors 34 and 36 are stored by component 156 along with pumping assembly 38 and rechargeable battery 44 (see FIG. 3B).

  Since each component 152 and 154 includes a portion of the fluid passage 40, each component 152 and 154 may be used to reduce fluid leakage when the component 152 and component 154 are separated, or in some cases to prevent leakage. Elements 152 and 154 include valves 160 and 162 having a “normally closed” structure, respectively. A valve is disposed at the end of the associated conduit, for example, to substantially close the entire fluid passage associated with each component when the components are disengaged.

  Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18C, the neck valve 160 can be mated with the cartridge valve 162 (see FIGS. 19A and 19C). Referring to both FIGS. 18C and 19C, the neck valve 160 and the cartridge valve 162 each include an inner surface 164 and 166 that form a portion of the fluid passage 40, respectively. Inner surfaces 164 and 166 narrow near the openings 126 and 128 to reduce the inner diameter of the fluid passage to form seating surfaces 172 and 174. Poppets 176 and 178 are biased against the seating surfaces 172 and 174. Poppets 176, 178 have contoured outer surfaces 180, 182 that complement the contours of each seating surface 172, 174. The poppet is a helical spring 184, 186 (e.g., to close the fluid passage 40 (e.g., to form a liquid and / or air tight seal) when the component 152 and component 154 are separated). About 0.635 to 0.9625 cm (0.250 to 0.375 inches) in length, and about 0.3048 to 0.6096 cm (0.120 to 0.240 inches) in overall diameter; Urged against the seating surfaces 172 and 174 by a 0.03456 to 0.04572 cm (0.014 to 0.018 inch) stainless steel wire). The valve can be constructed to remain closed and seal the passage even when a certain amount of positive pressure is applied in the passage (eg, the pumping mechanism is activated). When positive pressure is applied to each poppet from within the passage, an increased amount of biasing force is transmitted, and the poppet applies a greater force to the seating surface to maintain the seal.

  Referring to FIGS. 19B and 19D, the cartridge component 154 includes a second valve 200 that can be mated with a docking station valve 322 at the outlet 280 (FIGS. 21 and 23A). Valve 200 includes the mechanism described above with respect to valve 162, and valve 322 includes the mechanism described above with respect to valve 160. The valve 200 controls the flow rate through the inlet 28 located near the base surface 30 (see FIG. 2B), and the valve 322 controls the flow rate through the docking station outlet 280. Referring to FIG. 21 to illustrate the operation of the valve, each poppet 176 and 178 includes an extended portion 188. The extended portion 188 protrudes beyond the seating surfaces 172, 174 when the valve is separated. When the valve 200 and valve 322 are mated, the expanded portions 188 of the poppets 176, 178 contact each other. In some embodiments, only one of the poppets 176, 178 has an extended portion 188 that extends beyond the respective seating surface, or neither of the poppets 176, 178 has an extended portion 188. As valve 200 and valve 322 approach each other, poppets 176, 178 bend away from the seating surface to open fluid passage 40 and flow fluid into the passage. When mated, the valve is also constructed to remain open in use, for example when pressure is applied to the poppet by fluid flowing in the passage. This can be achieved by limiting the movement of each poppet when the valve is open.

  A seal disposed in the cartridge valve 162 and / or 200 in a recess 192 extending inwardly from the outer surface 194 of the cartridge valve to seal the fluid passage 40 from the ambient environment when the valve is mated. A ring 201 (eg, an O-ring) can be included. In some embodiments, the sealing ring provides a liquid tight seal but does not provide an air tight seal. In some cases, the sealing ring provides both a liquid and air tight seal. The sealing ring can be sized to contact the inner surface 190 of the valve 160 and / or 322.

  Referring to FIG. 18C, neck valve 160 incorporates a portion 165 of neck 26 as part of the valve assembly. The neck valve assembly 160 is directly connected to the proximal open end of the tube 82 to allow a direct fluid passage from the valve to the tube 82. Referring to FIG. 19C, the cartridge valve 162 is connected to the tube 60 using a barbed fitting 203 at the rear of the assembly. Other attachment methods are also possible, such as clamps, wire or plastic tie wraps, and / or adhesives.

  In some embodiments, an alternative valve assembly is used that closes the fluid passage 40 with only one component when the components are separated. Referring to FIGS. 22A-22C, the one-side valve assembly 250 includes a valve 252 and an opening fitment 254 (see FIG. 22C). Valve 252 includes an inner surface 256 that narrows to form a seating surface 258 and a poppet 260 that includes an extended portion 262 biased toward the seating surface 258. The fitment 254 includes an inner surface 266 that forms a passage for fluid flow and a wall 268 that extends into the passage of the fitment. Wall 268 includes four channels 270 in fluid communication with the passage. Channel 270 provides a conduit through which fluid can flow from fitment 254 to valve 252 (and vice versa) when valve 252 is mated with fitment 254.

  Proceeding to FIG. 22B, the expanded portion 262 contacts the wall 268 when the valve 252 mates with the fitment 254. As the surface 272 of the valve 252 approaches the wall 268, the poppet 260 bends away from the seating surface 258 to open the valve 252. Channel 270 is positioned such that poppet 260 does not block channel 270 so that fluid can pass through channel 270. In some embodiments, the fitment 254 replaces the neck valve 160 (eg, to allow rinsing of the passage 40 within the neck component 152).

  In general, the materials forming the fitment and valve, including poppets and springs, can be selected as desired. Suitable materials for forming the valve include polyethylene (eg, HDPE), polypropylene, acrylonitrile-based copolymer (eg, BAREX® available from BP plc), acetal (POM), or Examples include corrosion resistant metals such as stainless steel. Suitable materials for forming poppets are available from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), fluorocarbons (eg DuPont Dow Elastomers LLC) (E.g., VITON (registered trademark) fluorocarbon), combinations of these materials, and combinations of these materials with harder materials such as stainless steel. The valve can be formed by any suitable method, including molding (eg, injection molding) and / or machining by a common joining process such as ultrasonic or laser welding or adhesives.

  Components 152 and 154 are designed to be replaceable. “Replaceable” means here that the components 152 and 154 can be replaced by other similar components by the consumer to form an assembled oral care device, and the replacement is It can be achieved normally by consumers without damaging them. As can be understood from the above description, since the entire fluid passage 40 is housed in the components 152 and 154, the entire fluid passage 40 can also be replaced. In other words, any part of the oral care device 12 that contacts the fluid can be replaced. This facilitates the combined use of various types of fluids and oral care devices without undesirable fluid mixing and oral care device repair (eg, due to fluid passage rupture or valve failure). This also helps to maintain the oral care device in a hygienic state during prolonged use.

