Brushing mouthpiece including a tray driven in a cervical-occlusal direction

Abstract

A brushing mouthpiece is disclosed. The brushing mouthpiece has a boot seal and valve disposed between the handle and the brush head, which when a pressure on an inside of the bladder is less than a pressure on an outside of the bladder, the bladder draws air from the atmosphere into the pneumatic actuation system removing the negative internal pressure differential in the pneumatic actuation. A brushing mouthpiece may also have an S-convolute disposed in a membrane and adapted to enable paddle travel with minimal strain experienced by the membrane, while substantially minimizing an effective surface area of the membrane and substantially maximizing an effective surface of a paddle.

Description

BRUSHING MOUTHPIECE INCLUDING A TRAY DRIVEN IN A CERVICAL-OCCLUSAL DIRECTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This present application claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 631,529 filed on April 9, 2024. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 631,529 is specifically incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of dental hygiene, and more specifically to a pneumatically powered brushing mouthpiece.BACKGROUND

[0003] Brushing mouthpieces are a positive development in the oral healthcare market, reducing required brushing time and allowing for a simplified brushing technique with consistent cleaning results. Powered brushing mouthpieces in particular enable the users to place the brushing mouthpieces over their teeth, and allow the repetitive motion of bristles to perform the plaque removal operations.

[0004] The effectiveness of brushing mouthpieces depends in part on the force with which the bristles are applied to the surfaces of the teeth. This force is dependent on a number of factors including the size of the user’s teeth, and the number, length and stiffness of the bristles contacting the tooth surfaces, and the force applied by movable portions of the mouthpiece to the teeth during the brushing operation. Currently, the effects of such factors are not precisely controlled, particularly the amount of force applied by the movable portions of the mouthpiece, and are determined primarily through trial and error. Further, the amount of force changes in response to environmental factors, such as the size of a particular user’s teeth, so the boundaries of effectiveness are largely unknown. As a result, conventional brushing mouthpieces fail to uniformly and consistently clean the user’s teeth. Because the brushing mouthpieces may inadequately clean or entirely miss one or more areas, the user may develop plaque and / or localgum health problems.SUMMARY

[0005] According to a representative embodiment, a brushing mouthpiece comprises: a tray configured to receive teeth of at least one of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of a user. The tray comprises: an arch configured to extend over occlusal and incisal surfaces of the user’s teeth. The brushing mouthpiece also comprises a brush head having an inflatable bladder and configured to be replaceably mounted to a handle of the brushing mouthpiece; a pneumatic actuation system comprising a pump disposed the handle and a pneumatic connection between the pump and the bladder. The brushing mouthpiece further comprises a boot seal and valve with the boot seal disposed between the handle and the brush head. When a pressure on an inside of the bladder is less than a pressure on an outside of the bladder, the bladder draws air from the atmosphere into the pneumatic actuation system removing the negative internal pressure differential in the pneumatic actuation. In certain embodiments, the boot seal and valve are disposed between the handle and the brush head. In certain embodiments, the boot seal and valve are a unitary piece, whereas in other embodiments, the boot seal and valve comprise more than one piece. In one representative embodiment, the boot seal and valve comprises a boot seal and a valve (i.e., two pieces).

[0006] According to another representative embodiment, a brushing mouthpiece comprises: a tray configured to receive teeth of at least one of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of a user. The tray comprises: an arch configured to extend over occlusal and incisal surfaces of the user’s teeth. The brushing mouthpiece also comprises a brush head having an inflatable bladder and configured to be replaceably mounted to a handle of the brushing mouthpiece; a pneumatic actuation system comprising a pump disposed the handle and a pneumatic connection between the pump and the bladder. The brushing mouthpiece further comprises a brushing mouthpiece an S-convolute disposed in a membrane and adapted to enable paddle travel with minimal strain experienced by the membrane, while substantially minimizing an effective surface area of the membrane and substantially maximizing an effective surface of a paddle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The example embodiments are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that the various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. Wherever applicable and practical, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a brushing mouthpiece according to a representative embodiment.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a brush head positioned in the user’s mouth for performing a brushing operation in accordance with a minimum force requirement, according to a representative embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable bladder within the brushing mouthpiece used with a pneumatic drive system for performing a brushing operation in accordance with a minimum force requirement, according to a representative embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of boot seal and valve disposed beneath a brush head and a handle of brushing mouthpiece in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the boot seal and valve of Fig. 4A.

