ORAL CARE SYSTEMS

An oral care system includes a body portion and an attachment. The body portion includes a body, a body opening, and a funnel. The body extends from a first body end to a second body end. The body opening is proximate the first body end. The body opening extends into the body portion to define an inner cavity. The funnel is proximate the first body end such that the funnel is in fluid communication with the body opening. The attachment extends from a first attachment end to a second attachment end, the attachment being selectively coupled to the body portion. The attachment includes a neck, a brush, and a connector. The neck extends between the first attachment end and the second attachment end. The brush is coupled to the neck proximate the second attachment end. The connector is proximate the first attachment end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of oral care. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an oral care system with brush heads.

BACKGROUND

Oral care tools are used in clinical settings globally to clean anatomy within an oral cavity of a patient. In many hospitals or other medical treatment facilities, hygiene procedures like oral care must be repeated multiple times. For example, during treatment a series of oral care products may be used in repetitious fashion, such as periodic cleaning sessions, including evacuation, brushing of the teeth, swabbing of the mouth and gums, etc. However, in the hospital or medical treatment facility setting there is an increased risk of illness (e.g., pneumonia, etc.), especially for those with a compromised immune system. Accordingly, it may be desirable to use a new, sterilized oral care system each time to reduce the risk of illness.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a body portion and an attachment. The body portion includes a body, a body opening, and a funnel. The body extends from a first body end to a second body end. The body opening is proximate the first body end. The body opening extends into the body portion to define an inner cavity. The funnel is proximate the first body end such that the funnel is in fluid communication with the body opening. The attachment extends from a first attachment end to a second attachment end, the attachment being selectively coupled to the body portion. The attachment includes a neck, a brush, and a connector. The neck extends between the first attachment end and the second attachment end. The brush is coupled to the neck proximate the second attachment end. The connector is proximate the first attachment end. The connector is configured to secure the attachment to the to the first body end in a first orientation, where the neck extends into the inner cavity such that the brush is positioned inside the inner cavity, and a second orientation, where the neck extends away from the first body end such that the brush is positioned outside of the inner cavity.

According to various embodiments, the oral care system includes an oral solution positioned within the inner cavity. The oral care system can include seal member positioned within the inner cavity and configured to facilitate release of the oral solution from the inner cavity upon piercing of the seal member. The oral care system may include a membrane coupled to the attachment proximate the second attachment end, the membrane configured to facilitate release of an oral solution upon piercing of the membrane.

According to various embodiments, the attachment further can include a suction opening disposed proximate the second attachment end and configured to be positioned within the inner cavity when the attachment is in the first orientation. The suction port can be in fluid communication with the suction opening, and can be located between the first attachment end and the second attachment end and configured to be positioned within the inner cavity when the attachment is in the first orientation.

According to various embodiments, the attachment can be selectively coupled to the body portion via at least one of a thread, a snapping feature, or a gasket. The body portion can be at least partially formed of a thermoplastic. The body portion defines a plurality of ribs, each of the ribs extending within the inner cavity. The attachment can further include a hinge, the hinge can facilitate rotation of the neck around the hinge between a first position and a second position, the inner cavity being sealed in the first position and the inner cavity being unsealed in the second position.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a body portion that includes a body, a body opening, and a funnel. The body extends from a first body end to a second body end. The body opening is proximate the first body end, the body opening extending into the body portion to define an inner cavity. The funnel is coupled to the body portion proximate the first body end. The oral care system can further include a cap removably coupled to the body portion proximate the body opening, the cap being configured to seal the inner cavity, a neck coupled to the body portion proximate the second body end, and a brush head coupled to the neck opposite the second body end.

According to various embodiments, a funnel opening of the funnel is in fluid communication with the body opening. the funnel and body are configured to couple to a cup such that the funnel opening is in fluid communication with the body and the body is in fluid communication with an inner cup volume defined by the cup. According to some embodiments, a system may include a cup defining an inner cup volume and the oral care system. The funnel and body of the oral care system are coupled to the cup such that the funnel opening is in fluid communication with the body and the body is in fluid communication with the inner cup volume.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a bite block, a plurality of bristles, and a handle. The bite block defines an opening. The bite block includes a first side and a second side. Each of the bristles coupled to and extending from at least one of the first side or the second side. The handle is coupled to the bite block via the opening.

