Patent Description:
Mouthpieces that provide partial or whole mouth tooth cleaning are becoming more common. To provide effective cleaning, such mouthpiece may have a mechanical driving mechanism located between an upper part of a mouthpiece and a lower part of the mouthpiece. If one of these parts experiences higher friction than the other one, one part may become a fixed part, leaving only one moving part. In that case, only the moving part provides a cleaning action to the teeth, leaving the other part of the teeth uncleaned.

Another issue with using mouthpieces for tooth cleaning is that the user may apply forces on the driving mechanism, for example by biting on the mouthpiece, such that movement of one or more parts of the mouthpiece is stalled. In that case, there is no cleaning action at all.

<CIT> describes advanced powered toothbrush systems that enhance bristle positioning and contact with teeth, using pneumatic pressure and suction for efficient brushing, while adaptable brush head designs ensure comprehensive coverage and effective engagement with various dental shapes and malocclusions, simulating the Modified Bass Method of brushing.

There is a need for improved power toothbrushes and mouthpiece assemblies that provide effective cleaning action. Accordingly, it is an objective of this disclosure to provide mouthpiece assemblies that include a static arrangement which forms a base for vertical movement of the upper and lower mouthpieces. The static arrangement can be created by providing a bite block between the upper and lower mouthpieces which forms a stationary portion together with the dental arches when the user bites on the bite block.

According to the implementations and embodiments described herein addressing such a need, a mouthpiece assembly for cleaning teeth includes an upper mouthpiece, a lower mouthpiece, a bite block, and a driving mechanism. The upper mouthpiece is configured to receive a first set of teeth from the maxillary dental arch of a user and for simultaneously cleaning multiple tooth surfaces of the first set of teeth, and includes an upper channel having two opposite vertical upper walls adapted to extend along side surfaces of the first set of teeth and a central upper wall in between facing horizontal surfaces of the first set of teeth. The lower mouthpiece is configured to receive a second set of teeth from the mandibular dental arch of the user and for simultaneously cleaning multiple tooth surfaces of the second set of teeth, and includes a lower channel having two opposite vertical lower walls adapted to extend along side surfaces of the second set of teeth and a central lower wall in between facing horizontal surfaces of the second set of teeth. The bite block is housed between the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece and includes a vertical block section having an upper end extending freely through a first opening in the central upper wall and configured to engage at least one tooth of the first set of teeth, and a lower end extending freely through a second opening in the central lower wall and configured to engage at least one tooth of the second set of teeth. The driving mechanism drives movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece to clean the tooth surfaces. The bite block, the at least one tooth of the first set of teeth, and the at least one tooth of the second set of teeth create a static arrangement relative to movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece when the user bites on the bite block. Movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece driven by the driving mechanism is uninhibited when the user bites on the bite block.

In some embodiments, the upper mouthpiece and/or the lower mouthpiece have bristles for cleaning tooth surfaces. In some embodiments, the driving mechanism can be activated sequentially to provide alternating action to the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece. In other embodiments, the bite block further includes a lingual partition element and a facial partition element each protruding orthogonally from the bite block in opposite lateral directions. In further embodiments, the driving mechanism may include four inflatable bladders housed between the bite block, the upper mouthpiece, and the lower mouthpiece.

In some implementations, a mouthpiece assembly for cleaning teeth, includes a plurality of mouthpiece segments, each mouthpiece segment including an upper mouthpiece and a lower mouthpiece as described above, a hingeable element, a bite block, and a driving mechanism. The hingeable element is operatively coupled to the plurality of mouthpiece segments and configured to permit hinging movement between at least two of the plurality of mouthpiece segments allowing the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece to adapt to curvature of the dental arch. The bite block is housed between the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece and includes a vertical block section having an upper end extending freely through a first opening in the central upper wall and configured to engage at least one tooth of the first set of teeth, and a lower end extending freely through a second opening in the central lower wall and configured to engage at least one tooth of the second set of teeth. The driving mechanism drives movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece to clean the tooth surfaces. The bite block, the at least one tooth of the first set of teeth, and the at least one tooth of the second set of teeth create a static arrangement relative to movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece when the user bites on the bite block, and wherein movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece driven by the driving mechanism is uninhibited when the user bites on the bite block.

