Abstract:
A dental hygiene system provided with interchangeable dental heads permits power-enhanced brushing and concurrent fluid irrigation to optimize a user&#39;s personal dental hygiene efforts. The system has a handle assembly with an irrigation nozzle in close proximity to displaceable bristles driven by a battery-operated handle motor. Pumping of irrigation fluid such as an antiseptic solution into the oral cavity is also motor driven. A telescoping chamber with irrigation fluid fits on the piston-like base end of the handle and is refilled by docking the handle assembly on a complementary docking station that includes a detachable fluid reservoir, microswitch controls and a base fluid pump. Docking of the handle assembly triggers the microswitches and opens a check valve in the bottom of the handle chamber, which activates the flow of fluid from the reservoir into the chamber. An optional fiberoptic subassembly illuminates the oral cavity.

Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
   The present patent application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/484,291, filed on 3 Jul. 2003. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The field of this invention is dental hygiene devices. In particular this invention relates to dental hygiene devices in the form of powered toothbrushes. Still further this invention is directed to the field of dental hygiene devices where an antiseptic liquid is introduced into the oral cavity during a tooth brushing procedure. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a dental hygiene device, and more specifically an electrically power operated toothbrush system which may be battery operated which permits brushing of teeth and also irrigation of the periodontal and dental areas with an antiseptic solution or the like. In particular, the invention is directed to a toothbrush system a mechanism which irrigates periodontal structures and teeth with a fluid such as an antiseptic solution which also concurrently illuminates the area in the mouth being worked on thereby allowing a user to have a visual assessment of the effectiveness of the user&#39;s personal dental hygiene efforts. 
   The present invention is further directed to a battery-powered toothbrush system with enhanced brushing effected by motor-driven oscillating and/or rotating bristles having an irrigation mechanism which includes a telescoping fluid chamber sliding along a piston-like lower portion of a toothbrush handle. A complementary base member defining a docking station is provided which includes a detachable fluid reservoir and microswitch-controlled filling mechanism which provides for the integrated and user-friendly multi-functionality of the dental hygiene device disclosed herein. 
   Additionally, the invention is directed to a dental hygiene system having dental hygiene heads that are interchangeable and connectable to the handle housing. The interchangeable dental hygiene heads provide a variety of bristles, such as soft, hard, abrasive, etc; a number of different fluid outlet nozzles; and a fiberoptic illumination head, thereby allowing a user to combine enhanced brushing, fluid delivery under pressure, and illumination to further a user&#39;s optimal personal dental hygiene. 
   The present invention is particularly directed to a dental hygiene system with interchangeable dental hygiene heads, having bristles and fiberoptic lighting combined with an irrigating sub-assembly that encompasses a telescoping fluid chamber in the toothbrush handle with the lower end of the toothbrush assembly formed as the piston seated in the fluid chamber. The telescoping fluid chamber is adapted to be refilled by the docking of the toothbrush assembly in a complementary docking base member that has an interchangeable fluid reservoir. 
   The invention is directed as well to the dental hygiene device docking base member that includes a detachable fluid reservoir and microswitch-controlled valve mechanism for the refilling of the telescoping handle chamber at least in large part automatically. The docking base member is adapted to receivingly and matingly dock the aforesaid toothbrush assembly and provide a user with a refilling process that starts and stops with practically no need for user input. 
   PRIOR ART 
   There have been numerous attempts in the prior art to develop an electric toothbrush system that delivers a fluid, such as toothpaste gel or an antiseptic solution, to the periodontal areas while the user brushes. None has seen widespread use or commercial success reflecting the more or less inelegant means chosen to design such prior art devices. 
   The adoption of such a dual function toothbrush system by users requires that such a device be substantially automatic, formed with a comfortable roughly fusiform shape with ergonomically placed control buttons, be fool-proof and safe. 
   The present invention has overcome the disadvantages of the prior art with the present dental hygiene device disclosed herein having a distinguishing telescoping fluid chamber in the handle balancing the toothbrush head at the opposite end. Handle fiberoptics optically conveys illumination to the oral area of a user which is also advantageous over the prior art. 
