Pause valve and swivel assembly for oral irrigator handle

Abstract

A mouth irrigator handle is described, through which fluid flows to the tip. During irrigation mode, fluid flows from a fluid-connected hose to the tip, and fluid flow can be interrupted by selecting a pause mode. The handle includes a mechanically controlled actuator for selecting the pause mode. The actuator may be operably connected to a shuttle valve, which is positioned to prevent fluid flow to the tip during pause mode but not during irrigation mode. The handle may also include a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly prevents rotational movement of the handle or hose from being transmitted to the other, such that rotation of the handle does not affect the position of the hose.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201780086640.0 (PCT application number: PCT / US2017 / 066831), application date December 15, 2017, and invention name "Pause valve and rotating assembly for oral irrigator handle".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 435,054, filed on December 15, 2016, entitled “Pause valve and swivel assemblies for oral irrigator handle,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to health and personal hygiene devices, and more particularly, to oral irrigators. Background Art

[0005] Oral irrigators or water flossers are typically used to clean a user's teeth and gums by discharging a pressurized fluid stream into the user's mouth. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to remove debris. Typically, an oral irrigator includes a fluid supply source, such as a reservoir, which is fluidly connected to the top of the oral irrigator through a hose and a pump, usually through a handle. Some oral irrigators include an actuator for pausing the flow of fluid through the handle without shutting off the power to the irrigator. However, these typically include an electrical circuit within the handle and in close proximity to the fluid conduit, which poses a safety hazard. Oral irrigators with such electrical actuators are also expensive to manufacture.

[0006] Users of oral irrigators typically rotate the handle or the tip relative to the handle to direct the fluid to a desired location and hold the handle in a comfortable position. However, as the user moves the handle to different positions and orientations relative to the reservoir in the base unit, the hose can become tangled. The tangling reduces the effective length of the hose and interferes with storage of the handle in the base unit, both of which make the oral irrigator difficult to use.

[0007] The information included in the background section of this specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and should not be construed as subject matter by which the scope of the present invention defined in the claims is limited. Summary of the invention

[0008] The technology disclosed herein relates to an oral irrigator handle. During the irrigate mode, fluid flows from the hose through the handle to the attached tip. The handle includes a pause actuator that engages a flow restrictor to achieve a pause mode that allows a user to interrupt the flow of fluid to the tip without removing his or her hand from the handle and without shutting off the power to the oral irrigator. The pause mode is mechanically controlled and has no electrical components. The handle also includes a swivel assembly that is fluidly coupled to the hose. The swivel assembly minimizes or prevents transfer of rotational motion of the handle and the hose relative to one another.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of a handle disclosed herein, the handle includes a housing, a fluid inlet into the housing, a fluid outlet from the housing, and a pause valve assembly, the pause valve assembly being located between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and capable of interrupting the flow of fluid through the handle. The fluid can flow into the housing through a hose and out of the housing through an attached top end. The pause valve assembly can include a shuttle valve received in the valve housing and a pause actuator. In one embodiment, the shuttle valve is coupled to the pause actuator by a retaining ring, and the selective movement of the actuator is transferred to the shuttle valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the pause mode is selected with the pause actuator, the shuttle valve can be positioned to restrict fluid flow through the pause valve assembly.When the flush mode is selected with the pause actuator, the shuttle valve does not prevent fluid flow through the handle.

[0011] One embodiment includes a handle to which a pause switch assembly is connected. The pause switch assembly includes an actuator slidably connected to the handle and movable between a first position and a second position, and a shuttle valve operably connected to the actuator and located between a handle inlet and a handle outlet. During operation of the pause switch, movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position slides the shuttle valve from the flush position to the pause position, and in the pause position, the shuttle valve prevents fluid entering the handle inlet from reaching the handle outlet.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a handle for a flushing device. The handle includes a housing in fluid communication with a fluid source. The housing may have a housing inlet and a housing outlet, a top end removably connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the housing inlet, and a pause control connected to the housing and configured to selectively interrupt the flow of fluid from the handle outlet to the handle inlet. The pause control includes a switch movable between a first position and a second position along the longitudinal axis of the housing and a shuttle valve connected to the switch. Movement of the switch from the first position to the second position slides the shuttle valve from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, fluid flows uninterruptedly from the handle inlet to the top end, and in the closed position, fluid flow between the handle inlet and the top end is prevented.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a handle for an oral irrigator includes a swivel assembly received within the housing and fluidly coupled to the top end, and a hose connected to and fluidly coupled to the swivel assembly. The swivel assembly minimizes or prevents transfer of rotational motion of the handle or the hose relative to the other.

[0014] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of the features, details, utilities, and advantages of the invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a front right isometric view of an oral irrigator including a handle for the oral irrigator in a pause mode, the handle connected to a hose connectable to a base unit.

[0016] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 Front view of the handle.

[0017] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Right side view of the handle.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the handle.

[0019] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 Line 4-4 Figure 1 A cross-sectional front view of one embodiment of a handle.

[0020] Figure 5A is along Figure 1 The line 5-5 Figure 1 Cross-sectional front view of the handle.

[0021] Figure 5B Is the flush mode down Figure 1 The line 5-5 Figure 1 A cross-sectional front view of the handle.

[0022] Fig. 6A yes Figure 4 Rear isometric view of the first shell of the handle.

[0023] Figure 6B yes Figure 4 A front isometric view of the second shell of the handle.

[0024] Fig. 7A yes Figure 4 A front isometric view of the ejection mechanism at the top of the handle.

[0025] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A rear top isometric view of the latch of the top ejection mechanism.

[0026] Fig. 8A yes Figure 4 A front top isometric view of the handle of the reflux valve housing.

[0027] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A Rear bottom left isometric view of the return valve housing.

[0028] Fig.9A yes Figure 4 A right isometric view of the handle of the pause valve assembly.

[0029] Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A Rear isometric view of the pause valve assembly.

[0030] Fig.10 yes Fig.9A A right rear isometric view of a portion of the pause valve assembly.

[0031] Fig.11A yes Fig.9A Front left isometric view of the upper valve body of the pause valve assembly.

[0032] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A Front top isometric view of the upper valve body.

[0033] Fig. 11C yes Fig.11A Isometric view of the bottom right of the upper valve body.

[0034] Fig. 12A yes Fig.9A A front top isometric view of the lower valve body of the pause valve assembly.

[0035] Fig. 12B yes Fig.9A A front bottom isometric view of the lower valve body of the pause valve assembly.

[0036] Fig.13 yes Fig.9A Front top isometric view of the shuttle holder of the pause valve assembly.

[0037] Fig.14 yes Fig.9A A front isometric view of the pause valve assembly of the shuttle valve.

[0038] Fig.15 yes Fig.9AA front top isometric view of the poppet valve assembly of the pause valve assembly.

[0039] Fig.16 yes Fig.9A A front top isometric view of the retaining ring of the pause valve assembly.

[0040] Fig.17 yes Figure 4 A front isometric view of the valve seat of the handle.

[0041] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional elevation view of another embodiment of a handle.

[0042] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A cross-sectional front view of the handle.

[0043] Fig. 20A yes Fig.18 Rear isometric view of the first shell of the handle.

[0044] Fig. 20B yes Fig.18 A front isometric view of the second shell of the handle.

[0045] Fig.21 yes Fig.18 Rear right isometric view of the handle of the pause valve assembly.

[0046] Fig.22A yes Fig.21 A front isometric view of the upper valve body of the pause valve assembly.

[0047] Fig. 22B yes Fig.22A Front top isometric view of the upper valve body.

[0048] Fig. 22C yes Fig.22A Isometric view of the bottom right of the upper valve body.

[0049] Fig.23A yes Fig.21 A front top isometric view of the lower valve body of the pause valve assembly.

[0050] Fig. 23B yes Fig.21 An isometric view of the bottom front of the lower valve body with the handle.

[0051] Fig.24 yes Fig.21 Front top isometric view of the shuttle holder of the pause valve assembly.

[0052] Fig.25 yes Fig.21 A front isometric view of the pause valve assembly of the shuttle valve.

[0053] Fig.26 yes Fig.21 A front top isometric view of the poppet valve assembly of the pause valve assembly.

[0054] Fig. 27 yes Fig.18 A front isometric view of the valve seat of the handle.

[0055] Fig.28 is a left side elevation view in cross section of another embodiment of a handle.

[0056] Fig.29 yes Fig.28 A cross-sectional front view of the handle.

[0057] Fig. 30A yes Fig.28 A rear view of the interior of the first shell of the handle.

[0058] Fig. 30B yes Fig.28 A front view of the interior of the second shell of the handle.

[0059] Fig.31 yes Fig.28 Rear right isometric view of the handle of the pause valve assembly.

[0060] Fig.32 yes Fig.28 The first shell of the handle and Fig.31 A rear isometric view of a portion of the pause valve assembly.

[0061] Fig.33 yes Fig.31 A top front isometric view of the lower valve body of the pause valve assembly.

[0062] Fig.34 yes Fig.31 Isometric view of the shuttle valve of the pause valve assembly.

[0063] Fig.35 yes Fig.31 Isometric view of the retaining clip of the pause valve assembly.

[0064] Fig.36A yes Fig.28 Front top isometric view of the integrated valve seat of the handle.

[0065] Fig.36B yes Fig.36A Front bottom isometric view of the integrated valve seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] An oral irrigator handle is disclosed herein that can interrupt fluid flow through the handle. In the flush mode, fluid flows from a hose into a valve component within the handle housing and out the top of the fluid connection. The fluid flow is interrupted by a mechanically controlled flow restriction valve in the pause mode, which is safe and convenient for the user. The fluid flow can be controlled by a pause valve assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, a pause actuator of the manually operated pause valve assembly slides a shuttle valve via a coupled retaining ring to a position on top of a poppet valve support assembly, which blocks fluid flow through the handle.

[0067] The present invention also discloses an oral irrigator handle having a swivel assembly. The swivel assembly is located within the handle housing and allows the hose to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the handle so that when the user moves the handle in different directions and / or rotates the handle, the handle can rotate relative to the hose to reduce the chance that the hose will become tangled, bent or pinched.

[0068] Parts of an oral irrigator

[0069] Turning to the drawings, oral irrigators will now be discussed in more detail. Figure 1 An isometric view of an oral irrigator is shown that includes a handle having each of a pause valve assembly and a revolve assembly. Figure 2A and Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Front view of the handle.

[0070] refer to Figure 1 , the oral irrigator 10 may include a handle 100, a reservoir 12, a base 14, and a hose 108, all of which may be interconnected. The base 14 may include a pump 16 fluidly connected to the reservoir 12, which pumps fluid from the reservoir 12 to the top 104. The control 18 is coupled to the base 14 and is configured to change the flow rate or fluid pressure generated by the pump 16, and / or may activate a specific mode generated by the pump 16, such as a cleaning mode. The base 14 and the pump 16 may be similar to the base and pump shown in U.S. Publication No. 2015 / 0004559, filed on March 13, 2014, entitled "Oral Irrigator with Integrated Lid and Base", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the handle may encapsulate the pump and other components and be directly connected to the reservoir. In these embodiments, the handle may form the main housing of the device.