In some embodiments, the hingeable element is functionally incorporated into the bite block. In some embodiments, the bite block includes a lingual partition element and a facial partition element each protruding orthogonally from the bite block in opposite lateral directions. In other embodiments, a divider element extends lengthwise from the lingual partition element and the facial partition element of the bite block between the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the driving mechanism includes four inflatable bladders housed between the bite block, the upper mouthpiece, and the lower mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the plurality of mouthpiece segments includes three segments coupled via two hingeable elements. In further embodiments, the upper mouthpiece and/or the lower mouthpiece further comprise bristles for cleaning tooth surfaces.

In some implementations, a power toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brush head coupled to the handle portion, the brush head including a mouthpiece assembly as recited above. In some embodiments, the plurality of mouthpiece segments includes at least two segments coupled via a hingeable element. In other embodiments, the handle is coupled to one of the at least two mouthpiece segments. In further embodiments, the upper mouthpiece and/or the lower mouthpiece further comprise bristles for cleaning tooth surfaces.

One advantage of the assemblies and devices described herein is that a complete teeth set or at least a section of teeth can be provided with the same cleaning action. Another advantage is that the user can bite as hard as they want, the movement of the upper and lower parts of the mouthpiece will not be blocked. As a result, the power toothbrush functions more consistently and is more effective in reaching the desired cleaning result.

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the inventive subject matter.

The disclosed subject matter will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide example embodiments of the invention described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the invention described herein. The present invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various techniques, methods, or procedures and arrangements of steps. The referenced drawings are only for the purpose of illustrated embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

<FIG> illustrate a first embodiment of a mouthpiece assembly <NUM> as it is positioned in the mouth of a user. Mouthpiece assembly <NUM> can be incorporated in a brush head <NUM> of a power toothbrush <NUM>. For example, brush head <NUM> can be a J-shaped toothbrush cleaning several teeth of one side of a dental arch <NUM> at the same time. <FIG> shows mouthpiece assembly as a single continuously curved structure following the curvature of dental arch <NUM>. In other embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly as described herein can be implemented in a U-shaped tooth cleaning device. In yet further embodiments, a mouthpiece assembly may consist of several mouthpiece segments, as discussed further below.

Mouthpiece assembly <NUM> includes an upper mouthpiece <NUM> and a lower mouthpiece <NUM>. The terms "upper mouthpiece" and "lower mouthpiece" are used in reference to the embodiment shown in the figures. It is understood that for J-shaped toothbrushes, an assembly can be used in mirror image on the other side of the mouth whereby upper and lower mouthpieces are reversed. In some embodiments, a mouthpiece or a segment thereof can be configured to clean a complete set of teeth or a partial set of teeth, or even a single tooth, and as used herein, a set of teeth may refer to multiple teeth of either upper or lower jaws, or a single tooth.

As shown in <FIG>, upper mouthpiece <NUM> is configured for receiving a first set of teeth <NUM> from the maxillary dental arch of the user. Upper mouthpiece <NUM> includes an upper channel <NUM> having two opposite vertical upper walls <NUM>, <NUM> with a central upper wall <NUM> in between. Two opposite vertical upper walls <NUM>, <NUM> each extend along side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of first set of teeth <NUM>. Central upper wall <NUM> faces a horizontal surface <NUM> of first set of teeth <NUM>. Lower mouthpiece <NUM> is configured for receiving a second set of teeth <NUM> from the mandibular dental arch of the user. Lower mouthpiece <NUM> includes a lower channel <NUM> having two opposite vertical lower walls <NUM>, <NUM> and a central lower wall <NUM>. Two opposite vertical walls <NUM>, <NUM> each extend along side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of second set of teeth <NUM>. Central lower wall <NUM> faces a horizontal surface <NUM> of second set of teeth <NUM>. A horizontal surface of a set of teeth refers to the biting or chewing surfaces of the teeth, in particular the incisal surface of an incisor or canine, and occlusal surface of a premolar or molar. A side surface of the teeth may refer to facial, lingual, mesial, or distal surfaces of a tooth.