   A frequently neglected aspect of personal dental hygiene is the adequate irrigation of gums, gingival and sub-gingival tissues. It is important to irrigate the oral cavity for an adequate amount of time with an antiseptic solution. Clinical evidence abounds to show that effective anti-tartar and anti-gingivitis prophylaxis improves with the amount of time the periodontal tissues are exposed to the solution which generally requires at least one or two minutes of irrigation. The amount of irrigation needed depends on whether the objective is prophylaxis or inducing regression of on-going periodontal pathology. Areas of the gum-lines and gums needing more application of brushing and antiseptic irrigation can often be identified by visual inspection. There is thus a need in the field of personal dental hygiene devices for an electric toothbrush assembly that both irrigates and illuminates the periodontal area of interest, such as disclosed in the present invention. 
   Toothbrush systems with combination brushing and irrigation means are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,321,866 and 5,301,381 as well as Patent Application Publication No. 2002-0152565 A1, all by the same inventor as the subject invention; disclose toothbrush systems representing earlier embodiments of brushing and irrigation systems for dental hygiene. Differences between the subject invention system and the inventor&#39;s previous Patents and Disclosures include a new concept for the fluid pumping system, removing the handle bellows systems and forming a telescoping fluid chamber on the base end of the toothbrush handle among other concepts as will be further described. The illuminating mechanism as described in the present invention is a further advantage over the prior art. 
   Other toothbrush systems with a handle reservoir include U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,390; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,203, however, such prior art devices include disadvantages as previously referred to above. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,967 is directed to a fluid delivering dental cleaning device, which is dissimilar to the subject invention concept with regard to the placement and nature of the fluid reservoir as well as the manner in which the reservoir needs to be filled. 
   Other Patent references that incorporate telescoping fluid dispensing chambers include U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,305 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,729. In these references, the telescoping fluid pump differs structurally as well as in its coupling with a base reservoir coupled to the removable toothbrush assembly as well as the integration with dental specific functionalities. 
   U.S. Pat No. 6,735,803 is directed to an electrical dentifrice-dispensing toothbrush with a replaceable unit and a refillable cartridge. The device has neither the type of refill system nor the telescoping handle chamber nor the illuminating means as disclosed in the present invention. 
   The present invention thus fills a need for a personal dental hygiene system in which a user may choose the particular dental hygiene head functions, both by choosing which head to attach to the handle housing and by using the control buttons on the dental hygiene toothbrush assembly to activate and deactivate the brushing and irrigating and illuminating functional options. The invention further discloses an innovative solution to the problem of how to store an irrigating fluid in the device handle and to refill the handle fluid chamber with minimal demands on a user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A dental hygiene device is provided where there is included a dental hygiene head having displaceable bristles secured to the dental hygiene head and extending therefrom. This system is adapted for brushing a dental surface within an oral cavity. The dental hygiene head includes an irrigation mechanism for irrigating the dental surface with a fluid which may be antiseptic in composition. The irrigation mechanism is fixedly located adjacent to the displaceable bristles. A longitudinally extended handle housing is connected to the dental hygiene head and is adapted to be held by an operator. The handle housing has a control mechanism mounted on it for activation and deactivation of the dental hygiene device. 
   Additionally, at least one handle pump is provided for displacing the fluid being passed through the dental hygiene device. The handle pump is mounted in the handle housing and is in fluid communication with the irrigation mechanism through a first fluid conduit. 
   A telescoping handle member housing is further provided which is slidingly engagable with the handle housing and is telescopingly received therein at a piston end of the handle housing opposite the dental hygiene head and further in fluid communication with the handle pump by a second fluid conduit. The dental hygiene head, handle housing and telescoping handle chamber housing are all in combination defined as a handle assembly. 
   A fluid reservoir which is in detachable fluid communication with a docking base member is provided. The docking base member is in detachable fluid communication with the telescoping handle chamber housing and the docking base member is adapted to receivingly detachably dock with the handle assembly. In this manner, filling of the telescoping handle chamber with the fluid in the fluid reservoir is achieved and is controlled by at least one base microswitch mechanism formed in the docking base member. The base microswitch mechanism may be magnetically and electrically coupled to at least one handle microswitch mechanism mounted in the handle assembly. The base and handle microswitch mechanisms are in respective functional alignment when the handle assembly is docked on the docking base member. 
