U.S. patent application number 14/481736 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for system and method for teeth cleaning.
The applicant listed for this patent is Frederic H. Moll. Invention is credited to Frederic H. Moll.
Application Number | 20150020323 14/481736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45491812 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150020323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moll; Frederic H. |
January 22, 2015 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TEETH CLEANING
Abstract
Embodiments are described wherein a system for brushing the
teeth of a person comprises a master input device; a flexible teeth
tray configured to at least partially encapsulate one or more of
the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray
comprising one or more vibratory transducers removably coupled to
one or more brushing panels; and a controller operatively coupled
to the master input device and the one or more vibratory
transducers; wherein subject to an input from the master input
device, the controller is configured to cause reciprocating
brushing motion of the one or more brushing panels against a
surface of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or
more teeth.
Inventors: |
Moll; Frederic H.; (San
Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Moll; Frederic H. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45491812 |
Appl. No.: |
14/481736 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13332312 |
Dec 20, 2011 |
8856997 |
|
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14481736 |
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61424873 |
Dec 20, 2010 |
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61522832 |
Aug 12, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/21.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 9/045 20130101;
A46B 13/023 20130101; A61C 17/228 20130101; A61C 17/3481 20130101;
A61C 17/0211 20130101; A61C 17/222 20130101; A61C 17/221
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/21.1 |
International
Class: |
A61C 17/34 20060101
A61C017/34; A46B 9/04 20060101 A46B009/04; A61C 17/22 20060101
A61C017/22 |
Claims
1. A system for brushing the teeth of a person, comprising: a. a
flexible teeth tray configured to at least partially encapsulate
one or more of the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the
flexible teeth tray comprising one or more vibratory transducers
removably coupled to one or more brushing panels; and b. a
controller operatively coupled to the one or more vibratory
transducers; wherein subject to an input from an operator, the
controller is configured to cause reciprocating brushing motion of
the one or more brushing panels against a surface of the one or
more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or more teeth.
2. A system for brushing the teeth of a person, comprising: a. a
flexible teeth tray configured to at least partially encapsulate
one or more of the teeth in a flexible substrate material, the
flexible teeth tray comprising one or more shockwave electrode
pairs configured to controllably transmit shockwaves to the one or
more teeth to disrupt material which may be coupled to the one or
more teeth; and b. a controller operatively coupled to the one or
more shockwave electrode pairs; wherein subject to an input from an
operator, the controller is configured to cause one or more
shockwaves to be directed against one or more surfaces of the one
or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or more teeth.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/332,312, filed on Dec. 20, 2011, which
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. Nos. 61/424,873, filed Dec. 20, 2010 and
61/522,832, filed Aug. 12, 2011. The foregoing applications are
hereby incorporated by reference into the present application in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to dental systems
and processes, and specifically to teeth cleaning consumer
products.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The process of cleaning one's teeth with a conventional
toothbrush can be time consuming and inadequate, depending upon the
quality of the brushing device and the operator thereof. Several
technologies have been developed to assist with the process of
tooth brushing or tooth cleaning, including water jet type devices,
electromechanical tooth brushing systems of various sorts, and
professional teeth cleaning tools, such as those which involve high
frequency vibration of a pick type end effector to assist a dentist
or hygienist with a process known conventionally in America as a
"teeth cleaning". Notwithstanding the currently-available
technologies, most consumers brush their teeth manually for one or
more times per day for several minutes with a conventional
toothbrush. There is a need for more efficient and effective tooth
brushing or tooth cleaning technologies that are accessible to
consumers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1A depicts a conventional bite-guard type of flexible
tray.
[0005] FIG. 1B depicts the human teeth that generally need cleaning
on a daily basis.
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process.
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up cross sectional view of one
embodiment of a system for automating aspects of the tooth brushing
process.
[0008] FIGS. 2C and 2D depict close-up side views of one embodiment
of a system for automating aspects of the tooth brushing
process.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0010] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various programming configurations
for embodiments of the subject system for automating aspects of the
tooth brushing process.
[0011] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various programming configurations
for embodiments of the subject system for automating aspects of the
tooth brushing process.
[0012] FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process.
[0013] FIG. 6B illustrates a close-up cross sectional view of one
embodiment of a system for automating aspects of the tooth brushing
process.
