Dental device having an integrated sanitation chamber

A dental device with an integrated sanitation chamber is configured for receiving and sanitizing a dental-device accessory, such as a brush, flosser, pic or other dental accessory within a housing of the device. The sanitation chamber is configured to sanitize the dental accessory using one or a combination of ultraviolet light and/or sound waves. The sanitation chamber may form a portion of the device handle to extend it and provide an enlarged handle for improved gripping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to oral care devices. More particularly the invention relates to a dental device configured to employ one or a combination of ultraviolet (UV) light radiation sanitation and/or sound frequency sanitation as a means for sanitizing a dental accessory housed within a housing portion of the dental device. Alternatively, the device may be provided with a brush component and the removably engageable sanitizing housing. The housing is configured with an interior cavity having UV illumination means contained within.

2. Description of the Related Art

Toothbrushes are well known oral care devices which are recommended by dentists and oral care professional worldwide. Proper oral hygiene has been shown to dramatically reduce the occurrence of dental cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. However, it is conventionally known through current medical research, that without proper sanitation and/or sterilization of at least the bristles of a toothbrush after use, they will contain bacteria, germs, viruses, and dirt which can contribute to the spread of disease and sickness.

As a conventional solution, many health care professionals recommend placing the toothbrush in a case or housing when not in use to reduce the chance of bacteria and germs from reaching the bristles. However, one shortfall of this approach is that the housing itself may harbor bacteria if not cleaned or sanitized properly as well. Further, wet toothbrush bristles housed in a contained area, sometimes in the dark, are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and pathogens already present on the brush. Therefore, in order to prevent increased propagation of such pathogens while in the housing, and to actually reduce the population in the brush head, there is a need for communicating some direct sanitation and sterilization to the toothbrush itself.

Prior art has shown many other attempts to provide toothbrush sanitation and/or sterilization means through the employment of UV light irradiation. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a known disinfection method which employs ultraviolet (UV) light at sufficiently short wavelength to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and germs. Although UVGI methods are especially preferred for sterilization means, without proper irradiation of substantially the entire surface of the majority of bristles and the brush head, colonies of bacteria and other pathogens remain which can re-propagate. Additionally, because light is directional and subject to a blockage which creates shadows, without irradiation from a majority of angles some pathogens will not be properly subjected to light sanitation. Consequently, a secondary means of sanitation of the bristles and brush head which will reach around the curves and serpentine paths of brush bristles which harbor such pathogens and either remove them or seriously reduce their population. Further, conventional toothbrushes are generally configured to be held between the thumb and fingers affording a very small area to grip or frictionally engage the handle and resulting slippage.

As a result, there is a continuing unmet need for a toothbrush sanitation device which solves these and other problems of brush sanitizers of the current state of the art. Such a device should provide a compact, storable, transportable and easy-to-use apparatus which provides illumination which strikes the brush and bristles at a maximum number of angles to provide maximum sanitizing. Such a brush optionally should provide a secondary means for sanitization which is not subject to direct line contact and which will wrap around bristles and pathways therebetween to rid or at least reduce pathogen populations. Such a toothbrush should provide for enhanced gripping by employing the housing as an enlarged grip for the handle.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive and they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device herein disclosed and described provides a solution to the shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted goals through the provision of a toothbrush device employing a chamber having means for projecting light in a sanitizing wavelength such as ultraviolet (UV) light radiation combined with a reflective surface area of the sanitizing chamber which enhances reflection and multiplies the number of angles of communication throughout the chamber of UV light waves generated or projected into the chamber. The chamber itself is formed within the axial cavity of a housing which is removably engageable with the brush, to position the brush head within the sanitizing chamber. Of course, in other embodiments, the sanitizing chamber might also be formed to engage existing toothbrushes or other dental accessories as a means for sanitizing them. When employed with an engageable handle member, the housing may be engaged as an extension of the handle of the toothbrush and provide a larger circumference gripping area for the user to hold the handle.

In accordance with one preferred mode of the device, the housing is formed with sidewalls defining an exterior surface opposite an axially disposed sanitizing interior cavity. At least one aperture is formed in the sidewall and is positioned to be in operative communication with the interior cavity.

