U.S. patent application number 15/145249 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rama Taghvai. Invention is credited to Rama Taghvai.
Application Number | 20170318951 15/145249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60243154 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170318951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taghvai; Rama |
November 9, 2017 |
ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH INTEGRATED WATER FLOSSER
Abstract
An electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser includes a
handle, a brush head having a plurality of bristles for brushing
teeth and a liquid spray nozzle for spraying a pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid, a liquid reservoir, a liquid pump
for providing liquid from the reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle,
and a motor for moving the bristles of the brush head and operating
the liquid pump to supply the high-pressure liquid to the liquid
spray nozzle. One or more manually-activated switches are provided
for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including:
(a) both moving the bristles and simultaneously spraying the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray
nozzle at the same time; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying
any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray
nozzle but not moving the bristles.
Inventors: |
Taghvai; Rama; (Columbus,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Taghvai; Rama |
Columbus |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60243154 |
Appl. No.: |
15/145249 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 13/02 20130101;
A61C 17/02 20130101; A46B 11/001 20130101; A46B 9/04 20130101; A61C
17/3418 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00; A46B 13/02 20060101 A46B013/02 |
Claims
1. An electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising: a handle
forming an internal cavity; a brush head extending from the handle
and having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth
and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and gums; a liquid
reservoir configured to hold liquid; a liquid passage extending
from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle; a liquid pump
located within the internal cavity; a motor located within the
internal cavity and having at least one rotatable drive shaft
operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the
bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid
pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid
through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid
spray nozzle; and at least one manually-actuated switch operatively
connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of
operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray
nozzle; and (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid
from the liquid spray nozzle.
2. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid passage
extends through at least a portion of a drive shaft for the brush
head.
3. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the brush head is
selectively removable from the body.
4. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising an
electric power source located within the internal cavity and
operatively connected to the motor.
5. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid out of and parallel to the bristles.
6. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid above and at an acute angle relative to the bristles.
7. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid at the top of the brush head.
8. The electric toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle comprises a flexible material.
9. A handheld electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising: a
handle forming at least one internal cavity; a brush head extending
from the handle and having a plurality of bristles configured for
brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a
high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and gums; a liquid
reservoir located within the internal cavity and configured to hold
liquid; a liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the
liquid spray nozzle; a liquid pump located within the internal
cavity; a motor located within the internal cavity and having at
least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush
head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and
operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the
liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the
liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle; an electric power
source located within the internal cavity and operatively connected
to the motor to selectively rotate the drive shaft; and at least
one manually-actuated switch operatively connected to the motor for
selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a)
both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure
stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the
bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle;
and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to
the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.
10. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid passage
extends through at least a portion of a drive shaft for the brush
head.
11. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the brush head is
selectively removable from the body.
12. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid above and at an acute angle relative to the bristles.
13. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid at the top of the brush head.
14. The electric toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle comprises a flexible material.
15. An electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising: a base
unit configured to be supported on a horizontal support surface and
including: a liquid reservoir located within the base unit and
configured to hold liquid; and a handheld unit operably connected
to the base unit and including: a handle forming at least one
internal cavity; a brush head extending from the handle and having
a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid
spray nozzle configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of
liquid between the teeth and gums; a liquid passage extending from
the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle; a liquid pump
located within the internal cavity; a motor located within the
internal cavity and having at least one rotatable drive shaft
operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the
bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the liquid
pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid
through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid
spray nozzle; and at least one manually-actuated switch operatively
connected to the motor for selecting one of a plurality of modes of
operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and spraying the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray
nozzle; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from
the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle but not
moving the bristles.
16. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid passage
extends through at least a portion of a drive shaft for the brush
head.
17. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the brush head is
selectively removable from the body.
18. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid above and at an acute angle relative to the bristles.
19. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle is positioned to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid at the top of the brush head.
20. The electric toothbrush of claim 15, wherein the liquid spray
nozzle comprises a flexible material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable
PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0004] Not applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The field of the present invention relates to dental hygiene
products, and more particularly, to electric toothbrushes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Powered or electric toothbrushes have become a popular
alternative to traditional, manual style toothbrushes. This
popularity is partly due to the fact that electric toothbrushes are
easier to use than manual toothbrushes. With an electric
toothbrush, all you need to do is place the toothbrush on your
teeth and let the toothbrush do all the work. Electric toothbrushes
have been found to obtain better results with less work. Studies
have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of both
cleaning teeth and preventing plaque and gingivitis.
[0007] Toothbrushes, whether manual or powered, cannot completely
reach into the tight spaces between teeth. Thus, for good dental
hygiene, you must floss in addition to brushing your teeth.
Flossing has traditionally been performed with dental floss in the
form of a thin nylon or plastic filament that is manually stuck
between teeth and pulled out of the teeth to mechanically remove
food particles or other debris stuck between the teeth. If these
food particles and other debris remain between the teeth they can
enable bacteria to form and harden into plaque.
[0008] Powered or electric water flossers or irrigators have become
a popular alternative to traditional, manual style dental floss.
This popularity is partly due to the fact that water flossers are
easier to use than dental floss. This is particularly true for
individuals that have limited use of their hands. Water flossers
provide a stream of pulsating, high-pressure water or other liquid
to flow through a flosser tip that is directed between teeth to
remove food particles and other debris out from between the teeth.
