Oral-care device and system

An oral-care device with a power cleaning head configured to dispense an oral-care cleaning solution is disclosed. The power cleaning head comprises squeegees and bristles and one or more apertures for dispensing the oral-care solution. Preferably, the squeegee and bristle are configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while dispensing the oral-care solution through the one or more apertures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to oral-care devices and systems. More specifically, this invention relates to oral care devices and systems that irrigate and brush and/or wipe teeth and gums.

BACKGROUND

Treating surfaces is an activity that occupies a considerable portion of most peoples time. For example, household surfaces are regularly cleaned and polished and/or require the application of treatment or cleaning materials to the household surfaces. Also, many industrial processes, such as cleaning floors and polishing wafers, require contacting surfaces to clean the surfaces and/or apply materials to the surfaces. Likewise, there are a number of medical and/or personal hygiene activities that require treating surfaces with contact elements to treat or clean the surfaces. A particular example is oral-care, which requires very specialized treatment of a surface in cleaning teeth and gums.

There are a number of different systems and devices available for cleaning teeth and gums. A number of these available systems and devices are inefficient at cleaning teeth and gums and require multiple pass scrubbing with oral cleaning agents, such as tooth pastes or gels, to effectively clean the teeth and gums. Typically, toothbrushes, for example, do not efficiently apply the oral cleaning agents to the teeth and gums and can be abrasive, causing loss of healthy gum tissue and/or damage to teeth. Further, toothbrushes can require a high degree of technique and/or dexterity to be used effectively for cleaning teeth and gums.

What is needed is a dentition cleaning system and device that can efficiently apply oral cleaning agents to teeth and gums and that can clean teeth and gums without a high degree of technique or dexterity. Further, what is needed is a dentition cleaning system and device that is less abrasive to teeth and gums than a conventional bristle toothbrush.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device comprising a head that is configured to clean surfaces, treat surfaces and/or apply materials to surfaces. Preferably, the head is a cleaning head is configured to clean and/or treat teeth and gums. However, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the present invention can equally be applied to devices that are configured to clean any number of different surfaces including, but not limited to, floors, cars, wafers and/or appliances.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention an oral-care system includes a cleaning head with a region that is configured to move. The region can be configured to vibrate, rotate, oscillate or otherwise automatically move. The region includes bristle tufts, nodules, one or more squeegees or any combination thereof. The cleaning head also includes one or more apertures to dispense an oral-care liquid, such a water, liquid toothpaste, mouthwash and the like, to teeth and gums while brushing the teeth and gums with the cleaning head. The one or more apertures can be located on the region configured to move, on a separate portion of the cleaning head that is stationary, configured to move independently or a combination thereof, such as described in detail below.

The oral care system preferably includes a power handle or motorized handle, hereafter handle, that is configured to power and move a region of the cleaning head. The cleaning head is preferably configured to detachably couple to the handle. The handle can include an internal battery source that is disposable or rechargeable. In addition to, or alternatively to, the battery source, the oral care system can include or be configured to couple to an external power source. The handle also preferably includes switch or control means that can selectively power the cleaning head and control pulse rates or flow rates of the oral-care liquid through the one or more apertures.

The oral-care system includes a liquid delivery means or irrigation means, which includes a pump mechanism, fluid source and one or more feed line. The pump mechanism is preferably configured to deliver bursts of the oral-care liquid through the one or more apertures, also referred to herein as liquid pulses. The fluid source is configured to hold the oral-care fluid and is coupled to the cleaning head through the one or more feed lines for delivering the oral-care liquid to the cleaning head via the pump mechanism. The pump mechanism and/or the fluid source can be internal to the handle or external and separate from the handle. For example, the pump mechanism and/or the fluid source can be integrated into caddy structure or stand section for docking and for storing the handle portion of the oral-care system. Where the fluid source is internal to the handle, the handle can removable containers or cartridges of pre-filled oral-care solution configured fit into a compartment of the handle.

In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the oral-care system includes a first fluid source for supplying a first oral-care fluid and a second fluid for supplying a second oral care fluid. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the first oral-care fluid source is internal to the handle and the second oral-care fluid source is external to the handle. In use the pump mechanism can be configured to deliver the first oral-care liquid and the second oral-care liquid at controlled or selectable rates. The pump mechanism can also be configured to mix the first oral care fluid and the second oral care fluid and deliver a mixture of the first and second oral-care cleaning fluids to the cleaning head. Alternatively, the oral-care system can be configured to have separate feed lines and apertures for delivering the first and second oral care solutions to the cleaning head.

