Vibration isolator for oral irrigators

Abstract

The oral irrigator may include a housing, a drive assembly positioned within the housing, a pump assembly coupled to the drive assembly, and an isolator assembly coupled to at least one of the drive assembly or the pump assembly and configured to dampen vibrations generated by either or both of the drive assembly or the pump assembly. The isolator assembly may include a chassis coupled to a portion of at least one of the drive assembly or the pump assembly, an engagement arm coupled to and extending outward from the chassis, and a bumper positioned between the chassis and a portion of the housing, the bumper including a pocket defined therein and configured to support the isolator assembly within the housing, where the engagement arm engages an engagement surface of the bumper that is separate from a pocket surface that defines the pocket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross-Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 441,628 filed on January 27, 2023, entitled "Vibration Isolator for Oral Irrigator" and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 538,261 filed on September 13, 2023, entitled "Oral Irrigator", which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into the present specification for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to oral hygiene devices such as oral irrigators.

Background Art

[0003] Many people use oral irrigators such as toothbrushes and other electric oral hygiene devices to maintain and improve oral hygiene. Many oral irrigators include an electric pump that pumps fluid from a reservoir or other fluid supply to a handle. A pump assembly and a drive assembly for operating the pump typically include a motor, a pump and / or gear housing, and various linkages. During operation, pump assembly components may generate vibration and noise due to moving components; for example, a motor may generate vibration as a drive shaft rotates. Vibration often may propagate to the housing and other external components of the oral irrigator, generating noise (e.g., rattling of components), causing an unpleasant user experience, and resulting in wear due to movement on moving components. Accordingly, a need exists for improved vibration isolators for pump assemblies and / or drive assemblies for oral irrigators and other oral hygiene devices.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] One embodiment discloses an oral irrigator. The oral irrigator may include a housing, a drive assembly positioned within the housing, a pump assembly coupled to the drive assembly, and an isolator assembly coupled to at least one of the drive assembly or the pump assembly and configured to reduce vibrations generated by either or both of the drive assembly or the pump assembly. The isolator assembly includes a chassis operably coupled to a portion of at least one of the drive assembly or the pump assembly, an engaging arm coupled to the chassis and extending outward therefrom, and a shock absorber positioned between the chassis and a portion of the housing, the shock absorber including a pocket defined therein and configured to support the isolator assembly within the housing, where the engaging arm engages with an engaging surface of the shock absorber separate from the pocket surface defining the pocket.

[0006] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging surface forms the outer surface of the buffer.

[0007] Optionally, in some embodiments, the outer surface is the upper surface of the buffer and is positioned above the pocket surface.

[0008] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging arm is coupled to the buffer at a location other than the pocket.

[0009] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging arm includes a first engaging arm and a second engaging arm, the first engaging arm in contact with the engaging surface of the buffer and the second engaging arm positioned adjacent to the pocket surface of the buffer.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second engaging arm is positioned within the pocket, and the engaging surface is positioned above the pocket such that the first engaging arm is positioned above the pocket.

[0011] Optionally, in some embodiments, the pocket surface includes a first pocket surface, a second pocket surface, and a third pocket surface, and the second engaging arm contacts the first and third pocket surfaces but not the second pocket surface.

[0012] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging surface is positioned above the pocket, the first pocket surface forms the inner surface of the pocket, the third pocket surface forms the bottom inner surface of the pocket, and the second engaging arm is at least partially received within the pocket.

[0013] Optionally, in some embodiments, the housing includes a mounting surface, the shock absorber includes a mounting head received through an opening in the mounting surface, and the shock absorber supports the chassis above the mounting surface.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments, the chassis does not come into contact with the mounting surface.

[0015] Optionally, in some embodiments, the mounting surface defines the bottom surface of the housing.

[0016] Optionally, in some embodiments, the chassis is operably coupled to at least one of the drive shafts of a drive assembly, one or more gears of a drive assembly, a connecting arm of a pump assembly, or a piston of a pump assembly.

[0017] Optionally, in some embodiments, the chassis further defines a gearbox for receiving gearing for a drive assembly.

[0018] Optionally, in some embodiments, the oral irrigator includes a stop configured to be coupled to at least one of a buffer or an engaging arm to restrict the movement of the buffer and the engaging arm relative to each other in at least one direction.

[0019] Optionally, in some embodiments, the pocket is a first pocket, the buffer includes a second pocket, the engaging surface is formed in the second pocket, and the engaging arm is at least partially received within the second pocket.

[0020] As an example, an oral irrigator is disclosed. The oral irrigator includes a housing, a vibration generating component positioned within the housing, and an isolator assembly coupled to the vibration generating component. The isolator assembly includes a chassis coupled to the vibration generating component, an engaging arm coupled to the chassis, and a shock absorber positioned between the chassis and the housing, where the engaging arm engages with the upper surface of the shock absorber and the lower surface of the shock absorber engages with the housing.

[0021] Optionally, in some embodiments, the vibration generating component includes part of a drive assembly or pump assembly for an oral irrigator.

[0022] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging arm includes a first engaging arm and a second engaging arm, the first engaging arm engaging with the upper surface of the buffer and the second engaging arm engaging with another surface of the buffer other than the upper surface.

[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments, the buffer further includes a pocket defined through its side wall.

[0024] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engaging arm includes a first engaging arm, and the isolator assembly includes a second engaging arm, the second engaging arm being at least partially received within a pocket.

[0025] Optionally, in some embodiments, the thickness of the second engaging arm is less than the height of the pocket.

[0026] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the buffer or the engagement arm includes a stop that restricts movement of the engagement arm relative to the buffer in at least one direction.

[0027] In one example, an oral irrigator is disclosed. The oral irrigator includes a base plate, a chassis, a vibration generating component supported by the chassis, and a buffer that separates the chassis from the base plate to reduce transmission of vibrations from the vibration generating component to the base plate. The buffer includes a body and first and second slots defined on a side portion of the body. A portion of the chassis is received in the first slot, and the second slot is positioned between the first slot and the base plate to reduce transmission of vibrations to the base plate.

[0028] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first slot and the second slot form a continuous space on the side of the buffer body such that the portion of the chassis occupies the first slot and the second slot is positioned immediately below the portion of the chassis.

[0029] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second slot is separated from the first slot by a portion of the body of the buffer.

[0030] Optionally, in some embodiments, the chassis includes an engagement arm, and the portion of the chassis includes a portion of the engagement arm.

[0031] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second slot is separated from the engagement arm by a portion of the body of the buffer.

[0032] Optionally, in some embodiments, the engagement arm includes a first engagement arm, the chassis further includes a second engagement arm, and a portion of the body of the buffer is positioned between the first engagement arm and the second engagement arm.

