Patent Publication Number: US-2011061187-A1

Title: Oral-care device and system

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/176,775, titled “ORAL-CARE DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Jul. 6, 2005, which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 10/839,988, titled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed May 5, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,944,903, which is a Continuation Application of the application Ser. No. 10/382,559, titled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Mar. 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,299, which is a Continuation application of the application Ser. No. 09/588,686, titled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Jun. 5, 2000, and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,417, which is a Continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/330,704 entitled “SQUEEGEE CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM” filed Jun. 11, 1999 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,332. The application Ser. No. 11/176,775, titled ORAL-CARE DEVICE AND SYSTEM, filed Jul. 6, 2005 and the U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,944,903, 6,820,299, 6,571,417 and 6,319,332 are all hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     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 OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-C  show cleaning heads with independently movable regions, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  shows an electric powered oral-care device comprising a power cleaning head an irrigation mechanism, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention 
         FIG. 2B-C  show power head configurations, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-C  show oral-care cleaning heads with movable regions comprising squeegee elements, bristles and/or nodules in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-M  illustrate top views of portions of cleaning heads with squeegee elements, bristles and/or nodules, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-F  show several shaped or contoured squeegee edges, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-H  show nodule structures, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-G  show alternative nodule structures, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a power head of an oral-care cleaning apparatus, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1A  shows a schematic top view of a cleaning head configuration  100 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The cleaning head configuration  100  comprises a first region  121  and a second region  117  that are configured to move independently from each other. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the first region  121  comprises a continuous squeegee element  105  that encircles a portion of the first region  121 , bristles, bristle tufts and/or nodules  109  protruding therefrom. The first region  121  can also include one or more apertures  109 ′ for dispensing an oral-care liquid from the cleaning head, such as described in detail below. 
     While  FIGS. 1A-C  are 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 to  FIGS. 6A-H  and  FIGS. 7A-G  below. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1A , the first region  121  is preferably configured to rotate and/or oscillate, as indicated by the arrow  113 , independently from the second region  117 , which can be stationary or configured to move, for example in a backward and forward motion as indicated by the arrow  115 . The second region  117  preferably comprises bristle, bristle tufts and/or nodules  107  that protrude therefrom and can also include one or more curved squeegee elements or wave-shaped squeegee elements  103 . The cleaning head configuration  100  includes a support structure  119  with bristle, bristle tufts and/or nodules  111  and  123  protruding therefrom. Preferably the aperture  109 ′ is configured to dispense an oral-care liquid from the clearing head  100  while at least one of the first region  121  and the second region  117  are moving. 
       FIG. 1B , shows a schematic top view of a cleaning head configuration  125 , in accordance with further embodiments of the invention. The cleaning head configuration  125  comprises a first region  131  and a second region  135  that are configured to move independently from each other; In accordance with this embodiment, the first region  131  comprises a first continuous squeegee  137  that encircles a first set of bristles and/or nodules  141  protruding from the first region  131  and encircles the second region  135 . The first region  131  can include one or more apertures  141 ′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. The second region  135  comprises a second continuous squeegee  133  the encircles a second set of bristles and/or nodules  143  protruding from the second region  135  and at least one aperture  143 , such as described above. Accordingly, first region  131  can be described as surrounding the second region  135 . The second region second region  135  can also include one or more apertures  143 ′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. Preferably the at least one aperture  143 ′ is configured to dispense the oral-care liquid from the clearing head  125  while at least one of the first region  131  and the second region  117  are moving. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1B , the first region  131  and the second region  135  are preferably configured to rotate and/or oscillate as indicated by the arrows  130  and  140 , respectively. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first region  131  and the second region  135  are configured to move in opposite directions while rotating and/or oscillating while an oral-care liquid is dispensed through the aperture  143 . It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the first region  131  and the second region  135  can 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 configuration  125  can also have support structure  127  with bristle, bristle tufts and/or nodules  138  and  139  protruding therefrom. 