In accordance with the present invention, a device comprises a cleaning head with two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions preferably comprises a squeegee element configured to treat a working surface and at least one of the regions comprises bristles. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the regions is configured to move independently of another of the regions. To move independently, herein, means that one of the regions is stationary while another region moves or that the regions move separately from one or more of the other, but does not necessarily mean that the regions are not synchronized to move with a similar or the same motion or that the regions are not coupled to the same mechanism to drive the motion of the regions. Preferably, one or more of the regions are configured to vibrate, rotate, oscillate or otherwise automatically move relative to and independently from another of the regions. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention two or more of the regions comprises bristle and squeegee elements. In still further embodiments of the invention, one or more of the regions of the cleaning head comprises nodules, i.e., resilient protrusions with any number of different geometries such as described below and further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,767, filed Sep. 19, 2001, and titled “DEVICE WITH MULTI-STRUCTURAL CONTACT ELEMENTS,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The squeegee elements utilized in the present invention can have any number of different geometries including curved, rounded angled, corrugated, pointed and/or textured walls and/or wiping edges. Squeegee elements can include squeegee segments with one or more terminus ends and/or squeegee segments that form matrices of squeegee compartments and continuous squeegee segments that encircle portions of regions. Squeegees utilized in the present invention can be formed from any number of different materials, but are preferably formed from a resilient polymeric material such as silicon, latex, rubber, polyurethane or a combination thereof. Preferably, squeegees, or a portion thereof, are formed from a material, or materials, that can be molded and that result in squeegee elements with hardness values in a range of 10 to 100 Shores A, as defined in the D2240-00 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness, published by the American Society for Testing Materials, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Additional details of squeegee configurations are provided in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,332, titled “SQUEEGEE DEVICE AND SYSTEM,” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,417, titled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM,” the contents of which are also both hereby incorporated by reference.

Squeegees, in accordance with still further embodiments of the present invention, include an abrasive material that is integrated with the material(s) used to form the squeegees and/or are applied to surfaces of squeegee walls and/or edges after they are formed. Methods and materials for making molded abrasive structures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,533, and titled “MOLDED ABRASIVE BRUSH”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a squeegee element comprises an elongated squeegee segments with smaller fins that protrude from walls of the elongated squeegee segment and provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges, such as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,969, filed Jun. 3, 2003, entitled “MULTI-DIRECTIONAL WIPING ELEMENTS AND DEVICES USING THE SAME”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a first region comprising bristles, squeegee elements and/or nodules encircles a second region comprising bristles, squeegee elements and/or nodules, wherein one or both of the first region and the second region are configured to move. For example, the first region is configured to rotate or oscillate relative to the second region and/or the second region is configured to rotate or oscillate in an opposite direction at the same or at a faster rate.

For clarity, devices have been described below with a first region and a second region. However, it will be clear to one skilled in the art, that systems and devices of the present invention can be configured with any number of regions each with contact elements (e.g., squeegees, bristles and nodules), wherein one or more of the regions are configured to move independently from one or more of the other regions. Devices, in accordance with further embodiment of the invention, are configured with apertures to dispense materials onto a working surface and/or remove materials from the working surface, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,319,332 and 6,571,417, referenced previously.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Ashows a schematic top view of a cleaning head configuration100, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The cleaning head configuration100comprises a first region121and a second region117that are configured to move independently from each other. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the first region121comprises a continuous squeegee element105that encircles a portion of the first region121, bristles, bristle tufts and/or nodules109protruding therefrom. The first region121can also include one or more apertures109′ for dispensing an oral-care liquid from the cleaning head, such as described in detail below.

WhileFIGS. 1A-Care described as having bristles or bristle tuft, it will be clear to one skilled in the art and from the description below that the cleaning head configuration can include, in place of bristle or bristle tufts or in addition to bristles or bristle tufts, nodules such as those described with reference toFIGS. 6A-HandFIGS. 7A-Gbelow.

Still referring toFIG. 1A, the first region121is preferably configured to rotate and/or oscillate, as indicated by the arrow113, independently from the second region117, which can be stationary or configured to move, for example in a backward and forward motion as indicated by the arrow115. The second region117preferably comprises bristle, bristle tufts and/or nodules107that protrude therefrom and can also include one or more curved squeegee elements or wave-shaped squeegee elements103. The cleaning head configuration100includes a support structure119with bristle, bristle tufts and/or nodules111and123protruding therefrom. Preferably the aperture109′ is configured to dispense an oral-care liquid from the clearing head100while at least one of the first region121and the second region117are moving.