[0033] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first engaging arm is positioned above the portion of the shock absorber body, and the second engaging arm is positioned in the first slot below the portion of the shock absorber body.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure of the present invention may be used advantageously in some cases separately or in other cases in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure of the present invention. Accordingly, individual aspects may be asserted separately or in combination with other aspects and features. That is, the disclosure of the present invention is essentially illustrative and is not intended in any way to limit the claims or their application or use. It will be understood that structural and / or logical modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0035] The disclosure of this invention is enumerated at various levels of detail and is not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter claimed by whether or not elements or components are included in these “means for solving the problem.” In certain cases, details that are not necessary for understanding the disclosure of this invention or that would make it difficult to assume other details may be omitted. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they are considered to be obvious to those skilled in the art, so as not to obscure the description of the disclosure of this invention. The subject matter claimed is not necessarily limited to the arrangements illustrated herein, and the scope of the disclosure of this invention is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0036] The description of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following drawings, which may not depict components to scale and should not be interpreted as a complete depiction of the range of features presented as various embodiments of the oral irrigator and / or vibrating isolator described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1]This is an isometric projection view of an oral irrigator, including the isolator assembly. [Figure 2A] This is an upper isometric projection view of the isolator assembly. [Figure 2B] This is a top view of the isolator assembly. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of the isolator assembly. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly taken along line 4-4 in Figure 2A. [Figure 5A] This is a bottom exploded view of the isolator assembly. [Figure 5B] This is an isometric projection of the bottom of an isolator assembly with the tail coupled to a shock absorber. [Figure 5C] This is an isometric projection of the bottom of the isolator assembly with the tail removed. [Figure 6A] This is a top isometric projection view of another embodiment of the isolator assembly. [Figure 6B] Figure 6A is a side view of the isolator assembly. [Figure 6C] Figure 6A is a top view of the isolator assembly. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly in Figure 6A, taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6A. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly in Figure 6A, taken along line 8-8 in Figure 6A. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the isolator assembly shown in Figure 9, taken along line 9-9 in Figure 6C. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an isolator assembly taken along a line similar to that of 9-9. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an isolator assembly taken along a line similar to that of 9-9. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an oral irrigator including an isolator assembly. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is an exploded assembly diagram of the oral irrigator. [Figure 14A] This is a cross-sectional view of the oral irrigator shown in Figure 12, taken along line 14A-14A in Figure 12. [Figure 14B] This is an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 14A. [Figure 15A] Figure 12 is an isometric view of the top of the pump housing for the oral irrigator. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A is a top view of the pump housing. [Figure 16] Figure 12 is a top view of the lower housing base for the oral irrigator. [Figure 17] Figure 12 is a partial isometric projection view of the oral irrigator.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to the following detailed description. It should be acknowledged that similar reference numerals are used to identify similar elements illustrated in one or more figures. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Embodiments of the disclosure of the present invention relate to components of an oral irrigator, which may include an improved configuration for a vibration isolator or shock absorber that can be used in conjunction with one or more pump assemblies, pump housings, and / or drive assemblies, which can all be used together (as shown in various figures) or separately from one another depending on the type of oral irrigator (e.g., counter-type and handheld) and spacing / dimensions, etc. Accordingly, any description of any particular element, feature, component, or assembly, etc., should be understood as an independent element or as something that can be integrated into a system. Although the descriptions presented herein relate to oral irrigators, their concepts and embodiments are applicable to other types of oral hygiene devices, such as brushing devices, combined cleaning brushing devices, etc., or other elements, such as reservoirs, that can pump fluid from one place to another.

[0040] In some embodiments, an isolator assembly is disclosed for use in reducing vibrations and / or noise (e.g., generated from drive assemblies and / or pump assemblies) in an oral hygiene device such as an oral irrigator. The isolator assembly may include a chassis that couples with and / or receives one or more vibration-inducing components, such as drive assembly or pump assembly components. The chassis may include plates or faces for coupling with various components and / or may include side walls and / or define an enclosure depending on the desired structure of the drive assembly or pump assembly. The chassis may include one or more engaging arms that couple with a shock absorber, so that the chassis couples with a mounting surface, such as a surface of the housing of the oral irrigator or a different surface. The shock absorber separates the chassis from the mounting surface and, for example, defines a gap between two components so that the chassis contacts the mounting surface through the shock absorber.

[0041] In many embodiments, the isolator assembly may include two engaging arms, where a first engaging arm contacts a first surface of the shock absorber (e.g., the top surface or engaging surface), and a second engaging arm contacts or abuts a second surface and / or a third surface of the shock absorber (e.g., the pocket surface). For example, the shock absorber may include a slot or pocket, where the second arm is partially received within the pocket, and the first engaging arm sits on the top surface above the pocket. In this way, the engaging arm transmits the load of the chassis to the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the pocket reduces the cross-sectional thickness of certain portions of the shock absorber, such as between the first engaging arm and the housing, and this reduction in thickness can help increase vibration damping by introducing increased flexibility within the joint and including a longer transmission path from the first engaging arm to the housing.

[0042] The engagement arm can be formed in various configurations and may extend directly from the chassis or be coupled to the chassis elsewhere. Similarly, the engagement arm may be positioned, angled, and / or structured based on spatial constraints within the irrigator housing or requirements for the drive assembly or pump assembly, etc.

[0043] The engaging arm and shock absorber can be considered as isolation mounts, and it should be noted that the device may have any number of isolation mounts depending on the load, spatial constraints, etc. In one embodiment, there may be three isolation mounts, but in other examples, there may be two, four, or even more. However, in embodiments with three isolation mounts, the overall connection to the mounting surface becomes more flexible, reducing vibration transmission and providing sufficient rigidity to fix the isolation assembly in place within the housing.

[0044] Figure 1 shows an oral irrigator including one or more isolator assemblies described herein. The oral irrigator 100 may include a reservoir 102 that holds a fluid, such as water or mouthwash, and supplies it to a pump. In cases where the oral irrigator 100 is a counter-type unit, the reservoir 102 may be coupled to a housing 110 or base, and when the oral irrigator 100 is a handheld unit, the reservoir 102 may be coupled to a handle 104 or handpiece of the oral irrigator 100. In this regard, the size and volume capacity of the reservoir 102 may depend on the type and configuration of the oral irrigator 100. The reservoir 102 may include a reservoir outlet, such as a port or plug, or a valve, which is in fluid communication with other components of the oral irrigator 100 (e.g., the pump assembly).

[0045] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the irrigator 100 may include a housing 110 or base portion, which, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, acts to support the irrigator 100 on a surface (e.g., a counter) and optionally can support the reservoir 102. In some cases, the housing 110 may be configured as a counter support, while in other cases it may be formed as a handle portion or a portion held in the user's hand during use. The housing 110 supports and / or surrounds one or more components of the irrigator 100, e.g., a pump assembly 112 and / or a drive assembly 114. Furthermore, the housing 110 may include flow paths (e.g., tubes, hoses) that guide fluid between different components of the irrigator, e.g., between the reservoir 102 and the pump assembly 112 and / or between the drive assembly 114 and an outlet such as a handle.