       FIG. 1C , shows a schematic top view of a cleaning head configuration  150  in accordance with yet further embodiments of the invention. The cleaning head configuration  150  comprises at least one region  160  that is configured to rotate, oscillate and/or otherwise move in one or more directions, as indicated by the arrow  163 . The region  160  preferably includes one or more squeegee elements  152 . In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the squeegee element  152  comprises a primary squeegee segment  153  with squeegee wiping fins  157  and  157 ′ that protrude from an inner wall of the primary squeegee segment  153 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1C , the primary squeegee segment  153 , in accordance the embodiments of the invention, is a continuous segment  153  that encircles at least a portion of the region  160 , bristles, bristle tufts and/or nodules  159  protruding from the encircled portion of the region  160  and at least on aperture  159 ′ for dispensing an oral-care liquid from the cleaning head. Preferably, the at least one aperture  159 ′ is configured to dispense the oral-care liquid from the clearing head  150  while the squeegee element  152  is moving as indicated by the arrow  163 . While the squeegee wiping fins  157  and  157 ′ are shown here as protruding from an inner wall of the continuous primary squeegee segment  153 , it will be clear to one skilled in the art that in addition to the squeegee wiping fins  157  and  157 ′ or alternatively to the squeegee wiping fins  157  and  157 ′, the squeegee element  152  can include one or more squeegee wiping fins protruding from an outer wall of the continuous squeegee segment  153 . Also, while the primary squeegee segment  153  is shown here as a continuous squeegee segment, any number of geometries are contemplated, such as those described with reference to  FIGS. 4A-M  below. 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. 2  shows an electric powered oral-care system  200 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The oral-care system  200  includes a power handle or motorized handle  201 , hereafter handle, that is configured to power and move one or more regions  233  and  239  of a cleaning head  231 . The handle includes a motor  226  and any suitable drive mechanism for transferring motion to the first  233  and second region of the cleaning head  231 . 
     The cleaning head  231  is preferably configured to detachably couple to the handle  201  through and attachment means  228 . The attachment means can be any attachment means know in the art, including a twist and lock mechanism, which can securely fasten the cleaning head  231  to the handle  201 . The handle  210  can include an internal battery source  223  that is disposable or rechargeable. In addition to, or alternatively to, the battery source  223 , the oral-care system  200  can include, or can be configured to couple to, an external power source (not shown). The handle  201  also preferably includes switch  224  with controls  225  and  225  for selectively powering the cleaning head  23  land controlling a pulse rate, or flow rate of an oral-care liquid through the one or more apertures  202  on the cleaning head  231 . Preferably, the oral-car system  200  can deliver the oral-care liquid to the cleaning head  231  both when the regions  233  and  239  are moving and when both the region  233  and  239  are stationary. Preferably, the oral-care apparatus  200  includes a timer, such that the cleaning head and/or the irrigation system can be energizing with the controls  225  and  225  for preferred amounts of time to clean and/or irrigate teeth and gums with the oral-care apparatus  200 . 
     The cleaning head  231  preferably includes a first region  233  that is configured to rotate or oscillate and a second region  251  that is configured move back and forth or vibrate. The first region  233  preferably includes a continuous squeegee or prophy-cup like structure  233  that substantially encircles the aperture  202  which 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 head  231 . The prophy-cup like structure  233 , 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 region  251  preferably includes bristles, but can include bristles, squeegees, nodules and any combination thereof. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , the oral care system  200  includes a liquid delivery means or irrigation means, which can include and pump mechanism  221 , fluid source  203  and one or more internal feed lines  227  and  227 ′. The pump mechanism  221  is preferably configured to deliver bursts, also referred to as pulses, of the oral-care liquid  213  through the one or more apertures  202  of the cleaning head  231 . The fluid source  203  is configured to hold the oral-care fluid  203  and is coupled to the handle  201  through one or more external feed lines  215  for delivering the oral-care liquid to the cleaning head via the pump mechanism. In addition to the pump mechanism  221 , or alternatively to the pump mechanism  221 , the fluid source  203  can also include a pump  215  for urging the oral-care fluid into the handle  201  and/or delivering the oral-care fluid through the aperture  202  of the cleaning head  231 . 
     In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the oral-care system  200  includes 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 handle  201  and interface with the pump mechanism  221 , such that the oral-care liquid is pumped from the removable container or cartridge to the cleaning head  231 . 
