Tooth treatment appliance

Abstract

A dental treatment appliance includes a fluid reservoir for storing a working fluid, and a fluid delivery system for receiving the working fluid from the reservoir and delivering the working fluid to an oral cavity of a user. The fluid reservoir includes a fluid port and a core for delivering a working fluid to the fluid port.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application patent application with the application number 201980047232.3, the filing date of 17 May 2019, and the title of “Tooth treatment appliance”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a treatment appliance. The treatment appliance is preferably a hand-held treatment appliance, and is preferably a surface treatment appliance. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the appliance is a tooth treatment appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the appliance is a power toothbrush having a fluid delivery system for delivering fluid to the user’s mouth. This fluid is toothpaste, or a fluid for improved interdental cleaning. Alternatively, the appliance can not include any bristles or other elements for brushing the teeth, and can be in the form of a dedicated interdental treatment appliance. BACKGROUND

[0003] A power toothbrush typically comprises a tool connected to a handle. The tool comprises a stem and a brush head carrying bristles for brushing the teeth. The brush head comprises a fixed section connected to the stem and at least one movable section movable relative to the fixed section, for example one of a reciprocating, oscillating, vibrating, pivoting or rotating movement, to impart a brushing movement to the bristles mounted thereon. The stem houses a drive shaft which is coupled to a transmission unit within the handle. The transmission unit is in turn connected to an electric motor which is driven by a battery housed within the handle. The drive shaft and transmission unit convert the rotational or vibrational movement of the motor into the desired movement of the movable section of the brush head relative to the fixed section of the brush head.

[0004] It is known to incorporate a fluid delivery system into a power toothbrush for generating a jet of working fluid for interdental cleaning. For example, WO2016 / 185166 describes a toothbrush having a handle and a brush head comprising a nozzle from which working fluid is delivered to the user’s mouth. The nozzle is movable relative to the handle as the appliance is moved along the user’s teeth. The toothbrush can be operated in one of two different modes. In a first mode, the user presses a button to actuate delivery of working fluid from the nozzle. In a second mode, a control circuit automatically actuates delivery of working fluid to the nozzle in dependence on signals received from a sensor to detect movement of the nozzle relative to the handle, for example when the nozzle moves into or out of an interproximal gap of the user’s teeth.

[0005] A toothbrush comprises a fluid reservoir that surrounds a stem that extends between a handle and a brush head. The fluid reservoir comprises a fluid port that is connectable to a fluid delivery system and through which working fluid is drawn into the fluid delivery system. The handle comprises a seal around the fluid port to prevent working fluid from leaking from the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is rotatable about the stem to expose the fluid port to enable the fluid reservoir to be replenished. The fluid port is towards the bottom of an outer wall of the fluid reservoir. When the volume of working fluid is relatively low, depending on the orientation in which the appliance is held, there is a risk that the level of working fluid remaining in the fluid chamber is below the fluid port, and thus, in that orientation, working fluid can not be drawn into the fluid delivery system. SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a dental treatment appliance comprising:

[0007] a fluid reservoir for storing working fluid; and

[0008] a fluid delivery system for receiving working fluid from the reservoir and for delivering working fluid to a user's oral cavity,

[0009] wherein the fluid reservoir comprises a fluid port and a wick for delivering working fluid to the fluid port.

[0010] The provision of a wick can improve the likelihood of working fluid being drawn into the fluid delivery system, regardless of the current orientation of the appliance.

[0011] The wick is preferably formed from an absorbent sponge or foam material. The wick is preferably formed from a water absorbent material, and is preferably formed from a water absorbent sponge material. Preferably, the wick is formed from polyurethane. A commercially available material from which the wick can be formed includes Capu-Cell™ foam, which is available from Foam Sciences.

[0012] The wick comprises a material that is soluble in the working fluid stored in the fluid reservoir. The soluble material can be provided in the form of a coating or layer of material applied to the surface of the wick. The soluble material comprises a water soluble phosphate. The phosphate material can be in the form of a phosphate glass, such as calcium sodium phosphate or calcium sodium silicate, which will slowly dissolve in the water stored in the fluid reservoir to release minerals such as calcium sulphate, sodium phosphate and silicon dioxide. The release of calcium ions in the material can be beneficial in recalcifying holes or lesions in the enamel formed in the user's teeth, while silicon dioxide is widely used in toothpastes for stain removal.