  To assemble the oral care device 12, both components 152 (head assembly) and 154 (cartridge) are attached to component 156 by independent mechanical snap latch mechanisms 137 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). Referring to FIGS. 18A and 20A, the component 152 is attached to the component 156 by inserting the top end 133 of the component 156 into the receiving end 135 of the component 156. In doing so, when the mechanical connection is formed by the snap latch members 139 (FIG. 18B) and 141 (FIG. 20A), the drive shafts 42 and 100 are connected, and the component 154 is connected to the component 156, the valve 160 And 162 are fluidly coupled. Component 154 is attached to component 156 by a similar snap latch connection (see also FIG. 19A). To remove components 152 and 154 from component 156, the user can push the snap latch 137 toward each other to disengage the mechanical connection. This is done by tightening the button 143 disposed on the handle 24 to remove the component 154 from the component 156, and tightening the button 143 disposed on the neck 26 to remove the component 152 and the component 156. Achieved. Other connections are contemplated, such as independent screws or plug-in collars that can move independently of the orientation of the attached component. Since both the drive shaft and fluid line must be connected, a linear connection (eg, not a rotational connection) is preferred to align the two connections. Other common mounting arrangements can be used, such as attaching component 152 to component 154 and subsequently attaching component 154 to component 156.

Oral Care Device Controller 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 generally governs the operation of the motors. User interface 402 provides external interaction with controller 400. The user interface 402 includes on / off buttons 404 and 406 and a fluid level switch 408, all of which are accessible from outside the housing 16 (see FIG. 2A).

  The controller can be programmed as desired, but as an example, pressing button 404 will start both motors 34 and 36, and pressing button 406 will start only one of motors 34 and 36, such as motor 36. Designed as such. By pressing button 404, both head movement and fluid flow can be initiated. By pressing button 406, only one of fluid flow and head movement can be triggered. Pressing button 404 or 406 can also stop the associated motor (s) after startup. If the button 406 starts and stops only the motor 36, the user can, for example, brush his teeth without additional fluid supply and rinse the oral care device 12 with the head rotating. Fluid level switch 408 allows the user to pre-select, such as high speed (eg, about 1.1 g / min), medium speed (eg, about 1 g / min), and low speed (eg, about 0.9 g / min). The fluid supply speed can be selected. The three LEDs 410 can be selectively lit to indicate the selected fluid supply level. As an alternative or in addition, including an LCD display to communicate the fluid supply level and / or using the LCD display, fluid level and / or battery state of charge in the oral care device 12, etc. Other information can also be displayed.

  As mentioned above, the controller 400 can be programmed as desired. Preferably, the controller 400 is programmed to adjust the paste supply level after the motor 34 is started. In some embodiments, the controller is provided with a relatively large bolus of fluid immediately after the motor 34 is started so that there is enough paste, for example to start brushing, and then the paste supply level is For example, programmed to be reduced to a lower supply level throughout the remainder of the toothpaste cycle. The paste supply level can be reduced, for example, by intermittent ejection of fluid and / or by slowing the fluid supply rate. As an example, the controller can be programmed to provide three supply settings: low, medium, and high. In one embodiment, at a low delivery setting, the controller is programmed to deliver a bolus by running motor 34 for about 7 seconds. After about 7 seconds, the controller intermittently activates the motor 34 for about 0.75 seconds and deactivates the motor 34 for about 2.4 seconds (ie, turns the motor on and off at these intervals). Circulate). In the same embodiment, at the medium delivery setting, the controller delivers the bolus by operating the motor 34 for about 7 seconds, then the motor is on for about 0.75 seconds and off for about 1.63 seconds. Programmed to circulate in At a high delivery setting, the controller is programmed to deliver a bolus by operating the motor 34 for about 7 seconds and then cycle the motor on for about 0.75 seconds on and off for about 1.2 seconds. Is done. Depending on the desired programming of the controller 400, more or fewer user interface controls can be used to initiate various functions.

Docking Station The oral care device 12 can be coupled to the docking station 14 when not in use. The docking station 14 can be connected to an electrical outlet (not shown) or other suitable power source.

  Referring to FIGS. 23A and 23B, the docking station 14 is configured to hold the oral care device 12 in an upright position within the receiving portion 273. The receiving portion 273 is formed between a vertical recess 295 formed in the housing 291 and a housing extension 297 extending from the base 293. The recess 295 is contoured to receive a portion of the oral care device 12. The docking station 14 includes a sensor (not shown) that detects an input when a reactive device, eg, an oral care device is received by the docking station, and sends a signal to the controller in response to the input. The details will be described in more detail below.

  Referring now to FIG. 23B, the docking station 14 includes a fluid reservoir 274 (see FIGS. 24 and 25) that forms a portion of a fluid passage 278 that extends from the fluid reservoir 274 to the outlet 280. Coupled with tube 276. In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 24, the fluid reservoir 274 is formed as an integral part of the detachable replaceable portion 301 of the docking station 14. In another embodiment illustrated by FIG. 25, replaceable pouch 303 forms a fluid reservoir. In this case, when the contents of the pouch 303 are exhausted, or when the user wants to use a different product and wants to insert a replacement pouch, the consumer can easily remove the pouch 303. The upper part 301 is detachable.

  Referring to FIG. 23B, the docking station includes a reversible pump assembly 282 to move fluid along the fluid path. As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 26A and 26B, the pump assembly 282 sequentially includes a motor 284, a screw 286 (see FIG. 26A) with an upwardly expanded dimension spiral, and a compressible region 277 of the tube 276. It is similar to the pump assembly depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B in that it includes an array of interconnected fingers 290 arranged to compress. In some embodiments, the motor 284, the screw 286 including the spiral, and the finger 290 have substantially the same structure as described above. Other pump assemblies such as diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, compressed gases, gear pumps, etc. are also contemplated for moving fluids, particulates, and / or powders along the passage.

  The motor 284 is mounted on a support plate 296 that is secured to the floor 298 (see FIG. 23B) of the base station 14 using a bracket 294. Fingers 290, along their base (see, for example, element 53 in FIG. 5A), plate 305 secured to support member 300 mounted on the side surfaces of a pair of guide plates 306 and 308 (FIG. 26B). Fixed to. When installed in this manner, finger 290 forms a series of cantilever protrusions disposed adjacent to tube 276. The guide plates 306 and 308 are respectively installed on the support plate 296 on their lower surfaces. The guide plate 308 includes a hole 309 that is sized to receive a coupling member 311 that couples the output from the gearbox to the screw 286, and the guide plate 306 includes a hole 309 that receives the screw 286.