[0071] handle

[0072] refer to Figure 1-2B, the handle 100 is fluidly connected to the pump 16 and the fluid source, such as the reservoir 12, by the hose 108. The handle 100 can generally include a housing 102, a handle collar 118, a tip 104, a tip ejection mechanism 141, a reflux valve body 124, a pause valve assembly 142, and a swivel assembly 143, each of which is discussed in turn below.

[0073] As described above, the hose 108 fluidly connects the handle 100 to the reservoir 12. However, in the case where the irrigator is a handheld unit, the hose 108 may be omitted or may be modified because the reservoir 12 may be directly connected to the handle, as shown in U.S. Publication No. 2008 / 0008979, entitled "Oral Irrigator," filed on July 7, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0074] The handle 100 is also fluidly connected to a removable tip 104 that is configured to be inserted into the mouth of a user and discharge fluid against the user's teeth, gums, tongue, etc. The tip 104 can be inserted into the handle 100 through the handle collar 118. The tip ejection button 110 can selectively release the tip 104 from the handle 100. When the tip 104 is connected to the handle 100, liquid from a fluid source can be discharged through the tip outlet 105 in the tip 104. In some examples, the tip outlet 105 portion of the tip 104 can be shaped as a nozzle, or can include a nozzle or other accessories connected thereto.

[0075] As described in more detail below, the handle 100 can include a pause actuator 112. The pause actuator 112 can selectively interrupt the flow of liquid from the fluid source to the tip 104.

[0076] refer to Figure 2A-5B , an exemplary embodiment of the handle housing 102 will now be discussed in more detail. The handle housing 102 may be an integrated component, or may be a Figure 2A-Figure 5A As shown, the handle housing 102 may include a first shell 114 and a second shell 116 that are coupled together (e.g., by ultrasonic welding, fasteners, adhesives, etc.). Each of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 can be constructed of a rigid material that resists deformation, such as a hard plastic, but it should be noted that various other materials may also be used. In addition, the handle housing 102 may include an aesthetically pleasing shape that may conform to the hand of a user and may include one or more gripping elements.

[0077] like Figure 3-6B As shown, each of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 may include a neck 180a, 180b and a shell body 192a, 192b. Fig. 6A and Figure 6BThe bodies 192a and 192b of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 respectively define a handle cavity 172 together, and components of the handle 100, such as the top ejection mechanism 141, the pause valve assembly 142, the swivel assembly 143, and a portion of the hose 108, can be located in the handle cavity 172. The first shell 114 may include first, second, third, fourth, seventh, eighth, and ninth ridges 150a, 152a, 154a, 156a, 162a, 164a, and 166, respectively, for aligning, receiving, holding, and / or supporting the top ejection mechanism 141, the valve assembly 142, the swivel assembly 143, the hose 108, or other components of the handle 100 in the handle cavity 172 (see Figure 5A and Figure 5B The ribs 150a, 152a, 154a, 156a, 162a, 164a and 166 extend generally in a horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 100 and extend radially inwardly from the inner wall 174a of the first shell 114 within the handle cavity 172.

[0078] The second shell 116 may include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and tenth ribs 150b, 152b, 154a, 156a, 158, 160, 162b, 164b and 168, respectively, for aligning, receiving, retaining and / or supporting the top ejection mechanism 141, the valve assembly 142, the swivel assembly 143, the hose 108 or other components of the handle 100 in the handle cavity 172 (see Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As in the first shell 114, the ribs 150b, 152b, 154b, 156b, 158, 160, 162b, 164b and 168 of the second shell 116 extend generally in a horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle 100 and extend radially inwardly from the inner wall 174b of the second shell 116 within the handle cavity 172.

[0079] When the handle 100 is assembled, some of the ribs 150a, 152a, 154a, 156a, 162a, 164a of the first shell 114 may be aligned with mating ribs 150b, 152b, 154b, 156b, 162b, 164b of the second shell 116, respectively.

[0080] The depths of the ribs 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b, 154a, 154b, 156a, 156b, 158, 160, 162a, 162b, 164a, 164b, 166, and 168 may be the same or different, and the depth of a given shelf may vary along the width (lateral dimension) of the shelf. Some of the ribs 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b, 154b, 156b, 158, 160, 162a, 162b, 164a, 164b, and 166 may be shaped as an arc. When the first and second shells 114 , 116 are assembled to form the housing 102 , the mating ribs 150a , 150b , 152a , 152b , 162a , 162b , 164a , 164b may align to form a generally circular aperture for receiving a component, such as a portion of the pause valve assembly 142 .

[0081] The bodies 192a, 192b of the first and second shells 114, 116 may also include a plurality of vertical support walls 148a, 148b for supporting the ribs 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b, 154a, 154b, 156a, 156b, 158, 160, 162a, 162b, 164a, 164b, 166, and 168. The vertical support walls 148a, 148b may also help align, receive, hold, and / or support the tip ejection mechanism 141, the valve assembly 142, the swivel assembly 143, the hose 108, or other components of the handle 100 within the handle cavity 172. The vertical support walls 148a, 148b may be as deep as the ribs 150a, 150b, 152a, 152b, 154a, 154b, 156a, 156b, 158, 160, 162a, 162b, 164a, 164b, 166 and 168 against which they abut, or may be less deep.

[0082] Further references Fig. 6A and Figure 6B, one or more pegs 169 may extend from an inner wall 174 of one of the shells 114, 116 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the first shell 114), respectively near the first rib 152a and the ninth rib 166, and respectively between the fourth rib 156a and the seventh rib 162a, adjacent to the vertical support wall 148a. Each peg 169 may extend into the handle cavity 172 beyond a plane defined by a circumferential edge of the outer wall 184b of the second shell 116. Each peg 169 may be adapted to mate with a corresponding boss near the first rib 150b, the sixth rib 160, and the tenth rib 168 of the opposing shell 114, 116 (e.g., in the illustrated embodiment, the second shell 116), the boss defining a hole 170. The size of the pegs 169 and the holes 170 may be designed so that each peg 169 will fit relatively tightly within its corresponding hole 170. The friction created by this fit may prevent the shells 114, 116 from separating. Alternatively and / or additionally, the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 may be joined using glue, epoxy, fasteners, sonic welding, any other known method for joining two objects, or by a combination of known methods.

[0083] like Figure 2B , Figure 4 , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the outer surfaces of the outer walls 184a, 184b of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 can each define a C-shaped recess 186a, 186b having a corresponding upper surface 188a, 188b and a lower surface 190a, 190b. When the handle housing 102 is assembled, the opposing recesses 186a, 186b define a pocket 186 surrounding an opening 194.

[0084] Reference again Fig. 6A , the first shell 114 may also include a pause actuator orifice 204 for receiving the pause actuator 112 and a recessed pause actuator frame 390. The pause actuator orifice 204 may have an upper portion 392 and a lower portion 394. In the illustrated embodiment, the pause actuator orifice 204 and the pause actuator frame 390 are both oval, but may be any shape. By placing the pause actuator 112 on the handle 100 while using the oral irrigator in fluid connection with the handle 100, the user may more easily change settings or pause fluid flow.

[0085] refer to Figure 4-6B The main bodies 192a, 192b of each of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 may terminate in semicircular hose cutouts 144a, 144b. When the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 are assembled to form the housing 102, the cutouts 144a, 144b together define a generally circular aperture 146 through which the hose 108 passes.

[0086] refer to Figure 3-6B , the neck 180a, 180b of each of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 includes an inner wall 176a, 176b and an outer wall 178a, 178b, respectively. The inner wall 176a, 176b and the outer wall 178a, 178b can be generally semi-cylindrical, so that when the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 are assembled to form the housing 102, the inner wall 176a, 176b and the outer wall 178a, 178b form a generally concentric cylinder with an annular recess 177a, 177b defined therebetween for receiving the spring 216. The outer wall 178a, 178b can be continuous, or can have one or more interruptions or gaps 206 near the midpoint of the width of each of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116. The outer walls 178a, 178b may include lips 208a, 208b, and the inner walls 176a, 176b may extend beyond the plane of the lips 208a, 208b. When the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 are assembled, the inner walls 176a, 176b define a cylindrical top cavity 182 that is configured to receive the top end 104.

[0087] The handle 100 may include a generally circular handle collar 118. The inner surface may be ribbed and may define a tip receiving aperture 210 for receiving the tip 104. The inner surface may have a diameter that is the same as the inner diameter of the inner wall of the necks 180a, 180b. The spring 216 may be positioned in or below the handle collar 118, such as by being inserted into an annular well 218 defined in the handle collar 118 or molded into the handle collar 118 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 4 ).

[0088] Top ejection mechanism

[0089] refer to Figure 3-5B , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the tip ejection mechanism 141 of the handle 100 will now be discussed in more detail. The tip ejection mechanism 141 facilitates the insertion and removal of the tip 104. The tip ejection mechanism 141 is substantially similar to the tip ejection mechanism described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 555,339, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The tip ejection mechanism 141 or tip release assembly includes a cylindrical bonnet 122, a latch 121, and a tip ejection button 110.

[0090] The tip eject button 110 is configured to mechanically initiate release of the tip 104 from the handle 100, such as by sliding the button 110 upward toward the tip outlet 105. The tip eject button 110 can be formed with an outer sliding portion 196 and an inner sliding portion 200 separated from each other by a neck 202. The outer sliding portion 196 can be substantially oblong in shape and can include a tab grip 198, which can help a user's fingers or hand more easily operate the tip eject button 110 and prevent the user's fingers or hand from slipping off the tip eject button 110. The upper end of the inner sliding portion 200 can include a nose 201 protruding radially inwardly therefrom. The outer sliding portion 196 can have substantially the same length as the inner sliding portion 200, such as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The neck 202 may be the same as the embodiment shown, or may be shorter or longer than the inner slide portion 200. The lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the neck 202 are smaller than the associated dimensions of the outer slide portion 196 and the inner slide portion 200, so that a circumferential channel is formed between the outer slide portion 196 and the inner slide portion 200 around the neck 202.

[0091] The bonnet 122 can receive at least a portion of the tip 104 and help provide a secure connection between the tip and the handle 100. The bonnet 122 can include a body 226 having an upper end 223 and a lower end 224, and a peripheral rim 220 proximate the lower end 224. The interior of the bonnet 122 can define a tip cavity 222 for receiving the tip 104.

