Abstract:
A system for providing water powered mechanical articles is provided where said system has
       a selector valve operatively associated with a water inlet;   a containment tube having therein a separate water input tube and a separate water discharge tube;   a spooling apparatus for spooling said containment tube;   a hand-held selector valve having incorporated therein selection means for utilizing said system further constructed and arranged such that unexpelled water from said valve body is returned through said discharge tube incorporated said containment tube.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/398,970 filed Feb. 17, 2012 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/253,009 filed Oct. 17, 2008 which is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/980,645 filed Oct. 17, 2007, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a multi-speed dental flossing system that is not self-contained and does not require refilling. The invention adapts to variable-sized faucets, utilizing an existing water source (such as a bathroom sink) and creating its own pressure levels, so as to hygienically cleanse and protect teeth by providing flossing and irrigation, as well as variable heads for brushing the teeth and cleansing the tongue, in an effort to curb the effects of tooth decay by removing plaque and bacteria caused by food particles left in the mouth after meals. 
         [0003]    Oral disease has plagued human beings since the beginning of history. Some researchers claim that examples of a dental floss-like thread have been found between the teeth of ancient human beings. One of the first concrete examples of dental floss was produced at the end of the 19 th  century and was made of a thin thread of silk. 
         [0004]    Later, silk was replaced by nylon thread, which could be produced in greater lengths, consistent diameter, and had better resistance to shredding during the flossing procedure. But it wasn&#39;t until dentistry advanced to the stage of detecting bacteria responsible for periodontal disease, that preventive dentistry really took off, which created an increased awareness and desire to better maintain teeth, for health, as well as aesthetic reasons. 
         [0005]    Existing flossing techniques, however, are not without their disadvantages. To begin with, commercially available dental floss string can get stuck and/or shredded between the teeth, especially if the individual possesses interdental (smaller) spaces between teeth. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, standard dental cleaning devices, while alleviating some of the concerns of the flossing threads, utilize a self-contained water supply as a cleansing agent, propelling it over the teeth and gum line. 
         [0007]    The problem is these devices need to be regularly refilled with water, which places a burden on the individual&#39;s dental hygiene routine by creating the added step of replenishing the unit, which can lead to an increase in prep time and a shortened amount of cleansing, which in turn results in deficient dental hygiene. 
         [0008]    Moreover, standard flossing and water pick devices tend to be limited in the amount of pressure provided to the water jet. This can be a significant issue in situations where less water pressure is required, as in the case of a child, or higher pressures are necessitated, by adults with more serious cleaning issues. 
         [0009]    Another disadvantage of existing flossing devices and water picks is that they concentrate on the teeth alone and do not offer the option of interchangeable dental heads for cleaning other areas inside the mouth, such as the tongue, which can be a haven for harmful bacteria. 
         [0010]    Overlooking care to other areas inside the mouth can also lead to serious dental health issues that should be addressed as part of any preventative regimen. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, there is an established need for a multi-speed dental flossing system that, in addition to being constructed in a self-contained manner and capable of calibrating its own water pressure, can also be adapted to different sized faucets, as well as containing multiple accessories, such as a tongue cleaner/scraper and toothbrush, to augment the hygienic effect of the dental cleaning procedure. 
         [0012]    Additionally, it is contemplated that a system can be provided whereby the system can be incorporated to use an existing water inlet. Said existing water inlet operatively associated with a base system. Base system will preferably allow for the spooling of incorporated hoses and will provide an outlet to a hand-held dental device whereby water is selectively used for either irrigation or the turning of a mechanical turbine. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention is directed to a multi-speed dental flossing system. The flosser of the present invention is configured for facilitating dental care by providing a more versatile unit that takes into consideration hygienic issues related to all aspects of dental maintenance. 
         [0014]    An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-speed dental flossing system those functions by way of adaptation to existing water sources, such as faucets. 
         [0015]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-speed dental flossing system that provides variable pressure control, depending on the amount of force required during oral hygiene maintenance. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide multi-speed dental flossing system that incorporates multiple flossing heads, including a toothbrush and a tongue cleaner/scraper. 
         [0017]    In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a multi-speed dental flossing system is provided comprising an adapter that connects to existing faucets to supply water to the unit. 
         [0018]    In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a mouthwash receptacle can be connected to the faucet adapter to supplement the water supply with additional cleansing elements. 
         [0019]    In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a 45 degree flossing head is provided for maximum hygienic effect. 
         [0020]    In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, optional heads are provided for brushing teeth, as well as scraping particles and debris from the tongue. 
         [0021]    In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, variable pressure flossing heads are provided that graduate the amount of water pressure supplied to the unit by varying the size of the openings on the heads, thus allowing different levels of force to be expended into the multi-speed dental flossing system, depending on the amount required by the individual. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for providing water powered mechanical articles, said system comprising: 
         [0023]    a selector valve operatively associated with a water inlet; 
         [0024]    a containment tube having therein a separate water input tube and a separate water discharge tube; 
         [0025]    a spooling apparatus for spooling said containment tube; 
         [0026]    a hand-held selector valve having incorporated therein selection means for utilizing said system further constructed and arranged such that unexpelled water from said valve body is returned through said discharge tube incorporated said containment tube. 