  Referring again to FIGS. 26A and 26B, a placement plate 310 is provided to position the fluid transport tube 276 such that the compressible region 292 is adjacent the finger 290. Placement plate 310 is mounted on the upper surface of plates 306, 308, and tube 276 is defined therein by a lower surface of placement plate 310 and recesses 312 and 314 on the upper surface of each guide plate 306, 308. Including an opening through. These openings place and hold the tube 276 in place so that when the fingers 290 are displaced, they move the tube 276 in the compressible region 292 in a series of multiple compression events. And gradually compresses the fluid along the fluid path.

  In general, the motor 284 can be selected as desired. A suitable motor is the FF130SH available from Mabuchi. The screw 286, finger 290, and displacement sequence may be the same as described above with respect to FIGS.

  Downstream of the pump assembly 282, a drive assembly 316 is used to expand and retract the valve 322 to engage and disengage the valve 200 of the oral care device 12, respectively. (FIG. 27A). Although a valve 322 is depicted, any suitable coupling constructed to couple with the oral care device and provide communication between the fluid reservoir 274 and the oral care device can be used. The drive assembly 316 includes a motor 318 that can move a sled 320 coupled to a valve 322 that is fluidly coupled to the tube 276 (eg, using a barbed fitting). Referring now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, the valve 322 is slidably disposed within the stationary bushing 324. To move the sled 320 and associated valve 322, the motor 318 and associated gear box 328 are coupled to the lead screw 330 using a coupling that is threaded onto the sled 320. As the motor 318 rotates the lead screw 330, the thread 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 coupled to a pair of bearings 334 that aid in the placement of the lead screw 330. As described above, the valve 322 is disposed at the outlet 280 to control the flow of fluid from the outlet 280 and can be mated with the valve 200 that controls the flow of fluid to the inlet 28 of the oral care device 12. . Alternatively, in some embodiments, other drive mechanisms, such as a spring mechanism (eg, by applying a spring load to the valve and using a button to release the valve), and / or extending the valve The valve can also be mechanically actuated using a retractable lever.

  Referring back to FIG. 23B, a pair of leads 336, 338 are exposed in the receiving portion 273 of the docking station 14. The leads 336, 338 are arranged to contact a pair of contacts 340, 342 (FIG. 2A) on the oral care device 12 when the oral care device 12 is placed in the receiving portion 173. This contact electrically couples the oral care device 12 and the docking station 14 so that the power source to which the docking station is coupled can recharge the rechargeable battery in the oral care device. . Contacts 340, 342 are electrically connected to the rechargeable battery and allow power to flow from the docking station to the battery.

  Referring to FIG. 28, by placing the oral care device 12 in the receiving portion 273 such that the contacts 340, 342 mate with the leads 336, 338, the charging circuit is closed and recognized by the controller. When the charging circuit is closed, the rechargeable battery 44 starts charging. The charging circuit can include an inductive component that inductively charges the battery 44. In some embodiments, the oral care device is electrically connected to the docking station mechanically or, for example, using a signal from a magnetic field, electric field, or radio frequency identification (RFID). When the charging process begins, the motor 318 of the drive assembly 316 is activated and the valve 322 protrudes forward to mate with the valve 200 (Fig. 2B) in the handle 24. A limit switch (not shown) determines the end of the stroke of valve 322. Once the limit switch is activated, the drive assembly 316 can project the valve 322 forward for a selected additional period of time (eg, about 2 seconds), thereby ensuring that the valves 200 and 322 are seated. . During the selected period, the valve 322 may or may not advance forward. The selected stroke period is primarily used to ensure that the valve 322 and the valve 200 are mated.

  When the limit switch is activated and the selected period is over, the controller is programmed to determine whether a pressure switch (not shown) is activated. The pressure switch is piped into the passage 278 (or, in some embodiments, the passage 40 of the oral care device 12) and the pressure in the passage is a preselected threshold, eg, 55.16 kPa (8 psi) (preferably Is activated when exceeding 41.37-68.95 kPa (between 6-10 psi). If this threshold is exceeded, this indicates that the fluid passage 40 in the oral care device is full. Once the valves are paired, if the fluid path in the oral care device is not yet fully filled (ie, the pressure switch is not activated), the pumping assembly 282 is activated from the reservoir 274 in the docking station. Fluid is pumped into the fluid passage 40 in the component 154 of the oral care device 12 to replenish the fluid supply in the fluid path of the oral care device 12.

  However, if the controller detects that the pressure switch has been activated before actuating the pumping assembly 282 (ie, the oral care device fluid path is already full when the oral care device is placed on the docking station). If so, the motor 284 is not actuated and the valve 322 is retracted until a rear limit switch (not shown) is activated.

  During the refill operation, when the pressure in the passage reaches a threshold value, the pressure switch is activated and the controller sends a signal to the motor 284 to deactivate it to stop pumping fluid and send a signal to the drive assembly 316. The valve 322 is retracted to its closed starting position. As an alternative, in some embodiments, when the pressure switch is activated, the controller opens a bypass valve that directs fluid back into the fluid reservoir. Further, for example, a similar operation can be achieved by using a pressure safety valve that does not require a pressure switch. The rear limit switch is activated when the valve 322 is retracted to its starting position.

  As explained above, fluid passage 40 is filled until the pressure in the passage reaches a preselected threshold, indicating that component 154 has reached a predetermined volume. As an overflow prevention measure, the controller deactivates the motor 284 after a selected period of time (eg, 1 minute, preferably between 30 seconds and 2 minutes) regardless of whether the pressure switch is activated. Can be made. This can prevent the docking station 14 from emptying the fluid reservoir 274 (eg, if there is a problem with valve mating or the component 154 is broken). Oral care device 12 cannot be removed from receiving portion 273 when valves 322 and 200 are mated (FIG. 19). The mated valve locks the oral care device 12 to the docking station 14, for example, to maintain a fluid connection between the oral care device 12 and the docking station 14.

  In some embodiments, only one motor stored in the docking station 14 is used to drive the valve 322 and pump fluid along the fluid path 278. In these cases, a clutch can be used to selectively engage the motor to the drive assembly and the pump assembly. In some cases, the pump assembly 38 in the oral care device 12 is used to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir of the docking station and refill the passage 60 in the cartridge component 154. This eliminates the need for the pumping assembly 282 in the docking station 14.

  Referring now to FIG. 29, an alternative oral care device 400 is shown that includes a detachable two-component housing 402 with a detachable and replaceable cartridge 404. Similar to the oral care device 12 described above, the oral care device 400 has a motor driven head designed to release a fluid, such as a dentifrice or mouthwash, or a combination of various fluids during the toothpaste cycle. Electric toothbrush. As described in detail below, the oral care device 400 includes a main component 418, a fluid reservoir (which can be refillable and / or disposable) and a battery (rechargeable or disposable). Or a separable cartridge component 404 that includes both other power sources. The main component and the cartridge component are fixed together by a snap latch 419. In some embodiments, the entire cartridge component 404 is disposable.

