Bi-directional pulling mechanism for a mouthpiece

Abstract

An oral care device (10), comprising: a curved cleaning structure (40, 42) having an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (52) connected to a base (54), wherein the base comprises a plurality of segments (54a, 54b, 54c) configured to move relative to one another; a paddle (44); a first pole (70) positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure and movably connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle to allow both (i) a sliding movement of the front region of the cleaning structure and (ii) rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure around the pole; and a second pole (74) positioned at the rear region of the cleaning structure and movably connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle to allow both (i) a sliding movement of the rear region of the cleaning structure and (ii) rotation of the rear region of the cleaning structure.

Description

BI-DIRECTIONAL PULLING MECHANISM FOR A MOUTHPIECEField of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure is directed generally to a care device configured to transfer user motion of the device to a pulling action, regardless of the direction of the user motion.Background

[0002] Proper tooth brushing technique, including length and coverage of brushing, helps ensure long-term dental health. Many dental problems are experienced by individuals who either do not regularly brush their teeth or who do so inadequately. Among individuals who do regularly brush, improper brushing habits can result in poor coverage of brushing and thus surfaces that are not adequately cleaned.

[0003] To facilitate proper brushing or oral care technique, some care devices are designed to be one-size-fits-all oral care devices or systems. There are many reasons to offer one-size-fits-all oral care devices or systems such as toothbrushes, teeth whitening devices, and mouthguards, among other such devices. For example, this simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs. Additionally, one-size-fits-all oral care devices or systems prevent customers from purchasing a device that may not properly fit their mouth.

[0004] However, one of the difficulties in creating a one-size-fits-all solution is the fact that there is a very large variability in jaw lengths and teeth sizes within the intended user population. To accommodate this large variability, the mouthpiece of the care device may be segmented or may comprise a flexible design configured to fit the intended user population. However, user force acting on a segmented mouthpiece can cause unwanted motion of the segments. This results in the device not properly following the user’s jaw shape, and can cause cleaning elements to become trapped on or in locations where they cannot move, and / or not add to cleaning efficacy. These unwanted effects significantly reduce cleaning performance.Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, there is a continued need in the art for care devices with a segmented mouthpiece configured to transfer user motion of the device to a pulling action, regardless of the direction of the user motion, thereby preventing unwanted rotation of the segments and improving cleaning performance.

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and systems for a care device comprising a mouthpiece with a segmented brush structure. Applied to an oral care device, for example, the methods and systems enable a one-size-fits-all system for high performance oral cleaning. The device includes a curved cleaning structure having an inner wall and an outer wall connected to a base, and defining a cavity configured to receive the user’s teeth. The cleaning structure comprises one or more segments. The device also includes a paddle connecting the cleaning structure to a handle of the care device. A first pole connects the cleaning structure and the paddle at a front region of the cleaning structure, to allow sliding and rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle. A second pole connects the cleaning structure and the paddle at a back region of the cleaning structure, to allow sliding and rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle.

[0007] Generally in one aspect, an oral care device is provided. The device includes: (i) a curved cleaning structure having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and outer wall connected to a base, wherein the base, inner wall, and outer wall define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a user, and wherein the base comprises one or more segments, wherein the cleaning structure comprises a front region configured to be positioned along the teeth at the front of the user’s mouth, and a back region configured to be positioned along the teeth at the back of the user’s mouth; (ii) a paddle connecting the cleaning structure to a remainder of the care device; (iii) a first pole positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure and movably connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the first pole is configured to allow both (1) a sliding movement of the front region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle and (2) rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure around the pole and relative to the paddle; and (iv) a second pole positioned at the rear region of the cleaning structure and movably connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the second pole is configured to allow both (1) asliding movement of the rear region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle and (2) rotation of the rear region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of segments configured to move relative to one another.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the first pole extends from the base of the cleaning structure and is received in a first slot defined in the paddle.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the second pole extends from the base of the cleaning structure and is received in a second slot defined in the paddle.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the first pole extends from the paddle and is received in a first slot defined in the base of the cleaning structure.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the second pole extends from the paddle and is received in a second slot defined in the base of the cleaning structure.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the inner wall and the outer wall comprise a plurality of cleaning elements extending into the cavity, the plurality of cleaning elements configured to interact with the plurality of teeth of the user and / or gums of the user.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the cleaning structure is U-shaped.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a distance between the first pole and the second pole is larger than a distance between a first slot receiving the first pole and a second slot receiving the second pole.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a first slot receiving the first pole and / or a second slot receiving the second pole are keyhole shaped to reversibly receive and lock in the first pole and the second pole, respectively.