According to various embodiments the oral care system includes a container that holds an oral care solution and a lid that is coupled to the container. The lid defines an aperture for receiving the bite block such that the bite block may be inserted into the container. The bite block can include a plurality of apertures on the first side and the second side. In some embodiments, the bite block and bristles are integrally formed from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the container holding the oral care solution further includes a barrier to seal the oral care solution in the container. The bite block can further include a third side that connects the first side and the second side, wherein the third side includes a plurality of ridges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the Figures, various systems and methods for oral care are disclosed. Various oral care systems described herein include components for performing an oral care routine and components for receiving excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., the subject spits out excess oral care solution and/or saliva before, during, or after the oral care routine). Some or all of the oral care components may be disposed after such that the excess oral care solution and/or saliva are contained and disposed of in a sanitary manner.

According to various embodiments, a brush head portion in contained within a body before use of the oral care system. For example, the brush head may be a part of an attachment configured to selectively couple to the body. The brush head may be sealed within the body to reduce the risk of contamination of the brush head prior to usage. According to various embodiments, the brush head is removed from an inner cavity of the body and coupled to the body such that the brush head is positioned outside of the inner cavity and can be used as a part of an oral care routine. In this sense, the body may serve as a handle for a user of the oral care system. Since the body serves as a storage body and a handle, the amount of packaging may be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and waste (e.g., when throwing away the product after it is used).

According to various embodiments, the body may further be configured to receive excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., the subject spits out excess oral care solution and/or saliva before, during, or after the oral care routine). For example, the attachment may be decoupled from the body before, during, or after the oral care routine and the subject may spit into the body. In an alternate embodiment, the attachment may be hingedly coupled to the body such that the attachment can be pivoted and an opening in the body is exposed. The subject may spit into then spit into the body while the opening is exposed. After the oral care routine is complete, the brush head may be inserted back into the body and the attachment may be coupled to the body (e.g., in a similar manner as the attachment was coupled to the body prior to the oral care routine) to seal the spit and/or excess oral care solution within the body for disposal.

According to various embodiments, the opening is surrounded by a funnel. The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the inner cavity. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, the oral care system may be packaged with oral care solution within the body. For example, the brush head may be submerged in the oral care solution within the body when packaged. Alternatively, the oral care solution may be contained within a separate compartment within the body. For example, the oral care solution may be sealed within a compartment within the body and the oral care solution may be released from the compartment when the seal member is punctured or otherwise broken. For example, the brush head may be plunged into the compartment to pierce the seal member and at least partially saturate the brush head in oral care solution. According to another example, the oral care solution may be sealed within a compartment that is coupled to the body. For example, the brush head may be stored in a first compartment (e.g., within the body) and the oral care solution may be stored in a second compartment that is not in fluid communication with the first compartment. The second compartment may be opened independently from the first compartment to release the oral care solution.

According to various embodiments, the brush head is selectively coupled to the body. For example, the brush head may be coupled to the body via threads, connectors, snapping features, gussets, gaskets, and any combination thereof. According to various embodiments, the brush head is coupled to the body via a first method (e.g., via a snapping feature) in the original packaging and is recoupled to the body (e.g., after the oral care routine) via a second method (e.g., via threads) that is different form the first method.

According to another embodiment, the oral care solution is stored within a membrane that is coupled to the oral care device. For example, the oral care solution may be stored in a membrane that is coupled to the brush head. For example, the membrane may be embedded in the bristles of the brush head. The membrane may be configured to rupture under a certain pressure. Thus, the membrane may be pierced by biting down on the membrane, thereby releasing the oral care solution.

According to various embodiments, the attachment may include a suction port. The suction port is configured to be coupled to a suction source, such as a vacuum. The suction port is in fluid communication with one or more openings proximate the brush head via a suction tube. When suction is applied to the suction port, oral solution and/or saliva may be drawn into the openings proximate the brush head, thru the suction tube, and out of the suction port. According to various embodiments, the suction port is positioned between the brush head and a cap used to secure the attachment to the body such that when the brush head is sealed within the inner cavity in the body, the suction port is also positioned within the inner cavity in the body. Such an arrangement may prevent contaminants from being introduced into the inner cavity via the suction port while the brush head is sealed within the inner cavity.