[0046] The handle 104 can be connected to the reservoir 102 via a hose 108 or other fluid connector. The handle 104 may include a tip 106 or other outlet device that can guide fluid from the reservoir 102 into the user's oral cavity. The handle 104 may be configured to be held in the user's hand, and in embodiments where the oral irrigator 100 is configured as a handheld device, it may include features of a housing 110, for example, which can connect a pump assembly 112 and / or a drive assembly 114 to the handle 104 or position it within the handle 104. The handle 104 may also include features that allow the tip 106 to be fixed to it and optionally detached from it. The tip 106 may take the form of a jet tip or other tip configuration, for example, a bristles (e.g., a nozzle integrated with a brush head) or a tongue scraper.

[0047] The pump assembly 112 may include various pump components that assist in pumping fluid and directing it from the reservoir 102 into the handle 104 and tip 106. For example, the pump assembly 112 may include a pump body, a piston, a connecting rod, and / or one or more valves. An example of a pump assembly can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,888,727, entitled “Vibration Damping for Dental Water Jets,” the contents of which are incorporated herein for all purposes. Similarly, a drive assembly 114 may be operably coupled with the pump assembly 112 and may be configured to include one or more drive elements (e.g., a motor, a linkage, a gear, a gear support, etc.). The drive assembly 114 assists in driving or operating the pump assembly 112 or its components and is described in detail below. An example of a drive assembly can also be found in the aforementioned Patent No. 8,888,727.

[0048] Figures 2A-23 show various diagrams of an isolator assembly 120 that can be used in conjunction with the oral irrigator 100 of Figure 1. The isolator assembly 120 is used to support and / or house one or more components of the pump assembly 112 and / or drive assembly 114 and can act to reduce or weaken vibrations and noises generated from one or both of the assemblies 112 and 114. For example, the isolator assembly 120 can be positioned within the housing 110 and coupled to the housing 110, for example, by positioning the isolator assembly 120 between the assemblies 112 and 114, or by configuring it in other ways to absorb forces generated from the assemblies 112 and 114 and reduce the forces transmitted to the housing.

[0049] The oral irrigator 100 may include one or more isolator assemblies 120 depending on spatial constraints and / or vibration-induced components used within the oral irrigator 100. For example, if the pump assembly 112 and the drive assembly 114 need to be large or distributed to different areas within the housing 110, the oral irrigator 100 may include two or more separate isolator assemblies 120, for example, one for the pump assembly 112 and another for the drive assembly 114.

[0050] The chassis 124 can form part of the isolator assembly 120 and can be configured to support, house, surround, or otherwise bond to components or all of the pump assembly 112 and / or drive assembly 114. In one example, the chassis 124 may include one or more internal cavities and form a gearbox housing the gears of the drive assembly 114, include a pump body portion housing the pump piston, and / or be able to receive a portion of a connecting component such as a connecting rod. In another example, the chassis 124 may partially form or define a flat surface, such as a plate, on which the pump assembly 112 and / or drive assembly 114 can be supported; for example, the drive assembly 114 may be mounted on the top surface of the chassis 124. In this regard, although the chassis 124 is shown as a single element, it can be formed as a multi-element component and may include, for example, a bottom portion and a top portion that together define a receiving cavity inside to accommodate various components. The chassis 124 is intended to encompass virtually any type of housing element that can support or define a portion of the pump assembly 112 and / or the drive assembly 114.

[0051] The mounting surface 122 or substrate supports the chassis 124 and can be coupled to the chassis 124 via one or more separate mounts 126a, 126b, 126c. The mounting surface 122 can form a portion of the housing 110 of the oral irrigator 100, for example, the bottom or inner surface of the housing 110. Although the mounting surface 122 is shown as a single component, it should be noted that in various embodiments it can be a separate surface and / or isolated surface that is inside or forms a portion of the housing 110. In other words, the separate mounts 126a, 126b, 126c can be coupled to different surfaces or portions of the housing 110.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, one or more brackets 130a, 130b, 130c, or ribs can be defined on the upper or first side of the mounting surface 122. The brackets 130a, 130b, 130c can act as stops that restrict the movement of the separation mounts 126a, 126b, 126c relative to the mounting surface 122. For example, the brackets 130a, 130b, 130c can be configured to engage with or abut against a portion of the separation mounts 126a, 126b, 126c. In one example, the brackets 130a, 130b, 130c can be formed to include a central curved portion, for example, a flat U-shaped structure, with two adjacent legs extending from it. The brackets 130a, 130b, 130c can be molded integrally with the mounting surface 122 or can be coupled to the mounting surface 122. Brackets 130a, 130b, and 130c can be configured to reduce rotation of the separation mounts 126a, 126b, and 126c, thereby helping to fix the separation assembly 120 in a fixed position relative to the housing 110.

[0053] Continuing to refer to Figure 3, one or more receiving openings 128a, 128b, 128c can be formed in the mounting surface 122. The receiving openings 128a, 128b, 128c can be positioned so as to be partially enclosed by the brackets 130a, 130b, 130c. For example, the receiving openings 128a, 128b, 128c can be positioned adjacent to the curved portions of the brackets 130a, 130b, 130c (in embodiments where the brackets 130a, 130b, 130c have the shape shown in Figure 3).

[0054] The isolation assembly 120 may include one or more isolation mounts 126a, 126b, 126c that are coupled to the chassis 124 to support the isolation housing 124 within the housing 110, and that act to reduce or dampen vibrations or noises originating from components within the chassis 124 or components coupled to the isolation housing 124.

[0055] The separation mounts 126a, 126b, and 126c may include a shock absorber 132. The shock absorber 132 may be configured to absorb force and vibration. For example, the shock absorber 132 may be formed from or include a flexible material such as an elastomer or rubber material.

[0056] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the separation assembly taken along line 4-4 in Figure 2B. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the buffer 132 may include pockets 136 or slots for receiving portions of the separation mounts 126a, 126b, and 126c. The buffer 132 may include a top surface 134 or engaging surface and a bottom surface 146 that can be coupled to one or more side walls 150. The side walls 150 may include straight portions and / or curved portions. In many embodiments, the side walls 150 may include rounded edges which can help distribute forces when the buffer 132 engages with different components and / or ensure a snug fit with adjacent components such as brackets 130a, 130b, and 130c. For example, in some embodiments, the buffer 132 may be substantially formed as a triangular shape with a rounded base and a curved transition surface. However, as can be acknowledged, the shock absorber 132 can take on various different shapes depending on the configuration of the housing 110, the pump assembly 112, and / or the drive assembly 114, and therefore any description of any particular implementation is for illustrative purposes only.

[0057] The mounting head 148 may extend from the base 146 and may include a neck 138 and an extended tip 152. The shape of the mounting head 148 may be selected to help enable connection of the shock absorber 132 to the mounting surface 122, as will be discussed in more detail below. Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the mounting head 148 may also include a tail 154 extending from the tip 152. The tail 154 may be used to assist in the installation of the mounting head 148 and may be removed or omitted later depending on the assembly of the isolator assembly 120.