FIG. 1B, shows a schematic top view of a cleaning head configuration125, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention. The cleaning head configuration125comprises a first region131and a second region135that are configured to move independently from each other. In accordance with this embodiment, the first region131comprises a first continuous squeegee137that encircles a first set of bristles and/or nodules141protruding from the first region131and encircles the second region135. The first region131can include one or more apertures141′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. The second region135comprises a second continuous squeegee133the encircles a second set of bristles and/or nodules143protruding from the second region135and at least one aperture143, such as described above. Accordingly, first region131can be described as surrounding the second region135. The second region second region135can also include one or more apertures143′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. Preferably the at least one aperture143′ is configured to dispense the oral-care liquid from the clearing head125while at least one of the first region131and the second region117are moving.

Still referring toFIG. 1B, the first region131and the second region135are preferably configured to rotate and/or oscillate as indicated by the arrows130and140, respectively. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first region131and the second region135are configured to move in opposite directions while rotating and/or oscillating while an oral-care liquid is dispensed through the aperture143. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the first region131and the second region135can be configured to move in the same direction at the same or at a different rate of rotation and/or oscillation. In accordance the invention, the cleaning head configuration125can also have support structure127with bristle, bristle tufts and/or nodules138and139protruding therefrom.

FIG. 1C, shows a schematic top view of a cleaning head configuration150in accordance with yet further embodiments of the invention. The cleaning head configuration150comprises at least one region160that is configured to rotate, oscillate and/or otherwise move in one or more directions, as indicated by the arrow163. The region160preferably includes one or more squeegee elements152. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the squeegee element152comprises a primary squeegee segment153with squeegee wiping fins157and157′ that protrude from an inner wall of the primary squeegee segment153.

Still referring toFIG. 1C, the primary squeegee segment153, in accordance the embodiments of the invention, is a continuous segment153that encircles at least a portion of the region160, bristles, bristle tufts and/or nodules159protruding from the encircled portion of the region160and at least on aperture159′ for dispensing an oral-care liquid from the cleaning head. Preferably, the at least one aperture159′ is configured to dispense the oral-care liquid from the clearing head150while the squeegee element152is moving as indicated by the arrow163. While the squeegee wiping fins157and157′ are shown here as protruding from an inner wall of the continuous primary squeegee segment153, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that in addition to the squeegee wiping fins157and157′ or alternatively to the squeegee wiping fins157and157′, the squeegee element152can include one or more squeegee wiping fins protruding from an outer wall of the continuous squeegee segment153. Also, while the primary squeegee segment153is shown here as a continuous squeegee segment, any number of geometries are contemplated, such as those described with reference toFIGS. 4A-Mbelow. Squeegee configurations can have squeegee wiping fins with contoured or shaped wiping edges and/or wiping walls. Also, squeegee wiping fins can have wiping edges that protrude to the same or different heights than the wiping edges of a primary squeegee segment to which they are attached. A number of squeegee element configurations that have squeegee wiping fins are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,969, filed Jun. 3, 2003, and titled “MULTI-DIRECTIONAL WIPING ELEMENTS AND DEVICES USING THE SAME,” referenced previously.

FIG. 2shows an electric powered oral-care system200, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The oral-care system200includes a power handle or motorized handle201, hereafter handle, that is configured to power and move one or more regions233and239of a cleaning head231. The handle includes a motor226and any suitable drive mechanism for transferring motion to the first233and second region of the cleaning head231.

The cleaning head231is preferably configured to detachably couple to the handle201through and attachment means228. The attachment means can be any attachment means know in the art, including a twist and lock mechanism, which can securely fasten the cleaning head231to the handle201. The handle210can include an internal battery source223that is disposable or rechargeable. In addition to, or alternatively to, the battery source223, the oral-care system200can include, or can be configured to couple to, an external power source (not shown). The handle201also preferably includes switch224with controls225and225for selectively powering the cleaning head231and controlling a pulse rate, or flow rate of an oral-care liquid through the one or more apertures202on the cleaning head231. Preferably, the oral-car system200can deliver the oral-care liquid to the cleaning head231both when the regions233and239are moving and when both the region233and239are stationary. Preferably, the oral-care apparatus200includes a timer, such that the cleaning head and/or the irrigation system can be energizing with the controls225and225for preferred amounts of time to clean and/or irrigate teeth and gums with the oral-care apparatus200.

The cleaning head231preferably includes a first region233that is configured to rotate or oscillate and a second region251that is configured move back and forth or vibrate. The first region233preferably includes a continuous squeegee or prophy-cup like structure233that substantially encircles the aperture202which helps to control “spray-off” of the oral-care liquid as the oral-care liquid is sprayed, pulsed or otherwise delivered to teeth and gum through the cleaning head231. The prophy-cup like structure233, while shown as a solid continuous cup can also be formed from curved closely spaced squeegee segments arranged in a circular pattern or curved and/or linear squeegee segments that are closely spaced or overlap in a flower pedal-like arrangement. The second region251preferably includes bristles, but can include bristles, squeegees, nodules and any combination thereof.