As a result of this easy to perform process, water flosser users
may floss more often than those who only have access to manual
style dental floss.
[0009] While a dental hygiene routine with both an electric
toothbrush and an electric water flosser can be both effective and
easy to perform, the cost of obtaining and maintaining both devices
can be cost prohibitive. Additionally, the added tasks of charging
and otherwise maintaining two electric devices can somewhat reduce
their advantages of easier and speedier use.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for improved dental hygiene
products such as, for example, electric toothbrushes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides an electric toothbrush with
integrated water flosser which addresses at least some of the
above-noted problems of the prior art. Disclosed herein is an
electric toothbrush with water flosser comprising a handle forming
an internal cavity, a brush head extending from the handle and
having a plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a
liquid spray nozzle configured for spraying a pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid between the teeth and/or between the
teeth and gums, a liquid reservoir configured to hold liquid, a
liquid passage extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid
spray nozzle, a liquid pump located within the internal cavity, and
a motor located within the internal cavity. The disclosed motor has
at least one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the
brush head to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and
operatively connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the
liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the
liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle. At least one
manually-actuated switch is operatively connected to the motor for
selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a)
both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure
stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (b) moving the
bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray
nozzle.
[0012] Also disclosed herein is a handheld electric toothbrush with
water flosser that comprises a handle forming at least one internal
cavity, a brush head extending from the handle and having a
plurality of bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid
spray nozzle configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of
liquid between the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums, a
liquid reservoir located within the internal cavity and configured
to hold liquid, a liquid passage extending from the liquid
reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, a liquid pump located within
the internal cavity, and a motor located within the internal
cavity. The disclosed motor has at least one rotatable drive shaft
operatively connected to the brush head to selectively move the
bristles to brush the teeth and operatively connected to a liquid
pump to selectively operate the liquid pump to supply liquid
through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid
spray nozzle. An electric power source is located within the
internal cavity and operatively connected to the motor to
selectively rotate the drive shaft. At least one manually-actuated
switch is operatively connected to the motor for selecting one of a
plurality of modes of operation including:(a) both moving the
bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid
from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the bristles but not
spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying
the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to the liquid spray
nozzle but not moving the bristles.
[0013] Further disclosed herein is an electric toothbrush with
water flosser that comprises a base unit configured to be supported
on a horizontal support surface a handheld unit operably connected
to the base unit. The base unit includes a liquid reservoir located
within the base unit and configured to hold liquid. The handheld
unit includes a handle forming at least one internal cavity, a
brush head extending from the handle and having a plurality of
bristles configured for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle
configured for spraying a high-pressure stream of liquid between
the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums, a liquid passage
extending from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, a
liquid pump located within the internal cavity, and a motor located
within the internal cavity. The disclosed motor includes at least
one rotatable drive shaft operatively connected to the brush head
to selectively move the bristles to brush the teeth and operatively
connected to the liquid pump to selectively operate the liquid pump
to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid
reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle. At least one
manually-actuated switch is operatively connected to the motor for
selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a)
both moving the bristles and spraying the pulsating high-pressure
stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; (b) moving the
bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle;
and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from
the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.
[0014] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more
detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention
provides a significant advance in the technology and art of
electric toothbrushes. Particularly, significant in this regard is
the potential the invention affords for providing a single handheld
electric device for both brushing and flossing that is reliable,
relatively inexpensive, and relatively easy to use. Additional
features and advantages of the invention will be better understood
in view of the detailed description provided herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These and further objects of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description.
[0016] FIG. 1 is perspective view of an electric toothbrush
according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of
FIG. 1 with a brush head removed from a hand-held housing.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view the brush head of
the electric toothbrush of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented front view of the brush
head of the electric toothbrush of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0020] FIG. 4A is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to FIG.
4 but showing a first variation of the brush head.
[0021] FIG. 4B is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to
FIGS. 4 and 4A but showing a second variation of the brush
head.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented side view of the brush head
of FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 5A is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to FIG.
5 but showing the first variation of the brush head of FIG. 4A.