[0058] The pocket 136 is defined through a portion of the buffer 132 and can, for example, define a recess or slot extending into the body of the buffer 132. For example, the pocket 136 can be defined as a slot. Since the pocket 136 can be formed in one or more side walls of the buffer 132, the pocket 136 opening is accessible through the side and / or front of the buffer 132. Referring to Figure 4, the pocket 136 can be defined by a pocket top surface 142 and a pocket bottom surface 144, or first and second pocket surfaces. The pocket 136 may also include a side wall or rear wall 156 or a third pocket surface. Since the pocket top surface 142 can be parallel to and adjacent to the top surface 134, a buffer flange 158 or buffer portion can be defined between the two surfaces 134, 142.

[0059] Referring again to Figure 3, one or more engaging arms 164, 166 may extend from the chassis 124, be coupled to the chassis 124, or otherwise form part of the chassis 124. In examples where the chassis 124 includes a flat surface or plate, the engaging arms 164, 166 may extend outward from part of the surface, or the chassis 124 may include raised portions (e.g., tabs) that can form supports for the engaging arms 164, 166. In other examples, the engaging arms 164, 166 may extend from the side walls, top walls, and / or bottom walls of the chassis 124 (e.g., where the chassis 124 defines a sealed or partially sealed housing). The isolator mounts 126a, 126b, 126c may include a pair of engaging arms 164, 166 configured to be coupled to the buffer 132. The engaging arms 164, 166 may include at least one parallel section, or they may be parallel to each other along their length, as shown in Figure 3, with the first engaging arm 164 positioned above the second engaging arm 166. In other words, the two engaging arms 164, 166 may be separated from each other by a gap and extend outward from the outer surface of the chassis 124. In one example (see Figure 4), the first engaging arm 164 may have a shorter length than the second engaging arm 166. The extended length of the second engaging arm 166 allows it to engage with the rear wall 156 of the pocket 136, which helps prevent additional movement between the engaging arm 166 and the buffer 132, such as sliding of the engaging arm 166 while a force is applied (engagement with the rear wall acts to restrict movement). In other embodiments, the second engaging arm 166 may have a shorter length (for example, not contacting the rear wall of the pocket) to introduce movement that can increase flexibility.

[0060] As can be acknowledged, the length and configuration of the engaging arms 164, 166 can be varied based on spatial constraints within the housing 110 of the oral irrigator 100, the configuration of the chassis 124, and so on. Figures 6A-69 illustrate various examples of engaging arms 164, 166 that can be used in conjunction with the isolator assembly 120. The engaging arms 164, 166 can act to support the chassis 124 (and any components supported or coupled thereto) and connect to the buffer 132.

[0061] Referring again to Figure 3, the chassis 124 may have various numbers or pairs of engaging arms 164, 166, but in one example it may include three pairs of engaging arms that can be spaced apart around the outer surface of the chassis 124, and the spacing may be configured to help maintain the coupling between the engaging arms 164, 166 and the buffer 132 (for example, arranged equally to help cancel out forces in different directions and distribute the load).

[0062] Figures 5A to 5C show various diagrams of the isolator assembly 120 during the coupling of various components. Referring to Figure 5A, one or more components of the pump assembly 112 and / or drive assembly 114 can be positioned within the chassis 124. For example, one or more gears, connecting arms, pistons, or other components can be positioned within or partially within the chassis 124. Various components can be coupled to the chassis 124 after or before the chassis 124 is coupled to the mounting surface 122.

[0063] The shock absorber 132 can be coupled to the engaging arms 164, 166. For example, referring briefly to Figure 4, the first shock absorber flange 158 can be positioned between the two engaging arms 164, 166 so that the first engaging arm 164 can be positioned and engaged with the upper surface 134 or engaging surface of the shock absorber 132, and the second engaging arm 166 can be inserted into or at least partially received into the pocket 136. In some configurations, the first shock absorber flange 158 can be gripped or clamped between the two engaging arms. Positioning the first engaging arm 164 on the upper surface 134 of the shock absorber 132 can help prevent the flange 158 from bending away from the engaging arm 164 when a load is applied to the chassis 124, and the weight of the chassis 124 can be transmitted to the shock absorber 132 through the engagement on the upper surface 134.

[0064] The second engaging arm 166 can be positioned so that its upper surface abuts against the upper surface 142 of the pocket 136. In many configurations, a space can exist between the bottom surface of the second engaging arm 166 and the bottom surface 144 of the pocket 136. For example, the thickness of the second engaging arm 166 may be less than the height of the pocket 136, so the second engaging arm 166 does not contact the bottom surface 144 of the pocket 136. In some embodiments, a single engaging arm can be used to connect to the shock absorber 132, in which case the first engaging arm 164 can engage with the upper surface 134, and the second arm can be omitted. In these embodiments, the coupling between the shock absorber 132 and the engaging arm 164 may be less rigid than in the double-arm embodiment, thus reducing vibrations transmitted between the two components. In some cases, one or more stops positioned on the engaging arm and / or shock absorber can be used to help fix these two components together. With the first separation mount 126a assembled, other separation mounts can be assembled in a similar manner, for example, by connecting the buffer 132 to various pairs of engaging arms 164, 166.

[0065] The separate mounts 126a, 126b, and 126c can be coupled to the mounting surface 122. For example, the shock absorber 132 can be coupled to the mounting surface 122 by positioning its tail 154 into the respective receiving openings 128a, 128b, and 128c on the mounting surface 122. Next, the tail 154 can be pulled to elongate the mounting head 148, which deforms so that it can be received through the receiving openings 128a, 128b, and 128c. Referring to Figure 5B, after the mounting head 148 has passed through the receiving openings 128a, 128b, and 128c, the force on the tail 154 can be removed, and the resilient mounting head 148 returns to its original shape. The original shape of the mounting head 148 has a diameter larger than the receiving openings 128a, 128b, and 128c, and secures the shock absorber 132 to the mounting surface 122. For example, the neck 138 can extend through the mounting surface 122, and the mounting head 148 can be positioned on the outside or bottom side of the mounting surface 122. The mounting head 148 can then prevent the shock absorber 132 from being accidentally removed from the mounting surface 122.

[0066] Referring to Figure 5C, in some embodiments, the tail 154 portion of the shock absorber 132 can be removed after installation. For example, the tail 154 can be clipped in or otherwise detached from the mounting head 148, which helps to position the isolator assembly 120 within the housing 110 and helps to prevent the mounting head 148 from coming loose after installation.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2A and 24, when connected to the mounting surface 122, the shock absorbers 132 of the isolation mounts 126a, 126b, and 126c can be positioned to abut against the brackets 130a, 130b, and 130c. In this way, the isolation assembly 120 is fixed in place relative to the mounting surface 122, and the shock absorbers 132 fix the isolation assembly 120 and limit the vertical movement of the chassis 124 relative to the mounting surface 122. Similarly, the brackets 130a, 130b, and 130c help reduce or prevent the lateral movement of the isolation assembly 120 relative to the mounting surface 122. In its assembled state or as part of the assembly process, the mounting surface 122 can be positioned within or fixed to the housing 110 of the oral irrigator 100, and drive or pump components positioned within or coupled to the chassis 124 can be coupled to other components. In one example, the mounting surface 122 can form a portion of the bottom surface of the housing 110 of the oral irrigator 100, so that other components can be bonded thereto. In another example, the mounting surface 122 may be another base or surface bonded within the housing.