Mouthpiece assembly <NUM> further includes a bite block <NUM> housed between upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Bite block <NUM> has a vertical block section <NUM> with an upper end <NUM> extending freely through a first opening <NUM> in central upper wall <NUM>. A lower end <NUM> extends freely through a second opening <NUM> in central lower wall <NUM>. Bite block <NUM> is configured to engage at least one tooth of first set of teeth <NUM> and at least one tooth of the second set of teeth <NUM>. A lingual partition element <NUM> and a facial partition element <NUM> protrude orthogonally from bite block <NUM> in opposite lateral directions. Bite block <NUM> is dimensioned to provide a biting surface to the upper first set of teeth <NUM> and to the lower second set of teeth <NUM>. Because bite block <NUM> extends freely through first opening <NUM> and second opening <NUM>, upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM> can move freely relative to bite block <NUM>.

In some embodiments, bite block <NUM> can be a continuous, solid piece running along the length of the entire mouthpiece. In other embodiments, the number of bite blocks can vary. In further embodiments, a bite block can be provided at a single position of the molars or frontal teeth and extend into a divider element as discussed below with reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments, one bite block may be sufficient to create the desired vertical distance between the upper and lower dental arch. In yet further embodiments, three or more bite blocks may be used to compensate for possible gaps in the dental arch.

A driving mechanism <NUM> drives tooth cleaning movement of upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, driving mechanism <NUM> includes four inflatable bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed between upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Inflatable bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are arranged to extend through four quadrants formed between lateral extensions of bite block <NUM> and upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM>. In particular, inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between lingual partition element <NUM> and central lower wall <NUM> of lower mouthpiece <NUM>; inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between lingual partition element <NUM> and central upper wall <NUM> of upper mouthpiece <NUM>; inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between facial partition element <NUM> and central upper wall <NUM> of upper mouthpiece <NUM>; and inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between facial partition element <NUM> and central lower wall <NUM> of lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Beyond bite block <NUM>, for example at section B-B, inflatable bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can continue in this configuration and extend as four tubular structures between upper channel <NUM> and lower channel <NUM> separated horizontally by a divider element, for example similar to the configuration shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a variation of the first embodiment of mouthpiece assembly <NUM> wherein, beyond bite block <NUM>, for example along cross-section B-B, bladders <NUM> and <NUM> merge into a single upper bladder <NUM>, and bladders <NUM> and <NUM> merge into a single lower bladder <NUM>. A horizontal divider element <NUM> can run parallel to central upper wall <NUM> of upper channel <NUM> and central lower wall of <NUM> of lower channel <NUM> and separate bladders <NUM> and <NUM>. Divider element <NUM> can extend from one bite block <NUM> merging lingual partition element <NUM> and facial partition element <NUM> into continuous divider element <NUM>.

Bladders <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled to upper channel <NUM> and bladders <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled to lower channel <NUM>, for example, via clamping in a mechanical manner of bonding by way of glue or melting materials. In some embodiments, upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpieces <NUM> may be connected through bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to bite block <NUM>. In other embodiments, the upper and lower mouthpieces can be coupled to the bite block or support structure via a spring like construction.

Bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be inflated/deflated to create the vertical movement of the upper and lower mouthpieces. Bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be in fluid communication with a pneumatic device, such as pneumatic pump that provides pressure to inflate the bladder and suction to deflate the bladder. In some embodiments, a pneumatic pump may be located in the handle and coupled to one of the segments. In other embodiments, the number of bladders used to drive movement of the mouthpieces can vary. In further embodiments, any suitable kind of driving mechanism may be used.

The cleaning of tooth surfaces can be performed by bristles <NUM>. Bristles <NUM> are mounted on vertical walls <NUM>, <NUM> of upper channel <NUM> and on vertical walls <NUM>, <NUM> of lower channel <NUM>. When driving mechanism <NUM> successively inflates and deflates bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, upper mouthpiece <NUM> is pushed upward and pulled downward. Similarly, when bladders <NUM> and <NUM> inflate and deflate, lower mouthpiece <NUM> moves vertically up and down. The vertical movement allows bristles <NUM> to produce a cleaning action on the side surfaces of the teeth. In other embodiments, the upper and lower mouthpieces may be provided with any kind of suitable cleansing elements that produce a scrubbing action when the appliance is activated.

