Teeth cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tooth cleaning device. In one embodiment, the present invention can be a tooth cleaning device, comprising: a first support structure including a first dentin channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a user's dentin; a plurality of tooth cleaning pads located in the first dentin channel; a plurality of air bags operably connected to the tooth cleaning pads; an air flow subsystem operably connected to the air bags; and a control unit operably connected to the air flow subsystem, the control unit being configured to: (1) pressurize the air bags with external air in a pressurization mode; and (2) deliver air between selected ones of the air bags in a cleaning mode.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of October 5, 2017, application number "201780062973.X", and invention name "Tooth Cleaning Device".

[0002] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 291,760, filed on October 12, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to tooth cleaning devices and, in particular, to tooth cleaning devices that enable cleaning of substantially all tooth surfaces simultaneously. Background Art

[0005] It is known that a type of tooth cleaning device that performs tooth brushing (plaque removal) by simultaneously cleaning substantially all tooth surfaces exposed in the user's oral cavity. Such devices may be generally referred to as full-mouth toothbrushes. Some full-mouth toothbrushes attempt to replicate the up-and-down motion of the Bass method for cleaning teeth, which is recognized as one of the most efficient methods for removing plaque, tartar, etc. from tooth surfaces. However, although the Bass method for cleaning teeth is one of the most recommended methods for using a manual toothbrush, it is not necessarily the most efficient method for a full-mouth toothbrush. Therefore, a tooth cleaning device is needed that can improve the efficiency of a full-mouth toothbrush in removing plaque, tartar, etc. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention may relate to a tooth cleaning device comprising: a first support structure, the first support structure comprising a first dentin channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a user's dentin; a plurality of tooth cleaning pads located within the first dentin channel; a plurality of air bags operably connected to the tooth cleaning pads; an airflow subsystem operably connected to the air bags; and a control unit operably connected to the airflow subsystem, the control unit being configured to: (1) pressurize the air bags with external air in a pressurization mode; and (2) transfer air back and forth between selected ones of the air bags in a cleaning mode.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention may relate to a tooth cleaning device comprising: a first support structure, the first support structure including a first dentin channel, the first dentin channel being configured to receive at least a first portion of a user's dentin, the first dentin channel being defined by a first channel base, a first facial wall and a first tongue wall; a plurality of tooth cleaning pads, the tooth cleaning pads comprising: a first facial tooth cleaning pad connected to the first facial wall; and a first tongue tooth cleaning pad connected to the first tongue wall so as to be opposite to the first facial tooth cleaning pad, the first facial tooth cleaning pad and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad being oriented so as to form an acute angle therebetween; a plurality of air bags operably connected to the tooth cleaning pads; and an airflow subsystem operably connected to the air bags.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention can be a tooth cleaning device comprising: a first support structure, the first support structure comprising a first dentin channel configured to receive upper teeth in the dentin of a user; a second support structure, the second support structure comprising a second dentin channel, the second dentin channel configured to receive lower teeth in the dentin of the user; a plurality of tooth cleaning pads, the plurality of tooth cleaning pads comprising a first group of tooth cleaning pads located in the first dentin channel and a second group of tooth cleaning pads located in the second dentin channel; a plurality of air bags, comprising a first group of air bags operably connected to the first group of tooth cleaning pads and a second group of air bags operably connected to the second group of tooth cleaning pads; an airflow subsystem operably connected to the air bags; and a control unit operably connected to the airflow subsystem, the control unit being configured to: (1) operate the airflow subsystem to generate a first cleaning motion in a first direction relative to the dentin of the user; (2) operate the airflow subsystem to generate a second cleaning motion in a second direction relative to the dentin of the user; and (3) operate the airflow subsystem to generate a third cleaning motion in a third direction relative to the dentin of the user, wherein the first, second and third directions are different from each other.

[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support structure of a teeth cleaning device according to a first embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the supporting structure;

[0013] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the support structure along line III-III;

[0014] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the support structure along line IV-IV;

[0015] Figure 5 There is no dental cleaning pad Figure 1 A top view of the supporting structure;

[0016] Fig. 6A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a tooth cleaning pad;

[0017] Figure 6B is a partial top plan view of a first embodiment of a tooth cleaning pad;

[0018] Fig. 7A is a partial side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a tooth cleaning pad;

[0019] Figure 7B is a partial top plan view of a second embodiment of a tooth cleaning pad;

[0020] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a top support structure of a teeth cleaning device according to a second embodiment;

[0021] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of air and control paths of a teeth cleaning device according to a second embodiment; and

[0022] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a teeth cleaning device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0024] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be understood as referring to the orientation shown in the drawings described later or discussed. These relative terms are only for the convenience of description, and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a specific orientation unless explicitly specified. For example, "attachment", "attachment", "connection", "connection", "interconnection" and similar terms refer to the relationship in which structures are fixed or attached to each other directly or indirectly through an intervening structure, and the removable or rigid attachment or relationship of the two, unless otherwise explicitly described as not being the case. In addition, the features and benefits of the present invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.

[0025] The range used throughout the text is used as a shorthand for describing each value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the range end value. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition of the cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0026] Please refer to the attached drawings for details. Figure 1 A tooth support structure of a tooth cleaning device 11 (also referred to herein in some embodiments as an oral care appliance or electric toothbrush) comprising a first support structure 13 and a second support structure 15 is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the first support structure 13 and the second support structure 15 are configured in the same manner. Therefore, in the following description, the details about the first support structure 13 are equally applicable to the second support structure 15. In certain other embodiments, the first support structure 13 and the second support structure 15 may have different configurations from each other, such that one of the support structures is specifically configured for cleaning the upper teeth and the other support structure is specifically configured for cleaning the lower teeth. As will become apparent from the description below, the first support structure 13 and the second support structure 15 may vary with respect to one or more of the number and placement of airbags, the number and placement of tooth cleaning pads, the orientation of the cleaning pads relative to each other, and other types of potential differences.

[0027] Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiment is shown as having both the first tooth support structure 13 and the second tooth support structure 15, it should be understood that certain embodiments of the tooth cleaning device 11 may include only one of the first tooth support structure 13 or the second tooth support structure 15. In such embodiments, a single tooth support structure may be used first for either the upper or lower teeth of a user and then flipped over to be used for the other of the upper or lower teeth of the user.