According to another embodiment, the brush head is coupled to a first end of the body via a neck. In this embodiment, the brush head may not be stored within an inner cavity in the body prior to the oral care routine being performed. The body may include an inner cavity with an opening proximate a second end of the body. The inner cavity may contain oral care solution. The inner cavity may further be configured to receive excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., the subject spits out excess oral care solution and/or saliva before, during, or after the oral care routine).

According to various embodiments, the opening is surrounded by a funnel. The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the inner cavity. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, the inner cavity of the body may define a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may function to reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume. For example, the ribs may function to contain some of the excess oral care solution and/or saliva. Further, the ribs may allow the body to be formed of a relatively thin thermoplastic molded bottle. The ridges may increase the rigidity of the body such that a thinner plastic can be used to create the body. Similarly, the funnel may include ridges such that the funnel can be formed of a thinner plastic material.

According to various embodiments, the oral care system includes a plurality of oral care devices that are packaged together. For example, a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of oral care devices may be packaged within a larger container. The larger container may be configured to be opened and resealed after an oral care device is removed from the larger container. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care devices may be connected by a runner. For example, one or more components of the plurality of oral care devices may be formed using a mold. The mold may include a conduit (e.g., a runner) that connects each of the components. In use, a user may break a part of the runner to separate a single oral care device from the plurality of oral care devices. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care devices may be coupled to non-plastic board (e.g., paper, cardboard, wood, etc.) and sold as a kit, which may reduce plastic consumption of the product.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes an attachment that is configured to be coupled to a cup, such as a disposable Dixie® cup. For example, the oral care system may include a body and a brush head coupled to the body. The body may be removably coupled to the brush head. The oral care system may include oral care solution positioned within the body. The body may include a funnel be configured to couple to a cup (e.g., via a snapping feature). The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the cup. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the cup. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, the attachment is configured to receive the brush head while the attachment is coupled to the cup. The attachment may include an aperture configured to receive a neck coupled to the brush head. The attachment may further include alignment slots on either side of the aperture to guide and/or center the neck in the attachment. In this embodiment, the attachment and/or the brush head may be coupled to the cup via a hinge such that the attachment or brush head can be rotated about the hinge to expose the inner volume of the cup such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be released into the cup. The attachment and/or brush head may then be rotated back to the original position to contain the solution and/or saliva within the cup. The cup and oral care system may then be disposed of together.

According to other embodiments, the brush head is configured to be used without being coupled to the cup. For example, the brush head may be removed from the packaging and the attachment may be separately coupled to a cup. The attachment, which may include a funnel, can then be used in conjunction with the cup to receive excess oral solution and/or saliva. The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the cup. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the cup. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a bite block that is coupled to a handle. According to various embodiments, the bite block may further be coupled to a handle such that the handle and the bite block are configured to be coupled to the other structure, such as a tongue depressor. In other embodiments, the bite block may be coupled to a tongue depressor, such that the tongue depressor serves as the handle. According to various embodiments, the handle may be formed of a non-plastic material, such as wood, to reduce plastic consumption. According to various embodiments, the handle includes a suction port such that a vacuum can be coupled to the handle and draw excess oral care solution and/or saliva out of the subject's mouth. According to various embodiments, the bite block includes a plurality of openings or dimples in-between the bristles. Such an arrangement may increase surface area such that a greater amount of oral care solution can adhere to the brush head.

The oral care systems and devices described herein may be formed via injection molding, according to some embodiments. The oral care systems and devices described herein may be formed using a single mold or cast, and in some instances a mold insert and/or overmold insert. The single mold and/or inserts may be used to form different oral care devices, such that the injection molding process described herein decreases cost, increases efficiency, and/or otherwise cases certain processes of providing (e.g., manufacturing) various oral care devices.

Referring now toFIGS.1-5, an oral care system100is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system100is shown to include an oral care device. The oral care device is configured to be used as a part of an oral care routine. According to various embodiments, the oral care device is a disposable oral care device that is intended to be used once and discarded, which may reduce the risk of illness in a user of the device.