     In accordance with yet further embodiments of the invention, the oral-care system  200  includes 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 head  231 . 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 head  231 . 
     In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the electric powered oral-care apparatus  200  comprises a power or recharging station for docking the handle  201 . The power or recharging station comprises means for plugging the power or recharging station into an electrical receptacle and recharging the battery  223  of the oral-care apparatus  200 , wherein the battery  223  is configured for providing power to a driver mechanism  226  that moves one or both of the regions  233  and  239 . Alternatively, or in addition to the power supply mechanism described above, the apparatus  200  can be configured to be powered with disposable batteries that are housed in the handle  201 . 
       FIGS. 2A-B  show oral-care cleaning heads  220  and  240  that are configured to detachably couple to a power handle  201 , such as described with reference to  FIG. 2A . Referring to  FIG. 2B , the oral-care cleaning head  220  comprising a first region with a prophy-cup structure  234  with fins  235 . The prophy-cup structure  234  is configured to rotate or oscillate, as indicated by the arrow  233 . The prophy-cup structure  234  surrounds, cups or encircles a plurality of apertures  236  and  236 ′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. The oral-care cleaning head  220  includes an attachment means  228  for detachably securing the oral-care cleaning head  220  to the handle  201 , such as described above. The oral-care cleaning head  220  also includes any suitable number of feed lines  227 ,  227 , and  227 ″ required for delivering the oral-care solution to the apertures  236  and  236 ′. The oral-care cleaning head  220 , also includes a second region  239  that includes bristles  235 . The second region  239  is configured to move up and down, as indicated the arrow  233 , back and forth, as indicated by the arrow  237 ′ or vibrate in any number of directions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C , the oral-care cleaning head  240  comprising a first region with a prophy-cup structure  244  configured to rotate or oscillate, as indicated by the arrow  243 . The prophy-cup structure  244  surrounds, cups or encircles an aperture  246 ′ for dispensing an oral-care solution. The prophy-cup structure  244  is surrounded or encircled by groups of bristles and/or nodules  248  that protrude from the first region and are preferably configured to rotate or oscillate simultaneously with the prophy-cup structure, as indicated by the arrow  243 . The oral-care cleaning head  240  includes and attachment means  248  for detachably securing the oral-care cleaning head  240  to the handle  201 , such as described above. The oral-care cleaning head  240  also includes a feed line  257  for delivering the oral-care solution to the aperture  246 . The oral-care cleaning head  240 , also includes a second region  254  that includes bristles  255 . The second region  239  is configured to move up and down, as indicated the arrow  247 , back and forth, as indicated by the arrow  247 ′ or vibrate in any number of directions. 
       FIGS. 3A-C  show oral-care cleaning heads  300 ,  325  and  350  with 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 to  FIG. 3A , the oral-care cleaning head  300  comprises a base structure  301  for supporting a first region  305  and a second region  307 . The first region  305  comprises one or more squeegee elements  309  protruding therefrom. The squeegee elements  309  are shown here as wave-like, wherein the squeegee elements  309  have curved squeegee walls that extend in a number of directions two or more times (i.e., wave-like). While the squeegee elements  309  are 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 elements  309  can be contoured or shaped in any number of different ways. In addition to the squeegee elements  309 , the first region  305  can also have one or more tufts of bristles  315  and  315 ′ and/or nodules  316  and  316 ′ protruding therefrom in directions that are the same or different from that of the squeegee element  309 . The first region  305  also preferably includes one or more apertures  304  for dispensing an oral-care solution. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3A , the second region  308  of the oral-care cleaning head  300  can comprise a squeegee element  311  protruding therefrom. The squeegee element  311  can have any number of different geometries, but is shown here as a cross-shaped squeegee element  311 , with a number of squeegee segments intersecting at a common position  306 . The second region  308  of the oral-care cleaning head  300  can also comprise bristle tufts  317  and/or nodules protruding therefrom in directions that are the same or different from that of the squeegee element  311 . The second region can also include s an apertures  316  for dispensing an oral-care solution, such as described above. Also, the second region  308  of the oral cleaning head  300  can comprise a continuous squeegee element  307  encircling a portion of the second region  308 . In operation, the second region  308  rotates, oscillates, vibrates and/or otherwise moves relative to the first region while the oral-care liquid is dispensed from one or more of the apertures  304  and  316  for cleaning teeth and/or gums. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , the oral-care cleaning head  325  comprises a base structure  326  for supporting a first region  335  and a second region  338 . The first region  335  comprises a first squeegee element protruding therefrom. The first squeegee element is shown here having a cross-shaped squeegee segment  329  with a number of squeegee segments intersecting at a common position  336 . Also, the first squeegee element can comprise a continuous squeegee wall segment  330  encircling a portion of the first region  335  and the cross-shaped squeegee segment  329 , wherein the walls of the cross-shaped squeegee segment  329  intersect with the continuous squeegee wall segment  330  and 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 region  335  can 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 to  FIG. 3B , the oral-care cleaning head  325  comprises a second region  338  with a second squeegee element protruding therefrom. The second squeegee element is shown here having a cross-shaped squeegee segment  341  with a number squeegee segments intersecting at a common position  346  and a continuous squeegee wall segment  332  encircling a portion of the second region  338  and the cross-shaped squeegee segment  341 . In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the second region  338  can also include one or more bristle tufts and/or nodules (not shown) protruding therefrom and/or the oral-care cleaning head  325  can have one or more bristle tufts  345  protruding and/or nodules  347  protruding from the support structure  326  in directions that are the same or different from that of the first or second squeegee element. Preferably, the oral-care cleaning head  325  also include one or more apertures  344  on the support structure  326  for dispensing an oral-care solution, while the first region  335  and the second region  338  rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or otherwise move independently of each other. For example, the first region  335  can rotate or oscillate in one direction while the second region  338  can 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 segments  329  and  341  and surrounding continuous squeegee segments  330  and  332 , respectively, any number of squeegee element geometries and shapes are contemplated including, but not limited to, those described with reference to  FIGS. 4A-M . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3C , the oral-care cleaning head  350  comprises a support structure  351  for supporting a first region  358  and a second region  359 . The first region  358  comprises bristles  365  and/or nodules  366  protruding therefrom. The second region  359  comprises a squeegee element  352 . The squeegee element  352  preferably comprises a continuous squeegee wall segment  357  that encircles a portion of the second region  359  and squeegee fins  353 . The squeegee fins  353  protrude from an inner wall of the continuous squeegee wall segment  357 . The squeegee fins  353  can protrude from the continuous squeegee wall segment  357  at any angle suitable for the application at hand and can protrude to the same or a different height from the support structure  351  than the top wiping edges of the continuous squeegee wall segment  357 . Squeegee elements with squeegee fins are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,969, referenced previously. Preferably, the second region  359  also includes an aperture  367  that is surrounded by the squeegee element for dispensing an oral-care solution. 