[0028] return Figure 1 , the first support structure 13 includes a dentin channel 17, which is shaped so that at least a portion of the user's dentin, i.e., at least a portion of the user's upper or lower teeth, can be received in the dentin channel 17. The dentin channel 17 is defined by a facial wall 19, a tongue wall 21, and a channel floor 23. In some embodiments, the first support structure 13 can be formed of a material suitable for use in the user's mouth, such as polyetheretherketone. Figures 1 to 3 As seen in the figure, the airbag 25 is positioned adjacent to each of the facial wall 19, the tongue wall 21, and the channel floor 23, and the tooth cleaning pad 27 is coupled to the airbag 25. The airbag 25 can be fixed to the first support structure 13 in the dentin channel 17 by any suitable means, such as adhesives, tapes, fasteners, brackets, etc. The tooth cleaning pad 27 can be attached to the airbag 25 by any suitable means, such as adhesives or tapes. In some embodiments, the tooth cleaning pad 27 can be used to fix the airbag 25 in a position adjacent to any one or more of the facial wall 19, the tongue wall 21, and / or the channel floor 23. In some embodiments, the tooth cleaning pad 27 can be integrally formed with the airbag 25.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the airbag 25 can be formed by an elastic material, such as one of silicone rubber or polyurethane. The material forming the airbag 25 can have a Shore hardness between 15A and 30A and including 15A and 30A. And in an exemplary embodiment, the teeth cleaning pad 27 can be formed by polyurethane. The material forming the teeth cleaning pad 27 can have a Shore hardness between 30A and 40A and including 30A and 40A. Of course, other materials can be used for both the airbag 25 and the teeth cleaning pad 27, and the material used can have a hardness outside the range.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown in , the facial wall 19 of the first support structure 13 may include a first facial wall portion 19a, a second facial wall portion 19b, a third facial wall portion 19c, a fourth facial wall portion 19d, and a fifth facial wall portion 19e. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first, second, and third facial wall portions 19a to c are positioned to face the facial surfaces of the incisors and canines, and the fourth facial wall portion 19d and the fifth facial wall portion 19e are positioned to face the facial surfaces of the premolars and molars. In some embodiments, any two or more of the facial wall portions 19a to e may be integrally formed. For example, the entire facial wall 19 may be integrally formed so that the facial wall 23 is not distinguishable between the facial wall portions 19a to e. In such embodiments, the positioning of the airbag 25 along the facial wall 19 can be used to distinguish the different facial wall portions 19a to e. In some embodiments, the second facial wall portion 19b and the third facial wall portion 19c may be integrated with the first facial wall portion 19a. In still other embodiments, the second facial wall portion 19b and the fourth facial wall portion 19d may be integrated, and the third facial wall portion 19c and the fifth facial wall portion 19e may be integrated. The respective sizes and positions of the facial wall portions 19a to e may vary to accommodate differences in the sizes of the teeth and mouths of different users without wishing to limit the present invention.

[0031] The tongue wall 21 of the first support structure 13 may include a first tongue wall portion 21a, a second tongue wall portion 21b, and a third tongue wall portion 21c. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first tongue wall portion 21a is positioned to face the tongue surface of the incisors and canines, and the second wall portion 21b and the third wall portion 21c are positioned to face the tongue surface of the premolars and molars. In some embodiments, any two or more of the tongue wall portions 21a to c may be integrally formed. For example, the entire tongue wall 21 may be integrally formed so that the tongue wall 21 is indistinguishable between the tongue wall portions 21a to c. In such embodiments, the positioning of the airbag 25 along the tongue wall 21 may be used to distinguish between different tongue wall portions 21a to c. The respective sizes and positions of the tongue wall portions 21a to c may vary to accommodate the differences in the sizes of the teeth and oral cavity of different users, without wishing to limit the present invention.

[0032] The channel floor 23 of the first support structure 13 can be considered to include a first floor portion 23a, a second floor portion 23b, and a third floor portion 23c. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first floor portion 23a is positioned to face the occlusal surface of the incisor and canine, and the second floor portion 23b and the third floor portion 23c are positioned to face the occlusal surface of the premolar and molar. In some embodiments, any two or more of the floor portions 23a to c can be integrally formed. For example, the entire channel floor 23 can be integrally formed so that the channel floor 23 is indistinguishable between the floor portions 23a to c. In such embodiments, the positioning of the airbag 25 along the channel floor 23 can be used to distinguish different floor portions 23a to c. The corresponding sizes and positions of the floor portions 23a to c can be varied to accommodate the differences in the sizes of the teeth and oral cavity of different users, without wishing to limit the present invention.

[0033] The exemplary embodiment includes a first facial airbag 31 adjacent to the first facial wall portion 19a, a second facial airbag 33 adjacent to the second facial wall portion 19b, a third facial airbag 35 adjacent to the third facial wall portion 19c, a fourth facial airbag 37 adjacent to the fourth facial wall portion 19d, and a fifth facial airbag 39 adjacent to the fifth facial wall portion 19e along the facial wall 19. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first facial airbag 31, the second facial airbag 33, and the third facial airbag 35 are positioned between the facial surfaces of the incisors and canines and the corresponding first facial wall portions 19a, the second facial wall portions 19b, and the third facial wall portions 19c, and the fourth airbag 37 and the fifth airbag 39 are positioned between the facial surfaces of the premolars and molars and the corresponding fourth facial wall portions 19d and the fifth facial wall portions 19e. In some embodiments, additional airbags 25 may be included near the facial wall 19. In still other embodiments, for example Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , fewer air cells 25 may be included adjacent to the facial wall 19 .

[0034] Along the tongue wall 21, the exemplary embodiment includes a first tongue airbag 41, a second tongue airbag 43, and a third tongue airbag 45. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first tongue airbag 41 is positioned between the tongue surface of the incisor and canine and the first tongue wall portion 21a, and the second airbag 43 and the third airbag 45 are positioned between the tongue surface of the premolar and molar and the corresponding second tongue wall portion 21b and the third tongue wall portion 21c. In some embodiments, more or fewer airbags 25 may be included near the tongue wall 21.

[0035] Along the channel floor 23, the exemplary embodiment includes a first floor airbag 47 and a second floor airbag 49. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first floor airbag 47 and the second floor airbag 49 are positioned between the occlusal surfaces of the premolars and molars and the corresponding second floor portion 23b and the third floor portion 23c. In some embodiments, additional airbags 25 may be included near the channel floor 23. For example, airbags 25 can be included along the first floor portion 23a. As another example, the second floor portion 23b and the third floor portion 23c can have two or more airbags adjacent thereto.