The interior cavity employs UV radiation means, such as one or a plurality of UV bulbs or LED's which communicate UV light. For instance ultraviolet (UV) rays with a wavelength between 100 nm and 280 nm with a particularly preferred wavelength of 254 nm will effectively kill bacteria, viruses, yeast, molds and algae which might otherwise multiply on the brush head. It is believed the UV radiation breaks through the outer membranes of such organisms, destroying or inactivating their DNA thus preventing them from reproducing. Such light sanitization safely and effectively sanitizes the brush and brush head in the axial chamber.

The light source producing light in the UV ranges of 100 nm to 260 nm communicates such into the sanitizing interior cavity which is preferably lined circumferentially with a reflective angled curvilineal surface. This angled circumferentially disposed surface causes reflections and re-reflection of communicated UV light. Thus directly radiated and reflectively radiated light rays from the UV source impact the brush head and bristles at many different angles concurrently, to remove pathogens which otherwise would thrive in hidden areas of the bristles.

The housing additionally includes means for powering the UV radiation means, such as a rechargeable battery, or other suitable means for storage of electrical power sufficient to power the UV light or LED. Additionally preferred is a pulsing of the UV light from the irradiation source from a lower energy radiation to a higher energy or much brighter radiation of light, to generate sequential higher energy pulses of UV light which will reflect into more hidden areas of the brush head from subsequent reflecting from the reflective angled surfacing.

Optionally, but preferable as a secondary sanitation means, sound frequency sanitizing may be employed concurrently with the light sanitization. Such may be accomplished by the communication of sound waves into the sanitizing chamber from a means for sound generation in the proper frequencies. For instance, Ultrasonic waves ranging from 20 to 100 kHz in frequency have been successfully used as a surface cleaning technique in the medical and precision processing industries for a number of years. Various pathogens suffer damage and may be removed at other frequencies which may be ascertained from literature on the subject however the current favored mode is noted above.

Means for generation and communication of sonic waves into the sanitization chamber to provide the sound frequency sanitization, would be a frequency wave tone generator which would receive power from onboard battery power or other sound frequency generators which will produce sound in the above noted frequency ranges. A microchip controller may be employed to sequentially move the sound generation to the individual frequencies adapted to kill the desired pathogens for periods of time before moving to other individual frequencies.

Although certain wavelength and frequency ranges are herein provided for illustrating effective sanitization by means of light and sound, it should be understood that the dental device can be configured to emit any light wavelength, or any sound frequency, with minor variation in component selection, to accomplish the objective of sanitizing the dental accessory or instrument. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not to be limited with respect to the above illustrative examples.

In one as-used mode for sanitization, the toothbrush portion, if employed in combination, is positionable in an engagement to the housing, such that the housing is employed as a handle for operating the toothbrush in a conventional manner. In a second as used mode or sanitization mode, the toothbrush portion is reversible in its engagement with the housing, such that the toothbrush head having bristles thereon is positionable in registered engagement within the interior cavity of the housing, and adjacent the reflective surfaces and in communication with the UV radiation and/or sound frequency sanitization means communicated therein. Activation of the UV light source and/or sound frequency generation source can be provided by an operable switch on the exterior of the housing. The switch may be on a timer as needed for conserving battery power.

As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects and embodiments, “comprising” means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the word “comprising”.

The objects features, and advantages of the inventive embodiments, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this specification and hereinafter described in the following detailed description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

Now referring to drawings inFIGS. 1-5, wherein similar components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen inFIG. 1a view of the device10in a first as used mode with the toothbrush portion12provided. The device10includes a toothbrush portion12and a housing20. The toothbrush portion12includes an elongated member forming a handle15having a head end14having bristles19, all combining to yield a toothbrush.

The handle15has an engagement end16, including means for removable engagement of the handle15to extend axially from an engagement to the housing20, such as cooperative engagement components positioned on each of the housing20and handle15, such as mating threads18, or a frictional engagement, or other means for engagement of the distal end of the handle15, to the housing20, to allow the housing20to function as an extension of the handle15and provide and enlarged grip circumference for the handle15. So engaged the user can more easily hold the device10assembled with the toothbrush12extending axially from one end of the housing20which is gripped in the user's hand.

