Oral irrigation device

Abstract

An oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion including a first upper member coupled with a first lower member. The first upper member and the first lower member can define a first cavity, the first portion can receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can further include a second portion coupled with a second conduit. The second portion can include a second upper member coupled with a second lower member. The second upper member and the second lower member can define a second cavity. The second conduit can receive fluid via the second portion. The oral irrigation device can include a flexible bridge member coupled with the first portion and the second portion. The flexible bridge member can allow the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion.

Description

ORAL IRRIGATION DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No, 63 / 641,171 , filed May 1, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Medical patients, such as patients who are mechanically ventilated, can require a tube (e.g., an endotracheal tube) inserted into their trachea. The tube can obstruct access to a patient’s mouth and prevent adequate administration of oral care to the patient.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure relates to various oral irrigation devices that can provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity to clean (e.g., rinse, wash, cleanse, flush out, or otherwise clean) the oral cavity of the patient. The oral irrigation devices can include a first portion to provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity and a second portion to remove the irrigation fluid from the oral cavity. The oral irrigation devices can include a bridge member coupling the first portion with the second portion. The bridge member can be flexible to allow the oral irrigation device to at least partially collapse (e.g., reduce in size) to facilitate the introduction of the oral irrigation device into the oral cavity of the patient. The bridge member can include an elastomeric material such that, upon release of the oral irrigation device by a user (e.g., a doctor or other care giver), the bridge member can act as a spring to cause the first portion and the second to return to a resting position relative to each other. The oral irrigation device can further include at least one grip tab to provide tactile support for a user in negotiating the oral irrigation device into the oral cavity. The oral irrigation device disclosed herein can include an overmold. The overmold can include a rubberized, elastomeric, or otherwise soft material to provide a comfort feel for a patient. The oral irrigation devices disclosed herein can include the overmold to seal a first member with a second member of the first portion or the second portion. For example, the first member can be coupled with the second member without any glue, which provides for manufacturing advantages in termsof quality and ease of manufacture. The first portion of the oral irrigation device an include at least one opening to provide the irrigation fluid to the oral cavity. The disclosed solutions can include openings that are shaped in a manner to strategically direct fluid into the oral cavity while also providing for ease of manufacturing, such as by using single-pull or straight-pull molding techniques. Further, the first portion of the oral irrigation device can include openings positioned at least partially along a seam between the first member and the second member of the first portion.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion including a first member coupled with a first lower member. The first upper member and the first lower member can define a first cavity, the first portion can receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can further include a second portion coupled with a second conduit. The second portion can include a second upper member coupled with a second lower member. The second upper member and the second lower member can define a second cavity. The second conduit can receive fluid via the second portion. The oral irrigation device can include a flexible bridge member coupled with the first portion and the second portion. The flexible bridge member can allow the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device includes a first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion including a first member coupled with a second member. The first portion includies a cavity disposed between the first member and the second member. The first member and the second member cooperatively define an opening in fluid communication with the cavity. The first portion can receive a fluid via the first conduit and dispense a fluid via the opening. The oral irrigation device includes a second portion coupled with a second conduit. The second conduit to receive fluid via the second portion, the first portion coupled with the second portion.

[0006] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion including a first stem, a first cavity, a first opening, and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening can be fluidly coupled with the first cavity. The first cavity can receive a fluid via the first stem and dispense the fluid via the first opening andthe second opening. The first opening can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the second opening. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion. The second portion can include a second cavity and a third opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity. The second cavity can to receive fluid via the third opening.

[0007] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit. The first portion can include a first member coupled with a second member. The first member and the second member can define a first cavity. The first member can define a first opening. The second member can define a second opening. The first opening can include an inner opening and an outer opening, inner opening having an inner dimension greater than an outer dimension of the outer opening. The first portion can be configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion. The second portion can include a second cavity and a third opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity. The second cavity can be configured to receive fluid via the third opening.

[0008] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit. The first portion can include a first member coupled with a second member. The first member and the second member can define a first cavity. The first member can define an opening. The second member can include a projection. The projection can be configured to extend within the opening with the first member coupled with the second member. The first portion can be configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion. The second portion can include a second cavity and a third opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity. The second cavity can be configured to receive fluid via the third opening. The oral irrigation device can include the projection to partially occlude the opening to create a flow passage, wherein the fluid is dispensed from the first portion via the flow passage.

[0009] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit. The first portion can include a first upper member, a first lower member, and a first stem. The first upper member can be coupled with the first lower member to define a first cavity. The first portion can be configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion coupled with the firstportion and a second conduit. The second portion including a second upper member, a second lower member, and a second stem. The second upper member can be coupled with the second lower member to define a second cavity. The second conduit can be configured to receive fluid via the second portion. The oral irrigation device can include a first grip tab coupled with the first portion and a second grip tab coupled with the second portion. The first grip tab and the second grip tab can be configured to support a finger or thumb of a user.

[0010] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit. The first portion can include a first cavity and a plurality of first openings. The first portion can be configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit and dispense fluid via the plurality of first openings. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion coupled with a second conduit. The second portion can include a second cavity and a second opening. The second cavity can be configured to receive a second fluid via the second opening and provide the second fluid second cavity. The oral irrigation device can include a brushing element extending from the first portion. The brushing element can include a plurality of bristles configured to engage with an oral cavity of a user.

[0011] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit. The first portion can include a first upper member coupled with a first lower member to define a first cavity and a seam. The first cavity can be disposed between the first upper member and the first lower member. The first portion can be configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion coupled with a second conduit. The second portion can include a second upper member coupled with a second lower member to define a second cavity. The second cavity can be disposed between the second upper member and the second lower member. The second conduit can be configured to receive fluid via the second portion. The oral irrigation device can include an overmold at least partially covering the seam and configured to couple the first upper member with the first lower member.

[0012] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation device can include a first portion coupled with a first conduit. The first portion can include a first upper member coupled with a first lower member to define a first cavity. The first cavity can bedisposed between the first upper member and the first lower member. The first portion can be configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion coupled with a second conduit. The second portion can include a second upper member coupled with a second lower member to define a second cavity. The second cavity can be disposed between the second upper member and the second lower member. The second conduit can be configured to receive fluid via the second portion. The oral irrigation device can include an overmold comprising an elastomeric material. The overmold can at least partially cover the first upper member, the first lower member, the second upper member, and the second lower member.

[0013] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first upper member with a first lower member to form a first portion, the first upper member and the first lower member defining a first cavity. The method can further include coupling the first portion with a first conduit, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The method can further include coupling a second upper member with a second lower member to form a second portion, the second upper member and the second lower member defining a second cavity. The method can further include coupling the second portion with a second conduit, the second conduit configured to receive fluid via the second portion. The method can further include coupling a flexible bridge member with the first portion and the second portion, the flexible bridge member configured to allow the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion.

[0014] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include providing a fluid to a first portion of an oral irrigation device, the first portion including a first stem, a first cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the first opening and the second opening fluidly coupled with the first cavity, wherein the first opening is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second opening. The method can further include dispensing the fluid from the first portion via the first opening and the second opening. The method can further include receiving the fluid via a second portion of the oral irrigation device, the second portion including a second cavity and a second opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity.

[0015] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first member with a second member to form a first portion, the first member and the second member defining a first cavity, the first member defining a first opening, the second member defining asecond opening, the first opening including an inner opening and an outer opening, inner opening having an inner dimension greater than an outer dimension of the outer opening. The method can further include coupling the first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The method can further include providing a second portion, the second portion including a second cavity and a third opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity, the second cavity configured to receive fluid via the third opening.

[0016] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first member with a second member to form a first portion, the first member and the second member defining a first cavity, the first member defining an opening, the second member including a projection, the projection to extend within the opening with the first member coupled with the second member, the projection to partially occlude the opening to create a flow passage. The method can further include coupling the first portion with a first conduit, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The method can include providing a second portion, the second portion including a second cavity and a third opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity, the second cavity configured to receive fluid via the third opening. The method can further include dispensing the fluid from the first portion via the flow passage.

[0017] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first upper member with a first lower member to form a first portion, the first upper member and the first lower member defining a first cavity. The method can further include coupling a stem of the first portion with a first conduit, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The method can further include coupling a second upper member with a second lower member to form a second portion, the second upper member coupled with the second lower member to define a second cavity. The method can further include coupling the second portion with the first portion and a second conduit, including a second stem, the second conduit configured to receive fluid via the second portion. The method can include coupling a first grip tab with the first portion and coupling a second grip tab with the second portion, where the first grip tab and the second grip tab configured to support a finger or thumb of a user.

[0018] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first portion with a first conduit, the first portion including a first cavity and a plurality of firstopenings, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit and dispense fluid via the plurality of first openings. The method can include coupling a second portion with a second conduit, the second portion including a second cavity and a second opening, the second cavity configured to receive a second fluid via the second opening and provide the second fluid second cavity. The method can include coupling a brushing element with the first portion, the brushing element including a plurality of bristles configured to engage with an oral cavity of a user.

[0019] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first upper member with a first lower member to form a first portion, the first upper member coupled with a first lower member to define a first cavity and a seam, the first cavity disposed between the first upper member and the first lower member. The method can include coupling the first portion with a first conduit, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The method can further include coupling a second upper member with a second lower member to define a second cavity, the second cavity disposed between the second upper member and the second lower member. The method can further include coupling the second portion with a second conduit, the second conduit configured to receive fluid via the second portion. The method can further include covering at least a portion of the seam with an overmold, the overmold configured to couple the first upper member with the first lower member.

[0020] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include coupling a first upper member with a first lower member to form a first portion and to define a first cavity, the first cavity disposed between the first upper member and the first lower member. The method can further include coupling the first portion with a first conduit, the first portion configured to receive a fluid via the first conduit. The method can further include coupling a second upper member with a second lower member to define a second cavity, the second cavity disposed between the second upper member and the second lower member. The method can further include coupling the second portion with a second conduit, the second conduit configured to receive the fluid via the second portion. The method can further include covering at least a portion of the first upper member, the first lower member, the second upper member, and the second lower member with an overmold, the overmold comprising an elastomeric material.

[0021] At least one aspect is directed to an oral irrigation device. The oral irrigation devicecan include a first portion including a first upper member, a first lower member, first stem, a first cavity, a first opening, and a second opening. The first upper member can be coupled with the first lower member and can define a seam. The first opening and the second opening can be fluidly coupled with the first cavity. The first cavity can be configured to receive a fluid via the first stem and dispense the fluid via the first opening and the second opening. The second opening is positioned at least partially at the seam. The oral irrigation device can include a second portion including a second cavity and a third opening fluidly coupled with the second cavity. The second cavity can be configured to receive fluid via the third opening.

[0022] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The foregoing information and the following detailed description and drawings include illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0026] FIG. 3 depicts an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0027] FIG. 4 depicts an oral irrigation device with an overmold, in accordance with some aspects.

[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a bridge of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0029] FIG. 6 depicts an oral irrigation device with an overmold, in accordance with some aspects.

[0030] FIG. 7 depicts a bridge of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an oral irrigation device with an overmold, in accordance with some aspects.

[0032] FIG. 9 depicts a grip tab of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0033] FIG. 10 depicts an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0034] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0035] FIG. 12 depicts a bridge of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0036] FIG. 13 depicts an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0037] FIG. 14 depicts an oral irrigation device with an overmold, in accordance with some aspects.

[0038] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an oral irrigation device with an overmold, in accordance with some aspects.

[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of portion of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0040] FIG. 17 is a detail view of a portion an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0041] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0042] FIG. 19 depicts a portion oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0043] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a portion of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0044] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0045] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0046] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0047] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.

