Nozzle for powder delivery with a personal care appliance and method

A powder delivery nozzle (12) for a personal care appliance (10) comprises a body (28), guidance tip (38), powder chamber (50), and flexible membrane (56). The body (28) includes an air-liquid channel (30) for delivery of air and/or liquid from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The guidance tip (38), located at the distal end of the body (28), includes an orifice (40) coupled to the air-liquid channel (30) and is configured to expel a pulse of air and/or liquid. The powder chamber (50) is configured for storing a powder (52) and having an air intake port (42) and a powder outlet port (44). The flexible membrane (56) is disposed between the powder chamber (50) and the air-liquid channel (30). Responsive to delivery of a pulse of air and/or liquid via the air-liquid channel (30), a pulse of pressure is applied to the flexible membrane (56) for actuating a release of powder expelled from the powder chamber (50) via the powder outlet port (44). A method and personal care appliance are also disclosed.

The present embodiments relate generally to personal care appliances and more particularly, to a nozzle for powder delivery with a personal care appliance and a method.

For smart sustained release of oral therapeutic agents for oral care, using dry particles offers a number of advantages over the use of particle suspensions in liquid. Some agents can for example not be easily formulated in a stable liquid formulation, while they can have a long shelf life when formulated in a dry particle. Examples of such agents are hydrogen peroxide combined with its activators; enzymes; probiotics, etc. Further when delivering particles from suspension, the particle properties need to be tuned for fast adhesion to the teeth or other oral surfaces. For dry particles this is less the case since these will immediately adhere to the saliva film present on the teeth due to capillary forces.

It can be appreciated that the Philips Sonicare™ AirFloss™ technology, generating an air pulse in the device with a cylinder, can be a usable drive train to propel dry particles towards the teeth with the air flow created. The AirFloss™ platform seems to be particularly suitable for delivering dry particulate matter, compared to other oral care consumer devices.

Dry particles would need to be fed into the air stream to be transported towards the teeth. However, if this is done inside the AirFloss™ device, the dry particles will attach to the insides of the nozzle, clogging the nozzle and could also disadvantageously hamper delivery.

Accordingly, an improved method and apparatus for overcoming the problems in the art is desired.

In accordance with one aspect, a powder delivery nozzle for a personal care appliance comprises a body having at least one air-liquid channel configured for delivery of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. A guidance tip is located at the distal end of the body, wherein the guidance tip includes an orifice coupled to the air-liquid channel and is configured to expel a pulse of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid. A powder chamber is provided for storing a powder and having at least one air intake port and at least one powder outlet port. A flexible membrane is disposed between a portion of the powder chamber and the air-liquid channel, wherein responsive to delivery of a pulse of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid via the air-liquid channel, a pulse of pressure is applied to the flexible membrane for actuating a release of powder expelled from the powder chamber via the powder outlet port. Advantageously, the powder is released outside the nozzle in the stream of air/liquid as it is being expelled from the nozzle.

In accordance with another aspect, the air intake port is configured for enabling air or an ambient gas to enter the powder chamber immediately subsequent to the release of powder expelled via the outlet port in proportion to a dose of powder expelled. In another embodiment, immediately subsequent to the release of powder, air or an ambient gas enters the powder chamber via the air intake port in proportion to an amount of powder expelled, in preparation for a subsequent delivery of powder. In one embodiment, the at least one air intake port comprises a one-way air intake valve and the at least one powder outlet port comprises a one-way ejection valve.

In accordance with another aspect, the powder outlet port is disposed within the guidance tip, proximate the orifice. In another embodiment, the powder outlet port is positioned within the guidance tip at a depth that comprises one selected from the group consisting of (i) at a same depth as that of the orifice and (ii) at a depth greater than a depth of the orifice within the guidance tip.

According to another aspect, the powder chamber further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) a chamber integrated within the body, and (ii) an exchangeable chamber configured for attachment to the body. In one embodiment, the powder chamber comprises the exchangeable chamber configured for attachment to the body, and the flexible membrane comprises a portion of the powder chamber. In another embodiment, the powder chamber comprises the exchangeable chamber configured for attachment to the body, and the flexible membrane comprises a portion of the nozzle body.

In accordance with a further aspect, the powder chamber comprises a refillable chamber having a refill aperture, wherein the refill aperture is configured (i) for being opened to enable refilling of the refillable chamber with powder and (ii) for being closed subsequent to refilling the refillable chamber with powder. In addition, the refill aperture includes a refill cap, wherein removal of the refill cap enables the refilling via the refill aperture and replacement of the refill cap facilitates closing of the refill aperture.