[0068] Referring to Figure 4, during operation of the oral irrigator 100 (e.g., during operation of the pump assembly 112 and / or drive assembly 114), the isolator assembly 120 can reduce (e.g., attenuate energy) vibrations and / or noises that may occur during operation. For example, when the motor begins to drive the piston that forms part of the pump assembly 112, vibrations generated by the motion of the piston, drive shaft, and / or gears may be transmitted from the chassis 124 to the engaging arms 164, 166. Due to the engagement arms 164, 166 being coupled to the shock absorber 132, the engaging arms 164, 166 can transmit their force to the shock absorber 132. The first engaging arm 164 can engage with the upper surface 134 of the shock absorber 132. The second engaging arm 166 can engage with a surface in the pocket due to an upward force or other force acting in the opposite direction to the force transmitted from the first engaging arm 164. The shock absorber 132 can flex and deform in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and can absorb forces generated by the drive assembly 114 and / or the pump assembly 112. For example, changes in cross-sectional thickness (e.g., along the height or in the direction of the load) and / or gaps in the body of the shock absorber (e.g., the pocket or gap between the second engaging arm 166 and the bottom surface of the pocket 136) help reduce the rigidity of the joint and reduce the transmission of forces to the mounting surface.

[0069] In conventional damping configurations for oral irrigators, the sole damping function is often the connection of noise-generating components to a compressible material such as rubber, while the joints or connections between the pump or motor housing are rigid or substantially rigid. In this way, a large amount of vibration is transmitted from the drive assembly or pump assembly to the housing, which can result in noise and other undesirable user experiences. Therefore, a more flexible connection in the isolator assembly 120 improves energy damping, reduces vibration transmitted to the housing 110, provides a more comfortable user experience, and reduces component wear that may be caused by vibration.

[0070] As described above, the various components of the isolator assembly can be modified based on the configuration within the oral irrigator and the desired damping function. For example, Figures 6A to 611 illustrate various diagrams of different configurations of the isolator assembly 120. It should be noted that the various components shown in Figures 6A to 611 can be used together or individually. For example, certain features of the engaging arm, engaging feature, and / or damper can be combined with other examples described herein, and any description of any complete configuration is for illustrative purposes only. In this regard, unless any element in Figures 6A to 611 is explicitly described, it can be considered the same as or similar to the elements described above with respect to Figures 2 to 5.

[0071] Moving to Figures 6A-6C, an isolator assembly 200 is disclosed that is substantially similar to the isolator assembly 120 but can include various configurations of the engaging arm and / or mounting surface. More specifically, the mounting surface 222 may be configured to include a non-planar surface and may include a shelf 223 or raised feature that can be formed on or coupled to the mounting surface 222. For example, the shelf 223 may be formed as a raised element that can provide an additional gap in that area of ​​the mounting surface 222 with respect to the housing 110 or support surface of the oral irrigator 100. In this example, one of the isolator mounts 226a, 226b, and 226c can be coupled to a portion of the shelf 223 on the mounting surface 222 so that its shock absorber 132 can be raised relative to the other shock absorbers 132. The mounting surface 222 may include multiple surface areas that are raised, recessed, or otherwise configured, and it should be noted that any description of any particular surface configuration is for illustrative purposes only.

[0072] In some embodiments, the engaging arms can be varied and may include engaging features for different mounting locations on the chassis and / or for shock absorbers. For example, referring to Figures 6A and 67, the first isolator mount 226a may include engaging arms 264, 266 that can be coupled to the chassis 124 at the same location. For example, a mounting branch 265 may extend from the side wall of the chassis 124, and the first engaging arm 264 may include an extension coupled to the mounting branch 265 and extend upward from the mounting branch 265. The mounting branch 265 may then continue to extend to a second engaging arm 266, forming a second engaging arm 266. Thus, the two engaging arms 264, 266 may be arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other (e.g., upward or downward), but may include a single mounting location relative to the chassis 124. The configurations shown in Figures 6A and 7 include a fixed branch 265 formed on the second engaging arm 266, but in other configurations, the fixed branch 265 can be formed on the first engaging arm 264, and the second engaging arm 266 can extend downward from there.

[0073] Referring to Figures 6A, 6B, and 8, in some examples the engaging arm may include a fixed branch 261 that connects the engaging arm to the chassis 124, but the engaging arms 263, 267 may extend in directions different from the fixed branch 261, for example, at an angle. For example, the engaging arm 267 may extend perpendicular to the fixed branch 261, allowing the shock absorber 132 and chassis 124 to be more easily positioned or housed within the available space in the housing 110. In this example the second engaging arm 263 may also include a base portion 269 that can be configured to wrap around the shelf 223 of the mounting surface 222. However, in other configurations the base portion 269 may be omitted.

[0074] Referring to Figure 9, in the isolator mount 226b, the engaging arms 274, 276 and / or the shock absorber 132 may include one or more stops 273a, 273b, 273c that extend from their top or bottom surfaces and can be configured to restrict the movement of the engaging arms 274, 276 relative to the shock absorber 132 in at least one direction. For example, the stops 273a, 273b, 273c can restrict horizontal or lateral movement. In some embodiments, the stops 273a, 273b, 273c can be used to eliminate the need for two engaging arms while still maintaining sufficient coupling between the engaging arms and the shock absorber.

[0075] Referring to Figure 10, another example of the shock absorber 132 is disclosed. In this example, the shock absorber 132 may include a second pocket or gap 277, and the engagement surface 234 between the first engagement arm 274 and the shock absorber 132 may not be present on the upper surface 235 of the shock absorber 132. In this example, an upper flange 275 may be defined, and the shock absorber 132 may include two pockets 136, 277 which may take the form of slots. In some examples, the two pockets 136, 277 may have similar dimensions, or pocket 136 may be deeper or longer than the upper pocket 277, as shown in Figure 10. However, in various examples, the pockets 136, 277 act to reduce the thickness of the shock absorber 132 at different locations to reduce vibration transmission. In this example, the second engagement arm 276 may be omitted, and the upper pocket 277 may act to grip or clamp the first engagement arm 274 and hold it in place relative to the shock absorber 132.

[0076] For example, referring to Figure 11, the second engaging arm 276 is omitted, and the upper pocket 277 clamps around the first engaging arm 274 to fix it in place. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the contact points between the chassis 124 and the shock absorber 132 are reduced, and the stiffness of the shock absorber 132 can be reduced along its height by the changes (e.g., reduction in thickness) caused by the pockets 277, 136, so that the shock absorber 132 can be made more flexible. This helps to reduce the transmission of forces (e.g., vibrations) by the shock absorber 132.

[0077] To ensure understanding, any feature of the isolator assembly 200 can be incorporated into the features of the isolator assembly 120, and vice versa. For example, the engaging arms 164 and 166 of the isolator assembly 120 can be configured to have flat, planar bottom surfaces (e.g., omitting the engaging feature portion 168). Similarly, the engaging arms 164 and 166 can include branched portions or be angled to connect to the buffer 132 when necessary, based on the internal spatial configuration of the oral irrigator 100.