[0013] The dissolvable material can comprise a dissolvable substrate impregnated with solid particles that disperse within the stored working fluid as the substrate dissolves into the working fluid. The solid particles can comprise, for example, mica or glycine particles that are delivered in a jet of working fluid to a user's teeth, for example, to help remove material located in the user's interdental spaces, or to disrupt a layer of plaque formed on the user's teeth. The solid particles can comprise sodium calcium phosphate glass particles that can fill channels present in sensitive teeth, or titanium dioxide particles.

[0014] The dissolvable substrate can comprise an inorganic or organic material, such as an acrylate or a vinyl polymer. Such a material can also be provided without solid particles, and can be a surface active material that can aid the tooth cleaning process. The organic polymeric material can be functionalized, for example, with lauryl sulfate groups, to improve the cleaning process, or to deliver fluoride or a chelating agent such as EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid). The dissolvable material can also comprise an organic polymer that prevents the accumulation of scale or microorganisms in the fluid reservoir.

[0015] The dissolvable material can also comprise other materials, such as fluoride for improved tooth cleaning, or an antibacterial material. For example, the dissolvable material can comprise silver particles with antibacterial properties.

[0016] The wick is preferably located within the fluid reservoir, and preferably extends along the length of the fluid reservoir, the length of the fluid reservoir being measured in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the appliance.

[0017] The wick can be shaped so as to substantially occupy the entire fluid reservoir, or so as to occupy only a portion of the fluid reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir comprises a perforated wall dividing the fluid reservoir into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. The downstream chamber receives working fluid from the upstream chamber and delivers the working fluid to the fluid port. The wick is located in the downstream chamber. Preferably, the wick substantially fills the downstream chamber. On the other hand, the upstream chamber is preferably substantially free of wicking or sponge material.

[0018] To maximize the capacity of the fluid reservoir and to provide a relatively uniform weight distribution about the longitudinal axis of the appliance, the fluid reservoir preferably extends about at least a portion of the handle of the appliance. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir surrounds the handle. The fluid reservoir is preferably annular in shape. The upstream chamber preferably extends about or surrounds the downstream chamber. Each of the upstream and downstream chambers is preferably annular in shape.

[0019] Preferably, the fluid reservoir includes a base extending between an inner wall and an outer wall of the fluid reservoir, wherein a fluid port is formed in the base. The perforated wall is preferably annular and preferably extends around the inner wall, while the outer wall extends around the perforated wall. The fluid delivery system preferably includes a flexible conduit for delivering working fluid away from the fluid reservoir. The flexible conduit includes an inlet connectable to the fluid port to position the fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir can be filled through the fluid port by disconnecting the flexible conduit from the fluid reservoir; however, in a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir includes a fluid inlet port, wherein an upstream cavity is arranged to receive working fluid directly from the fluid inlet port.

[0020] Preferably, the fluid reservoir is movable relative to the handle, and more preferably along the handle, to expose a fluid inlet port for replenishing the fluid reservoir. By moving the fluid reservoir along the length of the handle, rather than rotating it about the handle, wear on any seals used to engage the fluid reservoir can be reduced.

[0021] The fluid reservoir is preferably movable between a first position and a second position, in which the fluid inlet port is closed and in the second position the fluid inlet port is exposed to replenish the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir can be freely moved to one of several different positions between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the fluid reservoir can be pushed to the first or second position depending on its position relative to the handle. For example, the appliance may include a spring mechanism (e.g., an eccentric mechanism) for pushing the fluid reservoir to the first or second position, or a magnetic arrangement for attracting the fluid reservoir to the first or second position, depending on the current position of the fluid reservoir relative to the handle. The fluid reservoir is preferably slidable along the handle.

[0022] The dental delivery system preferably includes a nozzle for delivering a working fluid to a user's oral cavity. The fluid delivery system preferably also includes a pump and a controller for actuating the pump to draw working fluid from a fluid reservoir and deliver the working fluid toward the nozzle. As the nozzle moves between adjacent teeth of the user, the user can press a button on a user interface located on a handle to actuate the pump to eject the working fluid from the nozzle. Alternatively, the device may be configured to automatically actuate the delivery of the working fluid to the user's oral cavity at a fixed frequency (e.g., between 0.5 and 5 Hz). The controller is preferably arranged to actuate the pump to eject a jet of working fluid toward the nozzle. The volume of each jet of working fluid generated by the fluid delivery system is preferably less than 1 ml, more preferably less than 0.5 ml. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the jet of working fluid generated by the fluid delivery system is in the range of 0.1 to 0.4 ml. The fluid delivery system is preferably configured to deliver the jet of working fluid to the nozzle at a hydrostatic pressure in the range of 3 to 10 bar.