         [0027]    The system poppet valve controls the output of water from said water input tube such that said output is selected from either a steady stream or a pulsated stream. 
         [0028]    The output is directed to said outlet device constructed and arranged to provide water to the oral cavity of a mammal. 
         [0029]    The hydraulic rotary turbine is operatively associated with a mechanical tool and the motion of said turbine provides mechanical motion for said tool. 
         [0030]    The mechanical motion of said tool includes motion provided to a mechanical toothbrush head. 
         [0031]    These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a right perspective view of the multispeed dental flossing system showing all of the components except for the optional heads. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the adapter before it is placed on the faucet. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the adapter. 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the toothbrush head. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the tongue Cleaner. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a right perspective view of the multiple pressure heads. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of the flossing head showing the 45 degree angle. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the components of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the wand component of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a schematic of the water flow and the control valves according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a partial sectional view of the water containment system whereby two tubes are contained inside a third larger tube. 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is partial sectional view of through the input valve body  906  with the water flow in the closed position. 
           [0044]      FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view through the input valve body through  906  with valve  907  shown in the open system. 
           [0045]      FIG. 14  is a partial sectional view showing the tube storage spooling system. 
           [0046]      FIG. 15  is a partial sectional view through the wand of the present invention showing the rotary motion mechanism. 
           [0047]      FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view the wand portion showing the pick mechanism. 
           [0048]      FIG. 17  is a partial side view showing the toothbrush and dock of the present invention. 
           [0049]      FIG. 18  is an exploded view showing of the toothbrush showing the detachable parts. 
           [0050]      FIG. 19  shows the toothbrush of the present invention in a charged position in a dock according to the present invention. 
           [0051]      FIG. 20  is a partial sectional view of the toothbrush of the present invention in the charge position in a dock. 
           [0052]      FIG. 21  is a partial side view of a brush piece with curved bristle profile according to the present invention. 
           [0053]      FIG. 22  is a side view of a brush piece with a curved chisel point bristle according to the present invention. 
           [0054]      FIG. 23  is a brush piece with a flat fine bristle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0055]    Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is generally directed towards a multi-speed dental flossing system with interchangeable dental heads, designed specifically to provide users with a practical and efficient means for practicing dental hygiene by providing a versatile structure that takes into consideration variable water pressure, as well as periodontal maintenance. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the multi-speed dental flossing system  100  is shown before it has been connected to the faucet  800 . The multi-speed dental flossing system  100  is comprised of a handheld base  105  that is grasped by the grip portion  110  with interchangeable dental heads connectable to the handheld base  105 . 
         [0057]    Located on the base top wall  132  is the interchangeable-head connector  120 , which is configured to receive any of the interchangeable dental heads, such as the flossing head  700 , as well as the other accessories. 
         [0058]    The base bottom wall  133  is non-removably connected to the fluid tube  200 , by means of the base-tube connector  210 . The fluid tube  200  is, in turn, connected to the faucet adapter  300  by means of the tube receptacle  310 . 
         [0059]    The faucet adapter  300  is comprised of a faucet cutoff valve  320 , a faucet connecting end  340 , as well as a fluid chamber  350 . The faucet adapter  300 , can also be optionally connected to the mouthwash receptacle  400 , by means of the adapter-to-mouthwash connector  330 . The mouthwash receptacle  400  has its own mouthwash cut-off valve  410 , as well as a receptacle lid  420  with a lid clasp  430 , to keep its contents secured. 
         [0060]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these structural elements of the present invention may be formed out of natural and synthetic materials, such as plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof, or any of a wide variety of other known materials without departing from the present invention. 
         [0061]    Also, the fastening means that joins the faucet adapter  300  to the faucet  800 , as well as the flossing heads  700  to the handheld base  105 , shall employ any number of methods, including, but not limited to, male and female connectors, screws, fasteners, and the like. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the faucet adapter  300  is shown about to be attached to the faucet  800 , by means of the spout  820 . When the handle  810  of the faucet  800  is turned and engaged, water shoots through the spout  820 , through the faucet adapter  300 , into the fluid tube  200 , through the handheld base  105 , and out into the flossing head  700 , where it emerges via the distal tip  720 . If the faucet cut-off valve  320  is engaged, then the water will instead pour into the sink  830  and bypass the fluid tube  200 . 
         [0063]    Also, mouthwash can be mixed in with the water, depending on whether or not the mouthwash cut-off valve has been engaged. 
         [0064]    If it hasn&#39;t, the mouthwash will flow through the mouthwash connector  330 , mix with the water, and follow the same path through to the flossing head  700 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , another interchangeable dental head, the optional toothbrush head  500  is shown, which features bristles  510  for brushing teeth, as well as water orifices  520  for allowing the water and/or mouthwash to be excreted. 