[0014] FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process, wherein a PDA or
smartphone device is utilized as a master input device.
[0015] FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process, wherein the
master input device comprises a simple button.
[0016] FIG. 7C illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process, wherein the
master input device comprises a simple button.
[0017] FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process, wherein a
brushing array is coupled to a handle.
[0018] FIG. 8B illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process, wherein a
brushing array is configured to be coupled to a finger or
tongue.
[0019] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate various aspects of a teeth brushing
assembly in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 9B and 9C
are partial sectional views of the structure depicted in FIG.
9A.
[0020] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate two views of a teeth brushing
assembly with coupled motor pack.
[0021] FIG. 10C illustrates a partially exploded view of a teeth
brushing assembly with coupled motor pack.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a head coordinate system associated with
a user's torso. Alternatively a global or ground coordinate system
is depicted.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
[0029] FIG. 18A illustrates one embodiment of a system for
automating aspects of the tooth brushing process.
[0030] FIG. 18B illustrates a close-up cross sectional view of one
embodiment of a system for automating aspects of the tooth brushing
process.
[0031] FIG. 18C depicts a close-up side view of a shockwave
electrode configuration a system for automating aspects of the
tooth brushing process.
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a process for cleaning teeth in
accordance with one embodiment of a system for automating aspects
of the tooth brushing process.
SUMMARY
[0033] One embodiment is directed to a system for brushing the
teeth of a person, comprising: a flexible teeth tray configured to
at least partially encapsulate one or more of the teeth in a
flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray comprising one
or more vibratory transducers removably coupled to one or more
brushing panels; and a controller operatively coupled to the one or
more vibratory transducers; wherein subject to an input from an
operator, the controller is configured to cause reciprocating
brushing motion of the one or more brushing panels against a
surface of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to clean the one or
more teeth. The master input device may comprise a handheld remote
control interface. The handheld remote control interface may be
operatively coupled to the controller with a wireless interface.
The handheld remote control interface may be operatively coupled to
the controller with a wired interface. The one or more vibratory
transducers may be operatively coupled to the controller with a
wired interface. At least a portion of the wired interface may be
encapsulated in the flexible substrate material. The one or more
vibratory transducers may comprise piezoelectric transducers. The
piezoelectric transducers may be configured to oscillate at
ultrasonic frequencies. The one or more brushing panels may
comprise a substrate panel coupled to a brushing media. The
substrate panels may be removably coupled to the one or more
vibratory transducers. An interference fit clip fitting may be
utilized to removably couple the substrate panels to the vibratory
transducers. The substrate panels may be fixedly coupled to the one
or more vibratory transducers. The brushing media may comprise one
or more flexible bristles. The one or more flexible bristles may
comprise a natural fiber. The one or more flexible bristles may
comprise a manufactured fiber. The manufactured fiber may comprise
a polymer selected from the group consisting of: nylon,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and
co-polymers thereof. The flexible substrate material may comprise a
polymer. The polymer may comprise MC10.RTM.. At least of the one or
more panels may be interfaced with an inside surface of a tooth. At
least one of the one or more panels may be interfaced with an
outside surface of a tooth. At least one of the one or more panels
may be interfaced with a biting surface of a tooth.
[0034] Another embodiment is directed to a system for brushing the
teeth of a person, comprising: a flexible teeth tray configured to
at least partially encapsulate one or more of the teeth in a
flexible substrate material, the flexible teeth tray comprising one
or more shockwave electrode pairs configured to controllably
transmit shockwaves to the one or more teeth to disrupt material
which may be coupled to the one or more teeth; and a controller
operatively coupled to the one or more shockwave electrode pairs;
wherein subject to an input from an operator, the controller is
configured to cause one or more shockwaves to be directed against
one or more surfaces of the one or more encapsulated teeth, to
clean the one or more teeth. The flexible teeth tray may be
configured to clean each of the teeth of the upper or lower jaw,
the tray comprising one or more shockwave electrode pairs
positioned adjacent each of the teeth of the upper or lower jaw.