As shown, the oral care system100can be transformed from a first orientation (e.g., as shown inFIGS.1and2) and a second orientation (e.g., as shown inFIGS.3and4). For example, the oral care system100may be packaged in the first orientation and transformed into the second orientation for use during an oral care routine. As is discussed further herein, in the first orientation, a brush head130may be positioned within a body122to protect the brush head130, reduce the risk of contamination of the brush head130, and/or reduce the footprint of the oral care system100. In the second orientation, the brush head130may be positioned outside of the body122such that brush head can be inserted into a subject's mouth as a part of an oral care routine. Following the oral care routine, the oral care system100may be reverted back to the first orientation to store the used brush head within the body122and disposed of.

As shown inFIGS.1,2, and3when the oral care system100is in the first orientation, the attachment portion110is coupled to the body portion120. As shown, the attachment portion110is coupled to the body portion120via a friction fit. For example, the neck112of the attachment portion may be received within a slot in the conduit132such that the friction between the neck112and the slot couple the attachment portion110to the body portion120. According to other embodiments, the connector114may include a second set of threads configured to engage a set of threads on the conduit132to couple the attachment portion110to the body portion120via the threads. In other embodiments, a portion of the neck112may contain threads to engage with a set of threads on the interior of the conduit132. The threads may be disposed along any portion of the neck112, or along the entirety of the neck, according to some embodiments. In the first orientation, the attachment portion110may rest inside of the body122. In some embodiments, the attachment portion110rests below or substantially flush with the top of the funnel124. In this way, the funnel124may be covered by a seal member that is a removable barrier (e.g., a film, a seal member, a sheet, a board, etc.) to keep the oral care system100sterile before use. While the neck112is depicted in various Figures (e.g.,FIG.4, etc.) as being bent, it is understood that this is an example of the neck112and that the neck112is straight in some embodiments, has an angle (e.g., two portions separated by an angle, etc.) in some embodiments, and has a curved shape in some embodiments, for example.

The body122may contain oral care solution, such that the attachment portion soaks in the oral care solution until the device is moved into a second orientation. For example, oral care solution may be positioned within the body122such that a brush head130may be plunged into the body122to at least partially saturate the brush head130with oral care solution. Further, the body122may contain a sufficient volume of oral care solution such that the user can pour the oral care solution from the body122directly into the user's mouth as a part of the oral care routine.

According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the body122via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head130penetrates a barrier when plunged into the body122to release the oral care solution. According to various embodiments, oral care solution may be positioned within the conduit132such that a brush head130may be plunged into the conduit132to at least partially saturate the brush head130with oral care solution. According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the conduit132via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head130penetrates a barrier when plunged into the conduit132to release the oral care solution.

According to various embodiments, inner cavity of the body122may define a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may function to reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the body122. For example, the ribs may function to contain some of the excess oral care solution and/or saliva. Further, the ribs may allow the body122to be formed of a relatively thin thermoplastic molded bottle. The ridges may increase the rigidity of the body122such that a thinner plastic can be used to create the body122. Similarly, the funnel124may include ridges such that the funnel124can be formed of a thinner plastic material. In alternative embodiments, the inner cavity of the body122may define round squeegee style stopper that functions to remove excess oral care solution from the attachment portion110and/or the brush head130. The squeegee stopper may have an inner diameter that is the same as the length of the brush head laterally, according to an embodiment. In this way, as the attachment portion110is removed from the body122, the brush head130passes through the inner diameter of the squeegee stopper. The bristles and the pad may be pushed down/inward to remove excess oral care solution, according to an embodiment.

As shown inFIG.4, the oral care device may take a second orientation, in which the attachment portion extends generally along the axis101between a first end and a second end. The oral care system100includes a body portion120and an attachment portion110coupled to the body portion120. The body portion120extends along the axis101from a first body end121to a second body end123and includes a body122.

The body122may further be configured to receive excess oral care solution and/or saliva during and after the oral care routine. For example, the body122defines an inner cavity configured to receive the excess oral care solution and/or saliva. The excess oral care solution and/or saliva may be introduced into the inner cavity via a conduit132that defines a body opening128(seeFIG.3). For example, the attachment portion110may be decoupled from the body portion120such that the body opening128is exposed and a subject may spit excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the body opening128. In some embodiments, the funnel124is coupled to the conduit132and/or the body opening128, such that the excess oral care solution/saliva may be spit into the funnel124and introduced into the inner cavity via the conduit132therein.