Still further advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description.

The embodiments of the present disclosure may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. Accordingly, the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments. In the drawing figures, like reference numerals refer to like elements. In addition, it is to be noted that the figures may not be drawn to scale.

The embodiments of the present disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting examples that are described and/or illustrated in the drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments of the present may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the same. Accordingly, the examples herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law.

It is understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, devices, apparatus, materials, applications, etc., described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in scope of the embodiments as claimed. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong. Preferred methods, devices, and materials are described, although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments.

Interproximal spaces generally refer to those areas in the mouth that are most prone to oral disease, since bacteria can easily accumulate in these hard-to-access sites. Common diseases like gingivitis and cavities are most prevalent in the interproximal space. Smart sustained release of oral therapeutic agents for oral care using dry particles delivered within and around the interproximal space may be able to prevent such diseases. As the areas of interproximal space are secluded, smart sustained release systems could be easily retained in the interproximal spaces, while on the alternative tooth surfaces (e.g. buccal/labial and lingual/palatal surfaces) such systems may be easily removed by, for example, eating.

In conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure, the inventors have found that dry powder formulations are ideal for smart/slow release of agents in the oral cavity, since the dry powder formulations have a long shelf life, can be delivered in the oral cavity using air-liquid flow, and stick immediately to wet oral surfaces (e.g. teeth), releasing the agents where they are needed. The current Philips Sonicare™ AirFloss™ technology can be used to drive the delivery of the powders, however, building a powder chamber in the handle is difficult and there is a high risk that the powder sticks to the wet insides of the nozzle, not effectively delivering the dry particles. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a specialized nozzle with powder chamber is disclosed, where powder release is driven by an air pulse, and the powder outlet is at the exit of the nozzle, to provide an optimal powder delivery. The powder chamber is attached to or integrated in the nozzle, and equipped with a flexible membrane towards the inside of the AirFloss™ air-liquid channel of the nozzle. The air pulse of the device delivers enough pressure to push, with each air-liquid shot, a dose of powder out of the powder chamber outlet into the stream of air-liquid outside the tip of the nozzle, directed towards the teeth. Different embodiments are disclosed herein, for example one with exchangeable powder chamber cartridges and one with a refilling device to refill the powder chamber.

As disclosed herein, in one embodiment, a design is proposed where only the nozzle is changed to achieve dry particle delivery. A powder chamber is integrated in the nozzle, with the powder exit at or close to the air-liquid exit of the nozzle. The chamber wall connected to the inside of the air-liquid channel is made of flexible material. When an air-liquid pressure pulse moves through the nozzle, the elevated pressure compresses the powder chamber, via the flexible material, releasing a dose of powder from the powder exit which ejects the powder in the airliquid stream transporting it to the teeth. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.

With reference now toFIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a device10for powder delivery to interproximal areas of teeth and for implementing a powder delivery procedure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The device10includes a user replaceable powder delivery nozzle12according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device further includes an activation button18, handle20, liquid reservoir22, control electronics24, and at least one microburst pump26. The user replaceable powder delivery nozzle12generally includes an elongated body28with at least one channel (30,FIG. 2) extending from a proximal end32of the nozzle to a distal end34of the nozzle, and a guidance tip38with at least one orifice40coupled to the at least one channel.

Nozzle12further comprises an air intake port42and a powder outlet port44, as will be discussed further herein with reference toFIG. 2. Responsive to coupling of the proximal end32of the elongated body of the nozzle12to a distal end of the handle20, an appropriate fluidic connection is established between the at least one reservoir22in the device and the at least one orifice40, via the at least one channel (30,FIG. 2).

Turning now toFIG. 2, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view (FIG. 2A) of various components of a powder delivery nozzle12for use with the device10for powder delivery to interproximal areas of teeth and for implementing a powder delivery procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2Billustrates a front view of the guidance tip38.

As indicated above, the powder delivery nozzle12for a personal care appliance comprises a body28having at least one air-liquid channel30configured for delivery of air and/or liquid from a proximal end32to a distal end34thereof. The guidance tip38is located at the distal end34of the body and includes an orifice40coupled to the air-liquid channel30. The orifice40is configured to expel a pulse of air and/or liquid.