The one or more shockwave electrode pairs may be at least partially
encapsulated in a transmissive material configured to isolate the
one or more teeth from the one or more shockwave electrode pairs,
while also transmitting shockwaves generated at the one or more
shockwave electrode pairs to the one or more teeth. The
transmissive material may comprise a fluid. The transmissive
material may comprise a viscous gel material.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1A, flexible dental trays (2) are utilized
for various applications on modern dentistry, including bite-guard
applications, grinding prevention applications, and impact sport
injury prevention applications. They may be custom molded to fit a
particular patient's teeth, or may be configured in one or more
off-the-shelf sizes to fit an average human dental configuration,
as shown in FIG. 1B. Referring to FIG. 2A, a teeth brushing
assembly (6) comprising a flexible dental tray with embedded
brushing features is depicted. Referring to the cross sectional
view of FIG. 2B, a flexible substrate material (44) is formed into
a cross sectional shape configured to accommodate interdigitation
of an upper tooth (30) as well as a lower tooth (28). The fit of
the teeth into these geometric accommodations, or "slots", may be a
slight interference fit, or may be a slightly loose fit. Too tight
an interference fit is not preferred because it may prevent
relative motion of the brushing panels or pads (32, 34, 36, 38, 40,
42) relative to the teeth, as described below. As shown in FIG. 2B,
a power supply (26) is operatively coupled, via a wire lead (24) in
the depicted embodiment, to a controller (92), which is operatively
coupled to the depicted plurality of brushing pads (32, 34, 36, 38,
40, 42) that are movably coupled to the flexible substrate material
(44) of the tray assembly (6), in this embodiment by one or more
wire leads (8), the distal portions of which (100) may be at least
partially encapsulated within the flexible substrate material (44).
As described in further detail below, when the power supply (26) is
activated and the controller (92) is configured to operate the
brushing pads (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42), the brushing pads (32, 34,
36, 38, 40, 42) cyclicly motion relative to the substrate material
(44) and the teeth (i.e., generally in a motion at least somewhat
co-planar with the plane of the associated tooth surface), to brush
films, deposits, plaque, and other materials from the teeth--in a
high-frequency tooth brushing configuration. Referring again to
FIG. 2B, with the depicted embodiment, the tooth that becomes
engaged in the upper slot (30) will have a front brushing pad (32)
to engage the front surface of the upper tooth, a rear brushing pad
(34) to engage the rear surface of the upper tooth, a top (or
"biting surface") brushing pad (36) to engage the top surface of
the upper tooth, a front brushing pad (38) to engage the front
surface of the lower tooth engaged into the lower slot (28), a rear
brushing pad (40) to engage the rear surface of the lower tooth,
and a top (or "biting surface") brushing pad (42) to engage the top
surface of the lower tooth. In other embodiments, one or more
brushing pads may be configured to address the surfaces of one or
more adjacent teeth.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 2A, a hand held master input device
(10), such as a remote controller console with a plurality of
buttons, may be utilized to control the system. The depicted master
input device (10) comprises a stop button (22), a frequency of
vibration control slider (118), and mode control buttons (12, 14),
in this embodiment configured to allow the operator to select
various different upper teeth engagement patterns (for example,
only the left upper, only the middle upper, only the right upper,
or various combinations thereof--including all of the uppers at
once; similarly the lower teeth may be controllably engaged). One
control button (16) conveniently allows for full engagement of all
brushing pads simultaneously. A controller interface (18) may
comprise a wired port or an antenna, depending upon whether the
master input device is operatively coupled (96) to the controller
with a wired or a wireless configuration. Similarly, the controller
interface (20) may comprise a wired port or an antenna, depending
upon whether the master input device is operatively coupled (96) to
the controller with a wired or a wireless configuration. The
controller (92) also features a programming interface (98) to allow
various teeth cleaning programs to be loaded or modified into
memory that comprises the controller (92).
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2C and 2D, further details of an
embodiment such as that depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B are
illustrated. FIG. 2C shows a series of teeth (4) captured in a tray
(or temporarily partially encapsulated in or coupled to the tray)
being engaged by a series of brushing pads (34), each of which may
be removably coupled to a vibratory transducer (46) which is
embedded into the flexible substrate material (44). In another
embodiment, the brushing pads (34) may be fixedly coupled to the
transducer (46) and configured to be disposed of at the same time
as the transducer (46) and substrate (44) constructs. In other
words, in a first embodiment, the pads (34) are intended to be more
disposable than the other structures; in a second embodiment, the
structures that are designed to enter the patient's mouth are
intended to be disposed of together. The illustrated embodiment
shows one brushing pad per tooth, but as noted above, other
embodiments may feature brushing pads configured to address more
than one adjacent tooth. Referring to FIG. 2D, a close up side view
shows a single vibratory transducer (46) coupled to the flexible
substrate material (44), and also coupled to a brushing pad (34)
which comprises a brushing surface or brushing interface (48).
