U.S. patent application number 17/428172 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-21 for oral care appliance and method of operating thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Willo 32 SAS. The applicant listed for this patent is Willo 32 SAS. Invention is credited to David Aurelien Barlet.
Application Number | 20220117711 17/428172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006062436 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220117711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barlet; David Aurelien |
April 21, 2022 |
ORAL CARE APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THEREOF
Abstract
This disclosure relates to an oral care appliance and a method
for use in oral care for cleaning the teeth of one or two arches
using a mouthpiece forming a closed or nearly closed cavity. The
mouthpiece is adapted to deform in response to pressure variations
inside the cavity and create an action on the teeth. This
disclosure includes a description of depression chambers and
associated methods that can contribute to the operation of the oral
care appliance by affecting the aforementioned pressure
variations.
Inventors: |
Barlet; David Aurelien;
(Rilhac-Rancon, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Willo 32 SAS |
Limoges |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Willo 32 SAS
Limoges
FR
|
Family ID: |
1000006062436 |
Appl. No.: |
17/428172 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
January 28, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2020/050657 |
371 Date: |
August 3, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16269954 |
Feb 7, 2019 |
10575932 |
|
|
17428172 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/228 20130101;
A61C 17/0217 20130101; A61C 17/221 20130101; A61C 17/0211
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61C 17/22 20060101
A61C017/22; A61C 17/02 20060101 A61C017/02 |
Claims
1.-37. (canceled)
38. An oral care appliance comprising: a mouthpiece comprising a
flexible membrane configured to deform in response to pressure
variations generated in a cavity resulting in volume changes of the
cavity; a depression chamber having a plurality of apertures and
configured to generate the pressure variations in the cavity; a
first pump: (i) engaged with a first aperture of the depression
chamber; and (ii) configured to generate a vacuum in the depression
chamber; and a second aperture of the depression chamber connected
to the mouthpiece through a connecting line.
39. The oral care appliance according to claim 38, further
comprising a valve mechanism coupled to the connecting line; and
wherein the valve mechanism is adapted for communication between
the depression chamber and the mouthpiece.
40. The oral care appliance according to claim 39, wherein the
valve mechanism comprises an electrically or mechanically operated
valve.
41. The oral care appliance according to claim 38, wherein the
cavity is a space between a dental arch and the flexible
membrane.
42. The oral care appliance according to claim 39, wherein a
gripping pressure of the mouthpiece is operable to change the
deformation of the flexible membrane on a dental arch.
43. The oral care appliance according to claim 38, wherein the
first pump is configured to aspirate air and fluids from the
mouthpiece into the depression chamber.
44. The oral care appliance according to claim 39, wherein the
first pump is configured to create a pressure difference between
the depression chamber and the cavity, when the valve mechanism is
in an open position, leading to aspiration of air/fluid from the
mouthpiece to the depression chamber.
45. The oral care appliance according to claim 38, further
comprising: a third aperture of the depression chamber; a second
pump connected to the third aperture; and wherein the second pump
is configured to drain fluids from the depression chamber via the
third aperture.
46. The oral care appliance according to claim 45, wherein the
second pump is a one-way pump.
47. The oral care appliance according to claim 45, wherein the
first pump is connected to an upper portion of the depression
chamber and the second pump is connected to a lower portion of the
depression chamber.
48. The oral care appliance according to claim 38, further
comprising: an anti-foam grid located in the depression
chamber.
49. The oral care appliance according to claim 48, further
comprising: a second pump configured to drain fluids from the
depression chamber; and wherein the anti-foam grid is located in
the depression chamber such that the first pump is located on its
one side and the second pump is located on its other side.
50. The oral care appliance according to claim 48, wherein the
anti-foam grid is positioned at the bottom of the depression
chamber in proximity to a third aperture connecting the depression
chamber to a second pump.
51. The oral care appliance according to claim 45, wherein a valve
is incorporated in relation to an inlet line or an outlet line of
the second pump to prevent air flow into the depression chamber
through the third aperture.
52. The oral care appliance according to claim 51, wherein the
depression chamber is shaped to prevent foam and fluid from flowing
through the first pump while the second pump drains the fluid out
of the depression chamber.
53. A method of operating an oral care appliance in a brushing
cycle comprising the steps of: generating a vacuum in a depression
chamber with a first pump attached to a first aperture of the
depression chamber; opening a first valve coupled to a connecting
line between a mouthpiece and a second aperture of the depression
chamber to create a pressure difference in the mouthpiece to
facilitate a contraction of the mouthpiece and thereby aspirate a
fluid out from the mouthpiece to the depression chamber through the
connecting line; and closing the first valve to facilitate a
relaxation of the mouthpiece wherein vacuum is again created in the
depression chamber using the first pump.
54. The method according to claim 53, further comprising draining
fluid from the depression chamber using a second pump attached at a
third aperture of the depression chamber.
55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the second pump is a
one-way pump.
