Patent Description:
Oral irrigators typically are used to clean a user's teeth and gums by discharging a pressurized fluid stream into a user's oral cavity. The fluid impacts the teeth and gums to remove debris. Countertop oral irrigator units include a large reservoir that connects to a base unit housing the pump and other internal components. These units are typically too large to be easily portable and therefore many users do not travel with countertop units. Handheld oral irrigator units are smaller than most countertop units and may include a handle housing internal components, such as a pump, motor, etc., and a reservoir integrated with the handle or connected to the handle. While handheld irrigator units are typically smaller than countertop units and more easily portable, because the reservoir is connected to the handle, it often is smaller than countertop unit reservoirs and thus may not provide as much fluid for irrigating as desired by a user.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

<CIT> in accordance with its abstract describes a dental water jet provides a pressurized water stream for cleaning gums and teeth, including a base unit defining a cavity. The cavity contains a pump, which may move pressurized water from a reservoir to a tip in fluid communication with the pump. A flow control knob may be turned to selectively adjust the water pressure supplied by the tip between a minimum and a maximum value. Fluid may flow from the reservoir and ultimately into the tip to provide oral irrigation and/or cleaning of the teeth, gums, and tongue.

A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

An example of the present disclosure includes an oral irrigator having a reduced form factor as compared to conventional countertop oral irrigators. The oral irrigator includes a base, a removable reservoir, a power assembly, a drive assembly, a handle, and a pump assembly. In one embodiment the reservoir and power assembly are each reconfigurable from a storage or collapsed position to a use or expanded position. For example, the reservoir can transition from being seated on a top surface of the base in the use position to the storage position where it is disconnected from the base unit and the base unit is inserted into the reservoir cavity for storage. Similarly, the power assembly stores within a compartment in the base but is removed from the base and connected to an electrical source, such as a power outlet, for use. The handle can also be selectively connected with and disconnected from the base and reservoir to allow the handle to be removed and stored when desired. Countertop irrigators use regular outlets (<NUM>-240V outlets) and are therefore more powerful and potentially more desirable to a user than handheld units, which typically use a <NUM>. 4V battery pack. In addition, countertop irrigators are ready for use at anytime as long as an outlet is available. In contrast, handheld irrigators must be charged before they can be used. For travel, a user may forget to charge the unit before departure and the unit may not be operational when the user arrives at his destination.

The oral irrigator may also include a drive assembly having reduced noise as compared to conventional oral irrigators. The drive assembly includes a pinion pulley driven by a motor, a driven pulley indirectly driven by a pinion pulley, and a belt connected to the pinion pulley and the driven pulley to transfer motion from the pinion pulley to the driven pulley. The belt seats on the outer surface of the two pulleys and reduces noise generated by the drive assembly as the pulleys, unlike gears, do not physically mesh with one another in order to transfer motion therebetween. The drive assembly may also include a tension assembly to insure that the belt drive tension remains at an appropriate level based upon the load on the motor.

The driven pulley is connected to a connecting rod that drives a piston to pump fluid between a reservoir and a handle. In one embodiment, the connecting rod includes a bend or elbow extension. The bend allows a seal structure to seat around and seal against the connecting rod.

The oral irrigator includes a number of different valves for preventing fluid leakage in the storage and use configurations. For example, the base and the handle each include connectors for sealing inlets and outlets when the handle and base are disconnected from one another. These connectors prevent the hose connected to the handle and the aperture in the base for receiving the hose from leaking fluid when the oral irrigator is not in use.

With reference now to the figures, the oral irrigator of the present disclosure will be discussed in more detail. <FIG> illustrate various views of an oral irrigator. With reference to <FIG>, the oral irrigator <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a reservoir <NUM>, a handle <NUM> connected to a tip <NUM>, and a hose <NUM> fluidly connecting the handle <NUM> to the base <NUM>. The oral irrigator <NUM> also includes a power assembly <NUM> removably connected to the base <NUM> and configured to electrically connect to the base <NUM> to provide power to various components within the oral irrigator <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM>, handle <NUM>, and hose <NUM> are removably connected to the base <NUM>, allowing the oral irrigator <NUM> to be collapsed to a storage configuration and inserted into a travel carry bag or other container for storage or transport.

The base <NUM> houses a motor, a pump assembly, a pressure assembly, and various connectors to fluidly connect the handle <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM> and to pull fluid from the reservoir <NUM> and expel it from the outlet of the tip <NUM>. Each of the various components of the oral irrigator <NUM> will be discussed in detail below.

The reservoir <NUM> stores fluid, such as water, mouthwash, etc., for use with the oral irrigator <NUM>. <FIG> is a front elevation view of the reservoir <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> is generally rectangular in shape and includes a front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, bottom wall <NUM>, and two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. The top end of the reservoir <NUM> is open and each of the front, rear, and side walls include a top edge <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the top end of the reservoir <NUM>. In one embodiment, the top edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> vary in height along their length and curve upward toward a center of the reservoir <NUM>. In other words, the front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> have an increased height toward the center as compared to the edges. In this manner, the top end of the reservoir <NUM> bows or arcs upward in the middle and downward toward each of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each of the walls is interconnected to define a reservoir compartment <NUM> for holding fluid. In some embodiments, the edges interconnecting the front wall <NUM>, rear wall <NUM>, bottom wall <NUM>, and sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> are curved to define a soft angle, rather than a right angle that would define a sharp edge. This curvature is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also allows the reservoir <NUM> and the oral irrigator <NUM> to slide into and out of a packaging or container as the edges will not snag on the material and also will distribute impact forces more evenly across the reservoir <NUM>.

The reservoir compartment <NUM> is dimensioned and shaped not only to hold a desired amount of fluid, but also to correspond to the shape and dimensions of the base unit <NUM>. In particular, the reservoir compartment <NUM> is shaped such that the base unit <NUM> can fit easily within the reservoir compartment <NUM>. A reservoir port <NUM> extends downward from the bottom wall <NUM> and is fluidly connected to the reservoir compartment <NUM> via an aperture defined through the bottom wall <NUM>.

The base <NUM> supports the reservoir <NUM> and encloses the pumping and operating assemblies of the oral irrigator <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate various views of the base <NUM> with the reservoir and the power assembly hidden. <FIG> differs from <FIG> in that a portion of the hose connector <NUM> is shown. <FIG> is an exploded view of the base. <FIG> is a top plan view of a lower housing of the base <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the base <NUM> includes a lower housing <NUM>, an upper housing <NUM>, a face plate <NUM>, and a trim ring <NUM>, each of which interconnect together.

The trim ring <NUM> is an accent ring of material and includes a button ring <NUM> connected thereto. In many embodiments the trim ring <NUM> is a different material from the other components of the base unit to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The trim ring <NUM> helps to secure the various base components together and may include ribs, flanges, and other fastening elements to press fit or otherwise connect to the other components.

With reference to <FIG>, the face plate <NUM> defines the top surface <NUM> of the base <NUM> and assists in enclosing the interior compartments of the base <NUM>. The face plate <NUM> may include cutouts, such as the upper housing aperture <NUM> and button aperture <NUM> for exposing select components of the oral irrigator <NUM>, but may be differently configured as desired. In some embodiments, the face plate <NUM> may be a transparent material, such as transparent plastic, and include a paint or coating on the interior surface thereof. As the painted color is beneath the top outer surface, the outer surface of the transparent face plate <NUM> has a high gloss appearance. Additionally because the painted color is below the outer surface it will be less exposed to environmental wear and tear and thus last longer and be less likely to chip.

The upper housing <NUM> forms the sealing surface to substantially enclose the internal compartment of the lower housing <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> may also define a support surface for the reservoir <NUM> when the reservoir <NUM> is seated on top of the base <NUM>. For example, the upper housing <NUM> may include an engagement surface <NUM> having a concave shape that bows downward toward the center and raises upward toward the sidewalls of the upper housing <NUM>. A lip <NUM> may surround the perimeter of the engagement surface <NUM> and help to align the reservoir <NUM> with respect to the engagement surface <NUM>, as well as prevent fluids from exiting the engagement surface <NUM> (such as those that leak from the reservoir <NUM> or down the sides of the reservoir).

The upper housing <NUM> may also include a sealing wall <NUM> and a port wall <NUM> extending downward from a bottom surface. The sealing wall <NUM> may be a substantially planar member positioned toward the front middle end of the upper housing <NUM>. The port wall <NUM> may be a generally cylindrically shaped wall positioned near the rear end of the upper housing <NUM> and configured to receive elements for connecting the reservoir <NUM> to the base <NUM>, such as valves and connectors.