The housing20has a substantially cylindrical elongated body21having an axially oriented interior cavity24defined by an interior surface of one or a plurality of sidewalls22. The interior cavity24has a sanitizing chamber27formed by the reflective or mirrored interior sidewall22terminating at an end wall30, and at an opening26providing a communication from exterior to the housing20into the sanitizing chamber27. It is preferred that the opening have a circumference just slightly larger than a circumference of the handle15to allow passage of the head therethrough and to thereby minimize the escape of any UV light and/or sound from the sanitizing chamber27.

Additionally, there is included a means for UV radiation positioned to communicate UV light into sanitizing chamber27portion of the cavity24, such as a plurality of UV lights35provided by bulbs or LED's generating UV light in the ranges between 100-280 nm. As can be seen, the curved reflective surface along the length of the sanitizing chamber27and at both ends of the sanitizing chamber27combined with minimizing loss through provision of an opening just slightly larger than the handle15, provides means for vectoring the light generated by the means for UV illumination such as the LED or UV light35, toward the brush head at an infinite number of angles depending on the reflection from multiple surfaces. Further the opening26being sized just larger than the circumference of the handle15minimizes loss.

Means for electrical power for the means for UV radiation and/or a sound frequency generator,33may be provided by a rechargeable battery32operatively engaged with the housing20, and electrically engaged to the means for UV illumination such as UV lights35and/or wave tone generator33which provides a means for ultrasonic or sound sterilization.

Means for removable engagement of the toothbrush portion12to the housing20is provided by a cooperative fastening components on each of the housing20and the handle15such as a threaded engagement of the engagement handle15to an interior threaded portion28of the housing20at or near the open end26of the housing20. So engaged, the handle15extends axially from the housing20which has the larger circumference to provide and enhanced gripping area for the hand of the user. Although threaded engagement is one preferred means of removable engagement, other means for removable engagement may be employed and are anticipated, for example, the removable engagement means can be snap fits, frictional engagement, a bayonet style engagement of mating components, or other suitable means.

As noted, in a first depicted as used mode inFIG. 1, the toothbrush12is provided for use in combination with a housing20and the toothbrush portion12may be engaged with the housing20such that the housing20is employable as an extension of the handle15, with an enlarged circumferential grip, for conventional operation of the toothbrush12. As noted earlier however, the housing20can be manufactured and employed as a stand-alone device, configured to engage with and sanitize other toothbrushes already owned or manufactured through employment of the novel sanitizing chamber27and combination of UV and sound frequency sanitization.

In yet another preferred as used mode inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the toothbrush12is reversible in its engagement with the housing20as shown. As can be seen, once disengaged from the housing20as shown inFIG. 2, the toothbrush12is reversible such that the head end14of the toothbrush12can be communicated into the central area of the cavity employed as the sanitizing chamber27. As shown, so inserted light and sound if employed, is reflected at an infinite number of multiple angles to allow penetration to all areas of the bristles as well as the circumferentially around the inserted toothbrush12.

A switch34can be provided to allow the user to control electrical power to the UV lights35for UVGI sanitation and/or disinfection of the toothbrush12or to the sound frequency generator33for sound sanitation. The switch may allow for independent or concurrent use of UV and/or sound sanitation at the noted frequencies. As noted and preferred, sanitation is significantly enhanced by coating or otherwise forming the interior surface25of the sanitizing chamber27within the interior cavity, with a reflective material and angular circumferential sections, reflect the UV light within the sanitizing chamber27for improved sterilization. The curved ends and central areas of the reflective portion of the sanitizing chamber27also serve to reflect sound waves at an ultimate the number of different angles depending on number and angle of each reflection. Additionally, a tab17engaged to the toothbrush12portion of the device10, allows the user to grasp the toothbrush12and rotate it out of its engagement the housing when in the second as used mode or sanitizing position.

FIG. 5shows yet another preferred mode of the device10, similar to the previous mode however having a removably engageable battery component32. In this mode the battery component32can more be seen as easily removed and so as to be charged on a charger docking component (not shown) for an efficient recharge as needed. Currently, means for removable engagement are provided by a threaded distal end portion36of the housing20and complimentary threaded portion38on the battery component32. However, it is noted that other means for removable engagement such as a bayonet mount, or frictional engagement, or other engagement means as would occur to those skilled in the art may be employed, and which are anticipated.