[0013] Fig. 5A is a top view of a paddle of a mouthpiece in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the paddle of Fig. 5 A taken along the line 5B-5B.

[0015] Fig. 5C is a cross-sectional view of an S-convolute in a compressed and an expanded position in accordance with a representative embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 5D is a side view of a upper and lower halves of paddle of a mouthpiece in accordance with a representative embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, representative embodiments disclosing specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of an embodiment according to the present teachings. Descriptions of known systems, devices, materials, methods of operation and methods of manufacture may be omitted so as to avoid obscuring the description of the representative embodiments. Nonetheless,systems, devices, materials and methods that are within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present teachings and may be used in accordance with the representative embodiments. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The defined terms are in addition to the technical and scientific meanings of the defined terms as commonly understood and accepted in the technical field of the present teachings.

[0018] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms of terms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include both singular and plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” and / or similar terms such as “includes” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and thus should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0020] The term “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,”will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0021] Unless otherwise noted, when an element or component is said to be “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element or component, it will be understood that the element or component can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or component, or intervening elements or components may be present. That is, these and similar terms encompass cases where one or more intermediate elements or components may be employed to connect two elements or components. However, when an element or component is said to be “directly connected” to another element or component, this encompasses only cases where the two elements or components are connected to each other without any intermediate or intervening elements or components.

[0022] As used in the specification and appended claims, and in addition to their ordinary meanings, the terms “substantial” or “substantially” mean to within acceptable limits or degree. As used in the specification and the appended claims and in addition to its ordinary meaning, the term “approximately” means to within an acceptable limit or amount to one having ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately the same” means that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider the items being compared to be the same.

[0023] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0024] Operation of a pneumatic toothbrush requires pumping air in and out of the brush head to provide amplitude is described in connection with devices of various representative embodiments. As will become clearer as the present description continues, it is beneficial toimprove, if not maximize, the amplitude of the oscillatory motion of the brush head for a given volume of air pumped therein. Additionally, to improve performance, it is beneficial that the brush head not develop leaks during its service life and also be manufacturable in a commercially feasible manner. Representative embodiments adapted to substantially achieve these benefits are described more fully below.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a power brushing mouthpiece configured to operate in accordance with a minimum force requirement, according to a representative embodiment. Referring to Fig. 1, brushing mouthpiece 100 includes a handle 110, a drive system 120 disposed within the handle 110, and a brushing mouthpiece 130 operationally coupled to the drive system 120. The handle 110 provides an ergonomically designed grip for the user to comfortably hold and maneuver the brushing mouthpiece 100. Notably, for ease of description herein, it is assumed that the user of the brushing mouthpiece 100 is the same person whose teeth are being cleaned by the brushing mouthpiece 130. However, it is understood that a person other than the user, such as a dental hygienist or a parent of a young child, may actually be operating the brushing mouthpiece 100 without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0026] The drive system 120 is depicted as a pneumatic drive system for purposes of illustration, although any type of drive system capable of driving the brushing mouthpiece 130 in accordance with the minimum force requirement, as described herein, may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present teachings. The drive system 120 includes a pneumatic pump 122, a pneumatic manifold 124, and an air conduit 126 coupled to the pneumatic manifold 124. A switch 128 positioned on the handle 110 is operable by the user to power the brushing mouthpiece 100 on and off. The pneumatic pump 122 is an air compressor, such as a piston air compressor, for example, configured to provide compressed air to the pneumatic manifold 124, which acts as an interface between the pneumatic pump 122 and the air conduit 126.

[0027] The pneumatic pump 122 is configured to provide positive and negative cycling of air pressure. Specifically, pressure waves are created by the pneumatic pump and are intended to oscillate between ambient pressure and a positive pressure relative to ambient. If the drive system were to have a negative pressure relative to ambient, the system is not functioning property, and as described more fully below, a boot seal and valve opens and substantially equalizes the pressure in the drive system with ambient when the system pressure begins to gonegative.