[0092] The latch 121 is configured to releasably engage the tip 104 to secure the tip 104 to the handle 100 and facilitate removal of the tip 104 from the handle 100. The latch 121 may include a latch body 452 to which spring legs 454 are attached via a neck 456. The spring legs 454 extend laterally apart from each other on opposite sides of the neck 456 along a side of the latch body 452 opposite the tip ejection button 110. The neck 456 separates the spring legs 454 from the latch body 452 so that a gap 458 is formed between each of the spring legs 454 and the latch body 452. In the exemplary embodiment shown, an outer wall 460 of the latch body 452 opposite each of the spring legs 454 is curved so that the gap 458 widens toward an open end away from the neck 456. Each spring leg 454 may terminate at a foot 462. The outer surface of each foot 462 may have a spherical protrusion 464 outward along the width. Each spring leg 454 may be flexible, deformable and / or resilient such that it returns to its original shape and configuration after being compressed.

[0093] like Fig. 7A and Figure 7BAs shown, the top surface 466 of the latch body 452 includes ridges 468 that are laterally opposed to each other and extend radially outward on the side between the spring legs 454 and the top eject button 110 and partially around the periphery of the latch body 452. The ridges 468 extend laterally away from the latch body 452 and have a width sufficient to abut against a flat surface of the housing 100 and thereby prevent the latch body 452 from rotating.

[0094] The latch body 452 also includes an inner lip 470 that extends generally radially inwardly above the inner wall 472. The inner lip 470 may be beveled, such as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, or may be smooth and may define a tip receiving aperture 474 for receiving the tip 104. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the perimeter defined by the inner lip 470 can be an irregular oval or bell-shaped, or can be any other shape. The shape of the perimeter can be complementary to the top end 104 received in the top end receiving aperture 474. The locking edge 475 of the inner lip 470 can be located adjacent to the spring leg 454. The locking edge 475 can extend radially outward beyond the surface of the inner wall 472 so as to engage a corresponding groove formed in the top end 104 and thereby retain the top end 104 in the latch body 452.

[0095] The inner wall 472 of the latch body 452 can define a bonnet cavity 476 that is configured to receive the upper end 223 of the body 226 of the bonnet 122. The cross-sectional area of ​​the bonnet cavity 476 can thus be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the top end receiving aperture 474. The shape of the bonnet cavity 476 can be substantially oblong, and thus oblate, compared to the circular shape of the body 226 of the bonnet 122.

[0096] The latch body 452 also includes a chamfered wall 478 on the outer side wall opposite the neck 456 and the spring legs 454. The chamfered wall 478 may include an opening between the two chamfered legs, or it may be solid.

[0097] Backflow valve

[0098] refer to Figure 3-5B , Fig. 8A and Figure 8B, the handle 100 may include a return valve body 124 for enclosing or supporting a reed valve (not shown). The return valve body 124 may include a generally cylindrical top end 230 and a bottom end 232 separated by a generally cylindrical neck 234 and an annular rim 236. The outer diameter of the top end 230 may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the rim 236, and both diameters may be greater than the outer diameter of the bottom end 238, which in turn may be greater than the outer diameter of the neck 234. A sealing member 120a, such as an O-ring, may be received in the neck 234.

[0099] The interior of the return valve body 124 can define a valve cavity 246 having an upper portion 248 and a lower portion 249. A sealing member 120b, such as a U-shaped cup, can be received in the upper portion 248 of the valve cavity 246, above and adjacent to a rib 250 located approximately midway along the height of the top end 230 of the return valve body 124.

[0100] The bottom end 232 of the return valve body 124 includes a bottom edge 238 that includes a keyed feature 240. The bottom edge 238 also includes a flap support 242 for supporting or securing an optional reed valve (not shown). The flap support 242 can be formed as a generally circular ring having a narrower diameter than an upper portion 248 of a valve cavity 246, and can be connected to the bottom edge 238 via a bridge 244. The valve flap support 242 can be angled so that only a portion, such as a portion adjacent to the bridge 244, is in the same plane as the bottom edge 238 of the bottom end 232 of the return valve body 124, and the remainder of the flap support 242 is angled inwardly and upwardly toward the valve cavity 246 so that it does not reach the plane of the bottom edge 238.

[0101] Pause valve assembly

[0102] refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the pause valve assembly 142 will now be discussed in more detail. The pause valve assembly 142 allows a user to interrupt the flow of fluid to the tip 104 without removing his or her hand from the handle 100 and without shutting off the power to the oral irrigator 10. The pause valve assembly 142 may include an upper valve body 126, a lower valve body 128, a shuttle valve 134 received within the upper valve body 126 and the lower valve body 128, a shuttle holder 130 and a poppet valve assembly 136 both received within the lower valve body 128, and a pause actuator 112 operably connected to the shuttle valve 134 via a retaining ring 132 such that selective movement of the actuator 112 also moves the shuttle valve 134 within the upper valve body 126 and the lower valve body 128. The various components of the pause valve assembly 142 will now be discussed in more detail.

[0103] refer to Figure 3-5B , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B 11a-11C, the upper valve body 126 fluidly connects the chamber 124 with the lower valve body 128. The upper valve body 126 may include a head 256 and a base 258 connected by a neck 260. Each of the head 256, the base 258, and the neck 260 may be generally cylindrical and define a valve cavity 262 therethrough. The head 256 may include an upper portion 264 and a lower portion 266, and the lower portion 266 may define a chord segment 268 that interrupts the outer cylindrical surface of the lower portion 266. The outer diameter of the upper portion 264 may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the lower portion 266. The outer diameters of the upper portion 264 and the lower portion 266 of the head 256 may generally be larger than the outer diameter of the base 258, which in turn may be larger than the outer diameter of the neck 260.

[0104] One or more (e.g., two) arms 270 may extend laterally from the head 256 near the interface between the head upper portion 264 and the lower portion 266. The arms 270 are positioned to engage the pause actuator 112 and act as a track along which the pause actuator 112 moves. When two arms 270 are present, such as Figure 11A-11C As shown, they can be positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from each other on the head 256. The cross-sectional shape of the arm 270 can be as follows: Fig.11A Oblong as shown, but other shapes are possible.

[0105] like Fig. 11B As shown, the portion of the valve cavity 262 adjacent to the lower portion 266 of the head 256 can include a bottom plate 272 and a shelf 274. A flow orifice 276 can be defined in the bottom plate 272, and the diameter of the flow orifice 276 can be smaller than the diameter of any of the head 256, the neck 260, and the base 258. The shelf 274 can include a keyed feature 278 positioned to correspond to the chord segment 268 of the lower portion 266 of the head 256.

[0106] like Fig. 11C As shown, shelf wall 280 may extend below bottom surface 282 of floor 272 of head 256 proximate the interface between base 258 and neck 260 to define a narrowed diameter portion of valve cavity 262. Sealing member 120c, such as a U-shaped cup, may be positioned on shelf wall 280.

[0107] refer to Figure 3-5B , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, the lower valve body 128 operably connects the upper valve body 126 with the valve seat 138. The lower valve body 128 may include two or more arms 400 connecting the upper plate 402 and the lower plate 404, a lip 406 defined on the top of the upper plate 402, and a skirt 408 located below the lower plate 404. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two cuboid arms 400, and they are positioned opposite each other across each of the upper plate 402 and the lower plate 404. Each of the lip 406, the upper plate 402, and the lower plate 406 may be annular so that they define a corresponding circular opening 410. The skirt 408 may be cylindrical with a skirt cavity 412 defined therein. The skirt 408 may include an outer skirt wall 414 and an inner skirt wall 416. The inner skirt wall 416 may define the skirt cavity 412 and may include one or more tracks 418 formed as grooves or threads. The track 418 can extend approximately 360° around the inner skirt wall 416 in a non-flat plane so that the ends of the track 418 do not meet but are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis of the handle 100. The outer diameter of the upper plate 402 can be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the lower plate 404, and both diameters can be larger than the outer diameter of the lip 406, but smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt 408.

[0108] A sealing member 120d, such as a U-shaped cup, may be positioned within the skirt 408 beneath the lower plate 404 .

[0109] refer to Figure 3-5B , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig.13 , when the handle 100 is in the pause mode, the shuttle holder 130 receives fluid flowing through the poppet valve assembly 136. The shuttle holder 130 can be generally cylindrical with an open first end 290 and an open second end 292. The shuttle holder 130 can include an outer wall 294 and a stepped inner wall 296, the stepped inner wall 296 defining a cavity 298 extending between the open first end 290 and the open second end 292. The open first end 290 can include a top surface 300 having a plurality of tabs 302 separated by notches around a perimeter 304 of the opening 306. The tabs 302 can define a broken circular edge having a circumference slightly larger than the circumference of the shuttle valve 134.

[0110] refer to Figure 3-5B , Figures 9-10 and Fig.14, when the pause mode is selected, the shuttle valve 134 interrupts the flow of fluid through the handle 100. The shuttle valve 134 may include a cylindrical body 332 and a frustum-shaped base 334. The body 332 may be interrupted by a connector groove 336 located approximately midway along the length of the body 332. The outer diameter of the base 334 may be greater than the outer diameter of the body 332, which in turn may be greater than the outer diameter of the connector groove 336. The shuttle valve 134 may also include a flow lumen 342 defined within the body 332 and a base cavity 348 defined within the base 334. The open first end 338 of the shuttle valve 134 is fluidly connected to the open second end 340 through the flow lumen 342 and the base cavity 348. The body 332 of the shuttle valve 134 may include a top surface 344, and the base 334 may include a bottom surface 346.

[0111] refer to Figure 3-5B , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig.15 , the poppet valve assembly 136 is used to selectively disconnect the fluid flow from the hose 108 to the valve cap 122. The poppet valve assembly 136 may include a generally circular cap 312 connected to a poppet valve support plate 316 by a cylindrical poppet valve neck 318. An annular platform 314 may surround the neck 318 above the poppet valve support plate 316. The diameter of the platform 314 may be approximately equal to the diameter of the cap 312 and less than the widest diameter of the poppet valve support plate 316. The poppet valve support plate 316 includes a first surface 320, a second surface 322, and a plurality of sprocket teeth 324 extending outwardly from the platform 314. Two adjacent sprocket teeth 324 may be separated from each other to define a flow path 326 therebetween. The sealing member 120e may be located around the poppet valve neck 318 between the cap 312 and the platform 314.

[0112] like Figure 3-5B , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B , Fig.10 and Fig.16 As shown, the retaining ring 132 can operably connect the pause actuator 112 to the shuttle valve 134. The retaining ring 132 can be disc-shaped and can include a keyhole cutout 354, which can include a variety of forms. For example, and as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the retaining ring can have a first groove 356a, a central aperture 356b, and a hinge aperture 356c. The central aperture 356b in the keyhole cutout 354 can be sized to fit around the connector groove 336 of the shuttle valve 134. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 132 can be a snap ring.