The nozzle12also includes a powder chamber50located proximate the distal end34of the nozzle12for storing a powder52and having at least one air intake port42and at least one powder outlet port44. In one embodiment, the powder chamber50further comprises a refillable chamber having a refill aperture and cap54wherein the refill aperture and cap54are configured (i) for being opened to enable refilling of the refillable chamber with powder and (ii) for being closed subsequent to refilling the refillable chamber with a desired powder. The refill aperture includes the refill cap, wherein removal of the refill cap enables the refilling via the refill aperture and replacement of the refill cap facilitates closing of the refill aperture.

With reference still toFIG. 2, nozzle12further includes a flexible membrane56disposed between a portion of the powder chamber50and the air-liquid channel30. In one embodiment, flexible membrane56comprises any suitable flexible material. Typical suitable flexible membrane materials are rubbers, such as for example silicone rubber. An advantage of rubbers is that they are highly elastic. After an air pressure pulse application, a rubber membrane will relax to its original shape and give the powder chamber the original volume by ambient air filling the gap that was created therein by the released powder. It will be understood in the art that by choosing the right Shore A hardness, and making the rubber membrane the right thickness and size for a given nozzle implementation, a working membrane can be designed that will be soft enough that it can be moved by the air pressure pulse, but also strong enough that it will return to its original shape, pulling in the ambient air through the air intake port42. In addition, if this will be used to deliver contents into the human mouth, the suitable flexible material will comprise one approved for containing oral ingestible materials.

In one embodiment, the at least one air intake port42comprises a one-way air intake valve and the at least one powder outlet port44comprises a one-way ejection valve. In addition, the air intake port42and the powder outlet port44are oriented or disposed in opposite directions, the intake port42further being proximate one end of powder chamber50and the powder outlet port44being proximate the other end of powder chamber. In addition, the air intake port42should be located far enough from the guidance tip38that the air intake port42is always outside of the mouth during use, i.e., to prevent any contaminants (e.g. saliva) from getting into the powder chamber. In one embodiment, the air intake port could be located closer to the proximal end or base of the nozzle. For example, the powder chamber may extend close to the base of the nozzle, and/or a suitable channel or tubing could be integrated within the nozzle that extends between the air intake port42at the base of the powder chamber to a position near the base of the nozzle. Furthermore, the powder outlet port44is disposed within the guidance tip38, proximate the orifice40. Moreover, the powder outlet port44is positioned within the guidance tip38at a depth that comprises one selected from the group consisting of (i) at a same depth as that of the orifice40and (ii) at a depth greater than a depth of the orifice40within the guidance tip38.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the powder outlet port44is positioned within the guidance tip38at a depth greater than a depth of the orifice40within the guidance tip38. Preferably, the powder outlet port44is positioned within the guidance tip38such that fluid expelled via orifice40does not interfere with or cause any undesirable blockage of the powder outlet port44. It should be noted that the embodiment ofFIG. 2Bin which the orifice40is centered within the guidance tip and the powder outlet port44is off-center is not limiting, as other spatial configurations of the powder outlet port44with respect to the orifice40are possible.

In another embodiment, the guidance tip38includes a distance piece58in the form of a suitable spacer for use in establishing, during use of the device10with nozzle12, a desired spacing between the orifice40and the user's teeth, and between the powder outlet port44and the user's teeth. For example, the distance piece58can comprise a shape in the form of a ring, or other suitable shape, extending from the distal end of the nozzle12at the guidance tip38. The distance piece can further comprise an integral portion of the nozzle or could also comprise a removable distance piece, the latter being selectable among a plurality of distance pieces of different distance dimensions, allowing a user to select a distance best suited for the individual user. The removable distance piece can be coupled to the guidance tip38using any suitable method, such as a press fit, threaded connection, or similar method.

In one embodiment, such as illustrated inFIG. 2, the powder chamber50is integrated in the nozzle12, with the powder exit (i.e., powder outlet port44) at or close to the fluid exit (i.e., orifice40) of the nozzle. The chamber wall connected to the inside of the cleaning fluid channel (i.e., air-liquid channel30) is made of flexible material (i.e., flexible membrane56). When an air (or air-liquid) pressure pulse moves through the nozzle, the elevated pressure compresses the powder chamber, via the flexible material, releasing a dose of powder from the powder exit which ejects the powder in the air (or air-liquid) stream outside the orifice, transporting it to the teeth. In another embodiment, the powder may be delivered immediately to the teeth by the ejection speed out of the powder exit, without entering the air/liquid stream.