[0036] The tooth cleaning pad 27 along the facial wall 19 extends continuously around the facial wall 19 and is connected to the air bag 25 adjacent to the facial wall 19. Similarly, the tooth cleaning pad 27 along the tongue wall 21 extends continuously around the tongue wall 21 and is connected to the air bag 25 adjacent to the tongue wall 21. In an exemplary embodiment, the tooth cleaning pad 27 extends between any gaps that can be formed between the air bags 25. In certain embodiments, gaps can be left between the tooth cleaning pads 27, wherein those gaps are closed when the air bags 25 are pressurized. Two base plate tooth cleaning pads 57 are positioned on the channel base plate 23. In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate cleaning pads 57 are adjacent. However, in certain other embodiments, the base plate cleaning pads 57 can extend continuously along the channel base plate 23.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the tooth cleaning pads 27 along the tongue wall 19 include a first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 coupled to the first facial airbag 31, a second facial tooth cleaning pad 63 coupled to the second facial airbag 33, a third facial tooth cleaning pad 65 coupled to the third facial airbag 35, a fourth facial tooth cleaning pad 67 coupled to the fourth facial airbag 37, and a fifth facial tooth cleaning pad 69 coupled to the fifth facial airbag 39. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61, the second facial tooth cleaning pad 63, and the third facial tooth cleaning pad 65 are positioned to engage the facial surfaces of the incisors and canines when the first facial airbag 31, the second facial airbag 33, and the third facial airbag 35, respectively coupled, are pressurized, and the fourth facial tooth cleaning pad 67 and the fifth facial tooth cleaning pad 69 are positioned to engage the facial surfaces of the premolars and molars when the fourth facial airbag 37 and the fifth facial airbag 39 are pressurized. In certain embodiments, any two or more of the facial tooth cleaning pads 61, 63, 65 may be integrally formed.

[0038] The tooth cleaning pad 27 along the facial wall 21 includes a first tongue-shaped tooth cleaning pad 71 connected to the first tongue-shaped airbag 41, a second tongue-shaped tooth cleaning pad 73 connected to the second tongue-shaped airbag 43, and a third tongue-shaped tooth cleaning pad 75 connected to the third tongue-shaped airbag 45. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first tongue-shaped tooth cleaning pad 71 is positioned to engage the tongue surfaces of the incisors and canines when the connected first tongue-shaped airbag 41 is pressurized, and the second tongue-shaped tooth cleaning pad 73 and the third tongue-shaped tooth cleaning pad 75 are positioned to engage the tongue surfaces of the premolars and molars when the second tongue-shaped airbag 43 and the third tongue-shaped airbag 45 are pressurized. In some embodiments, any two or more of the facial tooth cleaning pads 61, 63, and 65 can be integrally formed.

[0039] Go to Figure 3 , the tooth cleaning pads 27 along the channel floor 23 include a first floor tooth cleaning pad 77 coupled to the first floor airbag 47 and a second floor tooth cleaning pad 79 coupled to the second floor airbag 49. When the first support structure 13 is inserted into the user's mouth and the user's teeth are located in the dentin channel 17, the first floor tooth cleaning pad 77 and the second floor tooth cleaning pad 79 are positioned to engage the occlusal surfaces of the premolars and molars when the first floor airbag 47 and the second floor airbag 49 are pressurized. In an exemplary embodiment, each airbag 25 has one of the tooth cleaning pads 27 coupled thereto. In certain other embodiments, each airbag 25 may have more than one of the tooth cleaning pads 27 coupled thereto.

[0040] like Figure 4 and 5As shown in the figure, in the plane of the drawing, i.e., in the plane that bisects the facial wall 19 and the tongue wall 21, the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 is positioned at a first angle relative to the first bottom plate portion 23a of the first support structure 11, and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 is positioned at a second angle relative to the first bottom plate portion 23a of the first support structure 11, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. In such an orientation, an acute angle α is formed between the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71. In an exemplary embodiment, the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 is perpendicular to the first bottom plate portion 23a, and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 is at an inclined angle relative to the first bottom plate portion 23a. The corresponding angles of the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 help to more efficiently clean the facial, tongue, and occlusal surfaces of the incisors and canines. Specifically, making the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 at an inclined angle to the first floor portion 23a helps clean both the tongue and occlusal surfaces of the incisors and canines without adding a tooth cleaning pad positioned along the first floor portion 23a. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first channel floor (or at least a portion thereof, such as the first floor portion 23a) can simply be in the form of a line or vertex formed by the convergence of the first facial wall and the first tongue wall (or a portion thereof).

[0041] The tooth cleaning pads other than the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 can be positioned at a third angle, and this third angle can be different from both the first angle and the second angle, or it can be the same as the first angle. In certain embodiments, the tooth cleaning pads 27 other than the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 are positioned perpendicular to the channel floor 23. In certain other embodiments, the angles of all tooth cleaning pads 27 can change along the facial wall 19 and the tongue wall 21, and such angle changes can provide improved cleaning of all exposed tooth surfaces by the better engagement of the tooth cleaning pads 27 when the air bag 25 is pressurized in the case of exposing the tooth surface. However, the present invention is not limited by the corresponding angles of various tooth cleaning pads 27, unless otherwise so limited in the claims. In certain embodiments, the tooth cleaning pads 27 can all be positioned at the same angle relative to the channel floor 23.

[0042] In order to further improve the cleaning of the exposed tooth surface, the channel floor 23 can be varied in width. In an exemplary embodiment, the first floor portion 23a of the first support structure 11 has a first width and the second floor portion 23b and the third floor portion 23c of the first support structure 11 have a second width, wherein the first width is less than the second width. The first width can make the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 adjacent to the first facial wall portion 19a and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 adjacent to the first tongue wall portion 21a closer than the tooth cleaning pad 27 opposite to each other elsewhere on the facial wall 19 and the tongue wall 21. The narrowing of the first width compared to the second width, and the corresponding angles of the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 are additional factors when excluding the tooth cleaning pad 27 along the first floor portion 23a. In some embodiments, the first width of the first floor portion 23a can be reduced to the intersection line between the first facial wall 19a and the first tongue wall 21a. In some embodiments, the combination of the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 and the first width of the first bottom plate portion 23a can make the first facial tooth cleaning pad 61 and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad 71 contact each other or almost contact each other before the corresponding airbags 31, 41 are pressurized, adjacent to the first bottom plate portion 23a. The width difference helps to better adapt the dentin channel 17 to the width of the teeth being cleaned. Generally speaking, the width of the incisor and canine is narrower than that of the premolar and molar. Therefore, the dentin channel 17 is configured so that the width of the channel portion (i.e., the first bottom plate portion 23a) intended to receive the incisor and canine is narrower than the channel portion (i.e., the second bottom plate portion 23b and the third bottom plate portion 23c) intended to receive the premolar and molar. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and in some embodiments, the entire channel bottom plate 23 can have a constant width.

[0043] Although not shown in the figures depicting the first embodiment of the tooth cleaning device 11, the first (and second) support structure 13 includes an air supply conduit extending from the input conduit to each of the air cells 25. The air supply conduit is included to supply pressurized air to all of the air cells. The air supply conduit is schematically shown in Fig. 9 middle, Fig. 9 A second embodiment of a teeth cleaning device is depicted.