[0024] FIG. 5B is an enlarged fragmented front view similar to
FIGS. 5 and 5A but showing the second variation of the brush head
of FIG. 4B.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electric toothbrush of
FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0026] FIG. 7 a schematic view of an electric toothbrush according
to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various preferred features illustrative of the
basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of
the various electric toothbrushes as disclosed herein, including,
for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and
shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended
application and use environment. Certain features of the
illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to
others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In
particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for
clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position,
unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the
electric toothbrushes illustrated in the drawings. In general, up
or upward generally refers to an upward direction within the plane
of the paper in FIG. 1 and down or downward generally refers to a
downward direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. Also in
general, fore or forward generally refers to a direction toward the
left within the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 and aft or rearward
generally refers to a direction toward the right within the plane
of the paper in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to
those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology,
that many uses and design variations are possible for the electric
toothbrushes disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of
various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the
general principles of the invention with regard to a specific
application. Other embodiments suitable for other applications will
be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0029] FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate a hand-held electric toothbrush with
integrated water flosser 10 according to a first embodiment of the
present invention. The illustrated hand-held electric toothbrush
with integrated water flosser 10 includes a body or handle 12
forming an internal cavity 14, a removable brush head 16 extending
from the handle 12 and having a plurality of bristles 18 configured
for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle 20 configured for
spraying a pulsating high-pressure stream or jet of liquid between
the teeth and/or between the teeth and gums of a user, a liquid
reservoir 22 configured to hold water or another liquid such as,
for example, mouth wash or a mixture of water and mouth wash, a
liquid passage 24 extending from the liquid reservoir 22 to the
liquid spray nozzle 20, a liquid pump 26 located within the
internal cavity 14, an electric motor 29 located within the
internal cavity 14 and having at least one rotatable drive shaft 30
operatively connected to the brush head 16 to selectively move the
bristles 18 to brush the teeth and operatively connected to the
liquid pump 26 to selectively operate the liquid pump 26 to supply
liquid through the liquid passage 24 from the liquid reservoir 22
to the liquid spray nozzle 20. The illustrated electric toothbrush
10 also includes at least one manually-actuated switch or actuator
32, 34, 46 operatively connected to the electric motor 28, and
other components, for selecting one of a plurality of modes of
operation including: (a) a first mode both moving the bristles 18
and spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the
liquid spray nozzle 20; (b) a second mode moving the bristles 18
but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and
(c) a third mode spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 but not moving the bristles
18. Note that while the illustrated electric toothbrush 10 has
three modes of operation fewer or more than one mode of operation
can alternatively be utilized. For example, in another embodiment
the electric toothbrush could have only two modes of operation: (a)
a first mode both moving the bristles 18 and spraying the pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and
(b) a second mode moving the bristles 18 but not spraying any
liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20.
[0030] The illustrated body or handle 12 is sized and shaped so
that it can be handheld by a user when brushing teeth with the
bristles 18 and/or flossing teeth with the stream of liquid from
the liquid spray nozzle 20 and forms the internal cavity 14 which
is sized and shaped to hold various components of the electric
toothbrush 10 as described in more detail herein below. The
illustrated handle 12 has a modified hourglass shape about a
vertically-extending central longitudinal axis 38 that gradually
narrows from a relatively wide base portion 40 (located at the
bottom or proximal end of the handle 12) to a relatively narrow
central or gripping portion 42 (located at the central portion of
the handle 12), and gradually widens from the narrow gripping
portion to a relatively moderately wide top portion 44 (located at
the top or distal end of the handle 12). This hourglass shape is
ergonomically shaped to accommodate a user's hand so that the
electric toothbrush 10 can be operated as a handheld device and
also provides sufficient internal space for the components such as,
for example, the liquid reservoir 22 as described in more detail
herein below.
[0031] The illustrated removable brush head 16 vertically and
upwardly extends from the top portion 44 of the handle 12 and
includes both the plurality of bristles 18 and the liquid spray
nozzle 20. The illustrated removable brush head 16 is generally
elongate and has a vertically-extending central longitudinal axis
that is coaxial with the vertically-extending central longitudinal
axis 38 of the handle 12 when the brush head 16 is attached to the
handle 12. The illustrated brush head 16 is selectively detachable
from the top portion 44 of the handle 12 via a threaded nut 48 that
cooperates with a threaded neck 50 at the top of the handle 12.
This detachable or removable connection permits the brush head 16
to be selectively removed or detached for cleaning and/or
replacement and selectively reattached and/or attached to the
handle 12. It is noted that any other suitable detachable
connection can alternatively be utilized such as, for example, a
detent with manually-actuated release device, a bayonet-type
connection, and the like.
[0032] The illustrated brush head 16 includes an enlarged head
portion 52 at its upper end, an elongate bottom portion 54
extending downward from a bottom of the head portion 52, and an
outwardly extending flange 56 at the lower end of the bottom
portion 54 that is configured for cooperating with the threaded nut
48. The illustrated enlarged head portion 52 has planar or flat
front and back sides. The illustrated threaded nut 48 has a central
opening 58 through which the elongate bottom portion 54 extends so
that the threaded nut 48 is located above the flange 56 to secure
the brush head 16 to the handle 12 when the threaded nut 48 is
securely threaded onto the threaded neck 50 of the handle 12 to
secure the brush head 16 to the handle 12 while permitting the
brush head 12 to oscillate or pivot relative to the handle 12 about
the central longitudinal axis 38. A cavity 60 upwardly extends into
the elongate bottom portion 54 from the lower end of the elongate
bottom portion. The illustrated cavity 60 is sized and shaped to
receive an upper end of a brush head drive shaft 62 that upwardly
extends from the top of the handle 12 as described in more detail
herein below. The illustrated cavity 60 has a lower portion that is
circular in cross section and an upper portion that has a flat
section 64 to form a semi-circular or a half circle in cross
section to cooperate with the brush head drive shaft 62 to form a
drive connection such that oscillating or pivoting of the brush
head drive shaft 62 about the central longitudinal axis 38
oscillates or pivots the brush head 16 about the central
longitudinal axis 38. A liquid passage or duct 66 upwardly extends
from the top of the cavity 60 to the inner end of the liquid spray
nozzle 20 to provide passage of liquid to the liquid spray nozzle
20 as described in more detail herein below. It is noted that the
brush head 16 can alternatively have any other suitable
configuration.