Bite block <NUM>, first set of teeth <NUM>, and second set of teeth <NUM> create a static arrangement, or fixed world, relative to movement of upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM> when the user bites on bite block <NUM>. The biting does not interfere with an operation of the driving mechanism and cleaning action provided by the upper mouthpiece and lower mouthpiece. The inflation/deflation of bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> causes upper and lower mouthpieces to move relative to the static arrangement of the bite block and teeth, and thus causes bristles to move in an upward and downward motion along the multiple tooth surfaces of the first and second set of teeth. Because bite block <NUM> extends freely through first opening <NUM> of upper channel <NUM> and second opening <NUM> of lower channel <NUM>, there is no friction between upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpieces <NUM> and bite block <NUM> when the mouthpiece assembly is activated. Vertical movement of upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM> is uninhibited ensuring an equally effective cleaning result for the complete dental arch regardless of the biting force applied by the user. The fixed world created in the mouth is the base for the upper and lower vertical movement of the mouthpiece. When excessive bite forces are applied, the bite forces are applied only to the biting block and the movement of the upper and lower part of the mouthpiece is not hampered. The static arrangement of bite block <NUM>, first set of teeth <NUM>, and second set of teeth <NUM> ensures a defined vertical movement of both the upper mouthpiece as well as the lower mouthpiece relative to the teeth and bite block <NUM>.

In some embodiments, components of the driving mechanism can be activated sequentially to provide alternating action to the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece resulting in less air movement. In other embodiments, components of the driving mechanism can be activated simultaneously. In some embodiments, the desired vertical movement of upper and lower mouthpieces can be accomplished via two bladders that split at the position of the bite block. In further embodiments, the upper mouthpiece and lower mouthpiece may be mechanically coupled, reducing the number of drivers.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a mouthpiece assembly <NUM> divided in three mouthpiece segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are incorporated in a power toothbrush <NUM> having a brush head <NUM> coupled to a handle portion <NUM>. Brush head <NUM> has a J-shaped configuration.

Each mouthpiece segment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> includes an upper mouthpiece <NUM> and a lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Mouthpiece segment <NUM> and mouthpiece segment <NUM> are coupled via a first hingeable bite block <NUM>. Mouthpiece segment <NUM> and mouthpiece segment <NUM> are coupled via a second hingeable bite block <NUM>. Hingeable bite blocks <NUM>, <NUM> provide pivotal movement between segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> thereby allowing the upper and lower mouthpieces to adjust to a dental arch <NUM> of the user. In some embodiments, mouthpiece segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can move independently of each other in a vertical direction.

In other embodiments, the number of mouthpiece segments and the number of hingeable bite blocks can vary. Additionally, mouthpiece segments can be adapted to receive different sets of teeth or a singular tooth, and hingeable bite blocks can be configured to receive any tooth or a set of teeth.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, a hingeable element <NUM> is incorporated into each one of bite blocks <NUM>, <NUM>. In other embodiments, hingeable components may be separate from bite block components. For example, a hingeable element can be a separate, distinct part provided at one location and a bite block can be provided at another location. In such an embodiment, hingeable elements can provide for the pivotal movement between mouthpiece segments. Bite blocks may be located at one or more locations along the mouthpiece assembly different from the locations of the hingeable elements.

As shown in <FIG>, handle portion <NUM> is coupled to middle segment <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, a handle portion can be coupled to the mouthpiece assembly at any suitable location. Handle portion <NUM> may include a power switch to turn power on or off, components of a driving mechanism, such as the pump battery, and other functional components of the power toothbrush.

Mouthpiece segment <NUM> is configured to receive a front part of the upper and lower dental arches of the user including at least two incisors of the upper and lower jaws at the front of the mouth. Mouthpiece segment <NUM> is adapted to receive a part of the dental arch including at least two premolars of the upper and lower jaws. Mouthpiece segment <NUM> is adapted to receive a part of the dental arch including at least the second and third molars of the upper and lower jaws. First hingeable bite block <NUM> provides fixed contact with the teeth and is positioned to receive canine teeth of upper and lower jaws. Second hingeable bite block <NUM> also provides fixed contact with the teeth and is positioned to receive first molars of upper and lower jaws. However, during use, when a user repositions mouthpiece <NUM>, mouthpiece segments <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can move in the mouth and the teeth accommodated by first bite block <NUM> and second bite block <NUM> may shift.

In each segment, upper mouthpiece <NUM> includes an upper channel <NUM> having two opposite vertical upper walls <NUM>, <NUM>. Vertical upper walls <NUM> and <NUM> are adapted to extend along side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, of first set of teeth <NUM>. A central upper wall <NUM> connects vertical upper wall <NUM> and <NUM>. Portions of central upper wall <NUM> are configured to face horizontal surface <NUM> of first set of teeth <NUM>.