[0017] According to an embodiment, a keyhole shaped slot comprises a pole receiving portion and a pole locking portion, the pole receiving portion oriented toward a central portion of the cleaning structure.

[0018] According to an embodiment, a keyhole shaped slot comprises a pole receiving portion and a pole locking portion, the pole receiving portion oriented toward either the front region of the cleaning structure or the rear region of the cleaning structure.

[0019] According to another aspect is an oral care device comprising: a curved cleaning structure having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall and outer wall connected to a base, wherein the base, inner wall, and outer wall define a cavity configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a user, and wherein the base comprises one or more segments, wherein the cleaning structure comprises a front region configured to be positioned along the teeth at the front of the user’s mouth, and a back region configured to be positioned along the teeth at the back of the user’s mouth; a paddle connecting the cleaning structure to a remainder of the care device; a first connection mechanism positioned at the back region of the cleaning structure and connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to transfer forward motion of the paddle to the cleaning structure via the first connection mechanism such that the cleaning structure is pulled forward; and a second connection mechanism positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure and connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the second connection mechanism is configured to transfer reverse motion of the paddle, opposite the forward motion of the paddle, to the cleaning structure via the second connection mechanism such that the cleaning structure is pulled forward in the direction of the reverse motion.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism each comprise a cleaning connection point and a paddle connection point.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism each comprise a force transfer mechanism positioned between the respective cleaning connection point and paddle connection point.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a single force transfer mechanism positioned between the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism.

[0023] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. 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.

[0024] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] In the drawings, like reference characters 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.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a paddle of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 4A is a schematic representation of a cleaning structure of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a segmented chain to which force can be applied.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a segmented cleaning structure of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 8B is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a two connection mechanism for a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a two connection mechanism for a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a graph of force required to move a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a two connection mechanism for a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 13A is a schematic representation of a two connection mechanism for a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 13B is a schematic representation of a two connection mechanism for a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a cleaning component of a care device, in accordance with an embodiment.Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0050] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a care device comprising a mouthpiece with a segmented cleaning structure. More generally, Applicant has recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a one-size-fits-all system for high performance cleaning of the teeth. Accordingly, the devices and systems described or otherwise envisioned herein provide a one-size-fits-all care device. The device includes a curved cleaning structure having an inner wall and an outer wall connected to a base, and defining a cavity configured to receive the user’s teeth. The cleaning structure comprises a plurality of segments that can move relative to one another. The device also includes a paddle connecting the cleaning structure to a handle of the care device. A first pole connects the cleaning structure and the paddle at a front region of the cleaning structure, to allow sliding and rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle. A second pole connects the cleaning structure and the paddle at a back region of the cleaning structure, to allow sliding and rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle.

[0051] The embodiments and implementations disclosed or otherwise envisioned herein can be utilized with any care device for the mouth. Examples of suitable care devices include a toothbrush such as a Philips Sonicare® toothbrush or other toothbrush device or system (manufactured by Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.). However, the disclosure is not limited to these enumerated devices, and thus the disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein can encompass any care device for the mouth. The device may be a personal care device, or it may be a professional care device. Many other devices are possible.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a care device 10 is provided that includes a handle or body portion 12 and a brush head member 14. Head member 14 includes at its end remote from the body portion a cleaning component 16. In this embodiment, cleaning component 16 is a curved or U-shaped device configured to fit around the top and / or bottom portion of the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums, or one side of the top and / or bottom portion of the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums. The body portion 12 typically comprises a housing, at least a portion of which is hollow, to contain components of the care device. The care device 10 can be a manual or powered toothbrush or other care device such as a tooth whitening device.

[0053] According to another embodiment, head member 14 is mounted so as to be able to move relative to the body portion 12. The movement can be any of a variety of different movements, including vibrations or rotation, among others. Alternatively, the care device 10 is a manual device with electrical components, but the brush head is not mechanically actuated by an electrical component.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the body portion 12 can comprise a drivetrain assembly with a motor 22 for generating movement, and a transmission component or drivetrain shaft 24, for transmitting the generated movements to brush head member 14. For example, the drivetrain comprises a motor or electromagnet(s) 22 that generates movement of a drivetrain shaft 24, which is subsequently transmitted to the brush head member 14. The drivetrain can include components such as a power supply, an oscillator, and one or more electromagnets, among other components. In this embodiment the power supply comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, not shown, which can, for example, be electrically charged in a charging holder in which care device 10 is placed when not in use. According to one embodiment, brush head member 14 is mounted to the drivetrain shaft 24 so as to be able to vibrate relative to body portion 12. The brush head member 14 can be fixedly mounted onto drivetrain shaft 24, or it may alternatively be detachably mounted so that brush head member 14 can be replaced with a different brush head member for different operating features, or when the cleaning elements or another component of the brush head are worn out and require replacement. Body portion 12 is further provided with a user input 26 to activate and de-activate the drivetrain. The user input 26 allows a user to operate the care device 10, for example to turn the device on and off. The user input 26 may, for example, be a button, touch screen, or switch. Alternatively, the drivetrain can be a pneumatic drivetrain. Many other powered systems are possible.