[0028] The drive system 120 also includes a power source (not shown), such as a rechargeable battery, for providing electric power to at least the pneumatic pump 122. According to some embodiments, the pneumatic system may be closed, except for a small amount of air intake used to make up for air leakage. According to some alternative embodiments, the pneumatic system may not be closed, but instead includes at least one pressure relief valve (not shown) for releasing pressure from the drive system 120. Other types of drive systems may include a mechanical drive system, for example, in which the pneumatic pump 122 may be replaced by an electric motor and the air conduit 126 is replaced by mechanical linkage coupled to the brushing mouthpiece 130, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0029] In the depicted embodiment, the brushing mouthpiece 130 is coupled to the air conduit 126. The brushing mouthpiece 130 includes a first tray 131 and a second tray 132 (not shown in Fig. 1) opposing the first tray 131. The first tray 131 includes a first set of cleaning elements, such as bristles or brush pads, for simultaneously cleaning multiple surfaces of a set of upper teeth in the upper dental arch of the user, and the second tray 132 includes a second set of cleaning elements for simultaneously cleaning multiple surfaces of a set of lower teeth in the lower dental arch of the user, as discussed in detail below.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the brushing mouthpiece 130 positioned in the user’s mouth for performing a brushing operation in accordance with a minimum force requirement, according to a representative embodiment. Referring to Fig. 2, the first tray 131 is shown engaged with the set of upper teeth 141 in the upper dental arch 143 and the second tray 132 is shown engaged with the set of lower teeth 142 in the lower dental arch 144. In the depicted embodiment, each of the first and second trays 131 and 132 of the brushing mouthpiece 130 is J- shaped (quarter mouthpiece), meaning that they are intended to cover the upper and lower teeth in one half of the user’s mouth in order to clean half the user’s teeth simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, the each of the first and second trays 131 and 132 of the brushing mouthpiece 130 may be U-shaped (half mouthpiece), meaning that they are intended to cover the upper and lower teeth in the user’s entire mouth and in order to clean all of the user’s teeth simultaneously. In other alternative embodiments, the mouthpiece 130 may include only one J- shaped (e.g., the first tray 131 or the second tray 132, but not both) or one U-shaped tray forcleaning either the upper teeth 141 or the lower teeth 142 simultaneously, but not both, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0031] For purposes of illustration, a cut-away view of a coupler 125 is shown, where the coupler 125 operatively connects the brushing mouthpiece 130 to the drive system 120 in the handle 110 via the air conduit 126. The drive system 120 drives the first and second trays 131 and 132 to move repeatedly in a cervical-occlusal direction (up and down) via the coupler 125 to enable cleaning of the user’s teeth by outer and inner bristle tufts. A minimum tray displacement of the first and second trays 131 and 132 in the cervical-occlusal direction is a function of the amount of force applied by the drive system 120 in the cervical-occlusal direction, as discussed below. The amount of force applied by the drive system 120 is directly proportional to the interference between the outer and inner bristle tufts and the teeth at the toot surface, which depends on the width of the user’s teeth, as well as various secondary factors such as the number, length and stiffness of bristles in the outer and inner bristle tufts. The length of each of the bristles in the outer and inner bristle tufts may be between about 1 mm to about 7.5 mm, for example.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an inflatable bladder within the brushing mouthpiece 130 used with a pneumatic drive system for performing a brushing operation in accordance with a minimum force requirement, according to a representative embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, the first and second trays 131 and 132 of the brushing mouthpiece 130 include cleaning elements, indicated by representative outer bristle tuft 354 and inner bristle tuft 364 in the first tray 131 and representative outer bristle tuft 356 and inner bristle tuft 366 in the second tray 132.

[0033] In the depicted embodiment, the brushing mouthpiece 130 includes one or more inflatable bladders, indicated by representative inflatable bladder 135, positioned between the first and second trays 131 and 132. The inflatable bladder 135 is in fluid communication with the pneumatic pump 122 and the pneumatic manifold 124 via the coupler 125 and the air conduit 126 of the drive system 120. The pneumatic pump 122 alternately provides pressure to inflate the inflatable bladder 135 and suction to deflate the inflatable bladder 135. The inflation of the inflatable bladder 135 causes the first and second trays 131 and 132 to move away from one another, and the deflation of the inflatable bladder 135 causes the first and second trays 131 and 132 to move toward one another in the cervical-occlusal direction. The inflatable bladder 135 isthus configured to expand and contract in response to the positive and negative cycling of the air pressure by the pneumatic pump 122, respectively, to repeatedly move the tray between no displacement and the minimum tray displacement (x) in the cervical-occlusal direction.Repetition of this motion cyclically moves the cleaning elements in the first and second trays 131 and 132, e.g., the outer bristle tufts 354 and 356 and the inner bristle tufts 364 and 366, along the surfaces of the first and second sets of teeth, e.g.,. tooth 342, in the cervical-occlusal (up and down) direction for cleaning.