With reference to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> of the base unit <NUM> includes a front wall <NUM>, a back wall <NUM>, two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, and a bottom wall <NUM>. The combination of the walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> defines a base cavity <NUM> in which the pump assembly, pressure assembly, drive assembly, and other components are received and as such may be varied to accommodate those components as desired. In one embodiment, the lower housing <NUM> includes a power block cavity <NUM> defined in the back wall <NUM> (see <FIG>). The power block cavity <NUM> is configured to receive the power assembly <NUM>, which can be removed from the lower housing <NUM> as discussed below. In these embodiments, the lower housing <NUM> may include alignment and securing features, such as alignment ribs <NUM> extending along a length of the walls defining the power block cavity <NUM>. The alignment ribs <NUM> are configured to engage corresponding grooves on the power assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> may also include a groove <NUM> defined on the upper surface of the bottom wall <NUM>. A contoured sealing wall <NUM> extends upward from the bottom wall <NUM> and is configured to correspond to a shape of the reservoir valve connector and pressure actuator. The sealing wall <NUM> and the groove <NUM> are sealing components that assist in defining dry compartments <NUM>, <NUM> and a wet compartment <NUM>. The dry compartments <NUM>, <NUM> are sealed from the external environment, as well as the components that are fluidly connected to the reservoir <NUM> to reduce damage to components stored therein.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lower housing <NUM> also includes a hose aperture <NUM>, a button aperture <NUM>, a slide recess <NUM>, and a power connector aperture <NUM> for connecting elements to the base unit <NUM>. The hose aperture <NUM> and the button aperture <NUM> are both defined through the front wall <NUM> and extend into the wet compartment <NUM>. Similarly, the slide recess <NUM> defines a recessed track on sidewall <NUM> and includes openings <NUM> (see <FIG>) for connecting an actuator to components stored within the lower housing <NUM>. The power connector aperture <NUM> is defined through the back wall <NUM> and extends into the dry compartment <NUM>.

Additionally, with reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the lower housing <NUM> includes a pocket <NUM> defined in the back wall <NUM> in the power block cavity <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> is defined in the internal compartment of the lower housing <NUM> and is configured to receive a magnet <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail below, the magnet <NUM> is configured to interact with the power assembly to secure it in position.

The operating components of the oral irrigator <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate various views of the main operating components of the oral irrigator with the various housings removed to better illustrate the internal components. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the oral irrigator <NUM> may include a drive assembly <NUM>, a pump assembly <NUM>, a pressure assembly <NUM>, and a connection assembly <NUM>, each of which will be discussed, in turn, below. Each of the assemblies may be interconnected together and received within respective compartments within the lower housing <NUM>.

The drive assembly <NUM> converts rotational movement from a motor into translational mechanical movement that drives the pump assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front isometric view of the drive assembly <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the drive assembly <NUM>. The drive assembly <NUM> includes a motor <NUM>, a pinion pulley <NUM>, a driven pulley <NUM>, a belt <NUM>, a ball bearing race <NUM> having inner and outer rings encompassing a ball bearing ring <NUM>, belt securing flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, a gear pin <NUM>, and a connecting rod <NUM>. The motor <NUM> includes a drive shaft <NUM> and, as shown in <FIG>, is electrically connected to the male power connector socket <NUM> forming a power inlet of the base <NUM> via wires <NUM>.

The motor <NUM> may be substantially any type of device that converts electricity into motion. In one embodiment, the motor <NUM> includes a signal conditioner such as a varistor.

The pinion pulley <NUM> is received around or otherwise secured to the drive shaft <NUM> such that the pinion pulley <NUM> rotates with the drive shaft <NUM>. The pinion pulley <NUM> optionally may include a plurality of teeth <NUM> or grip elements for enhancing a frictional engagement with the belt <NUM>. However, depending on the configuration of the belt <NUM>, the pinion pulley may not include teeth or may include other engagement features.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate various views of the driven pulley <NUM>. The driven pulley <NUM> is driven by the pinion pulley <NUM> via the belt <NUM>. The driven pulley <NUM> may be a relatively cylindrically shaped disc having a first surface or side <NUM> and a second surface or side <NUM>. In one embodiment, the driven pulley <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth <NUM> or other engagement elements that extend radially outward from the second surface <NUM> and are oriented to face outward away from a center of the pulley <NUM>. A pin aperture <NUM> is defined through the driven pulley <NUM> and extends between the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the driven pulley <NUM> also includes an engagement boss <NUM> that extends outward from the first surface <NUM>. The engagement boss <NUM> may be formed as a cylindrical protrusion and may include one or more ribs <NUM> extending lengthwise on an outer surface thereof. In many embodiments, the engagement boss <NUM> is offset from a center axis of the driven pulley <NUM>. The bearing race <NUM> (see <FIG>) may seat around the engagement boss <NUM> and is held in place by the ribs <NUM>. For example, the pin aperture <NUM> is typically aligned with the center axis of the driven pulley <NUM> and the engagement boss <NUM> is offset relative thereto to form an eccentric post. As the engagement boss <NUM> extends away from the first surface <NUM>, in some embodiments, a pin structure <NUM> may be arranged within the engagement boss <NUM> to increase the length of the pin aperture <NUM>, extending it through the height of the engagement boss <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pin structure <NUM> may be longer than the height of the engagement boss <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the driven pulley <NUM> may also include a lip <NUM> or edge that defines a perimeter of the first surface <NUM>. The lip <NUM> may extend outward and upward from the first surface <NUM> such that the first surface <NUM> is partially recessed below the edge <NUM>.

With reference again to <FIG>, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are used for securing the belt <NUM> to the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> and as such may be configured to mate with and connect to the respective pulley. In some examples, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> may be secured to the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> using various attachment methods, such as ultrasonic welding, adhesive, riveting, etc. In some examples, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrated into each of the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>.

The belt <NUM> transmits rotation from the pinion pulley <NUM> to the driven pulley <NUM>. The belt <NUM> may include a plurality of teeth for engaging the pinion pulley <NUM> and the driven pulley <NUM>. In one embodiment, the belt <NUM> is an MXL-type timing belt with a pitch of <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM>" and <NUM>/<NUM>") width. However, many other types of belts with different pitch length and widths may be used, such asadditional synchronous belts with other timing profiles such as XL and L, or HTD type with pitches such as <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, GT type with pitches such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> pitches, chevron style synchronous belts; round belts; flat belts; elastic belts; and V-shaped belts.

<FIG> is a top plan view of the connecting rod <NUM>. <FIG> is a side elevation view of the connecting rod <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting rod <NUM> includes a connecting end <NUM> defining a cylindrical ring having a plurality of tabs <NUM> extending inward from an interior surface. The connecting end <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to be received around the bearing race <NUM> and thereby around the engagement boss <NUM> of the driven pulley <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> secure the connecting end <NUM> to the outer surface of the bearing race <NUM> (see <FIG>) thereby allowing the engagement boss <NUM> to rotate within the cylindrical ring of the connecting end <NUM>. An arm <NUM> extends from the connecting end <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is generally straight, but includes an angled bend <NUM> or elbow in a middle portion thereof. The angled bend <NUM> assists in allowing the drive assembly <NUM> to fit within the lower housing and maintain the reduced form factor of the oral irrigator <NUM>. Additionally, the bend allows the connecting rod <NUM> to pass through and center on a seal between wet and dry compartments. From the angled bend <NUM>, the arm <NUM> transitions to a terminal end <NUM> having a ball <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the drive assembly <NUM> also includes a diaphragm seal <NUM> having a seal top surface <NUM> and a rod aperture through a center thereof. The seal top surface <NUM> extends radially outward from the rod aperture and then downward at an angle to define a flexible skirt <NUM>. The skirt <NUM> may be conical or frustum shaped and define a bellows. The skirt <NUM> is flexible and configured to resiliently deform and return to its original shape. A crease at the bottom of the skirt <NUM> varies as the seal is deformed. A beaded flange <NUM> extends radially outward from a top end of the crease. The flange <NUM> includes a flat top surface and a convexly curved bottom surface.

With reference to <FIG>, which is an enlarged view of <FIG>, the pump assembly <NUM> includes a piston <NUM> that is driven by the drive assembly <NUM> and a pump body <NUM>. The piston <NUM> is generally cylindrical and has on its top surface an annular flange <NUM> and an interior pedestal <NUM>. An annular valley is defined between the annular flange <NUM> and interior pedestal <NUM>. A curved interior surface <NUM> on the interior of the piston is configured to receiving the ball <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> in order to form a ball joint.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate front and rear isometric views of the pump body <NUM>. The pump body <NUM> includes a pump wall <NUM> defining a pump chamber <NUM> therein. A securing bracket <NUM> is connected to a side surface of the pump wall <NUM> and is configured to receive a fastening element. Additionally, a spring wall or post <NUM> extends from the same side surface as the securing bracket <NUM> for receiving components of the eject button, discussed in more detail below. A hose interface <NUM> is connected to a first end of the pump wall <NUM> and includes a plate <NUM> having first and second sides with corresponding connection features for coupling the pump body <NUM> to internal and external valves.

In particular, with reference to <FIG>, a valve housing <NUM> for interfacing with the hose connector <NUM> extends from a first side of the plate <NUM>. The valve housing <NUM> may be shaped as a cylindrical wall and include a ledge <NUM> extending concentrically within the valve housing <NUM> from the plate <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> may be shorter than the valve housing <NUM> and terminate before an outer edge of the valve housing <NUM>. The back wall <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM>, which may form a portion of the first side of the plate <NUM>, includes a pin recess <NUM> and a pump outlet <NUM>. The pump outlet <NUM> is fluidly connected to the pump chamber <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the rear side of the plate <NUM> includes a tube <NUM> for interfacing with the pressure assembly <NUM> and corresponding valves. The tube <NUM> may include one or more prongs <NUM> extending from an interior surface thereof to engage with corresponding valve elements. A pump inlet <NUM> is defined as an aperture through the tube <NUM> and is fluidly connected to the tube <NUM> and the interior of the pump chamber <NUM>.

