U.S. patent application number 11/548558 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for active pump toothbrush.
Invention is credited to Truman C. Wold.
Application Number | 20070086831 11/548558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38049103 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070086831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wold; Truman C. |
April 19, 2007 |
Active Pump Toothbrush
Abstract
Toothbrushes are provided which incorporate in a handle portion
of the toothbrush a volume of a beneficial agent that may be
dispensed using an included manual pump mechanism. The volume of
the beneficial agent provided in the brush and the dispense rate of
the beneficial agent may be widely varied. The toothbrush may be
constructed to have a beneficial agent volume and dispense rate
that are estimated to provide approximately three months of usage
to correspond to the length of the effective life of toothbrush
bristles, thus allowing the entire unit to be disposable upon
dispensing of the last of the fluid.
Inventors: |
Wold; Truman C.; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CERAMATEC, INC.
2425 SOUTH 900 WEST
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84119
US
|
Family ID: |
38049103 |
Appl. No.: |
11/548558 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60725598 |
Oct 11, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/188R ;
401/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/01 20130101;
A46B 11/0024 20130101; A46B 11/0058 20130101; A46B 2200/1066
20130101; A46B 11/0041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/188.00R ;
401/270 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/02 20060101
A46B011/02; A47L 13/22 20060101 A47L013/22 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush comprising: a head portion having a plurality of
bristles and at least one emitter coupled with a first end of a
reservoir integrally formed in the head portion; wherein the
reservoir extends from inside the head portion into a handle
portion, the handle portion coupled to the head portion; and an
active pump fluidly coupled with a second end of the reservoir such
that the pump can pressurize a chamber in the reservoir and force a
beneficial agent stored in the reservoir towards the head portion
and for exit through the emitter.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a vent valve
fluidly coupling the reservoir with ambient air such that a vacuum
in the reservoir opens the vent valve until the pressure in the
reservoir is substantially equal to the pressure of the ambient
air.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the active pump comprises a
biased button fluidly coupled with the reservoir such that movement
of the button pressurizes the reservoir.
4. The toothbrush of claim 4, further comprising a button stop
coupled to an interior surface of the reservoir and positioned such
that the movement of the button is limited to a selected
distance.
5. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a plunger disposed
between the chamber and the reservoir, the plunger slidably
engaging the reservoir such that as the chamber is pressurized the
plunger travels away from the chamber and forces the beneficial
agent through the emitter.
6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the head portion comprises a
plurality of emitters coupled with the reservoir.
7. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a
channel extending from the head portion into the handle
portion.
8. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a
collapsible bag extending from the head portion into the handle
portion.
9. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a protective,
removable membrane coupled with the emitter such that the membrane
prevents premature drying of the beneficial agent.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the beneficial agent is
selected from a group consisting of oxidizing agents, whitening
agents, therapeutic agents, breath freshening agents,
gingivitis-treating compositions, pain-relieving agents, and
anti-inflammatory agents.
11. A toothbrush comprising: a head portion having a plurality of
bristles and at least one emitter coupled with a first end of a
reservoir integrally formed in the head portion; wherein the
reservoir extends from inside the head portion into a handle
portion, the handle portion coupled to the head portion; an active
pump fluidly coupled with a second end of the reservoir such that
the pump can pressurize a chamber in the reservoir and force a
beneficial agent stored in the reservoir to travel towards the head
portion and exit through the emitter; and a vent valve fluidly
coupling the reservoir with ambient air such that a vacuum in the
reservoir opens the vent valve until the pressure in the reservoir
is substantially equal to the pressure of the ambient air.
12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the active pump comprises a
biased button fluidly coupled with the reservoir such that movement
of the button pressurizes the reservoir.
13. The toothbrush of claim 11, further comprising a button stop
coupled to an interior surface of the reservoir and positioned such
that the movement of the button is limited to a selected
distance.
14. The toothbrush of claim 11, further comprising a plunger
disposed between the chamber and the reservoir, the plunger
slidably engaging the reservoir such that as the chamber is
pressurized the plunger travels away from the chamber and forces
the beneficial agent through the emitter.
15. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the head portion comprises
a plurality of emitters coupled with the reservoir.
16. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the reservoir comprises a
channel extending from the head portion into the handle
portion.
17. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the reservoir comprises a
collapsible bag extending from the head portion into the handle
portion.
18. The toothbrush of claim 11, further comprising a protective,
removable membrane coupled with the emitter such that the membrane
prevents premature drying of the beneficial agent.
19. The toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the beneficial agent is
selected from a group consisting of oxidizing agents, whitening
agents, therapeutic agents, breath freshening agents,
gingivitis-treating compositions, pain-relieving agents, and
anti-inflammatory agents.
20. A method for delivering a beneficial agent through the head of
a toothbrush using an active pump, the method comprising: providing
a toothbrush having: a head portion having a plurality of bristles
and at least one emitter coupled with a first end of a reservoir
integrally formed in the head portion; wherein the reservoir
extends from inside the head portion into a handle portion, the
handle portion coupled to the head portion; an active pump fluidly
coupled with a second end of the reservoir such that the pump can
pressurize a chamber in the reservoir and force a beneficial agent
stored in the reservoir to travel towards the head portion and exit
through the emitter; pressurizing the chamber; driving a plunger
disposed between the reservoir and the chamber; and forcing the
beneficial agent through the emitter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725,528
entitled "ACTIVE PUMP TOOTHBRUSH" and filed on Oct. 11, 2005 for
Truman C. Wold, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to oral care
devices, and more particularly to toothbrushes adapted to dispense
a pre-measured dose of a beneficial agent for use upon actuation by
the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Toothbrushes have been used as a hygienic aid in a variety
of cultures for many years. Increasingly, toothbrushes have been
used with a variety of compositions such as dentifrices
(compositions which aid in cleaning teeth) and other substances
which act to improve the smell of a user's breath, remove,
dislodge, or kill bacteria, or otherwise improve oral health. As
their popularity has increased, so has the industry behind the
production and sales of toothbrushes and associated cleaning
compositions.
[0004] Most currently-produced toothbrushes are designed to be
replaced after a period of time. Although this period of time
varies somewhat, the American Dental Association recommends
replacement of toothbrushes every three to four months, or earlier
if a brush appears worn. See generally www.ada.org. This assures
that the brush used has optimal cleaning ability. Users face some
difficulty in remembering when to replace toothbrushes since their
frequent use often obscures their date of purchase in memory. A
variety of technologies (fading indicator strips, indicator
bristles, etc.) have been used with various degrees of success to
remind a user to replace their brush with a new one at the proper
time.
[0005] In addition, most current toothbrushes are used with
separately-provided dentifrices. Thus, travel or portable use of a
toothbrush requires the user to bring their toothpaste of choice
along with their toothbrush. Attention has been focused on
developing combination devices that contain a dentifrice inside of
a toothbrush apparatus in a variety of forms.
[0006] Additional difficulty is faced in the industry in devising
methods and means for administering a wide variety of beneficial
agents to the teeth and/or mouth. Some such agents may be
successfully delivered in dentifrice compositions, but others, due
to their chemical properties may be unsuited for delivery in this
manner.
[0007] Thus, it would be an improvement in the art to provide a
disposable toothbrush device that is only usable for a specified
number of uses and/or an approximate period of time. It would
further be beneficial to provide a toothbrush containing its own
onboard supply of a dentifrice or other beneficial agent.
[0008] Such a device and methods of its use are provided
herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a toothbrush capable of
dispensing a beneficial agent from a handle portion of the
toothbrush to the head of the toothbrush at a desired location such
as, but not limited to, the back of the head or the bristles.
[0010] The toothbrushes of the present invention generally comprise
a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion is
generally adapted to be grasped by the user during use. In the
present invention, the handle portion is further adapted to contain
a reservoir to store a volume of a beneficial agent. The handle
portion further comprises a pumping mechanism for dispensing
substantially-pre-measured doses of the beneficial agent to the
head portion of the toothbrush.
[0011] The head portion of the toothbrushes of the present
invention includes bristles for cleaning teeth and is adapted to
receive a volume of the beneficial agent from the handle of the
toothbrush and emit it for use. As discussed, the beneficial agent
could be emitted to the bristles for direct administration to the
teeth and/or gums, or to another region of the head of the
toothbrush for dispensing to the mouth generally.