[0078] Figures 12–17 show embodiments of the oral irrigator 1000 including an isolator assembly. The oral irrigator 100 may include a reservoir 1102 that holds a fluid such as water or mouthwash and supplies it to a pump assembly 1123 (for example, shown in Figures 13, 14A, 14B and partially in Figure 15). In cases where the oral irrigator 1000 is a counter-type unit, the reservoir 1102 may be coupled to a housing or base 1104. If the oral irrigator 1000 is a handheld unit, the reservoir 1102 may be coupled to a handle or handpiece of the oral irrigator 1000. The irrigator 1000 may include a lower housing 1124 coupled to the base 1104, which supports the irrigator 1000 on a surface, for example, through one or more support feet 1130a, 1130b, 1130c, 1130d coupled thereto. The base 1104 may have compartments 1105 for receiving various components. In connection therewith, the size and volume capacity of the reservoir 1102 may depend on the type and configuration of the oral irrigator 100. The reservoir 102 may include a reservoir outlet such as a port or plug or valve that is in fluid communication with other components of the oral irrigator 100 (e.g., the pump assembly 1123).

[0079] The washer 1000 includes, for example, a lid assembly 1106 positioned on the reservoir 1102 and configured to cover the reservoir cavity to prevent debris from falling into the reservoir cavity. The lid assembly 1106 may be removable, or in some examples, partially movable to allow access to the reservoir cavity without removing the lid assembly 1106. In one example, the lid assembly 1006 may include a first or fixed portion 1120a and a second or hinged portion 1120b. The hinged portion 1120b may pivot relative to the fixed portion 1120a to define an access opening to the reservoir cavity 1172, allowing, for example, a user to replenish the reservoir 1102 without removing the entire lid assembly 1106.

[0080] The oral irrigator 1000 may include a control assembly 1180 which may include a display 1186 and one or more actuators configured to allow a user to control the irrigator 1000. The oral irrigator 1000 includes a handle assembly 1108 coupled to a tip 1110 and an actuator or pause button 1109. The handle 1108 is fluidly connected to a pump assembly via a hose 1112 which supplies fluid from a reservoir 1102 to the tip 1110. The oral irrigator 1000 includes a drive assembly 1122 which mechanically drives a pump 1123.

[0081] Referring to the exploded assembly diagram of the oral irrigator 1000 shown in Figure 13, the oral irrigator 1000 includes a hose connector 1118 that connects the hose 1112 to the pump assembly 1122. The oral irrigator 1000 may include a mandrel 1116 coupled to a base 1104 around which the hose 1112 can be housed. A magnet 1126 may be positioned or incorporated within a pocket defined on the inner surface of the mandrel 1116. The hose 1112 can be wrapped around the outer surface of the mandrel 1116, housed together with the handle 1108, and secured in place via the magnet 126.

[0082] The oral irrigator 1000 includes a valve assembly 1132 that fluidly connects a reservoir 1102, a pump assembly 1123, and a handle 1108. The valve assembly 1132 can be configured to allow a bypass flow that returns fluid to the reservoir 1102 when the flow through the outlet (e.g., the handle 1108) is obstructed, such as by the operation of a handle actuator or a pause button 1109. The oral irrigator 1000 may include a reservoir valve assembly 1290 connected to the upper end of the valve assembly 1132 and mounted on a valve housing.

[0083] Referring to Figure 14A, the motor wall 1204 can extend downward from the bottom surface 1212 of the housing 1124. The motor wall 1204 can be substantially closed or completely closed in shape, for example, as a cylindrical extension with an opening, such as a discontinuous curved wall, as shown in Figure 14A. In this way, the motor wall 1204 can more easily receive and fix in place certain components, such as a motor. However, in other embodiments, the motor wall 1204 would be completely continuous and configured to enclose each drive assembly component, such as a motor 1228. The motor wall 1204 can be particularly useful when the motor 1228 is not rigidly mounted in the housing, as the motor 1228 moves more flexibly within the base 1104, and the motor wall 1204 helps ensure that the motor 1228 does not move much and remains aligned even after being subjected to a large force (e.g., a fall force if a user drops the unit).

[0084] Referring to Figure 14B, one or more shock absorbers 1428 can be used to couple the pump housings 1244a, 1244b to the base 1104. The shock absorbers 1428 can be configured to absorb vibrations and reduce the forces transmitted to the base 1104. In one example, the shock absorber 1428 may be configured to couple to the mount support 1280 and may include a main body in which slots 1430 are formed in its side wall to define the engaging arm 1432 and the bottom arm 1434. The two arms 1432, 1434 extend parallel to each other and can be separated by the thickness of the slots 1430. Projections 1436a, 1436b can be formed on the inner surfaces of one or both of the engaging arm 1432 and the bottom arm 1434. In the example shown in Figures 14A and 14B, each of the inner surfaces of the engaging arm 1432 and the bottom arm 1434 may include adjacently positioned projections 1436a, 1436b.

[0085] The mounting head 1438 may extend from the bottom arm 1434 and may include a neck and flange portion, and may be configured to deform to fit through an opening in the base 1104, extend back to its original configuration, and secure the shock absorber 1428 to the base 1104. As can be understood, the shock absorber 1428 may generally be formed from a flexible material such as rubber.

[0086] In one example, the oral irrigator 1000 may include buffers 1428 that can be coupled to different distribution areas of the pump housings 1244a and 1244b, but in other configurations, different numbers of buffers 1428 can be used. In the example with three buffers 1428, the assembly is not only supported within the base 1104 but is also configured to allow slight movement of the pump housings 1244a and 1244b due to having three fixing points (not four or more), which can result in some degree of instability, which may further help prevent vibration transmission to the base 1104, because movement requires energy, and the overall energy that can be used to transmit to the base 1104 is reduced.

[0087] Referring to Figures 14B and 15A-B, the buffer 1428 can be coupled to the pump housing 1244, for example, the lower pump housing 1244b. In one embodiment, the buffer 1428 can be connected to a mount support 1280, for example, to receive an engaging arm 1432 between the first arm 1282 and the second arm 1284 of the mount support 1280. In one embodiment, a projection 1436a can be positioned in a recess 1286 defined on the upper surface of the second arm 1284. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second arm 1284 of the pump mount 1280 can be configured so as not to engage with the bottom arm 1434 of the buffer 1428. In other words, a space can exist between the bottom surface of the second arm 1284 of the pump mount 1280 and the top surface of the bottom arm 1434 of the buffer 1428. This gap can help absorb energy in the buffer 1428 and reduce its transmission to the base 1104. In some examples, the coupling between the pump housing 1244, the motor 1228, and the shock absorber 1428 can act to substantially cantilever support the motor 1228 and many components of the drive assembly and pump assemblies 1122 and 1123, which can help reduce vibration transmission during use as these assemblies allow for some degree of motion.