[0033] Each of the bristles 18 of the illustrated plurality of
bristles 18 is straight, and horizontally and perpendicularly
extends from the front side of the head portion 52 of the brush
head 16 and thus is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis
46 of the brush head 16. The illustrated bristles 18 are in the
configuration of a plurality of spaced-apart bunch of bristles in a
known manner. The bristles 18 can be secured to the head portion 52
of the brush head 16 in any suitable manner. The bristles 18 can
comprise any suitable flexible material for brushing teeth. It is
noted that the plurality of bristles 18 can alternatively have any
other suitable configuration.
[0034] The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 is substantially
straight, and horizontally and perpendicularly extends from the
front side of the head portion 52 of the brush head 16 and thus is
perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head
16. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 is centrally positioned
on the front side of the head portion 52 and surrounded by the
bristles 18. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 has a central
passage 68 that extends entirely through the liquid spray nozzle 20
and narrows in a direction toward an outer end or tip of liquid
spray nozzle 20 so that the liquid spray nozzle 20 produces the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid. It is noted that the
outer surface of the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 also
narrows in diameter in a direction toward the outer tip of the
liquid spray nozzle 20. An inner end of the central passage 68 is
in liquid flow communication with an upper end of the liquid duct
66. The liquid spray nozzle 20 can be secured to the head portion
52 of the brush head 16 in any suitable manner. The illustrated
liquid spray nozzle 20 has a length that is slightly greater than
the length of the bristles 18 so that the outer tip of the liquid
spray nozzle 20 or the spray therefrom is not impacted by the
bristles 20 and the user can see the outer tip of the liquid spray
nozzle 20 to aid the user in properly positioning the pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid during flossing as described in more
detail herein below. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20
comprises a resiliently flexible material so that the liquid spray
nozzle 20 flexes similar to the bristles 18 and does not adversely
impact brushing the user's teeth with the bristles 18. It is noted
that the liquid spray nozzle 20 can alternatively have any other
suitable configuration.
[0035] The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 is configured so that
it does not adversely enlarge the overall size of the head portion
52 along with the bristles 18 which would make it more difficult
for the user to brush teeth with the brush head. It is noted that
the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20 does not enlarge either the
height H or the width W of the head portion and bristles 52, 18 and
only slightly increases the length L of the head portion and
bristles 52, 18. It is also noted that the liquid spray nozzle 20
can alternatively have a length similar to the bristles 18 so that
the liquid spray nozzle 20 also does not enlarge the length L of
the head portion and bristles 52, 18 but this may make it more
difficult for the user to accurately aim the stream of liquid from
the liquid spray nozzle 20. It is further noted that the liquid
spray nozzle 20 can have any other suitable configuration.
[0036] FIGS. 4A and 5A illustrate a first variation of the liquid
spray nozzle 20A wherein the liquid spray nozzle 20A is positioned
to spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid above and at
an angle relative to the bristles 18. The illustrated liquid spray
nozzle 20A is substantially straight and forwardly and upwardly
extends from the front side of the head portion 52 at an acute
angle (that is an angle of less than 90 degrees) to the central
longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. The liquid spray nozzle
20A preferably upwardly extends from the front side of the head
portion 52 at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees to
the central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16, and more
preferably upwardly extends from the front side of the head portion
52 at an angle of about 45 degrees to the central longitudinal axis
46 of the brush head 16. It is noted that the liquid spray nozzle
20A can alternatively have any other suitable configuration.
[0037] The illustrated first variation of the liquid spray nozzle
20A is configured so that it does not adversely enlarge the size of
the brush head with bristles 52, 18 which would make it more
difficult for the user to brush teeth with the brush head 16. It is
noted that the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20A is sized and
positioned so that it does not enlarge either the height H of the
head portion and bristles 52, 18, the width W of the head portion
and bristles 52, 18, or the length L of the head portion and
bristles 52, 18. Thus, it does not enlarge the envelope
(H.times.W.times.L) of the head portion and bristles 52, 18 at all.
Configured in this manner, the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20A
is not impacted by the bristles 18 and the user can easily see the
outer tip of the liquid spray nozzle 20A to aid in properly
positioning the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid during
flossing as described in more detail herein below.
[0038] FIGS. 4B and 5B illustrate a second variation of the liquid
spray nozzle 20B wherein the liquid spray nozzle 20B is positioned
to upwardly spray the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid at
the top of the brush head 16 and at an angle relative to the
bristles 18. The illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20B is
substantially straight and forwardly and upwardly extends from the
top of the head portion 52 at an acute angle (that is an angle of
less than 90 degrees) to the central longitudinal axis 46 of the
brush head 16. The liquid spray nozzle 20B preferably upwardly
extends from the top of the head portion 52 at an angle of about 20
degrees to about 70 degrees to the central longitudinal axis 46 of
the brush head 16 and more preferably upwardly extends from the top
of the head portion 52 at an angle of about 45 degrees to the
central longitudinal axis 46 of the brush head 16. It is noted that
the liquid spray nozzle 20B can alternatively have any other
suitable configuration.
[0039] The illustrated second variation of the liquid spray nozzle
20B is configured so that it does not adversely enlarge the size of
the head portion 52 along with the bristles 18 which would make it
more difficult for the user to brush teeth with the brush head 16.