[0044] As will become apparent from the subsequent description, during use, the tooth cleaning pads 27 along the facial wall 19 engage and clean the facial surfaces of the user's teeth, the tooth cleaning pads 27 along the tongue wall 21 engage and clean the tongue surfaces of the user's teeth, and the tooth cleaning pads 27 along the channel floor 23 engage and clean the occlusal surfaces of the user's premolars and molars. Each tooth cleaning pad 27 is coupled to an air bladder, and when pressurized, each air bladder expands to cause the tooth cleaning pad 27 to be moved into the dentin channel 17 to engage the corresponding tooth surface.

[0045] Fig. 6A to B and Fig. 7A 1 to 2 show two different exemplary embodiments of tooth cleaning pads 27a, 27b. Fig. 6A To the tooth cleaning pad 27a shown in B, the tooth cleaning pad 27a includes a substrate layer 81 and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 83. In some embodiments, the substrate layer 81 can be a surface of the airbag 25. In certain other embodiments, the substrate layer 81 is attached to the surface of the airbag 25. The tooth cleaning elements 83 can play at least two roles during the use of the cleaning device 11. First, the tooth cleaning elements 83 can be used to support the tooth cleaning device 11 in the user's mouth during use. To help meet this first purpose, the tooth cleaning elements 83 are supported by a sufficiently large surface area (i.e., the airbag 25), and when the airbag 25 is pressurized and the tooth cleaning elements 83 are pressed against the exposed tooth surface, the tooth cleaning elements are configured to have a suitable rigidity. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the tooth cleaning elements 83 are formed of a suitable material, such as the material disclosed above, and are formed to have a density to ensure that they are fully engaged with the exposed tooth surface when the airbag is pressurized. The second function of the tooth cleaning elements 83 is to provide the desired cleaning of the exposed tooth surface. In order to provide these functions, Fig. 6A The tooth cleaning elements 83 to B are formed as truncated cones 83. The truncated cone tooth cleaning elements 83 have a large base end coupled to the substrate layer 81, the larger base helps provide the desired support and rigidity, and a smaller tip engages the exposed tooth surface to help provide the desired support and provide the desired cleaning. The truncated cones 83 are positioned on the substrate 81 to form a hexagonal grid to provide the desired density. Fig. 7A 1 to 2 B show a second embodiment of the tooth cleaning pad 27. In this embodiment, the tooth cleaning elements 93 attached to the substrate layer 91 are formed as truncated pyramids. Similar to the truncated pyramid, the truncated pyramid tooth cleaning elements 93 have a large base end and a smaller tip connected to the substrate layer 91. Similarly, the truncated pyramid tooth cleaning elements 93 are positioned on the substrate 81 to form a hexagonal grid. In some embodiments, the tooth cleaning elements may take other forms or shapes, such as bristles, because the present invention is not limited by the form of the tooth cleaning elements.

[0046] Figure 8A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a tooth cleaning device 101 and the position of an airbag relative to a tooth support structure 103 is shown; the channel wall and tooth cleaning pad are omitted for clarity. The tooth cleaning device 101 is shown as having two groups of airbags 25, one group being part of the first support structure (those airbags with reference numbers ending in 'a') and the other group being part of the second support structure (those airbags with reference numbers ending in 'b'). It should be understood that, as with the first embodiment described above, each airbag of this second embodiment is positioned adjacent to a respective wall portion that defines a dentin channel and is coupled to a respective tooth cleaning pad. The tooth cleaning device 101 includes a first facial airbag 105, a second facial airbag 107, a third facial airbag 109, a first tongue airbag 111, a second tongue airbag 113, a third tongue airbag 115, a first base airbag 117, and a second base airbag 119. These various air cells are positioned on the tooth support structure 103 in the manner described above to achieve cleaning of the facial, lingual and biting surfaces of the user's teeth during use.

[0047] The tooth cleaning device 101 is schematically shown in Fig. 9, and includes an airflow subsystem 121 for pressurizing the airbags. The airflow subsystem 121 is operably connected to a control unit 131, which operates the airflow subsystem 121 for pressurizing and controlling the air pressure in the airbags. The control unit 131 is configured to operate the airflow subsystem 121 to (1) pressurize the airbags 25 with external air in the pressurization mode; and (2) transfer air back and forth between selected airbags in the airbags 25 in the cleaning mode. In the cleaning mode, the airflow subsystem 121 and portions of the airbags 25 form a closed loop, so that air is neither received from the closed loop nor discharged from the closed loop to the atmosphere during the cleaning mode. In one such embodiment, in the cleaning mode, a fixed amount of air (i.e., a fixed volume or fixed mass) is contained in the airflow subsystem for distribution between selected airbags in an alternating and repeated manner, thereby achieving a brushing motion (described in more detail below). The airflow subsystem 121 can have any suitable configuration of components (e.g., pumps, valves, conduits, flow restrictors, etc.) for executing the pressurization mode and the cleaning mode, and is not limited to any specific fluid circuit arrangement in certain embodiments. The airflow subsystem 121 is therefore not limited to the specific components described herein with respect to the exemplary embodiments. The control unit 131 can be any type of programmable control unit, including those control units programmed by software, or those control units programmed in hardware. Through control connections, the control unit 131 is operably connected to the various components of the airflow subsystem 121, which may include an air pump 133, a plurality of valves 135 to 145, a pressure sensor 147, a discharge valve 149, and a plurality of transfer pumps 151 to 155. The control unit 131 controls each of these other components using appropriate control signals, or in the case of the pressure sensor 147, receives a signal as an input, and in response to the signal can perform certain functions as described below.

[0048] The air pump 133 has an air inlet to draw air from the surrounding atmosphere, produces pressurized air in the air supply conduit of the air flow subsystem 121, and uses the pressurized air to pressurize the airbag 25. Each valve 135 to 145 operably connects the air pump 133 to one or more of the airbags 25. The air pump 133 directs the pressurized air through each of the valves 135 to 145, which remain in an open position during the pressurization process. During the pressurization process, the control unit 131 signals the exhaust valve 149 to remain in a closed position. The pressure sensor 147 monitors the air pressure within the air flow subsystem 121, and specifically within the airbag 25, and communicates the measured air pressure as an electronic signal to the control unit 131. When the control unit 131 determines that the air pressure within the air flow subsystem 121 is at or above a predetermined air pressure, the control unit 131 signals the air valves 135 to 145 to move to a closed position and shuts down the air pump 147. The predetermined pressure may be set by ensuring that the tooth cleaning elements fully engage the exposed surfaces of the teeth within the user's mouth without gaps.

[0049] In the closed position, the air valves 135 to 145 seal the air bags 25 from the air pump 133 so that the air bags 25 remain pressurized. As indicated above, when the air bags 25 are pressurized, the tooth cleaning pads associated with each air bag 25 are moved into the corresponding dentin channels. At any time during or after the brushing process, the control unit 131 can depressurize the air bags 25 by signaling the air valves 135 to 145 to move to the open position and by signaling the exhaust valve 149 to move to the open position, so that the pressurized air in the air bags 25 is released to the atmosphere through the exhaust valve 149.