Preferably the brushing interface comprises a textured surface
configured to remove plaque, films, and other materials from the
surface of a tooth. In one embodiment, the brushing interface (48)
comprises a brushing media such as series of bristles comprising
natural fibrous materials, or polymeric fibrous materials, such as
nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate,
and/or co-polymers thereof, which are commonly used in human
consumer products. When the transducer is operated, via a current
transmitted through the control lead (50), the transducer is
configured to vibrate relative to the substrate tray around it (it
remains coupled to the tray, but produces localized micromotion
vibrations), and since the transducer is directly coupled to the
brushing pads, relative motion is produced between the brushing
pads (34) and the substrate tray (44). The brushing pads may be
disposable or replaceable, and may be removably coupled to the
transducers with a clip-on "temporarily fixedly coupled" type of
interface involving a small interference fit clip or the like. The
pads (34) may be planar, convex, concave, saddle-shaped, or have
custom surface shapes configured to specifically address certain
teeth or dental geometries. The transducers may be piezoelectric
transducers, and may be configured to operate at frequencies in the
ultrasonic range, or in other ranges. The flexible substrate
material may comprise a polymer, and maybe a conformal polymer
configuration, such as that available under the tradename "MC10",
which is particularly well suited for embedding wire leads, as
shown in FIG. 2B.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, in one process embodiment, a mold of a
patient's teeth may be created (52), followed by analysis of the
mold to optimize a brushing interface design (i.e., optimize the
surface shapes of the panels or pads, the shape of the tray, the
bristle materials, etc) (54). A tray may be created comprising a
substrate material having integrated transducers and related wiring
(56). In another embodiment, an off-the-shelf tray size or model
may be selected. Brush pads may be removably attached to the
transducer interfaces (58), the controller programmed and
configured (60), toothpaste or other brushing solution applied to
the pads (62), and the assembly engaged (i.e., by placing it into
the mouth and biting down) (64) so that a program or other control
paradigm may be executed and the teeth cleaned (66). Subsequently
the tray assembly may be removed from the mouth (68) and cleaned
(70), for example, by placing the assembly in a bath or stream of
clean water and briefly operating the transducers to shake loose
any deposits.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5C, various programming
configurations are illustrated. In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, a
sequential program (72) is configured to work through the brushing
of the teeth in six portions (upper left, right, and center; lower
left, right, and center). In the depicted embodiment, a cycle
change buzz to one or more transducers signals the patient or
operator that the cycle is changing to the next stage. Spending
approximately 10 seconds at each of the six locations, the program
(72) takes approximately one minute to execute. Referring to FIG.
4B, another programming configuration (74) is shown wherein only
two stages are used to complete the job: all upper teeth
simultaneously, followed by all lower teeth simultaneously, for a
cycle of approximately 20 seconds. Referring to FIG. 4C, another
programming configuration uses a single actuation stage of all
transducers at once to complete the brushing cycle in about 10
seconds. As illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5C,
frequency modulation may be utilized in the cleaning process. For
example, in the programming embodiment (78) of FIG. 5A, two
frequencies may be used sequentially (for example, a low frequency
to remove larger bulk plaque, followed by a higher frequency for a
polishing effect). The programming embodiment (80) of FIG. 5B shows
execution of a first frequency, then a second frequency, then a
return to the first frequency (perhaps, low frequency bulk plaque
removal, then high frequency polishing, then a return to execute
any extra bulk plaque removal). The programming embodiment (82) of
FIG. 5C shows execution of three sequential frequencies.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an embodiment similar to that
of FIGS. 2A-2D is depicted, with the exception that irrigation and
vacuum functionalities are integrated. The master input device (94)
is similar to that of FIG. 2A, but has controls for irrigation (84)
and vacuum (86) that are configured to cause an irrigation system
(102) to infuse fluid through the coupling lead (101) and into the
tray assembly (6) to escape through various pores or lumens formed
in the tray assembly (6) and generally configured to infuse fluid
into region of the interface between brushing pads and teeth
surfaces. A vacuum system (104) may be similarly utilized to
evacuate fluid from such sites in the mouth/tray engagement.