With reference again to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pressure assembly <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. The pressure assembly <NUM> allows a user to selectively adjust the pressure output by the oral irrigator <NUM>. In one embodiment, the pressure assembly <NUM> includes a regulator housing <NUM>, a dual valve assembly <NUM>, and a pressure valve <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an isometric view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the regulator housing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the regulator housing <NUM> defines a body for receiving the pressure valve <NUM> and the dual valve assembly <NUM>. Additionally, the regulator housing <NUM> defines a fluid flow path from the reservoir <NUM> to the pump assembly <NUM> and so, in some embodiments, may also form a part of the pump housing.

The regulator housing <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> that may have a generally cylindrical shape defining a main channel <NUM> therethrough. An inlet <NUM> is fluidly connected to the main channel <NUM> and extends from a first end of the main body <NUM>. A regulator outlet <NUM> is defined on the opposite end of the main channel <NUM>. A valve compartment <NUM> is defined on a side of the main body <NUM> and includes a cavity for receiving the pressure valve <NUM>, two securing features 352a, 352b connected to either side of the compartment <NUM>, a valve inlet <NUM> and a valve outlet <NUM>. The valve inlet <NUM> is fluidly connected to the main channel <NUM> and the valve outlet <NUM> is fluidly connected to the housing inlet <NUM>. In other words, fluid flows through the valve compartment <NUM> in the opposite direction it flows in the main channel <NUM> to in a sense siphon fluid headed to the pump assembly <NUM> and direct it back to the reservoir <NUM>. The regulator housing <NUM> may include a plurality of securing features, such as brackets <NUM>, <NUM> that are configured to receive fasteners for securing the housing within the base <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the pressure valve <NUM>, the biasing element <NUM>, and the seal <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pressure valve <NUM> is used to vary one or more characteristics of the flow channel between the inlet and outlet <NUM>, <NUM> in the regulator housing <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the pressure valve <NUM> includes a gear face <NUM> for interfacing with and connecting to the gear <NUM> and a sealing face <NUM>. The sealing face <NUM> varies in the thickness and includes a flow channel <NUM> defined therein. The flow channel <NUM> varies in dimension and shape and extends in a generally curved manner around a central area of the sealing face <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> is biased against the sealing face <NUM> of the pressure valve <NUM> and includes a flow aperture <NUM> defined therethrough. The flow aperture <NUM> is typically in fluid communication with the flow channel <NUM> of the sealing face <NUM> and the main channel <NUM> but varies where it engages with the flow channel <NUM> based on the position of the pressure valve <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pressure assembly <NUM> includes the gear <NUM>, a corresponding rack <NUM>, and the actuator <NUM>. The rack <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth <NUM> that engage with the teeth <NUM> on the gear <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is coupled to the rack <NUM>, which moves laterally relative to the rack bracket <NUM>. For example, the rack bracket <NUM> may include one or more longitudinal grooves and the rack <NUM> may include pegs that are received into the grooves to secure the rack <NUM> to the bracket <NUM>. The grooves allow the rack <NUM> to slide laterally relative to the bracket <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is connected to the rack <NUM> and configured to move the rack <NUM> in the lateral direction to actuate the gear <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below.

With reference to <FIG>, the dual valve assembly <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. The dual valve assembly <NUM> acts both as a regulator valve to regulate fluid into and out of the reservoir into the pump chamber <NUM>, as well as to help prevent damage to the pump in the event of a blockage at the tip, such as activation of a pause button on the handle <NUM>, such that the dual valve acts as a check valve. For the primary valve function of the dual valve assembly <NUM>, the dual valve assembly <NUM> includes a valve housing <NUM> which may be a substantially cylindrical hollow component and is configured to slide within the main channel <NUM>. The valve housing <NUM> terminates in a terminal end <NUM> having an aperture defined through a front surface thereof. The second end of the valve housing <NUM> includes a seal cap <NUM> that includes a flow channel <NUM> defined therethrough. The flow channel <NUM> is in communication with the reservoir connector <NUM>.

For the secondary or check valve function, the dual valve assembly <NUM> includes a spring actuated valve within the valve housing <NUM>. In particular, a support post <NUM> having a flow channel defined therethrough is connected to the seal cap <NUM>, a biasing element <NUM> is received within the valve housing <NUM> and aligned with the support post <NUM>. A plunger <NUM> is connected to the biasing element <NUM> and configured to move therewith. The plunger <NUM> may include a tapered shape, such as a cone or frustum, and has a terminal end diameter that is the same diameter as that of the aperture in the terminal end <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM>. The force of the biasing element <NUM> is selected to be overcome by fluid back pressure that exceeds a predetermined amount, such as the pressure build up due to a blockage of the jet tip <NUM>.

The connection assembly <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the connection assembly <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connection assembly <NUM> includes an outlet fitting <NUM>, a spring bearing <NUM>, a biasing element <NUM>, a poppet <NUM>, a poppet cap <NUM>, a top cap <NUM>, and sealing members <NUM>, <NUM>. The outlet fitting <NUM> interfaces with the pump body <NUM> and includes a central boss <NUM> having a cavity <NUM> defined therethrough. The outlet fitting <NUM> may include one or more securing flanges 422a, 422b for receiving fasteners to secure to the pump body, portions of the housing, etc..

The bearing <NUM> includes a support post <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) extending from a rear surface and a receiving post <NUM> extending from a front surface. The posts <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be positioned within a receiving recess in the pump body <NUM> and receive the biasing member <NUM>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, the poppet <NUM> is a generally cylindrical body having a tapered end with a closed tip <NUM>. One or more fluid apertures <NUM> may be defined by the sidewalls of the body. The end cap <NUM> is configured to seat on the closed tip <NUM> of the poppet <NUM> and may be configured to correspond to the shape and dimension of the closed tip <NUM> such that it may be press fit onto the closed tip <NUM> end of the poppet <NUM>.

The top cap <NUM> forms the end component of the connection assembly <NUM> and is connected to the outlet fitting <NUM> with the various components of the connection assembly <NUM> positioned between the two. The sealing components may be O-rings, such as seal element <NUM>, or seal-cups, such as seal member <NUM> and may be positioned around select components of the connection assembly <NUM> or as desired to create fluid-proof connections.

The latch assembly <NUM> selectively connects and disconnects the hose connector <NUM> to the base <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the latch assembly <NUM> includes the eject button <NUM>, a biasing element <NUM>, and a latch <NUM>. The eject button <NUM> is configured to actuate the latch <NUM> and includes an outer surface that a user actuates, a central cavity <NUM> for receiving the biasing element <NUM> and a tapered interior actuation tip <NUM>. The actuation tip <NUM> is shaped as a frustum or blunt ended cone that slowly increases in diameter from the most interior surface toward the outer surfaces. As will be discussed in more detail, the actuation tip <NUM> is configured to move the latch <NUM> from an engaged position to a released position. The latch <NUM> includes two latch arms 436a, 436b connected together at one end by a leaf spring <NUM>. Each of the latch arms 436a, 436b are generally elongated members and include detents 438a, 438b extending inward from a first sidewall toward the opposite arm.

The hose connector <NUM> is used to fluidly connect the handle <NUM> to the base <NUM> and will now be discussed in more detail. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hose connector <NUM> includes a connector body <NUM> with a cap <NUM> connected thereto. The connector body <NUM> defines an interior lumen <NUM> housing a spring actuated valve and a lower body <NUM> that is partially inserted to the base <NUM>, as discussed in more detail below. The interior lumen <NUM> of the connector body <NUM> is fluidly connected to a prong lumen <NUM> that is defined by a prong <NUM> extending downward from a bottom end of the connector body <NUM>. The prong <NUM> is positioned within a central region of the lower body <NUM> and includes one or more fluid apertures <NUM> defined as cutouts in its bottom end for fully connecting the prong lumen <NUM> to the pump assembly <NUM>. The bottom end of the lower body <NUM> includes an external flange <NUM> extending circumferentially around the lower body <NUM>. The external flange <NUM> selectively engages the latch <NUM> to secure the hose connector <NUM> to the base <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hose connector <NUM> includes a leak valve in the form of a poppet <NUM> and a biasing element <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> is secured to a post extending from a bottom surface of the cap <NUM> and biases the poppet <NUM> toward the entrance to the prong lumen <NUM>. The poppet <NUM> is selected to have a diameter that is larger than the entrance to the lumen <NUM> such that when activated the poppet <NUM> seals the entrance and prevents fluid, such as water stuck in the hose <NUM> after use of the irrigator, from leaking out when the hose connector <NUM> is removed from the base. However, the biasing element <NUM> is selected such that its force is able to be easily overcome by the fluid pressure expelled by the pump assembly <NUM>.

The assembly of the oral irrigator <NUM> will now be discussed. It should be noted that the below discussion is not meant to convey a particular assembly order, but merely to describe the connection of different elements to one another. As such, the below discussion is meant as illustrative only. With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the drive assembly <NUM> is connected together and secured to the lower housing <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> and the motor <NUM> are connected together and secured in the dry compartment <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>.