[0048] FIG. 25 depicts an oral irrigation device, in accordance with some aspects.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of oral irrigation. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0050] Ventilated patients require a tube to be inserted into the trachea so that a ventilator can deliver oxygen to the lungs. The tube is generally an endotracheal tube, oral tube introduced via a tracheostomy. An end of the tube is coupled to tubing attached to a ventilator so that air can be delivered to and from the lungs and the distal end of the tube is disposed below the glottis into the trachea. Ventilated patients or other patients can experience undesirable accumulation of pathogens, microbes, bacteria, particulate matter, or other unwanted substances within their oral cavity. Specifically, the presence of an endotracheal tube or other tube within the patient’s oral cavity, particularly for long durations, can undesirably act as a reservoir for pathogens which may prevent or dramatically slow the formation of biofilms that contain pathogenic microorganisms.The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of oral irrigation. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices that provide for irrigation of a medical patient’s oral cavity (e.g., the interior of a patient’s mouth, including the patient’s teeth, cheeks, gums, tongue, and other areas, among others).

[0051] The present disclosure relates to oral irrigation devices that can provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity to clean (e.g., rinse, wash, cleanse, flush out, or otherwise clean) the oral cavity of the patient. For example, the oral irrigation devices of the present disclosure provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity to clean the oral cavity and reduce an incidence of undesirable bacteria or pathogen growth within the oral cavity. The present disclosure relates to oral irrigation devices that can suction (e.g., remove, evacuate) irrigation fluid from the oral cavity of the patient. The present disclosure relates to oral irrigation devices that can simultaneously or nearly simultaneously provide the irrigation fluid to the patient’s oral cavity and remove the provided irrigation fluid. The present disclosure relates to oral irrigation devices having a first portion to provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity and a second portion to remove the irrigation fluid from the oral cavity. The oral irrigation devices disclosed herein can include a bridge member coupling the first portion with the second portion. The bridge member can be flexible to allow the oral irrigation device to at least partially collapse (e.g., reduce in size) to facilitate the introduction of the oral irrigation device into the oral cavity of the patient. The bridge member can include an elastomeric material such that, upon release of the oral irrigation device by a user (e.g., a doctor or other care giver), the bridge member can act as a spring to cause the first portion and the second to return to a resting position relative to each other. The oral irrigation device can further include at least one grip tab to provide tactile support for a user in negotiating the oral irrigation device into the oral cavity.

[0052] The oral irrigation device disclosed herein can include an overmold. The overmold can include a rubberized, elastomeric, or otherwise soft material to provide a comfort feel for a patient. The oral irrigation devices disclosed herein can include the overmold to seal a first member with a second member of the first portion or the second portion. In some examples, the oral irrigation device includes the first member coupled with the second member via ultrasonic welding or some other coupling means. Whether via the overmold, ultrasonic welding, or otherwise, the first member can be coupled with the second member in a manner that obviates the need for glue orother adhesives. For example, the first member can be coupled with the second member without any glue, which provides for manufacturing advantages in terms of quality and ease of manufacture. Further, by omitting glue from the oral irrigation device, unintended leakage from the device can be reduced and a greater proportion of the irrigation fluid can enter the oral cavity as intended, thereby improving the efficacy and performance of the oral irrigation device. The first portion of the oral irrigation device an include at least one opening to provide the irrigation fluid to the oral cavity. The disclosed solutions can include openings that are shaped in a manner to strategically direct fluid into the oral cavity while also providing for ease of manufacturing, such as by using “single-pull” molding techniques rather than more complicated methods. Further, the first portion of the oral irrigation device can include openings positioned at least partially along a seam between the first member and the second member of the first portion. By intentionally directing irrigation fluid from the seam, there is no need for a hermetic seal between the first member and the second, which can further decrease manufacturing costs and improve product quality.

[0053] The oral irrigation device can include at least one brushing element or at least one friction element. The brushing element can include bristles and can extend from the first portion of the oral irrigation device to provide for mechanical scrubbing within the oral cavity. For example, the brushing elements can scrub at least a portion of a patient’s teeth to break free any undesirable particulate matter so that the same can be expelled from the oral cavity (e.g., via the second portion of the oral irrigation device). The brushing elements can be actuated. For example, the brushing elements can be electronically actuated (e.g., via ultrasonic vibration) or electromechanically actuated (e.g., via a power source that causes the mechanical movement of the brushing element). The friction elements can include surface texture on the first portion or the second portion. The surface texture can engage with the patient’s oral cavity (e.g., teeth, gums, cheek, or other portion) to loosen any particulate matter within the oral cavity and ultimately facilitate the removal of the same.

[0054] The disclosed solutions have a technical advantage of providing improved oral care compared to conventional devices and techniques, such as conventional toothbrushes, mouth washing or rising techniques, or otherwise. By improving the cleanliness of the patient’s oral cavity, the various devices described herein can reduce a length for which a patient may need toremain mechanical ventilated or otherwise hospitalized by effectively removing bacteria and organic debris from the oral cavity, which can otherwise damage or impair a patient’s respiratory system and correspondingly slow the patient’s recovery. To provide improved oral care for ventilated patients, for example, the disclosed solutions provide for the irrigation of the patient’s oral cavity by both providing an irrigation fluid (e.g., water, saline solution, or some other fluid) to the oral cavity and suctioning (e.g., removing, evacuating, vacuuming) the provided irrigation fluid from the oral cavity. For example, after the irrigation fluid is introduced to the oral cavity, it can rinse the oral cavity and wash away bacteria, particulate matter, or any other undesirable substances within the oral cavity. The oral irrigation devices disclosed herein can then remove the provided irrigation fluid — which also contains the undesirable substances like bacteria and particulate matter — from the patient’s oral cavity. The disclosed solutions can both provide irrigation fluid and then remove the irrigation fluid without any external suction catheters or other separate suction devices. This benefit can further decrease risk of mucous membrane injury and may promote healthy mucous membranes. The oral irrigation devices disclosed herein can also allow for irrigation without unnecessary dwell time. For example, the irrigation fluid can be provided to the oral cavity of the patient and simultaneously removed from the oral cavity such that the irrigation fluid (which upon introduction to the oral cavity can contain bacteria, particulate matter, or other undesirable substances) does not remain within the oral cavity for any extended period of time. In addition, in light of the aforementioned manufacturing and performance advantages, among other benefits, the disclosed oral irrigation devices can provide a cost effective, efficient, and easy to use solution for irrigating a patient’s oral cavity. This can allow for frequent intervention to further expedite a patient’s recovery or avoid unnecessarily avoid protracting the same.

[0055] FIGS. 1-4, 6, 8-11, 13-25, among others, depict an oral irrigation device 100. The oral irrigation device 100 can facilitate the irrigation and suctioning of an oral cavity of a patient. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can be inserted into an oral cavity (e.g., a mouth) of a patient and can be configured to provide an irrigation fluid (e.g., water, saline solution, or some other irrigation fluid) into the oral cavity of the patient to irrigate the oral cavity of the patient. Irrigation can include providing fluid to the oral cavity to clean (e g., cleanse, disinfect, wash, rinse, or otherwise clean) or provide some other therapeutic treatment to the oral cavity. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can provide the irrigation fluid to the oral cavity, where theirrigation fluid can wash away pathogens, bacteria, particulate matter, or other undesirable substances that may have accumulated within the oral cavity. The oral irrigation device 100 can be inserted into the oral cavity of the patient and can be configured to suction (e.g., remove, evacuate via negative pressure, or otherwise draw out) the irrigation fluid (e.g., the irrigation fluid that is first provided into the oral cavity by the oral irrigation device 100) and pathogens, bacteria, particulate matter, or other material from the oral cavity of the patient. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can remove the irrigation fluid from the oral cavity after the irrigation fluid has first been provided to the oral cavity to clean the oral cavity.

[0056] The oral irrigation device 100 can be used in conjunction with (e.g., simultaneously with) other medical devices, such as an endotracheal tube or some other medical device, as noted above. The oral irrigation device 100 can be used independent of any other medical device, in other examples. As mentioned above, the patient’s oral cavity can be in need of irrigation or cleaning (e.g., cleansing with solution, disinfection, scrubbing, removal of microbes, bacteria or particulate matter, or some other type of cleaning) as the patient remains intubated (e.g., via an endotracheal tube). Moreover, the presence of an endotracheal tube or another medical device within the oral cavity of the patient can inhibit or obstruct access to the oral cavity and substantially prevent the irrigation or cleaning of the oral cavity by conventional means (e.g., brushing with tooth brush, rinsing with water, or some other means.) Further, if the patient is ventilated, it can be undesirable to irrigate or clean the oral cavity of the patient by conventional means because to do so may risk introducing fluid into the patient’s lungs.

[0057] The oral irrigation device 100 can include a first portion 105 and a second portion 110. The first portion 105 can be an irrigation portion 105. The second portion 110 can be a suction portion 110. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can provide irrigation fluid into the oral cavity of a patient via the first portion 105 and can remove fluid from the oral cavity of the patient.

[0058] The first portion 105 can include at least one first paddle 115 (e.g., an end portion, a tip, or some other portion), a stem 140, and a junction 145. The first paddle 115 can be configured to facilitate the providing (e.g., dispensing, emitting, injecting, spraying) of irrigation fluid into the oral cavity of the patient to further facilitate the irrigation fluid of the oral cavity. The junction 145 of the first portion 105 can be a region (e.g., area, zone, portion) of the first portion 105 betweenthe stem 140 and the first paddle 115. For example, the stem 140 can transition into the first paddle 115 at or proximate to (e.g., within two centimeters of) the junction 145. The first portion 105 can include at least one grip tab 405, as is discussed below with reference to FIG. 4, among others.

[0059] As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, among others, the first portion 105 can include a first member 200 and a second member 205. The first member 200 can first upper member 200, and the second member 205 can be a first lower member 205, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. Although the first upper member 200 is shown as being an upper-most member of the first portion 105 and the first lower member 205 is shown as being a lower-most member of the first portion 105, it is understood that the terms “upper” and “lower” do not require the precise orientation of the oral irrigation device 100 as shown in FIGS. 2-3, among others. Indeed, it is understood that the orientation of the oral irrigation device 100 can vary (e.g., during use or otherwise) such that the first lower member 205 can be positioned vertically above the first upper portion, or in some other orientation in space. The first upper member 200 can be coupled with the first lower member 205 to form the first portion 105. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, the first lower member 205 includes the stem 140, while the first upper member 200 does not. In other examples, the first upper member 200 can include the stem 140. In yet other examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, among others, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can both include a portion of the stem 140 such that, when the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 are coupled, they collectively define the stem 140.

[0060] The first portion 105 can include a first cavity 225. For example, first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be coupled together to form the first cavity 225 positioned between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. For example, the first lower member 205 can include an inner surface 240 and the first upper member 200 can include an inner surface 1805, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 18, respectively. The inner surface 240 and the inner surface 1805 can respectively be recessed relative to a perimeter of the first lower member 205 and the first upper member 200. Accordingly, the cavity 225 of the first portion can be the spaced between the inner surface 240 of the first lower member 205 and the inner surface 1805 of the first upper member 200. The first cavity 225 can be fluidly coupled with the stem 140 such that fluid passing through the stem 140 can flow into the cavity 225 and vice versa.

[0061] The first paddle 115 of the first portion 105 can include at least one first opening 150. The first opening 150 can be an opening (e.g., a hole, an aperture, a void, a passageway, a lumen, or some other opening) that can facilitate a flow of fluid from the first cavity 225 and out of the first paddle 115. The first opening 150 can be formed in the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205. For example, the first opening 150 can be extend through the first upper member 200 and to the first cavity 225. The first opening 150 can be extend through the first lower member 205 and to the first cavity 225. The first opening 150 can be positioned at any location along the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205, or otherwise. For example, the first opening 150 can be positioned on a central portion of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205. The first opening 150 can be positioned on edge or periphery of the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205 such that the first opening 150 resembles a notch, groove, or indentation, for example. The first paddle 115 can include multiple first openings 150. For example, the first paddle 115 can include multiple first openings 150 extending through the first upper member 200 and multiple first openings 150 extending through the first lower member 205. In such an arrangement fluid (e.g., an irrigation fluid) can flow from the cavity 225 and into the oral cavity of a patient via the multiple first openings 150. The multiple first openings 150 can be variously positioned on the first paddle 115 to strategically direct fluid within the oral cavity. For example, the various first openings 150 can be positioned so as to cover as great an area within the oral cavity with an irrigation fluid as possible. To accomplish such substantial coverage with fluid, the first openings 150 can dispense irrigation fluid in multiple different directions (e.g., at varying exit angle relative to the first paddle 115). As is discussed in detail below, the first openings 150 can include a varying geometry to both enhance irrigation efficacy (e.g., to successfully provide desired coverage within the oral cavity), while providing for efficient manufacturing processes and robust quality characteristics.