[0023] The handle preferably comprises multiple segments, which are preferably integrally formed with each other. The handle preferably includes a first segment, or "grip segment," which is held or gripped by the user during use of the appliance. The grip segment preferably includes a user interface that is engaged by the user during use of the appliance, for example, to actuate the delivery of working fluid from a fluid delivery system. The handle preferably also includes a second segment spaced apart from the grip segment, and a fluid reservoir is movable relative to the handle along this second segment. The second segment of the handle is preferably located near the end of the handle, preferably the end of the handle closest to the nozzle, and thus may be referred to as the "end segment" of the handle. The end segment preferably at least partially defines the end of the handle closest to the nozzle. When in its first position, the fluid reservoir preferably closes the end segment of the handle so that it is not visible to the user of the appliance.

[0024] Preferably, the cross-section of the end section of the handle in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle is smaller than the cross-section of the grip section of the handle. This allows the appliance to have a relatively uniform appearance when the fluid reservoir is in its first position, for example, when the fluid reservoir has the same outer diameter as the grip section of the handle. Alternatively or additionally, this also allows for minimizing the width of the fluid reservoir for a given fixed capacity.

[0025] As the fluid reservoir moves between a first position and a second position, the appliance preferably includes a device for suppressing rotation of the fluid reservoir. This ensures that the fluid inlet port remains angularly aligned with a seal formed on the handle as the fluid reservoir moves between the first and second positions. For example, the fluid reservoir may move along an axially aligned groove or recess formed in an end section of the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the end section of the handle includes a tubular outer surface, and the fluid reservoir includes a tubular inner surface that surrounds the outer surface of the end section of the handle when the fluid reservoir is in its first position. The tubular outer surface of the end section of the handle preferably has a shape substantially the same as the tubular inner surface of the fluid reservoir, and is preferably non-circular in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the end section has an irregular shape in that plane: two opposing parallel surfaces and two opposing curved surfaces (defining a "racetrack" shape). However, the outer surface may have any desired shape, such as a regular or irregular polygon, which suppresses rotation of the fluid reservoir relative to the handle when matched with the inner surface of the fluid reservoir. The perforated wall of the fluid storage device preferably has a shape that is substantially the same as the inner wall of the fluid storage device.

[0026] The handle preferably includes a base for receiving the fluid reservoir when it is in its first position. The base preferably includes an aperture through which a flexible conduit is pulled when the fluid reservoir moves from its first position to its second position. The base is preferably located between the grip section and the end section of the handle and is preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. Each of the base and the fluid reservoir base is preferably annular in shape. The base and the fluid reservoir base preferably have substantially the same outer diameter. Preferably, a seal is provided on the base to engage the fluid reservoir base to prevent leakage of working fluid from the fluid inlet port when the fluid reservoir is in its first position.

[0027] Compared to the grip section of the handle, the base preferably has a locally enlarged cross-section. The adjacent outer surfaces of the base and the fluid reservoir preferably have substantially the same curvature, such that when the fluid reservoir is in its first position, the fluid reservoir and the base together exhibit a single curved unit. In a preferred embodiment, the adjacent outer surfaces of the base and the fluid reservoir preferably have a spherical or ball-shaped curvature.

[0028] As described above, preferably, the fluid reservoir is pushed to its first position, in which the fluid inlet port of the fluid reservoir is closed by the base of the handle. This reduces the likelihood that the fluid reservoir will move away from its first position during appliance use should the appliance be accidentally bumped or otherwise struck. Consequently, this reduces the risk of undesirable leakage of fluid from the fluid reservoir during appliance use.

[0029] As the fluid reservoir moves from its first position toward its second position, the fluid reservoir moves away from the base and preferably toward the nozzle. The device preferably includes a rod extending between the handle and the nozzle. When the fluid reservoir is in its second position, preferably at least a portion of the fluid reservoir extends around the rod. In a preferred embodiment, when the fluid reservoir is in its second position, essentially only the base of the fluid reservoir continues to extend around the handle.

[0030] To prevent the fluid reservoir from becoming completely disengaged from the handle as it moves away from the first position, the lever preferably includes a device for inhibiting movement of the fluid reservoir beyond a second position. The inhibiting device preferably includes a stop member projecting from the outer surface of the lever. When the fluid reservoir reaches its second position, the stop member engages a portion of the fluid reservoir to inhibit movement beyond the second position. The stop member may be arranged to engage an inner wall of the fluid reservoir, for example, a wall defining a tubular inner surface of the fluid reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the stop member is arranged to engage the outer wall of the fluid reservoir when it is in its second position. As described above, the outer wall of the fluid reservoir preferably has a generally spherical or ball-shaped curvature. The outer wall is preferably shaped such that a portion of the outer wall defines an aperture through which the lever passes when the fluid reservoir is in its second position. The stop member is preferably arranged to engage that portion of the outer wall when the fluid reservoir is in its second position.