According to other embodiments, the conduit132is not in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the body122. For example, the body portion120includes a funnel124proximate the second body end123. The funnel124defines a funnel opening125(seeFIGS.1-3) that is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. For example, the conduit132may be sealed off from the inner volume and located within the funnel opening125and one or more openings within the funnel opening125that surround a perimeter the conduit132may be in fluid communication with the inner cavity such that a subject may spit into the funnel opening125to release excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the inner volume of the body122. According to various embodiments, the conduit132may contain oral care solution prior to the oral care routine being performed such that the oral care solution can be applied to a brush head130as a part of the oral care routine. Such an arrangement allows the subject to release (e.g., spit) excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the body122without contaminating the oral care solution within the conduit132.

The oral care system100includes an attachment portion110extending between a first attachment end113and a second attachment end111. The attachment portion110includes a brush head130proximate the second attachment end111. The brush head130is shown to include bristles138on a first side of the brush head130and a pad134on a second side of the brush head130. The brush head130is coupled to a neck112of the attachment portion. The neck112couples the brush head130to a connector114proximate the first attachment end113.

The attachment portion110is configured to selectively coupled to the body portion120between the first orientation (e.g., as shown inFIGS.1and2) and the second orientation (e.g., as shown inFIGS.4and5). As shown inFIGS.4and5, the attachment portion110includes the connector114proximate the first attachment end113. The connector114is shown to secure the attachment portion110to the body portion120in the second orientation. The connector114is shown to couple to the body portion120via threads, however, according to other embodiments, the connector114may include other coupling features such as a snapping feature or gasket. According to other embodiments, the connector114may include a projection that is configured to be received in an aperture or slot in the body portion (e.g., within the body opening). The aperture or slot may further include alignment slots on either side of the aperture to guide and/or center the projection (e.g., the neck112).

As shown inFIGS.4and5, the attachment portion110includes a suction port118. The suction port118is configured to be coupled to a suction source, such as a vacuum. The suction port118may be in fluid communication with one or more openings142(seeFIG.7) proximate the brush head130. When suction is applied to the suction port118, oral solution and/or saliva may be drawn into the openings142proximate the brush head130, thru a suction tube positioned within the neck112), and out of the suction port118. As shown, the suction port118is positioned between the brush head130and the connector114used to secure the attachment portion110to the body portion120such that when the brush head130is sealed within the inner cavity in the body122, the suction port118is also positioned within the inner cavity in the body. For example, the suction port118is positioned within the body portion120inFIGS.4and5. Such an arrangement may prevent contaminants from being introduced into the inner cavity via the suction port118while the brush head130is sealed within the inner cavity.

According to various embodiments, the brush head130is coupled to the body portion120via a hinge. For example, the attachment portion110and/or the brush head130may be coupled to the cup via a hinge such that the attachment portion110or brush head130can be rotated about the hinge to expose the inner volume of the body122such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be released into the body122. For example, rotating the brush head130about the hinge may increase the angle the neck112forms with the axis101and expose the body opening128. After the excess oral care solution and/or saliva are released into the body122, the attachment portion110and/or brush head130may then be rotated back to the original position to contain the oral care solution and/or saliva within the body122. The oral care system100may then be disposed of.

Referring toFIG.6, an exploded view of the oral care system100. In various embodiments, the exterior surface of the body opening128defines threading. The interior of the connector114may define threading for receiving the threading of the body opening128. The exterior surface of the body opening128may define external threading (e.g. male threads), whereas the internal surface of the connector114may define internal threading (e.g. female threads). In this way, the connector114and its extension, the attachment portion110, may be removably coupled to the body opening128by screwing the connector114onto the body opening128. In other embodiments, the exterior surface of the body opening128may define internal threading (e.g., female threads), whereas the interior surface of the connector114may define external threading (e.g., male threads). In this way, the connector114may be screwed onto the exterior of the body opening128.