[0055] Cleaning component 16 can be a variety of different care components, such as a teeth cleaning or tooth whitening component. For example, cleaning component 16 may be a brush head (as shown in FIG. 1), or it may be a tooth whitening component, or it may be a flossing extension, or it may be another extension for a care device. The cleaning component may be a removable or interchangeable member utilized with a care device. Although described herein in conjunction with a brush head member, the disclosure and embodiments disclosed herein can encompass any care device. The head member can also be associated with a specific user. For example, a household comprising multiple people may comprise a different head member for each person.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, is a three-dimensional representation of the boxed region from FIG. 1, showing cleaning component 16 of the care device. The cleaning component may be U-shaped as shown in FIG. 1. However, the component may be less than an entire U, and thus may be only half of a U, less than half (i.e., curved), or more than half.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the cleaning component 16 comprises an upper cleaning structure 40 and a lower cleaning structure 42, which are each connected to a paddle 44 (although the connection between the cleaning structures and the paddle is not shown in FIG. 2). Although shown with both an upper cleaning structure 40 and a lower cleaning structure 42, according to other embodiments, the cleaning component may comprise only an upper cleaning structure 40 or only a lower cleaning structure 42.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, is the paddle 44 of the cleaning component 16. The paddle comprises a connection portion 48 that connects the paddle (and thus the cleaning component 16) to the rest of the care device. The paddle also comprises a front region 47 which is positioned near the front of the user’s mouth when the cleaning component is inserted into the user’s mouth. The paddle also comprises a back region 45 which is positioned near the back of the user’s mouth, and a central region 46 located between the front region and the back region. For clarity, the components connecting the paddle to the upper cleaning structure 40 and / or the lower cleaning structure 42 are not shown in FIG. 3 but are shown elsewhere herein. Although referred to as a “paddle” throughout this disclosure, it is understood that the term paddle does not refer to a specific shape of component 44. Rather, component 44 can be any structure that can transfer force from the remainder of the device to the cleaning component 16.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, is a side view of the cleaning structure 40 or 42, without the paddle 44. According to an embodiment, the cleaning structure comprises a front region 47 which is positioned near the front of the user’s mouth when the cleaning component is inserted into the user’s mouth, a back region 45 which is positioned near the back of the user’s mouth, and a central region 46 located between the front region and the back region.

[0060] Rotating the view in FIG. 4A from a side view to a top view results in the view shown in FIG. 4B. Accordingly, referring to FIG. 4B, in one embodiment, is the top view of the cleaning structure 40 / 42. According to an embodiment, the cleaning structure 40 / 42 comprises a segmented outer wall 50 which is positioned between (i) the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums and (ii)the user’s cheek. The cleaning structure 40 / 42 also comprises a segmented inner wall 52 which is positioned between (i) the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums and (ii) the inner portion of the user’s mouth, including but not limited to the tongue.

[0061] The cleaning structure 40 / 42 also comprises a base 54 which is positioned between the user’s upper and lower teeth. The base 54 comprises two or more segmented portions 54a, 54b, 54c, etc. The two or more segmented portions are connected to each other to allow movement of each segment relative to its neighboring segment(s). The two or more segmented portions may comprise the flexible connections shown in FIG. 4B, or any other flexible connection that enables or allows movement of each segment relative to its neighboring segment(s). According to another embodiment, the base 54 can be made in one piece from a flexible material, such as silicone. Due to the high flexibility of the material, uncontrolled motion can also occur when pushing the device, and thus the methods and systems described or otherwise envisioned herein can be utilized to prevent that uncontrolled motion.

[0062] Each segment of base 54 is connected on one side to one or more of the segments of the segmented outer wall 50, and on another side to one or more of the segments of the segmented inner wall 52. According to an embodiment, the outer wall 50 and / or the inner wall 52 is connected to the base 54 with a right angle such that the walls are perpendicular to the flat plane of the base. Alternatively, one or more of the outer wall 50 and the inner wall 52 may be connected to the base at an angle, either greater than or less than 90 degrees.