[0062] The first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205 can include a rigid or semirigid polymeric material. For example, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be injection molded components that are made of a rigid or high durometer material, such as polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate, styrene acrylic copolymers, styrene block copolymer (SBC), ABS, high durometer TPU, polyethylene, or some other material. Because the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be injection molded, the first opening 150 formed therein can include an orientation or geometry to facilitate ease of manufacturing. Forexample, the first openings 150 can include a geometry or orientation that allows for injection molding using single-pull or single-pull injection mold tooling, which can be cheap to manufacture and maintain as compared to more complicated tooling. Further, the quality of the molded first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be improved by virtue of using simpler tooling that is inherently more error-proof.

[0063] As depicted in FIG. 2, among others, the first paddle 115 can include at least one flow control feature 245. The flow control feature 245 can be a raised feature (e.g., a projection, a protrusion, a ridge, or some other feature that stands proud) that is raised relative to the inner surface 240 of the first lower member 205 or that is raised relative to the inner surface 1805 of the first upper member 200. The flow control feature 245 can direct irrigation fluid within the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 toward the first opening 150. For example, the flow control feature 245 can be a baffle that can direct a portion of the irrigation fluid within the cavity 225 toward the first opening 150 such that a particular portion of the irrigation fluid can be dispensed through the first opening 150. In some examples where the first paddle 115 includes multiple first openings 150, the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205 can include multiple flow control features 245. The multiple flow control features 245 can be configured to evenly dispense irrigation fluid through the multiple first openings 245. For example, the multiple flow control features 245 can evenly dispense irrigation fluid through the multiple first openings 150 in terms of pressure, flow rate, or some other parameter. The multiple flow control features 245 can be identical or different.

[0064] The first upper member 200 can couple with the first lower member 205. For example, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be coupled together to form the first portion 105 of the oral irrigation device 100. The first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 define a seam 300. The seam 300 can be an interface between an inner-most portion (e.g., edge, face, side, perimeter, or other portion) of the first upper member 200 and the innermost portion (e.g., edge, face, side, perimeter, or other portion) of the first lower member 205. The first upper member 200 can be coupled with the first lower member 205 to create at least a partial seal between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 such that fluid provided into the cavity 225 flows from the first paddle 115 via the first opening 150, rather than at the interface between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 (e.g., at the seam300). For example, a sufficiently strong seal between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 is desirable to cause all or a substantial majority of an irrigation fluid to flow through the first opening 150 as intended.

[0065] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first portion 105 fluidly coupled with at least one first conduit 125. For example, the first conduit 125 can be coupled with the stem 140 of the first portion 105. The first conduit 125 can be configured to facilitate the flow of a fluid to or from the first portion 105. For example, the first conduit 125 can be an irrigation portion 105 that can be configured to provide an irrigation fluid to the first cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 via the stem 140 of the first portion 105. The first conduit 125 can include a flow passage 135 (e.g., a lumen, a passageway, an internal channel, or some other passage) to allow the first conduit 125 to conduct (e g., move, channel, flow, draw, provide) fluid to the first portion 105. For example, the first conduit 125 can be fluidly coupled with the stem 140 such that the first conduit 125 is also fluidly coupled with the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105. The first conduit 125 can provide irrigation fluid to the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 where the irrigation fluid can be further dispensed from the first opening 150 and into the oral cavity of the patient. For example, the first conduit 125 can be fluidly coupled with a pump device (e.g., a motorized pump, a manual pump, a syringe, or some other pump device) that is configured to provide (e.g., force, push, pump) the irrigation fluid through the flow passage 135 of the first conduit 125 and into the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115. The pump can provide fluid to the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 via the first conduit 125 with the fluid under pressure or force. With the fluid under pressure or force, the fluid can flow out of the first opening 150 of the first paddle 115 and into the oral cavity of the patient, which can be a comparatively low pressure environment. For example, the first opening 150 can be fluidly coupled with the oral cavity of the patient and can represent an open flow path for the irrigation fluid to flow. A pressure differential between the cavity 225 and the oral cavity of the patient can cause the irrigation fluid within the cavity 225 to flow via the first opening 150 and into the oral cavity of the patient. In this way, the first portion 105 can act as an irrigation device to provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity of the patient via the first opening 150 of the first paddle 115 via the second conduit 130.

[0066] The first conduit 125 can be coupled with the stem 140 of the first portion 105 via an interference fit (e.g., a press-fit), by a threaded connection, by overmolding, by shrink-fitconnector, or by some other coupling mechanism. For example, the first conduit 125 can include an end defining an inner diameter that is slightly (e.g., less than 20%, 20-30% smaller) than an outer diameter of a stem 140 of the first portion 105. The end of the first conduit 125 can stretch or expand to fit over the stem 140 to couple the first conduit 125 with the stem 140. For example, the stem 140 can include ridges or barbs to facilitate the expansion of the end of the first conduit 125 as the second conduit slides over the stem 140, but can prevent or increase a difficult of removing the first conduit 125 from the stem 140. In other examples, the first conduit 125 can include an end that is coupled to the stem 140 via overmolding. For example, the stem 140 can abut the end of the first conduit 125 and a material (e.g., a polymeric material, a rubberized material, or some other material) can be molded (e.g., injection molded or otherwise molded) over the end of the first conduit 125 and the stem 140 to join the first conduit 125 with the stem 140. In yet other examples, the stem 140 can include a threaded portion that can correspond with a threaded portion of the second conduit 130 to facilitate the threaded coupling of the first conduit 125 with the stem 140. For example, the stem 140 or the first conduit 125 can include a gasket (e.g., an o-ring or rubberized seal member) that can be compressed between the stem 140 or the end of the first portion 105 or around one or both of the stem 140 and the end of the first portion 105 to create a seal around the first conduit 125 or the stem 140. In other examples, the first conduit 125 is coupled to the stem 140 via some other coupling mechanism (e.g., adhesive, quickconnect coupler, or otherwise).

[0067] The second portion 110 can include at least one second paddle 120 (e.g., an end portion, a tip, or some other portion), a stem 140, and a junction 145. The second paddle 120 can be configured to facilitate the suctioning of irrigation fluid from the oral cavity of the patient and to further facilitate the providing of suctioned irrigation fluid to the stem 140 of the second portion 110 and ultimately to a second conduit 130. The junction 145 of the second portion 110 can be a region (e.g., area, zone, portion) of the second portion 110 between the stem 140 and the second paddle 120. For example, the stem 140 can transition into the second paddle 120 at or proximate to (e.g., within two centimeters of) the junction 145. The second portion 110 can include at least one grip tab 405, as is discussed below with reference to FIG. 4, among others.

[0068] As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, among others, the second portion 110 can include a first member 210 and a second member 220. The first member 210 can second upper member 210, andthe second member 205 can be a second lower member 220, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. Although the second upper member 210 is shown as being an upper-most member of the second portion 110 and the second lower member 220 is shown as being a lower-most member of the second portion 110, it is understood that the terms “upper” and “lower” do not require the precise orientation of the oral irrigation device 100 as shown in FIGS. 2-3, among others. Indeed, it is understood that the orientation of the oral irrigation device 100 can vary (e.g., during use or otherwise) such that the first lower member 205 can be positioned vertically above the first upper portion, or in some other orientation in space. The second upper member 210 can be coupled with the second lower member 220 to form the second portion 110. As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, the second lower member 220 includes the stem 140, while the second upper member 210 does not. In other examples, the second upper member 210 can include the stem 140. In yet other examples, such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, among others, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can both include a portion of the stem 140 such that, when the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 are coupled, they collectively define the stem 140.

[0069] The second portion 110 can include a second cavity 230. For example, second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be coupled together to form the second cavity 230 positioned between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220. For example, the second lower member 220 can include an inner surface 240 and the first upper member 200 can include an inner surface 1805, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 18, respectively. The second cavity 230 can be fluidly coupled with the stem 140 such that fluid passing through the stem 140 can flow into the second cavity 230 and vice versa.

[0070] The second paddle 120 of the second portion 110 can include at least one second opening 155. The second opening 155 can be an opening (e.g., a hole, an aperture, a void, a passageway, a lumen, or some other opening) that can facilitate a flow of fluid from some external environment (e.g., an oral cavity of a patient) and to the second cavity 230 of the second paddle 120. The second opening 155 can be formed in the second upper member 210 or the second lower member 220. For example, the second opening 155 can be extend through the second upper member 210 and to the second cavity 230. The second opening 155 can be extend through the second lower member 220 and to the second cavity 230. The second paddle 120 can include multiple second openings 155. For example, the second paddle 120 can include at least onesecond opening 155 extending through the second upper member 210 and at least one second opening 155 extending through the second lower member 220. In such an arrangement fluid (e.g., an irrigation fluid) can flow from the oral cavity of the patient and into the second cavity 230 via the multiple second openings 155. The multiple second openings 155 can be variously positioned on the second paddle 120 to draw fluid out of the oral cavity. For example, the various second openings 155 can be positioned so as to draw irrigation fluid from a location of the oral cavity in which irrigation fluid has a propensity to pool or collect. In this way, the second openings of the second paddle 120 can remove a substantial amount of irrigation fluid from the oral cavity so as to facilitate effective irrigation of the oral cavity and to prevent fluid from undesirably remaining within the oral cavity of the patient. The second opening 155 can be positioned at any location along the second upper member 210, the second lower member 220, or otherwise. For example, the second opening 155 can be positioned on a central portion of the second upper member 210 or the second lower member 220. The second opening 155 can be positioned on edge or periphery of the second upper member 210, the second lower member 220 such that the second opening 155 resembles a notch, groove, or indentation, for example.

[0071] The second upper member 210 or the second lower member 220 can include a rigid or semi-rigid polymeric material. For example, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be injection molded components that are made of a rigid or high durometer material, such as polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate, styrene acrylic copolymers, styrene block copolymer (SBC), ABS, high durometer TPU, polyethylene, or some other material. Because the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be injection molded, the second opening 155 formed therein can include an orientation or geometry to facilitate ease of manufacturing. For example, the second openings 155 can include a geometry or orientation that allows for injection molding using single-pull or single-pull injection mold tooling, which can be cheap to manufacture and maintain as compared to more complicated tooling. Further, the quality of the molded second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be improved by virtue of using simpler tooling that is inherently more error-proof.

[0072] The second upper member 210 can couple with the second lower member 220. For example, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be coupled together to form the second portion 110 of the oral irrigation device 100. The second upper member 210and the second lower member 220 define the seam 300. The seam 300 can be an interface between an inner-most portion (e.g., edge, face, side, perimeter, or other portion) of the second upper member 210 and the inner-most portion (e.g., edge, face, side, perimeter, or other portion) of the second lower member 220. The second upper member 210 can be coupled with the second lower member 220 to create at least a partial seal between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 210 such that negative (e.g., suction, vacuum) pressure within the second cavity 230 can build and be substantially maintained such that fluid can flow into the second paddle 120 via the second opening 155, rather than at the interface between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 (e.g., at the seam 300). For example, a sufficiently strong seal between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 is desirable to achieve a sufficient suction force at the second opening 155 and to consequently bolster the performance (e.g., suction efficacy) of the second portion 110.