[0012] Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following description of the
drawings and detailed description of the invention. These and other
features and advantages of the present invention will become more
fully apparent from the following figures and description, or may
be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the active pump toothbrush
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the active pump
toothbrush of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the active pump toothbrush of
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side plan section cross-sectional view of the
active pump toothbrush of the present invention taken at line A-A
of FIG. 3A;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of
an alternate head portion in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view illustrating an
alternative embodiment of an active pump in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a method of actively pumping a beneficial agent
through a head portion of a toothbrush in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be
readily understood that the components of the present invention, as
generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be
arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations. Several examples are provided below which discuss
the construction, use, and testing of specific embodiments of the
present invention. These embodiments are exemplary in nature and
should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any
way.
[0022] Thus, the following more detailed description of the
embodiments of the active pump toothbrush device of the present
invention, as represented in FIGS. 1-4, is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely
representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
As used herein, the term "active pump" refers to any mechanical,
electrical, or chemical pump capable of moving material or fluid
through the toothbrush. One example of an active pump suitable for
use in the present invention is a diaphragm pump. The active pump
of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail below
with reference to FIGS. 1-4.
[0023] The toothbrushes provided in the present invention are
designed to be inexpensively produced so as to be disposable after
a provided quantity of a beneficial agent stored in a handle
portion of the toothbrush has been used. Alternatively, the
toothbrush may be refilled with beneficial agent. The volume of the
beneficial agent provided in the brush and the dispense rate of the
fluid may be widely varied within the scope of the invention. In
some embodiments, the toothbrush is provided with a volume and
dispense rate that are estimated to provide approximately three
months of usage. In many embodiments, this corresponds to the
length of the effective life of toothbrush bristles. Other
quantities and dispense rates may be provided within the scope of
the invention, however, as understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art.
[0024] A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an active pump
toothbrush device 10 of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1,
the toothbrush device 10 generally includes a head portion 20 and a
handle portion 40. The head portion 20 comprises a number of
bristles 22 that may be widely varied to correspond with various
sizes and designs of toothbrushes, and an emitter 24. In FIG. 1,
the emitter 24 is placed to allow emission of a beneficial agent to
the bristles 22 of the brush 10. One of ordinary skill in the art
would understand that the emitter 24 may be placed on any other
region of the head portion 20 of the brush 10, including, but not
limited to, the back 26 of the head portion 20 positioned
substantially opposite of the bristles 22, or on a top surface 28
or side surface 29A, 29B. All such variations are encompassed
within the scope of the present invention.
[0025] The brush 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a handle portion 40.
The handle portion 40 may be generally configured to be grasped by
a user of the brush 10 during use. Thus, the handle portion 40 may
be given a wide variety of suitable shapes and dimensions to
accommodate different overall brush sizes for different hand sizes
and grasping orientations. One of ordinary skill in the art would
understand that such adaptations are within the scope of the
present invention. The handle portion 40 also generally includes a
reservoir (not shown) containing a beneficial agent such as a
dentifrice or an active therapeutic composition. Such beneficial
agents are dispensed from the reservoir to the head portion 20 for
use. Beneficial agents may include, but are not limited to,
oxidizing agents, whitening agents, therapeutic agents, breath
freshening agents, gingivitis-treating compositions, pain-relieving
agents, and anti-inflammatory agents.
[0026] The beneficial agents may be dispensed by depressing a
flexible button 42 to activate a pump (not shown) that dispenses
the agent. The handle portion 40 of the toothbrush 10 of FIG. 1
includes a neck 30 that transmits the beneficial agent from the
reservoir to the head portion 20. Such a neck 30 is optional, and
when present, its size and dimensions may be widely varied within
the scope of the invention.
[0027] Referring next to FIG. 2, a partial cross-sectional view of
the active pump toothbrush 10 of the present invention is shown.
Portions of the handle portion 40 have been omitted to allow
demonstration of sufficient structural detail of the toothbrush 10.