Stated another way, in operation, responsive to delivery of a pulse of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid via the air-liquid channel30, in a direction60of an air-liquid pulse provided via fluid system within handle20, a pulse of pressure is applied to the flexible membrane56for actuating a release of powder52expelled from the powder chamber50via the powder outlet port44. In one embodiment, the release of powder comprises a desired dose of powder for a given application of dry powder. The air intake port42is configured for enabling air or an ambient gas to enter the powder chamber50immediately subsequent to the release of powder expelled via the outlet port44in proportion to the dose of powder expelled. For instance, immediately subsequent to the release of powder, air or an ambient gas enters the powder chamber50via the air intake port42in proportion to an amount of powder expelled, in preparation for a subsequent delivery of powder.

Responsive to activating at least one operational mode, via activation button18, while directing the guidance tip38towards an interproximal area between teeth, the at least one microburst pump26is operable, via control electronics24, (i) at a first setting to pump the liquid from the reservoir22via the first channel30to the at least one orifice40. Further responsive to activating the at least one operational mode while directing the guidance tip38towards an interproximal area between teeth, the at least one microburst pump26is operable (ii) at a second setting, which could be the same or different from the first setting, to pump the dry powder from the powder chamber50via the powder outlet port44proximate the at least one orifice40. The powder outlet port44expels the dry powder for delivering and depositing expelled dry powder onto the surfaces of teeth in and/or around the interproximal area.

Stated in a different manner,FIG. 2illustrates a nozzle design with the flexible membrane56separating the air-liquid channel30from the powder chamber50. As soon as an air (or air-liquid) pulse comes in contact with the flexible membrane56, the flexible membrane will push a certain volume of powder52from the powder chamber50out of the powder chamber exit44(i.e., powder outlet port). The exit44can comprise, for example, a flexible duckbill valve, to prevent fluid from entering the dry powder chamber50. The cleaning air-liquid nozzle exit40(i.e., cleaning orifice) is held at the optimal distance from the teeth with a cylindrical distance piece or cone58. To allow the powder52to enter the air (or air-liquid) stream, the powder exit44is either positioned inside the distance piece58, as shown inFIG. 2, or is positioned outside the distance cone, but ejecting the powder through a hole (or suitable aperture) in the cone, thereby reaching the air (or air-liquid) stream. In another embodiment, the powder is directed to a tooth/gum portion outside of the cone, and could even be directed to a previously cleaned interproximal space, wherein the powder exit is positioned one tooth beyond the cleaning orifice, with the nozzle being kept parallel to the teeth arch and cleaning started in the back of the mouth working forward. After the air (or air-liquid) shot or pulse, the powder chamber50will return back to its original volume, and air can enter the chamber through another duckbill valve42(i.e., the air intake port).

As also shown inFIG. 2, the channel towards valve42is illustrated relatively high on the nozzle, i.e., proximate the distal end34. It should be noted that the location for air entry into valve42from the outside, subsequent to ejecting powder out exit44, should remain outside the mouth. Accordingly, the channel towards valve42may be elongated downward, to create an air entrance closer to the handle20, keeping the valve42outside the mouth when in use. The air inside the powder chamber50helps to transport the powder52through exit valve44, especially at a later stage in the process, when the powder chamber contains less powder and contains more air. This will also help to keep the dose of powder delivered at a constant level, as in the beginning the dose amount can be high due to the complete filling with powder, and at the end it can be high due to the stronger air flow coming out of the powder chamber, transporting the powder more effectively. To refill the powder chamber50, the cap54can be opened.

With reference now toFIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of a powder delivery nozzle12(i.e., viewed from a back outside surface of the nozzle) for use with the device10for dry powder delivery to interproximal areas of teeth and for implementing a dry powder delivery procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the air intake port42is disposed on a back surface of the nozzle, near one end of the powder chamber closest to the proximal end32of the nozzle.

With reference now toFIG. 4, there is shown another perspective view of a powder delivery nozzle12(i.e., viewed from one side, more towards a front outside surface of the nozzle) for use with the device10for powder delivery to interproximal areas of teeth and for implementing a powder delivery procedure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the powder outlet port44is disposed on a front surface of the nozzle, near an opposite end of the powder chamber closest to the distal end34of the nozzle. In this illustration, the powder outlet44is shown located within the guidance tip38, proximate the cleaning orifice40. In addition, the cleaning orifice40is shown extending beyond the distance piece58.