The pinion pulley <NUM> is positioned on the drive shaft <NUM> of the motor <NUM> and the belt <NUM> is slid over the outer surface of the pinion pulley <NUM> with the belt teeth meshing with the teeth <NUM> on the outer surface of the pinion pulley <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is then connected to the outer perimeter of the pinion pulley <NUM> to secure the belt on the outer surface of the pinion pulley <NUM>. The ball bearing race <NUM> is received around the outer surface of the engagement boss <NUM> of the driven pulley <NUM> and the connecting end <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> or crank is received around the outer surface of the ball bearing race <NUM>. The belt <NUM> is positioned on the outer surface of the driven pulley <NUM> and the flange <NUM> is connected to the pulley <NUM> to secure the belt <NUM> on the pulley. The belt <NUM> may alternatively be connected to the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> after the pulleys are connected to their driving components or respective shafts.

The gear pin <NUM> is then received through the aperture in the pin structure <NUM> of the driven pulley <NUM> and connected to a corresponding groove in the chassis <NUM>. The securing bracket <NUM> (see <FIG>) is then connected to the chassis <NUM> via a plurality of fasteners connected to bosses extended from the chassis <NUM>, such as bosses 220a, 220b, 220c. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting rod <NUM> is inserted into an aperture defined through the first sealing plate <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the diaphragm seal <NUM> is positioned between the two sealing flanges 282a, 282b of the connecting rod <NUM>. The beaded flange <NUM> of the seal is clamped in position and the second sealing plate <NUM> is positioned over the edge of the diaphragm seal <NUM> and engages with the outer surface of the first sealing plate <NUM>. The first and second sealing plates <NUM>, <NUM> are then clamped together with fasteners, with the edges of the diaphragm seal being clamped therebetween and the connecting rod extending between apertures in the two plates <NUM>, <NUM>. In this configuration, the connecting rod <NUM> and the seal <NUM> create a fluid seal between the dry compartment <NUM> and the wet compartment <NUM> in the lower housing <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

The pump assembly <NUM> is connected and coupled to the drive assembly <NUM>. With reference <FIG> and <FIG>, the piston <NUM> is connected to the ball <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM>. The pump body <NUM> is secured to the lower housing <NUM> of the base unit via fasteners connected to the securing bracket <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the connection assembly <NUM> is assembled and connected to the pump body <NUM>. In particular, the support post <NUM> of the bearing <NUM> is received within the pin recess <NUM> in the back wall <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM> in the pump body <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> is then positioned around the post <NUM> of the bearing <NUM>. The poppet <NUM> is received around the biasing element <NUM> with the cap <NUM> connected to the end portion of the poppet <NUM> with the closed tip <NUM>. The outlet fitting <NUM> is positioned over the valve assembly such that the poppet <NUM> is positioned within the boss <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> is received between the fitting <NUM> and the pump body <NUM> and in one embodiment is held in position by the securing flanges 422a, 422b, which are connected by fasteners to the securing posts 298a, 298b of the pump body <NUM>. The seal member <NUM> may be a cup that is positioned within the top cap <NUM>, which is then press fit or otherwise secured to the top end of the boss <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the eject button <NUM> and biasing element <NUM> are connected to the pump body <NUM>. In particular, the biasing element <NUM> is received in the spring wall or post <NUM> and the latch <NUM> is connected around the biasing element <NUM> with the arms extending around the connection assembly <NUM>. Then, the eject button <NUM> is connected to the biasing element <NUM> with the latch <NUM> positioned between the eject button <NUM> and the pump body <NUM>. The biasing element <NUM> is received within the central cavity <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> with the actuation tip <NUM> being oriented toward the pump body <NUM>.

The pressure assembly <NUM> is assembled and the dual or check valve assembly <NUM> is received within the main channel <NUM> of the regulator housing <NUM>. The end portion of the dual valve assembly <NUM> is positioned within the tube <NUM> of the pump body <NUM> and abuts against the prongs <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> to the regulator housing is connected to the reservoir connector <NUM> and the regulator housing <NUM> is then secured to the lower housing <NUM> via the securing bracket <NUM>, <NUM> and two fasteners. The reservoir connector <NUM> and the regulator housing <NUM> are positioned in the wet compartment <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. The regulator housing <NUM> and the pump body <NUM> are connected together via fasteners securing the securing posts 298c, 298c of the pump body <NUM> and the securing brackets <NUM> of the regulator housing <NUM> together.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> the pressure valve <NUM> is connected to the regulator housing <NUM>. For example, the biasing element <NUM> is received within the inlet <NUM> of the valve compartment <NUM> in the regulator housing <NUM> and the seal <NUM> is received around the biasing element <NUM>. An O-ring <NUM> is positioned in the groove <NUM> in the valve <NUM> and the valve <NUM> is positioned in the valve compartment <NUM> with the sealing face <NUM> positioned to face the back wall of the valve compartment <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuation assembly is then connected to the pressure valve <NUM>. In particular, the rack bracket <NUM> is positioned against the regulator housing <NUM> aligned such that the fastening posts 352a, 352b align with corresponding features on the rack bracket <NUM>. The rack bracket <NUM> is secured via fasteners to the regulator housing <NUM>. The gear <NUM> is connected to the valve <NUM> by a fastener, such as a screw, and the rack <NUM> is press fit into the longitudinal slots in the rack bracket <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is then connected to the rack <NUM> and select teeth <NUM> are positioned to engage select teeth <NUM> of the gear <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the power button <NUM> is secured on a bracket <NUM> and is electrically connected to the motor <NUM> through a circuit board <NUM> that electrically connects the motor <NUM> to a power source coupled to the power port formed by the male power connector socket <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the assembled positioned, the drive assembly <NUM>, pump assembly <NUM>, connection assembly <NUM>, and pressure assembly <NUM> are arranged in a U type shape when viewed from a top plan view. In this manner, the central region of the base <NUM> can be hollow to allow insertion of the power assembly <NUM> in the storage configuration or to define a battery compartment for receiving a battery (or other accessory storage). In one embodiment, the motor <NUM> is arranged so as to be substantially perpendicular to the pump body <NUM> and substantially parallel to the regulator housing <NUM>. Further, the pump body <NUM> is arranged to be perpendicular to the reservoir connector <NUM> and the reservoir outlet. These types of arrangements allow the oral irrigator <NUM> to have a reduced size, both in width and height.

With reference to <FIG>, once the internal components are connected together and received within the lower housing <NUM>, the upper housing <NUM> is secured to the lower housing <NUM>. The sealing wall <NUM> of the lower housing assists in sealing the dry compartment <NUM> from the wet compartment <NUM> in the lower housing <NUM>. The port wall <NUM> of the upper housing <NUM> is positioned around a portion of the reservoir connector <NUM> to help prevent fluids from leaking from the reservoir connector into the secondary dry compartment <NUM>. The upper housing <NUM> is secured in a number of different manners, such as press fit, sonic welding, adhesive, fasteners, or the like. The face plate <NUM> is secured on top of the upper housing <NUM> and the trim ring <NUM> is positioned underneath the face plate <NUM> to surround the perimeter of the face plate <NUM>. The face plate <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> to secure the position of the trim ring <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the storage position, the power assembly <NUM> is inserted into the power block cavity <NUM> of the lower housing <NUM>. The alignment ribs <NUM> align with corresponding grooves on the power assembly <NUM> to guide the power assembly <NUM> into the power block cavity <NUM>. Additionally, the magnet <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the lower housing <NUM> attracts a corresponding magnet in the power assembly <NUM> to secure the power assembly <NUM> in place with the front wall of the power assembly resting against the back wall of the power block cavity <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in the storage configuration <NUM>, the base <NUM> with the power assembly <NUM> secured in the power block cavity <NUM> is inserted into the reservoir <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> is sized to fit completely within the reservoir <NUM> and the top edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> may extend partially beyond the front wall <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The eject button <NUM> and the top cap <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM> do not extend past the edge of the reservoir <NUM> and so will not snag on fabric or other elements if the oral irrigator <NUM> is received within a carrying case. In the storage configuration <NUM>, the oral irrigator <NUM> is configured to be easily inserted into a case or compartment and the reservoir <NUM> acts as a hard container for protecting the internal components of the base <NUM> and also enhances the ability of the oral irrigator <NUM> to easily slide into a fabric or other similar type of case.

Operation of the oral irrigator <NUM> will now be discussed in more detail. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate rear and front isometric views, respectively, of the oral irrigator <NUM> in the use configuration <NUM>. To use the irrigator, the base <NUM> is removed from the reservoir <NUM> and the reservoir <NUM> is connected to the top of the base <NUM>. The reservoir <NUM> sits within and on top of the engagement surface <NUM>. The engagement surface <NUM> may be contoured to match the shape of the reservoir <NUM> and the lip <NUM> surrounding the engagement surface <NUM> helps to prevent fluid from the reservoir <NUM> from leaking out of the base <NUM>. The reservoir port <NUM> (see <FIG>) is received within the reservoir aperture <NUM> defined in the base <NUM>. The reservoir port <NUM> is positioned around the reservoir connector <NUM> and the reservoir valve <NUM>, which activates the valve to allow flow from the reservoir to the pressure assembly <NUM>.