[0034] The user is instructed to hold the handle 110 parallel to their jaw, and not to bite down on the first and second trays 131 and 132 once they are placed over the user’s teeth. The alternating movement of the first and second trays in the cervical-occlusal direction by the cyclical inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder 135 results in a motion that mimics brushing motions of the well-known Bass Method. In some embodiments, the inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder 135 also imparts a side-to-side motion to the trays, which mimics the semi-circular brushing motion of the well-known Modified Bass Method. Thus, the powered first and second trays 131 and 132 automatically provide a compliant brushing technique recommended by dental professionals without requiring that the user to master complex brushing motion.

[0035] In general, a brushing mouthpiece must achieve a particular displacement amplitude and bristle tip pressure to effectively remove plaque. For a one-size-fits-all application, the brushing mouthpiece 130 will encounter jaws and teeth of a variety of shapes and sizes. The bristle interference variation that results from tooth width distribution of the general population will create a different brush stiffness for each user, and thus a different amplitude for a given drive force. Additionally, tooth width variation results in different bristle tip pressures for each user. As amplitude and bristle tip pressure are both dependent on tooth interference, minimum brush performance parameters must be defined to ensure that effective plaque removal occurs in the majority (e.g., 95 percent) of users.

[0036] Accordingly, the brushing mouthpiece 100 has a specified tray width range and tuft-to- tuft gap range that is driven in the cervical-occlusal direction at a minimum force specification. The brush may be J-shaped or U-shaped and can be driven by a pneumatic system or otherwise. The minimum force requirement is provided in terms of a minimum force displacement curve which defines the minimum performance required for effective cleaning.

[0037] Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of boot seal and valve 412 disposed between a mouthpiece 130 and a handle 110 of a brushing mouthpiece in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the boot and seal valve 412 may be common to those described in connection with various representative embodiments above. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0038] When the mouthpiece 130 is attached to the handle 110, the pneumatic pump system volume is not precisely known since the position at which the pump stops is not fully controlled. As such, the boot and seal valve 412 is provided to allow the pneumatic system to fill to a substantially consistent volume regardless of the position of the pump when the system is closed. As described more fully below, the boot and seal valve 412 is positioned on the device such that it doesn't expose the pneumatic system to contaminates that may exist within the handle 110 housing or allow fluid ingress into the handle 110. As such, the boot and seal valve 412 is integrated into the connection between the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110. As described more fully below, the boot and seal valve 412 is a one-way valve that allows air to be pulled in from atmosphere, but substantially prevents the pneumatic pressure from escaping in the other direction. As shown below, the boot and seal valve 412 is designed to be circumferential surrounding the air connection between the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110, and thereby provides a seal in the axial direction. Moreover, the boot and seal valve 412 serves a sealing function of the path of airflow in the pneumatic pump system.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the boot seal and valve 412 is integrated into the connection (interface) between the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110. Moreover, the boot seal portion of the boot seal and valve 412 is disposed between the handle 110 and the mouthpiece 130, while the valve portion of the boot seal and valve does not have to be disposed between the handle 110 and the brush head 130. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the boot seal and valve 412 is a unitary piece. This is not essential, however, and the boot seal and valve 412 may comprise more than one piece. As noted above, the boot seal and valve comprises a boot seal and a valve (i.e., two pieces).

[0040] As described more fully below, the boot and seal valve 412 allows the pneumatic system to fill to a consistent volume regardless of the position of the pump when the system is closed.Moreover, the valve 412 is located between the mouthpiece 130 and handle 110 so substantially prevents contaminants that may exist within the handle housing or from the atmosphere, nor allow fluid ingress into the handle 110.

[0041] The boot and seal valve 412 a one-way valve that allows air to be pulled in from atmosphere into the brush head, and prevents the pneumatic pressure from escaping in the other direction. The boot and seal valve 412 is designed to be substantially circumferential surrounding the air connection between the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110, providing a seal in the axial direction.