[0113] refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B, Fig.9A , Fig. 9B and Fig.10 , the user moves the pause actuator 112 to place the handle in the pause or flush mode. The pause actuator 112 may include an outer sliding plate 362 and an inner sliding plate 364. The outer sliding plate 362 may include a grip 366 for helping the user grip and move the pause actuator 112. The inner sliding plate 364 may have a concave shape and may include a concave surface or rear face 368 from which one or more walls 370 extend. For example, in Fig.10 Two walls 370 are shown in the figure, which are generally rectangular in shape. The upper shelf 372 and the lower shelf 374 can also extend parallel to each other from the back 368. The first upper prong 376a and the second upper prong 376b can extend from the upper shelf 372 away from the back 368. The first lower prong 378a and the second lower prong 378b can similarly extend from the lower shelf 374. The first prongs 376a, 378a are laterally spaced from the second prongs 376b, 378b and are connected by a shelf wall 380, which forms a semicircle from the end 382a of one prong 376a, 378a to the end 382b of the laterally opposite prong 376b, 378b. Each upper prong 376a, 376b can be separated from its proximal lower prong 378a, 378b by a retaining gap 384 between the upper shelf 372 and the lower shelf 374. Although in Fig.10 376a, 376b, 378a, 378b are shown as being in a cubic shape, but the prongs 376a, 376b, 378a, 378b may be any shape.

[0114] Rotating components

[0115] refer to Figure 3-5B and Fig.17, the swivel assembly 143 will now be discussed in more detail. The swivel assembly 143 can help minimize or prevent the transfer of rotational movement of the handle 100 or the hose 108 relative to the other. The swivel assembly 143 can include a valve seat 138 and a bushing 140. The valve seat 138 is configured to be received in the stationary lower valve body 128. The valve seat 138 can include an annular protruding rim 424, a cylindrical body 426, and an elongated barb tip 428. The valve seat 138 defines a flow chamber 430 that passes from the barb tip 428 to a top surface 432 of the rim 424. The rim 424 can include one or more threads 434. Each thread 434 can extend approximately 360° around the rim 424 in an uneven plane so that the ends of the threads 434 do not meet, but are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis of the handle 100. The threads 434 (which may be complementary to the tracks 418 of the inner skirt wall 416 of the skirt 408 of the lower valve body 128) may help align or assemble the valve seat 138 and the lower valve body 128. The barbed tip 428 may include one or more gripping features 436 that enhance the connection between the valve seat 138 and the hose 108.

[0116] refer to Figure 3-5B The swivel assembly 143 may also include a cylindrical bushing 140 that defines a barbed aperture 442 configured to receive the barbed tip 428 of the valve seat 138. The bushing 140 may include a rim 444 and a body 446.

[0117] Assembly of the oral irrigator

[0118] An illustrative example of the assembly of the handle 100 will now be discussed. It should be noted that the following description is merely exemplary and that the handle 100 may be assembled in any manner and in any order. Figure 3-5B and Figure 7A to Figure 17 The handle component can be assembled within the housing 102 as follows.

[0119] To assemble the top ejection mechanism 141, the upper end 223 of the body 226 of the bonnet 122 can be received in the bonnet cavity 476 of the latch 121. The perimeter of the inner lip 470 can be directly aligned with the top cavity 222 of the bonnet 122 or slightly offset therefrom. The upper end 223 of the body 226 of the bonnet 122 may not completely fill the volume of the bonnet cavity 122, thereby allowing the latch 121 to move laterally toward or away from the top ejection button 110. The nose 201 of the inner sliding portion 200 of the top ejection button 110 can abut and interface with the chamfered wall 478 of the latch 121.

[0120] When the housing 102 is assembled, the top surface 466 of the latch 121 can be below and adjacent the first ribs 150a, 150b and the bottom of the latch body 452 can be adjacent or resting on the second ribs 152a, 152b.

[0121] When the housing is assembled, the outer sliding portion 196 of the top eject button 110 can be positioned within the recess 186 of the housing 102, the neck 202 can be received within the opening 194 within the recess 186, and the inner sliding portion 200 can be positioned against the inner wall 174 of the housing 102 opposite the recess 186. The upper surface 188 and the lower surface 190 of the recess 186 can extend beyond the length of the top eject button 110, so that the recess 186 is longer than the outer sliding portion 196 and the inner sliding portion 200, and the neck 202 is shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the opening 194 in the recess 186. In this configuration, the top eject button 110 is both retained within the opening 194 in the recess 186 and can slide longitudinally within the recess 186 as the outer sliding portion 196 and the inner sliding portion 200 travel on either side of the upper surface 188 and the lower surface 190 of the recess 186.

[0122] To assemble the pause valve assembly, the lip 406 of the lower valve body 128 may be received in the seat 258 of the upper valve body 126 and may be positioned beneath and adjacent the sealing member 120 c located beneath the shelf wall 280 of the valve cavity 262 .

[0123] The shuttle retainer 130 may be received in the skirt cavity 412 of the lower valve body 128. The outer wall 294 of the shuttle retainer 130 may be positioned adjacent to the inner skirt wall 416 of the lower valve body 128. The second end 292 of the shuttle retainer 130 may be positioned adjacent to the first surface 320 of the poppet support plate 316. The top surface 300 of the shuttle retainer 130 may be positioned below and adjacent to the sealing member 120d, which is located below the lower plate 404 of the lower valve body 128. The configuration of the tabs 302 and the recesses in the top surface 300 of the shuttle retainer 130 may allow water to reach the sealing member 120d and more evenly press the sealing member 120d against the shuttle valve 134 and the lower plate 404, thereby creating a faster or stronger seal than without water.

[0124] The base 334 and the lower portion of the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134 can be received in the cavity 298 of the shuttle holder 130. The first end 338 of the shuttle valve 134 can be received in the valve cavity 262 of the upper valve body 126. The arm 400 of the upper valve body 126 can be located on the side of a portion of the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134. When the handle 100 is in the pause mode, the shuttle chamber 284 can be formed in the space between the bottom surface 282 of the bottom plate 272 of the head 256 of the upper valve body 126 and the top surface 344 of the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134. The retaining ring 132 can be flexed at the hinge aperture 356c to widen the slot 356a and seat the central aperture 356b of the retaining ring 132 within the connector recess 336 of the shuttle valve 134.

[0125] The cap 312 and the sealing member 120 e positioned around the poppet neck 318 of the poppet assembly 136 can be received in the seat cavity 348 of the shuttle valve 134. The first surface 320 of the poppet support plate 316 can be located below and adjacent to the bottom surface 346 of the seat 334 of the shuttle valve 134 and below and adjacent to the second end 292 of the shuttle holder 130.

[0126] The inner slide plate 364 of the pause actuator 112 can extend approximately from the head 256 of the upper valve body 126 to the skirt 408 of the valve lower housing. At least when the pause mode is selected, the wall 370 on the rear face 368 of the inner slide plate 364 can be positioned adjacent to the head 256 of the upper valve body 126. The shelf wall 380 can face the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134. The retaining ring 132 can be captured in the gap 384 formed between the upper prongs 376a, 376b and the lower prongs 378a, 378b. One pair of the upper prongs 376a and the lower prongs 378a can pass through some or all of the slots 356a of the keyhole 354 of the retaining ring 132. Another pair of the upper prongs 376b and the lower prongs 378b can pass through some or all of the hinge apertures 356c.

[0127] The top surface 432 of the raised rim 424 of the valve seat 138 can be located below and adjacent to the second surface 322 of the poppet support plate 316. One or more of the threads 434 of the rim 424 can mate with one or more complementary tracks 418 on the inner skirt wall 416 of the lower valve body 128.

[0128] When the housing 102 is assembled, the base 258 of the upper valve body 126 is positioned near and below the fourth ribs 156a, 156b. Each arm 270 of the upper valve body 126 can extend perpendicular to the vertical support wall 148a of the first shell 114 and the vertical support wall 148b of the second shell 116 and be located between the vertical support wall 148a of the first shell 114 and the vertical support wall 148b of the second shell 116. The upper plate 402 of the lower valve body 128 can be located above the fifth rib 158, and the skirt 408 of the lower valve body 128 can be located above and adjacent to the seventh ribs 162a, 162b.

[0129] When the housing 102 is assembled, the outer sliding plate 362 of the pause actuator 112 can be positioned within the pause actuator aperture 204 in the first shell 114, and the inner sliding plate 364 can be positioned against the inner wall 174 of the first shell 114 opposite at least a portion of the pause actuator frame 390. The upper and lower portions of the aperture 204 extend beyond the length of the outer sliding plate 362, such that the aperture 204 is longer than the outer sliding plate 362 and shorter than the inner sliding plate 364. In this configuration, the pause actuator 112 is both retained within the aperture 204 and can slide longitudinally within the aperture 204 as the outer sliding plate 362 and the inner sliding plate 364 travel on either side of the aperture 204 and the frame 390.

[0130] To assemble the swivel assembly 143, the barb tip 428 of the valve seat 138 is received in the barb aperture 442 of the bushing 140. The eighth ribs 164a, 164b of the shells 114, 116 may be positioned below the rim 444 of the bushing 140. One end of the hose 108 may fit over the barb tip 428. The hose 108 may exit the cavity 172 of the assembled housing 102 at the aperture 146.

[0131] To connect the top pop-up mechanism 141 and the return valve 124, the lower end 224 of the bonnet 122 can be received in the upper portion 248 of the valve cavity 246 of the return valve body 124. The lower end 224 can be located above and adjacent to the sealing member 120b, which is seated on the rib 250 of the top end 230 of the return valve body 124. The rim 220 of the bonnet 122 can be captured between the underside of the second ribs 152a, 152b of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 and the top end 230 of the return valve body 124.

[0132] To connect the return valve 124 and the pause valve assembly 142, the neck 234, rim 236, and bottom end 232 of the return valve body 124 can be received in a portion of the valve cavity 262 of the upper valve body 126 adjacent the head 256. The rim 236 of the return valve body 124 can be positioned adjacent the shelf 274 of the upper valve body 126 so that the keyed feature 240 of the bottom edge 238 of the return valve body 124 mates with the keyed feature 278 of the shelf 274 of the upper valve body 126. The sealing member 120a disposed in the neck 234 of the return valve body 124 can be located in the valve cavity 262 of the head 256 of the upper valve body 126.

[0133] To connect the pause valve assembly 142 and the swivel assembly 143 , the rim 424 of the valve seat 138 is received in the skirt 408 of the lower valve body 128 and below the poppet support plate 316 .

[0134] After the shells 114, 116 are assembled, the handle collar 118 can be positioned over the necks 180a, 180b and can be secured to the handle housing 102 by several arcuate tabs 212 extending radially inward from the sidewalls of the handle collar 118, which capture the lips 208a, 208b of the necks 180a, 180b (see Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B The arcuate tab 212 of the handle collar 118 may be separated from the main bodies 192a, 192b of the first and second shells 114, 116 by a gap 214, and the span of the gap 214 may be reduced by pressing the handle collar 118 toward the main bodies 192a, 192b.

[0135] Alternative Embodiments

[0136] Figure 18-Figure 27 Another embodiment of a handle 500 is shown. Unless otherwise noted, like numbered features of components of handle 500 have similar design, construction, function, and operation as those already described above compared to handle 100. The exterior of handle 500 may appear similar to that of handle 100. Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The handle 500 is the same or similar to the handle 100 of the present invention. Compared with the handle 100, the handle 500 may not include any one or both of the return valve body 124 and the bushing 140.