Still referring toFIG. 2A, the oral care system200includes a liquid delivery means or irrigation means, which can include and pump mechanism221, fluid source203and one or more internal feed lines227and227′. The pump mechanism221is preferably configured to deliver bursts, also referred to as pulses, of the oral-care liquid213through the one or more apertures202of the cleaning head231. The fluid source203is configured to hold the oral-care fluid203and is coupled to the handle201through one or more external feed lines215for delivering the oral-care liquid to the cleaning head via the pump mechanism. In addition to the pump mechanism221, or alternatively to the pump mechanism221, the fluid source203can also include a pump215for urging the oral-care fluid into the handle201and/or delivering the oral-care fluid through the aperture202of the cleaning head231.

In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the oral-care system200includes a fluid source that is internal to the handle. The fluid source can be held in removable containers or cartridges that are pre-filled with an oral-care liquid that fit into a compartment of the handle201and interface with the pump mechanism221, such that the oral-care liquid is pumped from the removable container or cartridge to the cleaning head231.

In accordance with yet further embodiments of the invention, the oral-care system200includes a first fluid source for supplying a first oral-care fluid and a second fluid for supplying a second oral care fluid. The first oral-care fluid source is internal to the handle and the second oral-care fluid source is external to the handle. In use the pump mechanism can be configured to deliver the first oral-care liquid and second oral-care liquid at controlled or selectable rates. The pump mechanism can also be configured to mix the first oral care fluid and the second oral care fluid and deliver a mixture of the first and second oral-care cleaning fluids to the cleaning head. Alternatively, the oral-car system can be configured to have separate feed lines and apertures for delivering the first and second oral care solutions to the cleaning head231. The first fluid source can be configured to hold powderers, tables or other solids that are mixed with fluid form the second fluid supply source to form an add-mixture oral-care fluid that is then delivered to and dispensed from the cleaning head231.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the electric powered oral-care apparatus200comprises a power or recharging station for docking the handle201. The power or recharging station comprises means for plugging the power or recharging station into an electrical receptacle and recharging the battery223of the oral-care apparatus200, wherein the battery223is configured for providing power to a driver mechanism226that moves one or both of the regions233and239. Alternatively, or in addition to the power supply mechanism described above, the apparatus200can be configured to be powered with disposable batteries that are housed in the handle201.

FIGS. 2A-Bshow oral-care cleaning heads220and240that are configured to detachably couple to a power handle201, such as described with reference toFIG. 2A. Referring toFIG. 2B, the oral-care cleaning head220comprising a first region with a prophy-cup structure234with fins235. The prophy-cup structure234is configured to rotate or oscillate, as indicated by the arrow233. The prophy-cup structure234surrounds, cups or encircles a plurality of apertures236and236′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. The oral-care cleaning head220includes an attachment means228for detachably securing the oral-care cleaning head220to the handle201, such as described above. The oral-care cleaning head220also includes any suitable number of feed lines227,227, and227″ required for delivering the oral-care solution to the apertures236and236′. The oral-care cleaning head220, also includes a second region239that includes bristles235. The second region239is configured to move up and down, as indicated the arrow233, back and forth, as indicated by the arrow237′ or vibrate in any number of directions.

Referring toFIG. 2C, the oral-care cleaning head240comprising a first region with a prophy-cup structure244configured to rotate or oscillate, as indicated by the arrow243. The prophy-cup structure244surrounds, cups or encircles an aperture246′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. The prophy-cup structure244is surrounded or encircled by groups of bristles and/or nodules248that protrude from the first region and are preferably configured to rotate or oscillate simultaneously with the prophy-cup structure, as indicated by the arrow243. The oral-care cleaning head240includes and attachment means248for detachably securing the oral-care cleaning head240to the handle201, such as described above. The oral-care cleaning head240also includes a feed line257for delivering the oral-care solution to the aperture246. The oral-care cleaning head240, also includes a second region254that includes bristles255. The second region239is configured to move up and down, as indicated the arrow247, back and forth, as indicated by the arrow247′ or vibrate in any number of directions.

