WO1999004743A1

WO1999004743A1 - Portable dental irrigator for pets

Info

Publication number: WO1999004743A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/014966
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Rosenthal; Raymond G. Bryan; Matthew I. Stein
Original assignee: Inventive Care Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 1997-07-22
Filing date: 1998-07-21
Publication date: 1999-02-04
Also published as: AU8413598A

Abstract

An oral irrigation device for animals especially for dogs, has a portable housing (26), a fluid reservoir (32), and a battery powered pump (40). A battery power supply is switchable to power the pump for self-contained operation of the irrigation device enabling oral irrigation of animals outdoors, or otherwise apart from connections to sources of pressurized water, and AC power. A hand held discharge unit (36) is coupled to a fluid outlet by a flexible tube (38), and has a rigid outlet tube (58) that is fixed to the discharge unit by a locking bayonet fitting preventing the animal from pulling the tube from the discharge unit. The outlet tube (58) can be poly-carbonate, or other hard plastic capable of resisting damage due to chewing. The fluid reservoir is integral with the housing, covered, and positioned such that the fluid level remains below the level of a receptacle for receiving the discharge unit thereby preventing siphoning. A central carrying handle between the receptacle, and the reservoir balances the device for carrying.

Description

PORTABLE DENTAL IRRIGATOR FOR PETS

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of oral hygiene apparatus of the type that directs a stream of liquid for cleaning teeth and gums. In particular the invention concerns an irrigator having certain characteristics apt for the oral hygiene of animals, such as pet dogs.

2. Prior Art

Oral irrigators for dental and oral hygiene are typically counter-top or wall mounted bathroom appliances for humans. As exemplified by the Teledyne WATER PIK and the Oxyfresh OXYCARE oral irrigation units, a removable reservoir is carried on a base unit that has an electric pump and couplings for connection via a flexible tube to a hand-held discharge-directing handle. The pump is arranged to provide a pressurized pulsed output stream, which the user directs between the teeth and over the gums. Such units reduce inflammation and bacteria associated with gingivitis, condition and tone gum tissue, and remove food particles, stains and plaque.

The reservoir is removed from the base unit and filled with comfortably warm water from the sink faucet. Alternatively or in addition, mouthwash or an antibacterial rinse composition can be used. The reservoir is replaced on the base, thereby opening a check valve to the pump. The device is powered from the domestic power mains. An on/off electrical switch and high/low power output controls can be provided on the base unit or a switchable or adjustable water valve can be provided along the fluid line, especially at the discharge handle.

The distal end of the handle has a tapering outlet tube known as a tip or "pik" with an angled diversion at the free end. The outlet tube is removable so that different users can have personal outlet tubes. The outlet tube is relatively rigid as compared to the flexible supply tube between the handle and the base unit, and opens at a small diameter orifice having a diameter consistent with the spaces between teeth. The tip is mounted on the handle via a threaded collar that urges a flange at the proximal end against a suitable seal. By tightening the collar only loosely, the tip is easily rotated to point the end diversion in the desired direction.

Exemplary electrically-driven oral irrigators are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,344,317 - Pacher et al. ; 4,386,911 - Maloney et al. ; and, 4,141,352 - Ebner et al. The disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated in their entireties.

An alternative but similar arrangement can be powered by water pressure, as shown by U.S. Patents 5,564,629 and 5,511,693, both to Weissman et al. ; and 3,973,558 - Stouffer et al. In a commercial version for example, the SHOWERFLOSS oral irrigator of Hygiene Innovations LLC is coupled between a water supply line and a showerhead. A flexible tube leads to a discharge handle to which an outlet tube or pik can be affixed as described above. A discharge pressure control valve is provided on the handle, and mixing valves are provided for selectively mixing water with a treatment agent.

The foregoing products are accepted and useful for oral hygiene treatment of humans. However, animals such as dogs are not readily treated in a bathroom or shower. A human can use the oral irrigator over a sink or in a shower, but a dog may be unwilling or unable to do this. Dogs often become excited by streams of water and may bite at the discharge tube. As a result, the water or other oral hygiene solution can be generally discharged on the floor and walls. In addition, the dog may make short work of the plastic outlet tube by chewing the outlet tube and/or by pulling the tube from the discharge handle when the irrigation stream is applied to the animal's mouth.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide an effective and convenient oral irrigation apparatus that is suitable for use with animals such as pets, and in particular dogs.

It is another object of the invention to provide a portable, self powered oral irrigation unit that is operable independently of connections to electric power or pressurized water sources.

It is a further object of the invention to better configure an oral irrigation device for use with pets, including by providing a robust structure for the unit and its discharge device, and improved electrical safety.