[0063] The outer wall 50, inner wall 52, and base 54 define a cavity which is configured to receive at least a portion of the user’s teeth. The portion may be a portion of the user’s upper teeth, a portion of the user’s lower teeth, a portion of both the user’s upper teeth and lower teeth, or all of the user’s teeth.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the cleaning component 16 can be moved by the user exerting force on the device, and / or by an automated mechanism of the device exerting this force. For example, the cleaning component can be moved forward and backward, toward the back or front of the user’s mouth, such as along axis X-X shown in FIG. 4A. This can facilitate cleaning of the user’s teeth and gums.

[0065] However, one challenge resulting from exerting force on the device, especially with a segmented cleaning component, is that pushing the brush backwards becomes difficult and resultsin unwanted rotation of the different segments. Indeed, a segmented chain behaves differently when it is being pushed compared to being pulled.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, is a simplified representation of a series of segments (which can be analogized to the base 54 comprising a plurality of segmented portions 54a, 54b, 54c, etc.) that can rotate relative to one another due to the segmentation. When a chain of segments is pulled, such as in the bottom panel of FIG. 5, each segment pulls the other and the chain of segments moves along the axis of the chain. However, when a chain of segments is pushed, such as in the middle panel of FIG. 5, the segments can rotate and / or run into one another (depending on the spacing mechanism). This results in unwanted rotation and deformation of the chain of segments. In the context of the cleaning component 16, this unwanted rotation resulting from pushing the cleaning structure 40 results in the device not properly following the user’s jaw shape, and can cause cleaning elements to become trapped on or in locations where they cannot move. These unwanted effects significantly reduce cleaning performance.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, is a top view of the cleaning structure 40 / 42. According to an embodiment, the cleaning structure 40 / 42 comprises a base 54 with a plurality of segmented portions 54a, 54b, 54c, etc. In this embodiment, pushing the base 54 results in the unwanted rotation of the segmented portions as described above.

[0068] To prevent this unwanted rotation of the segmented portions of the cleaning component 16, the cleaning structure 40 / 42 can be connected to the paddle 44 such that the user or automated motion results in a pulling mechanism regardless of the direction of that motion (i.e., whether the motion is pushing or pulling). Thus, the unwanted rotation of the segments is limited or prevented because there is no pushing action on the device.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, is a portion of the cleaning structure 40 / 42 and the paddle 44 depicting a connection mechanism between the cleaning structure and the paddle. The connection mechanism comprises a first pin or pole 70 which permanently or reversibly connects to a first slot 72. This connection mechanism allows the cleaning structure and the paddle to slide relative to each other within the axis of the slot, and to rotate relative to each other. Thus, for example, the cleaning structure can slide (with the first pole sliding within the defined first slot) relative to the paddle, and can rotate (with the first pole rotating within the defined first slot) relative to the paddle.

[0070] Although shown in FIG. 7 with the first pole 70 being a component of the cleaning structure and the first slot 72 being defined by the paddle, these two components can be reversed such that the first pole 70 is a component of the paddle and the first slot 72 is defined by the cleaning structure.

[0071] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the cavity 60 formed by the segmented outer wall 50, the segmented inner wall 52, and the base 54 comprises a plurality of cleaning elements 62 which are arranged to interact with the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums. The cleaning elements can be bristles or any other cleaning structure or device. The cleaning elements can extend into the cavity from the inner face of the inner wall 52, the inner face of the outer wall 50, and / or the inner face of the base 54. The cleaning elements may be composed of any material suitable to clean or otherwise interact with the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums. For example, the cleaning elements may be sponges or other rubbery or similar structures. Alternatively, instead of cleaning elements 62 the elements extending from the inner face of the inner wall, the inner face of the outer wall, and / or the inner face of the base into the cavity may be any other shape, cleaning element, or other element configured to clean, whiten, or otherwise interact with the user’s teeth or the user’s teeth and gums. For example, the cavity 60 may comprise other cleaning / treatment options such as fluidic, whitening (e.g., LEDs), and other options or elements.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the cleaning component 16 comprises two connection mechanisms connecting the cleaning structure 40 / 42 and the paddle 44. Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in one embodiment, is a schematic representation of the cleaning structure 40 / 42 and the paddle 44 with two connection mechanisms. The first connection mechanism is positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure, near the front of the user’s mouth, and comprises a first pin or pole 70 which permanently or reversibly connects to a first slot 72. This connection mechanism allows the cleaning structure and the paddle to slide relative to each other within the axis of the slot, and to rotate relative to each other. Thus, for example, the cleaning structure can slide (with the first pole sliding within the defined first slot) relative to the paddle, and can rotate (with the first pole rotating within the defined first slot) relative to the paddle. The second connection mechanism is positioned at the back region of the cleaning structure, near the back of the user’s mouth, and comprises a second pin or pole 74 which permanently or reversibly connects to asecond slot 76. This connection mechanism allows the cleaning structure and the paddle to slide relative to each other within the axis of the slot, and to rotate relative to each other.