[0031] The lever is preferably detachably attached to the handle. This allows the lever to be replaced, for example, when the nozzle becomes worn, to allow replacement levers of different sizes or shapes to be attached to the handle, or to allow different users to attach individual levers to the handle. Preferably, the lever and handle form an interference fit.

[0032] Preferably, the fluid reservoir is detachably connected to the handle. The fluid reservoir can be removed from the handle, for example, for replacing the fluid reservoir. Preferably, the fluid reservoir can only be removed from the handle after the lever has been removed from the handle.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a fluid storage device for a dental processing instrument, the fluid storage device including a fluid port and a core for delivering working fluid to the fluid port.

[0034] The device can be in the form of a dedicated interdental cleaning instrument for cleaning the spaces between a user's teeth. Alternatively, the device can be in the form of a toothbrush, with the additional function of improving interdental cleaning by delivering working fluid to the interdental spaces. When the device is in the form of a toothbrush, the cleaning tool or handle preferably includes a plurality of bristles. The bristles are preferably arranged around a nozzle and circumferentially around the nozzle. The plurality of bristles can be attached to a fixed section of the cleaning tool that is not movable relative to the handle. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of bristles can be attached to a movable section of the cleaning tool that is movable relative to the handle.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a brush unit comprising a bristle carrier and a plurality of bristles mounted on the bristle carrier, wherein the bristle carrier is movable relative to a handle. The device includes a drive mechanism for driving the movement of the bristle carrier relative to the handle. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a transmission unit (connected to the bristle carrier) and a drive unit (for driving the transmission unit to move the bristle carrier relative to the handle). The drive unit is preferably located in the handle, and more preferably in an end section of the handle. A fluid reservoir preferably extends around at least a portion of the drive unit. In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit includes a motor, and the fluid reservoir extends around the motor of the drive unit. Relocating the motor in the end section of the handle reduces the number of components of the device housed within the grip section of the handle, and thus optimizes the shape of the grip section for user gripping.

[0036] The drive unit can be arranged to move the bristle carrier relative to the rod. Alternatively, the drive unit can be arranged to move the rod relative to the handle and thereby move the bristle carrier. The rod is preferably mounted on the transmission unit. The fluid reservoir preferably extends around at least a portion of the transmission unit.

[0037] The transmission unit is preferably in the form of a shaft, which moves relative to the handle via a motor, and preferably vibrates. The vibration frequency of the shaft is preferably in the range of 200 to 300 Hz. The motor preferably extends about the shaft, such that the shaft vibrates relative to the handle when the motor is energized.

[0038] The transmission unit preferably defines a portion of the fluid transport system. The shaft preferably includes a bore that defines a portion of the fluid transport system.

[0039] The fluid delivery system preferably includes a handle conduit system and a cleaning tool conduit system for receiving fluid from the handle conduit system. The cleaning tool conduit system preferably includes at least one conduit for delivering a jet of working fluid to a nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the rod includes an orifice defining a fluid conduit for the cleaning tool conduit system. The handle conduit system preferably includes a fluid inlet for receiving working fluid from a fluid port of a fluid reservoir and a plurality of conduits for conveying the working fluid between the fluid inlet, the pump, and the handle's fluid outlet. The plurality of conduits includes a flexible conduit for conveying fluid from the fluid inlet toward the pump, and a fluid outlet conduit for conveying a jet of working fluid from the pump to the fluid outlet. At least a portion of the fluid outlet conduit is preferably defined by an orifice of the drive unit and therefore preferably extends through the motor. At least a portion of the flexible conduit preferably extends from the fluid inlet to the pump adjacent to the outer surface of the motor.

[0040] The above description of features related to the first aspect of the invention also applies to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the dental cleaning appliance from the front, with the fluid reservoir in the first position, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the dental cleaning appliance of Figure 1(a) from the rear.

[0043] Figure 2(a) is a right-side view of the appliance in Figure 1(a), Figure 2(b) is a front view of the appliance in Figure 1(a), and Figure 2(c) is a left-side view of the appliance in Figure 1(a).