These and other objects are accomplished by an oral irrigation device for animals, especially for dogs, with a portable housing, a fluid reservoir and a battery powered pump. A battery power supply is switchable to power the pump for self contained operation of the irrigation device, enabling oral irrigation of animals outdoors or otherwise apart from connections to sources of pressurized water and AC power. A hand-held discharge unit is coupled to a fluid outlet by a flexible tube, and has a rigid outlet tube that is fixed to the discharge unit by a locking bayonet fitting preventing the animal from pulling the tube from the discharge unit. The outlet tube can be polycarbonate or other hard plastic capable of resisting damage due to chewing. The fluid reservoir is integral with the housing, coverable, and positioned such that the fluid level remains below the level of a receptacle for receiving the discharge unit, thereby preventing siphoning. A central carrying handle between the receptacle and the reservoir balances the device for carrying.

The battery is rechargeable via a charging circuit coupleable between the battery and AC power mains. The switch coupling the battery power supply to the pump during use includes at least one and preferably two sealed switches in the discharge handle. The switches can include magnetic reed switches responsive to a magnet that is movably disposed relative to the reed switches for opening and closing circuits including the pump and the battery power supply, and operating the pump at different power levels as well as turning the device on and off. Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent in light of the following discussion of certain preferred arrangements and embodiments. Brief Description of the Drawings

There are shown in the drawings certain exemplary embodiments of the invention as presently preferred. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed as examples, and is capable of variation within the scope of the appended claims. In the drawings,

FIGURE 1 is a schematic illustration showing the portable dental irrigator of the invention as used for the oral hygiene of a dog.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective illustration of the portable irrigator with the handheld unit stored and the reservoir open.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective illustration showing alternative battery charging units.

FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective view showing the handheld unit.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view showing the removable tip of the handheld unit.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional side view showing the motor and pump.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional top view showing particulars of pump operation.

FIGURE 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating portions of the handheld unit.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The oral irrigation device 20 of the invention is particularly configured for an animal 22 such as the dog shown in FIGURE 1. The device is portably operable in a self contained manner to emit jets or pulses of water and/or a therapeutic fluid for dental irrigation, cleaning and therapeutic use. The device as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 has a compact portable housing 26 defining a fluid reservoir 32 that can be filled by lifting a hinged reservoir lid 33. The device has a fluid outlet 34 to which a hand-held discharging unit 36 is coupled by flexible tubing 38. As discussed below, a pump 40 is coupled between the reservoir 32 and the outlet 34, preferably having a piston 42 operable to emit the water or the like in pulses.

A power supply comprising a battery 44 is contained within housing 26, and at least one switch 52 is provided for coupling the battery power supply 44 to the motor driven pump 40 for self contained operation of irrigation device 20. Preferably, the hand-held discharge unit 36, which is coupled to the outlet by flexible tube 38, has a switch 52 connected back to the motor 41 of pump 40 by conductors extending along the flexible tube, and controls motor 41 for on/off operation. Switch 52 advantageously also controls the operational speed of the pump/motor. The self contained battery-powered device 20 is particularly useful for animals in that it enables outdoor use and is safely powered at low voltage.

According to another aspect of the invention, hand-held discharge unit 36 is made particularly durable as compared to dental irrigation devices for humans. A removable outlet tube or tip 58 is made of a relatively thick rigid plastic, preferably clear polycarbonate, and is positively lockable in the discharge unit by a bayonet fitting. The tip 58 can withstand being chewed on by the animal, and remains positively locked in discharge unit 36 notwithstanding an attempt by the animal to pull the tip from the unit.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fluid reservoir 32 is integral with housing 26 and the housing also forms a receptacle 62 for the discharge unit 36 and the flexible tube 38. More particularly, as shown in FIGURE 2, flexible tube 38 affixes to the outlet of pump 40 at a low point within housing 26 and is wrapped helically upwardly to its coupling with the handle end of hand-held discharge unit 36. The hand-held unit 36 rests in a shallow depression in the housing, and as a result, outlet tip 58 is located at a higher elevation than the fluid level 64 in reservoir 32, thereby avoiding the tendency of the fluid to siphon and leak from discharge unit 36. The pump mechanism can be disposed within housing 26 under the receptacle 62 for hand-held unit 36.

In addition to the housing having reservoir 32 and receptacle 62 for the hand-held unit and its connecting tube, a manual handle 66 is provided on the upper side of housing 26 for transporting the irrigation device 20. A hinged cover 33 can be closed over reservoir 32, and the handle 66 is positioned centrally between the reservoir and the receptacle such that the weight of the device is substantially equal on opposite sides of handle 66 when the reservoir is filled.

This also has the advantage of placing the edge of reservoir 32 near to the side wall of housing 26. The reservoir cover 33 is hinged on the side nearest handle 66, which together make the reservoir conveniently accessible to permit filling of the reservoir from a faucet.

The device preferably contains a rechargeable battery 72 for powering the pump. As shown in FIGURE 3, an AC/DC adapter 74 can be coupled to the device either for charging the battery or for operating the device from an available source of power. Alternatively, an automobile cigarette lighter connector can be provided for coupling device 20 to a DC power source. Preferably, when treating an animal, the battery power supply is used to avoid the possibility of electric shock from higher voltage power on AC power mains.