In an exceptionally preferred feature of the current mode, is the employment of one or a plurality of circumferentially reflecting curved mirror 40 portions of the reflective surface positioned within sanitizing chamber27of the housing20. The mirror 40 portions are substantially concave and curve around a 90 degree angle to provide a means for communicating the light emitted from the UV lights35, and the sound from the sound frequency generator33, to all interior surface areas25within the sanitizing chamber27, due to the reflective quality of such, further enhancing UV sterilization. In addition, the mirror 40 portions can be formed of suitable material to provide enhanced means for sound frequency reflection, such as a hardened polymer, for reflecting the emitted sound frequencies from the frequency wave tone generator or sound frequency generator33to all interior surface areas25within the sanitizing chamber27.

In another embodiment, a dental device comprises a handle portion and an accessory portion. The handle portion forms a housing with an interior cavity and an external gripping surface. The interior cavity is sealed with a hinged door forming at least a portion of the housing wall, the hinged door configured to open for providing access to within the interior cavity, and further configured to close during a sanitation cycle. The interior cavity forms a sanitation chamber by way of a reflective interior wall and at least one of an ultraviolet light source or a sound wave transducer configured to sanitize one or more objects or dental accessories within an interior volume thereof. In this regard, the dental accessory may comprise a brush, flosser, pic, massager, tongue cleaner, or other accessory, and is configured for removable attachment with the device. The dental accessory is further configured with a size sufficient to permit containment of the accessory within the sanitation chamber for undergoing one or more sanitation cycles therein.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a dental device comprises a handle portion110and an accessory portion (116,FIG. 7) extending outwardly from the handle portion110. A brush accessory120is being shown and is removably attached to the accessory portion116of the device; however, any dental accessory may be attached in accordance with this embodiment and a brush accessory is shown for purposes of illustration only. The brush accessory120extends from a bottom end121to a top end122thereof, and a plurality of bristles123extend laterally from the top end of the brush accessory120. The handle portion110comprises housing111formed by a circumferential wall extending along a length of the handle portion from a bottom end113to a top end114thereof. The housing111further defines an exterior gripping surface configured to enhance a user's grip of the device, and an interior cavity (131,FIG. 7) within the housing forming a sanitation chamber for sanitation of one or more objects therein. Here, the hinged access door112is being shown in a closed state, thereby sealing the interior volume of the sanitation chamber. A switch115or button, referred to as a “sanitation trigger”, is disposed about the housing and provides a mechanism for operating the sanitation chamber function. The sanitation trigger may be configured to select up to any of a “first mode”, a “second mode”, or “OFF”. The first mode may be associated with a first time-duration, a first light intensity, or other pre-determined setting. The second mode may be associated with a second time-duration that is distinct from the first time-duration, a second light intensity, or another pre-determined setting. In this regard, the dental device is configured for removable attachment of one or more dental accessories, and sanitation of the one or more dental accessories within the sanitation chamber. The chamber door112provides improved access to internally housed objects.

FIG. 7shows the dental device ofFIG. 6with the hinged chamber door112configured in an open state. The hinged door112is configured to close about the housing111with a tab117extending from the door being configured to nest within a notch118of the housing for providing a flush surface when in the closed state. The sanitation chamber131is shown with the brush accessory120disposed therein. The sanitation chamber comprises a reflective interior wall130disposed on the interior surface of the hinged door112and about a majority of the interior surface of the sanitation chamber131. The reflective interior wall may comprise Mylar sheets, a metallic foil, a reflective coating, or other reflective material sufficient to reflect light about an interior volume of the sanitation chamber otherwise referred to as the interior cavity within the housing. The sanitation chamber further comprises at least one ultraviolet light emitting source132, such as an ultraviolet light bulb, light emitting diode, or other light emitting device configured to emit ultraviolet light within the sanitation chamber during a sanitation cycle. The accessory portion116of the device is more clearly shown, and is configured to receive and engage an accessory such as a brush, flosser, tongue cleaner, pic, or other dental accessory.