The power assembly <NUM> is removed from the power block cavity <NUM> in the base <NUM> and the prongs <NUM> are unfolded from the housing. A power cord <NUM> can then be connected to the male power connector socket <NUM> of the power port in the base <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM>. When the power assembly <NUM> is connected to a power source, such as a wall outlet, electricity can flow from the power assembly <NUM> to the circuit board <NUM> in the base <NUM> to provide power to the oral irrigator <NUM>. In some embodiments the power assembly <NUM> may include one or more converting components that convert the power source from alternating current to direct current, but the type of conversion (if any) depends on the type of motor and the components that may be positioned within the base <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is then fluidly connected to the base <NUM>. The hose connector <NUM> is connected to the connection assembly <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the lower body <NUM> of the hose connector <NUM> is inserted such that the prong <NUM> is inserted into the top cap <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM>. The prong <NUM> compresses the cap <NUM> of the poppet <NUM>, which in turn compresses the biasing element <NUM>. As the cap <NUM> moves downward with the compression of the biasing element <NUM>, the cap <NUM> unseats from the top end of the outlet fitting <NUM>, allowing fluid to flow from the outlet fitting <NUM> into the fluid apertures <NUM> in the prong <NUM>. Additionally, the hose connector <NUM> biases the arms 436a, 436b (see <FIG>) of the latch <NUM>, which flex due to the spring <NUM> to open to engage the outer surface of the lower body <NUM> of the hose connector <NUM>. The detents 438a, 438b are positioned around the lower body <NUM> to secure the hose connector <NUM> in position. To release the hose connector <NUM>, a user presses the eject button <NUM>, which compresses the biasing element <NUM>, and moves the eject button <NUM> such that the tapered actuation tip <NUM> moves toward the latch <NUM>, moving the arms 436a, 436b away from one another, moving the detents 438a, 438b away from another. As this occurs, the biasing element <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM> exerts a force against the poppet <NUM> and the poppet cap <NUM> that pushes the prong <NUM> outward away from the fitting <NUM>. This acts to help force the hose connector <NUM> out of engagement with the connection assembly <NUM>. The user can then remove the hose connector <NUM>.

When the hose connector <NUM> is removed from the connection assembly <NUM>, the biasing element <NUM> seals the poppet <NUM> in the hose connector <NUM> to prevent fluid from leaking from the hose connector <NUM> through the entrance to the prong <NUM>.

With the handle <NUM> fluidly connected to the base <NUM>, the user turns the oral irrigator <NUM> on by pressing the power button <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is then electrically connected to the power source and turns on. With reference to <FIG>, as the motor <NUM> operates, the drive shaft <NUM> rotates, rotating the pinion pulley <NUM>. As the pinion pulley <NUM> rotates, the belt <NUM> moves, causing the driven pulley <NUM> to rotate about the gear pin <NUM>. The rotation of the driven pulley <NUM> causes the connecting rod <NUM> to move correspondingly, slipping by its engagement with the bearing race <NUM>. This causes the connecting rod <NUM> to move in a substantially lateral movement, although the driven pulley <NUM> is moving in a rotational movement. The belt drive for the drive assembly <NUM> allows the size of the base unit <NUM> to be reduced because there is no need for a separate gear housing that is typically used to prevent grease from possibly mixing into the fluid and/or interfere with the operation of other components. Further, the belt drive reduces the noise as the teeth of the pulleys do not directly mesh with one another, eliminating the need for the drive assembly to be mounted above the bottom floor of the lower housing <NUM>, which may typically be done in conventional oral irrigators to reduce vibrations.

As the connecting rod <NUM> moves laterally with respect to the sealing plates <NUM>, <NUM>, the diaphragm seal <NUM> moves therewith. Because the diaphragm seal <NUM> merely changes in length (as the bellows expands and contracts), the seal <NUM> does not exert a drag force on the connecting rod <NUM>, enhancing the efficiency of the drive assembly <NUM>, while maintaining the seal between the dry and wet compartments <NUM>, <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, as the connecting rod <NUM> moves, the piston <NUM> moves laterally within the pump chamber <NUM> in the pump body <NUM>. On a downward stroke, the piston <NUM> moves toward the sealing plates <NUM>, <NUM>, increasing the available volume within the pump chamber <NUM>, creating a vacuum pull. This vacuum causes fluid from the reservoir <NUM> to flow through the reservoir valve, into the reservoir connector <NUM> and into the regulator housing <NUM>. The force created by the piston <NUM> movement also pulls the dual valve assembly <NUM> toward the pump housing <NUM>, unseating the dual valve assembly <NUM> from the inlet <NUM> of the regulator housing <NUM>. This allows fluid from the reservoir connector <NUM> to flow into the main channel <NUM>, around the dual valve assembly <NUM>, and into the pump chamber <NUM>.

On an upward stroke, the piston <NUM> moves toward the valve housing <NUM> of the pump body <NUM>. This forces fluid within the pump chamber <NUM> out of the pump chamber <NUM> and into the outlet <NUM> in the pump body284. The fluid then flows into the outlet fitting <NUM>, around the poppet valve <NUM> and into the fluid apertures <NUM> in the prong lumen <NUM> of the prong <NUM> of the hose connector <NUM>. The fluid force overcomes the biasing force exerted by the biasing element <NUM> in the hose connector <NUM>, and unseats the poppet form the aperture connecting the prong lumen <NUM> to the interior lumen <NUM> of the housing, which then flows into the hose <NUM> and into the handle <NUM> and out the tip <NUM>.

To adjust the pressure during operation, the user moves the actuator <NUM>. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, lateral movement of the actuator <NUM> causes the rack <NUM> to slide relative to the rack bracket <NUM>, causing the gear <NUM> to rotate. As the gear <NUM> rotates, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pressure valve rotates, causing the inlet <NUM> to the valve compartment <NUM> in the regulator housing <NUM> to open, allowing fluid to bypass from entering into the pump body <NUM>. The fluid flows through the inlet <NUM> through the valve compartment <NUM> within the flow channel <NUM> in the pressure valve <NUM> to the valve outlet <NUM> and back to the reservoir <NUM>. The amount of fluid allowed to flow through the bypass channel defined by the sealing face <NUM> varies based on the location of the sealing face <NUM> relative to the valve inlet <NUM>, thus rotating the gear <NUM> further in a particular direction will align a wider or shorter portion of the channel <NUM> with the inlet <NUM>, decrease or increasing, respectively, the pressure output by the pump to the tip <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle <NUM> may include a handle housing <NUM> having a front housing half 520a and a rear handle housing 520b. An angled hanging slot <NUM> may be formed in the rear handle housing 520b generally extending between each lateral side of the rear handle housing 520b and further extending in depth toward the tip <NUM>. The hanging slot <NUM> may be bounded by two opposing walls 525a, 525b spaced apart from each other and a transverse wall <NUM> at a terminal interior end of the opposing walls 525a, 525b such that the outer wall of the rear handle housing 520b is open to the hanging slot <NUM> at lateral sides of the two opposing walls 525a, 525b and at a base end of the opposing walls 525a, 525b opposite the transverse wall <NUM>. In some embodiments the opposing walls may be parallel to each other, planar, or both. The hanging slot <NUM> may be centered along the length of the handle housing <NUM> or otherwise positioned to be centered on the center of mass of the handle <NUM> in order to aid in balancing the handle <NUM> when hung on a support using the hanging slot <NUM>. The width of the hanging slot <NUM> may be congruent with the thickness of the walls of the reservoir <NUM> at the top edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The top edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM> may thus fit within the hanging slot until a location at the top edges <NUM>, <NUM> abuts the support surface <NUM>. The hanging slot <NUM> thereby allows the handle <NUM> to hang from the top edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the reservoir <NUM>. With this hanging slot <NUM>, typical handle support element, such as C-clamps, cradles, or the like, can be omitted, reducing the number of parts for the oral irrigator <NUM>, thus decreasing costs. The angle of the slot <NUM> is selected to intersect the longitudinal axis of the handle <NUM> such that the handle <NUM> does not hang parallel to the reservoir <NUM>, to make it easier for a user to grip around the handle <NUM> in the space between the reservoir <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the groove may be substantially vertical relative to a length of the housing <NUM> to allow the handle <NUM> to hang more parallel to the reservoir walls.

The handle <NUM> may also include elements such as a pause button, tip eject, swivel, or the like. An example of these types of components and a handle that can be used with the oral irrigator <NUM> is described in related U. patent application no. ____ filed on <NUM> January <NUM> entitled "Swivel Assembly for Oral Irrigator Handle," (which claims priority to <CIT>).

An alternate embodiment of an oral irrigator <NUM> is additionally contemplated, which is substantially similar to the embodiment of <FIG> and incorporates the components and operation as previously described. The alternate embodiment and components thereof are shown in <FIG>. In this alternate embodiment, the size and arrangement of the components installed within the lower base unit have been altered in order to achieve different benefits than offered in the embodiment of <FIG>. Such benefits may include a power assembly with non-adjustable prongs, a circuit board positioned centrally within the unit to create a generally balanced assembly, a stronger connection between the power connector and power connector socket, and a linear mechanical power transmission assembly.

With reference to <FIG>, in general, the location of the components positioned within the base <NUM> have been reconfigured to, at least in part, create additional space for the power assembly and its prongs. Additional differences are discussed further below.

Similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and with reference to <FIG>, the power assembly <NUM> is configured to fit within the power block cavity <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The layout of the components within the base <NUM> has been rearranged, thereby creating additional space for the power assembly <NUM> and enabling the power assembly <NUM> to no longer require prongs <NUM> that are adjustable and collapse when stored within the power block cavity <NUM>. The size of the power assembly <NUM> has also been reduced, creating more space in the main body of the base <NUM>. The alternate configuration of the various components within the base <NUM> and the decreased power assembly <NUM> size creates a prong space <NUM> for the non-collapsible or non-adjustable extended prongs <NUM> of the power assembly <NUM> to slide into. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the extended prongs <NUM> may fit within the additional space <NUM> of the power block cavity <NUM> such that the power assembly <NUM> no longer requires collapsible or adjustable prongs in order to fit within the power block cavity <NUM>, and therefore the extended prongs <NUM> do not unfold, collapse, or adjust with respect to the power assembly <NUM>. The power assembly <NUM> fits within the power block cavity <NUM> in the base <NUM>.

An alternate embodiment of the oral irrigator base <NUM> as shown in <FIG> relocates the circuit board <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG>. With reference to <FIG>, the optimized configuration of the components installed within the base <NUM> also allows for the circuit board <NUM> to be located central to the overall base <NUM>, between the drive assembly <NUM> and the power block cavity <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> electrically connects the motor <NUM> to a power source coupled to the power connector socket <NUM> and the power assembly <NUM>. The central location of the circuit board <NUM> allows for the simplified location of the wires <NUM> connecting the motor <NUM>, the power button <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), and the power connector socket <NUM>, as compared to the circuit board <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>, which is located in the dry compartment <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and wires <NUM> connecting the various powered elements are run in a space between the lower housing <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM> above the power block cavity <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The simplified location of wires <NUM> in the embodiment of <FIG> may require less wire <NUM> to be used than in the embodiment of <FIG> and require a potentially less circuitous routing of the wires throughout the base <NUM>, potentially decreasing the assembly cost of the oral irrigator and creating a more robust design overall. This placement of the circuit board <NUM> in this location is near the center of the oral irrigator base <NUM> to help protect the circuit board <NUM> against electrostatic discharges which may impact the outer walls of the main enclosure.

An alternate embodiment of the structure surrounding the power button <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The power button <NUM> may include a flexible PCB <NUM> with a dome switch and an adhesive backing. The flexible PCB <NUM> is installed between the button <NUM> and the bracket <NUM>, and the adhesive side of the flexible PCB <NUM> may be positioned adjacent bracket <NUM>. The flexible PCB <NUM> may help provide the user with a tactile feel when the button <NUM> is depressed, which may help enhance the user experience. A silicone seal may be adhesively coupled to the button <NUM>. When assembled, the button <NUM> is sandwiched between the bracket <NUM> and the upper housing <NUM>, with the outer edge of the silicone seal compressed between the bracket <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. This seal further protects the internal components connected to the power button <NUM> from exposure to liquids that may inadvertently contact the power button <NUM>.

An alternate embodiment for the male power connector socket <NUM> of the base <NUM> within the power connector aperture <NUM> is also provided. With reference to <FIG>, and similar to the original embodiment shown in <FIG>, the power connector aperture <NUM> is defined through the back wall <NUM> and extends into the dry compartment <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The male power connector socket <NUM> is installed within the power connector aperture <NUM>, and has two pins <NUM>. After installation, the male power connector socket <NUM> is then connected to the base <NUM> by way of welding, applying epoxy or other waterproof adhesive between the components, using a press fit, or other similar techniques. In an example where the male power connector socket <NUM> is welded to the base <NUM>, a waterproof membrane is created. The male power connector socket <NUM> may be manufactured using an insert molding technique, which may create a male power connector socket <NUM> that has good wear resistance and tensile strength. In addition, the male power connector socket <NUM> may be welded to the power block cavity <NUM>, increasing the strength and durability of the connection of the power connector socket <NUM> to the power block cavity <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In addition, the welding and insert molding technique may create waterproof connections that would otherwise require additional seals, which would otherwise require additional costs and assembly time. Furthermore, these features may be desirable as the male power connector socket <NUM> will be repeatedly exposed to wear through repeated engagement and disengagement with the female power connector plug <NUM> of the power assembly <NUM> with the oral irrigator. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the female power connector plug <NUM> is attached to the power cord <NUM> connected to the inverter and mechanically and electrically couples with the male power connector socket <NUM> to provide an electrical connection to allow the transfer of electrical power through the power assembly <NUM> to the oral irrigator <NUM>.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> may also feature an alternate connection between the motor <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM> through a bracket <NUM>. To dampen vibrations transmitted between the motor <NUM> and the base <NUM>, an O-ring <NUM> may be installed between the motor and the bracket <NUM>. In addition to dampening vibrations, the O-ring <NUM> may also help shift the ambient resonant frequency of the bracket away from an ambient resonant frequency of the oral irrigator <NUM> during operation to further decrease potential vibrations transmitted between the motor <NUM> and the base <NUM> and reduce the possibility of the system operating at its natural frequency or a multiple thereof during use. While not shown, it is also contemplated that the pump assembly <NUM> may be modified with additional vibration reduction components. This may help decrease vibrations and shift any resonant frequencies that may exist between the pump assembly <NUM> and its connection to the base <NUM>.

Another embodiment for a diaphragm seal <NUM> for use in the design of the irrigator base in <FIG> is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. The diaphragm seal <NUM> may be manufactured using an overmold-type design in which a hard plastic frame <NUM> defines a center aperture <NUM> across which the bellows <NUM> extends. Additionally, U-shaped channels 4808a, 4808b may be form directly opposite each other in opposing faces of the frame <NUM>, i.e., a dry face 4810a (facing the motor and electrical compartments) and a wet face 4810b (facing the compartment with the pump and valve components). A numer of pass-through holes (not visible) may be formed spaced apart from each other along the lengths of the U-shaped channels 4808a, <NUM> to extend between the U-shaped channels 4808a, <NUM>. A pair of U-shaped bead seals 4812a. 4812b may be positioned within the U-shaped channels 4808a, <NUM> and extend above a surface of each of the dry face 4810a and the wet face 4810b, respectively. Additionally, a number of through holes <NUM> may be formed in the plastic frame <NUM> spaced apart surrounding the center aperture <NUM> and the bellows <NUM>.

In these examples, the bellows <NUM> and the bead seals 4812a, 4812b may be manufactured by overmolding a flexible rubber, such as NBR or HNBR or other nitrile, on the hard plastic frame <NUM>. During the molding process, the injected rubber may flow through the pass-through holes in the channels 4808a, <NUM> to form the bead seals 4812a. The rubber ma further coat the frame on the dry face 4810a of the frame <NUM> in order to connect the bellows <NUM> to the bead seal 4812a. The rubber may further fill the through holes <NUM> to form a number of plugs <NUM> that provide additional structural support to hold the bellows <NUM> in place as it rolls back and forth under the action of the connecting rod <NUM>. The bead seals 4812a, 4812b may extend above the each of the faces 4810a, 4810b to extend a distance between the top surface of each that is slightly larger than the width of the C-channel in the C-channel bracket <NUM>.

The embodiment of <FIG> may also feature an alternate structure to secure the diaphragm seal <NUM> within the base <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM> may feature a C-channel bracket <NUM> to hold the diaphragm seal <NUM>, as opposed to in the embodiment of <FIG>, wherein the first and second sealing plates <NUM>, <NUM> are clamped together with fasteners, with the edges of the diaphragm seal <NUM> being clamped therebetween. The overmold diaphragm seal <NUM> may be installed into the base by pressing the bead seals 4812a. 4812b into the C-channel of the C-channel bracket <NUM> to seal off the slot formed between components. The center ring <NUM> of the bellows <NUM> will clamp and seal onto the connecting rod maintaining a water-proof seal. The use of the integrated C-channel bracket <NUM> may help simplify installation of the diaphragm seal <NUM>. The use of overmold technique may reduce or eliminate the need to clamp a rubber diaphragm (such as those shown in <FIG>) between two plastic parts with fasteners. This may reduce the number of assembly parts, decreasing manufacturing and assembly costs.

The embodiment of <FIG> may also feature an alternate structure for connecting the wall <NUM> of the base <NUM> to the upper housing <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM> forms a portion of the dry compartment <NUM>, which extends from the male power connector socket <NUM> to the pump assembly <NUM> and motor <NUM> mounting areas. The diaphragm seal <NUM> forms the additional seal and separation structure between the wet and dry compartments. The partition wall <NUM> may take on a different shape than the wall <NUM> of the prior embodiment, which formed a completely separate compartment from the motor and pump in the prior embodiment. The perimeter wall of the base <NUM> and the partition wall <NUM> may be secured to the upper housing (not shown) with epoxy glue for mechanical connection and water proofing to ensure the seal and separation of the dry compartments from the wet compartment. Use of such water-proof glue may provide a significant water proofing benefit over merely sonically welding the housing components. Further, the vibration reduction components described above may impede the ability to create a secure sonic weld of the housing components, thus making a water-proof adhesive a more attractive connective option.