Referring to FIG. 6B, an infusion fluid reservoir (106) may contain
water, fluoride, or other solutions, and may be fluidly coupled
(112) to or comprised within the irrigation system (102). The
vacuum system may comprise or be fluidly coupled to (116) a fluid
reservoir (108) to capture waste fluids evacuated from the brushing
area in situ. The controller is operatively coupled (110, 114) via
wire leads to the irrigation system (102) and vacuum system (104)
to controllably engage and disengage these systems.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7A, an embodiment is depicted having
similar elements as the system depicted, for example, in FIG. 6A,
but wherein the master input device (120) comprises a portable
electronic device such as a smartphone, PDA, or the like (i.e.,
such as the product sold by Apple Computer Corp under the tradename
iPhone.RTM.), that is configured to operate software to produce a
graphical user interface comprising digitally presented control
buttons (126) for the subject teeth cleaning system. Referring to
FIG. 7B, in another embodiment, a master input device (122) may
comprise a simple on/off switch or button (124), and referring
further to FIG. 7C, this button need not reside on its own
mini-console (i.e., as in the embodiment of FIG. 7B)--but rather
may reside, for example, coupled to or co-housed with with
controller (92).
[0042] Referring to FIG. 8A, in another embodiment similar to that
of FIG. 7C, a relatively compact brushing array (130), comprising a
substrate, and one or more transducers and brushing pads, as in the
embodiment described above, may be coupled to a handle (128) and
configured such that an operator may grasp the proximal end (132)
of the handle (128) and navigate the brushing array (130) around
the mouth to brush the teeth, in a manner akin to a tooth brush,
but with the advantages of the high frequency cleaning capabilities
provided by the subject configuration. The brushing array (130) may
be flexible, and may be geometrically sized in a range of sizes:
from a relatively small array approximating the size of a dental
probe or pick, to a relatively larger size approximately the size
of an adult toothbrush bristle array, or longer, to accommodate
approximately 1/3 or 1/2 of the teeth of an operator's upper or
lower jaw. The brushing array may be biased to remain relatively
straight, or to form a curved shape, such as a concave or convex
shape relative to the teeth to which it shall be interfaced.
Referring to FIG. 8B, an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 8A is
depicted, with the exception that the brushing array (130) in this
embodiment is arcuate or curved in a manner to allow engagement
(134) of a finger or portion of the human tongue. For example, in
one embodiment, a finger may be advanced into a position (134)
wherein the array (130) substantially surrounds it, and this
combination may be utilized to navigate the mouth of the operator
for teeth brushing/cleaning. In another embodiment, the arcuate
array may be temporarily coupled to the tongue of the operator, and
the tongue may be utilized to navigate, and thereby brush/clean,
the nearby teeth.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 9A, a top view of a thin-walled teeth
brushing assembly (6) is depicted with dimensions in inches typical
for an adult size. Cross sectional views are shown in FIGS. 9B and
9C. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, such an assembly (6) may be
removably or fixedly coupled to an all-in-one type of configuration
that may be held in one or two hands by the user without additional
associated power cords. For example, referring to FIG. 10A, the
teeth brushing assembly (6) is removably or fixedly coupled to a
gearbox and battery assembly (144) via a handle member (140), which
is removably or fixedly coupled to a motor pack (142). FIG. 10B
illustrates a view 90 degrees orthogonal to the view of FIG. 10A.
FIG. 10C illustrates a partially exploded view of a similar
configuration, with the exception that the motor pack (142) is
transversely mounted relative to the gearbox/battery assembly
(144). With an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 10A, 10B, or
10C, a user may insert the thin-walled teeth brushing assembly (6)
into his or her mouth, controllably engage the motor pack (142),
and receive a resultant vibratory/oscillatory motion cleaning of
all of his or her teeth simultaneously, as the battery from the
battery/gearbox component (144) is configured to activate the motor
pack (142), which is configured to operate the gearbox to produce
oscillatory/vibratory motion of the handle (140) and associated
teeth brushing assembly (6).