It is noted that the illustrated liquid spray nozzle 20B is sized
and positioned so that it does not enlarge either the width W of
the head portion and bristles 52, 18, or the length L of the head
portion and bristles 52, 18, and only slightly increases the height
H of the head portion and bristles 52, 18. The illustrated liquid
spray nozzle 20B has a length that is shorter relative to the
lengths of the other above two versions of the liquid spray nozzles
20, 20A because it does not need to extend out of the bristles 18,
and it is desirable to minimize the increase in the length of the
brush head 16. Configured in this manner the illustrated liquid
spray nozzle 20B is not impacted by the bristles 18 and vice versa,
and the user can easily see the entire liquid spray nozzle 20B to
aid in properly positioning the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid during flossing as described in more detail herein
below.
[0040] The illustrated liquid reservoir 22 is configured to hold a
supply of liquid such as, for example, water in a hollow interior
space 70 and is located within the handle 12. The illustrated
liquid reservoir 22 forms a part of the base portion 40 of the
handle 12 at a rear side of the handle 12. The illustrated liquid
reservoir 22 includes a fill port 72 near the bottom of the liquid
reservoir 22 and at the rear side of the handle 12 and a transfer
tube 74 horizontally extending along a bottom of the liquid
reservoir 22 to an outlet port 76 at a front of the liquid
reservoir 22. A removable cap 78 is provided to close the fill port
72 when the liquid reservoir 22 is not being filled with
liquid.
[0041] In one embodiment of the liquid reservoir 22, the liquid
reservoir 22 is removable from the rest of the handle 12 and held
in place with a latch or the like and the outlet port 76 is
provided with a seal coupling that seals the outlet port 76 when
the liquid reservoir 22 is removed from the handle 12 and sealingly
mates with a bottom end of a suction tube 80 of the liquid pump 26
when the liquid reservoir 22 is coupled to the rest of the handle
12. For example, see the removable reservoir described in U.S. Pat.
No. 8,403,665, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference. Thus, to fill the liquid
reservoir 22 with water or other liquid, the liquid reservoir 22
may be disengaged and removed from the rest of the handle 12, the
cap 78 of the fill port 72 is opened, and water or other liquid is
flowed into the hollow interior space 70 of the liquid reservoir 22
through the open fill port 72. Once the liquid reservoir 22 is
filled as desired, the flow of liquid into liquid reservoir is
ceased and the cap 78 is reinserted to close the fill port 72 and
the liquid reservoir 22 is reattached to the rest of the handle
12.
[0042] In another embodiment of the liquid reservoir 22, the liquid
reservoir 22 is integrated with to the rest of the handle 12 and
thus is not removable from the rest of the handle 12. To fill the
liquid reservoir 22, the cap 78 of the fill port 72 is opened and
water or other liquid is flowed into the hollow interior space 70
of the liquid reservoir 22 through the open fill port 72. Once the
liquid reservoir is filled as desired, the flow of water or other
liquid into liquid reservoir 22 is ceased and the cap 78 reinserted
to close the fill port 72. It is noted that in this embodiment of
the liquid reservoir 22, the latch and the seal coupling are not
required. It is also noted that the liquid reservoir 22 can
alternatively be configured in any other suitable manner.
[0043] The illustrated electric motor 28 is located within the
internal cavity 14 and is in front of the liquid pump 22. The
illustrated electric motor 28 has the vertically extending rotating
drive shaft 30 that extends out both ends of a motor housing 82. An
upper end 30A of the motor drive shaft 30 is operatively connected
to the vertically extending drive shaft 62 of the brush head 16 via
a brush head transmission or drive assembly 84 to selectively move
the bristles 18 in a desired motion to brush teeth. A lower end 30B
of the motor drive shaft 30 is operatively connected to the liquid
pump 26 via a pump transmission or drive assembly 86 to selectively
operate the liquid pump 26 in a desired motion to supply liquid
through the liquid passage 24 from the liquid reservoir 22 to the
liquid spray nozzle 20. The illustrated electric motor 28 is a DC
electric motor but any other suitable type of motor can
alternatively be utilized. It is also noted that any other suitable
configuration of the electric motor 28 can alternatively be
utilized such as, for example, the motor drive shaft 30 can
alternatively extend out only one end of the motor housing 82 with
both the brush head 16 and the liquid pump 26 operably connected to
the same end of the motor drive shaft 30, or that separate electric
motors 28 can be alternatively utilized with one operably connected
to the brush head 16 and the other operably connected to the liquid
pump 26.
[0044] The illustrated electric power source 88 for the electric
motor 28 is an internal electric power source located below the
electric motor 28. The illustrated internal electric power source
is a DC power source in the form of a rechargeable NiCad battery
but any other suitable electric power source 88 can alternatively
be utilized. A charging plug or port 90 is located near the bottom
of the base portion 40 of the illustrated handle 12 at the front
side of the handle 12. The charging port 90 is operably connected
to the rechargeable battery 88 to selectively place an external
power source in electrical communication with the rechargeable
battery 188 to recharge the rechargeable battery 88 and/or to
operate the electric motor 28.