[0073] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the second portion 110 coupled with a second conduit 130. For example, the second conduit 130 can be coupled with the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The second conduit 130 can be configured to facilitate the flow of fluid from or to the second portion 110. For example, the second portion 110 can be a suction portion 110 that can be configured to remove fluid (e.g., the irrigation fluid and any other matter, such as saliva, particular matter, or otherwise that is within the oral cavity of the user) from the oral cavity of the user and provide the removed fluid to the second conduit 130. The second conduit 130 can include a flow passage 135 (e.g., a lumen, a passageway, an internal channel, or some other passage) to allow the second conduit 130 to conduct (e.g., move, channel, flow, draw, provide) fluid to the second portion 110. For example, the second conduit 130 can be fluidly coupled with the stem 140 such that the second conduit 130 is also fluidly coupled with the second cavity 230 of the second paddle 120 of the second portion 110. The second conduit 130 can draw irrigation fluid within the oral cavity of the patient into the second cavity 230 of the second paddle 120 via the second opening 155 of the second portion 110. For example, the second conduit 130 can be fluidly coupled with a vacuum pump, or some other device configured to suction (e.g., suck, draw, remove, vacuum, create negative pressure to remove) the irrigation fluid and any other matter from the oral cavity of the patient. By applying a suction force to the second conduit 130, the second cavity 230 of the second portion 110 can be under some amount of vacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure within the second cavity 230 of the second portion 110 can cause the irrigation fluidwithin the oral cavity of the patient to be drawn into the second cavity 230 via the second opening 155 of the second portion 110. In this way, the second portion 110 can act as a suction device to suction irrigation fluid from the oral cavity of the patient via the second opening 155, the second cavity 230, and the second conduit 130.

[0074] In other examples, the first portion 105 can be a suction portion configured to remove and the second portion 110 can be an irrigation portion. For example, the first conduit 125 coupled with the first portion 105 can instead be coupled with a vacuum pump or similar device to subject the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 to negative pressure and correspondingly cause fluid (e.g., irrigation fluid within the oral cavity of the patient) to be drawn into the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 via the first opening 150. The second conduit 130 can be coupled with a pump or similar device to provide fluid (e.g., irrigation fluid) to the second cavity 230 and correspondingly cause the fluid to be dispensed from the second cavity 230 of the second paddle 120 via the second opening 155.

[0075] The second conduit 130 can be coupled with the stem 140 of the second portion 110 via an interference fit (e.g., a press-fit), by a threaded connection, by overmolding, by shrink-fit connector, or by some other coupling mechanism. For example, the second conduit 130 can include an end defining an inner diameter that is slightly (e.g., less than 20%, 20-30% smaller) than an outer diameter of a stem 140 of the second portion 1 10. The end of the second conduit 130 can stretch or expand to fit over the stem 140 to couple the second conduit 130 with the stem 140. For example, the stem 140 can include ridges or barbs to facilitate the expansion of the end of the second conduit 130 as the second conduit slides over the stem 140, but can prevent or increase a difficult of removing the second conduit 130 from the stem 140. In other examples, the second conduit 130 can include an end that is coupled to the stem 140 via overmolding. For example, the stem 140 can abut the end of the second conduit 130 and a material (e.g., a polymeric material, a rubberized material, or some other material) can be molded (e.g., injection molded or otherwise molded) over the end of the second conduit 130 and the stem 140 to join the second conduit 130 with the stem 140. In yet other examples, the stem 140 can include a threaded portion that can correspond with a threaded portion of the second conduit 130 to facilitate the threaded coupling of the second conduit 130 with the stem 140. For example, the stem 140 or the second conduit 130 can include a gasket (e.g., an o-ring or rubberized seal member) that can be compressed betweenthe stem 140 or the end of the second portion 110 or around one or both of the stem 140 and the end of the second portion 110 to create a seal around the second conduit 130 or the stem 140. In other examples, the second conduit 130 is coupled to the stem 140 via some other coupling mechanism (e.g., adhesive, quick-connect coupler, or otherwise).

[0076] As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 18, among others, the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205, the second upper member 210, and the second lower member 220 can include at least one joining feature to facilitate the coupling of the first upper member 200 with the first lower member 205 and the second upper member 210 with the second lower member 220. For example, the first lower member 205 and the second lower member 220 can include at least one joining feature 235. The joining feature 235 can extend from the first lower member 205 or the second lower member 220. The joining feature 235 can be an elongated projection that extends along or proximate to (e.g., within 3mm of) a perimeter of the first lower member 205 or the second lower member 220. As depicted in FIG. 2, among others, the joining feature 235 can include a semi-circular cross-sectional shape. In other examples, the joining feature 235 can be shorter (e.g., not elongated). In other examples, the joining feature 235 can include some cross- sectional shape other than a semi-circular cross sectional shape (e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, dovetail, or some other shape. As shown in FIG. 18, the first upper member 200 (or the second upper member 210, not shown) can include a joining feature 1800. The joining feature 1800 of the first upper member 200 or the second upper member 210 can correspond to the joining feature 235 of the first lower member 205 or the second lower member 220. For example, the joining feature 235 can be at least partially received by the joining feature 1800. If the first joining feature 235 is an elongated projection having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape, the joining feature 1800 can include an elongated impression having a semi-circular cross-sectional shape such that the joining feature 1800 can receive the joining feature 235.

[0077] As depicted in FIGS. 1-9, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one bridge 160 (e.g., a bridge member 160, a flexible bridge member 160). The bridge 160 can be a flexible (e.g., pliable, movable, elastomeric, malleable, bendable). For example, the bridge 160 can flex upon application of an external force (e.g., a force applied by a user to the bridge 160 or to some component coupled thereto). Upon release or removal of the external force, the bridge 160 can return to a rest position. For example, the bridge 160 can exhibit one shapewhen at rest, such as the shape shown in FIG. 1 , among others. Upon application of a force to cause the bridge 160 to flex, the bridge 160 can take a different shape depending upon the application of force. For example, the flexed shape could include the folding, twisting, elongation, compression, or other deformation of the bridge 160. When the force is removed, the bridge 160 can return to the rest shape from the flexed shape. For example, the bridge 160 can include an elastomeric material or material with some form of shape memory such that the bridge 160 can return to substantially the same rest position upon removal of an applied force. In this way, the bridge 160 can act as a spring to both allow for selective flexure or movement of the bridge 160 and the springing back of the bridge 160 to a rest position. The bridge 160 can be or include an elastomeric material, such as TPU, TPE, silicone, RTV rubber or thermoset rubber, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or some other material. The bridge 160 can further include a polymeric material, a metallic material, or some combination of multiple materials. The bridge 160 can be or include a spring, such as a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, or some other spring. For example, the bridge 160 can be or include a hinge and a spring, where the hinge can include the bridge pivot point 165 and the spring can facilitate movement of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110.

[0078] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the bridge 160 coupled with the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the bridge 160 to couple the first portion 105 with the second portion 1 10 and position the first portion 105 in a first position relative to the second portion 110. The first position can be a rest position or a position at which the first portion 105 is relative to the second portion 110 in absence of an application some external force. As depicted in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 8, and 10, among others, the bridge 160 can be coupled with the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and the stem 140 of the second portion 110. Accordingly, the bridge 160 can span a distance between the first portion 105 and the second portion. The bridge 160 can position the stem 140 of the first portion 105 some distance apart from the stem 140 of the second portion 110. With this configuration, the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105 can be positioned some distance apart from the second paddle 120 of the second portion 110. In some examples, the bridge 160 can be the only component of the oral irrigation device 100 coupling the first portion 105 with the second portion 110 such that, without the bridge 160 the first portion 105 would be disconnected from the second portion 110. The bridge 160 can be configured to retain the first portion 105 of the oral irrigation device 100 in arest position relative to the second portion 1 10 in absence of some externally applied force.

[0079] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the bridge 160 to allow the first portion 105 selectively move relative to the second portion 110. For example, the bridge 160 can selectively allow the first portion 105 to pivot relative to the second portion 110. The first paddle 115 of the first portion 105 can selectively pivot toward or away from the second paddle 120 of the second portion 110. For example, the bridge 160 can include a bridge pivot point 165. The bridge pivot point 165 can be a region, zone, area, axis, or point of the bridge 160 about which the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105 can pivot relative to the second paddle 120 of the second portion 110. For example, the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105 can pivot (e.g., move, rotate, turn) about the bridge pivot point 165 in a first direction 170 toward the second paddle 120 of the second portion 110. The second paddle 120 of the second portion 110 can pivot (e.g., move, rotate, turn) about the bridge pivot point 165 in a second direction 175 toward the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105. The first direction 170 can be substantially opposite the second direction 175. In this way, the first paddle 115 can move toward the second paddle 120 to reduce an overall width of the oral irrigation device 100. A reduction in the overall width of the oral irrigation device 100 can facilitate the insertion of the oral irrigation device 100 into the oral cavity of the patient. For example, the lips of the patient or the presence of an endotracheal tube can at least partially obstruct access to the oral cavity. By moving the first paddle 115 toward the second paddle 120 to reduce the size of the oral irrigation device 100, the oral irrigation device can be more readily inserted into the oral cavity.

[0080] The bridge 160 is configured to cause the first portion 105 to pivot relative to the second portion 110 with an external force applied to at least one of the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. For example, the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 can be held (e.g., retained, maintained, located) in a rest position in absence of an external force. However, upon application of an external force, the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 can move toward each other. For example, a user (e.g., a doctor, a medical professional, a patient, or other person) can apply a force to at least one of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 to cause the first portion 105 to move toward the second portion 110, to cause the second portion 110 to move toward the first portion 105, or to cause the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 to move toward each other. The applied, external force can cause the first paddle 115 to movetoward the second paddle 120, to cause the second paddle 120 to move toward the first paddle 115, or to cause the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 to move toward each other. The force can be applied to the first paddle 115, the second paddle 120, or two the stem 140 or the junction 145 of the respective first paddle or second paddle 120. For example, the force can be applied to some portion of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 positioned along the first portion 105 or the second portion 120 between the bridge pivot point 165 and an end (e.g., a distal tip, a terminal portion, a free end) of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. By applying the force at a location between the bridge pivot point 165 and an end (e.g., a distal tip, a terminal portion, a free end) of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110, the force can create a moment of inertia about the bridge pivot point 165 and can cause the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 to move closer together. For example, as discussed below the oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one grip tab 405 against which a user (e.g., a doctor, a medical professional, a patient, or some other person) can apply the external force (e.g., a pinching force or a separating force) to cause the first paddle 115 to move toward the second paddle 120. As noted above, moving the first paddle 115 toward the second paddle 120 can reduce an overall width of the oral irrigation device 100 to facilitate insertion of the oral irrigation device into the oral cavity of the patient.

[0081] The bridge 160 can be configured to cause the first portion 105 to return to the rest position relative to the second portion 110. For example, upon release of the external force applied to the first portion 105 or the second portion 110, the bridge 160 can act as a spring to cause the first portion 105 or the second portion to move to the rest position (e.g., the position in which the first portion 105 and the second portion reside in absence of an external force). When an external force is applied, the bridge 160 can be at least partially under some compressive load. The bridge 160 can include an elastomeric material that, upon application of the external force, is under compressive load. Once that external force is released, the elastomeric material of the bridge 160 can return to a substantially unloaded form, thereby moving the first portion (e.g., the first paddle 115) and the second portion 110 (e.g., the second paddle 120) to the rest position. For example, the external force may be removed after the oral irrigation device 100 has been successfully inserted into the oral cavity of the patient. Once placed within the oral cavity, the external force can be removed and the bridge 160 can act as a spring to cause the first portion 105 to substantially return to the rest position relative to the second portion 110. For example, the bridge 160 cancause the first paddle 115 or the second paddle 120 to move within the oral cavity toward the rest position. However, depending on the size of the oral cavity (which can vary from patient to patient and from circumstance to circumstance), the first paddle 115 or the second paddle 120 may not fully return to its rest position. Rather, the first paddle 115 or the second paddle 120 can move toward the rest position until it contacts the patient’s cheek, teeth, or some other obstruction within the oral cavity. However, the elastic nature of the bridge 160 can cause the oral irrigation device 100 to approach a substantially optimal shape or form factor within the oral cavity so as to optimize irrigation efficacy.