[0088] Referring to Figures 14A, 14B, and 16, the pump assembly and drive assemblies 1123 and 1122 can be fixed in place relative to the lower housing 1124 of the base 1104. For example, the mounting head 1438 of the shock absorber 1428 can be inserted into the isolator openings 1386a, 1386b, and 1386c of the lower housing 1124. The mounting head 1438 can be deformed and pushed through the openings 1386a, 1386b, and 1386c, and then extend outwards again as it comes out of the lower housing 1124, thereby fixing the shock absorber 1428 in place. The bumpers 1374a, 1374b, and 1374c are positioned around the outer side walls of the shock absorber 1428 and can help provide lateral support to the shock absorber 1428 within the lower housing 1124. In some embodiments, the shock absorbers 1374a, 1374b, and 1374c extend around the shock absorber 1428 and conform to its shape, having a slight bend to change direction together with the outer side walls of the shock absorber 1428, and having a height configured to be less than half the height of the main body of the shock absorber 1428 (for example, the portion of the shock absorber 1428 that extends inward into the lower housing 1124 and does not include the height of the mounting head 1438). Furthermore, due to the angled slopes on the sides of the bumpers 1374a, 1374b, and 1374c facing the shock absorber, the side walls of the bumpers 1374a, 1374b, and 1374c and the side walls of the shock absorber 1428 can be spaced apart from each other, rather than being parallel. This provides a travel space that includes additional room for the shock absorber 1428 to deform before it contacts the walls of the bumpers 1374a, 1374b, and 1374c (see Figures 14B and 16), for example increasing or maximizing the deflection relative to the shock absorber so that it can absorb more vibration than other configurations. Furthermore, the angled surface on the side of the bumper facing the shock absorber can help re-seat the shock absorber 1428 when it deflects or moves during use or transport of the unit. For example, the angled surface tilts downward to encourage the shock absorber 1428 to slide back into place.

[0089] Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, the pump housing 1244 is integrally formed to define a gear housing that supports one or more drive elements of the drive assembly 1122, such as gears, motors, linkages, and / or gear shafts. More specifically, the second pump housing 1244b may include an outer wall 1258 that extends around the perimeter to define both the drive element or gear element compartment 1260 and the pump chamber 1246, defined as a continuous wall. The gear compartment 1260 may be shaped and sized to accommodate various elements of the drive assembly and / or pump assembly 1123. The gear compartment 1260 may be connected to the pump chamber 1246 so that fluid can flow between the gear compartment 1260 and the pump chamber 1246 without sealing elements such as components of the pump assembly 1122.

[0090] The outer wall 1258 transitions to define the outer periphery of the second gear housing 1244b, and the outer wall 1258 can form a pump extension 1262 that can extend from a portion of the outer wall 1258. The pump extension 1262 includes the outer wall and defines the pump chamber 1246 therein. The pump chamber 1246 can open at either end, one end opening into the gear compartment 1260, and the other end, i.e., the piston end 1268, can form the end of the pump chamber 1246 that extends away from the outer wall 1258.

[0091] Optionally, the pump housing 1244b may include one or more coupling features such as a pump plate 1264 and / or one or more fastening brackets. The pump plate 1264 may be formed at the piston end 1268 of the pump chamber 1246, or it may be set back slightly from the piston end 1268, as shown in Figure 12B, with such a portion of the pump extension 1262 extending beyond the pump plate 1264. However, in different embodiments, the configuration and orientation of the pump plate 1264 may differ.

[0092] The fastening sleeves 1266a and 1266b can be configured to extend parallel to the pump chamber 1246 and the pump extension 1262, so that fasteners used to secure the connector to the pump extension 1262 can be configured to extend in the same direction as the force generated from the pump assembly 1123 during operation. In one embodiment, the fastening sleeves 1266a and 1266b can define a cavity or recess configured to receive the fastener, but other configurations may be configured differently.

[0093] Continuing to refer to Figures 15A and 15B, the pump housing 1244 may include one or more fastening supports 1256, such as projections or brackets, that can receive one or more fasteners to fasten the pump housings 1244 together, for example, to fasten the first pump housing 1244a to the second pump housing 1244b. The pump housing 1244b may also include one or more mounting supports 1280 for connecting the components of the pump housing 1244b and / or the drive assembly 1122 and the pump assembly 1123 to the base 1104. In one example, the mounting support 1280 may include a first arm 1282 and a second arm 1284, the two arms 1282, 1284 may be configured to be received around a mount, for example, a rubber mount. In one example, the second arm 1284 may include a recess 1286 defined on its upper surface facing the first arm 1282. The recess 1286 can be configured to receive a portion of the mount, as will be discussed in more detail herein. The two arms 1282, 1284 can extend parallel to each other and can extend from the outer wall 1258 of the pump housing 1244b, for example, they can extend perpendicularly from the side wall of the pump housing 1244b. In one example, the first arm 1282 may have a smaller width than the second arm 1284, but in other configurations, the arms 1282, 1284 can be configured differently. The pump housing 1244b can include three sets of mount supports 1280, each containing two arms, two sets extending from the outer wall 1258, and one set extending from a formed bracket 1288 and extending downward from the upper edge of the pump housing 1244b. The number and configuration of the pump mounts 1280 can vary based on the desired configuration of the pump assembly 1123, the drive assembly 1122, and the housing supports.

[0094] Referring to Figure 16, one or more bumpers 1374a, 1374b, 1374c may extend upward from the inner surface 1376. The bumpers 1374a, 1374b, 1374c may be molded as slightly angled or curved walls, such as U-shaped walls, and may have a height lower than the isolators for the pump assembly 1123, for example, a short height, as will be discussed in more detail below. The bumpers 1374a, 1374b, 1374c may be positioned around the isolator openings 1386a, 1386b, 1386c, and may be curved around them, for example, and in some cases there may be three isolator openings 1386a, 1386b, 1386c. Similarly, one or more foot openings 1380a, 1380b, 1380c, 1380d may be present, configured to receive a portion of a foot, for example, a rubber foot. The foot openings 1380a, 1380b, 1380c, and 1380d can define a passage through the lower base 1124.

[0095] Referring to Figure 16, one or more discharge openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, 1382d can be defined through the lower housing 1124. The discharge openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, 1382d are configured to allow fluid to exit the base compartment 1105 through the lower housing 1124. In one embodiment, each of the drainage openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, 1382d can be positioned adjacent to the foot mounts 1380a, 1380b, 1380c, 1380d or other internal features formed on the lower housing 1124, and preferably, the drainage openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, 1382d can be positioned to strike the periphery of the inner surface 1376 and optionally be partially concealed by the foot mounts. The positioning of the drainage openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, and 1382d in this system allows the fastener bosses 1384a, 1384b, 1384c, and 1384d to act as barriers, preventing sound waves from reaching and exiting the drainage openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, and 1382d, or absorbing them, thus helping to reduce noise leaking through the lower housing 1124. It should be noted that the number and positioning of the discharge openings 1382a, 1382b, 1382c, and 1382d can be changed as desired, and in some examples, the irrigator 1000 may include a single discharge opening or more than those shown. However, many conventional irrigator units may use a single centrally positioned discharge hole, in which case the hole may leak noise from the housing, which is thought to increase the overall noise experienced by the user.