56. The method according to claim 53, wherein the first valve is
electrically or mechanically operated.
57. The method according to claim 53, wherein all of the steps are
repeated a plurality of times as a plurality of brushing cycles are
performed in the operation of the oral care appliance.
58. The method according to claim 53, further comprising: injecting
an oral care composition into the mouthpiece through a supply tank
after the pressure difference is created in the mouthpiece.
59. The method according to claim 58 further comprising: closing
the first valve when the oral care composition is injected into the
mouthpiece.
60. An oral care appliance comprising: a mouthpiece comprising a
flexible membrane configured to deform in response to pressure
variations generated in a cavity resulting in volume changes of the
cavity; a depression chamber having a plurality of apertures and a
means for generating pressure variations in the cavity; a first
pump: (i) engaged with a first aperture of the depression chamber;
and (ii) configured to generate a vacuum in the depression chamber;
and a second aperture of the depression chamber connected to the
mouthpiece through a connecting line.
61. The oral care appliance according to claim 60, further
comprising a valve mechanism coupled to the connecting line; and
wherein the valve mechanism is adapted for communication between
the depression chamber and the mouthpiece.
62. The oral care appliance according to claim 60, wherein the
cavity is a space between a dental arch and the flexible
membrane.
63. The oral care appliance according to claim 60, wherein a
gripping pressure of the mouthpiece is operable to change the
deformation of the flexible membrane on a dental arch.
64. The oral care appliance according to claim 60, wherein the
first pump is configured to aspirate air and fluids from the
mouthpiece into the depression chamber.
65. The oral care appliance according to claim 61, wherein the
first pump is configured to create a pressure difference between
the depression chamber and the cavity, when the valve mechanism is
in an open position, leading to aspiration of air/fluid from the
mouthpiece to the depression chamber.
66. The oral care appliance according to claim 61, further
comprising: a third aperture of the depression chamber; a second
pump connected to the third aperture; and wherein the second pump
is configured to drain fluids from the depression chamber via the
third aperture.
67. The oral care appliance according to claim 61, further
comprising: an anti-foam grid located in the depression chamber; a
second pump configured to drain fluids from the depression chamber;
and wherein the anti-foam grid is located in the depression chamber
such that the first pump is located on its one side and the second
pump is located on its other side.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/269,954, filed on Feb. 7, 2019.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dental cleaning plays a significant role in impacting the
overall health of an individual. Many people schedule regular
visits to a dentist for regular check-up's and cleaning operations.
Many devices have been developed over the years to achieve the
purpose of oral hygiene. These devices are either electrical or
non-electrical. Among the above-mentioned categories of dental
cleaning devices, electric dental units have gained popularity.
Some examples of electric dental units are electric toothbrushes,
dental water jets and electric flosses which intend to provide
cleaning results by eradicating the food remains, plaque, etc from
the spaces in between the teeth. These devices tend to require less
user intervention in their operation and some are also suitable for
people with reduced mobility or people on the move for whom it is
difficult to use a traditional toothbrush. However, it is necessary
to provide and improve existing dental units for ensuring
satisfactory cleaning results.
[0003] One drawback of existing oral care appliances is the limited
efficiency and durability of their electrical components which
reduces the appliance's useful life. The components of the dental
cleaning units may suffer degradation during the drainage and
release operation of the waste material from the user's mouth. For
example, the electrical components can be exposed to foam or waste
which may affect their operation as well as decrease the lifetime
of these components. There may also be some moving parts in the
dental units which require maintenance. As such, the overall
maintenance cost of the electrical dental units can be increased
due to degradation of these components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Specific embodiments of the present invention disclosed
herein relate to the technical field of oral care appliances and
methods of use thereof. In particular, specific embodiments of the
present invention disclosed herein relate to oral care appliances
for dental cleaning.
[0005] Specific embodiments of the present invention disclosed
herein overcome one or more of the above-mentioned problems with an
oral care appliance and a method for operating such appliance.
These solutions provide an easy to maintain and convenient oral
care appliance. They furthermore reduce the time required to
dedicate to oral hygiene. The oral care appliance may be used for
cleaning, whitening and in other general oral care
applications.
[0006] An oral care application in accordance with specific
embodiments of the present invention includes a mouthpiece
comprising a flexible membrane configured to deform in response to
pressure variations generated in a cavity resulting in volume
changes of the cavity, and a depression chamber having a plurality
of apertures and means for generating pressure variations in the
cavity. A first aperture of the depression chamber is engaged with
a first pump operatively generating a vacuum in the depression
chamber and a second aperture of the depression chamber is
connected to the mouthpiece through a connecting line.