[0082] As depicted in FIGS. 4-7, among others, the bridge 160 can include at least one extendable portion 410. The extendable portion 410 can be a thinner portion of the bridge 160 that can be more readily stretchable or extendable under application of some external force (e.g., a force to cause the first paddle 115 to move toward the second paddle 120) than a remainder of the bridge 160. For example, the extendible portion can include a greater capacity for tensile extension than a remainder of the bridge 160 such that, when subject to an external force, the extendable portion 410 extends while another portion (e.g., an opposite portion) of the bridge 160 is configured to undergo compression (e.g., to move the first paddle 115 toward the second paddle 120).

[0083] As depicted in FIGS. 2-5 and 7-9, among others, the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 include at least one barb 260. The barb 260 can extend from the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, the barb 260 can extend from the stem 140. The first portion 105 can include a first barb 260 extending from the stem 140 in a direction toward the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The second portion 110 can include a second barb 260 extending from the stem 140 in a direction toward the stem 140 of the first portion 105. The first barb 260 and the second barb 260 can extend toward each other. As depicted in FIG. 7, each barb 260 can include a tip 700. The tip 700 can be a distal end of the barb 260 (e.g., a furthest point of the barb 260 from the stem 140 to which it is attached). The barb 260 can include a first thickness 705 and a second thickness 710. The first thickness 705 can be a cross-sectional thickness of the barb 260 in a location proximate to the stem 140 (e.g., a proximal portion of the barb 260). The second thickness 710 can be a cross-sectional thickness of the barb 260 in a location distal from the stem 140. The first thickness 705 can be less than the first thickness 710 such that the barb 260increases in thickness as the barb 260 extends from the stem 140. The tip 700 of the first barb 260 can be separated from the tip 700 of the second barb 260 by a distance 715. The barb 260 can include a triangular form factor. In other examples, the barb 260 can include some other form factor, such as rectangular, semi-circular, trapezoidal, or otherwise. The barb 260 can be integrally molded with the stem 140. As noted above, the stem 140 of the first portion 105 can be part of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205. The stem 140 of the second portion 110 can be part of the second upper member 210 or the second lower member 220. Accordingly, the first barb 260 can be integrally molded with the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205 and the second barb 260 can be integrally molded with the second upper member 210 or the second lower member 220. As such, the first barb 260 or the second barb 260 can include polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate, styrene acrylic copolymers, styrene block copolymer (SBC), ABS, high durometer TPU, polyethylene, or some other rigid or semi-rigid material.

[0084] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the bridge 160 positioned at least partially over the barb 260. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the bridge 160 positioned at least partially over the first barb 260 extending from the first portion 105 and at least partially over the second barb 260 extending from the second portion 110. The bridge 160 can be over-molded onto the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and the stem 140 of the second portion 110. For example, the bridge 160 can be over-molded onto the stem 140 and the first barb 260 of the first portion 105. The first barb 260 can be positioned entirely within the bridge 160. For example, the bridge 160 can entirely envelope (e.g., cover, surround, encapsulate) the first barb 260 of the first portion 105. The bridge 160 can be over-molded onto the stem 140 and the second barb 260 of the second portion 110. The second barb 260 can be positioned entirely within the bridge 160. For example, the bridge 160 can entirely envelope (e.g., cover, surround, encapsulate) the second barb 260 of the second portion 110.

[0085] The first barb 260 and the second barb 260 can respectively extend from the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 within the bridge 160 to facilitate the pivotal movement of the first paddle 115 relative to the second paddle 120. For example, the barbs 260 can include a material hardness that differs from a material hardness of the bridge 160. The bridge 160 can include a first material hardness, and the first barb 260 and second barb 260 can include a secondmaterial hardness that is greater than the first material hardness. Accordingly, the barbs 260 can be more rigid or stiff than the bridge 160. Upon application of an external force (e.g., a force applied by a user to move the first paddle 115 toward the second paddle 120), the bridge 160 can have a tendency to compress (e.g., to cause the stem 140 of the first portion 105 to move toward the stem 140 of the second portion 110). However, the rigid barbs 260 within the bridge 160 can limit the degree or amount to which the bridge 160 can compress. For example, the first barb 260 of the first portion 105 can approach the second barb 260 of the second portion 110 and begin to push against each other (with some amount of bridge material therebetween). When the two rigid barbs 260 push against each other, they resist further compression of the bridge 160. By limiting the amount or degree to which the bridge 160 can compress, a greater proportion of an applied force is used to facilitate the rotation of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 about the bridge pivot point 165. The barb 260 can include a particular first thickness 705, second thickness 710, and distance 715 to optimize a pivotal motion of the first paddle 115 in the first direction 170 and a pivotal motion of the second paddle 120 in the second direction 175.

[0086] By better-utilizing force to pivot the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 about the bridge pivot point 165, which further causes the first paddle 115 to rotate in the first direction 170 and the second paddle 120 to rotate in the second direction 175, a user is afforded more precise control of the oral irrigation device 100 as it is being inserted into the oral cavity of the patient, for example. Precise control of the oral irrigation device 100 is desirable to provide for proper placement within the oral cavity and correspondingly increase irrigation efficacy. Precise control of the oral irrigation device is further desirable to minimize a risk of inadvertently disrupting other devices (e.g., an endotracheal tube) within the oral cavity of the patient.

[0087] As depicted in FIGS. 4-9 and 14-16, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one overmold 400. The overmold 400 can at least partially cover the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, the overmold 400 can at least partially cover the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. The overmold 400 can be or include a polymeric material that is molded over the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, the overmold 400 can be or include a soft elastomer or rubber material, such as elastomeric material, such as TPU, TPE, silicone, RTV rubber or thermoset rubber, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, or some other material. The overmold 400 can be or include polypropylene, polyester, copolyester,polycarbonate, styrene acrylic copolymers, styrene block copolymer (SBC), ABS, high durometer TPU, polyethylene, or some other material. The overmold 400 can include some other material that is compatible with the first portion 105, the second portion 110, or some other portion of the oral irrigation device 100 . The oral irrigation device 100 can include a soft material to provide an improved mouthfeel, provide comfort to a patient, reduce a risk of damage to the patient’s oral cavity, or reduce a risk of disrupting other medical procedures (e.g., the stable operation of a ventilator and associated endotracheal tube). For example, the overmold 400 can be provided over the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 in areas or regions that are more likely than other regions to improve mouthfeel, provide comfort to a patient, reduce a risk of damage to the patient’s oral cavity, or reduce a risk of disrupting other medical procedures.

[0088] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 to couple the first upper member 200 with the first lower member 205 of the oral irrigation device 100. For example, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can define a first seam 300. The first seam 300 can extend around a perimeter of the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105, for example. Without a proper or sufficient seal between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205, irrigation fluid provided to the first cavity 225 can inadvertently escape from the first cavity 225 via the first seam 300. Accordingly, it can be desirable to include the overmold member 400 over the first seam 300 to further seal the first upper member 200 against the first lower member 205 and sufficiently seal the first upper member 200 with the first lower member 205. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold member 400 to at least partially cover the first seam 300.

[0089] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 to couple the second upper member 210 with the second lower member 220 of the oral irrigation device 100. For example, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can define a second seam 300. The second seam 300 can extend around a perimeter of the second paddle 120 of the second portion 110, for example. Without a proper or sufficient seal between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220, a suction force of the second paddle 120 can be diminished and insufficiently great to adequately remove irrigation fluid from the oral cavity. For example, vacuum pressure within the cavity 230 can inadvertently escape from the second cavity 230 via the second seam 300, causing a strength of the vacuum pressure within second cavity 230 to decrease.Accordingly, it can be desirable to include the overmold member 400 over the second seam 300 to further seal the second upper member 210 against the second lower member 220 and sufficiently seal the second upper member 210 with the second lower member 220. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold member 400 to at least partially cover the second seam 300.

[0090] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 positioned at least partially over the seam 300 of the first paddle 115 and the seam 300 of the second paddle 120. For example, the overmold 400 can adhere to the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 such that glue or some other adhesive is not necessary to couple the first upper member 200 with the first lower member 205. The overmold 400 can further create a seal between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205, which can prevent irrigation fluid from escaping the first cavity 225 and cause the irrigation fluid to instead exit via the first opening 150 as intended. The overmold 400 can create a hermetic seal around the first paddle 115 to prevent fluid from escaping except via the first opening 150. For example, the overmold 400 can cover an entirety of the seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. In some examples, the overmold 400 can cover only a portion of the seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. For example, the overmold 400 can cover portions of the seam 300 that are not designed as or associated with the first opening 150, as is discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, among others.

[0091] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 positioned at least partially over the seam 300 of the second paddle 120. For example, the overmold 400 can adhere to the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 such that glue or some other adhesive is not necessary to couple the second upper member 210 with the second lower member 220. The overmold 400 can further create a seal between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220, which can prevent vacuum pressure from escaping the second cavity 230 and cause a sufficiently strong vacuum pressure to build within the second cavity 230 to draw irrigation fluid to into the second cavity 230 via the second opening 155 as intended. The overmold 400 can create a hermetic seal around the second paddle 120 to prevent vacuum pressure from escaping except via the second opening 155. For example, the overmold 400 can cover an entirety of the seam 300 between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member220. In some examples, the overmold 400 can cover only a portion of the seam 300 between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220. For example, the overmold 400 can cover portions of the seam 300 that are not designed as or associated with second opening 155.

[0092] The oral irrigation device can include the overmold 400 including the bridge 160 or some other bridge (e.g., a bridge 1405, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, among others). For example, the bridge 160 can be integrally molded with the overmold 400. The first portion 105 and the second portion 110 can be coated with the overmold 400 in a single molding operation such that the overmold 400 covering at least a portion of the first paddle 115 and at least a portion of the second paddle 120 can also include the bridge 160 that couples the stem 140 of the first portion 105 with the stem 140 of the second portion 110. For example, the overmold 400 can be molded over a portion of the stem 140 of the first portion 105, the barb 260 extending from the first portion 105, the barb 260 extending from the second portion 110, and a portion of the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The same overmold 400 can at least partially cover an outer surface of the first paddle 115, an outer surface of the second paddle 120, the first seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205, or the second seam 300 between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220.

[0093] In some examples, the oral irrigation device 100 can include multiple overmolds. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 14-16, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a first overmold 1400 and a second overmold 1415. The first overmold 1400 and the second overmold 1415 can be disconnected (e.g., separate, discrete, unconnected). For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a first overmold 1400 at least partially covering the second seam 300 between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220. The first overmold 1400 can include the bridge 1405 and a seam portion 1410. The bridge 1405 can couple the stem 140 of the first portion 105 with the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The seam portion 1410 can cover at least a portion of the seam 300 between the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220. The second overmold member 1415 can be or include a seam portion 1415. For example, the second overmold member can cover at least a portion of the seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. The first overmold member 1400 and the second overmold member 1415 can be molded in a single molding operation or in separate molding operations. The first overmold member 1400 can be or include one material (e.g., a softelastomer or rubber material) and the second overmold member 1415 can be or include another material (e.g., a second soft elastomer or rubber material). For example, the second overmold member 1415 that covers the seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can include a material that is sufficiently strong and resilient to withstand a fluid pressure force exerted on the second overmold member 1415 at the seam 300.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, among others, the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 can include at least one projection 250. The projection 250 can be a feature that is raised or proud relative to a remainder of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, the projection 250 can extend outwardly from the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. The first portion 105 or the second portion 110 can included at least one impression 255. The impression 255 can be a feature that is depressed or lowered relative to a remainder of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, the impression 255 can extend inwardly from the first portion 105 or the second portion 110.