   In further summary of the invention, a dental hygiene device is provided which includes a handle assembly and a docking base member. The handle assembly includes a dental hygiene head, a handle housing and a telescoping handle chamber housing. The docking base member with its fluid reservoir incorporated therein constitutes the docking station for the handle assembly. Placing the handle assembly into the docking base member activates microswitches to refill the telescoping fluid chamber with fluid from the reservoir responsive to the pressure sensed by the microswitches in the docking base member as well as the handle housing. The handle housing is coupled between the dental hygiene head and the telescoping handle chamber housing. The handle housing has control switch mechanisms as well as a motor and connecting elements for causing the bristles located in the dental hygiene head to vibrate, oscillate, and possibly rotate. 
   The handle housing further includes a pumping mechanism and connections for propelling a fluid such as an antiseptic, antibacterial, fluoride, tartar control, whitening agent or other prescription or over-the-counter fluid based medication. 
   The handle housing contains a component board mounted thereon with at least one motor, a fluid pump and control switch mechanisms which is further adapted to connect to the dental hygiene head. 
   The dental hygiene head may be permanently connected to or in the alternative replaceably and interchangeably connectable to the handle housing. 
   The dental hygiene head includes a multiplicity of bristles fixedly contained thereon and projecting therefrom which are connected to a drive-shaft transferring torque to enable rotary and oscillatory displacement of the bristles. 
   The driveshaft is then rotatingly connected with a handle brush motor mounted in the handle housing and is mounted preferably on a component board. The dental hygiene head further includes at least one fluid outlet nozzle for directing a flow of the appropriate fluid as previously described to the user&#39;s dental, oral and periodontal structures, surfaces and recesses. 
   The handle housing is fitted between the dental hygiene head and the telescoping handle chamber housing. The handle includes control switch mechanisms as well as a motor and connecting elements for allowing the bristles to be displaced. 
   Further included is a pumping mechanism and couplings for propelling the fluid. The dental hygiene device in overall concept includes a docking base member with a fluid reservoir and constitutes a docking station for the toothbrush device into the docking base member activating microswitch mechanism to refill the telescoping fluid chamber with fluid from the reservoir responsive to pressure sensed by the microswitch mechanisms in the docking base as well as in the handle housing. 
   The fluid is pumped through a pump mounted within the handle into a first fluid conduit to reach the fluid outlet nozzle to reach a fluid outlet nozzle. In one embodiment, there is a dedicated handle pump motor mounted on a component board in the handle housing. 
   In a further embodiment of the invention there is a unitary handle motor and there are provided clutch and gearing mechanisms connected to and interposed between the motor and a driveshaft and further between the motor and the handle pump so as to divide the torqueing force generated by the motor between the driveshaft and the handle pump. 
   The clutch and gearing mechanisms may use a unitary or single handle motor to power both the handle pump and the driveshaft. 
   The overall system may include a mechanism for modulating the fluid flow, allowing a user to choose the particular kind of fluid stream projected from the fluid outlet nozzle such as a continuous, pulsatile, rhythmic, fluid discharge pressure and associated fluidic parameters. 
   A fiber optic illumination subassembly may be provided which provides illumination for a user to visually inspect and observe areas of interest in the oral cavity that may require more intense care. The illumination subassembly is provided at the working end of the dental hygiene head and light is emitted at an illumination head which is optically connected to a light source by an interposed bundle of optically transmissive fibers in the handle housing. 
   The bundled optically transmissive fibers terminate adjacent the bristles and the fluid outlet nozzle. 
   The first fluid conduit which may be a flexible non-distensible tubing is formed from or incorporates the bundled optically transmissive filaments. Thus, the first fluid conduit may be a flexible non-distensible optically transmissive cylinder containing a moving fluid which is pumped out of the telescoping handle chamber and delivered under pressure from the fluid outlet nozzle. In such a case, the illumination head projects a cross-sectional ring of light around the fluid stream permitting the user to visually monitor the effectiveness of the dental hygiene procedure. 