[0073] In FIG. 8A, a user or the device exerts a force that pushes the cleaning component 16 back toward the back of the user’s mouth, as shown by the arrow. This activates the rear or second connection mechanism, which PULLS the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 toward the back of the user’s mouth, rather than allow the force to push the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 toward the back of the user’s mouth. In FIG. 8B, a user or the device exerts a force that pulls the cleaning component 16 toward the front of the user’s mouth, as shown by the arrow. This activates the front or first connection mechanism, which PULLS the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 toward the front of the user’s mouth. Thus, regardless of whether the user or system is pushing or pulling on the cleaning component 16 (which pushes or pulls the paddle 44), the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 is always being PULLED in the direction of the force.

[0074] Although shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B with the first pole 70 being a component of the cleaning structure and the first slot 72 being defined by the paddle, and the second pole 74 being a component of the cleaning structure and the second slot 76 being defined by the paddle, one or both of these components can be reversed. For example, the first pole 70 can be a component of the paddle and the first slot 72 can be defined by the cleaning structure. Additionally or alternatively, the second pole 74 can be a component of the paddle and the second slot 76 can be defined by the cleaning structure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, is a simplified schematic representation of the paddle 44 with the two connection mechanisms. The first connection mechanism is positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure, near the front of the user’s mouth, and comprises a first pin or pole 70 which permanently or reversibly connects to a first slot 72. The second connection mechanism is positioned at the back region of the cleaning structure, near the back of the user’s mouth, and comprises a second pin or pole 74 which permanently or reversibly connects to a second slot 76.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the distance between the poles 74 and 70 is larger than the distance between the slots 76 and 72. This ensures that only one pole is used for the motion transfer. Because the device is flexible to accommodate different jaw shapes and curvatures, thedistance between the poles can change during use of the device. Accordingly, the slots must be designed to be sufficiently long to allow this.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, is a simplified schematic representation of the paddle 44 with the two connection mechanisms, with either a pushing (top panel) or pulling (bottom panel) force exerted on the paddle. In the top panel of FIG. 10, a user or the device exerts a force that pushes the cleaning component 16 back toward the back of the user’s mouth, as shown by the arrow. This activates the rear or second connection mechanism 74 / 76, which PULLS the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 toward the back of the user’s mouth, rather than allow the force to push the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 toward the back of the user’s mouth. In the bottom panel of FIG. 10, a user or the device exerts a force that pulls the cleaning component 16 toward the front of the user’s mouth, as shown by the arrow. This activates the front or first connection mechanism 70 / 72, which PULLS the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 toward the front of the user’s mouth. Thus, regardless of whether the user or system is pushing or pulling on the cleaning component 16 (which pushes or pulls the paddle 44), the segmented cleaning structure 40 / 42 is always being PULLED in the direction of the force.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 11 is a graph showing forces that the user must apply to move the device back and forth. The graph shows the total forces in X and Y directions, for both a design without the two connection mechanism described or otherwise envisioned herein (dashed lines, i.e., Islot Fx and Islot Fy), and a design with the two connection mechanism described or otherwise envisioned herein (dashed lines, i.e., 2slot_Fx and 2slot_Fy). The forces in X direction are in the direction of the back-and-forth movement, thus these are important for the user experience. The graph reveals that the X-forces in the two connection mechanism described or otherwise envisioned herein are reduced with up to 30% compared to a previous design. This means that the user can apply less force (and thus less energy) to move the device towards the back molars, which results in improved reach and cleaning at the back molars. The oscillation shown in the graph results from a 50Hz up-down motion applied by the drivetrain of the device.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, is a simplified schematic representation of the paddle 44 with the two connection mechanisms. The first connection mechanism is positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure, near the front of the user’s mouth, and comprises a first pin or pole 70 which permanently or reversibly connects to a first slot 72. The secondconnection mechanism is positioned at the back region of the cleaning structure, near the back of the user’s mouth, and comprises a second pin or pole 74 which permanently or reversibly connects to a second slot 76. The bottom panel of FIG. 12 is a side view of the upper panel of FIG. 12.

