Oral irrigator with magnetic attachment

Abstract

An oral irrigator having a magnetic attachment is provided. [Solution] The oral irrigator includes a base unit and a handle. The base unit includes a first positioning mechanism. The handle removably couples the handle to the base unit in any one of a plurality of desired positions vertically adjacent to the base unit. The base unit includes a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the first positioning mechanism. The first and second positioning mechanisms magnetically couple the handle to the base unit, and a magnetic attachment between the handle and the base unit automatically aligns the handle in the correct storage position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of backdating under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 434,993, filed December 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to health and personal hygiene devices, and specifically to oral irrigators. [Background technology]

[0003] Oral irrigators are typically used to clean a user's teeth and gums by releasing a pressurized fluid stream into the user's mouth. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to dislodge debris. Countertop oral irrigator units include a large reservoir that connects to a base unit that houses a pump and other internal components. The reservoirs on these types of units are wide and difficult for users to remove for refilling, and may require the user to use both hands to operate the reservoir. These units may also have multiple adjustment levers and knobs, which may result in a large footprint. In some cases, the fluid tubes connecting the base unit to the oral irrigator handle can become tangled, creating a cluttered appearance when the irrigator handle is stored, which can be unpleasant for the user. The fluid tubes may also interfere with storing the oral irrigator.

[0004] The information contained in the Background section of this specification, including the references cited herein and any explanations or discussions thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and should not be considered as subject matter limiting the scope of the present disclosure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0097683 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure provides an oral irrigator with magnetic attachment, as described below and defined in the appended claims. In one embodiment, the oral irrigator assembly can include a base including a pressure assembly, a pump assembly, a motor assembly, and a cradle. The pressure assembly can include a control valve and can be fluidly connected to the pump assembly. The motor assembly can be electrically connected to the pump assembly. The oral irrigator assembly can include a reservoir having an adjustably connected lid disposed adjacent to the base and fluidly connected to the pressure assembly. The oral irrigator assembly can include a control assembly having a push button at least partially surrounded by a rotating or sliding knob. The push button can be configured to engage a power button to electrically connect the motor assembly to the pump assembly. The knob can be coupled to the control valve. The oral irrigator assembly can include an oral irrigator handle fluidly connected to the pump assembly, the pressure assembly, and the reservoir. The oral irrigator handle can be adjustably coupled to the cradle of the base.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an oral irrigator assembly. The oral irrigator assembly includes a base unit and an oral irrigator handle. The base unit may include a first positioning mechanism. The oral irrigator handle may include a second positioning mechanism. The second positioning mechanism of the oral irrigator handle may correspond to the first positioning mechanism of the base unit to removably couple the oral irrigator handle to the base unit. The oral irrigator handle may be removably coupled to the base unit in any one of a plurality of desired positions relative to the base unit.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control assembly for an oral irrigator assembly. The control assembly can include a first element configured to selectively change a first operational state of the oral irrigator assembly. The control assembly can include a second element configured to rotate at least partially about the first element to selectively change a second operational state of the oral irrigator assembly.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes an oral irrigator assembly. The oral irrigator assembly may include a base including a pressure assembly, a fluid reservoir removably coupled to the base, an oral irrigator handle fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir and the pressure assembly, and a control assembly including a push button at least partially surrounded by a knob. The oral irrigator handle may be adjustably coupled to the base via a magnetic attachment. The push button may be configured to engage a power button to turn the oral irrigator assembly on and off. The knob may be coupled to the pressure assembly to adjust at least one of a pressure and a volume of fluid expelled through the oral irrigator handle upon movement of the knob.

[0010] This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The following specification of various embodiments of the disclosure and the accompanying drawings set forth a more extensive description of the features, details, utilities and advantages of the claimed disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an oral irrigator assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the base unit and reservoir of the oral irrigator assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a reservoir with the lid in a first, open position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the reservoir with the lid in a second, open position. [Figure 3C] 3C is a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along line 3C-3C of FIG. 2. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along line 3D-3D in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a protrusion or tube bundle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear isometric view of the tube bundle of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an oral irrigator handle connected to a tube nest taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 1. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a front exploded isometric view of the control assembly. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a rear exploded isometric view of the control assembly of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view of the push button of the control assembly. [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view of the rotation knob of the control assembly. [Figure 10B] 10B is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable knob taken along line 10B-10B of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the bezel of the control assembly. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a rear isometric view of the bezel of FIG. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the bezel taken along line 11C-11C of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the base unit taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a pump assembly and a pressure assembly, and a partial view of a motor assembly. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the control assembly, pressure assembly and motor assembly taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 4. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the control assembly, pressure assembly and pump assembly taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 4. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an oral irrigator assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In some examples, the oral irrigator assembly can include a control assembly having first and second elements that change the first and second operating states of the oral irrigator assembly. The first and second elements can be arranged for compact operation. For example, the second element can be configured to rotate at least partially around the first element, reducing the overall size of the control assembly compared to some conventional designs. The first element can control a first function of the oral irrigator assembly. The second element can control a second function of the oral irrigator assembly. The first element can be a push button. The second element can be a rotating knob or a sliding knob. The push button can be selectively depressed to turn the oral irrigator assembly on and off. The oral irrigator assembly can include a control valve coupled to the knob. Selectively moving the knob can change the amount and / or pressure of fluid discharged through the oral irrigator handle. The first and second elements can move in first and second directions. For example, the first element can move axially along a central axis about which the second element at least partially rotates. Alternatively, the first and second elements may move axially along generally orthogonal directions.

[0013] In some examples, the oral irrigator handle can include a homing feature that assists the user in locating the oral irrigator handle adjacent to the base unit. In one example, the homing feature of the oral irrigator handle can assist the user in locating the handle in or adjacent to a cradle that extends from the base unit. The cradle can include a complementary homing feature, such as cantilevered off an end face of the cradle, such that the handle easily aligns in the correct position adjacent the cradle. In this manner, the homing feature can facilitate the user's placement of the handle in the correct position.

[0014] In addition to facilitating easy placement of the handle in the correct position, the feedback feature(s) may also allow for a slimmer profile for the base unit compared to some conventional designs. For example, some conventional designs include a C-clamp structure for holding the oral irrigator handle. However, the feedback feature(s) of the present disclosure may allow for a more compact profile for the base unit by eliminating the conventional C-clamp holding structure from the base unit. The feedback feature(s) may also allow for greater freedom in designing the oral irrigator handle. For example, without having to design the handle to fit into a C-clamp structure, the handle may be designed with a shape that is more aesthetically appealing and / or comfortable for the user and / or easier for the user to manipulate compared to conventional designs. Specifically, the handle may have a more uniform cross-section and less tapered along its length compared to conventional designs.