FIGS. 3A-Cshow oral-care cleaning heads300,325and350with movable regions comprising squeegee elements, bristles, nodules and/or combinations thereof and apertures for dispensing an oral-care solution, such as described above. Referring now toFIG. 3A, the oral-care cleaning head300comprises a base structure301for supporting a first region305and a second region307. The first region305comprises one or more squeegee elements309protruding therefrom. The squeegee elements309are shown here as wave-like, wherein the squeegee elements309have curved squeegee walls that extend in a number of directions two or more times (i.e., wave-like). While the squeegee elements309are shown with curved or wave-like walls, squeegee elements with linear or straight squeegee walls are also contemplated. Also, as described above walls of the squeegee elements and/or the top wiping squeegee edges of the squeegee elements309can be contoured or shaped in any number of different ways. In addition to the squeegee elements309, the first region305can also have one or more tufts of bristles315and315′ and/or nodules316and316′ protruding therefrom in directions that are the same or different from that of the squeegee element309. The first region305also preferably includes one or more apertures304for dispensing an oral-care solution.

Still referring toFIG. 3A, the second region308of the oral-care cleaning head300can comprise a squeegee element311protruding therefrom. The squeegee element311can have any number of different geometries, but is shown here as a cross-shaped squeegee element311, with a number of squeegee segments intersecting at a common position306. The second region308of the oral-care cleaning head300can also comprise bristle tufts317and/or nodules protruding therefrom in directions that are the same or different from that of the squeegee element311. The second region can also includes an apertures316for dispensing an oral-care solution, such as described above. Also, the second region308of the oral cleaning head300can comprise a continuous squeegee element307encircling a portion of the second region308. In operation, the second region308rotates, oscillates, vibrates and/or otherwise moves relative to the first region while the oral-care liquid is dispensed from one or more of the apertures304and316for cleaning teeth and/or gums.

Referring now toFIG. 3B, the oral-care cleaning head325comprises a base structure326for supporting a first region335and a second region338. The first region335comprises a first squeegee element protruding therefrom. The first squeegee element is shown here having a cross-shaped squeegee segment329with a number of squeegee segments intersecting at a common position336. Also, the first squeegee element can comprise a continuous squeegee wall segment330encircling a portion of the first region335and the cross-shaped squeegee segment329, wherein the walls of the cross-shaped squeegee segment329intersect with the continuous squeegee wall segment330and wherein the first squeegee element is capable of cupping and holding an oral-care solution, paste and/or gel during a cleaning operation. Also, it is noted that the first region335can include one or more bristle tufts and/or nodules (not shown) protruding therefrom in directions that are the same or different from that of the first squeegee element.

Still referring toFIG. 3B, the oral-care cleaning head325comprises a second region338with a second squeegee element protruding therefrom. The second squeegee element is shown here having a cross-shaped squeegee segment341with a number squeegee segments intersecting at a common position346and a continuous squeegee wall segment332encircling a portion of the second region338and the cross-shaped squeegee segment341. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the second region338can also include one or more bristle tufts and/or nodules (not shown) protruding therefrom and/or the oral-care cleaning head325can have one or more bristle tufts345protruding and/or nodules347protruding from the support structure326in directions that are the same or different from that of the first or second squeegee element. Preferably, the oral-care cleaning head325also include one or more apertures344on the support structure326for dispensing an oral-care solution, while the first region335and the second region338rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or otherwise move independently of each other. For example, the first region335can rotate or oscillate in one direction while the second region338can rotate or oscillate in an opposite direction. While the first squeegee element and the second squeegee element are shown here as combinations of cross-shaped segments329and341and surrounding continuous squeegee segments330and332, respectively, any number of squeegee element geometries and shapes are contemplated including, but not limited to, those described with reference toFIGS. 4A-M.

Referring now toFIG. 3C, the oral-care cleaning head350comprises a support structure351for supporting a first region358and a second region359. The first region358comprises bristles365and/or nodules366protruding therefrom. The second region359comprises a squeegee element352. The squeegee element352preferably comprises a continuous squeegee wall segment357that encircles a portion of the second region359and squeegee fins353. The squeegee fins353protrude from an inner wall of the continuous squeegee wall segment357. The squeegee fins353can protrude from the continuous squeegee wall segment357at any angle suitable for the application at hand and can protrude to the same or a different height from the support structure351than the top wiping edges of the continuous squeegee wall segment357. Squeegee elements with squeegee fins are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,969, referenced previously. Preferably, the second region359also includes an aperture367that is surrounded by the squeegee element for dispensing an oral-care solution.

In operation, the second region359rotates, oscillates, vibrates and/or otherwise moves independently of the first region358while the oral-care solution is dispensed from the aperture367for cleaning teeth and gums. For example, the second region359can rotate or oscillate while the first region358moves in a back and forth motion and/or vibrates, such as described above with reference toFIGS. 1A-C.