[0045] The illustrated liquid pump 26 is located within the
internal cavity 14 of the handle 12 forward the liquid reservoir 22
and rearward of the electric motor 28. The illustrated pump
transmission 86 is located below the electric motor 28 and the
liquid pump 26 and operably connects the lower end 30B of the motor
drive shaft 30 with a piston 92 of the liquid pump 26 to drive the
piston 92 in a desired manner. The vertically extending motor drive
shaft 30 has a pinion gear thereon to to drive a gear of the pump
transmission 86 which carries a cam. The pump transmission gear and
cam are driven by the pinion gear to each rotate about a horizontal
axis of rotation. The illustrated liquid pump 26 includes a piston
rod 94 that downwardly extends from the piston 92. The lower end of
the piston rod 94 forms a cam follower that receives the cam of the
pump transmission 86. As the cam rotates about its horizontal axis,
the cam follower and cam act to convert the rotational movement
into longitudinal reciprocal displacement of the piston 92 within
the piston cylinder 96 of the liquid pump 26 along a vertically
extending longitudinal axis of the piston cylinder 96. It is noted
that the pump transmission 86 can alternatively have any other
suitable configuration.
[0046] The illustrated liquid pump 26 also includes a suction port
98 through which liquid from the liquid reservoir is drawn into the
cylinder 96 via the suction tube 80 and a discharge port 100
through which liquid is pushed out of the cylinder 96 to a
discharge tube 102 of the liquid pump 26. When the piston 92 moves
in a downward direction within the cylinder 96, a discharge valve
is forced closed and liquid is drawn into the cylinder 96 through
the suction port 98 past an open suction valve from the suction
tube 80. Note that liquid is drawn from the liquid reservoir 22
through the transfer tube 74 into the suction tube 80 and out of
the top of the suction tube 80 which is in liquid-flow
communication with the suction port 98. When the piston 92 moves in
an upward direction, the suction valve is forced closed and liquid
is forced out of the cylinder 96 past the open discharge valve and
through the discharge port 100 to the discharge tube 102 leading
toward the liquid spray nozzle 20. It is also noted that the liquid
pump 26 can alternatively be configured in any other suitable
manner.
[0047] The illustrated liquid pump 26 is configured to provide the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid to be selectively
discharged from the liquid discharge nozzle 20. The stream of
liquid has a preferred number of pulses per minute 1000-1600 pulses
per minute, a more preferred number of pulses per minute 1100-1400
pulses per minute, and an even more preferred number of pulses per
minute of 1200 pulses per minute, etc. It is noted that any other
suitable number of pulses per minute can alternatively be utilized.
The illustrated liquid pump 26, and other components, is also
configured to provide the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid
to exit the liquid discharge nozzle 20 at a preferred pressure of
40 to 100 pounds per square-inch (psi), a more preferred pressure
of 50 to 90 psi, and an even more preferred pressure of about 70
psi. It is noted that any other suitable pressure can alternatively
be utilized. It is also noted that a pressure control assembly can
advantageously be provided that selectively adjusts the discharge
pressure of the stream of liquid to suit the user's comfort
preferences, preferably while maintaining the pulse rate generally
at a preferred pulse rate. For example, see the pressure control
assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,403,665, the disclosure of
which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
[0048] The illustrated brush head transmission or drive assembly 84
is located above the electric motor 28 and operably connects the
vertically-extending upper end 30A of the motor drive shaft 30 to
the lower end of the vertically-extending brush head drive shaft
62. The illustrated brush head drive shaft 62 has a
vertically-extending central longitudinal axis that is coaxial with
the central longitudinal axis 38 of the handle 12. The illustrated
brush head drive shaft 62 has an upper end located outside the
handle 12 and adapted to have the brush head 16 removably secured
thereto for oscillation therewith and a lower end located within
the internal cavity 14 and adapted to be operably connected to the
electric motor 28 by the brush head transmission 84 to be
selectively moved by the electric motor 28 in a desired manner. The
illustrated upper end of the brush head drive shaft 62 has a lower
portion that is circular in cross section and an upper portion with
a flat region 104 that it is semi-circular or a half circle in
cross section to cooperate with the brush head 16 to form the drive
connection such that oscillation or pivoting of the brush head
drive shaft 62 about the central longitudinal axis 38 also
oscillates or pivots the brush head 16 about the central
longitudinal axis 38. The illustrated brush head drive shaft 62 is
also provided with a central passage 106 extending entirely
therethrough from an inlet at a lower end of the brush head drive
shaft 62 to an outlet at an upper end of the brush head drive shaft
62. The inlet is in liquid-flow communication with the upper end or
outlet of the discharge tube 102 of the liquid pump 26. A suitable
seal coupling 108 is provided so that a liquid-flow sealed
connection is provided while the brush head drive shaft 62
oscillates or pivots and the discharge tube 102 remains stationary.
The outlet of the central passage 106 is in liquid-flow
communication with the lower end or inlet of the liquid duct 66 of
the brush head 16. A suitable seal 110 is provided within the brush
head 16 that is engaged by the upper end of the brush head drive
shaft 62 so that a liquid-flow sealed connection is provided
therebetween. It is noted that the brush head drive shaft 62 can
alternatively have any other suitable configuration.
[0049] The illustrated brush head transmission 84 is configured to
transform the rotating motion of the motor drive shaft 30 into
reciprocal or oscillating pivoting motion of the brush head drive
shaft 62 to move the bristles 18 in back-and-forth reciprocal
pivoting motion about the central longitudinal axis 38. The brush
head transmission 84 can have any suitable configuration. For
example, see the brush head drive assembly described in U.S. Pat.
No. 9,144,477, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated
herein in its entirety by reference. It is noted that the brush
head transmission 84, and other components, can alternatively be
adapted to move the bristles 18 in any other suitable manner such
as for example, up-and-down reciprocal linear motion, in rotating
motion about a horizontally extending axis of rotation, vibratory
motion, and the like. It is also noted that the brush head
transmission 84 can alternatively have any other suitable
configuration.