In other embodiments, the internal surface of the connector114may contain adhesive to fix the connector114to the body opening128. The adhesive coupling may create a permanent or removable coupling between the connector114and its extension, the attachment portion110, and the body opening128. In alternate embodiments, the connector114may be coupled to the body opening128by a friction fit. In some embodiments the connector114and the body opening128may define a camlock coupling. In this way, the connector114may be a female cam having handles or arms, whereas the body opening128defines a male groove gasket, such that the connector114may be fit to the inside of the body opening128to for a leakproof camlock coupling.

In some embodiments, the base of the funnel124may contain threading, such that the funnel may be removably coupled to the body122via screwing the funnel124onto threading on the exterior of the body122. In other embodiments, the funnel124may be configured snap fit onto the body122. Alternatively, the funnel124may be tension fit onto the body122or coupled via adhesive.

In some embodiments, the neck112is couplable to the inside of the conduit132. As mentioned above, the neck may contain threading to couple with the connector114and/or the inside of the conduit132. In this way, the neck112may be threadedly coupled to the interior of the conduit132, while the connector114is threadedly coupled to the top of the conduit at the body opening128. In some embodiments, the base of the neck112includes an O-ring for the purpose of creating a seal between the base of the neck112and the connector114. In other embodiments, the connector114includes an O-ring, such that a sealed connection is formed when the connector114is screwed into/onto the body opening128.

As shown inFIG.7, the oral care system100may include oral care solution contained within a membrane140that is coupled to the oral care device. For example, as shown, the oral care solution is stored within the membrane140that is coupled to brush head130. As shown, the membrane140is be embedded in the bristles138of the brush head130. The membrane140may be configured to rupture under a certain pressure. Thus, the membrane140may be pierced by biting down on the membrane140, thereby releasing the oral care solution. In some embodiments, the solution contained within the membrane140is an ingredient or set of ingredients that form the oral care solution when mixed with the solution contained in the body122. In this way, the solution in the membrane140mixes with the solution the brush head is submerged in when the brush is used in the oral cavity (e.g., upon biting, with scrubbing motion, upon pressing within the oral cavity, etc.). Advantageously, the membrane140may include active ingredients whose potency may diminish over time when mixed with an oral care solution. In this way, the ingredients may be better preserved before application.

Referring now toFIG.8-11, another embodiment of an oral care system200is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system200may share one or more features with any of the other oral care systems described herein. The oral care system200is shown to include an oral care device. The oral care device is configured to be used as a part of an oral care routine. According to various embodiments, the oral care device is a disposable oral care device that is intended to be used once and discarded, which may reduce the risk of illness in a user of the device.

As shown inFIG.8, the oral care device extends generally along the axis201between a first end and a second end. The oral care system200includes a body portion220and an attachment portion210coupled to the body portion220. The body portion220extends along the axis201from a first body end221to a second body end223and includes a body222. The body222may contain oral care solution prior to the oral care routine being performed (e.g., in the original packaging). For example, oral care solution may be positioned within the body222such that a brush head230may be plunged into the body222to at least partially saturate the brush head230with oral care solution. According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the body222via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head230penetrates a barrier when plunged into the body222to release the oral care solution.

In some embodiments, the oral care system is a unitary device. In other embodiments, the attachment portion210may be removably coupled to the body portion220. The attachment portion may be coupled to the body portion with adhesive, according to an embodiment. In alternate embodiments, the attachment end opposite the brush head230may be coupled to the second end of the body222by suction (e.g., by a suction cup). In other embodiments, the attachment portion210may be removably coupled to the body222with threads, such that the body222receives the threads of the attachment portion210.

As shown inFIGS.9and10, the body portion220includes an opening228that defines a conduit226. The conduit226may contain oral care solution within an inner volume of the conduit226for use during the oral care routine. For example, the brush head230may be inserted into the conduit226such that oral care solution within the inner volume of the conduit226is applied to the brush head. Further, the conduit226may include a sufficient volume of oral care solution such that the user can pour the oral care solution from the conduit226directly into the user's mouth as a part of the oral care routine.

As shown, the inner volume of the conduit226is exposed by removing a cap214. The cap214is shown to include a plurality of threads configured to secure the cap214to the conduit226, however, according to other embodiments, other securing methods may be utilized. According to various embodiments, the conduit226is in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the body222. However, according to other embodiments, the conduit226is fluidly isolated from the body222.