Still referring toFIG. 3C, the oral-care cleaning head350can also include a continuous squeegee element355that surrounds a portion of the first region358. Preferably, the second region359of the oral cleaning head350further comprises one or more bristle tufts or nodules367that are surrounded by the continuous squeegee wall segment357and that are configured to move along with the squeegee element352. While the oral-care cleaning heads300,325and350have been described as having squeegee elements, bristle, nodules and combinations thereof, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that bristles are not required.

FIGS. 4A-Millustrate top views of squeegee configurations, or portions thereof, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, wherein intersecting squeegee segments have different lengths, the same lengths, different heights or the same heights to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. Squeegee configurations, or portions thereof, as described with reference toFIGS. 4A-M, can include bristles and/or nodules that protrude from a support surface to the same height or different heights as the squeegee wiping edges of the squeegee segments. Also, the squeegee configurations can include bristles and/or nodules that protrude from the support surface at the same angles or different angles from that of the squeegee segments relative to the support surface. Preferably, the squeegee configuration includes one or more apertures on the support structure for dispensing an oral-care solution, such as described in detail above.

Referring now toFIG. 4A, a squeegee configuration400, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises elongated squeegee segments403and405that intersect and provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges, as explained above. One, or both, of the elongated squeegee segments403and405protrude from a support surface401and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules407and407′ that also protrude from the support surface401and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the elongated squeegee segments403and405.

Referring now toFIG. 4B, a squeegee configuration410, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises elongated squeegee segments413,413′,415and415′ that intersect and provide top wiping edges that form a cross-shape with side wiping edges. One or more of the elongated squeegee segments413,413′,415and415′ protrude from a support surface411and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles or nodules417and417′ that also protrude from the support surface411and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the elongated squeegee segments413,413′,415and415′.

Referring now toFIG. 4C, a squeegee configuration420, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a major elongated squeegee segment423and a plurality of minor intersecting squeegee segments425and425′ that intersect with a wall of the major elongated squeegee segment423to provide cross-like top wiping edges and side wiping edges. One or more of the major squeegee segment423and the minor squeegee segments425and425′ protrude from a support surface421and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules427and427′ that also protrude from the support surface421and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments423,425and425′.

Referring now toFIG. 4D, a squeegee configuration430, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises one or more curved squeegee segments433and a plurality intersecting squeegee segments435and437. The intersecting squeegee segments435and437can extend from inside of the curvature of the squeegee segment433, such as435, or radiate outward from outside of the curvature of the squeegee segment433, such as437, to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The curved squeegee segment433and the intersecting squeegee segments435and437protrude from a support surface431and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules439and439′ that also protrude from the support surface431and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the curved433and intersecting squeegee segments435and437.

Referring now toFIG. 4E, a squeegee configuration440, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a curved and continuous squeegee segment443that forms or bounds an inner squeegee region420and an outer squeegee region422. The squeegee configuration440can further comprise intersecting squeegee segments447that extend form an inside wall of the curved and continuous squeegee segment443and/or intersecting squeegee segments445that extend from an outer wall of the curved and continuous squeegee segment443to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The curved and continuous squeegee segment443and the intersecting squeegee segments445and447protrude from a support surface441and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules449and449′ that also protrude from the support surface441and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the curved and continuous squeegee segment443and intersecting squeegee segments445and447.

Referring now toFIG. 4F, a squeegee configuration450, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises elongated squeegee segments455and457that intersect and extend at angles less than 90 degrees relative to each other and provide spoke-shaped top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The elongated squeegee segments455and457protrude from a support surface451and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules459and459′ that also protrude from the support surface451and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the elongated squeegee segments455and457.

Referring now toFIG. 4G, a squeegee configuration460, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a major squeegee segment463and a plurality of minor and intersecting squeegee segments465and467that intersect a wall of the major squeegee segment463and extend from a wall of the major squeegee segment463at angles less than or greater than 90 degrees to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The major squeegee segment463and the minor squeegee segments465and467can protrude from a support surface461and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules469,469′ and469″ that also protrude from the support surface461. The bristle or nodules469,469′ and469″ are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments463,465and467.

Referring now toFIG. 4H, a squeegee configuration470, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises curved squeegee segments473and475that intersect and provide curved or wave-like top wiping edges and side wiping edges. One or more of the curved squeegee segments473and475, or a portion thereof, protrude from a support surface471and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules477that also protrude from the support surface471and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments473and475.

Referring now toFIG. 4I, a squeegee configuration480, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a linear squeegee segment483and a curved squeegee segment485that intersect and provide linear and curved top wiping edges and side wiping edges. One or more of the squeegee segments483and485, or a portion thereof, protrude from a support surface481and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules487that also protrude from the support surface481and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the linear and curved top wiping edges of the squeegee segments483and485.