[0050] Each valve 135 to 145 is coupled to a group of airbags 25, and each group of airbags 25 includes at least one airbag 25. Although in the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 131 operates the valves 135 to 145 as a unit to pressurize and depressurize all airbags 25, in some embodiments, the control unit 131 may individually operate one or more of the valves 135 to 145 to pressurize or depressurize a specific group of airbags 25 independently of other groups of airbags 25.

[0051] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the airbags are grouped into the following groups (as identified by the air ducts in the airbags 25 that feed into the respective groups):

[0052] Group A: first facial airbag 105a of the first support structure and first facial airbag 105b of the second support structure (this group is connected to the air pump 133 through valve 135);

[0053] Group B: the first flap airbag 111a of the first supporting structure and the first flap airbag 111b of the second supporting structure (this group is connected to the air pump 133 through the valve 137);

[0054] Group C: the second face airbag 107a and the third tongue airbag 115a of the first support structure and the second face airbag 107b and the third tongue airbag 115b of the second support structure (this group is connected to the air pump 133 through the valve 139);

[0055] Group D: the second tongue airbag 113a and the third face airbag 109a of the first support structure and the second tongue airbag 113b and the third face airbag 109b of the second support structure (this group is connected to the air pump 133 through the valve 141);

[0056] Group E: first floor bladder 117a and second floor bladder 119a of the first support structure (this group is coupled to air pump 133 via valve 143); and

[0057] Group F: First floor bladder 117b and second floor bladder 119b of the second support structure (this group is coupled to air pump 133 via valve 145).

[0058] As can be seen from these groupings, the facial airbags 105a, 105b of Group A are positioned relative to the corresponding dentin channels of the tongue airbags 111a, 111b from Group B. With respect to Groups C and D, each of the airbags 107a-b, 115a-b of Group C is positioned relative to the corresponding dentin channels of each of the airbags 109a-b, 113a-b from Group D. Finally, each of the airbags 117a-b and 119a-b of Groups E and F is positioned adjacent to the channel floor. Other groupings of airbags 25 are possible and may prove to be advantageous during operation. Therefore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the present invention is not limited by the grouping of airbags.

[0059] As shown, one of the delivery pumps 151 to 155 is operably connected between two groups of airbags 25. In some embodiments, the delivery pumps 151 to 155 can be dual chamber membrane pumps, but other types of pumps that can perform the functions of the delivery pumps 151 to 155 as described herein can be used. Delivery pump 151 is operably connected between group A and group B, delivery pump 153 is operably connected between group C and group D, and delivery pump 155 is operably connected between group E and group F. When the airbags 25 are pressurized and valves 135 to 145 are closed, the delivery pumps 151 to 155 can be operated by the control unit 131 to redistribute air between the groups of airbags 25 connected thereto. The redistribution of air between the groups of airbags 25 produces a positive pressure change in one group and a negative pressure change in another group. As described below, the redistribution of air between the airbag groups can be used to generate movement of the cleaning device 101 relative to the user's mouth. The control unit 131 can selectively operate the delivery pumps 151 to 155 in any manner or sequence. For example, in some embodiments, the transfer pumps 151 to 155 may be operated simultaneously; in some other embodiments, the transfer pumps 151 to 155 may all be operated sequentially; and in still other embodiments, any two or more of the transfer pumps may be operated simultaneously.

[0060] During use, when a portion of the user's dentin is placed in the first and second dentin channels, the device is placed in the oral cavity, wherein the upper teeth are positioned in the first dentin channel and the lower teeth are positioned in the second dentin channel, the operation of the first delivery pump 151 generates a first cleaning motion relative to the user's dentin in a first direction; the operation of the second delivery pump 153 generates a second cleaning motion relative to the user's dentin in a second direction; the operation of the third delivery pump 155 generates a third cleaning motion relative to the user's dentin in a third direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the three directions of each of the three cleaning motions are different from each other. As an example, when the first delivery pump 151 is used to redistribute air between the airbags 25 of group A and group B, a forward and backward motion of the cleaning device 101 relative to the user's jaw in a first direction is generated. This first direction of motion generates a first cleaning motion of the other airbags 25 that are not in group A or group B relative to the facial, tongue and occlusal surfaces of the premolars and molars. When the second delivery pump 153 is used to redistribute air between the airbags 25 of group C and group D, a left and right motion of the cleaning device 101 relative to the user's jaw in a second direction is generated. This second direction of motion produces a second cleaning motion of the other airbags 25 not in group C or group D relative to the facial, tongue and occlusal surfaces of the incisors and canines. When the third delivery pump 155 is used to redistribute air between the airbags 25 of group E and group F, an up and down motion of the cleaning device 101 relative to the user's jaw in a third direction is produced. This third direction of motion produces a third cleaning motion of the other airbags 25 not in group E or group F relative to the facial and tongue surfaces of all teeth. In each of these operating modes, a cleaning motion is produced to reciprocate some of the tooth cleaning pads 27 on one or more surfaces of the user's teeth to achieve a more thorough cleaning.

[0061] The control unit 131 can operate the delivery pumps 151 to 155 at a predetermined flow rate to achieve a predetermined frequency when redistributing air between the connected groups of airbags 25. In some embodiments, the predetermined frequency can be between about 2 Hz and 30 Hz and include 2 Hz and 30 Hz. In some other embodiments, frequencies outside this range can be used. In other embodiments, a constantly changing frequency can be used for any one or more of the delivery pumps 151 to 155. The operating frequency of any one or more of the delivery pumps 151 to 155 can depend on the user, for example, based on the user's tolerance to the resulting motion or the amount of plaque and / or plaque on the user's teeth. The control unit 131 can be preprogrammed to operate the delivery pumps 151 to 155 to achieve a specific program for cleaning the user's teeth. Each program may include instructions for operating the delivery pumps in a specific order, whether simultaneously or sequentially or a combination of the two, and the instructions may specify an operating frequency or a frequency range, or even change between a series of two or more specified frequencies.

[0062] The manner in which the control unit 131 operates one or all of the transfer pumps 151 to 155 (including the order of their operation and / or the frequency of their operation) is not intended to limit the present invention unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims.

