Patent ID: 6575203
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A refilling system for use with a power toothbrush having an internal reservoir located therein from which fluid in operation is moved to the bristles in the brushhead, the internal reservoir having a small volume, at least one unit-of-use, the refilling system comprising:an external refilling assembly separate from the power toothbrush, having a fluid reservoir which contains a substantial volume of fluid, at least a plurality of unit-of-use volumes; means associated with the refilling assembly and the power toothbrush for establishing a fluid path from the refilling assembly to the power toothbrush; a refilling valve member in the power toothbrush, the valve member including a first connection leading to the reservoir in the toothbrush and a second connection leading to a pump member in the toothbrush, wherein the refilling assembly includes a refilling element having an opening at one end therefore for exit of fluid through the refilling valve member to the internal reservoir in the power toothbrush and an opening at the other end for receiving fluid from the fluid reservoir in the refilling assembly, and wherein the toothbrush is adapted to fit into the refilling assembly such that the refilling element penetrates into the refilling valve member when the refilling valve member and the toothbrush are in a particular physical relationship; and means for moving fluid through the fluid path from the refilling assembly to the internal reservoir in the power toothbrush.