  When assembled, the oral care device 400 includes a distal portion 406 where the movable head 408 and neck 410 are disposed and a proximal portion 412 where the handle 414 is disposed. The head 408 is sized to fit in the user's mouth for brushing and the handle 414 can be gripped by the user to facilitate operation 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 described above, the cartridge component 404 is separable from the main component 418 (see FIG. 31A). As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, cartridge component 404 can contain fluid (eg, dentifrice, mouthwash, water) within fluid reservoir 405 (eg, rigid container or flexible pouch). It is a detachable and replaceable cartridge. The main component 418 also includes a power source 420 (see FIG. 30B). By providing the cartridge component 404 with a power source (eg, one or more batteries) and a fluid reservoir, the need for a docking station that can both refill and recharge the cartridge component can be eliminated. In some embodiments, a refill station, a recharge station, and / or a combination of refill and recharge stations are provided to refill the cartridge component 404 and / or recharge the power source 420. In other embodiments, a simple docking station that does not refill or recharge can be provided as a holder for an oral care device.

  Referring now to FIGS. 31A and 31B, the main component 418 includes a movable head 408 and a pair of motors 34 and 36 are stored within the main component 418. The motor 34 drives a pumping assembly 438 that is used to move fluid along the fluid path 40 toward the head 408 of the oral care device 400. In some embodiments, the motor 34 is reversible and can move fluid in the opposite direction toward the proximal portion of the oral care device 400 (eg, due to increased pressure in the passageway). To reduce fluid leakage from the resulting head, or possibly to eliminate leakage). The motor 36 drives the drive shaft 442 which in turn moves (eg, rotates) the head 408. When the cartridge component 404 is coupled to the main component 418 (as shown in FIG. 29), the power source 420 is electrically coupled to the motors 34, 36 to provide power to the motors 34, 36. The

  The head drive assembly employs an offset design that facilitates the installation of the fluid outlet to the head 408 and the tube 422 that forms the fluid passage 40 into the neck 410 of the housing 402, allowing the drive shaft 42 to rotate. Similar to the head drive assembly of the oral care device 12 described above in that it is coupled to the head 408. The drive shaft 42 is moved using a cam follower system that converts the rotational output of the motor 36 into linear motion that is used to drive the drive shaft 42 back and forth. In some embodiments, the head drive assembly is substantially identical to that shown by FIGS. 10A-13 as described above (and can also include any alternative).

  As can be seen from FIG. 31B, the pumping assembly 438 forms at least a portion of the motor 34, the screw 48 having a spiral 50 sized to expand upward, an array of interconnected fingers 56, and the fluid passage 40. Similar to the pump assembly 38 depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B in that it includes a tube 422 having a compressible region 58. In some embodiments, the motor 34, the screw 48 including the spiral 50, the tube 422, and the finger 56 are substantially the same structure as described above and may include any of the alternatives described above. .

  Each housing component 404 and 418 includes a portion of the fluid passage 40. To reduce fluid leakage from the fluid passageway 40 when the component 404 and component 408 are separated, or in some cases to prevent leakage, valves 160 and 162 having a “normally closed” configuration are provided. Respectively provided at the proximal end of the main component 418 and the distal end of the cartridge component 404. (A suitable valve having a “normally closed” configuration is shown, for example, in FIGS. 18C and 19C and described above. Other types of valves as described below with respect to FIGS. 40A and 40B may be used. 18) As described above with respect to the valves shown in FIGS. 18C-19C, the valves 160 and 162 close the passage 40 when the main component 418 and the cartridge component 404 are separated, and the configuration When the elements are joined, fluid flows through passage 40.

Other Embodiments Referring now to FIGS. 32, 33, and 34, including a compression element having a plurality of bends 508, for example to facilitate placement of the compression element array in an oral care device. Three alternative compression element arrays are shown. The curvature can be 180 degrees as shown, but other configurations, such as a 90 degree curvature, may be used. Referring to FIG. 32, the compression element array 500 includes a plurality of interconnected compression elements 502. Each compression element 502 is supported at both ends by a base 504, and each base 504 again interconnects the elements 502 of the array. The compression element 502 is formed to buckle when a force such as that applied by the screw 48 is applied. As element 502 buckles, the associated compression surface 506 is displaced which in turn can displace adjacent compressible tubes, for example. Referring to FIG. 33, another compression arrangement 510 includes a plurality of interconnected compression elements 512 supported only at one end by a base 504.

  Referring now to FIG. 34, the compression arrangement 600 compresses a pair of compressible fluid conduits 602 and 604 to pump fluid along a pair of associated fluid passages 606 and 608 (shown in dashed lines). be able to. The compression elements 610 extend from a common base 612 that also interconnects each of the two arrays of compression elements 610. The advantage of the illustrated embodiment is that it utilizes a single shaft with a spiral and places the shaft with the spiral (not shown) between two arrays of compression elements 610 to provide a compression element. Both of the arrays can be displaced. In some embodiments, multiple separate arrays of compression elements as shown in FIG. 5B are used with multiple shafts with spirals as shown in FIG. Can be pumped along.

  35A and 35B show an alternative screw embodiment 700 in which a spiral 702 is formed from a plurality of discontinuous protrusions 704. The protrusions 704 are arranged and formed to displace the array of compression elements, for example, as described above with respect to FIGS.

  As indicated above, an oral care device can include more than one fluid passage. Referring to FIGS. 36A and 36B, the oral care device includes a pair of tubes 514 and 516 for directing two fluid flows (eg, the same fluid or different fluid flows) within the oral care device. It is. As shown in the figure, each tube 514 and 516 is coupled to the head at a location offset from a longitudinal axis 531 that intersects the axis of rotation 518 of the movable head 408 perpendicularly. In some embodiments, one of the tubes 514, 516 can be coupled to the head at the rotational axis 518 and the other can be coupled to a location offset from the rotational axis 518. Referring to FIG. 37, a variation is shown in which tubes 550 and 552 are fluidly connected to each other downstream of the pumping assembly and upstream of the fluid outlet of the head. This embodiment may be advantageous when it is desirable to mix the fluid in the passage just before being supplied to the brushing surface.

  38 and 39, the head can include a prophy cup 620, 622 (or other guide member, such as a pick). As shown by FIGS. 38 and 39, preventive cups 620 and 622 extend from base 624 and around nozzle 626. In FIG. 39, the preventive cup 622 is castellated and includes an opening 628 positioned along the protuberance ridge 630 useful during cleaning.