[0095] As noted above, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 covering (e.g., enveloping, coating, encapsulating, sealing) at least a portion of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. As depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 not covering the projection 250. For example, the projection 250 can extend beyond or be flush (e.g., level) with the overmold 400 such that an outer-most surface of the projection 250 is not covered by the overmold 400. Instead, the projection 250 can be uncovered by the overmold 400 such that the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 is exposed. As noted above, the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 can include a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate, styrene acrylic copolymers, styrene block copolymer (SBC), ABS, high durometer TPU, polyethylene, or some other material), whereas the overmold 400 can include a rigid, semi-rigid, soft, or elastomeric material (e.g., TPU, TPE, silicone, RTV rubber or thermoset rubber, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, polycarbonate, styrene acrylic copolymers, styrene block copolymer (SBC), ABS, high durometer TPU, polyethylene, or some other material). Because the overmold 400 does not cover the projection 250, at least a portion of the rigid or semi-rigid material can be accessible or exposed on the outer surface of the oral irrigation device 100. The projection 250 and the overmold 400 can be strategically placed on the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 of theoral irrigation device 100 so as to improve mouthfeel, maximize scrubbing efficacy, facilitate the movement of the oral irrigation device within the oral cavity of the patient, or otherwise.

[0096] The overmold 400 of the oral irrigation device 100 can at least partially fill the impression 255. For example, because the impression 255 is depressed or in-set relative to a remainder of the first paddle 115 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, among others, the overmold 400 can occupy (e.g., fill, coat) the negative space created by the impression 255. The impression 255 can be positioned on the first paddle 115 (or on some other part of the oral irrigation device 100) to improve mouthfeel, maximize scrubbing efficacy, facilitate the movement of the oral irrigation device within the oral cavity of the patient, or otherwise.

[0097] The oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one groove or slot to receive an overmold member. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 15-16, among others, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be coupled together with a groove or slot positioned at the seam 300. The groove or slot can be a perimetral groove that follows a substantial entirety of the seam 300. The second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be coupled together with a groove 1500 (e.g., a slot, a track, a slit, or a slot positioned at the seam 300. The groove 1500 can be a perimetral groove that follows a substantial entirety of the seam 300. The overmold can be provided within the groove 1500. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 15-16, among others, the seam portion 1415 of the first overmold 1400 can reside within the groove 1500.

[0098] As depicted in FIGS. 4-6 and 8-10, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one grip tab 405. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a first grip tab 405 positioned at least partially over a first junction 145 and a second grip 405 tab positioned at least partially over a second junction 145. The grip tab 405 can be positioned on an outer surface of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110, as depicted in FIG. 4, among others. The grip tab 405 can be positioned on an inner surface of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. The grip tab 405 can be positioned on the first portion 105 and located between the bridge 160 and the first paddle 115. The grip tab 405 can be positioned on the second portion 110 and located between the bridge 160 and the second paddle 120. For example, the grip tab 405 can be positioned on an outer surface of the first portion 105 and located between thebridge 160 and the first paddle 115 to receive a pinching force to move the first paddle 115 relative to the second paddle 120. The grip tab 405 can be positioned on the first portion 105 and located between the bridge 160 and the first conduit 125. The grip tab 405 can be positioned on the second portion 110 and located between the bridge 160 and the second conduit 130. For example, the grip tab 405 can be positioned on an inner surface of the first portion 105 and located between the bridge 160 and the first conduit 125 to receive a separating force (e.g., a force opposite a pinching force) to move the first paddle 115 relative to the second paddle 120. For example, at least 5% of the grip tab 405 can be positioned on the bridge 160, the first paddle 115, the stem 140, some combination thereof, or some area therebetween.

[0099] The grip tab 405 can be an area (e.g., region, zone, or portion) of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 that is configured to receive tactile input from a user (e.g., a doctor, a medical professional, a patient, or some other person). For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the first grip tab 405 and the second grip tab 405 to support a finger or thumb of a user. The grip tab 405 can be curved or contoured to correspond to a curved or contoured pad of the user’s finger or thumb. For example, the grip tab 405 can be curved or contoured to provide a convenient area for a user to grasp the oral irrigation device 100 and apply a force (e.g., a pinching force or a separating force) to the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. As noted above, the first paddle 115 of the first portion 105 can move toward the second paddle 120 of the second portion 1 10 upon application of an external force. The external force can be applied by a user that is engaging with the grip tab 405 of the oral irrigation device 100. For example, a first grip tab 405 and a second grip tab 405 can be configured to receive a force to pivot the first portion 105 about the bridge pivot point 165 toward the second portion 110. The oral irrigation device 100 can include a first grip tab 405 of the first portion 105 and a second grip tab 405 of the second portion 110, and a user can apply a force to both the first grip tab 405 and the second grip tab 405. The force applied to both the first grip tab 405 and the second grip tab 405 can be a pinching or compressive force that can cause the first paddle 115 to move in the first direction 170 and the second paddle 120 to move in the second direction 175. The grip tab 405 can thus be configured to provide a convenient area for the user to apply the external force to the oral irrigation device 100 as the oral irrigation device 100 is being inserted into the oral cavity of the user.

[0100] The grip tab 405 can be positioned at or proximate to (e.g., within two centimeters of)the junction 145 of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. In other examples, the grip tab 405 can be positioned on the stem 140 or on the paddle (e.g., the first paddle 115 or the second paddle 120). In various examples, the grip tab 405 can be located along the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 in a position that both provides a convenient place for a user to apply a force to the grip tab 405 and is free from any occlusion, such as the patient’s lips, an endotracheal tube, or some other object. Further, once the oral irrigation device has been inserted into the oral cavity of the patient, the user (e.g., the doctor or medical professional that is inserting the oral irrigation device 100 into the oral cavity) can release the grip tabs 405, whereupon the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 can move apart (e.g., pivot about the bridge pivot point 165) toward the rest position of the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. With the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 substantially in a rest position, the lips of the patient can contact the grip tab 405. For example, the patient’s lips can rest against the contoured surface of the grip tab 405. The grip tab 405 can be coupled with or integrally molded with the bridge 160 of the oral irrigation device 100. For example, the grip tabs 405 extend from the bridge 160 toward the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 or toward the junction 145 of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110.

[0101] As depicted in FIGS 4-6, 8, and 9, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the overmold 400 at least partially covering the first portion 105 and the second portion 110, the overmold 400 including the first grip tab 405 and the second grip tab 405. For example, the grip tab 405 can be a feature that is integrally molded with the overmold 400. Prior to molding the overmold 400 onto the first portion 105 or the second portion 110, the junction 145 (or other location of the respective first portion 105 or second portion 110) can be without any grip tab feature. For example, the overmold 400 can include a shape or form factor that includes the grip tab 405. In such examples, the overmold 400 can at least partially cover the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 while the overmold 400 itself includes a first grip tab 405, a second grip tab 405, and a bridge (e.g., the bridge 160 or some other bridge). The grip tab 405 can include a material that is substantially the same as the overmold 400. For example, the grip tab 405 can include a soft elastomer or rubber material. Relative to other materials, the soft elastomer or rubber material can increase friction between the user’s finger or thumb to provide for greater tactility and ease of operation. For example, with increased friction between the user’s finger or thumb and the grip tab 405, the user can maintain better control over the oral irrigation device 100during insertion of the oral irrigation device into the patient’s oral cavity or otherwise.

[0102] As depicted in FIGS. 10-12, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a grip tab integrally molded with the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, rather than being integrally molded with the overmold 400 that is applied over the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205, the second upper member 210, or the second lower member 220, the oral irrigation device can include at least one grip tab 1015 that is integrally molded with the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205, the second upper member 210, or the second lower member 220. The grip tab 1015 can include a first portion 1020 and a second portion 1025. The first portion 1020 can be a first upper portion 1020 of the first upper member 200. The second portion 1025 can be a first lower portion 1025 of the first lower member 205. The first portion 1020 can be a second upper portion 1020 of the second upper member 210. The second portion 1025 can be a second lower portion 1025 of the second lower member 220. As the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 are coupled to create the first portion 105, the first upper portion 1020 and the first lower portion 1025 can be brought together to form the grip tab 1015. As the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 are coupled to create the second portion 110, the second upper portion 1020 and the second lower portion 1025 can be brought together to form the grip tab 1015. In this way, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the grip tab 1015 even in absence of any overmold feature. The grip tab 1015 can be positioned at the junction 145 of the first portion 105 and the junction 145 of the second portion. The grip tab 1015 can receive a force applied by a user to cause the first portion 105 to pivot about the bridge pivot point 165 toward the second portion 110.

[0103] As depicted in FIGS. 10-12, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a bridge detachable from a remainder of the oral irrigation device 100. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a bridge 1000 that is detachably couplable with the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The bridge 1000 can be detachably coupled with a waist portion 1100 of the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and a waist portion 1100 of the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The waist portion 1100 can be a portion of the stem 140 having a smaller or narrower diameter or dimension, as shown in FIG. 11, among others. The bridge 1000 can include a two end portions 1005 connected by a central portion 1010. Each end portion 1005 can define an opening 1105. The stem 140 of the first portion 105 and thestem 140 of the second portion 110 can be inserted through the opening 1105 of the bridge 1000. The end portion 1005 can include an axial length that less than or substantially equal to (e.g., ± 10%) an axial length of the waist portion 1100 of the stem 140. The end portion 1005 of the bridge 1000 can fit within the waist portion 1100 of the stem 140 to couple the bridge 1000 with the stem 140. Because the bridge 1000 can include an elastomeric material, the end portion 1005 and the opening 1105 can expand as the stem 140 is inserted into the opening 1105 until the end portion 1005 is positioned around the waist portion 1100, whereupon the diameter or dimension of the opening 1105 can constrict around the waist portion 1100 to couple the bridge 1000 with the stem 140. Rather than being integrally molded with the overmold 400 or otherwise permanently coupled with the first portion 105 or the second portion 110, the bridge 1000 can be a separate component that is removable (e.g., detachable, separable, decouplable) from the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. For example, because the bridge 1000 is detachable from a remainder of the oral irrigation device 100, the bridge 1000 can comprise a first material that is different than a material of the first portion 105, the second portion 110, or the overmold 400 covering some amount of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. As depicted in FIG. 12, the bridge 1000 can include an extendable portion 1200. The extendable portion 1200 can be a thinner portion of the bridge 1000 that more readily stretchable or extendable under application of some external force (e.g., a force to cause the first paddle 115 to move toward the second paddle 120). In other examples, the bridge 1000 can include a first portion or member that is coupled with a second portion or member to form the bridge 1000. For example, the bridge 1000 can include a top portion that couples with a bottom portion to form the bridge 1000. The top portion can be positioned on the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The bottom portion can then be coupled with the top portion to capture the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and the stem 140 of the second portion 110 between the top portion and the bottom portion, for example.

[0104] As depicted in FIG. 13, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a linkage 1300 and an elastic member 1310. The linkage 1300 can define a pivot point 1305. For example, the linkage 1300 can be coupled with the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. The linkage 1300 can be rigidly coupled to one of the first portion 105 and the second portion, while being pivotably coupled with the other of the first portion 105 or the second portion. Thelinkage 1300 can be a rigid or semi-rigid member that can couple the stem 140 of the first portion 105 with the stem 140 of the second portion 110. For example, the linkage 1300 can couple the first portion 105 with the second portion 110 at a position proximate (e.g., within two centimeters of) the junction 145 of the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. The elastic member 1310 can couple the stem 140 of the first portion 105 with the stem 140 of the second portion 110. For example, the stem 140 of the first portion 105 or the stem 140 of the second portion 110 can include a retention feature 1315 (e.g., a groove, slot, notch, or other retention feature) positioned on an outer surface of the stem 140. The retention feature 1315 can be configured to engage with the elastic member 1310 and retain the elastic member 1310 against the first portion 105 and the second portion 110. For example, the retention feature 1315 can prevent the elastic member 1310 from translating or otherwise moving along the stem 140. The elastic member 1310 can apply a compressive force to the stem 140 of the first portion 105 and the stem 140 of the second portion 110. The elastic member 1310 and the linkage 1300 can cooperatively maintain the first portion 105 and the second portion 110 in a rest position. For example, the elastic member 1310 and the linkage 1300 can cooperatively maintain the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 in a rest position.