[0096] Figure 17 shows a partial view of an embodiment of the isolator assembly. The arm 1282 is shown in a position where it is received by the bumper 1428. The isolator can reduce vibrations or noise generated by the pump 1232 and / or the drive assembly 1233, thereby making the operation of the oral irrigator 100 quieter than without the isolator assembly. Also shown in Figure 17 is that the electrical cord 1414 can be coupled to the strain relief section 1133 and wrapped around the boss 1384a, so that it extends around the face of the boss 1384a and beneath itself, and then extends to power the circuit board and / or motor, for example. In another example, the electrical cord 1414 can also be fixed to the boss 1384a, which can function as a cord fastener, for example by wrapping around the face of the boss 1384a and then wrapping its ends around each other to fasten them together.

[0097] conclusion Any description that a particular component is part of a particular embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as requiring other elements, such as those shown in the embodiment being used in conjunction with the particular embodiment.

[0098] All relative and directional references (including top, bottom, side, front, and rear, etc.) are provided as examples to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments described herein. They should not be read as requirements or limitations, particularly with respect to position, orientation, or use, unless specifically stated in the claims. References to connections (e.g., mounted, joined, connected, and bonded) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements and the relative movement between elements. Thus, references to connections do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other, unless specifically stated in the claims.

[0099] The disclosure of this invention is provided as an example, not as a limitation. Accordingly, matters included in this description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative, not as limiting. The following claims are intended to encompass all general and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the methods and systems of the invention that may fall between these in linguistic terms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100 Oral Irrigators 106 Tip 110 Housing 112 Pump Assembly 114 Drive Assembly

Claims

1. It is an oral irrigator, Housing and A drive assembly positioned within the housing, The pump assembly coupled to the drive assembly, An isolator assembly coupled to at least one of the drive assembly or the pump assembly, and configured to reduce vibrations generated by either or both of the drive assembly or the pump assembly, Includes, The isolator assembly is A chassis operably coupled to at least one of the drive assembly or the pump assembly, An engaging arm is coupled to the chassis and extends outward from there, A shock absorber positioned between the chassis and a portion of the housing, wherein the shock absorber includes a pocket defined therein and configured to support the isolator assembly within the housing, and the engaging arm engages with an engaging surface of the shock absorber, which is separate from the pocket surface defining the pocket. Includes, The engagement arm includes a first engagement arm and a second engagement arm. The first engaging arm contacts the engaging surface of the shock absorber, and the second engaging arm is positioned adjacent to the pocket surface of the shock absorber. Oral irrigator.

2. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the engaging surface forms the outer surface of the buffer.

3. The oral irrigator according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface is the upper surface of the buffer and is positioned above the pocket surface.

4. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the engaging arm is coupled to the buffer at a location other than the pocket.

5. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging arm is positioned within the pocket, and the engaging surface is positioned above the pocket such that the first engaging arm is positioned above the pocket.

6. The aforementioned pocket surface includes a first pocket surface, a second pocket surface, and a third pocket surface. The second engaging arm contacts the first pocket surface and the third pocket surface, but does not contact the second pocket surface. The oral irrigator according to claim 1.

7. The engagement surface is positioned above the pocket, the first pocket surface forms the inner surface of the pocket, and the third pocket surface forms the bottom inner surface of the pocket. The second engaging arm described above is at least partially received within the pocket. The oral irrigator according to claim 6.

8. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a mounting surface, the shock absorber includes a mounting head received through an opening in the mounting surface, and the shock absorber supports the chassis above the mounting surface.

9. The oral irrigator according to claim 8, wherein the chassis does not come into contact with the mounting surface.

10. The mounting surface is defined as the bottom surface of the housing, as described in claim 8 of the oral irrigator.

11. The chassis described above is The drive shaft of the aforementioned drive assembly, One or more gears of the drive assembly, The connecting arm of the pump assembly, or Piston of pump assembly, Operablely coupled to at least one of the following: The oral irrigator according to claim 1.

12. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, wherein the chassis further comprises a gearbox for receiving gearing for the drive assembly.

13. The oral irrigator according to claim 1, further comprising a stop coupled to at least one of the buffer or the engaging arm, and configured to restrict the movement of the engaging arm relative to the buffer in at least one direction.

14. The aforementioned pocket is a first pocket, and the buffer includes a second pocket. The engaging surface is formed in the second pocket, and the engaging arm is at least partially received within the second pocket. The oral irrigator according to claim 1.

15. Housing and A vibration generating component positioned within the housing, The chassis to which the vibration generating component is coupled, An engaging arm connected to the chassis, and A shock absorber positioned between the chassis and the housing, wherein the engaging arm engages with the upper surface of the shock absorber, the bottom surface of the shock absorber engages with the housing, and the engaging arm includes a first engaging arm and a second engaging arm, the first engaging arm engaging with the upper surface of the shock absorber, and the second engaging arm engaging with another surface of the shock absorber other than the upper surface, An isolator assembly coupled to the vibration generating component, including the above, Oral irrigators that include [this item].

16. The oral irrigator according to claim 15, wherein the vibration generating component comprises a part of a drive assembly or pump assembly for an oral irrigator.

17. The oral irrigator according to claim 15, wherein the buffer further comprises a pocket defined through the side wall of the buffer.

18. The oral irrigator according to claim 17, wherein the second engaging arm is at least partially received within the pocket.

19. The oral irrigator according to claim 17, wherein the thickness of the second engaging arm is smaller than the height of the pocket.

20. The oral irrigator according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the buffer or the engaging arm includes a stop that restricts the movement of the engaging arm relative to the buffer in at least one direction.

21. It is an oral irrigator, circuit board and A chassis comprising an engagement arm, wherein a part of the chassis comprises a part of the engagement arm and the chassis, A vibration generating component supported by the chassis, A shock absorber that separates the chassis from the substrate and reduces the transmission of vibration from the vibration generating component to the substrate, the shock absorber comprising a main body and first and second slots defined on the side of the main body, Includes, A portion of the chassis is received in the first slot. The second slot is positioned between the first slot and the substrate to reduce the transmission of vibrations to the substrate. The engagement arm includes a first engagement arm, the chassis further includes a second engagement arm, and a portion of the body of the shock absorber is positioned between the first engagement arm and the second engagement arm. Oral irrigator.

22. The oral irrigator according to claim 21, wherein the first slot and the second slot form a continuous space on the side of the main body of the buffer such that a part of the chassis occupies the first slot and the second slot is positioned immediately below the part of the chassis.

23. The oral irrigator according to claim 21, wherein the second slot is separated from the first slot by a part of the main body of the buffer.

24. The oral irrigator according to claim 21, wherein the second slot is separated from the engaging arm by a part of the main body of the buffer.

25. The first engaging arm is positioned above a portion of the main body of the shock absorber, The second engaging arm is positioned in the first slot below the portion of the main body of the shock absorber. The oral irrigator according to claim 21.

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