[0044] Figure 3 The fluid delivery system of the device is shown schematically;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 2(b);

[0046] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the fluid storage device;

[0047] Figure 6(a) is a perspective view of the dental appliance from the front, with the fluid reservoir moved away from the first position; Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the dental cleaning appliance of Figure 6(a) from the rear; and

[0048] Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of the dental appliance from the front, with the fluid reservoir in the second position, and Figure 7(b) is a perspective view of the dental cleaning appliance of Figure 7(a) from the rear. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figures 1(a)-2(c) show external views of an embodiment of the dental cleaning appliance 10. In this embodiment, the appliance is in the form of a handheld device, which is an electric toothbrush, and has integrated components for dispensing working fluid for improving interdental cleaning, for plaque removal, or for teeth whitening.

[0050] The appliance 10 includes a handle 12 and a cleaning tool 14. The handle 12 includes an outer body 16, which is preferably formed of a plastic material. The handle 16 includes a grip section 18, which is held by the user during use of the appliance 10. The grip section 18 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape. The handle 12 includes a user-operable button 20 located within an opening formed in the body 16 for user access. Alternatively, the handle 12 may include a display positioned to be visible to the user during use of the appliance.

[0051] The cleaning tool 14 includes a handle 22 and a head 24. The handle 22 is elongated and spaced from the handle 12 from the head 24 to facilitate user operability of the appliance 10. In this embodiment, the head 24 of the cleaning tool 14 includes a brush unit 26, which includes a bristle carrier 28 and a plurality of bristles 30 mounted on the bristle carrier 28. However, in other embodiments, the cleaning tool 14 may be provided without the brush unit 26 so that the appliance is, for example, in the form of a dedicated interdental cleaning appliance for cleaning the spaces between a user's teeth.

[0052] The cleaning tool 14 also includes a fluid reservoir 32 for storing working fluid and a nozzle 34 for delivering the working fluid to the user's mouth during use of the appliance 10. The working fluid is preferably a liquid working fluid, and in this embodiment, water. As described in more detail below, the fluid reservoir 32 is mounted on an end section 36 of the handle 12 to extend around the end section 36 of the handle 12. In this embodiment, it includes a brush unit 26 that extends at least partially around the nozzle 34.

[0053] Nozzle 34 forms part of fluid delivery system 40 for receiving working fluid from fluid reservoir 32 and for delivering jets of working fluid to the user's oral cavity during use of the appliance 10. Each jet of working fluid preferably has a volume of less than 1 ml, more preferably less than 0.5 ml. This fluid delivery system 40... Figure 3 The nozzle 34 is schematically shown. Its end includes a fluid outlet 42 through which a jet of working fluid is delivered to the user's mouth. Generally, the fluid delivery system 40 includes a fluid inlet 44 for receiving working fluid from the fluid reservoir 32. In this embodiment, the working fluid is a liquid working fluid, preferably water. The fluid delivery system 40 includes a pump assembly for drawing working fluid from the fluid reservoir 32 through the fluid inlet 44 and for delivering a jet of working fluid to the nozzle 34. The pump assembly is located within the grip section 18 of the handle 12 and includes a positive displacement pump 46 and a driver for driving the pump 46. The driver preferably includes a pump motor 48. A battery 50 for supplying power to the pump motor 48 is also located in the handle 12. The battery 50 is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0054] A first conduit 52 connects the fluid inlet 44 of the fluid delivery system 40 to the fluid inlet 54 of the pump 46. A first check valve 56 is located between the fluid inlet 44 and the pump 46 to prevent water from flowing back from the pump 46 to the fluid reservoir 32. A second conduit 58 connects the fluid outlet 60 of the pump 46 to the nozzle 34. A second check valve 62 is located between the pump 46 and the nozzle 34 to prevent water from flowing back to the pump 46. A control circuit 64 controls the actuation of the motor 48, thereby providing the driving force for driving the pump 46 to the pump motor 48. A battery 50 supplies power to the control circuit 64. The control circuit 64 includes a motor controller that supplies power to the pump motor 48.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control circuit 64 receives a signal generated when a user presses a button located on the handle 12 of the appliance 10. Alternatively, or additionally, the control circuit 64 may receive a signal generated by a sensor located within the appliance 10, or a signal received from a remote control device (such as a display or personal device). For the sake of brevity, in the description below, the control circuit 64 receives a signal generated when a user operates button 20.

[0056] The cleaning tool 14 is detachably attached to the handle 12. See also... Figure 4 The handle 12 includes a male connector, preferably in the form of a plug 66, which is received by a complementary female connector, preferably in the form of a recessed connector 68 of the cleaning tool 14. The plug 66 protrudes outward from the end section 36 of the handle 12 and preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12 (and more preferably collinear with the longitudinal axis of the handle 12).