[0007] A method of operating an oral care appliance in a brushing
cycle in accordance with specific embodiments of the present
invention includes generating a vacuum in a depression chamber by
means of a first pump attached to a first aperture of the
depression chamber, opening a first valve coupled to a connecting
line between a mouthpiece and a second aperture of the depression
chamber to create a pressure difference in the mouthpiece to
facilitate the contraction of the mouthpiece on a dental arch of a
user and thereby aspirating a fluid out the mouthpiece to the
depression chamber through the connecting line, and closing the
first valve to facilitate the relaxation of the mouthpiece wherein
vacuum is again created in the depression chamber by means of the
first pump.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an oral care appliance 10 in accordance
with specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mouthpiece 100 in
accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the mouthpiece 100
in accordance with specific embodiments of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a depression
chamber 200 in accordance with specific embodiments of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates the connection of a first pump 400 and a
second pump 402 with the depression chamber 200 in accordance with
specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates a check valve 404 connected between a
second pump 402 and the depression chamber 200 in accordance with
specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates the check valve 404 connected between
the second pump 402 and a sink in accordance with specific
embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6C illustrates an electrically operated valve 408
engaged between the second pump 402 and the depression chamber 200
in accordance with specific embodiments of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an internal perspective view of the
depression chamber 200 in accordance with specific embodiments of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing the placement
of an anti-foam mesh/grid 212 inside the depression chamber 200 in
accordance with specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operation of an oral care
appliance during a brushing cycle in accordance with specific
embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates the draining of the waste/fluid by the
second pump 402 during a method of operation of the oral care
appliance during a brushing cycle in accordance with specific
embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates the injection of an oral care
composition 502 in the mouthpiece 100 during a method of operation
of the oral care appliance during a brushing cycle in accordance
with specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrated an alternate embodiment of functioning
of the depression chamber 200 in accordance with specific
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] Aspects of the present invention can be understood by
reference to the figures and description set forth herein. However,
the following descriptions, and numerous specific details thereof,
are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many
changes and modifications to the specific descriptions may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and the
present invention includes all such modifications. It is to be
understood that the embodiments may or may not overlap with each
other. Thus, part of one embodiment, or specific embodiments
thereof, may or may not fall within the ambit of another, or
specific embodiments thereof, and vice versa.
[0023] Aspects of specific embodiments of the present invention
will be presented by describing various embodiments using specific
examples and represented in different figures. For clarity and ease
of description, each aspect includes only a few embodiments.
Different embodiments from different aspects may be combined or
practiced separately, to design a customized process depending upon
application requirements. Many different combinations and
sub-combinations of a few representative processes shown within the
broad framework of this invention, that may be apparent to those
skilled in the art but not explicitly shown or described, should
not be construed as precluded.
[0024] This disclosure is generally drawn, inter alia, to
appliances, systems, and methods to maintain oral care health and
hygiene.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an oral care appliance 10 according to
the presently disclosed subject matter that comprises a mouthpiece
100 including a flexible membrane 110 configured to deform in
response to pressure variations generated in a cavity 120 resulting
in volume changes of the cavity 120. The volume of the cavity can
increase or decrease depending on the pressure variations inside
the cavity. A positive pressure relative to ambient pressure inside
the cavity increases its volume and a negative pressure relative to
ambient pressure inside the cavity decreases its volume. The oral
care appliance 10 further comprises a depression chamber 200 having
a plurality of apertures 202, 204 and means for generating pressure
variations inside the cavity. The means for generating pressure
variations inside the cavity is a reservoir 206 within depression
chamber 200 that is in fluid communication with the cavity and that
has a controllable variant pressure. Various approaches for
adjusting and maintaining the pressure within that reservoir are
disclosed herein. The aperture 202 is engaged with a first pump 400
operatively generating a vacuum inside the reservoir 206 of the
depression chamber 200 while the aperture 204 is connected to the
mouthpiece 100 through a connecting line 300. The pump 400
transforms electrical energy into mechanical work used to move
fluid from or into the reservoir 206 of the depression chamber 200.
This fluid movement increases or decreases the pressure inside the
reservoir 206 of the depression chamber 200.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates the perspective view of the mouthpiece
100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The mouthpiece 100
is preferably made up of flexible/soft material suitable for
medical use or oral care. This allows easy insertion inside the
mouth of the user providing comfort and reversible deformation. The
mouthpiece 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is made
up of flexible material impermeable to gases (such as air), liquids
(water, cleaning liquid, disinfecting liquid) and any solid (waste
particles, debris); such as latex, TPE, silicone, or any other
flexible polymer compatible with a medical or oral care use. The
mouthpiece 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2, is adapted to be placed on
a dental arch of the user, comprises a flexible membrane 110
configured to deform in response to pressure variations inside the
cavity 120, where the cavity 120 is a space formed between the
dental arch and the flexible membrane 110 or between two layers of
the mouthpiece. The gripping pressure changes the contraction of
the flexible membrane 110 of the mouthpiece 100 placed on the
dental arch of the user.