  40A and 40B may be used, for example, to replace valves 160 and 162 (see, eg, FIGS. 18B and 19B) that may provide communication between the head component 152 and the cartridge component 154 and / or cartridge configuration. FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative valve assembly 800 embodiment for replacing valves 200 and 322 (see, eg, FIG. 21) that can provide communication between element 154 and docking station 14. The valve assembly 800 includes a fitment 802 having a passage 804 extending therethrough. Disposed within the passage 804 is a spring biased ball 806 that is coaxial with the passage 804 and extends toward the sealing ring 810 by a spring 808 that extends into the passage 804. Referring to FIG. 40A, the valve assembly 800 is shown in a closed position where the ball 806 is biased against the sealing ring 810 to seal the passage 804. Referring now to FIG. 40B, the valve assembly 800 is shown in an open position with the ball 806 being pulled away from the sealing ring 810 by a conduit 812 received by the fitment 802. The conduit 812 includes a plurality of ports 814 that extend through the sidewall 816 of the conduit 812. Port 814 allows fluid to pass through port 814 to passage 804 when end 818 of conduit 812 abuts ball 806. In the open position, fluids, particulates, or other suitable material can cause the ball 806 to be in use, for example, toward the head 20 of the oral care device 10 and / or away from the head 20 in some embodiments. It can flow beyond.

  Referring now to FIGS. 41 and 42, fluid reservoirs suitable for use with particular oral care device embodiments, eg, oral care devices that include one or more of the features described above, are refillable pouches. 850 and 900. As shown, pouches 850 and 900 are refillable. In some cases, the pouch can be replaced, for example, when the pouch is empty, it can be disposable. Pouches 850 and 900 include a pair of side walls 852, 854 joined by respective seams 860 and 862 along opposite longitudinal side edges 856, 858. In some embodiments, the side edges can be joined by seams along one longitudinal side edge and joined by creases along the opposite longitudinal side edge. Sidewalls 852, 854 are also joined by seams 868, 870 along top edge 864 and bottom edge 866. The side walls 852, 854 form a pouch body 872 having a volume formed between the side walls.

  A fitment 874 extends into the pouch body 872 and has an end 882 (FIG. 43) disposed between the side walls 852, 854 at the upper edge 864. Fitment 874 provides communication between pouch body 872 and a fluid conduit extending through the oral care device. Referring to FIG. 44, in some embodiments, the fitment 880 extends through an opening formed in the sidewall 852. Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42 again, the valve 200 having the normally closed structure as described above is connected to the fitment 874.

  Referring now to FIG. 43, the end 882 of the fitment 874 has a width W that is greater than the height H of the fitment, where W and H are the major and minor axes 884, 886 that intersect perpendicularly, respectively. Each axis is measured along a phantom (ie, the height to width aspect ratio of the fitment 874 is less than 1, preferably at most about 0.65, for example about 0.55. Etc.).

  The pouch including the fitment is constructed such that the volume of the pouch body increases from the original unfilled volume as the pouch is filled with contents and decreases in volume as the pouch is emptied. When the pouch is nearly emptied, such as at least about 95 percent empty, the pouch shoulders 888 and 890 are substantially flattened and the pouch volume is approximately equal to the original unfilled volume (e.g., The volume will be within at least about 40 percent of the original unfilled volume, preferably within at least about 20 percent of the original unfilled volume, such as within at least about 10 percent of the original unfilled volume). This structure allows the pouch to be emptied without significant material fatigue, for example so that it can be refilled and reused, and promotes the use of stiffer materials to form the sidewalls can do.

  The pouches 850 and 900 can have a laminate structure that includes an inner layer and an outer layer that form the sidewalls 852, 854, or the sidewalls can be a single structure having only a single layer. In embodiments having multiple layers forming the sidewalls, the layers can be different materials or each layer can be the same material. To form pouches 850 and 900, the pouch body is folded in half and sealed with a folded edge and two open edges, or a single plastic film sheet (or multiple sheets, for example, 2 sheets). The fitment is then inserted into the open edge and the edge is sealed with the fitment positioned between the two sidewalls. In some embodiments, the folded edge may not be sealed as described above. In some embodiments, the pouch body is rounded at one end and a rounded continuous seam seals the rounded end of the pouch body (not shown).

  Suitable materials for forming the pouch body include acrylonitrile comonomer, acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer (eg, BAREX® resin), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymer, eg, PCTFE or CTFE, polyethylene terephthalate, Or a combination thereof may be mentioned. The fitment can also be formed from any suitable material, such as acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer (eg, BAREX® resin). The sidewall (or at least one layer of the sidewall) can include a laminate structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having a flexural modulus of up to about 3,447,378 kPa (500,000 psi) including. In some embodiments, the sidewall (or at least one layer of the sidewall) is between about 25-100 microns thick.

1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an oral care system. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an oral care device. FIG. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a pump assembly and associated fluid passages. FIG. 4B is a detailed perspective view of the pump assembly of FIG. 4A. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of an array of compression elements. FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of an array of compression elements. The side view of one Embodiment of a screw. The perspective view of one Embodiment of a screw. FIG. 4B shows a pumping sequence for the pump assembly and fluid passage of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B shows a pumping sequence for the pump assembly and fluid passage of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B shows a pumping sequence for the pump assembly and fluid passage of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B shows a pumping sequence for the pump assembly and fluid passage of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B shows a pumping sequence for the pump assembly and fluid passage of FIG. 4A. FIG. 3 is a side view of elements of a pumping assembly including a flexible membrane. FIG. 5 shows another flexible membrane embodiment. FIG. 5 shows another flexible membrane embodiment. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view detailing one embodiment of the drive assembly. FIG. 10B shows the drive assembly of FIG. 10A positioned within the oral care device. FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative cam embodiment. The perspective view of a guide assembly. The rear perspective view of one embodiment of a drive shaft. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the head of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 12 is a top view of the drive shaft of FIG. 11 and a fluid passage connected to the head. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the drive shaft of FIG. 11 and a fluid passage connected to the head. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of two embodiments of a brush. FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of two embodiments of a brush. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the head and neck of another embodiment of an oral care device. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the head and neck of another embodiment of an oral care device. The front and back perspective views of the head of another embodiment of the oral care device. FIG. 6 is a front and back perspective view of a neck of another embodiment of an oral care device. FIG. 2B is a side view of one embodiment of separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B is a side view of one embodiment of separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 18B is a detailed cross-sectional view of region C of FIG. 18A showing the valve. FIG. 2B is a side view of one embodiment of a detachable cartridge component that forms part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. 2B is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a detachable cartridge component that forms part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. FIG. 19B is a detailed enlarged view of region C in FIG. 19B. FIG. 19B is a detailed enlarged view of region D in FIG. 19B. FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of one embodiment of separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 20B is a front perspective view of the components of FIG. 20A. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 2A. FIG. 20B is a rear perspective view of the component of FIG. 20A. FIG. 19D is a cross-sectional side view of the valve of FIG. 19D mated with a docking station valve. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of another valve assembly embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of another valve assembly embodiment. 22B is a front view of the valve fitment of FIGS. 22A and 22B. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a docking station. FIG. 23B is a perspective side perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 23A. The figure which shows one Embodiment of a docking station. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a docking station. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a pump assembly. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a pump assembly. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a valve actuation assembly. FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a valve actuation assembly. The figure which shows one Embodiment of oral-care system control. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of an oral care device. FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of each of the separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of each of the separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of each of the separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of each of the separable components that form part of the oral care device of FIG. 29; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative compression member arrangement embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative compression member arrangement embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative compression member arrangement embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an alternative screw embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an alternative screw embodiment. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment, with the neck shown as transparent. FIG. 6 is a front view of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment, with the neck shown as transparent. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the head and neck of another oral care device embodiment, with the neck shown as transparent. FIG. 6 shows an alternative head embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an alternative head embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative valve assembly embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative valve assembly embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of different fluid reservoirs. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of different fluid reservoirs. FIG. 43 is an end view of the fitment of FIGS. 41 and 42. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of different fluid reservoirs.