[0063] Fig.10 An exemplary tooth cleaning device 201 is shown, which includes a handle 203 and a cleaning unit 205. The cleaning unit 205 includes first and second support structures 207, which include air bags and tooth cleaning pads, as described in conjunction with one or more of the above embodiments. The handle 205 is manufactured so that it is possible to accommodate the above-mentioned Fig. 9 The airflow subsystem described in the foregoing includes a control unit, a valve, a transfer pump, and a required power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery) within the housing. The handle 203 includes a button 209 that is operably coupled to the control unit and / or the power source so that a user can start and stop the airflow subsystem. The handle 203 may also include a connection port (not shown) for connecting the airflow subsystem to a power source for recharging the battery. In some embodiments, the battery can be recharged using wireless inductive charging.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples (including presently preferred modes for carrying out the invention), those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be interpreted broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

[0065] The following content corresponds to the original claims of the parent application:

[0066] 1. A tooth cleaning device, comprising:

[0067] a first support structure comprising a first dentin channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a user's dentin;

[0068] a plurality of tooth cleaning pads located in the first dentin channel;

[0069] a plurality of air cells operably coupled to the tooth cleaning pad;

[0070] an airflow subsystem operably coupled to the airbag; and

[0071] A control unit is operably coupled to the airflow subsystem, the control unit being configured to: (1) pressurize the airbags with external air in a pressurization mode; and (2) deliver air between selected ones of the airbags in a cleaning mode.

[0072] 2. An apparatus according to item 1, wherein the airflow subsystem includes an air pump, at least one valve and at least one transfer pump, and the control unit controls the pressurization of the airbags and transfers air between the selected airbags in the airbags by controlling the air pump, the at least one valve and the at least one transfer pump.

[0073] 3. A device according to item 1 or item 2, wherein each tooth cleaning pad is integrally formed with one of the airbags.

[0074] 4. The device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the selected ones of the airbags include a first group of airbags and a second group of airbags, each of the first group of airbags and the second group of airbags including at least one of the airbags.

[0075] 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein:

[0076] The first set of air cells includes a first air cell positioned adjacent to a facial wall of the first dentin channel; and

[0077] The second set of air cells includes a second air cell positioned adjacent to the tongue wall of the dentin channel so as to be opposite to the first air cell.

[0078] 6. The device according to claim 4, wherein:

[0079] The first set of air cells includes a first air cell positioned adjacent to a facial wall of the dentin passage and a second air cell positioned adjacent to a lingual wall of the dentin passage; and

[0080] The second set of air cells includes a third air cell positioned adjacent to the lingual wall of the dentin passage and a fourth air cell positioned adjacent to the facial wall of the dentin passage, the first air cell is opposite to the third air cell and the second air cell is opposite to the fourth air cell.

[0081] 7. The device of claim 4, further comprising a second support structure comprising a second dentin channel configured to receive at least a second portion of the dentin of the user.

[0082] 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein:

[0083] The first set of air cells includes a first air cell positioned adjacent to a first channel floor of the first dentin channel; and

[0084] The second set of air cells includes a second air cell positioned adjacent to a second channel floor of the second dentin channel.

[0085] 9. The apparatus according to item 4, wherein the selected ones of the airbags include a third group of airbags, a fourth group of airbags, a fifth group of airbags, and a sixth group of airbags, each group of airbags including at least one of the airbags, and the airflow subsystem further includes:

[0086] a first transfer pump operably coupled between the first set of airbags and the second set of airbags;

[0087] a second transfer pump operably coupled between the third group of airbags and the fourth group of airbags; and

[0088] A third transfer pump is operably coupled between the fifth group of airbags and the sixth group of airbags.

[0089] 10. A device according to any one of items 2 to 9, wherein the at least one valve has an open position for allowing the air pump to pressurize one or more of the air bags, and a closed position for isolating the one or more of the air bags from the air pump, wherein when one or more of the air bags are pressurized, the tooth cleaning pad is moved into the dentin channel.

[0090] 11. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the airflow subsystem comprises a pressure relief valve operably coupled to the airbag.

[0091] 12. The device according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein each balloon is formed from one of silicone rubber or polyurethane.

[0092] 13. The device of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein each bladder has a Shore durometer between 15A and 30A, inclusive.

[0093] 14. The device of any one of items 1 to 13, wherein each tooth cleaning pad comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements.

[0094] 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the tooth cleaning elements are formed from a polyurethane material.

[0095] 16. The device of any one of items 14 and 15, wherein the tooth cleaning elements are formed of a material having a Shore hardness between 30A and 40A, inclusive.

[0096] 17. A tooth cleaning device, comprising:

[0097] a first support structure including a first dentin channel configured to receive at least a first portion of a user's dentin, the first dentin channel being at least partially defined by a first channel floor, a first facial wall, and a first tongue wall;

[0098] A plurality of tooth cleaning pads, the tooth cleaning pads comprising:

[0099] a first facial tooth cleaning pad coupled to the first facial wall; and

[0100] a first tongue tooth cleaning pad coupled to the first tongue wall so as to oppose the first facial tooth cleaning pad, the first facial tooth cleaning pad and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad being oriented such that an acute angle is formed therebetween;

[0101] a plurality of air cells operably coupled to the tooth cleaning pad; and

[0102] An airflow subsystem is operably coupled to the airbag.

[0103] 18. An apparatus according to item 17, wherein the first channel bottom plate comprises a first bottom plate portion, a second bottom plate portion and a third bottom plate portion, the first bottom plate portion having a first width and the second bottom plate portion and the third bottom plate portion having a second width, the first width being smaller than the second width.

[0104] 19. The device of any one of items 17 and 18, wherein the first facial tooth cleaning pad is positioned perpendicular to the first channel floor, and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the first channel floor.

[0105] 20. The device according to any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein:

[0106] The first face wall includes a first face wall portion, a second face wall portion, and a third face wall portion, the first tongue wall includes a first tongue wall portion, a second tongue wall portion, and a third tongue wall portion, and the first channel bottom plate includes a first bottom plate portion, a second bottom plate portion, and a third bottom plate portion

[0107] The plurality of airbags include a first face airbag positioned adjacent to the first face wall portion, a second face airbag positioned adjacent to the second face wall portion, a third face airbag positioned adjacent to the third face wall portion, a first flap airbag positioned adjacent to the first flap wall portion, a second flap airbag positioned adjacent to the second flap wall portion, and a third flap airbag positioned against the third flap wall portion;

[0108] The first facial tooth cleaning pad is coupled to the first facial airbag, and the first tongue tooth cleaning pad is coupled to the first tongue airbag; and

[0109] The plurality of tooth cleaning pads include a second facial tooth cleaning pad coupled to the second facial airbag, a third facial tooth cleaning pad coupled to the third facial airbag, a second tongue tooth cleaning pad coupled to the second tongue airbag, and a third tongue tooth cleaning pad coupled to the third tongue airbag; and

[0110] Each of the second facial tooth cleaning pad, the third facial tooth cleaning pad, the second tongue tooth cleaning pad, and the third tongue tooth cleaning pad are positioned at a third angle relative to the first floor portion of the first support structure.