[0027] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 3,
the mouthpiece 100 comprises an outer membrane 111 and an inner
membrane 112. The outer membrane 111 and the inner membrane 112 can
be made up of similar or different materials compatible to be used
in oral care. The mouthpiece 100 further comprises a plurality of
holes 118a, 118b for injecting/draining of a fluid/cleaning
agent/air into/from the mouthpiece 100. In particular examples, the
at least one-hole 118a can be used for injecting the fluid inside
the mouthpiece 100 and at least one-hole 118b for draining the
fluid out of the mouthpiece 100. In some further particular
examples, the holes 118 can be placed on any position on the outer
membrane 111. In a different example, a single hole 118 can be used
for injecting/draining the fluid/cleaning agent/air. A plurality of
cleaning elements 115 is attached to the inner membrane 112. In
another particular example, the mouthpiece 100 comprises numerous
injection and aspiration ports on its inner membrane 112 to
distribute both the aspiration and the injection of fluid evenly in
the mouthpiece 100 and thus on the gums and dentition of the user.
The cleaning elements 115 can include a set of cylindrical or
conical bristles which may be glued, overmolded or attached to the
inner membrane by other different means. In specific examples, the
shape of the cleaning elements 115 can be conical, cylindrical,
flat, pointed tip, tapered, star-shaped, Zig-Zag etc. The cleaning
elements 115 can be arranged in different angular arrangements in
the mouthpiece 100 to provide effective cleaning around and in
between the dental arch. The cleaning elements 115 can be used for
removing plaque, debris, inter-dental particles etc. inside the
mouth. The outer membrane 111 is configured for contacting on the
gum of the user, providing comfort and good hermeticity to the
cavity 120 formed by the mouthpiece 100.
[0028] The mechanical action of the cleaning elements 115 can
consist of rubbing, sliding, deforming, rotating, vibrating or any
other particular movement on the surface of the teeth of the
user.
[0029] In a particular embodiment, the outer membrane 111 is made
of rigid material to drive the deformation of the inner membrane
112 toward the teeth. In another embodiment, the shape of the outer
membrane 111 is designed to favour the amplitude and gripping
pressure of the deformation of the inner membrane 112 toward
particular areas of the dentition to improve their cleaning. This
particular feature can be achieved by having discontinuity of the
volume the cavity or cavities, the thickness, the material,
rigidity or the shape of the outer membrane 111 or any other of its
characteristics.
[0030] In specific embodiments of the invention, the mouthpiece 100
can be an inflatable mouthpiece configured to deform in response to
pressure variations in at least one cavity of the inflatable
mouthpiece itself. The at least one cavity in case of the
inflatable mouthpiece is formed inside the mouthpiece 100 between
the inner membrane 112 and the outer membrane 111. The pressure
decrease (relative to ambient pressure) in the at least one cavity
of the mouthpiece 100, wherein the mouthpiece 100 is inflatable,
may result in a relaxation phase of the mouthpiece 100 and
vice-versa.
[0031] The mouthpiece 100 can be in a form of denture shape or a
U-shaped mouthpiece. The mouthpiece 100 may be made-up of soft
material which is moulded/pre-shaped in a curved shape forming an
arch, U-shape, c-shape, horseshoe shape, or any other shape
allowing easy insertion of the mouthpiece around the dental arch of
the user. The components of the mouthpiece 100 can be composed of
one or more several materials. Examples of materials may include
but are not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicon, latex, polymer,
thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and other soft and flexible material
suitable for oral care.
[0032] Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are suitable as flexible
materials for oral care applications. They are copolymers
consisting in a physical mix of polymers having plastic and
elastomeric properties. Furthermore, they have a suitable
temperature range of operation, between -10.degree. C. and
80.degree. C. They can have good food and medical grade properties
as well as an absence of significant creep. Furthermore, they have
good tearing and tensile strength. This makes TPEs suitable for
constituting the flexible material of the mouthpiece 100.
[0033] Silicone is another polymer suitable as flexible material
for oral care applications. It is a very stable polymer with low
chemical reactivity. Furthermore it is stable over a large range of
temperature (between -100.degree. C. and 250.degree. C.). It also
has excellent creep, tear strength and elongation properties. In
addition, it also has good food and medical grade properties making
suitable for the flexible material of the mouthpiece 100.
[0034] For pleasing of the eyes, the inner and outer surface of the
mouthpiece can be coloured or transparent with visual effect or
not, textured or not.
[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the shape of the
mouthpiece 100 is adapted for usage of distinct users by means of
adapting angle of the U-shape to match the shape of jaw of the
user. In another embodiment, the shape of the mouthpiece may be
adapted for adjustment of the mouthpiece to match the height of
gingiva and teeth of the user. The adaptability of the mouthpiece
according to different shapes and heights of the users provides
satisfactory dental cleaning to different users with different
configurations of the dental arch.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the depression chamber 200 according to
an embodiment of the invention. The depression chamber 200
comprises a plurality of apertures 202, 204 and a reservoir 206
enclosed between the walls of the depression chamber 200. The
reservoir 206 acts as means of generating pressure variations in
the cavity formed between the mouthpiece 100 and the dental arch of
the user. The chamber can be made up of any material selected from
a group of plastic, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), ABS (Acrylonitrile
Butadiene Styrene), a high-density polyethylene polymer or other
such similar materials.