[0044] Referring to FIG. 11, two coordinate systems (148, 150) are
illustrated relative to the user's head (154). A global coordinate
system (150) is defined as the coordinate system of the ground or
floor (152) around the user. A torso coordinate system (148) is
defined as the coordinate system associated with the user's torso
as he stands in a room relative to the ground. One of the
challenges associated with efficient small amplitude vibratory
teeth brushing as described herein is maintaining adequate
irrigation medium, or fluid, between the brushing surfaces of the
teeth brushing assembly (6) and the subject teeth. One of the most
straightforward ways of facilitating localized pooling of
irrigation fluid to targeted portions of the subject teeth is with
the help of gravity. For example, the teeth of the mouth may be
divided into groupings such as: upper versus lower; lower left
molars, lower incisors, lower right molars, upper right molars,
upper incisors, upper right molars (canines being on the borders of
the latter grouping), etc. To focus irrigation pooling near the
incisors, the user may pitch his head forward relative to the torso
coordinate system (148), and depending upon the level of such pitch
rotation, focus the irrigation pooling adjacent the lower incisors,
both upper and lower incisors, or the upper incisors. Similarly, to
focus irrigation pooling near the molars, the user may yaw rotate
his neck while also pitching it relative to the torso coordinate
system (148) in various configurations to direct irrigation pooling
to various locations of the molars, pre-molars, canines, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 12-17, several embodiments for operating
variations of the subject invention are illustrated.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 12, after a user couples a teeth brushing
assembly to his teeth by inserting a tray into his mouth, the tray
comprising or being operatively coupled to one or more
electromechanical agitating devices (156), the irrigation system
may be engaged (158) to cause fluid to flow into the teeth brushing
assembly, preferably at a rate that may be controlled by the user
with a master input device, controller knob/interface, or the like.
In one embodiment, to reduce the amount of fluid flow required, the
user's lips may be pursed around the system control lines (or
handle in an all-in-one embodiment similar to that depicted in
FIGS. 10A-10C); in another embodiment, the user may allow fluid to
freely flow out of his mouth, or through a drain or vacuum line.
The user may then (or simultaneously with engagement of the
irrigation system in another embodiment) engage the one or more
agitating actuation devices to cause oscillatory teeth cleaning
action (160). The user may assist with gravitational fluid pooling
by tilting and/or rotating his head to various positions (162),
such as: 1) incisors gravitationally lowest for incisor cleaning;
2) left molars gravitationally lowest for left molar cleaning; 3)
right molars gravitationally lowest for right molar cleaning;
premolars and canines in the overlap between these divisions of the
mouth. With the cleaning complete, irrigation and agitation may be
controllably discontinued (164), such as by the push of a user
interface button or expiration of a discrete timer time window, and
the teeth brushing assembly removed from the mouth (166).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 13, a technique and configuration similar
to that illustrated in FIG. 12 is depicted, with the exception that
the user may controllably engage the agitating actuation devices by
selected quadrants or other groupings while also assisting with
gravitational fluid pooling by tilting and/or rotating his head to
various positions (168). In other words, rather than agitating the
entire mouth worth of teeth simultaneously, the user may agitate
only a focused subportion of the teeth, such as the portion that is
receiving the irrigation pooling subject to his head/jaw
orientation.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 14, a user may operate a teeth brushing
assembly configured to be focused upon a targeted portion of the
overall set of teeth, akin to a toothbrush (170). The irrigation
system may be controllably engaged (172), along with the agitating
actuation (174), which may be interrupted during moves of the
brushing assembly--or alternatively left on during such moves. The
user may assist with irrigation focusing/pooling (176), and the
user may move (i.e., with his hands akin to the manner in which a
toothbrush is moved) the brushing assembly to other positions in
the mouth (178).
[0048] Referring to FIG. 15, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
13 is illustrated, with the exception that the agitation is
directed through the tray to various sub-portions of the teeth of
the mouth in accordance with a predetermined program or selection
schema (for example: bottom first--left, front, right; top
last--left, front, right; see aforementioned programming
configurations) (180).
[0049] Referring to FIG. 16, after the teeth cleaning assembly tray
has been inserted in the user's mouth (156), a discrete zone
irrigation configuration may be utilized (182) to direct irrigation
to selected sub-portions of the teeth, which may be changed over
time. In other words, the mouth may be broken up into a plurality
of targeted zones, each of which receives zone irrigation (182) and
zone agitation (184) during a selected portion of the overall
brushing time, in accordance with user selections regarding
targeted zones.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 17, an embodiment similar to that of FIG.