[0111] 21. The apparatus of clause 20, wherein the airflow subsystem comprises:

[0112] a first valve operably coupled between the first facial airbag and the air pump;

[0113] a second valve operably coupled between the first flap airbag and the air pump;

[0114] a third valve operably coupled between the second facial airbag and the air pump and between the third flap airbag and the air pump; and

[0115] A fourth valve is operably coupled between the third facial airbag and the air pump and between the second flap airbag and the air pump.

[0116] 22. The apparatus of any one of clauses 20 and 21, wherein the airflow subsystem comprises:

[0117] a first transfer pump operably coupled between the first facial airbag and the first flap airbag; and

[0118] A second transfer pump is operably coupled between (1) the second face airbag and the third flap airbag and (2) the third face airbag and the second flap airbag.

[0119] 23. The device according to any one of items 20 to 22, wherein:

[0120] The plurality of air bags further include a first floor air bag positioned adjacent to the second floor portion and a second floor air bag positioned adjacent to the third floor portion; and

[0121] The plurality of tooth cleaning pads includes a first sole plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the first sole plate bladder and a second sole plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the second sole plate bladder.

[0122] 24. The apparatus according to item 23, further comprising:

[0123] a second support structure comprising a second dentin channel configured to receive at least a second portion of the dentin of the user, the second dentin channel being defined by a second channel floor, a second facial wall, and a second tongue wall, wherein the second channel floor comprises a fourth floor portion and a fifth floor portion;

[0124] The plurality of air bags further include a third floor air bag positioned adjacent to the fourth floor portion and a fourth floor air bag positioned adjacent to the fifth floor portion; and

[0125] The plurality of tooth cleaning pads include a third sole plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the fourth sole plate airbag and a fourth sole plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the fifth sole plate airbag.

[0126] 25. The device according to clause 24, wherein the at least one valve comprises:

[0127] a fifth valve operably coupled between the first and second floor air bags and the air pump; and

[0128] A sixth valve is operably coupled between the third and fourth air bags and the air pump.

[0129] 26. The device according to any one of items 24 and 25, further comprising:

[0130] A third transfer pump is operably coupled between (1) the first and second floor airbags and (2) the third and fourth airbags.

[0131] 27. The device of any one of items 17 to 26, wherein each tooth cleaning pad is integrally formed with one of the airbags.

[0132] 28. The apparatus of any one of clauses 17 to 27, wherein the airflow subsystem comprises a pressure relief valve operably coupled to the airbag.

[0133] 29. The device of any one of items 17 to 28, wherein each balloon is formed from one of silicone rubber or polyurethane.

[0134] 30. The device of any one of items 17 to 29, wherein each bladder has a Shore durometer between 15A and 30A, inclusive.

[0135] 31. The device of any one of items 17 to 30, wherein each tooth cleaning pad comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements.

[0136] 32. The device of claim 31 wherein the tooth cleaning elements are formed from polyurethane.

[0137] 33. The device of any one of items 31 and 32, wherein the tooth cleaning elements are formed from a material having a Shore hardness between 30A and 40A, inclusive.

[0138] 34. A tooth cleaning device comprising:

[0139] a first support structure comprising a first dentin channel configured to receive dentin of an upper tooth of a user;

[0140] a second support structure comprising a second dentin channel configured to receive the dentin lower teeth of the user;

[0141] a plurality of tooth cleaning pads, including a first set of tooth cleaning pads positioned within the first dentin channel and a second set of tooth cleaning pads positioned within the second dentin channel;

[0142] a plurality of air cells including a first set of air cells operably coupled to the first set of tooth cleaning pads and a second set of air cells operably coupled to the second set of tooth cleaning pads;

[0143] an airflow subsystem operably coupled to the airbag; and

[0144] A control unit operably connected to the airflow subsystem, the control unit being configured to: (1) operate the airflow subsystem to generate a first cleaning motion in a first direction relative to the dentin of the user; (2) operate the airflow subsystem to generate a second cleaning motion in a second direction relative to the dentin of the user; and (3) operate the airflow subsystem to generate a third cleaning motion in a third direction relative to the dentin of the user, wherein the first, second and third directions are different from each other.

[0145] 35. A device according to claim 34, wherein each tooth cleaning pad is integrally formed with one of the airbags.

[0146] 36. The device according to any one of clauses 34 to 35, wherein:

[0147] The first dentin channel is defined by a first facial wall, a first tongue wall, and a first channel floor;

[0148] The second dentin channel is defined by a second facial wall, a second tongue wall, and a second channel floor; and

[0149] For each of the first support structure and the second support structure:

[0150] each face wall includes a first face wall portion, a second face wall portion, and a third face wall portion, each tongue wall includes a first tongue wall portion, a second tongue wall portion, and a third tongue wall portion, and each channel floor includes a first floor portion and a second floor portion; and

[0151] The multiple airbags include: a first facial airbag positioned adjacent to the first facial wall portion, a second facial airbag positioned adjacent to the second facial wall portion, a third facial airbag positioned adjacent to the third facial wall portion, a first tongue airbag positioned adjacent to the first tongue wall portion, a second tongue airbag positioned adjacent to the second tongue wall portion, a third tongue airbag positioned against the third tongue wall portion, a first bottom plate airbag positioned adjacent to the first bottom plate portion, and a second bottom plate airbag positioned adjacent to the second bottom plate portion.

[0152] 37. The apparatus of clause 36, wherein the airflow subsystem comprises:

[0153] a first valve operably coupled between the first facial bladder and the air pump of each support structure;

[0154] a second valve operably coupled between the first flap airbag of each support structure and the air pump;

[0155] a third valve operably coupled between the second facial airbag of each support structure and the air pump and between the third flap airbag of each support structure and the air pump;

[0156] a fourth valve operably coupled between the third facial airbag of each support structure and the air pump and between the second flap airbag of each support structure and the air pump;

[0157] a fifth valve operably coupled between the first and second floor bladders of the first support structure and the air pump; and

[0158] A sixth valve is operably coupled between the first and second air bladders of the second support structure and the air pump.

[0159] 38. An apparatus according to any one of item 36, wherein the control unit is configured to operate each of the one or more of the transfer pumps at a predetermined flow rate to achieve a predetermined frequency when transferring air between at least two of the airbags.

[0160] 39. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 34 to 38, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the airflow subsystem to produce the first, second and third cleaning motions in sequence.

[0161] 40. Apparatus according to any one of clauses 34 to 38, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the airflow subsystem to produce two or more of the first, second and third cleaning motions simultaneously.

[0162] 41. An apparatus according to any one of items 34 to 40, wherein the airflow subsystem includes a pressure relief valve operably connected to the airbag.

[0163] 42. An apparatus according to any one of items 34 to 41, wherein the airflow subsystem includes a pressure sensor, which detects the pressure within the airbag, generates a pressure signal and provides the pressure signal to the control unit, and wherein after the pressure signal indicates that the pressure is at or exceeds a predetermined pressure, the control unit uses the valve to isolate the pressurized airbag from the air pump.