[0037] ABS is a thermoplastic copolymer, impact resistant, tough,
and with a reasonable heat resistance. ABS is chemically resistant
to acids, alkalis and alcohols. ABS is lightweight and injection
mouldable. All these properties make it suitable as a material for
the depression chamber.
[0038] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first
aperture 202 is connected to the first pump 400 as shown in FIG. 5.
In some examples, the aperture 202 acts as a vacuum inlet and
allows the first pump 400 to create vacuum inside the reservoir 206
by sucking the air out of the reservoir 206. The second aperture
204 of the depression chamber 200 is connected to the mouthpiece
100 through the connecting line 300. In some specific examples, the
aperture 204 acts as a waste liquid/fluid inlet passing the waste
and the air from the mouthpiece 100 to the depression chamber 200.
The air and the waste are aspirated into the depression chamber 200
by the first pump 400. The first pump 400 is operatively engaged to
the depression chamber to create the vacuum/depression inside the
depression chamber 200; the vacuum thereby creates a pressure
difference between the inside of the cavity formed between the
mouthpiece 100 and the dental arch and the reservoir 206 of the
depression chamber 200; resulting in aspiration of air and waste
from the mouthpiece 100 to the depression chamber 200.
[0039] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the connecting
line 300 comprises a valve mechanism 302 to control the connection
between the mouthpiece 100 and the depression chamber 200. In some
specific examples, the valve mechanism 302 comprises an
electrically or a mechanically operated valve. The valve mechanism
302 is in open position when the air and the waste are aspirated
from the mouthpiece 100. According to different examples of the
invention, the valve mechanism 302 can be a solenoid valve or a
servo-valve, any electronic valve with a pinch valve or a membrane
valve. The valve 302 may also be replaced by a valve which is
controlled by a pneumatic circuit (i.e., a pneumatic control
valve).
[0040] In another embodiment of the invention, the depression
chamber 200 further comprises a third aperture 210, as shown in
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, which acts as waste outlet to drain the waste
from the depression chamber 200. In another specific embodiment of
the invention, the third aperture is engaged with a second pump 402
that drains the waste from the depression chamber 200.
[0041] According to specific embodiment of the invention, the
second pump 402 can be a one-way pump used for draining out waste
liquids.
[0042] According to another specific embodiment of the invention,
the second pump 402 can be a peristaltic pump or any other pump
suitable for draining out the waste from the depression chamber
200.
[0043] According to yet another specific embodiment of the
invention as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the second pump 402 can be a
two-way pump having a check valve 404 in between the pump 402 and
the depression chamber 200. The check valve 404 prevents the air
from entering the depression chamber 200 through aperture 210 which
would otherwise potentially affect the vacuum created inside the
depression chamber 200. According to another embodiment as shown in
FIG. 6B, the check valve 404 can also be placed between the pump
402 and a sink.
[0044] In still another embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 6C, an electrically operated valve 408 is engaged between the
second pump 402 and the depression chamber 200. The valve 408 is
closed when the vacuum is created in the depression chamber 200.
This aids in isolating or cancelling the depression formed in the
depression chamber 200. The valve 408 is in open position during
the draining of the waste at the end of a cycle or when there is
sufficient waste inside the depression chamber 200. After the waste
is drained completely from the depression chamber 200, the valve
408 closes.
[0045] According to another specific embodiment of the invention,
the user may manually drain or empty the depression chamber 200.
According to different specific examples, the depression chamber
200 can be removable or detachable from the oral care appliance
10.
[0046] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
depression chamber 200 prevents foam and fluid from flowing through
the first pump 400 while the second pump 402 drains the fluid out
of the depression chamber 200.
[0047] According to different examples of the invention, the pumps
400, 402 may be connected in various arrangements to the depression
chamber 200. In a specific example, the first pump 400 may be
connected on an upper portion of the depression chamber 200 and the
second pump 402 may be connected to a lower portion of the
depression chamber 200. In another specific example, the second
pump 402 may be connected on the upper portion of the depression
chamber 200 and the first pump 400 may be connected to the lower
portion of the depression chamber 200.
[0048] According to different examples of the invention, any other
actuators can also be used in place of the first pump 400 and the
second pump 402 to perform similar functions as disclosed
herein.