[0050] The illustrated liquid passage 24 extends from the liquid
reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20 to provide liquid from
the liquid reservoir 22 to the liquid spray nozzle 20. The
illustrated liquid passage 24 includes the transfer tube 74 that
extends from the hollow interior space 70 of the liquid reservoir
22 to the outlet port 76 of the liquid reservoir 22 at a front of
the liquid reservoir 22, the suction tube 80 which extends upwardly
from the outlet port 76 of the liquid reservoir 22 to the suction
port 98 of the liquid pump cylinder 96, the cylinder 96 of the
liquid pump 26, and the discharge tube 102 that upwardly extends
from the discharge port 100 of the liquid pump cylinder 96 to the
central passage 106 of the brush drive shaft 62 which upwardly
extends to the brush head liquid duct 66. The illustrated liquid
passage 26 also includes the brush head liquid duct 66 that
upwardly extends from the upper end of the drive shaft central
passage 106 to the inner end of the liquid spray nozzle 20, and
through the nozzle central passage 68 from the inner end to the
outer end where the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid is
discharged. Thus, the illustrated liquid passage 24 provides a
liquid-sealed passage from the interior space 70 of the liquid
reservoir 22 to the outlet of the liquid spray nozzle 20. It is
noted that the liquid passage 24 can alternatively have any other
suitable configuration.
[0051] The illustrated at least one manually-actuated control
switch or actuator 32, 34, 36 is operatively connected to the
electric motor 28 and other components as described in more detail
below for selecting one of a plurality modes of operation
including: (a) a first mode both moving the bristles 18 and
spraying liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; (b) moving the
bristles 18 but not spraying liquid from the liquid spray nozzle
20; and (c) spraying liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 but not
moving the bristles 18. The illustrated electric tooth brush 10
includes three control switches or actuators 32, 34, 36 on the
front side of the gripping portion 42 that include a power control
switch or actuator 32, a brush control switch or actuator 34, and a
liquid control switch or actuator 36. It is noted that any other
suitable quantity of control switches or actuators 32, 34, 36 can
alternatively be utilized such as, for example, the power switch or
actuator 32 can be eliminated so that there are only two control
switches or actuators 34, 36 if the power on/off function is
integrated into both the brush control switch or actuator 34 and
the liquid control switch or actuator 36.
[0052] The illustrated power control switch or actuator 32 permits
a user to selectively turn on and shut off power of the electric
toothbrush 10. To turn on power of the electric toothbrush 10, the
power control switch or actuator 32, which can be a slide, button,
etc., is moved (e.g., slid or depressed) to complete an electrical
circuit between the internal electric power source 88 and the
electric motor 28. To turn off power of the electric toothbrush 10,
the power control switch 32 is moved again to break the electrical
circuit between the internal electric power source 88 and the
electric motor 28. In is noted that the power control switch or
actuator 32 can alternatively have any other suitable
configuration.
[0053] The illustrated brush control switch or actuator 34 permits
a user to selectively turn on and shut off the movement of the
brush head bristles 18 when power of the electric toothbrush 10 is
on. To turn on movement of the bristles 18, the brush control
switch or actuator 34, which can be a slide, button, etc., is moved
(e.g., slid or depressed) to complete the connection between the
motor drive shaft 30 and the brush head drive shaft 62 via the
brush head transmission 84. To turn off movement of the bristles
18, the brush control switch 34 is moved again to break the
connection between the motor drive shaft 30 and the brush head
drive shaft 62 via the brush head transmission 84. For example, the
connection can be broken by temporarily disconnecting mechanical
components such as, for example, gears, cams, links etc. so that
the motor drive shaft freely rotates 30 without moving the brush
head drive shaft 62. It is noted that the brush control switch or
actuator 34 can alternatively have any other suitable
configuration.
[0054] The illustrated brush control switch or actuator 36 permits
a user to selectively turn on and shut off the pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20 when
power of the electric toothbrush 10 is on. To turn on the pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid, the liquid control switch or
actuator 36, which can be a slide, button, etc., is moved (e.g.,
slid or depressed) to open a valve 112 located in the suction tube
80 to permit flow of liquid to the liquid pump 26 from the liquid
reservoir 22. To turn off the pulsating high-pressure stream of
liquid, the liquid control switch 36 is moved again to close the
valve 112 located in the suction tube 80 to prevent flow of liquid
to the liquid pump 26 from the liquid reservoir 22. It is noted
that the liquid control switch or actuator 34 can alternatively
have any other suitable configuration.
[0055] For typical operation of the electric toothbrush 10, with
the rechargeable battery 88 adequately charged, the user grasps the
handle 12 in one hand and activates the power control switch 32
which connects the rechargeable battery 88 to the electric motor 28
to energize the electric motor 28 to rotate the motor drive shaft
30. The user then places the brush head 16 into their mouth with
the outer end of the liquid spray nozzle 20 aimed at about a 45
degree angle toward a desired location between teeth or between a
tooth and gum and activates the liquid control switch 36 which
opens the valve 112. With the valve 112 open, the reciprocating
piston 92 of the liquid pump 26 draws liquid to the suction tube 80
from the hollow interior space 70 through the transfer tube 74,
upwardly through the suction tube 80 to the suction port 98 of the
liquid pump cylinder 96, through the cylinder 96 of the liquid pump
26 to the discharge port 100, upwardly through the discharge tube
102 to the central passage 106 of the brush drive shaft 62,
upwardly through the central passage 106 of the brush drive shaft
62 to the brush head liquid duct 66, upwardly through the brush
head liquid duct 66 to the liquid spray valve 20, and outwardly
from the liquid spray valve 20 as the pulsating high-pressure
stream of liquid impacts the intended target within the user's
mouth. The user then moves the stream of liquid between teeth and
along the tooth and gum interfaces while maintain the 45 degree
angle with the target. When flossing is complete, the user
activates the liquid control switch 36 which closes the valve 112
and ceases the flow of liquid out of the liquid spray nozzle 20.