This view of the toothbrush 10 enables the workings of the pump 50
to be viewed. More specifically, as discussed above, a beneficial
agent 66 may be dispensed from a reservoir 60 by activating a pump
50 which dispenses discrete doses of the beneficial agent
(hereinafter "agent") 66.
[0028] The pump 50 is activated by depression of a flexible button
42. The button 42 travels upwardly into the handle portion 40 until
further motion is blocked by a button stop 48. The button 42 is in
fluid connection with an air chamber 52, which is vented by a vent
valve 44, which includes a flap 46. The air chamber 52 is in
continuous fluid communication with a beneficial agent reservoir
60, containing a beneficial agent 66, and a plunger 64.
[0029] The pump 50 is operated by depressing the button 42 to
pressurize the air chamber 52. Pressure in the air chamber 52 acts
to drive the plunger 64 forward against the agent 66 present in the
reservoir 60 to dispense a dose of the beneficial agent 66 to the
emitter 24. In alternative embodiments of the toothbrush 10 (and,
indeed, toothbrush 110 discussed below), a collapsible bag
containing the beneficial agent 66 may be used instead of the
plunger/follower 64. Thus, in such embodiments, pressure in the air
chamber 52 would collapse the bag and dispense the beneficial agent
from the brush. In other embodiments, the bag could inflate inside
the reservoir chamber, displacing the beneficial agent.
[0030] The flexible button 42 may be constructed of rubber or any
other suitable flexible material. A user of the toothbrush 10 may
actuate the button 42 in a variety of ways, including, but not
limited to, pressing it with a finger or against another surface.
The presence of the button stop 48 limits the travel of the button
42 and seals it in place within the handle portion 40 of the brush
10. The size of the dose of beneficial agent 66 dispensed is
dictated by the displaced volume within the flexible button 42 and
may thus be varied widely with the size and configuration of the
button 42, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0031] Upon release of the flexible button 42, the button 42 will
revert to its original shape, thus creating a vacuum within the air
chamber 52. The vacuum may be relieved by ambient air drawn through
the air vent valve 44 into the air chamber 52. The flap 46 in the
vent valve 44 is forced open by the incoming air and then closes to
seal the vent valve 44. The toothbrush 10 is then ready to be
operated again. Alternatively the air vent valve 44 may be replaced
with any one-way valve including, but not limited to, ball check
valves, swing check valves, clapper valves, stop-check valves,
lift-check valves, and the like.
[0032] The head portion 20 of the toothbrush 10 may optionally
comprise a frangible or removable protective membrane 80 to prevent
release of agent 66 prior to use during manufacture, shipping,
storage, etc., of the toothbrush 10. The membrane 80 may also
prevent premature drying out of any such agent 66. In some
embodiments, the frangible membrane may be constructed or selected
to break upon depression of the button 42 to allow release of the
agent 66. In some embodiments, the membrane could be made to be
easily removable such that it could be removed easily by a user
prior to first use of the pump 50 of the toothbrush 10.
Alternatively, the frangible or removable protective membrane 80
may be replaced with a removable plug.
[0033] The toothbrush 10 is further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,
which show a top plan view of the active pump toothbrush of the
present invention and a side plan section view of the active pump
toothbrush of the present invention taken at line A-A of FIG. 3,
respectively. It should be noted that other features such as, but
not limited, to, a varying depth of the button to allow varying
volumes of the beneficial agent 66 to be dispensed could be added
to the toothbrushes 10 of the present invention.
[0034] Many variations on the above invention would be considered
to be within the scope of the invention by one of ordinary skill in
the art. In one such variation, fill windows (such as clear or at
least partially transparent windows) could be added to the handle
portion 40 to indicate the amount of beneficial agent remaining in
the toothbrush 10. In still other embodiments, a second reservoir
could be added to allow dispensing of two separate beneficial
agents 66. Such a second reservoir could be controlled by the same
flexible button 42, thus allowing concurrent dispensing of two
discrete beneficial agents. Alternatively, the second reservoir
could be controlled by use of a separate button (not illustrated)
to enable separate or stepwise dispensing of the two agents. Thus,
two beneficial agents could be dispensed from the toothbrush 10
concurrently or separately from each other within the scope of the
invention. Other additional reservoirs are also thus within the
scope of the invention.