   The handle housing may be formed on a bottom end which is the end opposite the dental hygiene head interface and is formed as a piston to be telescopingly received in the handle fluid chamber. Thus the piston end of the handle housing is displaced with respect to the telescoping handle chamber along a central axis of the handle housing dependent upon the amount of fluid within the chamber. 
   When the chamber is in a full condition (maximum fluid in the chamber), the telescoping handle chamber is displaced downwardly and away from the dental hygiene head. As the fluid chamber is emptied, the telescoping handle chamber moves toward the dental hygiene head. 
   The handle housing is further equipped with microswitch mechanisms such as magnetic relay switches to permit electromagnetic communication with a docking base member on which the dental hygiene device is then refilled. The handle housing may be provided with batteries for powering the brush motor and the pump motor. If these batteries are of the rechargeable type, the dental hygiene device may be provided with induction coils in the docking base member and the handle assembly which line up when the docking approximates the respective charging coils in the docking base member with corresponding elements in the handle housing. 
   Fluid is retained with the docking base member reservoir by a valve until the handle assembly is docked. Once docked, the microswitch mechanisms are triggered to open the unidirectional (or check valve) valve mechanisms as well as to activate the pump in the docking member and thus induce filling of the telescoping handle chamber with fluid from the docking base member reservoir. 
   Once the telescoping handle chamber has been filled to capacity with fluid, the microswitch mechanisms discontinue the pumping, close the valve or valves and thereby automatically terminate the filling process. 
   All of the connections for fluid communication from the elements are adapted to be fitted with O-rings to provide substantially leak proof fluid transfers. Additionally, the docking base member fluid reservoir may be equipped with a reservoir illumination device which provides a visual mechanism for a user to assess the relative status of the reservoir aside from any aesthetic appeal. 
   An important objective of the present invention is to provide a dental hygiene device which requires minimal amount of maintenance by the user. 
   A further objective of the instant invention is to provide a dental hygiene device which requires minimal behavior modification to accomplish both brushing dental surfaces and applying a pulsating cleansing liquid to areas especially as may be identified by the illuminating element. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide in a unitary dental hygiene device a system which replaces a plurality of dental hygiene implements such as a toothbrush and an irrigation device as well as to help a user to visually identify dental areas that may need increased care and attention as disclosed by the illumination provided. 
   Another object of the subject invention is to provide a dental hygiene system wherein the refilling of the handle chamber with fluid from a reservoir can be accomplished automatically, efficiently, and economically. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the dental hygiene device showing the toothbrush docked in a docking base member; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the handle assembly showing the dental hygiene head connected to the handle housing and the telescoping handle chamber housing; 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective exploded view showing the connection of the dental hygiene head with the handle housing; 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective cutaway view of the dental hygiene head connected to the handle housing and telescoping handle chamber housing; 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the dental hygiene head in relation to the handle housing; 
       FIG. 4B  is a cutaway perspective view of the telescoping handle chamber empty of fluid; 
       FIG. 4C  is a cutaway perspective view of the telescoping handle chamber with the chamber filled with fluid; 
       FIG. 5  is an elevation cross-sectional illustration of the dental hygiene head; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view partially cutaway, of the handle housing with an end cap aligned thereto showing both a pump motor and a brush motor; 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the component board which is mounted in the handle housing; 
       FIG. 7B  is a top cross-sectional view of the handle housing; 
       FIG. 7C  is side cross-sectional view of the handle housing; 
       FIG. 8  is a cutaway perspective view of the dental hygiene device; and, 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are schematic representations of the ball valve mechanism shown when the handle assembly is mounted on the docking base member  50  and when the handle assembly is removed from the docking base member assembly. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1–8  and particularly with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 8 , there is shown dental hygiene device  10  which is adapted to be mounted on base surface  100 . In dental hygiene device  10  includes docking base member  50  in combination with fluid reservoir housing  55  as shown. The combination of docking base member  50  and fluid reservoir housing  55  is substantially L-shaped in contour for permitting mounting of dental hygiene head  20 , handle housing  30  and telescoping handle chamber housing  40  in combination within a base portion of docking base member  50  all combined in a compact and volume efficient manner. As is seen, fluid reservoir housing  55  contains fluid  15  which may be an antiseptic, antibacterial, fluoride, tartar control, whitening agent, or other prescription or over-the-counter fluid based medication, not important to the invention concept with the exception that fluid  15  be adapted to be emitted or passed through dental hygiene device  10  adjacent or through bristles  22  into the oral cavity of a user. 