Claims (158)

An oral care device,
An elongate housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage within the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed within the housing;
The compressible region of the fluid conduit defines a path that is not semi-circular, and the oral care device further comprises:
The fluid conduit is gradually compressed along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit in the compressible region, drawing fluid into the compressible region, and fluid away from the compressible region along the fluid passageway of the housing. An oral care device that includes a motor driven pumping assembly configured to move toward an outlet in the distal portion.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the pumping assembly is configured to gradually compress the conduit through a series of individual compression events. The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the conduit has a substantially constant compression volume (V _c ) in the compressible region while the conduit is gradually compressed along at least a portion of its length.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the pumping assembly further includes a rotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral.   The oral care device of claim 4, wherein the spiral is continuous.   The oral care device of claim 4, wherein the spiral includes a discontinuous arrangement of protrusions extending outwardly from a surface of the rotatable shaft.   The oral care device of claim 4, wherein the spiral is configured to gradually compress the conduit along at least a portion of the length of the conduit in the compressible region as the shaft rotates.   The pumping assembly further includes a compression element, wherein the compression element is displaced when the shaft is rotated so that the compression element is displaced by the shaft to compress the conduit in the compressible region. The oral care device according to claim 4, which is disposed between.   The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compression element can be displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to a plurality of angular positions.   The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced in a direction generally transverse to a fluid pathway.   The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compression element is linearly displaced when the shaft is in a selected angular position.   The oral care device according to claim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced in a rotational motion.   The oral care device according to claim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced in a bending motion.   The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the compression element is displaced by buckling the compression element.   The oral care device of claim 8, comprising a plurality of compression elements, wherein the compression elements are disposed between the shaft and the conduit such that the compression elements can be displaced by the shaft when the shaft is rotated.   The oral care device of claim 15, wherein the compression elements are arranged in a linear array.   The oral care device of claim 15, wherein the compression elements are arranged in a plurality of linear arrays.   16. The oral care device of claim 15, wherein the compression element is sequentially displaced by a spiral of the shaft to compress the conduit in the compressible region and move fluid along the fluid path.   16. The oral care device of claim 15, wherein the compression element is arranged to compress the conduit along the length of the conduit in a series of sequentially applied compression events.   The oral care device of claim 15, comprising a flexible membrane disposed between a rotatable shaft and a conduit, wherein the compression element is integral with the flexible membrane.   21. The oral care device of claim 20, wherein the compression element extends outward from the flexible membrane.   The oral care device of claim 15, comprising a flexible membrane disposed between the compression element and a conduit.   The compression element includes a fixed end coupled to a support member and a free end forming a finger that is freed by the shaft when the shaft is rotated to a selected angular position. The oral care device of claim 8, wherein the oral care device is disposed between the shaft and the conduit so that it can be displaced.   A plurality of compression elements, each compression element including a fixed end coupled to a support member and a free end for forming an array of fingers, said free end being when the shaft is rotated; 24. The oral care device of claim 23, disposed between the shaft and the conduit such that the free end can be displaced by the shaft.   25. The oral care device of claim 24, wherein the fixed ends of the finger array are interconnected.   24. The oral care device of claim 23, wherein a flexible membrane is disposed between a free end of the finger and a conduit.   The compression element has a pair of ends fixed to a support member and is configured to buckle between the fixed ends to compress the conduit in the compressible region when the shaft is rotated. The oral care device according to claim 8.   The oral care device of claim 4, wherein the pumping assembly includes an electric motor configured to rotate the rotatable shaft.   29. The oral care device of claim 28, wherein the electric motor rotates the rotatable shaft at a selected speed or frequency in response to a signal from a controller disposed within the housing.   30. The oral care device of claim 29, wherein the controller is configured to rotate the rotatable shaft at various selected speeds or frequencies.   32. The oral care device of claim 30, wherein the controller is programmed to increase or decrease the speed or frequency at which the motor rotates the rotatable shaft.   32. The oral care device of claim 30, wherein the controller increases or decreases a speed or frequency at which the motor rotates the rotatable shaft in response to input from a user.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein a major axis of the fluid conduit is substantially parallel or coaxial with a major axis of the housing.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a tube.   The oral care device of claim 1, further comprising a fluid reservoir disposed within the housing and in communication with the fluid pathway.   36. The oral care device of claim 35, wherein the pumping assembly is disposed downstream of the fluid reservoir.   The oral care device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduit defining a fluid passage.   38. The oral care device of claim 37, wherein the fluid conduits each have a compressible region.   The pumping assembly gradually compresses each fluid conduit along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit in the compressible region and directs fluid along an associated fluid path toward an outlet at a distal portion of the housing. 40. The oral care device of claim 38, configured to move.   38. The oral care device of claim 37, wherein a plurality of fluid passages gather together in the housing to mix fluid upstream of the outlet.   38. The oral care device of claim 37, comprising a plurality of fluid outlets, each fluid outlet being fluidly coupled to an associated fluid conduit.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the head is movable relative to the housing.   43. The oral care device of claim 42, wherein the head includes a movable part that is movable relative to the housing and a stationary part.   44. The oral care device of claim 43, wherein at least one of the movable portion and the fixed portion includes an array of brushes extending outwardly from the base.   44. The oral care device of claim 43, wherein the outlet is located in the fixed portion.   44. The oral care device of claim 43, wherein the outlet is disposed in the movable part.   44. The oral care device of claim 43, wherein the outlet is disposed between the movable part and a stationary part.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a brush.   49. The oral care device of claim 1 or 48, wherein the head comprises an elastomer cup.   50. The oral care device of claim 49, wherein the elastomeric cup extends around at least a portion of the fluid outlet outward from a base.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein the head includes a pick.   The oral care device of claim 1 in the form of a dispensing toothbrush.   The oral care device of claim 1, comprising a replaceable cartridge component.   54. The oral care device of claim 53, wherein the replaceable cartridge component includes at least a portion of the fluid conduit.   54. The oral care device of claim 1 or 53, comprising a separable main component.   56. The oral care device of claim 55, wherein the separable main component includes the motor driven pumping assembly.   54. An oral care device according to claim 1 or 53, having a replaceable head component.   58. The oral care device of claim 57, wherein the head component includes a head, a neck, and a fluid outlet.   The oral care device of claim 1, comprising an inlet fluidly connected to the fluid conduit, wherein the inlet is configured to fluidly connect with a docking station to introduce fluid through the inlet.   The oral care device of claim 1, wherein all fluid passages are interchangeable.   61. The oral care device of claim 60, comprising an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid conduit.   62. The oral care device of claim 61, wherein the inlet includes a valve.   61. The oral care device of claim 60, comprising first and second components, each component forming at least a portion of the housing, each component including a portion of the fluid passage.   64. The oral care device of claim 63, wherein each fluid passage of the first and second components is fluidly connected by a valve.   68. One of the first and second components is a replaceable cartridge component and the other of the first and second components is a replaceable head and neck component. Oral care device. An oral care device,