[0015] The homing feature can be any suitable mechanism or assembly that quickly and easily couples the oral irrigator handle to the base unit. For example, the homing feature can include a complementary magnetic material or magnetic device that magnetically couples the oral irrigator handle to one or more relative positions on the base unit. The magnetic material or magnetic device can be arranged such that the oral irrigator handle automatically aligns with respect to the base unit when the oral irrigator handle is magnetically attached to the base unit. For example, magnetically coupling the oral irrigator handle to the base unit can align the oral irrigator handle vertically along the base unit. Additionally or alternatively, magnetically coupling the oral irrigator handle to the base unit can position the oral irrigator handle at one or more predetermined or desired vertical positions relative to the base unit. For example, magnetically coupling the oral irrigator handle to the base unit can position the oral irrigator handle at one of a number of preset positions along the base unit. Alternatively, magnetically coupling the oral irrigator handle to the base unit can position the oral irrigator handle at any desired position along the base unit based on user preference. In such an example, the positioning of the oral irrigator handle may be constrained only by the size of the feedback feature itself: for example, the feedback feature may define a minimum and maximum distance relative to the base unit, and the oral irrigator handle may be positioned anywhere within this minimum and maximum position.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an oral irrigator assembly 100. FIG. 1 shows the oral irrigator assembly 100 having a base 102 and a reservoir 114 coupled to the base 102. The reservoir 114, which may be referred to as a fluid reservoir, may be removably or fixedly coupled to the base 102. The reservoir 114 may be coupled to the base 102 in many configurations. For example, the reservoir 114 may be located at least partially on top of the base 102. As shown in FIG. 1, a toothbrush 104 and an oral irrigator handle 106 may be releasably coupled to the base 102. For example, the toothbrush 104 and / or the oral irrigator handle 106 may rest on the base 102, be fixed to a vertical surface or wall of the base 102, or any combination thereof. The oral irrigator handle 106 may be coupled to a tube 108 housed around a tube nest 110. The tube nest 110 may be coupled to the base 102. The base 102, which may be referred to as a base unit, may also have a control assembly 112. The reservoir 114 may have a lid 116. In some examples, the toothbrush 104 is removable from the base 102. The oral irrigator handle 106 may be removably coupled to the base 102 at a lumen nest 110 and fluidly connected to the reservoir 114 via a lumen 108. The oral irrigator handle 106 may be connected to a jet tip 107 (shown in FIG. 16 ). As described below, the oral irrigator handle 106 may be adjustably coupled to the base 102.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the oral irrigator assembly 100 of FIG. 1 with the toothbrush 104, oral irrigator handle 106, and tube 108 removed for illustrative purposes. As shown in FIG. 2, the tube nest 110 can include a cradle 118 configured to hold the oral irrigator handle 106. In some examples, the cradle 118 can include a shape that is complementary to the shape of the oral irrigator handle 106 for complementary engagement with the oral irrigator handle 106. For example, the cradle 118 can be curved to complement or generally complement the contour of the oral irrigator handle 106. In some examples, the base 102 can have a tubing aperture 122 formed in its extension 103. The extension 103 can be generally rectangular and can extend horizontally away from a bottom of the body of the base 102. In such examples, the extension 103 can define a shelf on which the toothbrush 104 and / or the oral irrigator handle 106 can be stored.

[0018] Figure 16 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an oral irrigator assembly 1600. Unless otherwise indicated, the oral irrigator assembly 1600 of Figure 16 is configured similarly to the oral irrigator assembly 100 described herein. For example, with reference to Figure 16, the oral irrigator assembly 1600 of Figure 16 can differ from the oral irrigator assembly 100 of Figures 1 and 2 in that it does not include a toothbrush 104. However, the oral irrigator assembly 1600 can be similar to the oral irrigator assembly 100 in all or substantially all other aspects.

[0019] 3A and 3B show the reservoir assembly 126 with the lid 116 in different open positions. FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the reservoir 114 with the lid 116 in a first open position. FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the reservoir 114 with the lid 116 in a second open position. FIG. 3C and 3D are cross-sectional views of the hinge structure of the lid 116. Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the lid 116 has a fixed portion 130 and an adjustable portion 128 that can rotate relative to the fixed portion 130 about the hinge 134, pivotally connected to each other by a hinge 134. Both the adjustable portion 128 and the fixed portion 130 can have a vent 132. In some examples, the fixed portion 130 is adjustably fixed to the reservoir 114, while the adjustable portion 128 can be coupled to the reservoir 114 when the adjustable portion 128 is in a closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0020] 3C and 3D, the hinge 134 can be defined as a first and second link 127, 129 connected together. The first and second links 127, 129 can be integrally formed as a single element or can be separate elements fixedly or otherwise connected together depending on the particular application. The first link 127 can be attached to the adjustment portion 128 of the lid 116. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the second link 129 can extend from a distal end 131 of the first link 127. The second link 129 can extend at an angle relative to the first link 127. The angle between the first link 127 and the second link 129 can be an acute angle, a 90° angle, or an obtuse angle so that the adjustment portion 128 can pivot relative to the fixed portion 130. The angle between the first link 127 and the second link 129 can also define a fully open position of the adjustment portion 128. For example, the adjustment portion 128 can move away from the reservoir 114 until the second link 129 of the hinge 134 contacts a portion of the fixed portion 130 to define a fully open position of the lid 116. In such an example, the greater the angle between the first and second links 127, 129, the further the adjustment portion 128 can move away from the reservoir 114. Similarly, the smaller the angle between the first link 127 and the second link 129, the more limited the amount of rotation of the adjustment portion 128 away from the reservoir 114.

[0021] 3C and 3D , the fixed portion 130 can have a pivot assembly 133 coupled thereto and a second link 129 rotatably coupled thereto. For example, a distal end 135 of the second link 129 can define a clip structure 141 sized and shaped to surround a majority of a pivot axis 143 of the pivot assembly 133. In one example, the clip structure 141 can include opposing portions or fingers 145 defining a crescent shape that at least partially surrounds the pivot axis 143, although other suitable configurations are contemplated. The hinge 134 can rotate about the pivot axis 143 to move the adjustment portion 128 between an open position and a closed position.

[0022] In some examples, the lid 116 can include structure to releasably hold the adjustment portion 128 in an open position. For example, as shown in FIG. 3D, a tab 146 can extend from the first link 127 and / or the second link 129 of the hinge 134. A distal end 148 of the tab 146 can be curved or angled to define a seat 150. With continued reference to FIG. 3D, a post 152 can extend from the fixed portion 130. As the adjustment portion 128 moves relative to the fixed portion 130, the tab 146 can move relative to the post 152 until the post 152 engages the seat 150, at which point further movement of the tab 146 relative to the post 152 can be limited (see FIG. 3B). In this position, the adjustment portion 128 of the lid 116 can be releasably held in place to allow for easy filling of the reservoir 114.

[0023] The reservoir 114 can be formed to include two opposing generally planar side surfaces 136, 138 that are generally perpendicular to a generally planar front surface 140 that opposes a generally planar rear surface 142. In some examples, the sides 136, 138 have a width that is less than the width of each of the front surface 140 and the rear surface 142. A bottom 137 of the reservoir 114 can be configured to include a sealed port 139 that couples to a valve assembly 144 that fluidly connects the reservoir 114 to pressure and pump assemblies of the base 102, as described more fully below.

[0024] 4-6 show the base 102 and various components of the oral irrigator assembly 100. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the oral irrigator base 102. The base 102 may have an outer housing or shell 200 that houses a portion of the control assembly 112, a motor assembly 504, a pressure assembly 502, and a pump assembly 500. The base 102 may have a charging post 120 configured to provide an electrical charge to the toothbrush 104 to maintain or recharge the battery power of the toothbrush 104 when the toothbrush 104 is coupled to the base 102. The charging post 120 may be formed with a portion of the outer housing 200 covering the extension 103 of the base 102 and various electrical components housed within the outer housing 200.

[0025] 5 and 6 are front and rear isometric views of the tube nest 110. As shown, a portion of the tube nest 110 may extend away from the front surface 202 of the base 102 to form a protrusion 222. The protrusion 222 may be generally cylindrical and may taper from a larger diameter at its rear portion 226 proximal to the front surface 220 to its front portion 228. In some examples, the protrusion 222 and the front surface 220 may be separate elements connected to each other or may be molded together as a single piece. At the interface between the protrusion 222 and the front surface 220, a tube recess 124 may be formed. The tube recess 124 may be formed to extend rearward of the front surface 220 in a direction opposite to the direction of the tube nest 110. The tube recess 124 may have a width greater than the diameter of the tube 108 shown in FIG. 1. This allows the tube 108 to be wrapped around the protrusion 222 and contained within the tube recess 124.

[0026] The tube nest 110 may also have a channel 230 formed in its lower portion, the tube nest 110 extending downwardly from the tube recess 124. The channel 230 may have a width and depth greater than the diameter of the tube 108 shown in FIG.

[0027] A portion of the front 228 of the protrusion 222 can be formed as the cradle 118. The cradle 118 can have a concave shape that curves away from the front 228 of the protrusion 222 toward the rear 226. In some examples, the cradle 118 is formed with an attachment or locking device that helps position or temporarily lock the oral irrigator handle 106 adjacent to the cradle 118 when the user stores the oral irrigator handle 106. In some examples, the cradle 118 can be formed of a magnetic material to help lock or position the oral irrigator handle 106. In some examples, the oral irrigator handle 106 can have a complementary attachment, locking or return device that releasably positions or locks the oral irrigator handle 106 at least partially within or adjacent to the cradle 118.

[0028] 6, the protrusion 222 can form a hollow internal cavity 232 defined by an inner surface 234 and a sidewall 236. In some examples, an internal rib 238 can extend from the inner surface 234 and the sidewall 236 of the protrusion 222. As shown, the rib 238 can extend radially inward from the sidewall 236, although other suitable configurations are contemplated. In some examples, the base 102 (e.g., the protrusion 222) can include a first positioning feature. For example, a magnetic coupling device, such as a first magnet arrangement 240 or a magnetic material, can be disposed within the internal cavity 232 of the protrusion 222. For example, the first magnet arrangement 240 can be defined or disposed on the inner surface 234 and / or the rib 238. In some examples, the first magnet arrangement 240 can be held in place by the rib 238 or disposed between the ribs 238. In some examples, the rib 238 can also be formed of a magnetic material. In some cases, a weaker magnetic material can be used to form the ribs 238 while a stronger magnetic material is coupled to or disposed adjacent to the inner surface 234. This can assist the cradle 118 in acting as a homing device for a complementary attachment or fastening device of the oral irrigator handle 106.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the oral irrigator handle 106 coupled to the protrusion 222. Referring to FIG. 7, the oral irrigator handle 106 may include a second positioning mechanism corresponding to the first positioning mechanism of the base 102 for removably coupling the oral irrigator handle 106 to the base 102. As described below, the first and second positioning mechanisms may removably couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the base 102 at any one of a plurality of desired positions relative to the base 102. As shown in FIG. 7, the second positioning mechanism may be a second magnet device 242. The second magnet device 242 may be defined or disposed on or within the oral irrigator handle 106. For example, at least a portion of the oral irrigator handle 106 may be formed of a magnetic material to magnetically couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the cradle 118. In such an example, the second magnet device 242 of the oral irrigator handle 106 can be magnetically attracted to the first magnet device 240 of the base 102 to magnetically couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the base 102. For example, when the oral irrigator handle 106 is positioned near the protrusion 222, the magnetic force between the first magnet device 240 and the second magnet device 242 can magnetically couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the cradle 118. In this manner, the first and second magnet devices 240, 242 can automatically align the oral irrigator handle 106 in the correct storage position. In this manner, the first and second magnet devices 240, 242 can serve as a feedback function to assist the user in positioning the oral irrigator handle 106 adjacent to the base 102.

[0030] The first and second magnet devices 240, 242 can be configured to removably couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the base 102 at any one of a plurality of desired positions relative to the base 102. Specifically, the first and second magnet devices 240, 242 can be configured to removably couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the base 102 at any one of a plurality of vertically adjacent positions relative to the base 102. For example, the first and second magnet devices 240, 242 can be configured to position the oral irrigator handle 106 at a desired distance above the extension 103 of the base 102. As a result, a user can couple the oral irrigator handle 106 to the base 102 at a desired vertical position based on his or her preference. For example, the protrusion 222 can be coupled to the oral irrigator handle 106 at any position along the length of the oral irrigator handle 106 so that the user can position the oral irrigator handle 106 as close to or farther from the extension 103 as desired. In this way, the user can position the oral irrigator handle 106 closer to the extension 103 to reduce the height of the oral irrigator assembly 100, allowing the oral irrigator assembly 100 to be placed or stored in a smaller space than conventional designs, particularly under a shelf or in a cabinet.

[0031] In some examples, when the oral irrigator handle 106 is placed near the cradle 118, the magnetic composition of the inner surface 234 and / or the ribs 238 can magnetically attract the oral irrigator handle 106 to the cradle 118. For example, the oral irrigator handle 106 can include a magnetic coupling device, such as a complementary or corresponding magnet or magnetic material, that magnetically couples the oral irrigator handle 106 to the cradle 118. In some examples, increasing the attraction of the inner surface 234 can assist a user in correctly placing the oral irrigator handle 106 in or adjacent to the cradle 118. In some examples, the complementary attachment or fixation device of the oral irrigator handle 106 can be positioned so that the oral irrigator handle 106 can always be stored in one or more set positions. This can facilitate user access since the oral irrigator handle 106 is stored in a generally correct position where the user can easily grasp and remove the handle from the cradle 118.

[0032] 8A-12 show various views of the user interface or control assembly 112 and its components. FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and back exploded isometric views of the control assembly 112. Illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B are a push button 302, a knurled knob 304, a rotating or sliding knob 306, a connecting link 308, a bezel 310, a button 312, a switch 314, a control valve 318, and a valve faceplate 316. The control valve 318 may be configured similarly to the valve structure disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0097683, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The following describes general features of the various components shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0033] 9 is a rear isometric view of a push button 302, which may be referred to as a power button. The push button 302 shown in FIG. 9 has a front face 324 and a rear face 330 opposite the front face 324. The front face 324 and the rear face 330 may be generally flat. The front face 324 and the rear face 330 may be generally circular and separated by a perimeter wall 332. The perimeter wall 332 may be generally perpendicular to both the front face 324 and the rear face 330 and form an outer perimeter or circumference of the push button 302.

[0034] From the rear face 330, a first leg 320 and a second leg 322 may extend away from a front face 324 of the push button 302. The first and second legs 320, 322 may each have a tab 334 at an end away from the rear face 330. Each tab 334 may extend away from its associated leg 320 or 322. For example, the tabs 334 may extend in a direction away from a central axis 380 that is perpendicular to the first and second legs 320, 322. For example, the tabs 334 may extend away from each other, such as in a direction radially away from the central axis 380, depending on the particular application. The first and second legs 320, 322 may be similar or different in shape from each other. For example, the first leg 320 may be longer than the second leg 322, or vice versa. Each tab 334 may function as a detent to position the push button 302 within the control assembly 112.

[0035] Extending from the rear face 330 away from the front face 324 may be a cylindrical biasing element 326 and a cylindrical central core 328. The central core 328 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the biasing element 326. The central core 328 may be a hollow cylinder centered about a central axis 380. The central core 328 may have a first end 344 adjacent the rear face 330, a second end 346 opposite the first end 344, an outer surface 348, and an inner surface 350. The second end 346 may also have a chamfered inner edge.

[0036] The biasing element 326 can have a diameter smaller than the diameters of the front surface 324 and the rear surface 330. The biasing element 326 is cylindrical with an upper arcuate portion 335 located above the first and second legs 320, 322 and a lower arcuate portion 336 located below the first and second legs 320, 322. The upper arcuate portion 335 can have a stabilizer 342 extending away from the front surface 324 adjacent the rear surface 330. The stabilizer 342 can be formed from a number of ribs and protrusions extending away from the rear surface 330. Extending from the stabilizer 342 is a connector 340 that connects the stabilizer 342 to the middle of the flexible arcuate fingers 338. The connector 340 can be a single protrusion or extrusion. As described below, the flexible fingers 338 may be a portion of a cylinder having a resting diameter configured to flex radially outward to a larger diameter when the flexible fingers 338 contact a seat on the knob 306. The flexible fingers 338 may be formed with two arcuate bands with respective ends connected to each other. The lower arcuate portion 336 may have a similar shape and function as the upper arcuate portion 335. For example, the lower arcuate portion 336 may include a stabilizer 343 connected to the flexible fingers 339 by a connector 341 in a manner similar to that described above. Although the biasing element 326 is shown and described as a molded biasing structure, in some examples, the biasing element 326 may be a spring coupled to the push button 302. For example, the biasing element 326 may be a metal spring extending around the central core 328 such that the biasing element 326 is annularly spaced from the central core 328 depending on the particular application.

[0037] FIG. 10A is a rear isometric view of knob 306. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10B-10B of FIG. 10A. Knob 306 can have an outer ring 360 connected to a central core 366 by both webs 368 and sheets 384. Outer ring 360 can be cylindrically shaped around a central axis 380 and can have an outer periphery formed by knurled knob mounting surface 362 and abutment wall 364. Knurled knob mounting surface 362 can have a diameter smaller than the diameter of abutment wall 364. Knurled knob mounting surface 362 can have ribs 382 extending therefrom. In one example, ribs 382 can extend away from central axis 380, such as radially. Outer ring 360 can have a leading edge 363 at an end of knurled knob mounting surface 362 opposite the end adjacent abutment wall 364.

[0038] The outer ring 360 can be connected to the central core 366 via a web 368 and a sheet 384. The web 368 and the sheet 384 can be relatively orthogonal to the outer ring 360. The sheet 384 can be shaped as an annular ring having a proximal mating surface 386 and a distal mating surface 388 opposite the proximal mating surface 386. The sheet 384 can have a convex shape and can be shallowly curved away from the center of the oral irrigator assembly 100. In some examples, the proximal mating surface 386 can form an angle of less than 90 degrees with the abutment wall 364. The sheet 384 can be connected to the abutment wall 364 of the outer ring 360 at a step 390. An inner portion of the sheet 384 can be connected to the web 368.

[0039] In some examples, a web 368 can connect the sheet 384 to the outer surface 376 of the central core 366. In some examples, the web 368 can be a plurality of spokes, each having an inner edge 392 adjacent to the central core 366 and an outer edge 394 adjacent to the sheet 384. The width of the spoke can taper from the sheet 384 to the central core 366. For example, the inner edge 392 can have a length that is shorter than the length of the outer edge 394. Similar to the sheet 384, the web 368 can also have a convex shape and can be shallowly curved away from the center of the oral irrigator assembly 100. In the example of FIG. 10A, two arcuate spaces 385 can be formed between the sheet 384, the web 368, and the central core 366.

[0040] The central core 366 may be cylindrical with an outer surface 376 and an inner surface 378. The central core may have a leading edge 372 proximate the leading edge 363 of the outer ring 360 and a trailing edge 374 opposite the leading edge 372. In some examples, an annular seat 398 is formed on the outer surface 376 near the trailing edge 374. The annular seat 398 may be formed as a recessed area surrounding the periphery of the central core 366.

[0041] A plurality of alignment tabs 370 may extend inwardly from the inner surface 378 toward the central axis 380. In some examples, the alignment tabs 370 are spaced in pairs circumferentially around the inner surface 378 such that the spacing between the first and second tabs is equal to the spacing between the third and fourth tabs, but the spacing between the first and third tabs and the second and fourth tabs is greater than the spacing between the first and second tabs. As described further herein, the pairs of tabs 370 may be used to align the connection link 308 within the control assembly 112.

[0042] 11A-11C are various views of the bezel 310. FIG. 11A is a front isometric view of the bezel 310, FIG. 11B is a rear isometric view of the bezel 310, and FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11C-11C of FIG. 11A. Referring to FIG. 11A-11C, the shape of the bezel 310 can be formed at least in part by two concentric cylinders or walls. For example, an outer wall 410 can form a large outer cylinder, and two curved support walls 418 and two connecting nubs 416 can cooperate to form a smaller inner cylinder. A knob mating wall 408 can connect the outer wall 410 to the curved support walls 418 and the connecting nubs 416. A peripheral wall 404 extends as a flange around the periphery of the outer wall 410.

[0043] An outer portion of the bezel 310 may be formed by a peripheral wall 404. As shown, the peripheral wall 404 may include a base mating surface 400 and a rear surface 402 opposite the base mating surface 400. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 11C shows that the peripheral wall 404 may have a generally concave shape that curves away from the center of the oral irrigator assembly 100. The curved shape of the peripheral wall 404 may mimic the shape of an inner wall of the base 102 that may be located adjacent to the bezel 310.

[0044] The perimeter of the peripheral wall 404 may be generally annular except near the top where it increases in diameter to form a tab 405 that includes an alignment slot 406. The alignment slot 406 may be formed in an upper portion of the peripheral wall 404 proximal to the reservoir 114 of the oral irrigator assembly 100. The alignment slot 406 may be used to align the rotational position of the bezel 310 relative to the base 102.

[0045] The outer wall 410 may extend away from the rear surface 402 perpendicular to the base mating surface 400 of the peripheral wall 404. The outer wall 410 may connect the knob interface wall 408 to the peripheral wall 404. At the intersection of the outer wall 410 and the knob interface wall 408, a lip 420 may be formed.

[0046] The knob interface wall 408 may be generally perpendicular to the outer wall 410. The knob interface wall 408 may have a proximal surface 412 and a distal surface 414. The knob interface wall 408 may be annular with an outer periphery formed in the outer wall 410 and an inner periphery formed by the curved support wall 418 and the connecting protrusion 416. The knob interface wall 408 may be curved at an angle that reflects the angle of the web 368 and seat 384 of the knob 306.

[0047] A number of leg receiving ports 422 may be formed in the knob interface wall 408, including apertures extending between the proximal face 412 and the distal face 414. The leg receiving ports 422 may also extend perpendicular to the proximal face 412 and away from the distal face 414. In some examples, the leg receiving ports 422 may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape similar to that shown in FIG. 11A. In other examples, the cross-sectional shape may be circular, triangular, oval, or other similar shapes.

[0048] In some examples, the leg receiving ports 422 can have an inner edge adjacent to a central bore 424 formed by the curved support walls 418 and the connecting protrusions 416. The inner edge of the leg receiving ports 422 can curve outwardly from the central bore 424 similar to the shape of the curved support walls 418. In some examples, the leg receiving ports 422 are equally spaced around the central bore 424.

[0049] A central bore 424 may be formed through the proximal and distal faces 412, 414 of the knob interface wall 408. The curved support wall 418 and the connecting protrusion 416 may extend away from the proximal face 412 perpendicular to the distal face 414. The curved support wall 418 may have a generally constant thickness and may be curved about the central axis 380. The thickness of the connecting protrusion 416 may taper from a greater width adjacent the distal face 414 to a smaller width away from the distal face 414. A detent 426 may be formed at the opposite distal end of the connecting protrusion 416. The detent 426 may be a raised feature that extends inwardly from the connecting protrusion 416 toward the central axis 380.

[0050] 8A and 8B, the connecting link 308 can have a cylindrical center portion 309 located between two spherical ends 311. In some examples, the spherical ends 311 can be spherical. Each spherical end 311 can have two fingers 313 protruding from either side. The fingers 313 can be cylindrical to connect to the control valve 318 and the knob 300.

[0051] 13-15 show various views of the control assembly 112, pressure assembly 502, pump assembly 500 and motor assembly 504. FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the pump assembly 500, pressure assembly 502, and a partial view of the motor assembly 504. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the control assembly 112, pressure assembly 502 and motor assembly 504 taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the control assembly 112, pressure assembly 502, pump assembly 500 and motor assembly 504 taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 4.

[0052] The various components of the pressure assembly 502 will now be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the pressure assembly 502 can be fluidly connected to a reservoir valve actuator 524. The reservoir valve actuator 524 can be configured to allow fluid stored in the reservoir 114 to flow through a channel in the reservoir valve actuator 524 into the pressure assembly housing 506 of the pressure assembly 502. The top of the reservoir valve actuator 524 can have an engagement point that contacts the valve assembly 144 and helps compress the spring of the valve assembly 144. Compression of the spring between the valve assembly 144 allows the valve assembly 144 to move away from the sealing port 139. When the valve assembly 144 moves away from the sealing port 139, fluid can flow from the reservoir 114 around the valve assembly 144 and into the pressure assembly 502 through the sealing port 139 and the reservoir valve actuator 524.

[0053] The pressure assembly 502 is located downstream of the reservoir valve actuator 524 and can have a pressure valve inlet 526 located upstream of a pressure valve 528 and a pressure valve outlet 530 located downstream of the pressure valve 528. The pressure valve 528 is configured with a spring that allows the pressure valve 528 to move up and down (towards and away from the reservoir 114) within the pressure assembly housing 506 when a vacuum is applied to the pressure valve 528.

[0054] The pressure assembly housing 506 may be fluidly connected to the control valve 318. The pressure assembly housing 506 may have a diverter inlet 532 located downstream of the pressure valve 528 and a diverter outlet located upstream of the pressure valve 528 and downstream of the pressure valve inlet 526. A portion of the control valve 318 may be rotatably disposed within the pressure assembly housing 506 and positioned adjacent to the valve faceplate 316. The control valve 318 may be rotatably disposed relative to the valve faceplate 316 to selectively provide a flow path between the diverter inlet 532 and the diverter outlet 534. The pressure assembly 502 may be fluidly connected to the pump assembly 500.

[0055] 13 and 15, the pump assembly 500 can have a pump housing 508 that encloses a pump inlet 536, a cylinder 542, a portion of the connecting rod 510, a piston 540, and a pump outlet 538. In some examples, the pump inlet 536 is adjacent to and in fluid communication with the pressure valve outlet 530. The cylinder 542 can surround the piston 540. The piston 540 can be connected to a first end of the connecting rod 510. In some examples, the piston 540 is cylindrical and similar to the cylindrical shape of the cylinder 542. The piston 540 can be attached to the connecting rod 510 such that the piston moves laterally within the cylinder 542 based on the position of the first end of the connecting rod 510, pushing the piston toward and away from the control assembly 112. The cylinder 542 fluidly connects the pump inlet 536 to the pump outlet 538. A relatively close clearance fit can exist between the piston 540 and the cylinder 542 such that fluid present in the pump assembly 500 does not flow past the piston 540 within the cylinder 542. The pump assembly 500 can be coupled to a motor assembly 504.

[0056] 13-15 also show a motor assembly 504. As shown in FIG. 14, the motor assembly 504 includes a motor 522 having a drive shaft 520 extending from the bottom of the motor 522. The drive shaft 520 can be located within and coupled to a drive gear 518. The drive gear 518 can have a number of teeth with a constant pitch length and an angled, tapered or helical shape. The drive gear 518 can be coupled to a driven gear 516. The driven gear 516 can have a number of teeth with the same pitch length and tooth shape as the drive gear 518. In some examples, the diameter of the drive gear 518 can be smaller than the diameter of the driven gear 516. In other examples, the drive gear 518 and the driven gear 516 are coupled by a belt drive.

[0057] 13, the driven gear 516 can have a central portion that extends upwardly toward the reservoir 114. An eccentric lobe 512 can be formed in the central portion. The eccentric lobe 512 can be a cylinder that extends away from the driven gear 516 with a central axis that is offset from the driven shaft 514. An interior of the eccentric lobe 512 can be formed to couple to the driven shaft 514. An exterior of the eccentric lobe 512 can be configured to couple to the second end of the connecting rod 510.

[0058] The entire assembly of the oral irrigator assembly 100 will be described below with continued reference to FIGS. 13-15. As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the motor 522 can be arranged such that the drive shaft 520 is inserted or coupled to the motor 522. The opposite end of the drive shaft 520 can be coupled to the drive gear 518. The driven gear 516 can be positioned adjacent to the drive gear 518 such that the teeth of the drive gear 518 mesh with the teeth of the driven gear 516. The second end of the connecting rod 510 can be disposed around the eccentric lobe 512 extending from the driven gear 516. The first end of the connecting rod 510 can be coupled to the piston 540, which can be located within a cylinder 542 of the pump assembly 500.

[0059] 15 , the pressure valve 528 can be located within a pressure assembly housing 506 of the pressure assembly 502. The pressure assembly 502 can be coupled to the pump assembly 500 such that the pressure valve outlet 530 is fluidly coupled to the pump inlet 536.

[0060] The control valve 318 may be located adjacent to and between the diverter inlet 532 and the diverter outlet 534 of the pressure assembly housing 506. The valve faceplate 316 may be located adjacent to the pressure assembly housing 506 surrounding a portion of the control valve 318. The connecting link 308 may be located within an extended cylindrical portion of the control valve 318.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 , the push button 302 can be coupled to the knob 306 and the bezel 310. The base mating surface 400 of the bezel 310 can be located adjacent to the inner surface of the base 102. The alignment slot 406 can be aligned with a post formed on the inner surface of the base 102. The proximal surface 412 of the knob mating wall 408 of the bezel 310 can be located adjacent to the distal mating surface 388 of the knob 306. The detent 426 of the connecting projection 416 of the bezel 310 can align with the annular seat 398 of the knob 306 to help fix the relative lateral positions of the bezel 310 and knob 306 while still allowing the knob 306 to rotate about the bezel 310. The lip 420 of the bezel 310 can be located adjacent to the shoulder 390 of the knob 306.

[0062] The push button 302 can then be assembled to the knob 306 and the bezel 310. The push button 302 can be aligned so that the first leg 320 is in front of the oral irrigator assembly 100 and the second leg 322 is in the rear of the oral irrigator assembly 100. The first leg 320 and the second leg 322 can each be inserted into an arcuate opening in a space 385 formed between the web 368, the sheet 384 and the central core 366 of the knob 306 and then through a leg receiving port 422 of the bezel 310. Tabs 334 at the end of each leg 320, 322 can engage a distal surface 414 of the knob interface wall 408 of the bezel 310 and thus help prevent the push button 302 from being separated from the knob 306 and the bezel 310.

[0063] The knurled knob 304 can be coupled to the periphery of the knurled knob mounting surface 362 of the knob 306. The knurled knob 304 can be adjustably secured to the knob 306 by a press fit formed by the interaction of ribs 382 that extend away from the knurled knob mounting surface 362 and can contact an inner surface of the knurled knob 304.

[0064] A connecting link 308 may be located between the knob 306 and the control valve 318. A finger 313 on one spherical end 311 aligns with a tab 370 on the knob 306. A finger 313 on the opposite spherical end 311 may align with two notches on the control valve 318. Aligning the legs with the knob 306 and the control valve 318 effectively couples the knob 306 to the control valve 318. When a user rotates the knob 306, the control valve 318 also rotates in the same direction and the same rotational distance.

[0065] A first leg 320 of the push button 302 may be aligned with the button 312 due to the position of the push button 302 within the bezel 310. The button 312 may be physically coupled to a switch 314, which is physically coupled to a valve faceplate 316. The switch 314 may be electrically coupled to a motor 522. The motor assembly 504, the pump assembly 500 and the pressure assembly 502 are located within the base 102, and the control assembly 112 is mounted and disposed outside the base 102.

[0066] A tube 108 can be connected to the oral irrigator handle 106. When the oral irrigator handle 106 is in the storage position, the tube 108 can be wound around the tube nest 110. In some examples, a tube recess 124 formed by the tube nest 110 and the base 102 can accommodate a portion of the tube 108 wound around the tube nest 110 within the tube recess 124. Additionally or alternatively, the tube wiring aperture 122 can prevent a portion of the tube 108 adjacent to the oral irrigator handle 106 from hanging below the oral irrigator handle 106 and contacting the base 102. For example, when the oral irrigator handle 106 is coupled to the base 102 at the tube nest 110, a portion of the tube 108 adjacent to the oral irrigator handle 106 can be accommodated within the tube wiring aperture 122 to properly align the oral irrigator handle 106 within the cradle 118 without structural interference between the tube 108 and the base 102.

[0067] The operation of the oral irrigator assembly 100 will now be described. First, a user can remove the reservoir 114 from the assembly 100 and open the adjustable lid 116 to fill the reservoir 114 with fluid. Next, a user can close the adjustable lid 116 to connect the reservoir 114 to the oral irrigator assembly 100. The reservoir valve actuator 524 engages the valve assembly 144 of the reservoir 114, allowing fluid stored in the reservoir 114 to flow into the pressure assembly 502, through the pressure assembly 502 to the pump assembly 500, and through the pump assembly 500 and the tube 108 to the oral irrigator handle 106.

[0068] A user can interact with the control assembly 112 to turn the oral irrigator assembly 100 on and off, as well as adjust the pressure and / or amount of fluid delivered to the oral irrigator handle 106 and ultimately expelled from the oral irrigator handle 106 through the jet tip 107. A user can touch a front surface 324 of the push button 302 to force or depress the push button 302 toward the base 102 of the oral irrigator assembly 100 to turn the oral irrigator assembly 100 on and off. When the user exerts a force greater than the biasing force imparted to the push button 302 by the biasing element 326, the push button 302 can move relative to the control assembly 112.

[0069] The flexible fingers 338, 339 can be configured to deflect to a larger diameter when they contact the seat 384 of the knob 306. For example, the angled shape of the seat 384 can force the fingers 338, 339 apart, allowing the push button 302 to move horizontally, axially inward, relative to the knob 306.

[0070] Movement of the push button 302 then causes the first leg 320 to contact the button 312, thereby actuating the switch 314 to selectively turn the oral irrigator assembly 100 on or off. The push button 302, due to its biased design, can return to its resting position relative to the control assembly 112 when the user releases contact. When the push button 302 is engaged, an electrical connection is made through the switch 314, completing an electrical circuit and actuating the motor 522. When the motor 522 begins to rotate, the drive shaft 520 rotates. When the drive shaft 520 rotates, the drive gear 518 rotates, which in turn rotates the driven gear 516. The change in rotational speed from the drive gear 518 to the driven gear 516 is determined by the diameter ratio of the drive gear 518 and the driven gear 516. Rotation of driven gear 516 causes eccentric rotation of eccentric lobe 512 about driven shaft 514 , thereby eccentrically moving connecting rod 510 and reciprocating laterally toward and away from control assembly 112 .

[0071] As the connecting rod 510 moves laterally, a piston 540 reciprocates in the cylinder 542 in the same laterally direction. This movement of the piston 540 creates alternating vacuum or negative pressure and positive pressure. The negative pressure is sufficient to move the pressure valve 528 in the pressure assembly housing 506 downwardly, allowing fluid to flow through the pressure valve 528 and the pressure valve outlet 530. The positive pressure moves the pressure valve 528, positioning it so that no fluid flows through the pressure valve 528 and the pressure valve outlet 530. This movement of the piston 540 provides a pulsating flow through the tube 108 and into the oral irrigator handle 106.

[0072] The pressure and / or volumetric flow rate of the fluid emitted from the oral irrigator handle 106 can be controlled by rotation of the knob 306. In some examples, a leg receiving port 422 of the bezel 310 can limit rotation of the knob 306 in one direction or the other around the bezel 310. A user can rotate the knurled knob 304 to rotate the knob 306 around the bezel 310. The knob 306 can be rotated in a clockwise direction until the web 368 of the knob 306 contacts the leg receiving port 422 of the bezel 310 surrounding the first leg 320. Similarly, the knob 306 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction until the web 368 contacts the leg receiving port 422 surrounding the second leg 322.

[0073] When the knob 306 is rotated in a first direction, the rotation of the knob 306 rotates the connecting link 308, which in turn rotates the control valve 318. As the control valve 318 rotates, a flow path can be formed between the control valve 318 and the valve faceplate 316 fluidly connecting the diverter inlet 532 and the diverter outlet 534. This flow path allows a volume of fluid flowing from the reservoir 114 through the pressure assembly 502 to leave the pressure valve outlet 530, through the control valve 318, and be pumped back through the pressure valve 528. The size of the flow path can depend on the location of the control valve 318 adjacent the valve faceplate 316. A larger flow path reduces the volume and pressure of the fluid exiting the pressure valve outlet 530 and ultimately through the oral irrigator handle 106. A smaller flow path reduces the amount of water diverted from the pressure valve outlet 530, thereby preventing a substantial reduction in the volume and pressure of the fluid exiting the pressure valve outlet 530.

[0074] 1, 2 and 16, the shape of the cradle 118 can be useful for positioning or temporarily coupling the oral irrigator handle 106 in or adjacent to the cradle 118. In some examples, there is no set position where the oral irrigator handle 106 couples to the cradle 118. As mentioned above, the protrusion 222 on which the cradle 118 is formed can have a magnetic material that aligns with a magnetic material or magnetic feature in the oral irrigator handle 106. In some examples, the location of the magnetic material can be useful for positioning the oral irrigator handle 106 in a first position. In other examples, there can be multiple positions where the magnetic material of the protrusion 222 can align with the magnetic feature of the oral irrigator handle 106. In such examples, the vertical position of the oral irrigator handle 106 relative to the cradle 118 can be adjusted based on the user's preference. For example, the user can position the oral irrigator handle 106 at a desired distance above the extension 103 based on their preference.

[0075] In some examples, the oral irrigator handle 106 can be adjusted to a vertical position in which a portion of the tube 108 adjacent the oral irrigator handle 106 is disposed within the tube wiring aperture 122. This temporary position of the portion of the tube 108 adjacent the oral irrigator handle 106 allows the oral irrigator handle 106 to be moved to a lower vertical position relative to the base 102 than would be the case in a base without the tube wiring aperture 122. This ability to adjust the vertical position of the oral irrigator handle 106 relative to the base 102 can also make it easier for a user to access the reservoir 114, remove the reservoir 114 from the base 102, and refill the reservoir with fluid in preparation for use.

[0076] In some examples, the shape of the reservoir 114 may better aid a user in gripping the reservoir 114 with one hand. For example, the reservoir 114 may have a narrow width suitable for a user to grip with one hand, as opposed to a larger reservoir that requires a user to use both hands to grip the reservoir. A user may grip the reservoir 114 with one hand when removing the reservoir 114 for refilling or when reassembling the reservoir 114 back into the oral irrigator assembly 100 for use or storage. To grip the reservoir, a user may place their fingers on the flat surface 140 or 142 and their thumb on the opposing flat surface 140 or 142 to apply inward pressure.

[0077] In some examples, the location of the tube recess 124 may make it easier for a user to store a portion of the tube 108 when not using the oral irrigator assembly 100. For example, the flexible tube 108 may be easily wrapped around the tube nest 110 and partially stored within the tube recess 124.

[0078] The oral irrigator assembly 100, 1600 design has been described herein. It should be noted that any features of the various examples and embodiments described herein may be interchangeable and / or substituted with any other example or embodiment. Thus, any component or element description of a particular example or embodiment is provided by way of example only.

[0079] Although various embodiments of oral irrigators have been described herein, these devices and techniques may also be applied to a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, toothbrushes, cleaning devices, showerheads, and sink devices.

[0080] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not pose any limitation on the particular location, orientation, or use of the present disclosure, unless specifically recited in the claims. References to joints (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and can include intermediate members between connections of elements, and relative movement between elements. Thus, references to joints do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and fixed to one another.

[0081] In some instances, a component is described by referring to its "end" as having a particular feature and / or being connected to another part. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments are not limited to components that terminate immediately beyond a connection point with another part. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly to include the area adjacent to, behind, in front of, or near the end point of a particular element, link, component, part, member, etc.

[0082] While the methodologies depicted directly or indirectly herein have been described in one possible sequence of operations, those skilled in the art will recognize that these steps and operations may be rearranged, substituted, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the broad understanding of the embodiments as defined in the appended claims. The present invention can also be embodied in the following manner. An oral irrigator assembly comprising: a base unit including a first positioning mechanism; and an oral irrigator handle including a second positioning mechanism for removably connecting to the base unit at any one of a plurality of desired positions relative to the base unit, the second positioning mechanism corresponding to the first positioning mechanism of the base unit. The aforementioned oral irrigator assembly, wherein the first positioning mechanism is a first magnet device coupled to the base unit, and the second positioning mechanism of the oral irrigator handle is a second magnet device configured to engage with the first magnet device to magnetically couple the oral irrigator handle to the base unit. The aforementioned oral irrigator assembly, wherein the first magnet device is defined as or disposed within a cradle configured to at least partially accommodate the oral irrigator handle. The oral irrigator assembly as described above, wherein the cradle includes a shape complementary to a shape of the oral irrigator handle. The oral irrigator assembly as described above, wherein the first and second positioning mechanisms align the oral irrigator handle in a correct storage position adjacent the base unit. An oral irrigator assembly as described above, wherein the oral irrigator handle automatically aligns in the correct storage position by a magnetic attachment between the oral irrigator handle and the base unit. The aforementioned oral irrigator assembly, wherein the first and second positioning mechanisms removably connect the oral irrigator handle to the base unit at any one of a plurality of vertically adjacent positions relative to the base unit. The oral irrigator assembly as described above, wherein the tube wraps around the protrusion when the oral irrigator handle is magnetically coupled to the base, and further comprising a tube routing aperture formed in a bottom of the base to at least partially accommodate the tube. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Oral irrigator assembly 102 Base 103 Extension 104 Toothbrush 106 Oral irrigator handle 108 tube 110 Tube nest 112 Control Assembly 114 Reservoir 116 Lid

Claims

1. 1. A control assembly for an oral irrigator assembly, comprising: a first element configured to selectively change a first operational state of the oral irrigator assembly; a second element configured to rotate at least partially about the first element to selectively change a second operational state of the oral irrigator assembly; the first element being a push button movable relative to the second element for actuating an electrical switch to turn the oral irrigator assembly on and off; the second element being a knob operably connected to a control valve to adjust at least one of a pressure and a volume of fluid discharged through the oral irrigator handle; the knob circumferentially surrounds the push button; Rotation of the knob causes rotation of a connecting link that causes rotation of the control valve to mechanically actuate the control valve when the knob rotates in a first direction. A control assembly comprising:

2. The first element moves axially along an axis of rotation of the second element. The control assembly of claim 1 .

3. At least a portion of the first element extends through the second element. The control assembly of claim 1 .

4. 1. An oral irrigator assembly comprising: a base including a pressure assembly; a fluid reservoir removably connected to the base; an oral irrigator handle fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir and the pressure assembly and adjustably connected to the base via a magnetic attachment; a control assembly including a push button at least partially surrounded by a knob; the push button is movable relative to the knob and configured to engage an electrical power switch when moved to turn the oral irrigator assembly on and off, the knob being coupled to the pressure assembly to adjust at least one of a pressure and a volume of fluid discharged through the oral irrigator handle upon movement of the knob; Rotation of the knob causes rotation of a connecting link that causes rotation of the control valve to mechanically actuate the control valve when the knob rotates in a first direction. An oral irrigator assembly comprising:

5. Selective movement of the knob adjusts both the pressure and volume of fluid dispensed through the oral irrigator handle. The oral irrigator assembly of claim 4.

6. the base includes a protrusion extending from a front surface of the base; A cradle is defined within the front portion of the projection for at least partially receiving the oral irrigator handle. The oral irrigator assembly of claim 4.

7. the cradle includes a first magnet arrangement; the oral irrigator handle includes a second magnet arrangement corresponding to the first magnet arrangement of the cradle for magnetically coupling the oral irrigator handle to a desired position on the cradle; The oral irrigator assembly of claim 6.

8. the first and second magnet devices enable the oral irrigator handle to be magnetically coupled to the cradle at any one of a plurality of desired positions relative to the cradle; The oral irrigator assembly of claim 7.

9. the oral irrigator assembly further comprising a tube fluidly connecting the oral irrigator handle to the fluid reservoir and the pressure assembly; an interface between the protrusion and the front surface of the base forming a tube recess for at least partially receiving the tube; The oral irrigator assembly of claim 6.

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