[0057] Appliance 10 includes a drive mechanism for driving lever 22 and thereby driving the movement of brush carrier 28 relative to handle 12. The drive mechanism includes a transmission unit and a drive unit for driving the transmission unit to move lever 22 relative to handle 12. The drive unit includes a drive motor 70 located within end section 36 of handle 12. Control circuitry 56 includes a motor controller that supplies power to drive motor 70. Button 20 can also be used, for example, to activate and deactivate drive motor 70 to start and subsequently stop cleaning periods, by pressing button 20 a predetermined number of times within a preset time period. Alternatively, a separate button (not shown) may be provided for activating and deactivating drive motor 70.

[0058] The drive unit includes a shaft 72 driven by a drive unit to oscillate relative to the handle 12. A plug 66 is connected to the shaft 72 and is preferably integrally formed with the shaft 72. The drive unit is preferably arranged to oscillate the shaft 72 such that it oscillates about the longitudinal axis of the handle 12, preferably at a frequency in the range of 200-300 Hz. In this embodiment, the drive motor 70 is arranged to rotate the shaft 72 about the longitudinal axis away from the central position by an angle, preferably in the range of 5-15°, and in this embodiment 10°. The drive unit also includes a spring member 74 for engaging the shaft 72 to return the shaft 72 to its central position. The spring member 74 includes a pair of torsion springs 76 located on opposite sides of the shaft 72, each torsion spring having a first end engaged with the shaft 72 and a second end attached to a support ring 78 which is connected to the handle 12 or otherwise held in a fixed position relative to the handle 12.

[0059] The handle 12 includes a base 80 for receiving the fluid reservoir 32. The base 80 is located between the grip section 18 and the end section 36 of the handle 12. The first conduit 52 of the fluid delivery system 40 includes a flexible section 82 that extends through a hole 84 formed in the base 80 to connect to the fluid port 86 of the fluid reservoir 32. Thus, the flexible section 82 of the first conduit 52 travels along the outside of the drive motor 70, adjacent to the outer surface of the drive motor 70, toward the pump 46.

[0060] The second conduit 58 (which connects the pump 46 to the nozzle 34) includes a handle conduit section located within the handle 12 and a cleaning tool conduit section located within the cleaning tool 14. The handle conduit section extends from the fluid outlet 60 of the pump 46 to a handle fluid outlet 88 located at the end of the plug 66. The handle conduit section includes an outlet section 90 defined by a bore in the shaft 72, and this outlet section 90 travels toward the cleaning tool 14 via the drive motor 70. Therefore, the working fluid travels toward the pump 46 toward the exterior of the drive motor 70 in a first direction, and then through the drive motor 70 away from the pump 46 in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cleaning tool conduit section extends from a cleaning tool fluid inlet port defined by a recessed connector 68 of the cleaning tool 14 toward the nozzle 34. The cleaning tool conduit section includes a conduit defined by a bore in the rod 22 of the cleaning tool 14.

[0061] The fluid reservoir 32 preferably has a capacity ranging from 5 to 50 ml, and in this embodiment, a capacity of 10 ml. The fluid reservoir 32 includes a base in which a fluid port 76 is formed. The base 92 is annular in shape and extends outward from the tubular inner wall 94 of the fluid reservoir 32. The inner wall 94 of the fluid reservoir 32 has a tubular inner surface that surrounds the outer surface of the end segment 36 of the handle 12. Each of these surfaces preferably has a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12. In this embodiment, each of these cross-sections has a "racetrack" shape, provided that the cross-sectional shape includes two parallel opposing sides and two curved opposing sides.

[0062] The fluid reservoir 32 also includes an outer wall 96 extending from the edge of the base 92 to the end of the inner wall 94 away from the base 92. At least a portion of the outer wall 96 of the fluid reservoir 32 is preferably transparent to allow a user to observe the interior of the fluid reservoir 32 and thereby estimate whether the fluid reservoir 32 needs replenishment before the appliance 10 is expected to be used. The outer wall 96 preferably has a shape symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the handle 12. The outer wall 96 preferably has a curved shape, more preferably a convex curved shape, but alternatively, the outer wall 96 may have a polygonal shape or a shape with facets. In this embodiment, the outer wall 96 has a spherical curvature. The adjacent portion of the outer surface of the base 80 also has a similar spherical curvature, such that, as shown in Figures 2(a)-2(c), the fluid reservoir 32 and the base 80 together present to the user as a single spherically curved unit. The end of the outer wall 96 away from the base 92 defines a circular aperture 98 through which the shaft 72 of the drive mechanism passes.