A housing including a fluid passage for directing fluid within the housing and a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
An oral care device comprising a reversible pumping assembly configured to move fluid along the passage.   68. The oral care device of claim 66, comprising a fluid conduit defining the fluid passage.   The pumping assembly gradually compresses the fluid conduit in the compressible region along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit, draws fluid into the compressible region, and draws fluid from the compressible region along the fluid path. 68. The oral care device of claim 67, wherein the oral care device is configured to move toward an outlet at a distal portion of the housing.   69. The oral care device of claim 68, wherein the pumping assembly further includes a rotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral.   70. The oral care device of claim 69, wherein the spiral is configured to gradually compress the conduit along at least a portion of the length of the conduit in the compressible region as the shaft rotates.   The pumping assembly further includes a compression element that is displaced by the shaft as the shaft rotates to cause the conduit to move in the compressible region along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit. 70. The oral care device of claim 69, disposed between the shaft and the conduit so as to gradually compress.   72. The oral care device of claim 71, comprising a plurality of compression elements, wherein the compression elements are disposed between the shaft and the conduit such that the compression elements can be displaced by the shaft as the shaft rotates.   The compression elements are sequentially displaced by the shaft spiral to gradually compress the conduit along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit in the compressible region to move fluid along the fluid passage. 73. An oral care device according to claim 72.   69. The oral care device of claim 68, wherein the pumping assembly is configured to gradually compress the conduit through a series of multiple compression events.   69. The oral care device of claim 68, wherein the reversible pumping assembly is configured to move fluid along the fluid path away from an outlet at a distal portion of the housing.   68. The oral care device of claim 66, wherein the reversible pumping assembly includes an electric motor.   77. The electric motor of claim 76, wherein the electric motor rotates a rotatable shaft in either a first direction or an opposite second direction in response to a signal from a controller disposed in the housing. Oral care device.   68. The oral care device of claim 66, further comprising a fluid reservoir in the housing fluidly connected to the fluid passage.   79. The oral care device of claim 78, wherein the reversible pumping assembly is configured to introduce fluid into the fluid reservoir.   80. The oral care device of claim 79, wherein the reversible pumping assembly is configured to introduce fluid from the fluid passageway into the fluid reservoir while operating in a reverse direction. An oral care device,
A housing including a head, a handle portion, and a neck connecting the head and the handle portion, the head being dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth, the oral care device comprising: further,
An energy source that powers the oral care device;
The oral care device, wherein the housing includes a separable cartridge component that includes a fluid reservoir and the energy source.   The oral care device of claim 81, wherein the energy source comprises a battery.   83. The oral care device of claim 82, wherein the battery is rechargeable.   83. The oral care device of claim 82, wherein the battery is disposable.   82. The oral care device of claim 81, wherein the energy source is electrically connected to a motor configured to drive a pump assembly.   86. The oral care device of claim 85, wherein the pump assembly is configured to move fluid along the fluid passageway toward an outlet located at a head at a distal end of the housing.   The pump assembly of claim 85, wherein the pump assembly is configured to gradually compress the fluid conduit along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit in the compressible region and move the fluid along the fluid passage. Oral care device.   86. The oral care device of claim 85, wherein the pump assembly includes a rotatable shaft that includes a raised spiral.   The pump assembly includes a fluid conduit having a compressible region that defines at least a portion of the fluid passage, the pumping assembly includes a compression element, and the compression element is coupled to the shaft as the shaft rotates. 90. The oral care device of claim 88, disposed between a shaft and a conduit so as to be displaced by to compress the conduit in the compressible region.   A plurality of compression elements, wherein the plurality of compression elements are arranged such that the compressible elements are sequentially displaced by the shaft as the shaft rotates to gradually compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region; 90. The oral care device of claim 89, disposed between the fluid conduit. An oral care device,
A housing having a movable head configured to rotate around a rotation axis, a handle, and a neck connecting the head and the handle, the housing being between the handle and the head Extending, defining a housing axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the oral care device further comprising:
A fluid passage disposed in the neck of the housing and extending to an outlet in the head;
A drive member coupled to the head at a location spaced from the housing shaft, wherein the drive member is configured to rotate the movable head about the rotational axis.   92. The oral care device of claim 91, wherein at least a portion of the fluid passage extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation.   92. The oral care device of claim 91, wherein at least a portion of the fluid passage has a common extension with the axis of rotation.   92. The oral care device of claim 91, wherein the outlet and the rotating shaft are spaced apart from each other.   92. The oral care device of claim 91, comprising a drive assembly configured to move the drive member.   96. The oral care device of claim 95, wherein the drive assembly includes an electric motor.   96. The oral care device of claim 95, wherein the drive assembly includes a track and a cam including a follower coupled to the track and the drive member.   98. The oral care device of claim 97, wherein the track extends outwardly from an outer surface of the shaft.   98. The oral care device of claim 97, wherein the track is defined by an inner surface of a cup.   92. The oral care device of claim 91, wherein the head includes a stationary part and a movable part.   101. The oral care device of claim 100, wherein the head includes an array of brushes extending from a base at the stationary portion.   101. The oral care device of claim 100, wherein the head includes an array of brushes extending from a base on the movable part.   101. The oral care device of claim 100, wherein the outlet is disposed in the movable part.   101. The oral care device of claim 100, wherein the outlet is disposed in the stationary portion.   101. The oral care device of claim 100, wherein the outlet is disposed between a movable part and a stationary part.   92. The oral care device of claim 91, comprising a plurality of fluid outlets disposed on the head.   The drive member is coupled to the head at a distance (d) between about 0.05 to about 0.2 inches from the housing shaft. Item 92. The oral care device according to Item 91.   108. The oral care device of claim 107, wherein d is between about 0.075 and 0.150 inches.   108. The oral care device of claim 107, wherein d is about 0.125 inches. A method for providing oral care using an oral care device comprising:
Within the compressible region that defines a non-circular path, the uncompressed volume (V ₀ ) of a fluid conduit disposed within the oral care device is reduced to a compressed volume (V _c ) by compressing the fluid conduit. Including a step of reducing,