[0042] The boot and seal valve 412 functions as both a check valve and a seal between the pneumatic pump 122 in the handle 110 and the mouthpiece 130. Notably, as alluded to above, the pneumatic pump 122 is adapted to function in a substantially closed-air system. If leaks occur, the amplitude of the oscillatory motion causing the brushing action (described more fully below) may drop to an unacceptable level compromising the performance of the brushing mouthpiece. Specifically, when a negative pressure exists in the mouthpiece 130 relative to the handle 110, the airflow 414, 415 allows air from the atmosphere into the pneumatic system until the pressure differential is substantially zero. As such, if ever a negative pressure inside of the brush head the boot and seal valve moves upwardly (in the direction of airflow 414, 415) to allows air to be drawn in account for any leaks in the closed-air system, particularly at a certain at an advantageous part of the stroke. Therefore, the boot and seal valve will open that pathway for airflow 414, 415 to occur, and the requisite amplitude of the oscillatory motion for effective brushing is restored.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 4B the boot and seal valve 412 is shown in a closed position. Specifically, a seal 416 is engaged with an opposing element 417 on the handle 110. As will be appreciated, when there is no negative pressure differential from the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110 at the interface between where the boot and seal valve 412 is disposed, no airflow exists. Moreover, if the pressure in the mouthpiece 130 is greater than in the handle 110, the net force on the seal 416 is in a downward direction (i.e., opposite the direction of airflow 414, 415 in Fig. 4A), and the seal remains. Accordingly, when the closed-air system has a zero net internal pressure or a positive net internal pressure between the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110, which occurs to enable the oscillatory action of the brush head, seal 416 keeps the closed-airsystem closed and prevents ingress from the atmosphere / ambient outside the pneumatic system of the representative embodiment. As such, only when the net internal pressure between the mouthpiece 130 and the handle 110 negative relative does that seal open (moves upwardly (the same direction as airflow 414, 415) does the seal 416 lift up and act as a valve.

[0044] Figs. 5A-5D are various view of a portion of the mouthpiece 130 in accordance with a representative embodiment. Various aspects and details of the brush head described below may be common to those described in connection with various representative embodiments above. These common aspects and details may not be repeated to avoid obscuring the presently described representative embodiments.

[0045] Turning to Fig. 5A, a top view of a paddle 500 comprising the membrane 502 is shown. The paddle 500 comprises first posts 504, which are adapted to connect to the brush head. As described more fully below in connection with Figs. 5B and 5C, the oscillatory pumping action of the pneumatic pump causes the paddle 500 to move up and down (into the plane of the page). In a representative embodiment, the membrane 502 comprises an S-convolute (see Fig. 5B). The S-convolute is shown in the membrane cross section and is useful in the function rolling diaphragms, by allowing for paddle travel without putting the membrane 502 into significant tension, while minimizing the effective surface area of the membrane and maximizing that of the paddle 500. Notably, and as can be seen from a review of Figs. 5 A, 5B and 5D, the area of the membrane is small compared to that of the remaining elements of the paddle 500. Providing the membrane with a comparatively small areal dimension provides a reduced effective area that beneficially reduces the resistance of the system and minimizes strain on the membrane 502.

[0046] Beneficially, as shown in Fig. 5A, the overall profile of the bladder was chosen to maximize paddle are while still fully staying under the arch, with the objective to improve (or maximize) the brushing force caused by the oscillator motion of the paddle 500 in the mouthpiece 130 without causing comfort issues. As such, the paddle 500 has a curved profile as shown, and provides a comparatively large radius significantly reduce local stiffening of the membrane 502 and increase force output and reliability. As will be appreciated, the membrane 502 transfers force due to the oscillatory action of the pneumatic pump poorly compared to the paddle 500, so the areal dimension is beneficially minimized. As described more fully below in connection with Fig. 5C, the paddle 500 comprises a comparatively rigid material, which isillustratively as a rigid polymer such as polycarbonate (PCB), is constructed from two mirrored halves that are welded together to form the necessary internal geometry of the bladder without requiring a prohibitively expensive and complex retracting core. By contrast, the membrane 502 comprise an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone) disposed between two rigid upper and lower halves 501, 503 of paddle 500 as shown in Figs. 5B and 5D. Finally, and as will be appreciated from a review of Figs. 5B and 5D, the areal dimensions of the membrane 502, which comprises the elastomeric material, is small compared to that of the remaining elements of the paddle 500, which comprise the rigid polymer.