[0063] refer to Figure 4 and 5 The fluid reservoir 32 includes a perforated wall 100 that divides the fluid reservoir 32 into an upstream cavity 102 and a downstream cavity 104. Each of the upstream cavity 102 and the downstream cavity 104 is annular, with the upstream cavity 102 surrounding the downstream cavity 104. The perforated wall 100 is tubular in shape and has a shape substantially the same as that of the inner wall 94. The base includes a fluid inlet port 106 through which the fluid reservoir 32 is refilled with working fluid. The fluid inlet port 106 is positioned such that, as described in more detail below, the working fluid enters the upstream cavity 102 from the fluid inlet port 106. The fluid port 86 is positioned to receive working fluid from the downstream cavity 104. In this embodiment, the fluid port 86 extends partially about the longitudinal axis of the handle 12, preferably extending at least 180°.

[0064] The downstream cavity 104 also includes a core 108 for supplying working fluid to the fluid port 86. The core 108 is annular in shape and, in this embodiment, substantially fills the downstream cavity 104. The core 108 is preferably formed of a sponge or foam material, and in this embodiment, it is formed of a polyurethane sponge material, such as Capu-Cell, available from Foam Sciences. TM Foam. Core 108 acts to deliver the working fluid toward the fluid port via capillary action, but core 108 may be configured to provide additional benefits. For example, core 108 may include a material soluble in the working fluid (preferably water) stored in fluid reservoir 32.

[0065] Soluble materials may include water-soluble phosphates. The phosphate material may be in the form of phosphate glass, such as sodium calcium phosphate or sodium calcium silicate phosphate, which slowly dissolves in water stored in fluid reservoir 32 to release minerals such as calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, and silica. The calcium ions in the released material can be beneficial in recalcifying cavities or damage formed in the enamel of the user's teeth, while silica is widely used in stain-removing toothpastes.

[0066] Soluble materials may include a soluble matrix impregnated with solid particles that disperse in the stored working fluid when the matrix dissolves. The solid particles may include, for example, mica or glycine particles, which are delivered to the user's teeth in a jet of working fluid, for example, to help remove material located in the user's interdental spaces or to break down plaque layers formed on the user's teeth. Solid particles may also include sodium calcium phosphate glass particles that can fill channels present in sensitive teeth, or titanium dioxide particles.

[0067] The soluble matrix may include inorganic or organic materials, such as acrylates or vinyl polymers. Such materials can also be provided without solid particles and may be surfactants that aid in the teeth cleaning process. Organic polymer materials may be functionalized with, for example, lauryl sulfate groups to improve the cleaning process or to deliver fluoride or chelating agents such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). The soluble material may also include organic polymers that prevent the accumulation of scale or microorganisms in the fluid reservoir 32. The soluble material may also include other materials, such as fluoride for improving teeth cleaning or antibacterial materials. For example, the soluble material may include silver particles with antibacterial properties.

[0068] When the fluid reservoir 32 is replenished through the fluid inlet port 106, the fluid reservoir 32 is movable along the end portion 36 of the handle 12 between a first position (as shown in Figures 1(a)-2(c)) and a second position (as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b)). In the first position, the fluid inlet port 106 is closed by the base 80, and in the second position, the fluid inlet port 106 is exposed to allow the fluid reservoir 32 to be replenished. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the fluid reservoir 32 between the first and second positions.

[0069] In this embodiment, the fluid reservoir 32 can slide along the end section 36 of the handle 12 as it moves between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the fluid reservoir 32 relative to the handle 12 is suppressed by using a non-circular cross-sectional shape for the outer surface of the end section 36 of the handle 12 and the inner surface of the inner wall 94 of the fluid reservoir 32. When the fluid reservoir 32 moves from the first position to the second position, the flexible section 82 of the first conduit 52 is pulled through the hole 84 formed in the base 80; therefore, suppressing rotation of the fluid reservoir 32 ensures that when the fluid reservoir 32 returns to its first position, the flexible section 82 is completely pushed back through the hole 84. Suppressing rotation of the fluid reservoir 32 also ensures that the fluid inlet port 106 remains angularly aligned with any seals formed on the base 80 to prevent leakage of working fluid from the fluid inlet port 106.