The compression volume (V _c ) remains substantially constant as the fluid conduit is gradually compressed along the length (L) to move fluid along the fluid path within the oral care device. ,Method.   111. The method of claim 110, wherein the fluid conduit is gradually compressed along L by a series of individual compression events.   111. The method of claim 110, wherein the reducing step includes displacing a compression element.   113. The method of claim 112, wherein the compression element is displaced by a shaft having a raised spiral.   114. The method of claim 113, further comprising rotating the shaft.   115. The method of claim 114, wherein the shaft is rotated by an electric motor. A method for providing oral care using an oral care device comprising:
A series of parallel parallel compression events gradually compresses the fluid conduit in the compressible region along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit, draws fluid into the compressible region, and draws fluid from the compressible region to the fluid Moving along a passageway towards a fluid outlet in the head of the oral care device. An oral care device,
A housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage within the housing;
A pouch disposed within the housing, the pouch including a pouch body including two side walls defining a volume therebetween, the side walls along at least one longitudinal side edge. Joined by a seam, the oral care device further comprises:
An oral care device that includes a fitment that provides communication between the pouch body and the fluid conduit.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the sidewall comprises acrylonitrile comonomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, or combinations thereof.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the sidewall comprises an acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.   120. The oral care device of claim 119, wherein the fitment comprises acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the pouch body has a shoulder configured to be collapsed substantially flat.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the fitment is attached to the side wall at an edge of the pouch body.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the fitment is attached at a surface of the pouch body, and the fitment extends through an opening defined by the associated sidewall.   118. The sidewall of claim 117, comprising a laminate structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer comprises a material having a flexural modulus of at most about 500,000 psi. Oral care device.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the sidewall comprises a film having a thickness between about 25 and 100 microns.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the side walls are joined by respective seams along two longitudinal side edges on both sides.   118. The oral care device of claim 117, wherein the side walls are joined by a crease at a longitudinal side edge. An oral care device,
A housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage within the housing;
A pouch disposed within the housing, the pouch including a pouch body including two sidewalls defining a volume therebetween, the oral care device further comprising:
Including a fitment that provides communication between the pouch body and the fluid conduit;
The fitment has a height to width aspect ratio of less than 1, and the height and width are measured along the minor axis and the major axis, respectively, at the end of the fitment disposed between the sidewalls. Oral care device.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the height to width aspect ratio is at most about 0.65.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewalls are joined by a seam along at least one edge.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewalls are joined by respective seams along two longitudinal side edges on both sides.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewalls are joined by creases along at least one side edge.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewall comprises acrylonitrile comonomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, or combinations thereof.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewall comprises an acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.   135. The oral care device of claim 134, wherein the fitment comprises acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the pouch body has a shoulder configured to be crushed substantially flat.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the fitment is attached to a sidewall at an edge of the pouch body.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the fitment is attached at a surface of the pouch body, and the fitment extends through an opening defined by the associated sidewall.   129. The sidewall of claim 128, wherein the sidewall comprises 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. Oral care device.   129. The oral care device of claim 128, wherein the sidewall comprises a film between about 25 and 100 microns thick. An oral care device,
A housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage within the housing;
A pouch disposed within the housing, the pouch including a pouch body including two sidewalls defining a volume therebetween, the oral care device further comprising:
Including a fitment that provides communication between the pouch body and the fluid conduit;
An oral care device in which the volume increases from the original unfilled volume as the pouch is filled with contents.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the volume decreases as the pouch is emptied.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein when substantially emptied, the volume is approximately equivalent to the original unfilled volume.   The fitment has a height to width aspect ratio of less than 1, and the height and width are measured along the minor and major axes, respectively, at the end of the fitment disposed between the sidewalls. 142. The oral care device of claim 141.   144. The oral care device of claim 144, wherein the height to width aspect ratio is at most about 0.65.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the side walls are joined by a seam along at least one edge.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the side walls are joined by respective seams along two longitudinal side edges on both sides.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the side walls are joined by creases along at least one side edge.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the sidewall comprises acrylonitrile comonomer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, or combinations thereof.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the sidewall comprises acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.   161. The oral care device of claim 150, wherein the fitment comprises acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymer.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the pouch body has a shoulder configured to be crushed substantially flat.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the fitment is attached to the side wall at an edge of the pouch body.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the fitment is attached at a face of the pouch body, and the fitment extends through an opening defined by the associated sidewall.   142. The sidewall of claim 141, wherein the sidewall comprises 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. Oral care device.   142. The oral care device of claim 141, wherein the sidewall comprises a film between about 25 and 100 microns thick. An oral care device,
An elongated housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage within the housing, the fluid conduit having a compressible region disposed within the housing, the oral care device further comprising:
The fluid conduit is gradually compressed along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit in the compressible region, drawing fluid into the compressible region, and fluid away from the compressible region along the fluid passageway of the housing. A motor driven pumping assembly configured to move toward an outlet in the upper portion;
The oral care device, wherein the pumping assembly is configured to gradually compress the conduit by a series of multiple individual compression events. An oral care device,
An elongated housing including a head dimensioned to fit within a user's mouth at a distal portion of the housing;
A fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage within the housing, the fluid conduit having the compressible region disposed within the housing, the oral care device further comprising:
The fluid conduit is gradually compressed along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit in the compressible region to draw fluid into the compressible region and fluid from the compressible region along the fluid path of the housing. A motor driven pumping assembly configured to move toward an outlet in the distal portion, the motor driven pumping assembly including a drive shaft disposed substantially parallel to a plane defined by the compressible region Oral care device.

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