[0080] In this embodiment, one or both connection mechanism is designed for insertion by using keyhole-shaped slots 72 and 76. Since the device is flexible, its poles can be inserted one after another into the two slots of the paddle by stretching the device. This also allows easy insertion by a user, so a user can replace the cleaning structures while maintaining the rest of the device, which is a more sustainable solution because the device can have a longer lifetime than the cleaning structures. To reduce the risk of accidentally detaching the cleaning structures during use, the amount of stretching of the cleaning structures for attachment / detachment should be larger than the expected stretching during a cleaning session.

[0081] As described herein, the connection mechanism can comprise different configurations. Referring to FIG. 13 A, the paddle 44 comprises the first slot 72 and the second slot 76 (which is optionally keyhole shaped in this embodiment), and the cleaning structure 40 / 42 comprises the first pole 70 and the second pole 74. Since the poles are part of the cleaning structure, they must follow movement of the paddle and therefore the slots are inward-facing to generate a pulling mechanism. In other words, the keyhole shaped slot comprises a pole receiving portion 80 and a pole locking portion 82, and the pole receiving portion is oriented toward either the front region of the cleaning structure or the rear region of the cleaning structure.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 13B, the cleaning structure 40 / 42 comprises the first slot 72 and the second slot 76 (which is optionally keyhole shaped in this embodiment), and the paddle 44 comprises the first pole 70 and the second pole 74. Since the poles are part of the paddle, the device must follow the movement of the poles and therefore the slots are outward-facing to generate a pulling mechanism. In other words, the keyhole shaped slot comprises a pole receiving portion 80 and a pole locking portion 82, and the pole receiving portion is oriented toward the central portion 46 of the cleaning structure.

[0083] According to another embodiment (not shown), the cleaning component 16 comprises a hybrid of FIGS. 13A and 13B, in which the cleaning structure 40 / 42 comprises one slot at one connection mechanism and one pole at the other connection mechanism. Accordingly, the paddle44 comprises one pole at the one connection mechanism and one slot at the other connection mechanism.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 14, the cleaning component 16 is a U-shaped mouthpiece configured to receive at least a portion of the user’s top teeth and / or at least a portion of the user’s bottom teeth. Although not shown, the cleaning component 16 comprises a cleaning structure connected to the paddle 44. The cleaning structure can be just an upper cleaning structure 40 that receives and cleans all of the user’s upper teeth, or it can be just a lower cleaning structure 42 that receives and cleans all of the user’s teeth, or it can be both an upper and a lower cleaning structure.

[0085] In this embodiment, the paddle comprises a front slot 72 which can be triangular and configured to receive one or two poles from a cleaning structure. The paddle also comprises a first back slot 76a configured to receive a pole of the cleaning structure, and a second back slot 76b configured to receive a pole of the cleaning structure.

[0086] Alternatively, the structure in FIG. 14 can be the upper cleaning structure 40 or the lower cleaning structure 42, and can comprise a (optionally triangular) front slot 72 configured to receive one or two poles from the paddle, a first back slot 76a configured to receive a pole of the paddle, and a second back slot 76b configured to receive a pole of the paddle. Many other configurations are possible.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 1500 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 15 is a cleaning structure with one or two connection points to a paddle 44 (not shown). Although FIGS. 15-21 are labeled as cleaning structure 40, it should be understood that the cleaning structures in these figures can be either upper cleaning structure 40 or lower cleaning structure 42. The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connection system. The connection system comprises a cleaning connection point 1530 (shown as an empty circle) which is connected to a mechanism 1510 (shown as a gray rounded rectangle) and which is in turn connected to the paddle connection point 1520 (shown as a black circle).

[0088] Referring to the “2 Connection Points” embodiment shown in the left of FIG. 15, when in use, a user can push the device forward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1522 will push on the mechanism 1512, which in turn pushes the forward cleaning connection point 1532. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1524 will push on the mechanism 1514, which in turn will push the backward cleaning connection point 1534 forward.Thus, the device is being pushed in a forward direction regardless of the direction of force of the user on the paddle.

[0089] Referring to the “1 Connection Point” embodiment shown in the right of FIG. 15, when in use, a user can push the device forward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1522 will push on the mechanism 1512, which in turn pushes the forward cleaning connection point 1532. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1522 will push on the mechanism 1514, which in turn will push the backward cleaning connection point 1534 forward. Thus, the device is being pushed in a forward direction regardless of the direction of force of the user on the paddle.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 1600 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 16 is a cleaning structure with two connection points to a paddle 44 (not shown). The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connection system. The connection system comprises a cleaning connection point 1630 (shown as an empty circle) which is connected to a pulley mechanism 1640 and 1650, and which is in turn connected to the paddle connection point 1620 (shown as a black circle). Typically, cables transfer tension but not compression. In this embodiment, the use of two pulleys per connection transfers force via tension.