[0105] The compressive force applied by the elastic member 1310 can create a tendency for the first paddle 115 and the second paddle to respectively rotate outwards about the pivot point 1305. As depicted in FIG. 13, among others, the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 are positioned in the rest position as the elastic member 1310 provides the compressive force that is at least partially resisted by the linkage 1300. Upon application of an external force (e.g., a force applied by a user, a doctor, a medical professional, a patient, or some other person) to draw the first paddle 115 closer to the second paddle 120, the elastic member 1310 can be stretched (e.g., elongated, subjected to tensile force or extension force, or otherwise stretched). For example, the user can apply a force to a grip tab (not shown) or to some other area or region of the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 that can cause the first paddle 115 to rotate toward the second paddle 120. Upon removal of the external force, the elastic member 1310 can cause the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 to rotate outwards and substantially to the rest position. The elastic member 1310 can vary based on patient needs. For example, an elastic member 1310 capable of providing a comparatively greater compressive force can be coupled with the stems 140 to widen the position of the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 to accommodate a patient’srelatively large oral cavity. An elastic member 1310 capable of providing a comparatively smaller compressive force can be coupled with the stems 140 to narrow the position of the first paddle 115 and the second paddle 120 to accommodate a patient’s relatively small oral cavity.

[0106] The first upper member 200 can be coupled with the first lower member 205 via one or more coupling means. The second upper member 210 can be coupled with the second lower member 220 via one or more coupling means. For example, the first upper member 200 can be coupled with the first lower member 205 via the overmold 400, the overmold 1415, or some other overmold. In other examples, the first upper member 200 can be coupled with the first lower member 205 via ultrasonic welding or some other vibratory welding. In yet other examples, the first upper member 200 can be coupled with the first lower member 205 via melding the first upper member 200 with the first lower member 205, clips or other mechanical interlocking features (e g., snap-fit features), adhesive or glue (e.g., pressure-sensitive or pressure-activated adhesive), some other method of joinery, or some combination of the above-described methods. In yet other examples, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be coupled together using heat, such as by hot plate tooling that can soften or partially melt a portion of the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 such that the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can meld or otherwise adhere together when in contact with each other. In other examples, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be coupled via hot air welding, solvent binding or adhesive, heat-soaking, form-in-plane gasket, or some other coupling device or mechanism. In some examples, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be integrally coupled together via a single blow-molding operation such that the first lower member 205 and the first upper member 200 are not separate components. The second upper member 210 can be coupled with the second lower member 220 via the overmold 400, the seam portion 1410 of the overmold 1400, or some other overmold. In other examples, the second upper member 210 can be coupled with the second lower member 220 via ultrasonic welding or some other vibratory welding. In yet other examples, the second upper member 210 can be coupled with the second lower member 220 via melding the second upper member 210 with the second lower member 220, clips or other mechanical interlocking features (e.g., snap-fit features), adhesive or glue (e.g., pressure-sensitive or pressure-activated adhesive), some other method of joinery, or some combination of the above-described methods. In yet other examples, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be coupled together using heat, such asby hot plate tooling that can soften or partially melt a portion of the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 such that the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can meld or otherwise adhere together when in contact with each other. In other examples, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be coupled via hot air welding, solvent binding or adhesive, heat-soaking, form-in-plane gasket, or some other coupling device or mechanism. In some examples, the second upper member 210 and the second lower member 220 can be integrally coupled together via a single blow-molding operation such that the second lower member 220 and the second upper member 210 are not separate components.

[0107] As noted above, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the first opening 150 to dispense irrigation fluid from the first cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 and into the oral cavity of the patient. For example, the first paddle 115 can include multiple first openings 150 defined by (e.g., extending through, formed in) the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205 to provide multiple streams of irrigation fluid from the first paddle 115 and into the oral cavity of the patient. The multiple first openings 150 can be formed in both the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. For example, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the first portion 105 including the first cavity 225, a first opening 150, and a second opening 150 (e.g., a second first opening 150), where the first opening 150 and the second opening 150 can be fluidly coupled with the first cavity 225. The first cavity 225 can be defined by a space between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. The first cavity 225 can be configured to receive the irrigation fluid via the stem 140 of the first portion and to dispense the irrigation fluid via the first opening 150 and the second opening 150. The first opening 150 can be formed in the first upper member 200, and the second opening 150 can be formed in the first lower member 205. The first opening 150 and the second opening 150 can both be formed in the first upper member 200 or in the first lower member 205.

[0108] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first opening 150 and the second opening 150 (e.g., the second first opening 150), where the first opening 150 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second opening 150. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include a first opening 1700 that extends in a first direction (e.g., a substantially vertical direction as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18). The oral irrigation device 100 can include a second opening 1705 that extends in a second direction (e g., asubstantially horizontal direction as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18). In such a configuration, the first opening 1700 can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the second opening 1705. In this way, irrigation fluid can be dispensed from the first paddle 115 in an at least partially vertical direction via the first opening 1700 and in an at least partially horizontal direction via the second opening 1705. The first opening 1700 or the second opening 1705 can be positioned at any location along the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205, or otherwise. For example, the first opening 1700 or the second opening 1705 can be positioned on a central portion of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205. The first opening 1700 or the second opening 1705 can be positioned on edge or periphery of the first upper member 200, the first lower member 205 such that the first opening 1700 or the second opening 1705 resembles a notch, groove, or indentation, for example.

[0109] The second opening 1705 can be positioned proximate the seam 300 of the first paddle 115. For example, the second opening 1705 can be a notch (e.g., a groove, slot, indent, impression, divot, or other notch) formed along a perimetral edge of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205, as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18. When the first upper member 200 is coupled with the first lower member 205, the notch can extend into the cavity 225 at the seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205. For example, because the seam 300 generally represents a horizontal plane or interface between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205, the second opening 1705 can be a substantially horizontal notch 1705 in the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205. The notch can include a semicircular cross-sectional shape, a V-shaped cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or some other cross-sectional shape. The second opening 1705 can be collectively formed by the notch in one of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205 and an adjacent edge (e.g., a perimetral edge) of the other of the first lower member 205 or the first upper member 200. The adjacent edge can be a straight edge, such that the second opening 1705 takes the shape of the notch. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, among others, the second opening 1705 can be a semi-circular shape formed by the combination of the semi-circular cross-sectional shape of the notch formed in the first upper member 200 and the substantially straight perimetral edge of the first lower member 205.

[0110] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first upper member 200 and the firstlower member 205 both including at least one notch. The notch of the first upper member 200 and the notch of the first lower member 205 can be at least partially aligned. For example, the notch of the first upper member 200 can be substantially a mirror image of the notch of the first lower member 205 with the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 coupled together to form the first portion 105. The second opening 1705 can include a shape or form factor that corresponds to the combination of the notch of the first upper member 200 and the notch of the first lower member 205. For example, if the notch of the first upper member 200 has a semicircular cross-sectional shape and the notch of the first lower member 205 also has a semi-circular cross-sectional shape, then the second opening 1705 can include circular cross-sectional shape. In this way, the second opening 1705 can be positioned at the seam 300 between the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 and be defined by a first notch of the first upper member 200 and a second notch of the first lower member 205.

[0111] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first opening 1700 and the second opening 1705 formed via an injection molding with single pull or straight pull tooling. For example, the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be molded in a vertical direction (e.g., a direction that is substantially parallel with an axis extending through the first opening 1700). Because the second opening 1705 is formed proximate the perimetral edge of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205, the second opening 1705 can also be formed in the first upper member 200 or the second upper member 210 using the same straightpull or single-pull tooling.

[0112] As depicted in FIGS. 19-21, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one flow passage. For example, the at least one flow passage can be defined by interaction (e.g., nesting, coupling, cooperation, engagement) between at least one opening and at least one projection. The first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can each define at least one first opening 1900. The first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can each define at least one second opening 1905. The first opening 1900 can include a first shape, such as an oblong shape, an oval shape, or some other shape. The second opening 1905 can include a second shape, such as a circular shape, a semi-circular shape, or some other shape. The first opening 1900 can include a first shape that is the same as or different than the second shape of the second opening 1905. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, among others, the first shape of the firstopening 1900 can be an oblong shape, while the second shape of the second opening 1905 can have a semi-circular shape. The first opening 1900 and the second opening 1905 can intersect to form a single opening of the first upper member 200 (or of the first lower member 205).

[0113] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first lower member 205 with at least one projection 1910. For example, the first lower member 205 can include at least one projection 1910 that can extend from an inner surface 1805 of the first lower member 205. The projection 1910 can define a channel 2000. The channel 2000 can be a groove, slot, notch, or other impression formed in the projection 1910. In other examples, the projection 1910 can include a raised feature (e.g., the opposite of a channel) that extends longitudinally along the projection. The projection 1910 can extend at least partially in a vertical direction from the inner surface 1805 of the first lower member 205. For example, the projection 1910 can include at least one side that extends at an angle (e.g., a 60° angle, a 45° angle, a 30° angle, or some other angle) relative to the inner surface 1805 such that the projection 1910 is sloped. The channel 2000 can be positioned on the sloped side of the projection 1910 such that the channel 2000 can extend at an angle relative to the inner surface 1805.

[0114] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the projection 1910 configured to extend at least partially within the first opening 1900 and the second opening 1905 with the first upper member 200 coupled with the first lower member 205 to form the first portion 105. For example, the projection 1910 can extend into the first opening 1900 and the second opening 1905 (which can intersect to form a single compound-shape opening). The projection 1910 can at least partially occlude (e.g., block, fill, occupy) the first opening 1900 and the second opening 1905. For example, as depicted in FIG. 21, among others, the projection 1910 can occlude at least a portion of the first opening 1900 and at least a portion of the second opening 1905 to create a flow passage. The flow passage can be a passage extending from the cavity 225 of the first paddle 115 to an exterior (e.g., an oral cavity of a patient). The channel 2000 can form at least a portion of the flow passage. For example, the channel 2000 can cooperate with a non-occluded portion of the first opening 1900 or a non-occluded portion of the second opening 1905 to create the flow passage. As depicted in FIGS. 19—21, among others, the flow passage can include a generally circular shape, as formed by the channel 2000 having a semi-circular shape and the second opening 1905 also having a semi-circular shape. As noted above, the channel 2000 can extend atan angle relative to the inner surface 1805 of the first lower member 205. Accordingly, the channel 2000 and the second opening 1905 can create the flow passage that extends at an angle relative to the inner surface 1805, for example.

[0115] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first opening 1900, the second opening 1905, the projection 1910, and the channel 2000 formed via an injection molding with single-pull or straight-pull tooling. For example, both of the first upper member 200 and the first lower member 205 can be moldable with single-pull or straight-pull tooling. However, by virtue of the interaction between the projection 1910 and the channel 2000 of the projection 1910 with the first opening 1900 and the second opening 1905, a resultant flow passage can extend at an angle that would otherwise only be achievable with more complicated and costly tooling.