         [0066]      FIG. 5  illustrates yet another interchangeable dental head, the optional tongue cleaner head  600 , which contains scraping blades  610  that remove particles from the tongue, and also has a fluid vent  620  to allow for the passage of water and/or mouthwash during the process. 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a more detailed look at the flossing heads  700  is depicted. The flossing heads  700  contain multi-pressure holes  710  that vary in size and are responsible for regulating the amount of water pressure that flows out the tip  720 . 
         [0068]    The water pressure emanating from the faucet  800  is much less relevant. It is the multi-pressure holes  710  that determine the amount of force when using the multi-speed dental flossing system. 
         [0069]      FIG. 7  illustrates an interchangeable dental head in the form of a 45 degree flossing head, having an open distal tip angled at approximately 45 degrees from the body of the flossing head, providing maximum hygienic effect. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 8-23 , the invention is a system that includes a flow switching valve  907  operatively associated with a standard faucet wherein said valve  907  incorporates a valve actuator input  911 , a flow control valve  912  all within a valve body  906 . Extending outward from valve body  906  is containment tube  901 . 
         [0071]    Tube  901  as best shown in  FIG. 11  has water input tube  902  and a water discharge tube  903  incorporated therein. Container tube  901  attaches to tube spoiler body  916  and is operatively associated with vacuum mechanism plunger  917 . Containment tube  901  continues and terminates on valve body  931 . Valve body  931  includes an on/off valve  932 , a selection ring valve  926 , a poppet valve  928 , a turbine housing  934  and a turbine port cover  933 . Extending outward from valve body  931  is extension tip  600 . Flow switching valve  907  is operatively associated with valve actuator input valve  910 . Valve actuator input valve  910  is secured to the input from a water supply port  914  using a water import quick disconnect  911 . When valve  907  is activated water is directed into water flow discharge port  905  and ultimately into containment tube  901 . Water flowing into containment tube  901  can be regulated using flow control valve  912 . 
         [0072]    As generally understood, when flow control valve  912  is opened water will flow into water input tube  902  and water not being used flows through water discharge tube  903  and ultimately into valve actuator discharge port  909  and exits the system. Tube spoiler body  916  receives inlet water through containment tube  901  and has operatively associated therewith a vacuum mechanism plunger  917  that assists in spooling of containment tube  901  as best seen in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0073]    Tube spooler body  916  has a rotary water connector  918  in which containment tube  901  is connected. A spool bearing  913  for supporting tube storage spool  919  and a return spring  920  for assisting in the spooling of containment tube  901 . Containment tube  901  is further connected to selector valve body  931 . Selector valve body  931  has incorporated therein an on/off valve that is placed in line with water input tube  902 . Further there is an input selection port  927  a poppet valve  928  each in line with water input tube  902 . Further incorporated within selector valve body  931  is a turbine discharge selection port  934  associated with ring valve  926  that will allow discharged water to flow through water flow discharge port  905  and be removed from selector valve body  931  through water discharge tube  903 . 
         [0074]    A water driven turbine  922  placed within selector valve body  931  is covered by turbine housing  934 . The turbine is a hydraulic rotary turbine operatively associated such that rotational movement is applied to a device incorporated with extension  600 . In one embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 17-20  an electric toothbrush  936  is associated with system of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Toothbrush  936  is placed in tool holder  921  in a dock position  949 . Also incorporated with tool holder  921  is a charging position  950 . The present invention further contemplates a first dock  951  and a second dock  952  for holding additional toothbrush heads. Toothbrush heads according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, a curved round end bristle brush  946  a curved chisel head bristle brush  947  and a flat fine bristle brush  948 . A selected toothbrush bristle configuration is incorporated onto toothbrush head  940  having male quick disconnect  941  incorporated therewith. 
         [0076]    In use, a user will initiate water from a water source and water will flow through water supply inlet  914  into the system of the present invention. Water flow switching valve  907  is actuated and water begins to flow through water input tube  902  and moves to control valve  912 . Water continues pasted control valve  912  and reaches on/off valve  932 . When on/off valve  932  is on the one position water will move to selector valve  926 . Selector valve  926  will direct water either to poppet valve  928  which will produce an output to a water dispensing device whereby in a preferred embodiment the output can occur in spurts when poppet valve  928  is in the on position. When poppet valve  928  is in an off position the water output to the water-dispensing device is in a constant water flow. When selector valve  926  selects water directed to turbine, water powered turbine  934  is actuated. When using water powered turbine  934  the system is constructed and arranged such that water is directed ultimately to water discharge tube  903  and eventually directed out of the system. The system being constructed and arranged such that multiple devices are utilized. A user can use a standard water directional device for irrigation and the user can also actuate a hydraulic rotary turbine for use with a plurality of devices. 
         [0077]    While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.