FIG. 8shows the dental device ofFIGS. 6-7in accordance with a front view. The dental device may comprise one or more buttons140or switches, collectively the “accessory trigger”, for operating the dental accessory, or the brush accessory as shown. Additionally, one or more indicator lights141may be disposed on the handle portion110and adjacent to the buttons or switches for communicating a present mode or setting of the accessory during an operation thereof. The brush accessory120is shown having a plurality of bristles123disposed at the top end and extending laterally.

FIG. 9shows a side view of the dental device ofFIGS. 6-8. The hinged door112may be configured near a rear side of the housing as shown. Alternatively, the hinged door can be positioned on a side of the housing (not shown). It has been determined that the accessory trigger140for operating the function of the accessory120may preferably be disposed on a side opposite of the sanitation trigger115for operating the sanitation cycles of the sanitation chamber. Here, the accessory trigger140is shown positioned near a front surface of the housing, whereas the sanitation trigger115is shown being positioned near a rear surface of the housing opposite of the front surface. Such a physical separation of the individual triggers tends to prevent unintended use of each functional aspect of the device, thus preventing undesired or wasted energy from unwanted operations of the accessory or sanitation chamber. It should be noted that although shown in accordance with this preferred architecture, the triggers may be positioned anywhere on the device.

FIG. 10shows a bottom view of the dental device ofFIGS. 6-9. Although an hourglass section is shown, the body portion may comprise a circular, triangular, oblong, or other shape as may be desired by a user for gripping and ergonomic performance. A bottom surface150may be configured to engage a charging dock with an electronic port disposed thereon. The sanitation trigger115is shown extending from a rear side of the device.

FIG. 11further illustrates the sanitation chamber131within the dental device housing111in accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-10. The sanitation chamber131comprises at least one ultraviolet light source132configured to emit ultraviolet light within the sanitation chamber, and a reflective inner wall surface130covering the inner door surface and the inner sanitation chamber wall surface. The hinged chamber door112is configured to hingedly open about a length of the housing for providing access to an interior volume of the sanitation chamber131. The door also closes to a flush position for sealing the interior volume of the sanitation chamber. A clasp, friction fit, or other component may be provided for securing the hinged door in a closed state (not shown). The hinged chamber door may further comprise a tab117for engaging and opening the chamber door112from the closed state to an open state. The tab117of the hinged door is configured to nest within the housing notch118to form a flush surface for smooth gripping of the handle portion when in a closed state. A receptacle or similar component may be provided within a bottom portion of the sanitation chamber for receiving one or more objects or accessories.

FIG. 12illustrates the dental device in accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-11. The brush accessory120is positioned within the sanitation chamber of the housing111, the chamber door is in a closed state, and an amount of ultraviolet light160is being emitted from the ultraviolet source132and reflected about the interior reflective wall. During a sanitation cycle, bacteria and other pathogens are neutralized and the dental accessory within the chamber during the sanitation cycle is sanitized for future use.

The dental device may be powered by a single power source, such as one or more disposable batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries, or other commercially available power source. The dental device may be configured to recharge within a charging dock, or become engaged with a power cord, solar charged or other charging mechanism when embodied in a rechargeable form.

In other embodiments, a sanitation chamber is configured to removably attach with an existing toothbrush or other dental instrument. The sanitation chamber comprises a housing configured to receive at least a portion of the dental instrument therein. The housing comprises an aperture for receiving the at least a portion of a dental instrument, an interior sanitation chamber volume, an interior wall surface configured to reflect light within the sanitation chamber volume, and a sanitizing light emitting source such as a UV light emitting diode or other light source. In this regard, the sanitation chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of a dental instrument, introduce a sanitizing exposure of light within the sanitation chamber and reflect the light about the sanitation chamber volume for sanitizing bacteria and other pathogens within the sanitation chamber.

The various components of the device disclosed herein can be formed of conventional materials such as plastic or metal, however, can be formed of any material suitable for the purposes set forth in this disclosure.

This invention has other applications, potentially, and one skilled in the art could discover these. The explication of the features of this invention does not limit the claims of this application; other applications developed by those skilled in the art will be included in this invention.

It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.