[0047] Turning to Fig. 5B, a cross-sectional view of the paddle 500 of Fig. 5A taken along the line 5B-5B is shown. The paddle 500 comprises the upper and lower paddle halves 501, 503, having center portions 507, 509, respectively. The paddle 500 also comprises the membrane 502, which comprises a plurality of S-convolutes 505. As shown, the S-convolutes 505 is in a compressed / non-expanded position. As described more fully below, the S-convolutes are adapted to expand when air pressure caused by the pneumatic pump enters the membrane 502, and retract to its compressed state on the negative cycle of air pressure. This causes an oscillatory motion 512 causing the upper and lower paddle halves to move in opposite directions (away from each other) when positive air pressure is provided by the pneumatic pump, and in the same direction (towards each other) when the positive air pressure from the pneumatic pump is reversed. This oscillatory motion 512 thereby causes the movement of the components of the brush head, which in turn clean surfaces of the teeth as noted above.

[0048] Turning to Fig. 5C, the S-convolute 505 is shown in two positions, providing the oscillatory motion 512 caused by the oscillatory pressure from the pneumatic pump. Specifically, in a first position the S-convolute 505 is compressed, whereas in a second position (shown in dashed lines), the S-convolute 505 is in an extended position. When air is provided to the membrane 502, the S-convolute 505 expands and contracts causing the oscillatory motion 512, so that an upper half 501 and a lower half 503 of the paddle 500 to move in opposite directions (away from each other) when positive air pressure is provided by the pneumatic pump, and in the same direction (towards each other) when the positive air pressure from the pneumatic pump is reversed. This causes the oscillatory motion 512 the upper and lower halves 501, 503 of the paddle 500, which are connected to brushes / bristles, provides the brushing action of themouthpiece 130.

[0049] The S-convolute 505 is selected of a material flexible enough to improve, if not substantially maximize, the amplitude of the motion of the upper and lower halves 501, 503 of the paddle for a given volume of air pumped into and out of the brush head 530. Notably, the S- convolute 505 shown in cross-section in the membrane 502 allows for paddle travel without putting the membrane 502 into unacceptably high tension, while minimizing the effective surface area of the membrane 502 and maximizing that of the paddle 500. This reduces the resistance of the closed-air system and minimizes membrane strain. Moreover, the overall profile of the bladder in this embodiment is chosen to increase if not maximize paddle area while still substantially staying under the arch, to improve of not maximize a force output without causing comfort issues. Thos provides the curved profile shown. Either end of the paddle preferably has the largest radius possible to reduce local stiffening of the membrane and increase force output and reliability. The flexible membrane transfers force poorly compared to the rigid paddle, so it’s area was minimized. The bladder is constructed from two mirrored halves that are welded together to form the necessary internal geometry of the bladder without requiring a prohibitively expensive and complex retracting core.

[0050] Fig. 5D shows the upper half 501 and the lower half 503 separated in profile. As shown, air 510 from the pneumatic system provides a positive pressure to the membrane 502, which forces the upper and lower paddle halves to expand (move away from one another) and compress (move towards one another). Accordingly, and as alluded to above, the upper and lower halves 501, 503 with the S-convolute are welded together. This provides the needed an air passage from the handle 110 of the device, which has a pneumatic pump that is cycling air in and out of brush head. Because the brushes or bristles that are connected to the first posts 504 and second posts 506, the brushes / bristles are thus also forced into oscillatory motion 512. As noted above, this oscillatory motion 512 causes the brushing action of the mouthpiece 130.

[0051] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0052] Although the present specification describes components and functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, thedisclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Such standards are periodically superseded by more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions are considered equivalents thereof.