[0035] As discussed briefly above, a wide variety of beneficial
agents 66 may be dispensed from the reservoir 60 of the
toothbrushes 10 of the present invention. One general family of
such agents includes, but is not limited to, dentifrice
compositions such as tooth pastes, gels, and creams. Other
beneficial agents could include whitening agents, therapeutic
compositions, oxygen-generating agents, and breath-fresheners. Some
such therapeutic compositions may include, without limitation,
antibacterial agents, gingivitis-treating compositions,
pain-relieving agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and many other
chemical entities suitable for oral administration. Suitable
beneficial agents could also include agents which are not stable
when mixed with a dentifrice composition for long periods of time.
In such situations, the toothbrush could be used with a dose of the
beneficial agent being dispensed together with a
separately-provided dentifrice composition. Allowing the beneficial
agent to be dispensed at the time of use could provide both the
benefits of the dentifrice and the beneficial agent that would
otherwise be unavailable to a user.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of
an alternate head portion 500 in accordance with the present
invention. In one embodiment, the head portion 500 includes, as
described previously, a plurality of bristles 22 embedded in the
head portion 500. In one embodiment, the bristle bottoms are placed
in holes formed or bored in the head portion 500. Positioned
underneath the bristles 22 is one end of the reservoir 60 that
extends from the handle portion (see FIGS. 1-4) to the head portion
500.
[0037] In one embodiment, the head portion 500 may include a
plurality of emitters 24. As depicted, the emitters 24 comprise
orifices or apertures that enable the flow of a beneficial agent
from the reservoir 60 to the outer surface of the head portion 500
and subsequently into the bristles. Although the emitters 24 as
depicted are located in between bristles, the emitters may
alternatively be formed in the head portion 500 such that the flow
of beneficial agent passes through one or more bristles. For
example, each bristle may comprise a hollow tube configured to
direct the flow of beneficial agent to the surface of the
teeth.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view illustrating an
alternative embodiment of an active pump in accordance with the
present invention. In one embodiment, the button 602 is formed of a
rigid material and seated in the base of the handle portion 604. In
the depicted embodiment, the button 602 functions to pressurize the
reservoir 606. The button 602 may slideably engage interior
surfaces of the handle portion 604.
[0039] In a further embodiment, a seal 608 is disposed between the
button 602 and the interior surfaces 610 of the handle portion 604.
One skilled in the art of forming substantially air tight seals
will recognize that many substances and materials may be disposed
between the button 602 and the interior surfaces 610 of the handle
portion 604. Examples include, but are not limited to, rubber-based
materials, petroleum-based jellies, various plastic membranes,
etc.
[0040] The pump of FIG. 6 may also include a biasing device in
contact with the button such that a force is applied to cause the
button to return to an extended or resting position. In one
embodiment, the biasing device may comprise a spring 612. The
spring 612, in a further embodiment, may be attached at one end
with a stop 614 formed in the reservoir 606. The stop 614, as
depicted does not restrict the flow of air or other fluid away from
the button 602.
[0041] The schematic flow chart diagram that follows is generally
set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted
order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the
presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are
equivalent in function, or effect to one or more steps, or portions
thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and
symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the
method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method.
Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the
flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of
the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors
may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For
instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of
unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted
method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs
may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding
steps shown.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a method of actively pumping a beneficial agent
through a head portion of a toothbrush in accordance with the
present invention. The method 700 starts and a toothbrush 10 is
provided 704 having an active pump 50 integrated in the handle
portion. A reservoir 60 is also provided 706 and configured to
maintain a beneficial agent 66. The reservoir 60 may be defined by
a void or channel extending from the handle portion into the head
portion.
[0043] The method 700 continues and the active pump 50 pressurizes
708 the reservoir 60 at which point the pressurized air drives 710
the plunger. The plunger forces 712 the beneficial agent through
the emitter. The method 700 then ends 714. Although the toothbrush
10 is contemplated to be a "throw-away" toothbrush, the toothbrush
10 may become reusable simply by refilling the reservoir.
[0044] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *
References