[0070] As the fluid reservoir 32 moves toward its second position, the base 92 of the fluid reservoir 32 moves toward the rod 22 along the end portion 36 of the handle 12. In its second position, only the base 90 of the fluid reservoir 32 still extends around the end portion 36 of the handle 12; now, a portion of the fluid reservoir 32 extends around the rod 22. To prevent the fluid reservoir 32 from becoming completely disengaged from the handle 12 as it moves away from its first position, the appliance 10 includes a stop member 110 that engages the fluid reservoir 32 in its second position to inhibit movement of the fluid reservoir 32 beyond its second position. The stop member 110 protrudes from the rod 22 and is arranged to engage with a peripheral portion of the outer wall 96 that defines a hole 98 through which the shaft 72 passes.

[0071] To fill the fluid reservoir 32 with the working fluid (water in this embodiment), the user flips the appliance 10 from the direction shown in Figures 1(a)-2(c) and pulls the fluid reservoir 32 toward the head 24 of the appliance 10 so that the fluid reservoir 32 moves to its second position. The user can place the exposed fluid inlet port 106 below the nozzle of a faucet and then turn on the faucet so that water enters the fluid reservoir 32 from the nozzle through the fluid inlet port 106. Since the outer wall 96 of the fluid reservoir 32 is transparent, the user can observe the filling of the fluid reservoir 32. When the fluid reservoir 32 is full, the user returns the fluid reservoir 32 to its first position and then returns it to the direction shown in Figures 1(a)-2(c) for use.

[0072] To operate the appliance 10, the user turns it on by pressing button 20, an action detected by control circuit 64. Control circuit 64 activates drive motor 70 to move brush unit 26 relative to handle 12. When button 20 is pressed again, a stream of water is ejected from nozzle 34. Control circuit 64 activates pump 46 to cause a large volume of water to flow from the fluid chamber of pump 46 to nozzle 34, and to replenish the fluid chamber by drawing a volume of water from fluid reservoir 32. Core 108 increases the possibility of drawing working fluid from fluid reservoir 32 during use of appliance 10, where appliance 10 can be held in various different orientations for treating the oral cavity. This continues until the user turns off appliance 10 using button 20 or fluid reservoir 32 is depleted.

[0073] To replace the fluid reservoir 32, the user first pulls the lever 22 out of the plug 66. Then, the user can slide the fluid reservoir 32 to its second position, detaching the flexible section 82 of the first conduit 52 from the fluid port 86, and then slide the fluid reservoir 32 from the end section 36 of the handle 12.

Claims

1. A dental processing appliance, comprising: A fluid storage device, including a fluid port, is used to store working fluid; as well as A fluid delivery system for receiving working fluid from a memory via a fluid port and for delivering the working fluid to the user's oral cavity; The fluid storage device includes a core for delivering working fluid to the fluid port. The core comprises a material soluble in the working fluid. The fluid storage device includes a perforated wall that divides the fluid storage device into an upstream cavity and a downstream cavity, wherein the core is located in the downstream cavity.

2. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The core is formed of absorbent sponge material.

3. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein the core is formed of an absorbent material.

4. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The core is formed of polyurethane.

5. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, Soluble materials include phosphate materials.

6. The appliance according to claim 5, wherein, The phosphate material is phosphate glass.

7. The appliance according to claim 5, wherein, The phosphate material is either sodium calcium phosphate or sodium calcium silicate phosphate.

8. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The soluble material includes a soluble matrix impregnated with solid particles, which disperse within the stored working fluid when the matrix dissolves into the working fluid.

9. The appliance according to claim 8, wherein, The solid particles include at least one of mica particles, glycine particles, titanium dioxide particles, and sodium phosphate glass particles.

10. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The core includes an antimicrobial coating.

11. The appliance according to claim 10, wherein, The antimicrobial coating is one of a silver coating, a silver zeolite coating, and a silver nitrate coating.

12. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The core comprises activated carbon.

13. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The core substantially fills the downstream cavity.

14. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The upstream cavity contains virtually no sponge material.

15. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The upstream cavity surrounds the downstream cavity.

16. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the upstream and downstream cavities is annular in shape.

17. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid storage device includes a base extending between an inner wall and an outer wall of the fluid storage device, wherein the fluid port is formed in the base.

18. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid storage device includes a fluid inlet port, and the upstream cavity is arranged to receive working fluid directly from the fluid inlet port.

19. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein, The fluid reservoir is movable relative to the fluid delivery system to expose the fluid inlet port, allowing the fluid reservoir to be replenished.

20. The appliance according to claim 1, wherein, The perforated wall is annular in shape.

21. The appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle, and wherein, The fluid reservoir extends around the handle.

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