16 is illustrated, with the exception that with the embodiment of
FIG. 17, zone alternating/selection (i.e., the order and timing in
which each zone becomes the operative zone for irrigation and
agitation) is controlled using a predetermined programming or
selection schema (186) which may, for example, be at the
recommendation of the user's dentist of dental hygienist.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 18A-19, another embodiment is
illustrated, wherein a different agitating element may be utilized
to break loose plaque and other deposits from teeth in an effort to
clean such teeth: a shockwave electrode pair or shockwave
transducer. Referring to FIG. 18A, a system similar to that
depicted in FIG. 2A is shown with a teeth brushing assembly
comprising a flexible tray element (44) which is shown in detailed
cross section in FIG. 18B. Referring to FIG. 18B, in place of the
agitating pads (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42) of the embodiments of FIG.
2B or 6B, the embodiment of FIG. 18B has shockwave transducer
elements or shockwave electrode pairs (202, 204, 206, 208, 210,
212) which are configured to create shockwaves that are transmitted
toward the associated teeth to break loose plaque and other
deposits from teeth in an effort to clean such teeth. In one
embodiment, each of the shockwave transducer elements (202, 204,
206, 208, 210, 212) is coupled to the flexible substrate material
(44) in a position wherein direct or nearly direct transfer of
shockwave energy to associated teeth may be accomplished. As
discussed above in reference to FIG. 2B, the tray is configured
such that the teeth are placed into, and at least partially
surrounded by, the tray in locations labeled with elements 30 and
28, which may also be denominated as "slots" for the teeth. With a
shockwave agitation embodiment, the slots may be lined or at least
partially filled with a transmissive medium or material, such as a
fluid (i.e., water) or viscous gel (i.e., a tooth-cleaning paste
with relatively low-viscosity as compared with conventional
toothpastes), that is configured to optimally transmit shockwaves
from the transducers (202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212) to the
associated teeth. Further, in one embodiment, the materials
surrounding the shockwave transducers (202, 204, 206, 208, 210,
212) in directions that are not adjacent the targeted teeth may be
configured to absorb or reflect shockwaves--to assist in focusing
the shockwave energy upon the desired targeted teeth and not other
structures in the mouth or in the device itself. In the depicted
embodiment, one shockwave transducer is provided for each of the
three exposed sides of an associated tooth. In another embodiment,
one shockwave transducer may be configured to provide adequate
disruption of plaque or other debris, such as the slot base pair or
transducers (204, 210) shown in the embodiment of FIG. 18B. In
other embodiments, more than three shockwave transducers may be
provided for each of the associated teeth. Each of the shockwave
transducers or shockwave electrode pairs (202, 204, 206, 208, 210,
212) may comprise a pair of exposed electrode portions that are
biased to produce a brief short circuit when electrified, causing a
shockwave local to the exposed electrode portions. Shockwave
technology has been utilized in other medical applications, such as
lithotripsy applications described in U.S. Published patent
application Ser. No. 12/436,547 to Mantell et al, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Referring to FIG.
18C, to illustrate one configuration for producing a series of
shockwave transducers or electrode pairs, a close up side view of a
pair of continuous lead wires (8) that are mostly insulated from
each other by insulative layering (214) is depicted in a linear
(i.e., not arcuate or curved, as would be the case when such a
configuration is embedded into a flexible teeth tray substrate such
as that depicted in FIG. 18A as element 6). At a desired distance
longitudinally, discontinuities (214) have been created in the
insulative layer, which result in a series of shockwave electrode
pairings (i.e., each electrode formed by a gap in the insulative
layering that places the polar opposite leads in electrical access
to each other, to create a short circuit when the lead pair is
electrified--somewhat like a series of small spark plugs) that may
be utilized to generate a series of associated shock waves, as
facilitated by the intercoupled controller (92) and power supply
(26). In one embodiment, the discontinuities may be created in the
insulative layering at a pitch configured to place one electrode
(i.e., one discontinuity) at the longitudinal position of each
tooth of the patient/person. In another embodiment, discontinuities
may be placed at a higher pitch, such as every few millimeters, or
at a greater pitch. In another embodiment, flex circuit or flexible
circuit substrate technology may be utilized to manufacture the
electrode strings.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 19, a process for cleaning teeth with a
system such as that described in reference to FIGS. 18A-18C is
depicted; such a process is similar to that shown in FIG. 12, with
the exception that the electromechanical agitating pads have been
replaced with shockwave agitating elements (218, 220). Similarly,
each of the embodiments described in reference to FIGS. 13-17 may
be adapted for shockwave agitation with shockwave transducer
elements in place of the electromechanical agitating pads. Other
hybrid embodiments may incorporate both electromechanical agitation
and shockwave agitation.