Referring now toFIG. 4J, a squeegee configuration490, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a continuous squeegee segment493that forms or bounds an inner squeegee region492and an outer squeegee region494. The continuous squeegee segment493has a continuous top wiping edge that encircles or surrounds intersecting squeegee segments495and497. The intersecting squeegee segments495and497provide cross-shaped top wiping edges and side wiping edges, as explained above. At least a portion of the continuous squeegee segment493and one or more of the intersecting squeegee segments495and497protrude from a support surface491. Bristles and/or nodules can protrude from the support surface491corresponding to the inner squeegee region492(as with499), the outer squeegee region494(as with499′) or both, such that the intersecting squeegee segments495and497and/or the continuous squeegee segment493are surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules499and499′. Preferably, the bristles and/or nodules499and499′ are configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments493,495and497.

Referring now toFIG. 4K, a squeegee configuration500, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment503that forms or bounds an inner squeegee region502and an outer squeegee region504. The continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment503can be surrounded or flanked by bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules505and507. Preferably, the bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules505and507are configured to move and contact a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edge of the continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment503. Preferably, the squeegee configuration500includes an aperture507′ that is surrounded by the continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment503and is configured to dispense an oral-care solution, such as described above.

Referring now toFIG. 4L, a squeegee configuration510, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a continuous squeegee513that protrudes from a support surface511forms or bounds an inner squeegee region512and an outer squeegee region514. The continuous squeegee can be surrounded or flanked by bristles, bristle sections and/or nodules515and517. Preferably, the bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules515and517are configured to move and contact a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edge of the continuous squeegee513. The squeegee configuration can also include squeegee segment519that protrudes from the inner squeegee region512. Preferably, the bristles, bristle sections and/or nodules515and517are configured to wipe the working surface simultaneously with the top wiping edge of the continuous squeegee513, while an oral-care solution is dispensed from a centrally located aperture517that is surrounded by the continuous squeegee513.

Referring now toFIG. 4M, a squeegee configuration520, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a plurality of squeegee segments523protruding form a support surface521and extending radially outward from a centrally located aperture527The squeegee segments can be surrounded or flanked by bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules525and526. Preferably, the bristle, bristle sections and/nodules525and526are configured to move and contact a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments523.

FIGS. 5A-Fillustrate several shaped squeegee segments and/or partial structure or squeegee elements, used in the present invention.FIG. 5Ashows a squeegee segment80with a planar contact edge81;FIG. 5Bshows a squeegee segment82with a V-shaped or notched contact edge83;FIG. 5Cshows a squeegee segment84with a curve convex contoured contact edge85;FIG. 5Dshows a squeegee segment86with a concave contoured contact edge87;FIG. 5Eshows a squeegee segment88with a diagonally contoured contact edge89; andFIG. 5Fshows a squeegee segment90with a pointed contact edge91. The shaped squeegee segments described above can be combined in any number of ways to provide elongated squeegee wiping edges used in the oral cleaning device, system and method of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A-Hillustrate several symmetrical nodule structure geometries that are useful in contact devices of the present invention.FIG. 6Ashows a nodule610with cylindrical protruding walls611and a rounded tip portion612;FIG. 6Bshows a nodule620with cylindrical protruding walls621and a flat top622;FIG. 6Cshows a nodule630with contoured protruding walls631and a flat top632;FIG. 6Dshows a pointed nodule660with tapered protruding walls641and a tip642;FIG. 6Eshows a rectangular nodule650with planar walls651and a flat top652;FIG. 6Fshows a nodule660with planar walls661and a rounded tip portion662;FIG. 6Gshows a star shaped nodule670with protruding walls671and a star-shaped top672; andFIG. 6Hshows a triangular nodule680with protruding walls681and triangular-shaped top682.

FIGS. 7A-Gillustrate several asymmetrical nodule structure geometries that are useful in contact device of the present invention.FIG. 7Ashows a wedge-shaped nodule700with protruding walls701and a top702;FIG. 7Bshows a nodule710with contoured walls711and a bow-tie shaped top712;FIG. 7Cshows a curved nodule720with protruding walls721(curved in the elongation direction) and a flat top722;FIG. 7Dshows a curved nodule730with protruding walls731(curved in the protruding direction) and a top732;FIG. 7Eshows a wedge shaped nodule740with tapered walls743, triangular walls741and an edge742;FIG. 7Fshows a nodule750with grooved walls753, bow-tie shaped walls752and a flat top751; andFIG. 7Gshows a nodule760with contoured walls762and a top761. It will be clear to one skilled in the art that any number of symmetric and asymmetric nodule geometries and combinations thereof are useful in the contact device of the instant invention. Further descriptions of nodule structures and their applications are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,767, referenced previously.