[0091] Referring to the “2 Connection Points” embodiment shown in the left of FIG. 16, when in use, a user can push the device forward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1622 will push forward and pull on the cable 1650 via the pulley proximate the paddle connection point 1622, which will pull on the cable via the pulley proximate the forward cleaning connection point 1632, thereby pulling forward cleaning connection point 1632 forward. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1634 will push forward and pull on the cable 1650 via the pulley proximate the paddle connection point 1634, which will pull on the cable via the pulley proximate the cleaning connection point 1634, thereby pulling cleaning connection point 1634 forward. Referring to the “Reversed Connection Points” embodiment shown in the right of FIG. 16, the operation is the same except the connection points are reversed.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 1700 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 17 is a cleaning structure with two connection points to a paddle 44 (not shown). The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connectionsystem. The connection system comprises a stiff chamber component 1740 with a chamber oriented to face the central portion of the cleaning structure and paddle. Positioned inside the chamber is a component 1750, which is a near-incompressible material with a low stiffness, such as rubber or silicone among other types of material. Due to the incompressibility, the material will expand sideways under compression. By locking a rubber part in the closed chamber, it does not have any room to expand when being compressed, and thus it will transfer force under compression. Because the rubber has a low stiffness, the force transfer under tension is very low and the mechanism is effectively inactive.

[0093] Thus, when in use, a user can push the device forward. The paddle connection point 1722 pushes forward on the mechanism, which applies force to the component 1752 and thus to the stiff chamber component 1742, which in turn pushes the cleaning connection point 1732 forward. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1724 pushes forward on the mechanism, which applies force to the component 1754, and thus to the stiff chamber component 1744, which in turn pushes the cleaning connection point 1734 forward.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 18, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 1800 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 18 is a cleaning structure with two connection points to a paddle 44 (not shown). The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connection system. The connection system comprises a chamber 1840 with an air chamber 1850, a piston 1860, and a one-way air valve 1870. When the piston is pushed inward, compression force is transferred due to the increased air pressure. A one-way valve is introduced in the system to prevent under-pressure in the chamber when the piston is pulled outward. This way, there is no force transfer when the mechanism is tension loaded.

[0095] Thus, when in use, a user can push the device forward. The paddle connection point 1722 pushes on piston 1862, pushing the chamber 1842 forward, and pushing the forward cleaning connection point 1832 forward. Since the one-way air valve is closed in this direction of force, the piston applies the force onto the chamber. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1824 pushes on piston 1864, pushing the chamber 1844 forward, and pushing the forward cleaning connection point 1834 forward.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 19, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 1900 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 19 is a cleaning structure with two connection pointsto a paddle 44 (not shown). The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connection system. The connection system comprises a wall or chamber structure 1490 with a centralized diamond structure 1950, which can be composed of a single piece or multiple pieces. When compressed, a diamond structure tends to expand sideways. However, in this structure, the sideways expansion is blocked by the walls of the chamber and thus the compression is transferred through the system. In contrast, when under tension, the diamond shape is able to shrink sideways, and no force is transferred.

[0097] Thus, when in use, a user can push the device forward. The paddle connection point 1922 pushes on the diamond structure 1952, which pushes the wall or chamber 1942 forward, and thus pushes the forward cleaning connection point 1932 forward. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 1924 pushes on the diamond structure 1954, which pushes the wall or chamber 1944 forward, and thus pushes the forward cleaning connection point 1934 forward.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 2000 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 20 is a cleaning structure with two connection points to a paddle 44 (not shown). The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connection system. The connection system comprises a wall structure 2040 connected to a spring 2050. This system makes use of the fact that a spring becomes very stiff in compression when the windings are close to each other. Thus, when compressed, the gaps between the windings are closed and there is a high force transfer. When pulled, the spring stiffness is much lower and thus the force transfer is low.

[0099] Thus, when in use, a user can push the device forward. The paddle connection point 2022 pushes on the spring / wall structure 2052, which pushes the forward cleaning connection point 2032 forward. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 2024 pushes on the spring / wall structure 2054, which pushes the forward cleaning connection point 2034 forward.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 21, in one embodiment, is another embodiment 2100 of the cleaning component 16. Specifically, shown in FIG. 21 is a cleaning structure with two connection points to a paddle 44 (not shown). The cleaning structure is connected to a paddle via a connection system. The connection system comprises a stiff chamber component 2140 with a chamberoriented to face the central portion of the cleaning structure and paddle. Positioned inside the chamber is a triangular component 2150, which according to one embodiment is a near- incompressible material with a low stiffness, such as rubber or silicone among other types of material. Other materials and shapes are possible.