As shown in FIGURE 4, connecting tube 38 for hand-held unit 36 preferably is of the type that has a shape memory and tends to coil into a helix. As a result, the handheld unit is easily deployed or stored without the need to arrange tube 38 manually. The shape memory causes the tubing to tend to fall back into a helix with adjacent turns in contact, which helps to manage the tubing and keep it out of the way.

The outlet tip 58 as shown in FIGURE 5 is preferably clear polycarbonate, which permits the user to see if any material is disposed in the tip, where the material could interfere with flow. To positively lock tip 58 on handle 36, a push and twist-to-lock bayonet coupling 82 affixes tip 58 securely but allows it to be replaced when necessary.

FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate a piston pump 40 for driving the device. A pump chamber is coupled to a low point of reservoir 32 and contains a reciprocating piston 42 driven by a crank arm that is eccentrically pivoted on a fly wheel 83 driven by electric motor 41. One way check valves are arranged such that fluid flows from the reservoir 32 as the piston retracts, and into the fluid outlet 34 as the piston extends. In either case, a ball valve arrangement or flapper valve can be used as the check valve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the switch 52 for activating and deactivating the pump is provided in hand-held unit 36 as shown in FIGURE 8, which requires that conductors be provided along flexible tube 38. Preferably, a circuit is closed using one or more sealed switches 94 such as glass encapsulated magnetic reed switches. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 8, two magnetic reed switches 92 are mounted in line with a space between them. A sliding tab control carries a permanent magnet 94 that is between the two reed switches when the unit is off and both switches 92 are open. When the control is moved to bring magnet 94 over either of the reed switches 92, the circuit is closed and battery power is applied to motor 41. In this manner the two switches can select different operating speeds as well as turn the device on and off. Use of the glass-encapsulated reed switches precludes any requirement for waterproofing of the switch assemblies and hand-held discharge unit. Other than the exposed wires and contact points of the switches that are hermetically sealed in the glass capsules, wire conductors are protectively wrapped in a shrink sleeve to permit immersion and to prevent corrosion.

The invention having been disclosed in connection with the foregoing variations and examples, additional variations will now be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The invention is not intended to be limited to the variations specifically mentioned, and accordingly reference should be made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing discussion of preferred examples, to assess the scope of the invention in which exclusive rights are claimed.

Claims

We claim:

1. An oral irrigation device for an animal, comprising: a housing having a fluid reservoir, a fluid outlet and a pump coupled between the reservoir and the outlet, and wherein the housing is portable; a battery power supply in the housing, and at least one switch for coupling the battery power supply to the pump for self contained operation of the irrigation device; a hand-held discharge unit coupled to the outlet by a tube.

2. An oral irrigation device for an animal, comprising: a housing having a fluid reservoir, a fluid outlet and a pump coupled between the reservoir and the outlet, and wherein the housing is portable; a hand-held discharge unit coupled to the outlet by a tube.

3. The oral irrigation device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir is integral with the housing.

4. The oral irrigation device of claim 2, wherein the reservoir and the receptacle are relatively positioned such that the receptacle positions the discharge unit higher than a filling level of the reservoir, thereby preventing siphoning.

5. The oral irrigation device of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a manual handle on an upper side of the housing for transporting the irrigation device.

6. The oral irrigation device of claim 4, wherein the handle is centrally disposed on the housing between the reservoir and the receptacle.

7. The oral irrigation device of claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a movable cover for the reservoir, the cover being openable to permit filling of the reservoir from a faucet.

8. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the battery is rechargeable, and further comprising a charging circuit coupleable to the battery for charging the battery from AC power mains.

9. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the outlet tube comprises an insertable twist-to-lock bayonet coupling, for retaining the outlet tube in the discharge unit during chewing by the animal.

10. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the outlet tube comprises a rigid clear plastic.

11. The oral irrigation device of claim 9, wherein the outlet tube comprises polycarbonate.

12. The oral irrigation device of claim 1 , wherein the switch for coupling the battery power supply to the pump comprises at least one sealed switch in the discharge handle.

13. The oral irrigation device of claim 11, wherein the switch comprises at least one magnetic reed switch and a magnet movably disposed relative to the reed switch for opening and closing at least one circuit including the pump and the battery power supply.

14. The oral irrigation device of claim 12, wherein the switch comprises at least two said magnetic reed switches, and wherein the reed switches are coupled to operate the pump at different power levels.

15. The oral irrigation device of claim 1 , wherein the discharge unit comprises a rigid outlet tube structured to resist damage due to chewing of the outlet tube by the animal.

16. The oral irrigation device of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a receptacle for the discharge unit and the tube.

17. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, wherein the tube comprises one of a flexible length of tube and a rigid length of tube.