[0049] The depression chamber 200 can be designed/manufactured in a
variety of shapes and configurations. FIG. 7 illustrates an
internal perspective view of the depression chamber 200 according
to an alternate embodiment of the invention. A separating wall 214
is located inside the depression chamber 200 altering the
connections on the depression chamber 200. The first aperture 202
is located at a lower height than the second aperture 204. The
shape of depression chamber 200 can be selected to prevent liquid
from flowing out through first aperture 202 while liquid is flowing
out through third aperture 210. In a particular embodiment, the
vacuum pump 400 is connected to the outlet 204, the connecting line
300 is connected to the inlet 202. This connection configuration
can be reversed meaning that the vacuum pump 400 is connected to
the outlet 202 and the connecting line 300 is connected to the
inlet 204. For both configuration, the drain pump should always be
connected to the outlet with the lower altitude in order to collect
the maximum of wasted fluid. When a vacuum is generated inside the
depression chamber, fluids are aspirated from the connecting line
300 and fill one of the compartment of the depression chamber
before being evacuated. Thus the wasted fluid aspirated never reach
the vacuum pump outlet (either 202 or 204) and the vacuum pump 400
is protected.
[0050] According to still another embodiment of the invention, an
anti-foam mesh/grid 212 is placed inside the depression chamber
200. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing the placement of
the anti-foam mesh/grid 212 inside the depression chamber 200. The
anti-foam mesh/grid 212 may be used to protect the first pump 400
against foam and liquid flow, thereby improving the lifespan of the
first pump 400 as well as the oral care appliance 1 in general. The
anti-foam mesh/grid 212 used can be used from any material suitable
for destroying the foam inside the chamber 200. For instance, it
may be made of stainless steel or other stainless metal. In one
embodiment, the anti-foam mesh can be made of finely meshed
stainless steel, the small cells of such a mesh limit the space
available and thus prevent the foam from expanding. In another
embodiment, the anti-foam is made of a polyurethane foam that
absorbs the liquid present in the mix of air and liquid in the foam
and thus prevents the foam from forming.
[0051] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the anti-foam
mesh/grid 212 may be placed between inlet for the first pump 400
and the second pump 402. In an alternate embodiment, the anti-foam
mesh/grid 212 may be located at the bottom of the depression
chamber 200 in proximity to the third aperture 210.
[0052] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
anti-foam mesh/grid 212 can be located inside the depression
chamber 200 in a way that the first pump 400 is located on its one
side and the second pump 402 is located on its other side wherein
the second pump 402 drains the waste out from the depression
chamber 200.
[0053] In yet another embodiment of the invention, heating effects
may be used inside the depression chamber 200 for preventing the
foam form forming in the chamber 200.
[0054] In yet another embodiment of the invention, high frequency
pulses such as ultrasounds/ultrasonic waves may be used inside the
depression chamber 200 for treating/preventing the foam created in
the depression chamber 200.
[0055] In yet another embodiment of the invention, filters may be
placed between the mouthpiece 100 and the depression chamber 200
for treating/preventing the foam in the depression chamber 200.
[0056] In yet another embodiment of the invention, filters may be
placed between the mouthpiece 100 and the depression chamber 200
for preventing the transfer of large debris that could accumulate
inside the depression chamber.
[0057] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the depression
chamber 200 is provided with means for limiting the fluid flow such
as one or more chicane arrangements for treating/preventing the
foam in the waste.
[0058] In yet another embodiment of the invention, treatment of
waste can be done inside the depression chamber 200 for preventing
the foam formation by the methods known to the person skilled in
the art.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, a brushing
cycle comprises a sequence of an oral care composition injection
inside the mouthpiece followed by contraction and relaxation
phases. The oral care composition can be injected into the
mouthpiece by creating a pressure difference between the inside of
the mouthpiece and the supply tank. The pressure difference can be
negative or positive. The injection cycle is followed by a
contraction cycle in which the waste is drained out from the
mouthpiece and the mouthpiece contracts on the dental arch followed
by a relaxation cycle in which ambient air is injected into the
mouthpiece taking the mouthpiece back to its original shape so that
it moves away from the dental arch. Alternating sequences of one or
several oral care composition injections followed by many
contraction and relaxation phases can be performed to complete a
brushing cycle.
[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention as
illustrated in FIG. 9, a method for operating an oral care
appliance in a brushing cycle is described. The oral care appliance
comprises a mouthpiece 100; depression chamber 200 having a
plurality of apertures 202, 204, 210; a first pump 400 attached to
the first aperture 202; and a connecting line 300 connecting the
mouthpiece 100 with the second aperture 204 of the depression
chamber 200. The connecting line 300 comprises a valve 302 to
control the communication between the mouthpiece 100 and the
depression chamber 200. The method for operating an oral care
appliance comprises the steps of: generating vacuum in the
depression chamber 200 by means of the first pump 400 attached to
the first aperture 202 of the depression chamber 200; opening the
first valve 302 coupled to the connecting line 300 between the
mouthpiece 100 and the second aperture 204 of the depression
chamber 200 to create a pressure difference between the mouthpiece
100 and the ambient atmosphere and facilitate the contraction of
the mouthpiece 100 on a dental arch of a user, thereby aspirating a
fluid from the mouthpiece 100 to the depression chamber 200 through
the connecting line 300; closing the first valve 302 to facilitate
the relaxation of the mouthpiece 100 wherein vacuum is again
created in the depression chamber 200 by means of the first pump
400.