[0137] and Figure 1-Figure 17 Like the handle 100 shown, Figure 18-Figure 27 The handle 500 may include a first shell 514 and a second shell 516, each shell including a neck 580a, 580b and a shell body 592a, 592b (see Fig. 20A and 20B). The bodies 592a, 592b of the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 respectively define the handle cavity 572 together. The first shell 514 can include first, second, third, fourth, seventh and eighth ribs 550a, 552a, 554a, 556a, 562a and 564a, respectively, which are similar in structure to the aforementioned ribs 150a, 152a, 154a, 156a, 162a and 164a, respectively, and also have similar functions.

[0138] The second shell 516 may include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth ribs 550b, 552b, 554b, 556b, 558, 560, 562b, 564b and 566, respectively, which are similar in construction to the aforementioned ribs 150b, 152b, 154b, 156b, 158, 160, 162b, 164b and 168, and also have similar functions.

[0139] The bodies 592a, 592b of the first and second shells 514, 516 may also include a plurality of vertical support walls 548a, 548b, pegs 569 and holes 570, similar to corresponding features of the first described embodiment.

[0140] refer to Fig.18 , Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B , the outer surfaces of the outer walls 584a, 584b of the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 may each define a C-shaped recess 586a, 586b having a corresponding upper surface 588a, 588b and a lower surface 590a, 590b similar to the corresponding features described above. When the handle 500 is assembled, the opposing recesses 586a, 586b define a pocket 586 surrounding the opening 594. The elongated top eject button 510 may be formed with an outer sliding portion 596 and an inner sliding portion 600 separated from each other by a neck 602. The outer sliding portion 596 may include a tab grip 598. The inner sliding portion 600 may include a nose 601 protruding radially inwardly therefrom. The design and construction of the top eject button 510 and its position relative to the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 may be the same or similar to the top eject button 110 of the first described embodiment.

[0141] As described above with respect to the first housing 114, the first housing 514 of the present embodiment may also include a pause actuator aperture 604 and a recessed pause actuator frame 790 for receiving the pause actuator 512. The pause actuator aperture 604 may have an upper portion 792 and a lower portion 794.

[0142] Reference again Fig. 20A and Fig. 20BThe main body 592a, 592b of each of the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 can terminate in a semi-circular hose cutout 544a, 544b. When the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 are assembled, the cutouts 544a, 544b together define a generally circular aperture 546 through which the hose passes.

[0143] The neck 580a, 580b of each of the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 includes an inner wall 576a, 576b, an outer wall 578a, 578b and an annular recess 577a, 577b, respectively, substantially as described above. The outer wall 578a, 578b may include a lip 608a, 608b, and the inner wall 576a, 576b defines a cylindrical top cavity 582 when assembled into the handle 500, and the cylindrical top cavity 582 is configured to receive the top 104.

[0144] The handle 500 may include a handle collar 518 having similar features and functions as the handle collar 118 described above. The handle collar 518 may include a tip receiving aperture 610 for receiving the tip 104, an annular well 618 for receiving the spring 616, and an arcuate tab 612 for securing the collar 518 to the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 (see FIG. Fig.18 ).

[0145] refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 The top ejection mechanism 541 of the handle 500 may be substantially the same as the top ejection mechanism 141 described above in terms of its design and operation.

[0146] Further references Fig.18 and Fig.19 The pause valve assembly 542 of the handle 500 may include an upper valve body 526, a lower valve body 528, a shuttle valve 534, a shuttle retainer 530, a poppet valve assembly 536 and a pause actuator 512, wherein the pause actuator 512 is operably connected to the shuttle valve 534 via a retaining ring 532, and the pause valve assembly 542 is substantially the same as the above-mentioned pause valve assembly 142, except for the following exceptions.

[0147] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Figure 22A-22C The upper valve body 526 can be substantially the same as the upper valve body 126 described above. The portion of the valve chamber 662 adjacent to the head 656 can include a bottom plate 672 and a ridge 686 and a shelf 674 located between the bottom plate 672 and the ridge 686. One or more arms 670 can extend laterally from the head 656 and the neck 660. The shape of the arm 670 can be as follows: Figure 22A-22C The head 656 and the base 658 may have substantially the same outer diameter, and both may be larger than the outer diameter of the neck 660.

[0148] exist Figure 22A-22C In the example shown, and with Figure 11A-11C Compared to the example shown, the head 656 may be shorter, the neck 660 may be longer, and the base 658 may be wider. The head 656 may not include a separate upper portion 264 and lower portion 266. The head 656 may not include the chord section 268, and the shelf 674 may not include the keyed feature 278.

[0149] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 , Fig.23A and Fig. 23B , the lower valve body 528 can be substantially the same as the lower valve body 128 described above. The lower valve body 528 includes an annular wall 820 located between the lower plate 804 and the skirt 808. The upper portion 822 of the skirt 808 can be angled inwardly toward the annular wall 820. The outer diameter of the upper plate 802 can be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the annular wall 820, and both diameters can be larger than the outer diameter of the lip 806, but smaller than the outer diameter of the skirt 808. Fig.23A and Fig. 23B In the example shown, and with Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Compared to the example shown, the lip 806 may be taller, the arm 800 may be elongated, and the skirt 808 may be truncated. The inner skirt wall 816 may not include any track 418.

[0150] A sealing member 520d, such as a U-shaped cup, may be located below the lower plate 804, adjacent the annular wall 820. The sealing member 520d may be overmolded into the lower plate 804 or the annular wall 820.

[0151] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig.24 , the shuttle holder 530 may include a cylindrical body 707 and a lip 709 that meet at a ridge 708. The shuttle holder 530 may include an outer wall 694 and a stepped inner wall 696 that defines a cavity 698 extending from an open first end 690 to an open second end 692. The open first end 690 may include a top surface 700 having a plurality of tabs 702 separated by notches around a perimeter 704 of the opening 706. The tabs 702 may define a broken circular edge having a circumference slightly larger than the circumference of the shuttle valve 534. An upper portion 710 of the lip may be angled inwardly toward the tabs 702 and the opening 706.

[0152] refer to Fig.25 , the shuttle valve 534 may have substantially the same features as the shuttle valve 134 described above. Fig.21 In the example shown, Fig.14The body 732 is elongated compared to the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134 shown.

[0153] refer to Fig.26 The design and operation of the poppet valve assembly 536 may be substantially the same as the poppet valve assembly 136 described above. Fig.26 In the example shown, and with Fig.15 Compared to the illustrated example, cap 712 includes a recessed central portion 713 , poppet neck 718 is elongated compared to poppet neck 318 , and platform 714 is taller than platform 314 and has its perimeter positioned closer to flow path 726 than platform 314 .

[0154] refer to Fig.21 , the retaining ring 532 can be substantially the same in its design and operation as the retaining ring 132 described above.

[0155] Further references Fig.21 , the pause actuator 512 may be substantially the same in design and operation as the pause actuator 112 described above. Fig.21 The example shown in Figure 9- Fig.10 Compared to the illustrated example, the inner sliding plate 764 may include lateral tabs 765 located on each lateral side of the plate 764 adjacent the first and second upper and lower prongs 776a, 776b, 778a, 778b.

[0156] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig. 27 , the revolving assembly 843 may include a valve seat 538. Fig. 27 In the example shown, and with Fig.17 Compared to the example shown, the revolving assembly 843 may not include the bushing 140. Fig. 27 In the example shown, and with Fig.17 Compared to the example shown, the valve seat 538 may include a series of stacked concentric annular disks, rather than the annular protruding rim 424. The top disk 838 may have the smallest diameter in the stack, and the middle disk 839 may have a diameter between the top disk 838 and the bottom disk 840. The thickness of each of the disks 838, 839, 840 may increase between each disk, with the top disk 838 having the smallest thickness, the middle disk 839 having a thickness between the two disks 838, 840, and the bottom disk 840 having the largest thickness. Fig.17 Compared to the example shown, Fig. 27 Examples may not include any threads 434 .

[0157] When assembling the handle 500, Figure 18-Figure 27 The handle components may be assembled within housing 502 in a manner similar to the assembly of handle 100, except as described below.

[0158] With handle 100 Figure 3-5B and Figure 7A to Figure 17 The assembled parts of the handle are compared to 500 Figure 18-Figure 27 The assembled components may occupy a greater portion of the cavity 572 measured along the longitudinal axis of the handle 500. The barb tip 828 may terminate at a lower position in the cavity 572 than the barb tip 428 of the first described handle 100.

[0159] The rim 620 of the bonnet 522 may be captured between the underside of the second ribs 552a, 552b of the first shell 514 and the second shell 516 and the top surface of the head 656 of the upper valve body 526. The lower end 624 of the bonnet 522 may be received in a portion of the valve cavity 662 of the upper valve body 526 adjacent the head 656. The lower end 624 may be located above and adjacent to the sealing member 520b, which is seated on a shelf 674 of the upper valve body 526. The arm 670 may extend laterally to the vertical support walls 548a, 548b and be located adjacent to and below the third ribs 554a, 554b.

[0160] The outer wall 694 of the shuttle retainer 530 may be positioned adjacent to the inner skirt wall 816 of the lower valve body 528 such that the stepped profile of the outer wall 694 follows the stepped profile of the inner skirt wall 816. Compared to the assembly of the shuttle retainer 130 and the lower valve body 128 of the handle 100 of the first described embodiment, the top surface 700 of the shuttle retainer 530 may be positioned adjacent to the upper portion 822 of the skirt 808, but may not extend to the annular wall 820, and may not extend to the sealing member 520d adjacent to the annular wall 820 or the lower plate 804.

[0161] Compared to the assembly of the shuttle holder 130 and the shuttle valve 134 of the handle 100, a larger portion of the body 732 of the shuttle valve 534 can be received in the cavity 698 of the shuttle holder 530. When the handle 500 is in the pause mode, the shuttle chamber 684 formed in the space between the bottom surface 682 of the bottom plate 672 of the head 656 of the upper valve body 526 and the top surface 744 of the body 732 of the shuttle valve 534 can be longer or have a larger volume than the shuttle chamber 284 of the handle 100.

[0162] The wall 770 on the rear face 768 of the inner slide plate 764 of the pause actuator 512 may be positioned generally flush with the neck 660 of the upper valve body 526 when the pause mode is selected, and may be positioned proximate or adjacent to the head 656 when the flush mode is selected.

[0163] The top surface 432 of the top disk 838 of the valve seat 538 can extend below and adjacent to the second surface 722 of the poppet support plate 716. The intermediate disk 839 can be positioned adjacent to the inner skirt wall 816. The outer diameter of the bottom disk 840 can be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the skirt 808 of the lower valve body 528, so that when the bottom disk 840 is located below the skirt 808, the outer skirt wall 814 can be flush with the outer surface 841 of the bottom disk 840. When the housing 502 is assembled, the body 826 of the valve seat 538 is surrounded by the eighth ribs 564a, 564b, rather than being surrounded by a bushing as in the handle 100 described above.