Another embodiment of a mechanical power transmission assembly is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Similar to the chassis <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, a chassis <NUM> supports a driven pulley <NUM> which is mechanically coupled to a pinion pulley <NUM> by a belt <NUM>. A securing bracket <NUM> may help correctly position the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> and connect the motor <NUM> and the belt drive system to the chassis <NUM> by way of bosses, 2220a, 2220b, and 2220c. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> of <FIG> may be eliminated, as the securing bracket <NUM> acts as a main motor bracket to secure the motor <NUM> within the main unit. This allows the motor <NUM> to mostly "float" such that vibrational resonance and noise may be reduced. To further reduce vibrational resonance and noise, foam tape may be wrapped about the motor <NUM>.

A tension assembly <NUM> may be used to increase the belt tension of the installed belt <NUM> about the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>. The tension assembly <NUM> may feature a tension assembly bracket <NUM> which couples the tension assembly <NUM> to the chassis <NUM> and is positioned adjacent to the belt <NUM>. The tension assembly <NUM> may have an idler pulley <NUM> and a tension member <NUM>. The idler pulley <NUM> may be positioned such that it is an inside idler, and it contacts the inside of the belt <NUM>, or a backside or outside idler, where it contacts the outside or backside of the belt <NUM>. The idler <NUM> of <FIG> is shown as a backside idler. In some examples, the idler pulley <NUM> may be made of bearings with a pin acting as the shaft and may be connected to the tension assembly bracket <NUM>. When coupled with the tension member <NUM>, the idler pulley <NUM> exerts a force on the backside of the belt <NUM>, as the tension member <NUM> is forced to expand from its normal resting spring state. This force varies as the belt <NUM> is rotated by the pinion pulley <NUM>. The force is smaller when the pinion pulley <NUM> is not rotating. The force is increased when the pinion pulley <NUM> begins to rotate, as the tension in the belt <NUM> increases to transmit rotational power from the pinion pulley <NUM> to the driven pulley <NUM>, The use of a spring, such as tension member <NUM>, allows the system to adjust to correspond to the belt tension generated from the rotational speed and load transmitted through the belt <NUM>.

Most belt drive assemblies require either a tension assembly or a method to adjust the center distance between the driver and driven pulleys so that the appropriate belt installation tension may be achieved. Having the ability to adjust the center distance between pulleys requires that the location of at least one of the pulleys is adjustable. This adjustability requirement may increase manufacturing costs, as components may need to be made using tighter manufacturing tolerances, and a larger footprint may be necessary. The belt tension changes when the belt drive is operated as opposed to when it is stationary, and it may vary as the load on the motor changes. The ability to use a spring-loaded tension assembly may be beneficial to help insure that the belt drive is tensioned to the optimum tension given various loading scenarios, particularly in an enclosed case with an inability to access the pulley system to adjust the tension. A belt drive that uses fixed center distances and does not use a tension assembly may result in an improperly tensioned belt drive, which can result in excess noise, poor performance, increased bearing loads on bearings used with the pulleys and the associated driver and driven components, and decreased belt life.

In some cases, the correct use of a tension assembly <NUM> may help improve an acoustic attribute of the mechanical power transmission assembly. A properly tensioned belt drive will likely be quieter than an improperly tensioned belt drive. The tension assembly <NUM> increases the wrap angle of the belt <NUM> about the pinion pulley <NUM>, which may increase the overall efficiency of the system, as more of the belt is engaged with the pinion pulley <NUM> to then transmit power to the driven pulley <NUM>. In addition, an increase in wrap angle may also increase the overall tension of the belt <NUM> when positioned on the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>. The increase of tension may help the belt properly seat against the pulleys such that a more efficient power transmission is achieved. In addition, a properly tensioned, and therefore seated, belt <NUM> may decrease the overall noise of the belt drive, as the belt may not slip (if a v-belt or round belt), or the belt teeth will not jump or ratchet on the pulley teeth (if using a synchronous belt). This arrangement may also help improve the overall life of the belt, as slippage and ratcheting may cause unnecessary damage to the belt and result in premature failure.

The tension assembly <NUM> may also help decrease overall manufacturing costs of the oral irrigator assembly, as the dimensional tolerances on the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> may be increased as the tension assembly <NUM> can adjust for any changes in center distance based on dimensional changes of the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the tolerances associated with the center distance between the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> may be slightly relaxed, as the tension assembly <NUM> may account for small changes in distance associated with manufacturing tolerances. The tension assembly may also be used to account for the dimensional tolerances associated with the overall belt length and tooth pitch. The problem of potential belt stretch over the life of the belt drive is also mitigated, as a spring loaded tension assembly, such as the tension assembly <NUM>, may be able to account for an increase in belt length due to stretching.

An alternate connecting rod <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The connecting rod <NUM> includes a connecting end <NUM> defining a cylindrical ring having a plurality of tabs <NUM> extending inward from an interior surface of the connecting end <NUM>. The connecting end <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to be received around the bearing race <NUM> (see <FIG>) and thereby around the engagement boss <NUM> (see <FIG>) to rotate within the cylindrical ring of the connecting end <NUM>. An arm <NUM> extends from the connecting end <NUM>. The arm <NUM> transitions to a terminal end <NUM> having a ball <NUM>. The arm <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> may be straight, rather than featuring the angled bend <NUM> in the middle portion thereof as in the first embodiment of the connecting rod <NUM>. The alternate spacing of the internal components within the base <NUM> allows for the connecting rod <NUM> to be straight, as opposed to the connecting rod <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, which required the angled bend <NUM> so that the reduced form factor of the oral irrigator could be maintained. The straight arm <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> still allows the connecting rod <NUM> to pass through the center of the diaphragm seal <NUM> between wet and dry compartments. The diaphragm seal <NUM> is positioned between the two sealing flanges 2082b and 2082a. The overall form factor of the base <NUM> is not increased with the connecting rod <NUM> being straight, such that the desired user experience of a reduced form factor oral irrigator is still maintained.

An alternate embodiment may also feature a driven pulley <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Similar to driven pulley <NUM> of <FIG>, the driven pulley <NUM> may be relatively cylindrical with a plurality of teeth <NUM> or grip elements for enhancing frictional engagement with the belt <NUM>. The driven pulley <NUM> includes an engagement boss <NUM> that extends from a first surface <NUM>. The engagement boss <NUM> may be formed as a cylindrical protrusion and many include one or more ribs <NUM> extending lengthwise on an outer surface thereof. The bearing race <NUM> may seat around the engagement boss <NUM> and is held in place by the ribs <NUM>. A pin aperture <NUM> may be aligned with the center of the axis of the driven pulley <NUM> and the engagement boss <NUM> may be offset relative thereto to form an eccentric post. The engagement boss <NUM> extends away from the first surface <NUM> and, in some embodiments, the pin structure <NUM> may be arranged within the engagement boss <NUM> to increase the length of the pin aperture <NUM>, extending through the height of the boss <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pin structure <NUM> may be longer than the height of the boss <NUM>.

The driven pulley <NUM> in this embodiment as shown in <FIG> may be a single molded pulley with teeth <NUM> and integrated staggered flanges <NUM> formed on opposite sides of the ends of the teeth <NUM>. In one embodiment, a staggered flange <NUM> may be formed so that a flange structure exists next to only some of the teeth <NUM> surrounding the driven pulley <NUM>. In some embodiments, the staggered flanges <NUM> on each side of the driven pulley <NUM> are aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the staggered flanges <NUM> on each side of the driven pulley <NUM> may be offset from each other, as shown in <FIG>. The staggered flanges <NUM> may be used to help initially determine the alignment of the drive assembly <NUM> during installation and also help prevent the belt <NUM> from tracking off the drive assembly <NUM> while the belt <NUM> is rotating due to belt tracking forces, thereby preventing a potential failure mode of the oral irrigator <NUM>. The molded driven pulley <NUM> with staggered flanges <NUM> may improve the overall oral irrigator <NUM> by eliminating the need for a separate flange. The elimination of the separate flange (as shown with flange <NUM> and original driven pulley <NUM> in <FIG>) may decrease the overall production cost of the driven pulley <NUM> by eliminating a component with a certain individual part cost and the production time attributed to assembling the original driven pulley <NUM> and flange <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the rack <NUM> and actuator <NUM> may be manufactured as a single element, and may be integrated to slide with respect to the base <NUM> and the pump assembly <NUM> as shown in greater detail in <FIG>. As in the prior embodiment, the teeth <NUM> of the rack <NUM> interfaces with the teeth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> connected to the pump assembly <NUM>. In this embodiment, a gear bracket <NUM> is mounted to the pump assembly <NUM> and the gear <NUM> is mounted thereon via a shaft extending therethrough to the the pump assembly <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> of the gear <NUM> need extend entirely around the circumference of the gear <NUM>, but rather only along a bottom arc as the travel distance of the rack <NUM> need not interfaces with additional teeth or cause additional rotation of the gear <NUM>. The gear bracket <NUM> may be formed as a vertical wall <NUM> with a planar face and a horizontal shelf <NUM> extending normally from the planar face at a top edge of the vertical wall <NUM>. The shelf <NUM> may be formed with a step <NUM>. A first linear boss <NUM> may be formed on a vertical face of the step <NUM> and lintel <NUM> may extend outward from the vertical face over the first linear boss <NUM>. A second linear boss <NUM> may be formed along the bottom edge of the vertical wall <NUM> parallel to the first linear boss <NUM>. The absence of teeth on the top edge of the gear <NUM> allows additional room for the extension of the shelf <NUM>.