The body portion220includes a funnel224proximate the first body end221. The funnel224defines a funnel opening225(seeFIGS.9,10). According to various embodiments, the funnel opening225is not in fluid communication with the inner volume of the conduit226. For example, the conduit226may be sealed off from the inner volume of the body222and located within the funnel opening225. One or more openings within the funnel opening225that surround a perimeter the conduit226may be in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the body222such that a subject may spit into the funnel opening225to release excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the inner volume of the body222. According to various embodiments, the conduit226may contain oral care solution prior to the oral care routine being performed such that the oral care solution can be applied to a brush head230as a part of the oral care routine. Such an arrangement allows the subject to release (e.g., spit) excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the body222without contaminating the oral care solution within the conduit226. As discussed further below, according to various embodiments, the second body end223may be sealed such that the excess oral care solution and/or saliva is not released from the second body end223. However, as is further discussed below with respect toFIGS.12and13, the second body end223may include an opening configured to release the excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., into a cup1230).

According to various embodiments, oral care solution may be positioned within the conduit226such that a brush head230may be plunged into the conduit226to at least partially saturate the brush head230with oral care solution. According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the conduit226via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head230penetrates a barrier when plunged into the conduit226to release the oral care solution.

The oral care system200includes an attachment portion210extending between a first attachment end213and a second attachment end211. The attachment portion210includes a brush head230proximate the second attachment end211. The brush head230is shown to include bristles232on a first side of the brush head230and a pad234on a second side of the brush head230. The brush head230is coupled to a neck212of the attachment portion. The neck212couples the brush head230to the body portion220.

The attachment portion210may be selectively coupled to the body portion220. As shown inFIGS.12and13, the attachment portion210may be detached from the body portion220and used as a part of an oral care routine. According to various embodiments, the neck212is configured to be received in an aperture or slot in the body portion220(e.g., within the body opening128). The aperture or slot may further include alignment slots on either side of the aperture to guide and/or center the neck212.

Referring now toFIG.11, an oral care system1000is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system1000includes a plurality of oral care systems200within a container1010. The larger container1010may be configured to be opened and resealed after an oral care system200is removed from the container1010. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care systems1000may be connected by a runner. For example, one or more components of the plurality of oral care systems1000may be formed using a mold. The mold may include a conduit (e.g., a runner) that connects each of the components. In use, a user may break a part of the runner to separate a single oral care system200from the plurality of oral care systems200. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care systems200may be coupled to non-plastic board (e.g., paper, cardboard, wood, etc.) and sold as a kit, which may reduce plastic consumption of the product.

Referring now toFIGS.12and13, the attachment portion210and the funnel224are shown, respectively, according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG.12, the attachment portion210can be separated from the body portion220and used as a part of an oral care routine. Further, as shown, a vacuum source1212is coupled to the attachment portion. The vacuum source is configured to draw excess oral care solution and/or saliva from one or more openings proximate the brush head230.

As shown, the funnel224is configured to be separated from the attachment portion210and coupled to a cup1230(e.g., a disposable Dixie® cup). According to various embodiments, the funnel224is configured to snap fit onto the cup1230. According to various embodiments, the body222is coupled to the funnel224when the funnel224is coupled to the cup1230. The body222extends into the cup1230such that liquid released into the funnel opening225flows through the body222and into an inner volume of the cup1230. Such an arrangement may help prevent liquid from escaping the cup1230in the event the cup1230is knocked over.

Referring now toFIG.14, an oral care system300is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system300includes a bite block320that is configured to be coupled to another structure, such as a handle310, and used during an oral care routine. According to another embodiment, the bite block320is configured to be coupled to other structures, such as a tongue depressor. It should be appreciated that the bite block320may be packaged and sold separately from the handle310. For example, the handles310may be common in medical environments (e.g., tongue depressors) such that packaging can be reduced by selling the bite block320separately.

As shown, the bite block320includes an opening that may be used to couple the bite block320to the handle310. For example, the bite block320may surround a portion of the handle310when the bite block320is coupled to the tongue depressor via the opening.

As shown inFIG.14, the bite block320includes a plurality of bristles322. The bite block320further includes a plurality of apertures324. According to various embodiments, the apertures324increase the surface area of the bite block320that the oral care solution can adhere to without the use of a foam pad.