[0164] 43. A device according to any one of items 34 to 42, wherein each balloon is formed from one of silicone rubber or polyurethane.

[0165] 44. A device according to any one of items 34 to 43, wherein each airbag has a Shore hardness between and including 15A and 30A.

[0166] 45. The device of any one of items 34 to 44, wherein each tooth cleaning pad comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements.

[0167] 46. ​​The device of claim 45, wherein the tooth cleaning elements are formed from polyurethane.

[0168] 47. The device of any one of items 45 and 46, wherein the tooth cleaning elements are formed from a material having a Shore hardness between 30A and 40A, inclusive.

Claims

1. A tooth cleaning device, comprising: a support structure comprising a dentin channel configured to receive at least a portion of a user's dentin; The dentin channel is defined by a floor, a tongue wall and a face wall, the floor of the dentin channel comprising a first floor portion, a second floor portion and a third floor portion, the first floor portion being located between the second floor portion and the third floor portion; a first floor airbag located on the floor along the second floor portion; and a second floor air cell located on the floor along the third floor portion, the first floor air cell and the second floor air cell being separated from each other by the first floor portion of the floor of the first dentin channel; a first base plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the first base plate airbag; and a second base plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the second base plate bladder, the first base plate tooth cleaning pad and the second base plate tooth cleaning pad being configured to engage biting surfaces of the user's premolars and molars when the tooth cleaning device is located within the user's oral cavity; and an air flow subsystem fluidly coupled to the first floor airbag and the second floor airbag, The tongue wall includes a first tongue wall portion aligned with the first bottom plate portion, a second tongue wall portion aligned with the second bottom plate portion, and a third tongue wall portion aligned with the third bottom plate portion, the first tongue wall portion is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to the first bottom plate portion, and the second tongue wall portion and the third tongue wall portion are oriented perpendicularly relative to the second bottom plate portion and the third bottom plate portion, respectively.

2. The tooth cleaning device according to claim 1 further comprises a control unit, which is operably connected to the airflow subsystem, and the control unit is configured to: (1) pressurize the airbag with external air in a pressurization mode; (2) deliver air between selected airbags in the airbag in a cleaning mode; and (3) depressurize the airbag by releasing pressurized air from the airbag to the surrounding atmosphere.

3. The tooth cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one flap bladder coupled to the flap wall and fluidly coupled to the airflow subsystem; and At least one tongue tooth cleaning pad is coupled to the at least one tongue bladder and is configured to engage a tongue surface of the user's teeth.

4. The tooth cleaning device according to claim 3, further comprising: at least one facial bladder coupled to the facial wall and fluidly coupled to the airflow subsystem; and At least one facial teeth cleaning pad is coupled to the at least one blade bladder and is configured to engage a blade surface of the user's teeth.

5. The tooth cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the first floor portion of the floor of the first dentin channel is free of any air cells and tooth cleaning pads thereon.

6. The tooth cleaning device of claim 1, wherein each of the first base plate tooth cleaning pad and the second base plate tooth cleaning pad comprises a backing layer and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the backing layer.

7. The tooth cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of tooth cleaning elements are in the shape of a truncated cone or a truncated pyramid such that the tooth cleaning elements taper from their bases attached to the substrate layer to their tips away from the substrate layer.

8. The tooth cleaning device of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of tooth cleaning elements is formed of thermoplastic polyurethane.

9. The tooth cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of tooth cleaning elements are positioned along the substrate layer in an offset arrangement forming a hexagonal grid.

10. A teeth cleaning device, comprising: a support structure comprising a dentin channel configured to receive at least a portion of a user's dentin, the dentin channel being at least partially defined by a channel floor, a face wall, and a tongue wall; wherein the tongue wall comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the third portion is located between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion is oriented at a first angle relative to the channel floor, and the second portion and the third portion are oriented at a second angle relative to the channel floor, the first angle being greater than the second angle; A plurality of tooth cleaning pads, the tooth cleaning pads comprising: at least one facial teeth cleaning pad coupled to the facial wall; and at least one tongue tooth cleaning pad coupled to the tongue wall; a plurality of air bladders operably coupled to the plurality of tooth cleaning pads; and An airflow subsystem is operably coupled to the airbag.

11. A tooth cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the facial wall includes a first portion aligned with the first portion of the tongue wall, a second portion aligned with the second portion of the tongue wall, and a third portion aligned with the third portion of the tongue wall, and the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the facial wall are oriented perpendicularly relative to the channel bottom plate.

12. A tooth cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the channel base plate includes a first portion aligned with the first portion of the tongue wall, a second portion aligned with the second portion of the tongue wall, and a third portion aligned with the third portion of the tongue wall, wherein the air bag is positioned along the second portion and the third portion of the channel base plate, but not along the first portion of the channel base plate.

13. The tooth cleaning device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one base plate tooth cleaning pad connected to the channel base plate, and wherein each of the facial tooth cleaning pad, the tongue tooth cleaning pad and the base plate tooth cleaning pad comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements formed of polyurethane.

14. The tooth cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the first angle is an obtuse angle and the second angle is a right angle.

15. A tooth cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one facial tooth cleaning pad includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending along a first axis parallel to the channel floor, and wherein the at least one tongue tooth cleaning pad includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending along a second axis inclined to the channel floor.

16. The tooth cleaning device of claim 10, wherein the channel floor comprises a first floor portion, a second floor portion, and a third floor portion, the first floor portion having a first width, and the second floor portion and the third floor portion having a second width, the first width being smaller than the second width.

17. A teeth cleaning device comprising: a support structure comprising a dentin channel configured to receive at least a portion of a user's dentin, the dentin channel being defined by a base plate, a tongue wall, and a face wall; at least one base plate air cell located on the base plate and at least one base plate tooth cleaning pad coupled to the base plate air cell; at least one facial air bladder located on the facial wall and at least one facial teeth cleaning pad coupled to the facial air bladder; at least one tongue airbag located on the tongue wall and at least one tongue tooth cleaning pad coupled to the tongue airbag; Each of the base bladder, the face bladder, and the tongue bladder includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements formed of polyurethane; and an airflow subsystem fluidly coupled to the floor airbags, the face airbags, and the flap airbags to fill the floor airbags, the face airbags, and the flap airbags with air and exhaust the air to atmosphere; The tongue wall includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the third portion is located between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion is oriented at a first angle relative to the base plate, and the second portion and the third portion are oriented at a second angle relative to the base plate, and the first angle is greater than the second angle.

18. The tooth cleaning apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the tooth cleaning elements is in the shape of a frustum of a cone or a truncated pyramid.

19. The tooth cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tooth cleaning elements terminate in a flat distal end.

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