[0101] Thus, when in use, a user can push the device forward. The paddle connection point 2122 pushes on the triangular component 2152, which pushes on chamber component 2142, which pushes the forward cleaning connection point 2032 forward. A user can also pull the device backward. Thus, the paddle connection point 2124 pushes on the triangular component 2154, which pushes on chamber component 2144, which pushes the forward cleaning connection point 2034 forward.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0104] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0105] As used herein in the specification and in 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” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicatingexclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0106] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference 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 not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0107] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0108] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like 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’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0109] While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications 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 meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is / 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. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodimentsmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An oral care device (10), comprising: a curved cleaning structure (40, 42) having an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (52), the inner wall and outer wall connected to a base (54), wherein the base, inner wall, and outer wall define a cavity (60) configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a user, and wherein the base comprises one or more segments), wherein the cleaning structure comprises a front region (47) configured to be positioned along the teeth at the front of the user’s mouth, and a back region (45) configured to be positioned along the teeth at the back of the user’s mouth; a paddle (44) connecting the cleaning structure to a remainder of the care device; a first pole (70) positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure and movably connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the first pole is configured to allow both (i) a sliding movement of the front region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle and (ii) rotation of the front region of the cleaning structure around the pole and relative to the paddle; and a second pole (74) positioned at the rear region of the cleaning structure and movably connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the second pole is configured to allow both (i) a sliding movement of the rear region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle and (ii) rotation of the rear region of the cleaning structure relative to the paddle.

2. The care device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of segments (54a, 54b, 54c) configured to move relative to one another.

3. The care device of claim 1, wherein the first pole extends from the base of the cleaning structure and is received in a first slot (72) defined in the paddle.

4. The care device of claim 1, wherein the second pole extends from the base of the cleaning structure and is received in a second slot (76) defined in the paddle.

5. The care device of claim 1, wherein the first pole extends from the paddle and is received in a first slot (72) defined in the base of the cleaning structure.

6. The care device of claim 1, wherein the second pole extends from the paddle and is received in a second slot (76) defined in the base of the cleaning structure.

7. The care device of claim 1, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall comprise a plurality of cleaning elements (62) extending into the cavity, the plurality of cleaning elements configured to interact with the plurality of teeth of the user and / or gums of the user.

8. The care device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning structure is U-shaped.

9. The care device of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first pole and the second pole is larger than a distance between a first slot (72) receiving the first pole and a second slot (76) receiving the second pole.

10. The care device of claim 1, wherein a first slot (72) receiving the first pole and / or a second slot (76) receiving the second pole are keyhole shaped to reversibly receive and lock in the first pole and the second pole, respectively.

11. The care device of claim 9, wherein a keyhole shaped slot comprises a pole receiving portion (80) and a pole locking portion (82), the pole receiving portion oriented toward either a central portion (46) of the cleaning structure, the front region of the cleaning structure, or the rear region of the cleaning structure.

12. A care device (10), comprising: a curved cleaning structure (40, 42) having an inner wall (50) and an outer wall (52), the inner wall and outer wall connected to a base (54), wherein the base, inner wall, and outer wall define a cavity (60) configured to receive a plurality of teeth of a user, and wherein the base comprises one or more segments, wherein the cleaning structure comprises a front region (47) configured to be positioned along the teeth at the front of the user’s mouth, and a back region (45) configured to be positioned along the teeth at the back of the user’s mouth; a paddle (44) connecting the cleaning structure to a remainder of the care device;a first connection mechanism (1520 / 1530) positioned at the back region of the cleaning structure and connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the first connection mechanism is configured to transfer forward motion of the paddle to the cleaning structure via the first connection mechanism such that the cleaning structure is pulled forward; and a second connection mechanism (1520 / 1530) positioned at the front region of the cleaning structure and connecting the cleaning structure and the paddle, wherein the second connection mechanism is configured to transfer reverse motion of the paddle, opposite the forward motion of the paddle, to the cleaning structure via the second connection mechanism such that the cleaning structure is pulled forward in the direction of the reverse motion.

13. The care device of claim 12, wherein the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism each comprise a cleaning connection point 1520 and a paddle connection point 1530.

14. The care device of claim 13, wherein the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism each comprise a force transfer mechanism 1510 positioned between the respective cleaning connection point 1520 and paddle connection point 1530.

15. The care device of claim 13, comprising a single force transfer mechanism 1510 positioned between the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism.

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