In some embodiments, the bite block320further includes an injection port. The injection port may be configured to receive oral care solution. According to various embodiments, oral care solution injected into the injection port may be release from one or more of the apertures324. In other embodiments, the brush head further includes a suction port. The suction port may be coupled to a vacuum source such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be drawing through one or more of the apertures324and out of the suction port.

According to various embodiments, the bite block320is formed from a plastic material and the handle may be formed of a plastic material, or a non-plastic material, such as wood. For example, the bite block320may be formed of a plastic using a single mold or cast, and in some instances a mold insert and/or overmold insert.

Referring now toFIGS.15and16, the bite block320ofFIG.14is shown up close, according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG.15, the bite block320includes a plurality of bristles322. The bristles322may be made of a stiff material, such as plastic, rubber, or silicon. The bristles322may be conical, cylindrical, or rectangular or any combination thereof in shape. The bite block320further includes a plurality of apertures324. According to various embodiments, the apertures324increase the surface area of the bite block320that the oral care solution can adhere to without the use of a foam pad. As shown inFIG.16, the sides of the bite block320include ridges that may be used to clean soft tissue (e.g., tongue, gums, cheeks, etc.). The ridges may be made of the same material as the bristles (e.g., plastic, rubber, silicon, etc.), or a variation thereof. In some embodiments, the ridges extend laterally across the exterior surface. In an example, the bite block320comprises a first side and a second side (i.e., a front side and a back side). The first side and the second side may contain a combination of bristles322and apertures324. The first side and the second side may be connected by a third side (i.e., a connecting edge) that contains ridges. The bottom of the bite block320comprises an opening for receiving the handle310. The opening may compose the whole bottom portion of the bite block, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the opening may compose part of the bottom portion of the bite block, for example, in a slot shape.

Referring now toFIGS.17-19, an oral care system400is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system400includes a bite block320that is configured to be coupled to another structure, such as a handle310and used during an oral care routine. According to some embodiments, the bite block320is configured to be coupled to other structures, such as a bite block. It should be appreciated that the bite block320may be packaged and sold separately from the handle310. For example, the handle310may be common in medical environments, such as a tongue depressor, such that packaging can be reduced by selling the bite block320separately.

The oral care system400further includes a handle310coupled to the bite block320. The handle310extends from the bite block320such that the handle310can be held in conjunction with a tongue depressor. In other embodiments, the handle310may be comprised of a tongue depressor. According to various embodiments, the bite block320is formed from a plastic material and the tongue depressor may be formed of a non-plastic material, such as wood. For example, the bite block320may be formed of a plastic using a single mold or cast, and in some instances a mold insert and/or overmold insert.

In some embodiments, the handle310includes a suction port. The suction port may be coupled to a vacuum source such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be drawing through one or more of the apertures324and out of the suction port.

The oral care system400may include a cap with an aperture for receiving the bite block320and handle310. The cap may be couplable to a cup, such as a disposable Dixie® cup. The cap's aperture may act as a squeegee to remove excess oral care product/solution. Additionally, the cap with aperture may provide spill resistance if the cup falls or tips over. In some embodiments, the oral care system400includes a container holding oral care solution. The oral care solution container may be covered by a removable barrier to keep the oral care solution sterile before use (e.g., a film, a seal, a sheet, a board, etc.). The barrier may be pierced by the bite block320or removed by a user upon use of the oral care system400.

According to various embodiments, any of the oral care devices, systems, and/or components described herein may be packaged individually or as a kit. In some embodiments, the kit includes one oral care device, system, and/or component; however, in other embodiments the kit includes any number of oral care devices, systems, and/or components. In this regard, a patient may receive a kit (e.g., an oral care system1000) upon intake into a healthcare facility, and/or a plurality of individual oral care devices (e.g., an oral care system100) may be provided in a patient room, for example for replacement. A healthcare provider may periodically check the kit for devices and/or components that may need to be repaired, replaced, refurbished, etc. According to an embodiment, the components of the kit are pre-packaged and/or arranged for use. In other embodiments, the packaging is designed with a small footprint for storage on a bedside table in a hospital room.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems, apparatuses, and methods shown in the various embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, any of the embodiments described inFIGS.1-5of this application can be incorporated with any of the other embodiments described. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.