Similarly, in each segment, lower mouthpiece <NUM> includes a lower channel <NUM> having two opposite vertical lower walls <NUM>, <NUM>. Vertical lower walls <NUM> and <NUM> are adapted to extend along side surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, of second set of teeth <NUM>. A central lower wall <NUM> connects vertical lower walls <NUM> and <NUM>. Portions of central lower wall <NUM> face horizontal surface <NUM> of second set of teeth <NUM>.

In other embodiments, upper channel <NUM> and lower channel <NUM> may form individual brushing chambers to brush individual teeth. In further embodiments, upper and lower channels can be configured to accommodate and brush multiple teeth at the same time.

In the example embodiment described herein, hingeable bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM> have similar structural components. Those similar components are hereafter described with reference to hingeable bite block <NUM> but can equally be present in hingeable bite block <NUM>. In other embodiments, distinct hingeable bite blocks may include different structural components.

Hingeable bite block <NUM> includes a vertical block section <NUM> and a horizontal block section <NUM>, which are positioned substantially orthogonal to each other. In a vertical cross-section, vertical block section <NUM> is shown as an elongated element sized to fit in the mouth of a user. Vertical block section <NUM> has an upper end <NUM> extending freely through a first opening <NUM> in central upper wall <NUM> and a lower end <NUM> extending freely through a second opening <NUM> in central lower wall <NUM>. In a horizontal cross-section, vertical block section <NUM> may have an elliptical shape or other suitable curved shape with a variable radius. Upper end <NUM> has a top surface <NUM> configured to engage with an occlusal portion of at least one tooth of first set of teeth <NUM>. Lower end <NUM> has a bottom surface configured to engage with an occlusal portion of at least one tooth of second set of teeth <NUM>. For example, top surface <NUM> can be adapted to receive first molar <NUM> of the upper jaw and bottom surface <NUM> can be adapted to receive first molar <NUM> of the lower jaw. Similarly, hingeable bite block <NUM> has a top surface of its vertical block section adapted to receive a canine of the upper jaw and a bottom surface of its vertical block section adapted to receive a canine of the lower jaw.

A hinge pin <NUM> is operatively disposed in vertical block section <NUM> thereby providing for a pivotal connection between mouthpiece segments <NUM> and <NUM>. Hinge pin <NUM> extends in a longitudinal direction of hingeable bite block <NUM>. Similarly, a hinge pin can be operatively disposed in a vertical block section of bite block <NUM> permitting hinging movement between mouthpiece segments <NUM> and <NUM>. Hinge pins can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material.

Hingeable bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM> can include a teeth contact area made of silicone material so as to permit the user to firmly grip hingeable bite blocks <NUM>, <NUM> with their teeth. In other embodiments, bite blocks can be made of other suitable materials that are sufficiently rigid to withstand compression of the user's bite.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of section A-A indicated in <FIG>. As can be seen, horizontal block section <NUM> includes a lingual partition element <NUM> and a facial partition element <NUM>, each protruding orthogonally from hingeable bite block <NUM> in opposite lateral directions.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of section B-B of <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG>, a horizontal divider element <NUM> runs parallel to central upper wall <NUM> of upper channel <NUM> and central lower wall of <NUM> of lower channel <NUM>. For example, divider element <NUM> can extend from hingeable bite block <NUM> merging lingual partition element <NUM> and facial partition element <NUM> into continuous divider element <NUM>.

Driving mechanism <NUM> drives movement of upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Hingeable bite block <NUM>, the at least one tooth of the first set of teeth <NUM>, and the at least one tooth of the second set of teeth <NUM> create a static arrangement relative to movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece when the user bites on the hingeable bite block. Movement of upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM>, driven by driving mechanism <NUM>, is uninhibited when the user bites on hingeable bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM>.