[0164] Alternative Embodiments

[0165] Figure 28-Figure 3 6 shows another embodiment of a handle 1000. Unless otherwise noted, like numbered features of components of handle 1000 have similar design, construction, function, and operation as those components described above compared to handles 100 and 500. The exterior of handle 1000 may appear similar to the exterior of handle 1000. Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The handle 1000 may be the same or similar to the handle 100 of the present invention. Compared to the handles 100 and 500, in the handle 1000, the poppet valve assembly may be integrated into the valve seat to form an integrated valve seat 1138. Additionally or alternatively, the handle 1000 may include a retaining clip 1130 instead of the shuttle retainer 130 and 530.

[0166] and Figure 1-Figure 17 Like the handle 100 shown, Figure 28-Figure 3 The handle 1000 of 6 may include a first shell 1014 and a second shell 1016, each shell including a neck 1080a, 1080b and a shell body 1092a, 1092b (see Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B ). The bodies 1092a, 1092b of the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 respectively define the handle cavity 1072 together. The first shell 1014 can include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth ribs 1050a, 1052a, 1054a, 1056a, 1058a, 1062a and 1064, respectively, which are similar in structure to the aforementioned ribs 150a, 152a, 154a, 156a, 158a, 162a and 164a and also have similar functions.

[0167] The first shell 1014 may also include one or more lateral brackets 1047 attached to the inner wall 1074a, which may help to maintain the pause actuator 1012 in the selected open / flush or pause position. Each lateral bracket 1047 may include a plurality of catches or detents 1049, which help to mechanically releasably capture the pause actuator 1012. The shape of the detent 1049 may be complementary to a portion of the pause actuator 1012. Fig.32 In the example shown, the shape of the detent 1049 can be semi-circular.

[0168] The second shell 1016 may include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh ribs 1050b, 1052b, 1054b, 1056b, 1058b, 1060 and 1062b, respectively, which are similar in construction to the aforementioned ribs 150b, 152b, 154b, 156b, 158, 160 and 162b, and also have similar functions.

[0169] The second shell 1016 may also include a magnet 1051 and a magnet holder 1049 for securing the magnet 1051. The magnet 1051 may help the handle 1000 to be connected to the base unit via a corresponding magnet in the base unit, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 843,911, entitled “Oral irrigator with magnetic attachment,” filed concurrently with the present application, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0170] The bodies 1092a, 1092b of the first and second shells 1014, 1016 may also include a plurality of vertical support walls 1048a, 1048b, pegs 1069, and holes 1070, similar to corresponding features of the first described embodiment.

[0171] refer to Fig.28 , Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B, the outer surfaces of the outer walls 1084a, 1084b of the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 may each define a C-shaped recess 1086a, 1086b having respective upper surfaces 1088a, 1088b and lower surfaces 1090a, 1090b similar to the corresponding features described above. When the handle 1000 is assembled, the opposing recesses 1086a, 1086b define a pocket 1086 surrounding an opening 1094. The elongated top eject button 1010 may be formed with an outer sliding portion 1096 and an inner sliding portion 1100 separated from each other by a neck 1102. The outer sliding portion 1096 may include a tab grip 1098. The inner sliding portion 1100 may include a nose 1101 protruding radially inwardly therefrom. The design and construction of the top eject button 1010 and its position relative to the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 can be the same or similar to the top eject button 1010 of the first described embodiment.

[0172] Reference again Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B The main body 1092a, 1092b of each of the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 can terminate in a semicircular hose cutout 1044a, 1044b. When the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 are assembled, the cutouts 1044a, 1044b together define a generally circular orifice through which the hose passes.

[0173] Basically as described above, the neck 1080a, 1080b of each of the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 includes an inner wall 1076a, 1076b, an outer wall 1078a, 1078b and an annular recess 1077a, 1077b, respectively. The outer wall 1078a, 1078b may include a lip edge 1108a, 1108b, and the inner wall 1076a, 1076b defines a cylindrical top end cavity 1082 configured to receive the top end 104 when assembled into the handle 1000.

[0174] The handle 1000 may include a handle collar 1018 having similar features and functions as the handle collar 118 described above. The handle collar 1018 may include a tip receiving aperture 1110 for receiving the tip 104, an annular well 1118 for receiving the spring 1116, and an arcuate tab 1112 for securing the collar 1018 to the first shell 1014 and the second shell 1016 (see FIG. Fig.28 ).

[0175] refer to Fig.28 and Fig.29The top ejection mechanism 1041 of the handle 1000 may be substantially the same in design and operation as the top ejection mechanism 141 described above, and may include a cylindrical valve cap 1022 , a latch 1021 , and a top ejection button 1010 .

[0176] refer to Fig.28 , Fig.29 and Fig.31 The pause valve assembly 1042 of the handle 1000 may include an upper valve body 1026, a lower valve body 1028, a shuttle valve 1034, and a pause actuator 112, the pause actuator 112 being operably connected to the shuttle valve 534 via a retaining ring 532, and the pause valve assembly 1042 is substantially the same as the pause valve assemblies 142, 542 described above, except for the following exceptions. The pause valve assembly 1042 may include a retaining clip 1130, but does not include a shuttle retainer 130. The pause valve assembly 1042 may include an integrated valve seat 1138 having a poppet valve assembly 1136 connected to the elongated barb tip 928.

[0177] Continue to refer Fig.28 and Fig.29 , the upper valve body 1026 can be substantially the same as the upper valve body 526 for the handle 500 described above.

[0178] refer to Fig.28 , Fig.29 and Fig.33 , the lower valve body 1028 can be substantially the same as the lower valve body 128 described above. The lower valve body 1028 includes an annular wall 1320 located between the lower plate 1304 and the skirt 1308. The upper portion 1322 of the skirt 1308 can be angled inwardly toward the annular wall 1320. The outer diameter of the upper plate 1302 can be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the lower plate 1304, and both diameters can be larger than the outer diameter of the lip 1306, but smaller than the outer diameters of the annular wall 1320 and the skirt 1308. Fig.33 In the example shown, and with Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Compared to the illustrated example, the arm 1300 may be elongated, and the lower valve body 1028 may include an annular wall 1320, and the angled upper portion 1322 of the skirt 1308 may be truncated.

[0179] A sealing member 1020d, such as a U-shaped cup, may be located below the lower plate 1304, adjacent the annular wall 1320. The sealing member 1020d may be overmolded into the lower plate 1304 or the annular wall 1320.

[0180] refer to Fig.31 and Fig.32 The design and operation of the pause actuator 1012 may be substantially the same as the pause actuators 112, 512 described above. Fig.31 and Fig.32In the example shown, something like Fig.21 In the example shown, the inner sliding plate 1264 can include lateral tabs 1265 adjacent the first and second upper and lower prongs 1276a, 1276b, 1278a, 1278b on each lateral side of the plate 1264.

[0181] Each lateral side of the lower end 1263 of the inner sliding plate 1264 can terminate in a foot 1267 that can help the pause actuator 1012 remain in the selected open / flush or pause position. Each foot 1267 can be received in a complementary shaped detent 1049 of a lateral bracket 1047 attached to the inner wall 174a of the first shell 1014. Each foot 1267 can include an inclined upper surface 1269 that helps the foot 1267 slide smoothly between the detents 1049 when the pause actuator 1012 moves between the flush position and the pause position.

[0182] The inner slide plate 1264 can have a generally concave shape and can include a rear face 1268 that is contoured or molded to form an inner face 1271 of the outer slide plate 1262. One or more walls 1270 can extend from the rear face 1268 and can help the pause actuator 1012 maintain contact and constant spacing with other components of the pause valve assembly 1042. For example, two walls 1270a are shown positioned toward an upper end 1273 of the inner slide plate 1264, and two walls 1270b are shown positioned toward the lower end 1263. The upper wall 1270a can interface with the upper valve body 1026, and the lower wall 1270b can interface with the lower valve body 1028.

[0183] refer to Fig.31 , the design and operation of the buckle 1032 can be substantially the same as the buckle 132 described above.

[0184] refer to Fig.34 , the shuttle valve 1034 can have substantially the same features as the shuttle valve 134 described above. Fig.34 In the example shown, Fig.14 The body 1232 is elongated compared to the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134 shown.

[0185] refer to Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig.35 , the pause valve assembly 1042 may include a retaining clip 1130 instead of a shuttle retainer 130, 530. The retaining clip 1130 may allow the size (including diameter) of the lower valve body 1028 to be reduced compared to the shuttle retainer 130, 530, in which the clip 1130 is received. Fig.35, the retaining clip 1130 can be annular in shape, having an inner wall 1196 defining an orifice and an outer wall 1194, with a plurality of spokes 1198 extending radially from the outer wall 1194. In one example, the retaining clip 1130 is a star-shaped washer. The retaining clip 1130 frictionally engages the inner wall of the lower valve body 1028 and holds the sealing member 1120d in place within the shuttle valve 1034.

[0186] refer to Fig.28 and Fig.29 When the pause valve assembly 1042 is assembled, the retaining clip 1130 can be received in the skirt cavity 1312 of the lower valve body 1028 so that the spokes 1198 of the clip 1130 are adjacent to the inner skirt wall 1316. The retaining clip 1130 can be positioned adjacent to the annular wall 1320 of the lower valve body 1028 and below the sealing member 1120d, which is located below the lower plate 1034 of the lower valve body 1028. The inner diameter of the retaining clip 1130 can be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shuttle valve 1034 to allow the shuttle valve 1034 to travel axially within the orifice of the retaining clip 1130. Water can reach the sealing member 1120d through the inner diameter of the retaining clip 1130 and the fluid flow path 1195 between the spokes 1198 and the inner diameter of the annular wall 1320 of the lower valve body 1028, and more evenly press the sealing member 1120d against the shuttle valve 1034 and the lower plate 1034, thereby producing a faster or stronger seal on the shuttle valve 1034 than when there is no water.

[0187] Compared to embodiments including the shuttle retainer 130, 530, when the pause valve assembly 142 includes the retaining clip 1130, the base 1234 of the shuttle valve 1034 and the lower portion of the body 1232 can be received in the skirt cavity 1312 of the lower valve body 1028, rather than in the cavity 298, 698 of the shuttle retainer 130, 530. When fluid flows into the handle 1000 during the flush mode or the pause mode, it flows into the skirt cavity 1312 of the lower valve body 1028, rather than the cavity 298, 698 of the shuttle retainer 130, 530.

[0188] During the flush mode, when the pause valve assembly 1042 is placed in the open or open position and the shuttle valve 1034 is positioned toward the handle collar 1018, the shuttle valve 1034 can be prevented from advancing too far by contact between the top surface 1244 of the shuttle valve 1034 and the bottom surface 1182 of the base plate 1172 of the head 1156 of the upper valve body 1026.