   Docking base member  50  and fluid reservoir housing  55  may be formed of a plastic material composition or some like composition not important to the invention concept as herein detailed with the exception that fluid reservoir housing  55  and docking base member  50  be fluid tight to permit maintenance of fluid  15  within fluid reservoir housing  55  without external seepage. Fluid  15  is shown in  FIG. 1  to be partially loaded or filled within fluid reservoir chamber  102 . It is to be further noted that fluid reservoir housing  55  may be transparent or translucent to permit a user to visually access fluid  15  within fluid reservoir housing  55 . 
   Docking base member  50  includes base actuation mechanism  80  which may be a simple on/off power switch well known in the art. Docking base member  50  includes docking lower base surface  104  within which power mechanism or base actuation mechanism  80  is mounted. Additionally, dental hygiene device  10  includes dental hygiene head  20  coupled to handle housing  30  and telescoping chamber housing  40  which define handle assembly  12  in combination. As is seen in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , handle assembly  12  is mounted within docking base member  50  and is insertable within U-shaped reservoir housing member  106  secured to an outer wall of fluid reservoir housing  55 . In this manner, handle assembly  12  is releasably attached in a confined manner to docking base member  50  and fluid reservoir housing  55  when dental hygiene device  10  is not in use. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , dental hygiene head  20 , handle housing  30  and telescoping handle chamber housing  40  are docked or mounted in docking base member  40  which contains fluid reservoir chamber  102 . Dental hygiene head  20  as shown includes bristles  22  and further includes fluid outlet nozzle  26  which may be mounted adjacent bristles  22 , interspersed within bristles  22 , or in some other location not important to the inventive concept as herein described with the exception that fluid  15  be passed from the area adjacent or within dental hygiene head  20  into the oral cavity during use. The structure of dental hygiene head  20 , handle assembly  12  and telescoping handle chamber housing  40  may be formed of a lightweight composition such as a plastic composition or some light material not important to the inventive concept as herein described. Fluid outlet nozzle  26  may be formed of plastic or some like material to allow emission of light around a nozzle opening. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , fluid  15  within fluid reservoir chamber  102  is passed from fluid reservoir chamber  102  into base pump  53 , first base conduit  108 , through pressure limit cutoff switch  54 B, through second base conduit  110  and eventually into telescoping handle chamber housing  40  to be described in detail in following paragraphs. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , handle assembly  12  is shown wherein dental hygiene head  20  is coupled to handle housing  30  which in turn is mounted to telescoping handle chamber housing  40 . Fluid  15  which is contained within telescoping handle chamber  112  of telescoping handle chamber housing  40  is passed through siphon hose  45 A for fluid communication with a second fluid conduit  31  shown in  FIG. 7A . Fluid conduit  31  extends in an axial direction for fluid connection with piston fluid pump  33  shown in  FIG. 7B  within handle housing  30 . 
   As fluid  15  is charged or displaced from telescoping handle chamber housing  40 , handle housing piston end  37  is displaced along guide tracks  38  in a direction indicated by directional arrow  48  shown in  FIG. 2 . As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3B  handle housing  12  includes control switch  35 A which is a depressible switch which may be simply a power on/off switch for activating displacement, oscillation and/or rotation of bristles  22 . Control switch  35 B is a depressible switch member which can interrupt or allow fluid delivery to outlet nozzle  26  for passage of fluid into the oral cavity. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3A  the dental hygiene head  20  is shown in a detached position with respect to handle housing  30 . It is understood that in operation, dental hygiene head  20  is mounted to handle housing  30  in a manner wherein dental hygiene head  20  matingly engages first fluid conduit  24  within head opening  114  in a manner to provide fluid communication between dental hygiene head  20  and handle housing  30  for passage of fluid therethrough. As provided in  FIG. 7A , first fluid conduit  24  provides for a continuous flow of fluid through first fluid conduit  24  into dental hygiene head  20  for emission from fluid outlet nozzle  26 . As seen in  FIG. 7A , the fluid path extends from siphon tube  45 B through second fluid conduit  31  into first fluid conduit  24 ′ and then further into first fluid conduit  24  formed within dental hygiene head  20 . 