     In operation, the second region  359  rotates, oscillates, vibrates and/or otherwise moves independently of the first region  358  while the oral-care solution is dispensed from the aperture  367  for cleaning teeth and gums. For example, the second region  359  can rotate or oscillate while the first region  358  moves in a back and forth motion and/or vibrates, such as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A-C . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3C , the oral-care cleaning head  350  can also include a continuous squeegee element  355  that surrounds a portion of the first region  358 . Preferably, the second region  359  of the oral cleaning head  350  further comprises one or more bristle tufts or nodules  367  that are surrounded by the continuous squeegee wall segment  357  and that are configured to move along with the squeegee element  352 . While the oral-care cleaning heads  300 ,  325  and  350  have 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-M  illustrate 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 to  FIGS. 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 to  FIG. 4A , a squeegee configuration  400 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises elongated squeegee segments  403  and  405  that intersect and provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges, as explained above. One, or both, of the elongated squeegee segments  403  and  405  protrude from a support surface  401  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  407  and  407 ′ that also protrude from the support surface  401  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the elongated squeegee segments  403  and  405 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , a squeegee configuration  410 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises elongated squeegee segments  413 ,  413 ′,  415  and  415 ′ that intersect and provide top wiping edges that form a cross-shape with side wiping edges. One or more of the elongated squeegee segments  413 ,  413 ′,  415  and  415 ′ protrude from a support surface  411  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles or nodules  417  and  417 ′ that also protrude from the support surface  411  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the elongated squeegee segments  413 ,  413 ′,  415  and  415 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4C , a squeegee configuration  420 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a major elongated squeegee segment  423  and a plurality of minor intersecting squeegee segments  425  and  425 ′ that intersect with a wall of the major elongated squeegee segment  423  to provide cross-like top wiping edges and side wiping edges. One or more of the major squeegee segment  423  and the minor squeegee segments  425  and  425 ′ protrude from a support surface  421  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  427  and  427 ′ that also protrude from the support surface  421  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments  423 ,  425  and  425 ′. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4D , a squeegee configuration  430 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises one or more curved squeegee segments  433  and a plurality intersecting squeegee segments  435  and  437 . The intersecting squeegee segments  435  and  437  can extend from inside of the curvature of the squeegee segment  433 , such as  435 , or radiate outward from outside of the curvature of the squeegee segment  433 , such as  437 , to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The curved squeegee segment  433  and the intersecting squeegee segments  435  and  437  protrude from a support surface  431  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  439  and  439 ′ that also protrude from the support surface  431  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the curved  433  and intersecting squeegee segments  435  and  437 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4E , a squeegee configuration  440 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a curved and continuous squeegee segment  443  that forms or bounds an inner squeegee region  420  and an outer squeegee region  422 . The squeegee configuration  440  can further comprise intersecting squeegee segments  447  that extend form an inside wall of the curved and continuous squeegee segment  443  and/or intersecting squeegee segments  445  that extend from an outer wall of the curved and continuous squeegee segment  443  to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The curved and continuous squeegee segment  443  and the intersecting squeegee segments  445  and  447  protrude from a support surface  441  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  449  and  449 ′ that also protrude from the support surface  441  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the curved and continuous squeegee segment  443  and intersecting squeegee segments  445  and  447 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4F , a squeegee configuration  450 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises elongated squeegee segments  455  and  457  that 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 segments  455  and  457  protrude from a support surface  451  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  459  and  459 ′ that also protrude from the support surface  451  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the elongated squeegee segments  455  and  457 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4G , a squeegee configuration  460 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a major squeegee segment  463  and a plurality of minor and intersecting squeegee segments  465  and  467  that intersect a wall of the major squeegee segment  463  and extend from a wall of the major squeegee segment  463  at angles less than or greater than 90 degrees to provide top wiping edges and side wiping edges. The major squeegee segment  463  and the minor squeegee segments  465  and  467  can protrude from a support surface  461  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  469 ,  469 ′ and  469 ″ that also protrude from the support surface  461 . The bristle or nodules  469 ,  469 ′ and  469 ″ are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments  463 ,  465  and  467 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4H , a squeegee configuration  470 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises curved squeegee segments  473  and  475  that intersect and provide curved or wave-like top wiping edges and side wiping edges. One or more of the curved squeegee segments  473  and  475 , or a portion thereof, protrude from a support surface  471  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  477  that also protrude from the support surface  471  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments  473  and  475 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4I , a squeegee configuration  480 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a linear squeegee segment  483  and a curved squeegee segment  485  that intersect and provide linear and curved top wiping edges and side wiping edges. One or more of the squeegee segments  483  and  485 , or a portion thereof, protrude from a support surface  481  and can be surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  487  that also protrude from the support surface  481  and are preferably configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the linear and curved top wiping edges of the squeegee segments  483  and  485 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4J , a squeegee configuration  490 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a continuous squeegee segment  493  that forms or bounds an inner squeegee region  492  and an outer squeegee region  494 . The continuous squeegee segment  493  has a continuous top wiping edge that encircles or surrounds intersecting squeegee segments  495  and  497 . The intersecting squeegee segments  495  and  497  provide cross-shaped top wiping edges and side wiping edges, as explained above. At least a portion of the continuous squeegee segment  493  and one or more of the intersecting squeegee segments  495  and  497  protrude from a support surface  491 . Bristles and/or nodules can protrude from the support surface  491  corresponding to the inner squeegee region  492  (as with  499 ), the outer squeegee region  494  (as with  499 ′) or both, such that the intersecting squeegee segments  495  and  497  and/or the continuous squeegee segment  493  are surrounded or flanked by bristles and/or nodules  499  and  499 ′. Preferably, the bristles and/or nodules  499  and  499 ′ are configured to wipe a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments  493 ,  495  and  497 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4K , a squeegee configuration  500 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment  503  that forms or bounds an inner squeegee region  502  and an outer squeegee region  504 . The continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment  503  can be surrounded or flanked by bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules  505  and  507 . Preferably, the bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules  505  and  507  are configured to move and contact a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edge of the continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment  503 . Preferably, the squeegee configuration  500  includes an aperture  507 ′ that is surrounded by the continuous wave-shaped squeegee segment  503  and is configured to dispense an oral-care solution, such as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4L , a squeegee configuration  510 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a continuous squeegee  513  that protrudes from a support surface  511  forms or bounds an inner squeegee region  512  and an outer squeegee region  514 . The continuous squeegee can be surrounded or flanked by bristles, bristle sections and/or nodules  515  and  517 . Preferably, the bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules  515  and  517  are configured to move and contact a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edge of the continuous squeegee  513 . The squeegee configuration can also include squeegee segment  519  that protrudes from the inner squeegee region  512 . Preferably, the bristles, bristle sections and/or nodules  515  and  517  are configured to wipe the working surface simultaneously with the top wiping edge of the continuous squeegee  513 , while an oral-care solution is dispensed from a centrally located aperture  517  that is surrounded by the continuous squeegee  513 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4M , a squeegee configuration  520 , in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises a plurality of squeegee segments  523  protruding form a support surface  521  and extending radially outward from a centrally located aperture  527  The squeegee segments can be surrounded or flanked by bristle, bristle sections and/or nodules  525  and  526 . Preferably, the bristle, bristle sections and/nodules  525  and  526  are configured to move and contact a working surface (not shown) simultaneously with the top wiping edges of the squeegee segments  523 . 
       FIGS. 5A-F  illustrate several shaped squeegee segments and/or partial structure or squeegee elements, used in the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows a squeegee segment  80  with a planar contact edge  81 ;  FIG. 5B  shows a squeegee segment  82  with a V-shaped or notched contact edge  83 ;  FIG. 5C  shows a squeegee segment  84  with a curve convex contoured contact edge  85 ;  FIG. 5D  shows a squeegee segment  86  with a concave contoured contact edge  87 ;  FIG. 5E  shows a squeegee segment  88  with a diagonally contoured contact edge  89 ; and  FIG. 5F  shows a squeegee segment  90  with a pointed contact edge  91 . 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-H  illustrate several symmetrical nodule structure geometries that are useful in contact devices of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows a nodule  610  with cylindrical protruding walls  611  and a rounded tip portion  612 ;  FIG. 6B  shows a nodule  620  with cylindrical protruding walls  621  and a flat top  622 ;  FIG. 6C  shows a nodule  630  with contoured protruding walls  631  and a flat top  632 ;  FIG. 6D  shows a pointed nodule  660  with tapered protruding walls  641  and a tip  642 ;  FIG. 6E  shows a rectangular nodule  650  with planar walls  651  and a flat top  652 ;  FIG. 6F  shows a nodule  660  with planar walls  661  and a rounded tip portion  662 ;  FIG. 6G  shows a star shaped nodule  670  with protruding walls  671  and a star-shaped top  672 ; and  FIG. 6H  shows a triangular nodule  680  with protruding walls  681  and triangular-shaped top  682 . 