[0053] While embodiments described above, such as those of FIGS.
2A-2D, 6A-7C, feature flexible substrate (44) materials for the
main tray assembly (6), other embodiments may comprise
substantially rigid or nonflexible substrate materials to retain
predetermined tray geometry with a high level of precision, and may
have coatings or outer layers that are at least somewhat flexible
or pliable to accommodate atraumatic tissue interaction.
[0054] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described
herein. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting
sense. They are provided to illustrate more broadly applicable
aspects of the invention. Various changes may be made to the
invention described and equivalents may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s)
or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present
invention. Further, as will be appreciated by those with skill in
the art that each of the individual variations described and
illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may
be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of
the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or
spirit of the present inventions. All such modifications are
intended to be within the scope of claims associated with this
disclosure.
[0055] Any of the devices described for carrying out the subject
interventions may be provided in packaged combination for use in
executing such interventions. These supply "kits" further may
include instructions for use and be packaged in sterile trays or
containers as commonly employed for such purposes.
[0056] The invention includes methods that may be performed using
the subject devices. The methods may comprise the act of providing
such a suitable device. Such provision may be performed by the end
user. In other words, the "providing" act merely requires the end
user obtain, access, approach, position, set-up, activate, power-up
or otherwise act to provide the requisite device in the subject
method. Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of
the recited events which is logically possible, as well as in the
recited order of events.
[0057] Exemplary aspects of the invention, together with details
regarding material selection and manufacture have been set forth
above. As for other details of the present invention, these may be
appreciated in connection with the above-referenced patents and
publications as well as generally known or appreciated by those
with skill in the art. For example, one with skill in the art will
appreciate that one or more lubricious coatings (e.g., hydrophilic
polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone-based compositions,
fluoropolymers such as tetrafluoroethylene, hydrophilic gel or
silicones) may be used in connection with various portions of the
devices, such as relatively large interfacial surfaces of movably
coupled parts, if desired, for example, to facilitate low friction
manipulation or advancement of such objects relative to other
portions of the instrumentation or nearby tissue structures. The
same may hold true with respect to method-based aspects of the
invention in terms of additional acts as commonly or logically
employed.
[0058] In addition, though the invention has been described in
reference to several examples optionally incorporating various
features, the invention is not to be limited to that which is
described or indicated as contemplated with respect to each
variation of the invention. Various changes may be made to the
invention described and equivalents (whether recited herein or not
included for the sake of some brevity) may be substituted without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In
addition, where a range of values is provided, it is understood
that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of
that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated
range, is encompassed within the invention.
[0059] Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the
inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed
independently, or in combination with any one or more of the
features described herein. Reference to a singular item, includes
the possibility that there are plural of the same items present.
More specifically, as used herein and in claims associated hereto,
the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" include plural
referents unless the specifically stated otherwise. In other words,
use of the articles allow for "at least one" of the subject item in
the description above as well as claims associated with this
disclosure. It is further noted that such claims may be drafted to
exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended
to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology
as "solely," "only" and the like in connection with the recitation
of claim elements, or use of a "negative" limitation.
[0060] Without the use of such exclusive terminology, the term
"comprising" in claims associated with this disclosure shall allow
for the inclusion of any additional element--irrespective of
whether a given number of elements are enumerated in such claims,
or the addition of a feature could be regarded as transforming the
nature of an element set forth in such claims. Except as
specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms
used herein are to be given as broad a commonly understood meaning
as possible while maintaining claim validity.
[0061] The breadth of the present invention is not to be limited to
the examples provided and/or the subject specification, but rather
only by the scope of claim language associated with this
disclosure.
* * * * *