   Second fluid conduit  31  is in fluid communication with siphon tube  45 B shown in  FIG. 7A  and is mounted therein with an O-ring  60  which is used to prevent fluid leakage. 
   Actuation of bristles  22  is more clearly seen in  FIG. 5  wherein driveshaft  29  (actuated by motor  34  shown in  FIG. 3B ) rotates about an axial direction and is coupled to bristle head actuation member  116  which includes cam-like recess  118  which is coupled to driveshaft  29 . As driveshaft  29  rotates about the axial direction, bristle head actuation member  116  causes a displacement of bristles  22  in a manner well known in the art. Driveshaft  29  is coupled to motor  34  either directly or through a gear reduction system (not shown). Driveshaft  29  shown in  FIG. 5  is adapted to be coupled to driveshaft extension  29 ′ which in itself is coupled to motor  34 . First fluid nozzle  24  includes at an end section O-ring  60 ′ shown in  FIG. 5  for prevention of leakage of a fluid passing therethrough. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7A–C , component board  32  is provided in mounted fashion with siphon tube  45 B, second fluid conduit  31  and first fluid conduit  24 ′ for passage of fluid therethrough. Each of the aforementioned elements are in fluid communication each with respect to the other. Component board  32  includes motor  34  mounted thereon which, may be actuated by batteries  36  being electrically coupled to motor  34  and actuated in an on/off condition. Motor  34  may be a standard motor which is well known in the commercial field for actuation of dental devices. As is seen in  FIG. 7B , motor  34  is coupled to piston  124  through motor gear  120  and motor bevel gear  122  wherein piston member  124  is mounted eccentrically on motor bevel gear  20  for providing linear reversible motion to piston  124  for driving fluid through piston pump  33 . In overall context, the combination of motor gear  120 , and motor bevel gear  122  may be defined as cam piston coupling  340 . In this manner, motor  34  upon actuation drives fluid through piston pump  33  for passage of fluid into first fluid conduit extension  24 ′ of dental hygiene head  20 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , telescoping handle chamber housing  30  includes siphon tube  45 B extending in an axial direction from a frontal surface of handle chamber housing  40  to a rear surface  126  which includes valve recess  41  formed within recess rear surface  126 . Valve recess  41  contains therein a standard ball valve for insert of fluid into chamber  112  which is then passed into siphon tube  45 B subsequent to chamber  112  being filled. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , telescoping chamber housing  40  includes siphon hose  45 A which is coupled on opposing ends to siphon tube  45 B and inlet from second base conduit  110 . In particular, fluid reservoir housing  55  of docking base member  50  is connected to fill the telescoping handle chamber  112 . Guide tracks  37  are provided to constrain and facilitate the longitudinal sliding relationship as well as to avoid twisting of various tubes and elements as handle chamber  40  is either emptied or filled. 
   As may further be understood, either siphon hose  45 A shown in the embodiment provided in  FIGS. 2 and 3B  or siphon tube  45 B of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 4C  transports fluid from the telescoping handle chamber housing to the second fluid conduit  31  and then into pump  33  in handle housing  30 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4B and 4C  such show the full condition and empting condition of telescoping handle chamber  40  with the handle piston end  37  substantially retracted in  FIG. 4C  where the fluid  15  is substantially filling the telescoping handle chamber housing  40 .  FIG. 4B  is directed to the condition where there is substantially no fluid within telescoping handle chamber housing  40  and the piston end of the handle housing  37  is located at a distal end of the telescoping handle chamber housing. O-rings  60 ′″ provide for fluid tight seal to maintain the fluid in a condition which is substantially leak proof with respect to telescoping handle chamber housing  40 .  FIG. 6  is directed to an embodiment wherein handle housing  30  is formed with a forward casing end cap  27  which is coupled to the front end of the handle housing  30  for permitting access to component board  32 . Component board  32  is mounted internal handle housing  30  with projecting fluid conduit  24  and motor drive  29  that project through apertures in the formed through end cap of  27  for respective alignment of the elements and connection to the driveshaft  29  and first fluid conduit  24  of dental hygiene head  20 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , second fluid conduit  31  transports fluid from telescoping handle chamber of  40  to piston fluid pump  33  mounted on component board  32 . Motor  34 A is coupled to clutch and gear mechanisms  35  mounted on component board  32 . The motor and clutch and gear mechanism  35  are then coupled to an actuate piston pump  33  and motor driveshaft  25 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8  the dental hygiene device  10  with the handle assembly  12  is mounted in the docking base member  50 . Microswitches are provided and includes magnetic relay switch  54 A and pressure limit cut-off switch  54 B formed in-line with the fluid conduit in docking base member  50 . Base pump  53  is in fluid communication with fluid reservoir  50  at its outlet where tank release valve mechanism  58  controls flow of fluid  15  out of the reservoir  55 . Base pump activation mechanism  80  is a global activation switch for turning on/off dental hygiene device  10 . 
     FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  are schematic diagrams of valve control mechanism  43  for controlling flow of fluid  15  from docking base member  50  to telescoping handle chamber housing  40  of a handle assembly  12 . Valve mechanism  43  may be a standard check ball valve mechanism which includes ball member  128  mounted within valve housing  130  and having an inlet opening  132  for passage of liquid into chamber  112 . Ball  128  is biased by spring member  134  and fluid  15  when assembly  12  is mounted on base  50 , shown in  FIG. 9A  and blocks opening  132 . When assembly  12  is removed from base  50 , fluid flow into chamber  112  is terminated and fluid within chamber  12  may enter opening  136  for passage threrethrough to siphon tube  45 B or into siphon hose  45 A as shown respectively in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When assembly  12  is mounted on base  50 , ball member  128  is forced upwardly to terminate any flow into assembly  12  but permit flow through conduit  138  and then further through opening  136  into chamber  112 . Member  138  may simply be a conduit which extends from base  50  and is in fluid communication with second base conduit  110 . Mounting of assembly  12  on base  50  permits locational displacement of ball  128  as has previously been described. 
   Thus, as is seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , ball valve mechanism  43  is in physical cooperation with nipple-like projection  138  which extends from docking base member  50  and is received within valve recess  41  of telescoping handle chamber  40  which displaces the spring-biased ball to a closed position. The displacement of ball  128  in an upward direction opens the aperture  136  within the wall of element  130  and provides an open passageway for fluid  15  to be transported from fluid reservoir  55  of the docking base member  50  into the telescoping handle chamber  40 . Simultaneously, aperture  134  connecting fluid chamber  40  and siphon tube  45 B is closed by the displacement by the ball valve mechanism  43  preventing incoming fluid  15  from entering handle housing  30 . 
   Illumination mechanism for illuminating the oral cavity may be provided for dental hygiene device  10 . Light emitting lamp  28 A may be mounted internal dental hygiene head  20  and powered by batteries  36 . Light from emitting device  28 A is transmitted by fiber optic means that comprise a fiber optic bundle  25 A formed of an optically transmissive filament combination in alignment. Such may be formed of glass or plastic filaments. Fiber optic bundle  25 A and light therein thus extends axially through handle housing  30 , through dental hygiene head  20  and terminates adjacent to fluid outlet nozzle  26  and bristles  22 . Thus, fluid outlet nozzle  26  may serve both as a light transmissive section surrounding a fluid outlet nozzle opening formed substantially at the center of the fluid outlet nozzle  26 . 
   The illumination of fluid reservoir  55  of docking base member  50  may be provided by a light emitting device  57  in the docking base member  50  either in close proximity to fluid reservoir  55  or in optical communication therewith. Preferred light emitting devices  28 A and  57  may include light emitting diodes and/or diodes and/or incandescent and/or halogen light bulbs. 
   Although this invention has been described in connection with specific forms and embodiments thereof, it would be appreciated if various modifications other than those discussed above may be resorted to without the departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those specifically shown and described, certain features may be used independently of other features, and in certain cases, particular locations of elements may be reversed or interposed, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.