As noted above, the rack <NUM> and actuator <NUM> may be formed as a single piece. The actuator <NUM> may extend normally from a planar guide wall <NUM>. The teeth <NUM> of the rack <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to a bottom edge of the inner face of the guide wall <NUM> extending upward for engagement with the teeth of the gear <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A kick plate <NUM> may extend from a bottom edge of the bed from which the teeth <NUM> extend. The kick plate <NUM> may be oriented parallel to the guide wall <NUM> and offset from the plane of the inner face by a portion of the width of the teeth <NUM>.

When the actuator <NUM> is assembled in the base <NUM> and the teeth <NUM> of the rack <NUM> mesh with the teeth <NUM> of the gear <NUM>, a bottom edge <NUM> of the kick plate <NUM> seats upon a planar recess <NUM> in the base <NUM> and travels along the planar recess <NUM> as the actuator <NUM> is moved laterally back and forth. Similarly, the top edge of the guide wall <NUM> seats against the underside of the lintel <NUM> of the step <NUM>. In this configuration, possible vertical movement of the rack <NUM> is constrained. Additionally, the inner face of the guide wall <NUM> seats against the first linear boss <NUM> on the step <NUM>. Similarly, the inner face of the kick plate <NUM> seats against the second linear boss at the bottom of the gear bracket <NUM>. The rack <NUM> thereby glides along the first and second linear bosses <NUM>, <NUM> as the actuator <NUM> is moved back and forth This embodiment may be more robust as fewer elements are assembled together and move with respect to each other.

An alternate hose latch assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Instead of the leaf spring <NUM> and arms latch arms 436a, 436b of <FIG>, and <FIG>, the hose latch assembly <NUM> utilizes a left slider <NUM> and a right slider <NUM> which adjustably encase the hose connector <NUM> to fluidly connect the hose connector <NUM> to the reservoir <NUM>. The left slider <NUM> has a post <NUM> extending from a side of the left slider <NUM> around which a bias element <NUM> may be positioned. The left slider <NUM> may also have a window <NUM> which is a through-hole from a front surface to the rear surface. The window <NUM> may be generally rectangular shaped. The left slider <NUM> may also have a hose connector bracket <NUM>, which may be configured to engage with a portion of the hose connector <NUM>. In some examples, the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the left slider <NUM> may be hemispherical with a concave shape curved away from the hose connector <NUM>.

The right slider <NUM> may be similar in shape to the left slider <NUM>, with a post <NUM> extending from a side of the right slider <NUM> and a bias element <NUM> positioned about the post <NUM>. The right slider <NUM> may also have a window <NUM> which is a through-hole from a front surface of the right slider <NUM> to a rear surface. The window <NUM> may be generally rectangular shaped. The right slider <NUM> may also have a hose connector bracket <NUM>. In some examples, the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the right slider <NUM> is shaped similarly to and positioned symmetrically opposite the hose connect bracket <NUM> of the left slider <NUM>.

An eject bracket <NUM> may have a front face <NUM> and a rear face <NUM> opposite the front face <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the eject bracket <NUM> has an upper window <NUM> positioned vertically above a lower window <NUM>. The windows <NUM>, <NUM> may be rectangular shaped through-holes which extend from the front face <NUM> to the rear face <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the eject button <NUM> may feature a front face <NUM> opposite a rear face <NUM>, with a left engagement post <NUM> and a right engagement post <NUM> extending from the rear face <NUM>. In some examples, the left engagement post <NUM> may be positioned vertically above the right engagement post <NUM>. A user engagement protrusion <NUM> may extend from the front face <NUM>. In some examples, the user engagement protrusion <NUM> may be cylindrical shaped with a user engagement surface <NUM> on an end opposite the front face <NUM>. The user engagement surface <NUM> may be concave and curved away from the front face <NUM>.

The left engagement post <NUM> may be rectangular shaped with an end of the post <NUM> opposite the rear face <NUM> being a sloped engagement surface. The right engagement post <NUM> may be similarly shaped to the left engagement post <NUM>, but with a sloped engagement surface <NUM> that is angled opposite the sloped engagement surface <NUM> of the left engagement post <NUM>.

When the hose latch assembly <NUM> assembled, the left slider <NUM> and the right slider <NUM> are positioned adjacent each other, with the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the right slider <NUM> adjacent to and contacting the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the left slider <NUM>, forming a circular shape with a diameter smaller than a largest diameter of the external flange <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the hose connector <NUM>. The left engagement post <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> extends through the left slider window <NUM> of the left slider <NUM>. The right engagement post <NUM> of the eject button of the eject button <NUM> extends through the right slider window <NUM> of the eject button. The rear face <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> may be adjacent and contact the bias element <NUM> that is adjacent the eject bracket <NUM>. The eject bracket <NUM> may be positioned adjacent the left slider <NUM> and on a side opposite of the eject button <NUM>. The left engagement post <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> may be aligned with the upper window <NUM> of the eject bracket <NUM>. The right engagement post <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> may be aligned with the lower window <NUM> of the eject bracket <NUM>.

When the hose latch assembly <NUM> is use, a user may engage the user engagement surface <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> to release or install the hose connector <NUM>. A user may contact the user engagement surface <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> to compress the bias element <NUM> positioned between the eject button <NUM> and the front face <NUM> of the eject bracket <NUM>. The compression of the bias element <NUM> allows the eject button <NUM> to move toward the eject bracket <NUM>. This movement causes the sloped engagement surface <NUM> of the left engagement post <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> to contact an edge of the left slider window <NUM> of the left slider <NUM>, forcing the left slider <NUM> to compress the bias element <NUM>. As the button <NUM> is further compressed, the left slider <NUM> further compresses the bias element <NUM>, and the left slider <NUM> is shifted left with respect to the eject button <NUM>. This causes the hose connector bracket <NUM> to shift to the left as well and away from the hose connector <NUM>. The left engagement post <NUM> of the eject button <NUM> may then extend into the upper window <NUM> of the eject bracket <NUM>.

The movement of the eject button <NUM> causes a similar movement in the right slider <NUM> in an opposite direction, to the right, as the left slider <NUM> is forced to move left. As the eject button <NUM> is depressed toward eject bracket <NUM>, the sloped engagement surface <NUM> of the right engagement post <NUM> contacts an edge of the right slider window <NUM> of the right slider <NUM>. This contact forces the right slider <NUM> to compress the bias element <NUM>, and the right slider <NUM> is shifted away from the left slider <NUM>. As the eject button <NUM> is further depressed, the right engagement post <NUM> continues to contact the right slider window <NUM> and force the right slider <NUM> away from the left slider <NUM>. As the right slider <NUM> is moved to the right, the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the right slider moves away from the hose connector <NUM>. Eventually, the spacing between the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the left slider <NUM> and the hose connector bracket <NUM> of the right slider <NUM> is large enough so that the flange <NUM> of the hose connector <NUM> may be released or installed from the hose latch assembly <NUM>.

When a user is not contacting the eject button <NUM>, the hose latch assembly <NUM> is biased so that the left slider <NUM> and the right slider <NUM> are biased to contact each other. This allows for an installed hose connector <NUM> to remain fluidly connected to the reservoir <NUM> without the user engaging the eject button <NUM>. In addition, the use of the semi-circular shape of the hose connector brackets <NUM>. <NUM> block a user's view into the oral irrigator assembly when the hose is not connected, therefore potentially enhance as aesthetic aspect of the unit.

The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on a portable, reduced form factor irrigator, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to other irrigating devices, such as large countertop units or handheld units. Accordingly, the discussion of any example is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

Claim 1:
An oral irrigator (<NUM>) comprising:
a base unit (<NUM>) housing a motor (<NUM>) and a pump (<NUM>);
a removable reservoir (<NUM>) supported by the base unit (<NUM>);
a handle (<NUM>) connected to the base unit (<NUM>) and fluidly coupled to the pump (<NUM>) by a hose (<NUM>); and
a pressure assembly (<NUM>) connected to the base unit (<NUM>) and configured to allow a user to selectively adjust the pressure output of the oral irrigator (<NUM>), the pressure assembly (<NUM>) including
a gear (<NUM>) mounted on a rack bracket (<NUM>) and connected to a pressure valve (<NUM>) by a fastener,
a rack (<NUM>) arranged to move laterally relative to the rack bracket (<NUM>), wherein the rack (<NUM>) includes a plurality of teeth (<NUM>) configured to be engaged with teeth (<NUM>) on the gear (<NUM>), wherein the rack bracket (<NUM>) is positioned against and secured to a regulator housing (<NUM>) via fasteners, and
an actuator (<NUM>), the actuator (<NUM>) connected to the rack (<NUM>) and configured to move the rack (<NUM>) in a lateral direction to actuate the gear (<NUM>), such that lateral movement of the actuator (<NUM>) causes the rack (<NUM>) to slide relative to the rack bracket (<NUM>), causing the gear (<NUM>) to rotate.