FIG. 8shows an oral-care cleaning head800, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The oral-care cleaning head800comprises a support structure801for supporting a first region811and a second region803. The first region811comprises bristle tufts809for wiping the surfaces of gums and teeth. The second region803comprises a cup-shaped squeegee element805that includes a continuous squeegee segment encircling a portion of the second region803and squeegee fins protruding from an inner wall of the continuous squeegee segment. The continuous squeegee segment preferably encircles at least one aperture that is configured to dispense an oral-care solution while the cup-shaped squeegee element805rotates, oscillates or otherwise move.

The first region811can be configured to remain stationary or move in any number of ways, as described above, while cleaning teeth and gums. Preferably the cup-shaped squeegee element805and the bristle tufts807of the second region803are configured to oscillate and/or rotate while cleaning teeth and/or gums. The oral-care cleaning head800, described above is most preferably configured to detachably couple to a power handle, such as described with reference toFIG. 2.

FIGS. 9A-9Dshow perspective views of cleaning head configurations with prophy-cup polishing elements, bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention. Referring toFIG. 9A, the cleaning head900includes a prophy-cup polishing element903protruding from a movable support901. The prophy-cup polishing element903includes an aperture surrounded by corrugated or contoured polishing edge905. The aperture is configured for dispensing an oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing element903rotates or oscillates. The prophy-cup polishing element903also has a plurality of wiping fins907extending inward from an inner wall of the prophy-cup polishing element903. The cleaning head900also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements913protruding from the movable support901and surrounding the prophy-cup polishing element903. The cleaning head900can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts909and911.

FIG. 9Bshows a cleaning head925that includes a prophy-cup polishing element928protruding from a movable support926. The prophy-cup polishing element928has a continuous polishing edge930and a plurality of wiping fins932extending inward from an inner wall of the prophy-cup polishing element928. The cleaning head925also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements938protruding from the movable support926and surrounding prophy-cup polishing element928. The prophy-cup polishing element928includes an aperture surrounded by the continuous polishing edge930that is configured for dispensing an oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing928element rotate or oscillates. The cleaning head925can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts934and936.

FIG. 9Cshows a cleaning head950that includes a prophy-cup polishing element953protruding from a movable support951. The prophy-cup polishing element953has a continuous polishing edge955and a plurality of wiping fins957that extend outward from an outer wall of the prophy-cup polishing element953. The prophy-cup polishing element953also includes an aperture surrounded by the continuous polishing edge955for dispensing and oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing element rotates or oscillates. The cleaning head950also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements963protruding from the movable support951and surrounding prophy-cup polishing element953. The cleaning head950can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts959and961.

FIG. 9Dshows a cleaning head975that includes a prophy-cup polishing element978protruding from a movable support976. The prophy-cup polishing element978has corrugated or angled walls979and979′ that provides a zig zag-like top wiping edge. The prophy-cup polishing element978includes an aperture surrounded zig zag-like top wiping edge that is configured to dispense an oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing element978rotates or oscillates. The cleaning head975also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements980protruding from the movable support976and surrounding prophy-cup polishing element978. The cleaning head978can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts982and984. Each of the cleaning heads900,925,950and975can include an attachment means902,927,952and977, respectfully, for detachably coupling the cleaning heads900,925,950and975to a motorized handle, such as described with reference toFIG. 2A. Also the nodule polishing elements and curved squeegee elements described above can have any number of geometric shapes that include contoured or shaped walls, wiping edges and/or tips, such as described with reference toFIGS. 5A-F,6A-6H and7A-7G. Also, the prophy-cup polishing elements, the nodule polishing elements, the curved squeegee elements and the bristle tufts can protrude form the moving supports to any suitable height or combination of heights. Further, the wiping fins can have any number of different geometries that include shaped or contoured walls or tips.

It will be clear to one skilled in the art from the description above that top wiping edges and side wiping edges of the squeegee element and segments described can be contoured, corrugated, curved, pointed, angled, tapered or otherwise textured. While embodiments have been described with bristles, bristles are not required. Further, any number of the features described above can be combined in different ways to provide other squeegee configurations that are considered to be within the scope of the invention. It is also understood that an abrasive material can be integral with the squeegee segments or attached to the walls or edges of squeegees as required for the application at hand. Further, it is understood that the squeegee configurations, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, can include absorbent elements, such as sponge elements, and abrasive elements, such as scouring elements that are separate from the squeegee segments. Also, walls of squeegee segments, while generally shown as uniform herein, can vary in thickness in either an elongated direction, in a protruding direction or both. Accordingly, the proceeding preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.