Driving mechanism <NUM> includes four elongated inflatable bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> arranged to extend through four quadrants formed between hingeable bite block <NUM>, upper mouthpiece <NUM>, and lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between lingual partition element <NUM> and central lower wall <NUM> of lower mouthpiece <NUM>. Inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between lingual partition element <NUM> and central upper wall <NUM> of upper mouthpiece <NUM>. Inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between facial partition element <NUM> and central upper wall <NUM> of upper mouthpiece <NUM>. Inflatable bladder <NUM> extends between facial partition element <NUM> and central lower wall <NUM> of lower mouthpiece <NUM>. In between bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM>, inflatable bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> extend lengthwise between upper mouthpiece <NUM> and horizontal divider element <NUM>, and between lower mouthpiece <NUM> and horizontal divider element <NUM>. In between segments, a hose type connection flexible enough to follow the motion of the individual segment can be used.

Driving mechanism <NUM> may include a pneumatic pump and motor or other drive system for moving upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM> up and down to produce a scrubbing action on the teeth. Bladders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be alternately inflated and deflated to produce the desired cleansing action. The drive train assembly can be located exterior to the mouth, for example in the handle.

Bristles <NUM>, extending horizontally, are coupled to vertical walls <NUM>, <NUM> of upper channel <NUM> and on vertical walls <NUM>, <NUM> of lower channel <NUM>. In other embodiments, other cleaning members may be coupled to the vertical walls of the upper and lower channels. Furthermore, vertically extending bristles <NUM> can be mounted on central upper wall <NUM> and on central lower wall <NUM> in sections of the channels between hingeable bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM>. Bristles <NUM> can clean the chewing surfaces by a tapping motion and by the movement of the user.

In operation, mouthpiece assembly <NUM> is inserted into the mouth of a user. The pivotal connections between segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allows the mouthpiece assembly to conform to the dental arches of the user. When the mouthpiece is in place, the user can bite down on hingeable bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby providing a stable position of the assembly in the mouth. Upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM> are free to move up and down and do so when driving mechanism <NUM> is activated to produce the desired cleaning, by scrubbing or other means. Bite blocks <NUM> and <NUM> do not move relative to upper mouthpiece <NUM> and lower mouthpiece <NUM> when the driving mechanism is activated and form a fixed arrangement relative to movement of the upper mouthpiece and the lower mouthpiece when the user bites on the bite blocks. Movement of the driving mechanism is uninhibited.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

" In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Thus, references to "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do not preclude a plurality.

Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claim 1:
A mouthpiece assembly (<NUM>) for cleaning teeth, comprising:
an upper mouthpiece (<NUM>) for receiving a first set of teeth (<NUM>) from the maxillary dental arch of a user and for simultaneously cleaning multiple tooth surfaces of the first set of teeth (<NUM>), and including an upper channel (<NUM>) having two opposite vertical upper walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to extend along side surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the first set of teeth (<NUM>) and a central upper wall (<NUM>) in between facing horizontal surfaces (<NUM>) of the first set of teeth (<NUM>);
a lower mouthpiece (<NUM>) for receiving a second set of teeth (<NUM>) from the mandibular dental arch of the user and for simultaneously cleaning multiple tooth surfaces of the second set of teeth (<NUM>), and including a lower channel (<NUM>) having two opposite vertical lower walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to extend along side surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the second set of teeth (<NUM>) and a central lower wall (<NUM>) in between facing horizontal surfaces (<NUM>) of the second set of teeth (<NUM>);
a bite block (<NUM>) housed between the upper mouthpiece (<NUM>) and the lower mouthpiece (<NUM>) and including a vertical block section (<NUM>) having an upper end (<NUM>) extending freely through a first opening (<NUM>) in the central upper wall (<NUM>) and configured to engage at least one tooth of the first set of teeth (<NUM>), and a lower end (<NUM>) extending freely through a second opening (<NUM>) in the central lower wall (<NUM>) and configured to engage at least one tooth of the second set of teeth (<NUM>);
a driving mechanism (<NUM>) for driving movement of the upper mouthpiece (<NUM>) and the lower mouthpiece (<NUM>) to clean the tooth surfaces; and
wherein the bite block (<NUM>), the at least one tooth of the first set of teeth (<NUM>), and the at least one tooth of the second set of teeth (<NUM>) create a static arrangement relative to movement of the upper mouthpiece (<NUM>) and the lower mouthpiece (<NUM>) when the user bites on the bite block (<NUM>), and wherein movement of the upper mouthpiece (<NUM>) and the lower mouthpiece (<NUM>) driven by the driving mechanism (<NUM>) is uninhibited when the user bites on the bite block (<NUM>).