[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
pump 400 is operatively engaged to generate a vacuum/depression
inside the depression chamber 200; particularly inside the
reservoir 206 of the depression chamber 200. The vacuum/depression
created in the depression chamber 200 creates a negative pressure
between the inside of the mouthpiece 100 and the ambient atmosphere
when the valve 302 is in open position, thereby enabling the
mouthpiece 100 to contract on the dental arch of the user and
subsequently, aspirating the fluid out from the mouthpiece 100 to
the depression chamber 200. The fluid can be air during the
starting phase of the brushing cycle according to specific example
of the invention.
[0062] According to specific embodiment of the invention, the first
pump 400 is always running regardless of the position of the valve
302 to create the suitable depressions inside the depression
chamber 200. The magnitude or speed with which the depressions are
generated affects the efficiency of the oral care appliance 10.
Thus, the continuous depressions created in the depression chamber
200 allow to reach an air depression level faster in the mouthpiece
100 which subsequently increases the efficiency of the appliance
10. In certain situations such a set of embodiments outperforms an
alternative approach in which a pump creates the depression
periodically in step with the required delivery of cycles of
compression and relaxation in mouthpiece 100.
[0063] According to specific embodiment of the invention, the
depression chamber 200 and more specifically the reservoir 206
enclosed between the walls of the depression chamber 200 acts as a
vacuum reservoir allowing the drainage of the waste from the
mouthpiece while maintaining the pressure difference between the
inside and the outside of the depression chamber.
[0064] According to specific embodiment of the invention, the
vacuum is continuously created in the depression chamber 200 to
increase the speed of contractions inside the mouthpiece 100. Thus,
the requirement for providing several contraction/relaxation cycles
during the brushing cycle is achieved by continuously creating the
vacuum inside the chamber 200. Thereby, continuous depressions
inside the depression chamber allow continuous pulses of
injection/contractions in an oral care appliance.
[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a
passive solution may be used, such as a check valve, a pressure
relief valve, in order to control the communication between the
first pump 400 and the depression chamber 200, thus allowing to
control the level of depressions inside the chamber 200.
[0066] According to a specific embodiment of the invention, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, the output of the first pump 400 can be
connected to a third aperture 210 of the depression chamber 200 to
allow the drainage of waste/fluid out form the aperture 210.
[0067] According to another embodiment of the invention as
illustrated in FIG. 10, a method for operating an oral care
appliance in a brushing cycle, wherein a pump 402 is arranged with
the third aperture 210 of the depression chamber 200. The second
pump 402 drains the waste from the depression chamber 200.
According to specific embodiment of the invention, the second pump
402 can be a one-way pump used for draining out waste liquids.
According to another specific embodiment of the invention, the
second pump 402 can be a peristaltic pump or any other pump
suitable for draining out the waste from the depression chamber
200. The peristaltic pump offers easy maintenance as compared to
other pumping technologies. The peristaltic pump comprises flexible
tubing running through rollers in the pump head. As fluid goes
through the pump head, packets of fluid are formed. The only part
of the peristaltic pump that encounters the fluid is tubing. This
limits contacts between the fluid and mechanical parts of the pump
in order to minimize its wear. Furthermore, a peristaltic pump is a
one-way pump meaning that at any moment of its operating no
opposite flow can go through the pump. This property enables the
pump 402 to seal the depression chamber 200.
[0068] According to another embodiment of the invention, the method
for operating an oral care appliance comprises the steps of:
generating vacuum in the depression chamber 200 by means of the
first pump 400 attached to the first aperture 202 of the depression
chamber 200; opening the first valve 302 coupled to the connecting
line 300 between the mouthpiece 100 and the second aperture 204 of
the depression chamber 200 subsequently, the pressure inside the
mouthpiece decreases relative to ambient pressure and, thus,
facilitates the contraction of the mouthpiece 100 on a dental arch
of the user and thereby aspirating a fluid out from the mouthpiece
100 to the depression chamber 200 through the connection line 300;
after a certain amount of time, or alternatively, once the pressure
difference between the inside of the cavity and ambient pressure
reaches a calibrated value, closing the first valve 302 coupled to
the connecting line 300; the pressure inside the mouthpiece can be
measured by means of pressure sensor or other means; closing the
first valve 302 to facilitate the relaxation of the mouthpiece 100
wherein vacuum is again created in the depression chamber 200 by
means of the first pump 400. In this embodiment, the pump 402
connected to the third aperture 210 seals the depression chamber
200 as it does not let air flow through it and prevent the loss of
vacuum created in the depression chamber 200. In this embodiment,
the pump 400 can always be running to create continuous vacuum in
the depression chamber 200 during the brushing cycle. Furthermore,
the pump 402 can also always be running to continuously drain the
depression chamber and avoid overflowing of the depression
chamber.