[0053] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the disclosure described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0054] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and / or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0055] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the featuresof any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

[0056] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the concepts described in the present disclosure. As such, the above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A brushing mouthpiece comprising: a tray configured to receive teeth of at least one of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of a user, wherein the tray comprises: an arch configured to extend over occlusal and incisal surfaces of a user’s teeth; a brush head having an inflatable bladder and configured to be replaceably mounted to a handle of the brushing mouthpiece; a pneumatic actuation system comprising a pump disposed in the handle and a pneumatic connection between the pump and the inflatable bladder, wherein the pneumatic actuation system is configured to drive the tray repeatedly in a cervical-occlusal direction to clean a user’s teeth; and a boot seal and a valve, wherein the boot seal is disposed between the handle and the brush head, which when a pressure on an inside of the inflatable bladder is less than a pressure on an outside of the inflatable bladder, the inflatable bladder draws air from the atmosphere into the pneumatic actuation system removing a negative internal pressure differential in the pneumatic actuation system.

2. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the valve enables the pneumatic actuation system to provide a substantially consistent volume regardless of a position of the pump when the system is closed.

3. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the pressure inside the bladder is less when a leak exists in the bladder.

4. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the boot seal and valve are positioned to substantially prevent debris in the handle from entering the pneumatic actuation system.

5. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 4, wherein the boot seal and valve is a unitary element.

6. The brushing mouthpiece according to any one of claim 1-5, wherein the tray comprises:an upper portion configured to receive upper teeth in the upper jaw of the user, and a lower portion configured to receive lower teeth in the lower jaw of the user simultaneously with the upper portion receiving the upper teeth.

7. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 6, wherein the pneumatic actuation system comprises: a pneumatic pump driven by a motor to perform positive and negative cycling of air pressure, wherein the inflatable bladder is positioned between the upper and lower portions of the tray, wherein the inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the pneumatic pump, causing the inflatable bladder to expand and contract in response to the positive and negative cycling of the air pressure by the pneumatic pump, respectively, to repeatedly move the tray between no displacement and a minimum tray displacement in the cervical-occlusal direction.

8. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 6, wherein the tray is configured to receive about half of the user’s teeth simultaneously.

9. The brushing mouthpiece according to any one of claim 1-5, wherein the valve is also disposed between the handle and the brush head.

10. The brushing mouthpiece according to any one of claim 1-5, wherein the boot seal and the valve are a unitary piece.

11. A brushing mouthpiece comprising: a tray configured to receive teeth of at least one of an upper jaw or a lower jaw of a user, wherein the tray comprises: an arch configured to extend over occlusal and incisal surfaces of a user’s teeth, a brush head having an inflatable bladder and configured to be replaceably mounted to a handle of the brushing mouthpiece; a pneumatic actuation system comprising a pump disposed the handle and a pneumatic connection between the pump and the bladder, wherein the pneumatic actuation system is configured to drive the tray repeatedly in a cervical-occlusal direction to clean a user’s teeth; andan S-convolute disposed in a membrane and adapted to enable paddle travel with minimal strain experienced by the membrane, while substantially minimizing an effective surface area of the membrane and substantially maximizing an effective surface of a paddle.

12. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 11, further comprising a boot seal and valve disposed between the handle and the brush head, which when a pressure on an inside of the bladder is less than a pressure on an outside of the bladder, the bladder draws air from the atmosphere into the pneumatic actuation system removing a negative internal pressure differential in the pneumatic actuation system.

13. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 11, wherein the boot and seal valve enables the pneumatic actuation system to provide a substantially consistent volume regardless of a position of the pump when the system is closed.

14. The brushing mouthpiece according to any one of claim 11-13, wherein a pressure inside the bladder is less when a leak exists in the bladder.

15. The brushing mouthpiece according to any one of claim 11-13, wherein the boot and seal valve are positioned to substantially prevent debris in the handle from traveling inside the pneumatic actuation system.

16. The brushing mouthpiece according to any one of claim 11-13, wherein the tray comprises: an upper portion configured to receive upper teeth in the upper jaw of the user, and a lower portion configured to receive lower teeth in the lower jaw of the user simultaneously with the upper portion receiving the upper teeth.

17. The brushing mouthpiece of claim 16, wherein the pneumatic actuation system comprises: a pneumatic pump driven by a motor to perform positive and negative cycling of air pressure, wherein the inflatable bladder is positioned between the upper and lower portions of the tray, wherein the inflatable bladder is in fluid communication with the pneumatic pump, causing theinflatable bladder to expand and contract in response to the positive and negative cycling of the air pressure by the pneumatic pump, respectively, to repeatedly move the tray between no displacement and the minimum tray displacement (x) in the cervical-occlusal direction.

Images