The user can then remove the brush head 16 from their mouth, and
apply tooth paste or the like on the ends of the bristles 18. The
user can then brush their teeth by placing the brush head 16 into
their mouth with the ends of the bristles 18 engaging teeth and
activates the brush control switch 34 which connects the motor
drive shaft 30 to the brush head drive shaft 62 to begin moving the
brush head 16 with oscillating movement. With the bristles 18
moving with oscillating movement, the user moves the bristles 18
around the surfaces of the user's teeth. When brushing is complete,
the user again activates the brush control switch 34 which
disconnects the motor drive shaft 30 from the brush head drive
shaft 62 to stop moving the brush head 16 and removes the brush
head 16 from their mouth. The user can then again activate the
power control switch 32 which disconnects the rechargeable battery
88 from the electric motor 28 to de-energize the electric motor 28
and stop rotation of the motor drive shaft 30. It is noted that if
the user desires the brush head 16 to oscillate during flossing
they can activate the brush control switch 34 in addition to the
liquid control switch 36. It is noted that if the user desires
liquid to be sprayed from the liquid spray nozzle during brushing
they can activate the liquid control switch 36 in addition to the
brush control switch 34.
[0056] In a variation of the electric toothbrush 10, the brush
control switch 34 is eliminated and the electric toothbrush has
only two modes of operation: (a) a first mode moving the bristles
18 but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle 20; and
(b) a second mode both moving the bristles 18 and spraying the
pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray
nozzle 20. In this variation of the electric tooth brush 10,
flossing occurs with the brush head 16 moving. With the brush
control switch 34 eliminated there are only two control switches:
the power control switch 32; and the liquid control switch 36. When
the power control switch 32 is activated, the rechargeable battery
88 is connected to the electric motor 28 to energize the electric
motor 28 to rotate the motor drive shaft 30, which oscillates the
brush head drive shaft 62 to oscillate the brush head 16. When the
liquid control switch 36 is activated while the electric motor 28
is energized, the valve 112 is opened so that the pulsating
high-pressure stream of liquid flows from the liquid spray nozzle
20 while the brush head 16 is oscillating.
[0057] FIG. 7 illustrates an electric toothbrush with integrated
water flosser 10A according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. The illustrated electric toothbrush 10A is substantially
the same as the electric toothbrush 10 according to the first
embodiment of the present invention described above except that it
includes a base unit 114 configured to be supported on a horizontal
support surface and a separate handheld unit 116 connected to the
base unit 114 with a flexible tube 118 for passing liquid from the
base unit 114 to the handheld unit 116. The illustrated base unit
114 includes the liquid reservoir 22 therein which is configured to
hold a supply of liquid to be selectively pumped to the handheld
unit 116. With the liquid reservoir 22 in the base unit 114, the
liquid reservoir 22 can be sized to hold a larger amount of liquid.
The illustrated handheld unit 116 is substantially the same as the
electric toothbrush 10 of the first embodiment of the invention
described above except that it does not include the liquid
reservoir 22. Without the liquid reservoir 22 in the handheld unit
116, the handheld unit 116 can be sized smaller. The flexible tube
118 extends between the outlet port 76 of the liquid reservoir 22
in the base unit 114 and the inlet of the pump suction tube 80 in
the handheld unit 116 to provide liquid-flow communication
therebetween. The illustrated base unit is also provided with an
AC/DC converter 120 that can be connected to AC power mains 122 so
that the charge port 90 of the handheld unit 116 automatically
engages the AC/DC convertible 120 when the handheld unit 116 is
placed in a cradle of the base unit 114 when not in use to
automatically recharge the battery 88 in the handheld unit 116. It
is noted that the illustrated separate base and hand held units
114, 116 can alternatively have any other suitable configuration
such as, for example, the battery 88 can be eliminated and a power
wire or cord provided that extends between the base unit 114 and
the handheld unit 116 along with the flexible tube 18 to connect
the AC/DC converter 120 with the electric motor 28, the liquid pump
26 can be moved into the base unit 114 from the handheld unit 114
(note that this would requires separate electric motors 28 located
in the base unit 114 and the handheld unit 116), and/or the
like.
[0058] It is noted that each of the features of the various
disclosed embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in
any combination with each of the other disclosed embodiments of the
present invention.
[0059] The preferred embodiments of this invention can be achieved
by many techniques and methods known to persons who are skilled in
this field. To those skilled and knowledgeable in the arts to which
the present invention pertains, many widely differing embodiments
will be suggested by the foregoing without departing from the
intent and scope of the present invention. The descriptions and
disclosures herein are intended solely for purposes of illustration
and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *