Nozzle head for a cleaning device using liquid sheet cleaning action

Abstract

The nozzle member (14) of the personal care device (10) includes a nozzle head (16) positioned at the end of the nozzle member and orifices (40) formed in a surface (30) of the nozzle head, the orifices including at least one liquid jet orifice (42) configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a jet and at least one liquid sheet orifice (44a-d) configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a sheet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure is generally directed to personal care devices and methods that use liquid sheet cleansing action. [Background technology]

[0002] Proper personal hygiene can improve health and help reduce the risk of disease, infection, and other health problems. For example, proper tooth cleaning helps promote long-term dental health. One aspect of proper tooth cleaning is the use of oral irrigators to remove plaque and clean gums and teeth. Oral irrigators are especially important in areas not easily accessible with a toothbrush, such as between teeth and along the gum line. The cleaning power of water pressure provided by oral irrigators or other personal care cleaning devices is problematic because increasing the driving pressure reduces the comfort of the water jet. If users experience discomfort, they may stop using the product; alternatively, if the water pressure is insufficient, the product may not provide adequate cleaning.

[0003] Personal care cleaning devices, such as oral irrigators, typically include one or more rounded orifices that project a rounded stream or "jet" of water toward the surface to be cleaned. Although there are some variations in the rounded orifice, the resulting jet is typically circular or elliptical. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Thus, there is a continuing need in the art for a personal care cleaning device that applies sufficient force to remove undesirable materials, such as plaque layers, from tooth surfaces without being uncomfortable or dangerous to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to an inventive system for cleaning using a personal care cleaning device that generates liquid sheets and liquid jets. Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to a nozzle design for a personal care cleaning device that combines both shear stress at a shallow incidence angle and an impact pressure gradient at a normal incidence angle to remove plaque and improve gingival health in all areas of the teeth, including the anterior, peripheral, interproximal, and interdental regions. The nozzle design projects both one or more liquid sheets under pressure toward the surface to be cleaned and one or more liquid jets under pressure toward the surface to be cleaned. The liquid sheets are characterized as water streams having an elongated shape with a length substantially greater than its width. The personal care cleaning device can be, among other possible personal care devices, an oral irrigator configured to clean teeth and gums, including interdental spaces.

[0006] In general, in one aspect, there is provided a nozzle member of a personal care device comprising a nozzle head positioned at an end of the nozzle member and orifices formed in a surface of the nozzle head, the orifices including at least one liquid jet orifice and at least one liquid sheet orifice, each liquid jet orifice configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a jet, and each liquid sheet orifice configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a sheet.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the nozzle member further comprises a channel configured to allow gas and / or air from a reservoir in the body portion of the personal care device to pass to the nozzle head.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a liquid jet orifice is located centrally on the surface of the nozzle head at the intersection of two or more liquid sheet orifices.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid sheet orifice includes a groove formed in the surface of the nozzle head. In some embodiments, the groove is a rounded groove or a V-shaped groove. In some embodiments, the groove is formed in the surface of the nozzle head at an angle of between about 15 and 30 degrees.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the surface of the nozzle head is positioned at an angle relative to the body portion of the personal care device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the nozzle member further includes a tip extending outward from a surface of the nozzle head. In some embodiments, the diameter of the outer edge of the tip is greater than the diameter of the surface of the nozzle head. In some embodiments, the outer edge is clamshell shaped.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the orifice includes a plurality of liquid sheet orifices, each liquid sheet orifice extending away from a central liquid jet orifice along the surface of the nozzle head.

[0013] In another aspect, a nozzle member for a personal care device is provided, the nozzle member including: (i) a nozzle head located at an end of the nozzle member; (ii) a channel configured to allow liquid and / or air from a reservoir in a body portion of the personal care device to pass to the nozzle head; (iii) orifices formed in a surface of the nozzle head, the orifices including a plurality of liquid sheet orifices and at least one central liquid jet orifice centrally disposed on the surface of the nozzle head at an intersection of the plurality of liquid sheet orifices, each liquid sheet orifice configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a sheet, and each liquid jet orifice configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a jet; and (iv) a tip extending outward from the surface of the nozzle head.

[0014] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed in more detail below, are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein (unless such concepts are mutually inconsistent). In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0015] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

[0016] In the drawings, like reference numbers generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a personal care cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 2C] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0021] [Figure 2D] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 5A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 5B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0027] [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 7B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 8A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a schematic side perspective view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 9A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 9C] FIG. 2 is a schematic side perspective view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 9D] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a nozzle head portion of a cleaning device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] This disclosure describes various embodiments of nozzle designs for personal care devices configured to project both a liquid sheet and a liquid jet toward a surface to be cleaned. More generally, applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a method or system for cleaning a surface using a liquid sheet cleaning action and a liquid jet cleaning action simultaneously. Accordingly, described or otherwise contemplated herein are nozzle designs for personal care cleaning devices configured to emit one or more liquid sheets and one or more liquid jets. The nozzle includes one or more orifices configured to emit a liquid sheet and one or more orifices configured to emit a liquid jet simultaneously or intermittently.

[0039] The embodiments and implementations disclosed or otherwise contemplated herein can be utilized with any personal care device, including, but not limited to, an oral irrigator, a toothbrush, an interdental cleaning device, a wound cleaning device, a skin cleaning device, a device that includes both a toothbrush and an oral irrigator, or any other cleaning device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to oral irrigators, and thus the present disclosure and the embodiments disclosed herein can encompass any personal care cleaning device.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, there is a personal care cleaning device 10 having a body portion 12 and a nozzle member 14 attached to the body portion. The nozzle member 14 includes a head 16 at its end remote from the body portion. The head 16 includes at least one orifice 40 configured to emit liquid and / or air from the device. According to certain embodiments, the nozzle member 14 is configured to allow pressurized liquid and / or air from a fluid reservoir (not shown) to pass to the orifice 40, where it is applied to a user's oral surface. The nozzle member 14 can be removably attached to the body portion 12 so that the nozzle can be periodically replaced with a new one, e.g., the nozzle member 40 has a different orifice for a different function, as device components wear or otherwise require replacement.

[0041] The body portion 12 further includes a user input 26. The user input 26 allows a user to operate the personal care cleaning device 10, for example, to turn the device on and off or to start a cleaning session. The user input 26 may be, for example, a button, a touchscreen, or a switch. The user input may be located on the body portion or on another part of the device (not shown).

[0042] A liquid sheet can be defined as a shape having a cross section in which the length is greater than the width. Liquid sheets embody higher cleaning power, which may be due to a steeper pressure gradient due to their thinner dimensions combined with a two-directional outflow compared to the radial outflow of a round jet. In addition, liquid sheets have the added advantage of a larger treatment area than round jets when the personal care cleaning device is moved across the surface to be cleaned. When the personal care cleaning device is an oral cleaning device, the length of one or more liquid sheets that impact the teeth is configured to approximate the tooth height at the tooth surface, because excess length beyond the tooth height will waste liquid.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the nozzle 14 of the personal care cleaning device 10 may include one or more different orifices configured to emit cleaning liquid. Different orifices result in different shape morphologies, and one shape may be more effective at cleaning a particular type of surface relative to another shape.

[0044] 2A-2D, there is shown an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention, showing the head portion 16 of the nozzle member 14 of a personal care cleaning device. The head portion 16 is angled relative to the body portion and may include a connection mechanism 24 configured to removably connect the nozzle member to the personal care cleaning device. The connection mechanism can be any connection method, such as a snap-fit ​​mechanism, a threaded mechanism, or any other connection mechanism. The tip of the head portion 16 includes at least an orifice arrangement 40 configured to emit both at least one liquid jet and one or more liquid sheets from the tip for cleaning. In this embodiment, the nozzle head includes both the liquid sheet orifice 40 and a centralized orifice 42 configured to emit a liquid jet. The nozzle also includes a hollow channel 34 configured to allow pressurized liquid and / or air from a fluid reservoir (not shown) to pass through the orifice 40, where it is applied to the user's dental surfaces. According to some embodiments, the head 16 can be angled relative to the body portion, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0045] FIG. 2C is a front view of the nozzle head 16 having an orifice 40, and FIG. 2D is a cutaway side view of the nozzle head having the orifice 40. In FIG. 2C, it can be seen that the orifice 40 includes intersecting V-grooves 40a-40d, each configured to emit a radial sheet and joining to form a central orifice portion 42 configured to emit a liquid jet. While FIG. 2C depicts a cross shape for the liquid sheet orifice and liquid jet orifice, many other configurations are possible. In FIG. 2D, a side cutaway view of the orifice 40 of FIG. 2C shows the V-groove 40a configured to emit a pressurized sheet of liquid from a liquid reservoir. According to this configuration, the cut angle of the V-groove is 15 degrees, although many other sizes and angles are possible. According to this embodiment, for an orifice having an inner diameter of 1.2 mm, a 0.49 mm cut angle is used. 2The fluid footprint measured on a user's tooth when the nozzle orifice is held 3 mm from the tooth contains a jet with a diameter of 0.45±0.15 mm, a sheet length of 2.4±0.3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 65±30 μm. These measurements can be altered by changing the cut angle of the V-groove, the size of the jet orifice, the distance from the tooth, and other variables.

[0046] 3A and 3B show another embodiment of the nozzle 14. FIG. 3A is a front view of the nozzle head 16 having orifices, and FIG. 3B is a cutaway side view of the nozzle head having multiple orifices 40a-40b and 42 configured to emit cleaning liquid. In FIG. 3A, the orifices include intersecting V-grooves 40a-40d, each configured to emit a radial sheet and joining to form a central orifice portion 42 configured to emit a liquid jet. The V-grooves 40a-d in FIG. 3A are wider than the V-grooves 40a-d in FIG. 2C and therefore include a different liquid sheet emission profile. The side cutaway view of the nozzle head portion 16 in FIG. 3B includes a wider V-groove 40a configured to emit a pressurized sheet of liquid from a liquid reservoir. According to this configuration, the cut angle of the V-groove in this embodiment is 30 degrees, although many other sizes and angles are possible. According to this embodiment, the V-groove is 0.49 mm. 2 The fluid footprint measured on a user's tooth when the nozzle orifice is held 3 mm from the tooth contains a jet with a diameter of 0.6±0.15 mm, a sheet length of 1.8±0.3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 55±30 μm. These measurements can be altered by changing the cut angle of the V-groove, the size of the jet orifice, the distance from the tooth, and other variables.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, there is another embodiment of the nozzle 14. Figure 4 is a front view of a nozzle head 16 having multiple orifices configured to emit cleaning liquid. The orifices include three V-grooves 40a-40c positioned approximately 120 degrees apart, with each groove configured to emit a radial sheet. The V-grooves intersect at a central orifice portion 42 configured to emit a liquid jet. According to just one embodiment, the V-grooves in this embodiment have a cut angle of 15 degrees, although many other sizes and angles are possible. According to this embodiment, the V-grooves are cut at a 0.49 mm angle. 2 The fluid footprint measured at a user's tooth when the nozzle orifice is held 3 mm from the tooth contains a jet with a diameter of 0.25±0.15 mm, a sheet length of 3.2±0.3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 60±30 μm. These measurements can be altered by changing the V-groove cut angle, the size of the jet orifice, the distance from the tooth, and other variables.

[0048] 5A and 5B, there are two views of the head portion 16 of a nozzle member of a personal care cleaning device, including the nozzle embodiment of FIG. 4. The head portion 16 is angled relative to the body portion and includes a connection mechanism 24 configured to removably connect the nozzle member to the body portion. The tip of the head portion 16 includes the orifice arrangement of FIG. 4, configured to emit both a jet and one or more liquid sheets from the tip. The nozzle includes a hollow channel 34 configured to allow pressurized liquid and / or air from a fluid reservoir (not shown) to pass to the orifice 40, where it is applied to the user's tooth surface.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, there is an embodiment of a nozzle 14. FIG. 6 is a front view of a nozzle head 16 having multiple orifices configured to emit cleaning liquid. The orifices include three V-grooves 40a-40c positioned approximately 120 degrees apart, with each groove configured to emit a radial sheet. The V-grooves intersect at a central orifice portion 42 configured to emit a liquid jet. According to just one embodiment, the cut angle of the V-grooves in this embodiment is 30 degrees, although many other sizes and angles are possible. Thus, the V-grooves 40a-c in FIG. 6 are wider than the V-grooves 40a-c in FIG. 6, and therefore include a different liquid sheet emission profile. According to this embodiment, the V-grooves 40a-c are 0.49 mm apart. 2 The fluid footprint measured at a user's tooth when the nozzle orifice is held 3 mm from the tooth contains a jet with a diameter of 0.3 ± 0.15 mm, a sheet length of 2.4 ± 0.3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 65 ± 30 μm. These measurements can be altered by changing the V-groove cut angle, the size of the jet orifice, the distance from the tooth, and other variables.

[0050] 7A and 7B, there are two views of a head portion 16 of a nozzle member of a personal care cleaning device, including the nozzle embodiment of FIG. 6. The head portion 16 is angled relative to the body portion and includes a connection mechanism 24 configured to removably connect the nozzle member to the body portion. The tip of the head portion 16 includes the orifice arrangement of FIG. 10 configured to emit both a jet and one or more liquid sheets from the tip. The nozzle includes a hollow channel 34 configured to allow pressurized liquid and / or air from a fluid reservoir (not shown) to pass to the orifice 40, which is applied to the user's tooth surface in the hollow channel.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 8A, in one embodiment, there is a nozzle member 14 of a personal care cleaning device. The nozzle member 14 includes a head portion 16 at its end remote from the body portion. The head 16 includes an orifice 40 configured to emit liquid and / or air from the device. According to certain embodiments, the nozzle member 14 is configured to allow pressurized liquid and / or air from a fluid reservoir (not shown) to pass to the orifice 40, where it is applied to the user's teeth. The nozzle member 14 can be permanently or removably attached to the personal care cleaning device using any connection method. According to certain embodiments, the head 16 is angled relative to the nozzle. According to certain embodiments, the head portion 16 of the nozzle member 14 may optionally include an extension or tip 28 that extends beyond the surface of the orifice 40. The orifice 40 is recessed within the circular tip 28, as shown in FIG. 8A. The tip 28 can be constructed of any material suitable for use with personal care devices, including plastic, rubber, and other materials. The tip 28 can be rigid or flexible. According to certain embodiments, the tip is constructed of a soft plastic or rubber for maximum comfort during use, particularly when implemented within an oral care device so that the tip engages surfaces within the mouth. The edge of the tip 28 distal to the orifice can be smooth, rounded, squared, or any other shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the outer edge of the tip includes a scalloped design. Additionally, the tip can flare outward as it extends outward from the face of the orifice 40, such that the diameter of the tip at the distal edge of the orifice is larger than the diameter of the rounded tip at the interface between the tip and the nozzle. This flare is shown, for example, in the side view of the nozzle head and flexible tip 28 shown in FIG. 8B.

[0052] Tip 28 can be designed or configured to enhance cleaning during use of the personal care device. For example, the distance that tip 28 extends beyond the plane of orifice 40 can be designed to be the same or substantially the same as the optimal distance for cleaning when the jet and / or liquid sheet impacts the surface to be cleaned. Additionally, the clamshell-shaped design of the tip embodiment shown in Figures 8A-8D, for example, can increase the removal or ejection of water once it impacts the surface to be cleaned. When liquid is more quickly and efficiently removed from or allowed to move away from the surface, the continuing jet and liquid stream can have a greater impact on the surface.

[0053] Referring to Figures 8C and 8D, there are two views of the head portion 16 of the nozzle member 14 of a personal care cleaning device, including the nozzle embodiment of Figures 8A and 8B. The head portion 16 is angled relative to the body portion. The tip of the head portion 16 includes a central jet 42 configured to project a jet of liquid and / or air, and four peripheral grooves 40a-40d configured to project a liquid sheet. The grooves are rounded in this embodiment rather than V-shaped. Extending from the nozzle head portion, e.g., from the orifice surface, is a rounded tip 28. The outer tip edge 32 of the tip 28 is clamshell-shaped in this embodiment. According to this embodiment, the diameter of the nozzle is 0.49 mm. 2 The fluid footprint measured on a user's tooth when the nozzle orifice is held 3 mm from the tooth contains a jet with a diameter of 0.45±0.15 mm, a sheet length of 2.4±0.3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 65±30 μm. These measurements can be altered by changing the groove cut angle, jet orifice size, distance from the tooth, tip shape, and other variables.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, there is a nozzle member 14 of a personal care cleaning device. The nozzle member 14 includes a head portion 16 at its end remote from the body portion. The head portion includes an orifice 40 configured to emit liquid and / or air from the device. According to one embodiment, the nozzle member 14 is configured to allow pressurized liquid and / or air from a fluid reservoir (not shown) to pass to the orifice 40, where it is applied to the user's tooth surface. The nozzle member 14 can be removably attached to the personal care cleaning device using any connection method. According to one embodiment, the head 16 is angled relative to the body portion.

[0055] Referring to Figure 9B, in one embodiment, there is a side view of the head portion 16 of the nozzle member of a personal care cleaning device. The head portion 16 of the nozzle member 14 includes a tip 28 that extends beyond the surface of an orifice 40 recessed within the tip. The outer edge 32 of the tip 28 includes a clamshell-shaped design in this embodiment, although many other designs, configurations, and structures for the tip are possible. In this embodiment, compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 8A-8D, for example, the tip 28 includes less flare as it extends outward from the orifice surface.

[0056] 9C and 9D, there are two additional views of the head portion 16 of a nozzle member of a personal care cleaning device, including the nozzle embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9B. The head portion is angled relative to the body portion. The tip of the head portion 16 includes an orifice surface 30 having a central jet 42 configured to emit a jet of liquid and / or air and four peripheral grooves 40a-40d configured to emit a sheet of liquid. The grooves are rounded in this embodiment rather than V-shaped. Extending from the nozzle head portion, e.g., from the orifice surface, is a rounded tip 28. The outer tip edge 32 of tip 28 is clamshell-shaped in this embodiment.

[0057] According to this embodiment, 0.49 mm2 The fluid footprint measured on a user's tooth when the nozzle orifice is held 3 mm from the tooth contains a jet with a diameter of 0.6 ± 0.15 mm, a sheet length of 1.8 ± 0.3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 55 ± 30 μm. These measurements can be altered by changing the groove cut angle, jet orifice size, distance from the tooth, tip shape, and other variables.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the thickness and / or length of the liquid sheet depends on and / or is influenced by one or more geometric parameters of the orifice shape, the soft tip, and / or other factors. Each shape may have specific parameters associated with it. For example, the number of sheets may depend on the number of grooves, while the thickness and / or length of the sheet may depend, among other things, on the cutting angle of the grooves. However, there may be geometric constraints that limit the types of shapes that can be generated. For example, the sum of the angles of a triangle is 180 degrees. According to some embodiments, in some applications, some symmetric shapes, such as oblique triangles, are less preferred because they impose rotational constraints rather than being rotationally independent.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the length of the shaped orifice may be varied to affect the size, shape, and / or number of sheets emitted by the orifice. For example, the orifice may be formed of a material having a thickness of about 0.2-0.5 mm, which provides a jump from large diameter to small orifice size at the orifice entrance that may be beneficial for sheet formation. However, other thicknesses are possible.

[0060] According to another embodiment, other orifice shapes that can be used are, among others, rectangular or pentagonal orifices. These shapes produce sheets that are not as long as triangular nozzles due to the large angle. Therefore, to obtain longer sheets, four-point and five-point star nozzles may be preferred. The pointiness of these shapes reduces the angle, resulting in longer sheets.

[0061] All definitions as defined and used herein should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0062] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to mean "at least one" unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

[0063] As used in this specification and claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "one or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjointly present in some cases and non-conjoined in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related to the elements specifically identified or not.

[0064] As used in this specification and the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one element, but including more than one of a number of elements or list of elements, and optionally, including additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number of elements or list of elements. Generally, as used herein, "or" should only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., one or the other, but not both) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," or "exactly one of."

[0065] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" when referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, optionally being present, whether related to the specifically identified element or elements.

[0066] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or act, the order of the method steps or acts is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or acts are recited.

[0067] In the claims and in the above specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and similar expressions, are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of," respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.

[0068] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are by way of example only, and it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual component, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Additionally, any combination of two or more such compositions, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, provided that such compositions, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. 1. A nozzle member for a personal care device, comprising: a nozzle head positioned at an end of the nozzle member; orifices formed in a surface of the nozzle head, the orifices including at least one liquid jet orifice and at least one liquid sheet orifice, each liquid jet orifice configured to allow liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a jet, and each liquid sheet orifice configured to allow the liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a sheet; a tip extending from the surface of the nozzle head in a direction in which the liquid and / or air exits the nozzle head, Nozzle member.

2. The nozzle member of claim 1 , further comprising a channel configured to allow gas and / or air from a reservoir in a body portion of the personal care device to pass to the nozzle head.

3. 10. The nozzle member of claim 1, wherein a liquid jet orifice is centrally located on the surface of the nozzle head at the intersection of two or more liquid sheet orifices.

4. The nozzle member of claim 1 , wherein the liquid sheet orifice comprises a groove formed in the surface of the nozzle head.

5. The nozzle member according to claim 4 , wherein the groove is a rounded groove or a V-shaped groove.

6. The nozzle member of claim 5, wherein the grooves are formed in the surface of the nozzle head at an angle of between about 15 and 30 degrees.

7. The nozzle member of claim 1 , wherein the surface of the nozzle head is positioned at an angle relative to a body portion of the personal care device.

8. 2. The nozzle member of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the outer edge of the tip is greater than the diameter of the surface of the nozzle head.

9. The nozzle member of claim 8 , wherein the outer edge is wavy.

10. 2. The nozzle member of claim 1, wherein the orifices include a plurality of liquid sheet orifices, each liquid sheet orifice extending away from a central liquid jet orifice along the surface of the nozzle head.

11. 1. A nozzle member for a personal care device, comprising: a nozzle head located at an end of the nozzle member; a channel configured to allow liquid and / or air from a reservoir in a body portion of the personal care device to pass to the nozzle head; orifices formed in a surface of the nozzle head, the orifices including a plurality of liquid sheet orifices and at least one central liquid jet orifice located in the center of the surface of the nozzle head at an intersection of the plurality of liquid sheet orifices, each liquid sheet orifice configured to allow the liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a sheet, and each liquid jet orifice configured to allow the liquid and / or air to exit the nozzle head in the form of a jet; a tip extending from the surface of the nozzle head in a direction in which the liquid and / or air exits the nozzle head, Nozzle member.

12. 12. A nozzle member according to claim 11, wherein each liquid sheet orifice comprises a rounded groove or a V-shaped groove formed in the surface of the nozzle head.

13. 12. The nozzle member of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the outer edge of the tip is greater than the diameter of the surface of the nozzle head.

14. The nozzle member of claim 13 wherein the outer edge is wavy.

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