       FIGS. 7A-G  illustrate several asymmetrical nodule structure geometries that are useful in contact device of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  shows a wedge-shaped nodule  700  with protruding walls  701  and a top  702 ;  FIG. 7B  shows a nodule  710  with contoured walls  711  and a bow-tie shaped top  712 ;  FIG. 7C  shows a curved nodule  720  with protruding walls  721  (curved in the elongation direction) and a flat top  722 ;  FIG. 7D  shows a curved nodule  730  with protruding walls  731  (curved in the protruding direction) and a top  732 ;  FIG. 7E  shows a wedge shaped nodule  740  with tapered walls  743 , triangular walls  741  and an edge  742 ;  FIG. 7F  shows a nodule  750  with grooved walls  753 , bow-tie shaped walls  752  and a flat top  751 ; and  FIG. 7G  shows a nodule  760  with contoured walls  762  and a top  761 . 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. 8  shows an oral-care cleaning head  800 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The oral-care cleaning head  800  comprises a support structure  801  for supporting a first region  811  and a second region  803 . The first region  811  comprises bristle tufts  809  for wiping the surfaces of gums and teeth. The second region  803  comprises a cup-shaped squeegee element  805  that includes a continuous squeegee segment encircling a portion of the second region  803  and 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 element  805  rotates, oscillates or otherwise move. 
     The first region  811  can 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 element  805  and the bristle tufts  807  of the second region  803  are configured to oscillate and/or rotate while cleaning teeth and/or gums. The oral-care cleaning head  800 , described above is most preferably configured to detachably couple to a power handle, such as described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  show 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 to  FIG. 9A , the cleaning head  900  includes a prophy-cup polishing element  903  protruding from a movable support  901 . The prophy-cup polishing element  903  includes an aperture surrounded by corrugated or contoured polishing edge  905 . The aperture is configured for dispensing an oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing element  903  rotates or oscillates. The prophy-cup polishing element  903  also has a plurality of wiping fins  907  extending inward from an inner wall of the prophy-cup polishing element  903 . The cleaning head  900  also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements  913  protruding from the movable support  901  and surrounding the prophy-cup polishing element  903 . The cleaning head  900  can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts  909  and  911 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows a cleaning head  925  that includes a prophy-cup polishing element  928  protruding from a movable support  926 . The prophy-cup polishing element  928  has a continuous polishing edge  930  and a plurality of wiping fins  932  extending inward from an inner wall of the prophy-cup polishing element  928 . The cleaning head  925  also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements  938  protruding from the movable support  926  and surrounding prophy-cup polishing element  928 . The prophy-cup polishing element  928  includes an aperture surrounded by the continuous polishing edge  930  that is configured for dispensing an oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing  928  element rotate or oscillates. The cleaning head  925  can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts  934  and  936 . 
       FIG. 9C  shows a cleaning head  950  that includes a prophy-cup polishing element  953  protruding from a movable support  951 . The prophy-cup polishing element  953  has a continuous polishing edge  955  and a plurality of wiping fins  957  that extend outward from an outer wall of the prophy-cup polishing element  953 . The prophy-cup polishing element  953  also includes an aperture surrounded by the continuous polishing edge  955  for dispensing and oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing element rotates or oscillates. The cleaning head  950  also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements  963  protruding from the movable support  951  and surrounding prophy-cup polishing element  953 . The cleaning head  950  can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts  959  and  961 . 
       FIG. 9D  shows a cleaning head  975  that includes a prophy-cup polishing element  978  protruding from a movable support  976 . The prophy-cup polishing element  978  has corrugated or angled walls  979  and  979 ′ that provides a zig zag-like top wiping edge. The prophy-cup polishing element  978  includes an aperture surrounded zig zag-like top wiping edge that is configured to dispense an oral-care solution, while the prophy-cup polishing element  978  rotates or oscillates. The cleaning head  975  also includes a plurality of bristle tufts and/or nodule polishing elements  980  protruding from the movable support  976  and surrounding prophy-cup polishing element  978 . The cleaning head  978  can also include curved squeegee polishing elements or curved bristle tufts  982  and  984 . Each of the cleaning heads  900 ,  925 ,  950  and  975  can include an attachment means  902 ,  927 ,  952  and  977 , respectfully, for detachably coupling the cleaning heads  900 ,  925 ,  950  and  975  to a motorized handle, such as described with reference to  FIG. 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 to  FIGS. 5A-F ,  6 A- 6 H and  7 A- 7 G. 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.