[0189] and Fig.15 and Fig.17 The poppet valve assembly 136 and the valve seat 138 are compared and referenced to Fig.36A and Fig.36B, the poppet valve assembly is incorporated into the valve seat to form an integrated valve seat 1138, which can help reduce the manufacturing cost and / or assembly time of the handle 100 by reducing the number of component parts. The handle 1000 including the integrated valve seat 1138 has a similar design, construction, function, assembly and operation as the handles described above, with the following exceptions.

[0190] The integrated valve seat 1138 is configured to selectively disconnect fluid flow from the hose 108 to the tip 104. The integrated valve seat 1138 can include a poppet assembly 1136 connected to the elongated barbed tip 928 by stacked concentric upper and lower disks 938, 940. The poppet assembly 1136 can include a cap 912 including a recessed central portion 913 connected to a poppet support plate 916 by a poppet neck 918. An annular platform 914 can surround the neck 918 above the poppet support plate 916. The cap 912 and the annular platform 914 are generally sized and shaped to be received in the shuttle valve 1034. The poppet support plate 916 includes an upper surface 920 and a plurality of support features 924 extending outwardly from the platform 914. The flow path 926 can be defined between two adjacent but spaced-apart support features 924. A sealing member 1120 e may be disposed about the poppet neck 918 between the cap 912 and the platform 914 .

[0191] The upper disk 938 may have a smaller diameter than the bottom disk 940 such that the first surface 937 of the bottom disk 940 is exposed and available for interfacing with the skirt 1308 of the lower valve body 1028 .

[0192] A reinforced base 966 located between the base plate 940 and the barbed tip 928 may include a plurality of radially extending arms 967 for stability when seated against the bushing 1040. The barbed orifice 1342 defined in the bushing 1040 has a diameter greater than the barbed tip 928 of the integrated valve seat 1138 to allow a hose to fit thereon.

[0193] The integrated valve seat 1138 defines a flow chamber 930 from the barbed tip 928 through to the top surface 932 of the upper disk 938. The barbed tip 928 may include one or more gripping features 936 that enhance the connection between the integrated valve seat 1138 and the hose 108.

[0194] During flush mode, fluid can flow from the hose 108 through the flow chamber 930 in the integrated valve seat 1138, through the flow path 926 between the support features 924 of the poppet valve support plate 916, into the skirt chamber 1312 of the lower valve body 1028, into the base chamber 1248 of the shuttle valve 1034, and into the flow chamber 1242 of the shuttle valve 1034.

[0195] When assembling the handle 1000, Figure 28-Figure 3 The handle components of 6 can be assembled within the housing 1002 in a manner similar to the assembly of the handle 500, except as described below.

[0196] refer to Fig.28 , and with Fig.18 Compared to the example in FIG. 1 , the arm 1170 of the bonnet 1022 may be positioned adjacent to the third ribs 1054a, 1054b rather than below the third ribs 554a, 554b.

[0197] Further references Fig.28 , and with Fig.18 Compared to the example in FIG. 1 , the lip 1180 of the upper valve body 1026 can be located below the fourth ribs 1056a, 1056b instead of being located above the fourth ribs 556a, 556b. The sealing member 1020c can be located below the lip 1180, adjacent to the base 1158 of the upper valve body 1026, and above the lip 1306 of the lower valve body 1028. The upper plate 1302 of the lower valve body 1028 can be located above and adjacent to the fifth ribs 1058a, 1058b.

[0198] As mentioned above, and with reference to Fig.28 and Fig.29 , the retaining clip 1130 can be located near the annular wall 1320 of the lower valve body 1028 and below the sealing member 1120d, which is located below the lower plate 1034 of the lower valve body 1028.

[0199] like Fig.28 and Fig.29 As shown, and similar to the handle 100 Figure 4-5B , the barb tip 928 of the integrated valve seat 1138 is received in the barb aperture 1342 of the bushing 1040. The rim 1344 of the bushing 1040 can be located on top of the seventh ribs 1062a, 1062b.

[0200] The wall 1270a on the rear 1268 of the internal sliding plate 1264 of the pause actuator 1012 may be located near the interface between the neck 1160 of the upper valve body 1026 and the base 1158 when the pause mode is selected, and may be located near or adjacent to the head 1156 when the flush mode is selected.

[0201] When the handle 1000 is assembled, the cap 912, poppet neck 918, and annular platform 914 of the poppet assembly 1136, and the sealing member 1120e positioned about the poppet neck 918 can be received in the base cavity 1248 of the shuttle valve 1034. The first surface 920 of the poppet support plate 916 can be located below and adjacent to the bottom surface 1246 of the base 1234 of the shuttle valve 1034.

[0202] The poppet support plate 916 and upper disc 938 of the integrated valve seat 1138 are received in the skirt cavity 1312 of the lower valve body 1028. The outer diameter of the bottom disc 940 of the integrated valve seat 1138 can be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the skirt 1308 of the lower valve body 1028, so that when the first surface 937 of the bottom disc 940 is located below the skirt 1308, the outer skirt wall 1314 can be flush with the outer surface 941 of the bottom disc 940.

[0203] To connect the pause valve assembly 1042 and the revolving assembly 1343, the barb tip 928 of the integrated valve seat 1138 is received in the barb aperture 1342 of the bushing 1040. The edge 1344 of the bushing 1040 can rest on the seventh ribs 1062a, 1062b. The bushing 1040 can freely rotate on the seventh ribs 1062a, 1062b to allow the integrated valve seat 1138 and the connected valve assembly to freely rotate or revolve within the handle 100.

[0204] Insertion and ejection of top

[0205] The user can insert the top 104 into the Figure 1-Figure 17 The handle 100 is provided with a top end 104 which pops out from the handle 100. The top end 104 is provided from Figure 18-Figure 27 The handle 500 and from Figure 28-Figure 3 The insertion and ejection of the handle 1000 of the 6 follows a similar process. These processes are substantially the same as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 555,339, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0206] The tip 104 is inserted into the handle 100 by passing the tip 104 at the end opposite the tip outlet 105 through the tip receiving aperture 210 of the handle collar 118, through the tip receiving cavity 182 defined by the inner walls 174a, 174b of the first and second shells 114, 116, and into the tip receiving aperture 474 of the latch body 452. Before the tip 104 enters the handle 100, the tip receiving aperture 474 of the latch body 452 is partially offset from the tip cavity 222 of the bonnet 122, which is located below the tip receiving aperture 474. The tip 104 engages the latch body 452 and pushes the inner lip 470 of the latch body 452 laterally in the direction of the spring legs 454 until the tip receiving aperture 474 of the latch body 452 is vertically aligned with the tip cavity 222 of the bonnet 122. The spring legs 454 are compressed and the feet 462 are positioned adjacent the inner walls 174 a , 174 b of the first shell 114 and the second shell 116 .

[0207] The insertion end of the tip 104 can then be advanced through the tip cavity 222 of the bonnet 122, past the sealing member 120b, and into the valve cavity 246 of the return valve body 124 or the valve cavity 662 of the upper valve body 526. When the tip 104 is fully inserted into the handle 100, the tip collar 106 on the tip 104 can be biased against the handle collar 118. The outer diameter of the insertion end of the tip 104 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sealing member 120b, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member 120b and the tip 104. The D-shape of the periphery of the inner lip 470 of the latch body 452 helps to align the tip 104 in the handle 100, and the D-shape can be complementary or keyed to the D-shape of the insertion end of the tip 104. The tip 104 can be coupled to the latch 121 by capturing the inner lip 470 of the latch body 452 in an annular recess (not shown) of the tip 104.

[0208] When the top end 104 is coupled with the latch 121, the handle collar 118 of the handle 100 is pressed toward the bodies 192a, 192b of the first and second shells 114, 116. When the handle collar 118 is depressed, the arcuate tabs 212 of the handle collar 118 move along the necks 180a, 180b of the first and second shells 114, 116 toward the bodies 192a, 192b, which reduces the height of the gap 214, and the spring 216 is compressed. The compressed spring 216 exerts an upward force, which, in the absence of another force opposing the upward force, will return the handle collar 118 to its original position (i.e., separated from the bodies 192a, 192b by the gap 214). When the top end 104 is coupled with the latch 121, the upward force will be opposed by a flange (not shown) on the top end 104, which compresses the handle collar 118, thereby maintaining the handle collar 118 in a position adjacent to the handle housing 102.

[0209] When latch 121 captures the annular recess of tip 104, an audible click or other similar noise may occur, providing an audible indication that tip 104 is attached to handle 100. The noise may be mechanically generated (e.g., a click caused by a portion of tip 104 striking a portion of handle 100, or a click caused by a portion of tip 104 springing outward or mechanically deforming).

[0210] In another example of inserting the tip 104, as described above, the user slides the outer slide portion 196 of the tip eject button 110 upward toward the handle collar 118 of the handle 100 and holds the outer slide portion 196 in position while inserting the tip 104 into the handle 100. Sliding the outer slide portion 196 upward along the longitudinal axis of the handle housing also slides the inner slide portion 200 upward via the connection between the outer slide portion 196 and the inner slide portion 200 at the neck 202. As the nose 201 of the inner slide portion 200 slides upward along the chamfered wall 478 of the latch body 452, the nose 201 forces the latch 121 to move laterally in the direction of the spring legs 454. Thus, before the tip 104 is inserted, the tip receiving aperture 474 of the latch body 452 is aligned on the tip cavity 222 of the bonnet 122. The inserted tip 104 may then be advanced into the valve cavity 246 of the return valve body 124 or into the valve cavity 662 of the upper valve body 526 as described above.

[0211] The user ejects the tip 104 by sliding the outer sliding portion 196 of the tip eject button 110 upward toward the handle collar 118. As the nose 201 of the inner sliding portion 200 slides upward along the chamfered wall 478 of the latch body 452, the nose 201 forces the latch 121 to move laterally in the direction of the spring legs 454. In other words, the latch 121 moves substantially normal or perpendicular to the movement of the tip eject button 110. The inner lip 470 disengages from the annular recess in the tip 104, and the tip 104 is detached. The spring force of the spring 216 on the handle collar 118 helps eject the tip 104 by forcing the handle collar 118 upward against the flange of the tip 104.

[0212] As described above, when the top 104 is separated, the force opposing the upward force applied by the spring 216 is removed, thereby allowing the spring 216 to move the handle collar 118 back to its original position. This movement of the handle collar 118 from the position adjacent to the body 192a, 192b to its original position provides a visual indication that the top 104 has been separated from the latch 121.

[0213] Handle Operation

[0214] Users can use Figure 1-Figure 17 Handle 100, Figure 18-Figure 27 Handle 500, or Figure 28-Figure 3 The handle 1000 of 6 and the oral irrigator fluidly connected thereto are used for oral rinsing and / or cleaning of teeth, gums and tongue according to the following process.