Turning now toFIG. 5, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of various components of a powder delivery nozzle12for use with the device10for powder delivery to interproximal areas of teeth and for implementing a powder delivery procedure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment ofFIG. 5is similar to that shown inFIG. 2, with the following differences. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the powder chamber50comprises an exchangeable powder chamber cartridge62, wherein the flexible membrane56comprises a portion of the powder chamber50of the exchangeable cartridge (or the membrane can be on the nozzle). The exchangeable cartridge62is preferably without a removable refill cap, although a removable refill cap could be provided if needed or desired. The exchangeable cartridge62is further configured for attachment to the body28, using any suitable attachment method. When attached, a suitable seal is formed between the flexible membrane56and the air-liquid channel30, such that delivery of the powder is accomplished in a manner as discussed herein above. The exchangeable cartridge62can comprise, for example, a “click-in place” type component or similar component.

The type of powder to be used is not a particular subject of the embodiments of the present disclosure, however, some details will be disclosed below to render an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure more tangible. To prevent the powder from being inhaled, particles should typically be larger than 10 micrometer in diameter. A typical powder size to be used may be around 0.1 mm diameter particles. The amount of powder needed to coat all interproximal spaces (ca 5000 mm2) in a user's mouth with a layer of 0.1 mm powder would be approximately 0.5 ml, which can easily be contained in a small chamber attached to the nozzle. The particles may contain a polymer and the active oral agent to be released. An example polymer could be poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic acid) copolymer (Gantrez™), which is known to adhere well to the teeth, and can hold and slowly release active oral care agents. When such a dry polymer particle hits a wet surface it will immediately adhere, start swelling and will attach even more firmly. Active oral care agents can be antimicrobial agents, fluorides (anti-caries) or more specific beneficial agents (e.g. anti-sensitivity). Powder formulations for delivery of therapeutics are very common in medicine, e.g. inhalation drugs, but also powders are extensively used in the food industry. Manufacturing of such powders is commonly known in the art, and thus does not need further explanation here.

According to another embodiment, a method for delivering powder via a nozzle of a personal care appliance comprises providing a body having at least one air-liquid channel configured for delivery of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The method also comprises providing a guidance tip located at the distal end of the body, wherein the guidance tip includes an orifice coupled to the air-liquid channel and is configured to expel a pulse of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid. The method further comprises storing a powder within a powder chamber, the powder chamber having at least one air intake port and at least one powder outlet port; and disposing a flexible membrane between a portion of the powder chamber and the air-liquid channel, wherein responsive to delivery of a pulse of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid via the air-liquid channel, a pulse of pressure is applied to the flexible membrane for actuating a release of powder expelled from the powder chamber via the powder outlet port. Advantageously, the powder can be released outside the nozzle in the stream of air/liquid as it is being expelled from the nozzle.

In one embodiment of the method, the air intake port is configured for enabling air or an ambient gas to enter the powder chamber immediately subsequent to the release of powder expelled via the outlet port in proportion to a dose of powder expelled. In another embodiment, immediately subsequent to the release of powder, air or an ambient gas enters the powder chamber via the air intake port in proportion to an amount of powder expelled, in preparation for a subsequent delivery of powder.

According to yet another embodiment, a personal care appliance for delivery of dry powder to interproximal areas of teeth comprises a dry powder delivery nozzle as disclosed herein. The personal care appliance further comprises at least one microburst pump configured for being coupled to the air-liquid channel, and a reservoir for holding at least one of a liquid and air for delivery, wherein the at least one microburst pump couples between the reservoir and the air-liquid channel. The appliance further comprises a controller for activating the at least one microburst pump in at least one operational mode. Responsive to activating the at least one operational mode while directing the guidance tip towards an interproximal area between teeth, the at least one microburst pump is operable to pump the at least one of the liquid and air from the reservoir via the air-liquid channel to the orifice and expel the at least one of the liquid and air therefrom onto the surfaces of teeth in the interproximal area. In addition, in one operational mode, responsive to delivery of a pulse of air, liquid, or a combination of air and liquid via the air-liquid channel, a pulse of pressure is applied to the flexible membrane for actuating a release of powder expelled from the powder chamber via the powder outlet port. In a further embodiment, the at least one operational mode can include (i) a lower pressure cleaning shot or pulse of liquid and air, the lower pressure cleaning shot being insufficient to actuate a release of powder, and (ii) a higher pressure shot or pulse of air only, the higher pressure being sufficient to actuate the release of powder.

In addition, any reference signs placed in parentheses in one or more claims shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” and “comprises,” and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural references of such elements and vice-versa. One or more of the embodiments may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and/or by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.