[0116] As depicted in FIGS. 22-24, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include the first upper member 200 defining a first opening 2200 and the second member (e.g., the first lower member 205) defining a second opening 2200 (e.g., a second first opening 150). The first opening 2200 can include an inner opening 2205 and an outer opening 2210. The second opening 2200 can include the inner opening 2205 and the outer opening 2210. The inner opening 2205 can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and can include an inner dimension (e.g., an inner diameter). The inner opening 2205 can include some other cross-sectional shape (e.g., oval, diamond, rectangular, hexagonal, or some other shape) and can have an inner dimension (e.g., a distance from one end of the opening to the other, a radius of curvature, or some other dimension). The outer opening 2210 can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and can include an outer dimension (e.g., an outer diameter). The outer opening 2210 can include some other cross- sectional shape (e.g., oval, diamond, rectangular, hexagonal, or some other shape) and can have an outer dimension (e.g., a distance from one end of the opening to the other, a radius of curvature, or some other dimension). The inner dimension of the inner opening 2205 can be greater than the outer dimension of the outer opening 2210. For example, the inner opening 2205 can include a circular, oval, or other cross-sectional shape. The outer opening 2210 can include a circular, oval, or other cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first opening 2205 can be the same as or different than the cross-sectional shape of the outer opening 2210. The opening 2200 can include a conical shape or some other shape. For example, the opening 2200 can be conical about an axis that is perpendicular to an inner surface of the first upper member 200 or the first lowermember 205. The opening 2200 can be conical about an axis that is oriented at some nonperpendicular angle relative to an inner surface of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205. The opening 2200 can be a flow path, a passageway, a lumen, an aperture, or some other opening that has a cross-sectional shape that varies (e.g., has a different cross-sectional dimension, a different cross-sectional shape, or some other variation) along an axial length of the opening

[0117] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the first opening 2200 formed in the first upper member 200 substantially aligned with the second opening 2200 formed in the first lower member 205. For example, the first opening 2200 can be substantially a mirror image of the second opening 2200, as reflected across a plane within which the seam 300 of the first portion 105 resides. As depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24, among others, the first opening 2200 of the first upper member 200 can cooperate with the second opening 2200 of the first lower member 205 to create a desired fluid flow path. For example, as depicted in FIG. 23, among others, an inner wall 2300 of the opening 2200 can be oriented at an angle 2305 relative to a plane within which the seam 300 of the first portion 105 resides. The angle 2305 can be non-perpendicular with the aforementioned plane. Irrigation fluid can be dispensed in a stream 2310 from the first paddle 115 at an angle that at least partially corresponds with the angle 2305 at which the inner surface 2300 of the opening 2200 is oriented. By varying the angle 2305, the stream 2310 can be modified. For example, the stream 2310 can be positioned to optimize an irrigation operation within the oral cavity of the patient. The opening 2200 of the first upper member 200 or the opening 2200 of the first lower member 205 can be formed via injection molding operation using single-pull or straight-pull tooling to provide for a simplified and cost-efficient manufacturing operation.

[0118] As depicted in FIG. 25, among others, the oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one brushing element 2500 and at least one friction element 2510. The brushing element 2500 can include at least one bristle element 2505. For example, the first portion 105 of the oral irrigation device 100 can include the brushing element 2500 extending from the first portion (e.g., from an outer surface of the first upper member 200 or the first lower member 205). The brushing element 2500 can include multiple bristles 2505 extending therefrom. The brushing element 2500 can engage with an oral cavity of a patient. For example, the bristles 2505 of the brushing element 2500 can mechanically engage with the teeth, gums, tongue, cheek, or some other tissues withinthe oral cavity to mechanically scrub the oral cavity. The mechanical engagement of the brushing element 2500 with the oral cavity of the patient can increase an efficacy of an irrigation operation as it relates to the cleanliness of the oral cavity by breaking free particulate matter that can be removed from the oral cavity via the second portion 110 (e.g., the suction portion 110), for example. The oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one of the first openings 150 of the first paddle 105 to provide irrigation fluid to the oral cavity via the brushing element 2500. For example, the opening 150 can be positioned within or proximate to the brushing element 2500 such that irrigation fluid can be dispensed substantially at the location in which the bristles 2505 of the brushing element 2500 are mechanically engaged with the oral cavity.

[0119] The brushing element 2500 can be electrically actuated or electro-mechanically actuated. For example, the brushing element 2500 can vibrate, oscillate, rotate, spin, translate, or otherwise move via some electronic, electro-mechanical, or mechanical actuating device. In this way, brushing element 2500 can facilitate a scrubbing action even when the oral irrigation device 100 is at rest within the oral cavity of the user, for example. The brushing element 2500 can be an ultrasonic vibratory device that is configured to ultrasonically vibrate within the oral cavity to scrub at least a portion of the oral cavity. The brushing element 2500 can be otherwise configured to move in response to signal, such as an electrical signal from a control device, power source, or otherwise.

[0120] The oral irrigation device 100 can include the friction element 2510 extending from the first portion 105 or the second portion 110. For example, the friction elements 2510 can be projections (e.g., spikes, ridges, bumps, or some other feature standing proud relative to an outer surface) that can oral cavity of the user. The friction elements 2510 can engage with the oral cavity of the patient, such as by facilitating a scrubbing action with the patient’s oral cavity. For example, the friction elements 2510 can engage with the oral irrigation device 100 is inserted into the oral cavity. The engagement between the friction elements 2510 and the oral cavity can increase an efficacy of an irrigation operation as it relates to the cleanliness of the oral cavity by breaking free particulate matter that can be removed from the oral cavity via the second portion 110 (e.g., the suction portion 110), for example. The friction elements 2510 can be positioned on the first portion 105 or the second portion 110 of the oral irrigation device 100. For example, the friction elements 2510 can extend from an outer surface of the second paddle 120 or from an outersurface of the first paddle 1 15. The friction elements 2510 can be or include a soft or semi-rigid material. For example, the friction elements 2510 can be elastomeric or rubberized projections that extend from the outer surface of the first paddle 115 or the second paddle 120 to provide mechanical engagement with the oral cavity.

[0121] The oral irrigation device 100 can include at least one a control device 2515. For example, the control device 2515 can be communi cably coupled with the brushing element 2500. The control device 2515 can be communicably coupled with the brushing element 2500 and configured to cause the brushing element 2500 to scrub at least a portion of the oral cavity. For example, as noted above the brushing element 2500 can be an electronic or electro-mechanical brushing element 2500 that can, when powered, create a brushing motion to facilitate the mechanical scrubbing of the patient’s oral cavity. The control device 2515 can be configured to selectively provide power to the brushing element 2500. For example, in response to some input (e.g., an input by a user provided via a button, switch, or other device) can cause the control device 2515 to provide power supplied by a power source 2520 to the brushing element 2500. The power source 2520 can be a battery or a similar power storage device. The control device 2515 can be an electric motor, a non-electric motor, or some other motor device. The control device 2515 can be pneumatic or hydraulic. For example, a syringe that is at least partially filled with some volume of fluid (e.g., some gas, liquid, or otherwise) can be fluidly coupled with the brushing member 2500 such that actuation of the syringe (e.g., pushing or pulling the fluid through a conduit to / from the brushing element 2500) can cause the brushing element 2500 to move and engage in a brushing, scrubbing, or friction inducing action to clean the oral cavity, for example. The pneumatic or hydraulic control device 2515 can be coupled with a pump, motor, or other device to facilitate the actuation of the brushing element 2500 via pneumatic or hydraulic means.

[0122] It is understood that the disclosure of an apparatus, device, or system, such as the oral irrigation device 100 and various permutations stemming therefrom, also contemplates the disclosure of methods relating thereto. For example, it is understood that a method of providing the oral irrigation device 100 is within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is understood that a method of manufacturing the oral irrigation device 100 or other methods associated with use of the oral irrigation device 100 or otherwise is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0123] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0124] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0125] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0126] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0127] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementationmay be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0128] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0129] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0130] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] For example, descriptions of positive and negative electrical characteristics, pressure characteristics, or other characteristics may be reversed. For example, elements subject to negative pressure can be subject to positive pressure and vice versa. Elements described as negative elements can instead be configured as positive elements and elements described as positive elements can instead by configured as negative elements. For example, elements described as having first polarity can instead have a second polarity, and elements described as having a secondpolarity can instead have a first polarity. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical, or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel, or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / -10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An oral irrigation device, comprising: a first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion including a first upper member coupled with a first lower member, the first upper member and the first lower member defining a first cavity, the first portion to receive a fluid via the first conduit; a second portion coupled with a second conduit, the second portion including a second upper member coupled with a second lower member, the second upper member and the second lower member defining a second cavity, the second conduit to receive fluid via the second portion; and a flexible bridge member coupled with the first portion and the second portion, the flexible bridge member to allow the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion.

2. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: the flexible bridge member to retain the first portion in a rest position relative to the second portion, the flexible bridge member comprising an elastomeric material, wherein the flexible bridge member is to cause the first portion to pivot relative to the second portion with an external force applied to at least one of the first portion and the second portion; and the flexible bridge member to cause the first portion to return to the rest position relative to the second portion in absence of the external force.

3. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: the first conduit coupled with a first stem of the first portion; the second conduit coupled with a second stem of the second portion; and the flexible bridge member detachably coupled with the first stem and the second stem.

4. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: the first portion including a first barb; the second portion including a second barb; and the flexible bridge member positioned over the first barb and the second barb.

5. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: an overmold member at least partially covering the first portion and the second portion, the overmold member to engage at least one tooth of a user during operation of the oral irrigation device.

6. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: an overmold at least partially covering the first portion and the second portion, the overmold including the flexible bridge member.

7. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: the first upper member and the first lower member defining a first seam; the second upper member and the second lower member defining a second seam; and an overmold at least partially covering the first seam and the second seam, the overmold including the flexible bridge member.

8. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: the first upper member and the first lower member defining a first seam; the second upper member and the second lower member defining a second seam; a first overmold at least partially covering the second seam, the first overmold including the flexible bridge member; and a second overmold at least partially covering the first seam.

9. The oral irrigation device of claim 1, comprising: the first portion defining a first opening fluidly coupled with the first cavity, the first opening at least partially defined by an angled surface of the first upper member, the first portion to dispense a fluid via the first opening at an angle corresponding to the angled surface.

10. An oral irrigation device, comprising: a first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion including a first member coupled with a second member, the first portion including a cavity disposed between the firstmember and the second member, the first member and the second member cooperatively defining an opening fluidly coupled with the cavity, the first portion to receive a fluid via the first conduit and dispense a fluid via the opening; and a second portion coupled with a second conduit, the second conduit to receive fluid via the second portion, the first portion coupled with the second portion.

11. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, comprising: the first portion including the first member coupled with the second member to form a seam, the opening positioned at the seam.

12. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, comprising: the first portion including the first member coupled with the second member to form a seam, first member including a first notch, the second member including a second notch, the opening positioned at the seam and at least partially defined by the first notch and the second notch.

13. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, wherein the opening is a first opening, the oral irrigation device comprising: the first portion including the first member coupled with the second member to form a seam, first member including a first notch, the second member including a second notch, the first opening positioned at the seam and at least partially defined by the first notch and the second notch; and the first portion including a second opening, the second opening defined by one of the first member or the second member and extending substantially perpendicularly to the first opening.

14. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, comprising: the first member defining a second opening; and the second member defining a projection, the second opening of the first member to receive the projection of the second member, the projection to partially occlude the second opening to define the opening of the first portion.

15. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, comprising: the first portion including a first stem; the second portion including a second stem; and a flexible bridge coupled with the first stem and the second stem to couple the first portion with the second portion.

16. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, comprising: the second portion including a second opening, an upper member, and a lower member, the upper member coupled with the lower member to define a second cavity and a seam, the second cavity to receive fluid via the second opening; and an overmold coupled with the upper member and the lower member and at least partially covering the seam to couple the upper member with the lower member.

17. The oral irrigation device of claim 10, comprising: the second portion including a second opening, an upper member, and a lower member, the upper member coupled with the lower member to define a second cavity and a seam, the second cavity to receive fluid via the second opening; and an overmold coupled with the upper member and the lower member and at least partially covering the seam to couple the upper member with the lower member, the overmold defining a flexible bridge extending from the first portion to the second portion to couple the first portion with the second portion.

18. An oral irrigation device, comprising: a first portion coupled with a first conduit, the first portion including a first upper member, a first lower member, and a first stem, the first upper member coupled with the first lower member to define a first cavity, the first portion to receive a fluid via the first conduit; a second portion coupled with the first portion and a second conduit, the second portion including a second upper member, a second lower member, and a second stem, the second upper member coupled with the second lower member to define a second cavity, the second conduit to receive fluid via the second portion; a first grip tab coupled with the first portion;a second grip tab coupled with the second portion; and the first grip tab and the second grip tab to support a finger or thumb of a user.

19. The oral irrigation device of claim 18, comprising: an overmold at least partially covering the first portion and the second portion, the overmold including the first grip tab and the second grip tab.

20. The oral irrigation device of claim 18, comprising: an overmold at least partially covering the first portion and the second portion, the overmold including the first grip tab, the second grip tab, and a flexible bridge member, the flexible bridge member coupled with the first stem of the first portion and the second stem of the second portion, the flexible bridge member defining a pivot point; and the first grip tab and the second grip tab to receive a force to pivot the first portion about the pivot point toward the second portion.

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