[0215] Once the tip 104 is connected to the handle 100 as described above, and the handle 100 is fluidly connected to a fluid source, such as a reservoir of an oral irrigator, and power is supplied to the oral irrigator, the handle 100 is ready for use. The fluid flows through the hose 108 into the flow chamber 430 in the valve seat 138 and into the chamber 298 of the shuttle holder 130.

[0216] When the shuttle valve 134 is in the open position (see Figure 5B ), fluid flows from the cavity 298 of the shuttle holder 130 (or the skirt cavity 1312 of the lower valve body 1028 in the embodiment with the retaining clip 1130) into the flow lumen 342 of the shuttle valve 134. The fluid passes through the flow orifice 276 in the upper valve body 126 and, if present, into the lower portion 249 of the valve cavity 246 of the return valve body 124. The fluid can then enter the tip 104, which is positioned in the valve cavity 246 of the return valve body 124 or the valve cavity 662, 1162 of the upper valve body 526, 1026, and out of the tip outlet 105 into the user's mouth.

[0217] Rinse mode and pause mode

[0218] During the flush mode, as described above, when the pause valve assembly 142 is placed in the open position as follows, fluid flows to the top end 104 (see Figure 5B ). When the pause actuator 112 is positioned toward the handle collar 118 (i.e., in the upward or open position), the shuttle valve 134 moves into the shuttle chamber 284 of the upper valve body 126, and the shuttle valve 134 is operably connected to the pause actuator 112 via the retaining ring 132. The top surface 344 of the body 332 of the shuttle valve 134 is adjacent to or in contact with the bottom surface 282 of the bottom plate 272 of the head 256 of the upper valve body 126.

[0219] A flow gap 350 is simultaneously created between the bottom surface 346 of the base 334 of the shuttle valve 134 and the first surface 320 of the poppet support plate 316 of the poppet assembly 136. In this position of the shuttle valve 134, the cap 312, poppet neck 318, and sealing member 120e of the poppet assembly 136 are located below, rather than within, the base cavity 348 of the shuttle valve 134. Fluid can flow from the hose 108 through the flow cavity 430 in the valve seat 138, through the flow path 326 between the sprocket teeth 324 of the poppet support plate 316, into the cavity 298 of the shuttle holder 130, into the base cavity 348 of the shuttle valve 134, and into the flow lumen 342 of the shuttle valve 134.

[0220] During the pause mode, no fluid flows into or out of the tip 104. To initiate the pause mode without shutting off the power to the oral irrigator to which the handle 100 is connected, the pause valve assembly 142 must be moved to the closed position as follows (see Figure 4and Figure 5A ). The user manually slides the pause actuator 112 downward relative to the housing 102, such as by grasping the grip 366 and removing it from the handle collar 118 (i.e., in the downward or off position), and moves substantially along the longitudinal axis of the housing 102. This translational movement of the pause actuator 112 also slides the coupled retaining ring 132 downward, which in turn slides the operably connected shuttle valve 134 downward. The flow gap 350 between the base 334 of the shuttle valve 134 and the poppet support plate 316 created during the flush mode is closed. The base 334 of the shuttle valve 134 contacts and seals against the first surface 320 of the poppet support plate 316, such that the cap 312, the poppet neck 318, and the sealing member 120e are received within the base cavity 348 of the shuttle valve 134. The sealing member 120e helps provide a seal with the base cavity 348 and partially or completely prevents fluid from entering the base cavity 348. Fluid can flow from the hose 108, through the valve seat 138, through the flow path 326 of the poppet support plate 316, and into the cavity 298 of the shuttle holder 130. However, the fluid cannot enter the flow lumen 342 of the shuttle valve 134. Therefore, fluid flow through the shuttle valve 134 to the tip 104 is paused or stopped.

[0221] The pause mode is achieved by mechanical rather than electrical operation of the pause actuator 112. The mechanically actuated pause mode avoids the need for a circuit in the handle 100, thereby helping to improve the safety of the handle 100 and the oral irrigator to which the handle is fluidly connected, because the circuit is not physically adjacent to the fluid conduit. The mechanically controlled, rather than electrically controlled, pause mode also reduces the manufacturing cost of the handle 100 and the oral irrigator. No separate battery is required in the handle 100 to power such a circuit. Alternatively, the handle 100 does not need to be electrically wired to the oral irrigator. Therefore, an easily accessible and optional pause mode is provided to the user at significantly lower manufacturing costs and higher safety.

[0222] Hose reel

[0223] During use, as the user moves the handle 100 to different angles and positions to access different areas of the oral cavity, the hose 108 can rotate freely relative to the handle 100 to remain free of tangles, bends, or kinks while maintaining the desired orientation of the handle 100. In particular, as the user moves the handle 100 to different orientations, the hose 108 can rotate at its connection with the handle 100 as the components of the handle 100 rotate within and relative to the housing 102. For example, the valve seat 138 can be ultrasonically welded to the skirt 408 of the lower valve body 128, so that rotation of the hose 108 attached to the barbed tip 428 of the valve seat 138 causes the valve seat 138, the poppet valve assembly 136, the shuttle valve 134, the retaining ring 132, and the lower valve body 128 to rotate within and relative to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the material of some or all of the bushing 140 , the valve seat 138 , the shuttle valve 134 , the retaining ring 132 , and the lower valve body 128 is selected to be low friction so as to introduce minimal to no resistance.

[0224] All directional references (e.g., up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the present invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. References to joining (e.g., attaching, coupling, connecting, coupling, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, references to joining do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other.

[0225] The above description, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity or with reference to one or more separate embodiments, a person skilled in the art may make many changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, other embodiments are contemplated. It is intended that all that is contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as merely illustrative of specific embodiments and not as limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An oral irrigator handle, comprising: shell; a fluid inlet into the housing; a fluid outlet from the housing; and a revolving assembly received within the housing and rotatable relative to the housing and fluidly coupled to the fluid inlet, the revolving assembly comprising: valve seats; and a hose connector extending from the valve seat; a movable valve body positioned between the revolving assembly and the fluid outlet and defining a fluid lumen therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and movable between a pause position and a flow position; and a sealing member positioned between the movable valve body and the revolving assembly, wherein: In the parked position, the movable valve body is positioned above and encloses the sealing member such that the sealing member prevents fluid communication between the revolving assembly and a fluid lumen of the movable valve body; and In the flow position, the movable valve body is decoupled from the sealing member such that the sealing member does not prevent fluid communication between the revolving assembly and the fluid lumen of the movable valve body.

2. The oral irrigator handle according to claim 1, wherein: The orbiting assembly is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the housing.

3. The oral irrigator handle according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid inlet in the housing includes a hose, and the hose connector is mechanically and fluidly connected to the hose.

4. The oral irrigator handle of claim 1, further comprising: a pause actuator operably coupled to the movable valve body, Wherein mechanical actuation of the pause actuator moves the movable valve body from the flow position to the pause position to interrupt fluid flow through the handle.

5. The oral irrigator handle according to claim 4, wherein: The movable valve body is rotatable with the revolving assembly relative to the housing and relative to the pause actuator.

6. The oral irrigator handle of claim 4, wherein: The pause actuator and the movable valve body are capable of moving from the flow position to the pause position along the longitudinal axis of the housing to interrupt the flow of fluid through the handle, and wherein the movable valve body and the revolving assembly are capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis relative to the housing and relative to the pause actuator.

7. The oral irrigator handle of claim 4, further comprising a buckle, wherein: The pause actuator is connected to the movable valve body via the retaining ring.

8. An oral irrigator handle, comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis; a fluid inlet into the housing; a fluid outlet from the housing; Valve seals; a shuttle valve located between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and having a proximal end configured to receive a portion of the valve seal, the shuttle valve defining a flow lumen therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid outlet; a lower valve body configured to receive a proximal end of the shuttle valve and the valve seal; a pause actuator operably connected to the shuttle valve via a retaining ring; and a swivel assembly including a valve seat secured to the valve body, wherein the swivel assembly allows the valve seat, the retaining ring, the valve seal, the shuttle valve, and the valve body to rotate relative to the handle housing and about the longitudinal axis of the handle; Mechanical actuation of the pause actuator moves the shuttle valve and retaining ring along the longitudinal axis to move the shuttle valve between an open position and a closed position, wherein the shuttle valve is separated from the valve seal and the fluid inlet is fluidly connected to the flow lumen, and wherein the shuttle valve is positioned above and partially encloses the valve seal, and the fluid inlet is fluidly disconnected from the flow lumen to interrupt fluid flow through the handle.

9. The oral irrigator handle of claim 8, wherein: The revolving assembly and the pause actuator are operable simultaneously.

10. The oral irrigator handle of claim 8, wherein: Mechanical actuation of the pause actuator moves the shuttle valve from an open position to a closed position in which a proximal end of the shuttle valve seals against the valve seal to interrupt fluid flow through the handle.

11. An oral irrigator handle, comprising: shell; a fluid inlet into the housing; a fluid outlet from the housing; a pause valve assembly received within the housing and positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the pause valve assembly being capable of interrupting fluid flow through the handle; as well as a pause actuator slidable relative to the handle and operably coupled to the pause valve assembly to move the pause valve assembly between a flush position in which the pause valve assembly permits fluid flow through the handle and a pause position in which the pause valve assembly prevents fluid flow through the handle; wherein when the pause valve assembly is in the pause position, the pause actuator engages the housing to retain the pause valve assembly in the pause position; Wherein, the pause valve assembly comprises: a movable valve body positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and defining a fluid lumen therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid outlet and movable between a pause position and a flow position; and a sealing member positioned between the movable valve body and the fluid inlet, wherein: In the pause position, the movable valve body is positioned above and encloses the sealing member such that the sealing member prevents fluid communication between the fluid inlet and a fluid lumen of the movable valve body; and In the flow position, the movable valve body is separated from the sealing member such that the sealing member does not prevent fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid lumen of the movable valve body.

12. The oral irrigator handle of claim 11, wherein: The pause actuator also engages the housing when the pause valve assembly is in the flush position to retain the pause valve assembly in the flush position.

13. The oral irrigator handle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The pause actuator includes a sliding plate received within the housing, and wherein a portion of the pause actuator is positioned outside of the housing to assist a user in moving the pause actuator.

14. The oral irrigator handle of claim 13, wherein: The housing includes a first shell and a second shell, wherein the pause actuator is slidably coupled to the first shell, wherein the first shell includes a bracket extending from an inner surface of the first shell, and wherein the sliding plate engages the bracket to retain the pause valve assembly in the pause position.

15. The oral irrigator handle of claim 14, wherein: The slide plate includes a foot that engages the bracket to retain the pause valve assembly in the pause position.

16. The oral irrigator handle of claim 15, wherein: The bracket includes a plurality of catches or detents that capture the feet of the sliding plate to retain the pause valve assembly in the pause position or the flush position.

17. The oral irrigator handle of claim 14, wherein: The first housing defines an aperture, and wherein the pause actuator extends through the aperture in the first housing.

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