[0069] According to exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
particular time can be between 10-1000 ms and the certain pressure
difference relative to ambient pressure can be between -100 kPa to
200 kPa. The time and pressure can vary depending upon the use and
the requirements of the brushing cycle without departing from the
spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0070] According to another embodiment of the invention as
illustrated in FIG. 11, a method for operating an oral care
appliance in a brushing cycle, a supply tank 500 is provided with
an oral care composition 502, where the supply tank is connected to
the mouthpiece 100 by a connecting line between the supply tank 500
and the mouthpiece 100. The method for operating an oral care
appliance comprises the steps of: generating vacuum in the
depression chamber 200 by means of the first pump 400 attached to
the first aperture 202 of the depression chamber 200; opening the
first valve 302 coupled to the connecting line 300 between the
mouthpiece 100 and the second aperture 204 of the depression
chamber 200, the pressure inside the mouthpiece 100 decreases
relative to ambient pressure thus enabling the contraction of the
mouthpiece on a dental arch of a user. The negative pressure inside
the mouthpiece 100 leads to the aspiration of the oral care
composition 502 from the supply tank 500 to the mouthpiece; after a
certain amount of time, or alternatively, once the pressure
difference between the inside of the cavity and ambient pressure
reaches a calibrated value, closing the first valve 302 to again
create a depression in the depression chamber 200 with the help of
the first pump 400; after a certain amount of time, or
alternatively, once the pressure difference between the inside of
the cavity and ambient pressure is reached, opening the first valve
302 thereby aspirating the waste out from the mouthpiece 100 to the
depression chamber 200 through the connection line 300; after a
certain amount of time, or alternatively, once the pressure
difference between the inside of the cavity and ambient pressure
reaches a calibrated value, closing the first valve 302 to
facilitate the relaxation of the mouthpiece 100 wherein vacuum is
again created in the depression chamber 200 by means of the first
pump 400. The pressure inside the mouthpiece can be measured by
means of pressure sensor or other means. The second pump 402 drains
the wasted liquid from the depression chamber 200 to the sink. The
second pump 402 connected to the third aperture 210 seals the
depression chamber 200 as it does not let air flowing through it
and prevent the loss of vacuum created in the depression chamber
200. In these embodiments, the pump 400 can always be running to
create a continuous vacuum in the depression chamber 200 during the
brushing cycle.
[0071] According to another embodiment of the invention, the valve
302 can be open or close for a set time defined by a timer. The set
time can be chosen depending on the requirements of the brushing
cycle.
[0072] According to another embodiment of the invention as
illustrated in FIG. 12. The method for operating an oral care
appliance comprises the steps of: generating a positive pressure in
the depression chamber 200 by means of a pump 408 attached to the
first aperture 202 of the depression chamber 200. The pump 408 is
increasing the pressure inside the depression chamber 200 relative
to ambient pressure by injecting air or liquid into the depression
chamber 200; thereby opening the first valve 302 after the pressure
inside the depression chamber reaches a monitored value or after a
particular time period to increase the pressure inside the
mouthpiece by the air or liquid flow into the mouthpiece from the
depression chamber 200. According to another embodiment the
depression chamber 200 can act as pressure chamber to increase the
speed of the establishment of a positive pressure in the mouthpiece
100.
[0073] According to another specific embodiment of the invention,
the second pump 402 can be a two-way pump having a check valve 404
in between the pump 402 and the depression chamber 200. The check
valve 404 prevents the air from entering the depression chamber 200
as this phenomenon can affect the vacuum created inside the
depression chamber 200. According to another specific embodiment,
the position of the check valve 404 is reversed when the depression
chamber 200 acts as a pressure chamber to increase the speed of the
establishment of a positive pressure in the mouthpiece 100.
[0074] According to another specific embodiment of the invention,
the method for operating the oral care appliance can be used on
multiple dental arches simultaneously.
[0075] According to another specific embodiment of the invention, a
single depression chamber can be connected to multiple mouthpieces,
thereby creating pressure difference in the multiple
mouthpieces.
[0076] According to another specific embodiment of the invention, a
tailor-made pump can be used with the mouthpiece 100 to create the
pressure difference inside the mouthpiece 100. According to a
different example, the tailor-made pump, and an associated membrane
and mouthpiece, can be used with the depression chamber 200 to
enhance the magnitude and speed to generate depressions inside the
chamber 200.
[0077] According to another specific embodiment of the invention,
the waste is drained at the end of the brushing cycle. The waste
can be manually drained from the depression chamber 200.
[0078] One or more of the above-mentioned embodiments/steps of the
present invention can be automated completely or partially using
one or more of a control system, timer, pressure sensor and
software.
[0079] Although the invention has been described with regard to its
embodiments, specific embodiments and various examples, it should
be understood that various changes and modifications as would be
obvious to one having the ordinary skill in this art may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *