Patent Description:
Toothbrushes are an effective and common method for plaque removal. Management of fluids while brushing, however, can be a challenge for members of the young, convalescent, elderly, or disabled populations, who may have difficulty spitting and may tend to swallow or aspirate toothpaste and particulates removed from teeth during brushing. The remaining fluids after brushing contain microorganisms and bacteria that can result in dental caries, respiratory diseases, and pneumonia. While it has been well documented in the literature that powered toothbrushes offer enhanced brushing capability, the inventors are unaware of reliable, convenient mechanisms incorporated within or associated with, existing toothbrushes, whether manual or power-assisted, to collect toothpaste, saliva, water, blood, bacteria, food, plaque, or other debris from a person's mouth during brushing. <CIT> relates to an intraoral cleaning device, a toothbrush device, and a toothbrush for cleaning the mouth of a so-called physically disabled person. <CIT> discloses a device for cleaning an oral cavity. From <CIT> a system for cleaning teeth is known that includes a vacuum motor and a liquid container, each being connected through suction and liquid lines, respectively, to a teeth cleaning head which forms an air tight chamber over two to five teeth. <CIT> discloses a back plate for mounting a tooth brush. Moreover <CIT> discloses a suction apparatus for a toothbrush having a body including a head, a neck, and a handle, the suction apparatus comprising: a housing configured to couple to the toothbrush, the housing including: a suction head portion sized to be spaced from the toothbrush head by a gap; and a neck portion configured to snap-fit to the toothbrush neck so that the suction head portion extends around the sides and back of the toothbrush head; a vacuum pump; a collection reservoir; and one or more conduits coupling the vacuum pump, suction head portion, and collection reservoir to apply a suction around the toothbrush head through the gap and deposit suctioned material in the collection reservoir.

Further embodiments of the invention are the subject-matter of the dependent claims. In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a suction apparatus for a toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush includes a head, a neck, and a handle. The suction apparatus includes a housing configured to couple to the toothbrush, the housing including a suction head portion sized to extend around sides and a back of the toothbrush head. The housing is spaced from the toothbrush head by a gap. The suction apparatus further includes a vacuum pump, a collection reservoir, and one or more conduits that couple the vacuum pump, suction head portion, and collection reservoir to apply a suction around the toothbrush head through the gap and deposit suctioned material in the collection reservoir.

According to one form, the suction apparatus can further include a foam or other porous material disposed at least partially in the gap between the suction head portion and the toothbrush head and/or a one-way valve configured to prevent back flow of the suctioned material from the collection reservoir. conduits that couple the vacuum pump, suction head portion, and collection reservoir to apply a suction around the toothbrush head through the gap and deposit suctioned material in the collection reservoir.

According to one form, the suction apparatus can further include a foam or other porous material disposed at least partially in the gap between the suction head portion and the toothbrush head and/or a one-way valve configured to prevent back flow of the suctioned material from the collection reservoir.

According to another form, the one or more conduits can include a vacuum tube that fluidly couples the vacuum pump to the collection reservoir and a waste tube that fluidly couples the suction head portion to the collection reservoir. In this form, the one-way valve can include at least one of the following: The waste tube extending to a position adjacent a bottom wall of the collection reservoir and the vacuum tube extending to an intermediate position within the collection reservoir; or the vacuum and waste tubes flexibly coupling the collection reservoir to the toothbrush such that the collection reservoir hangs in an upright configuration. According to a further form, the waste tube can at least partially extend co-axially within the vacuum tube. According to yet a further form, the co-axial tubing can include nested funnel portions having frusto-conical configurations.

According to another form, the housing can include a neck portion configured to snap-fit to the toothbrush neck so that the suction head portion extends around the sides and back of the toothbrush head. According to a further form, the neck portion of the housing can be configured to create an airtight coupling with the toothbrush neck, and the one or more conduits can include tubing fluidly coupled to the suction head portion of the housing.

According to another form, the suction apparatus can be provided in combination with the toothbrush, such that the housing is integral with the toothbrush. According to further forms, the combination can include one or more of the following: The toothbrush can be a powered toothbrush and a power source can provide power to both the powered toothbrush and the vacuum pump; the head and neck of the toothbrush can be removably coupled to the handle and the one or more conduits can include a separable connection allowing the housing to be decoupled from vacuum pump and collection reservoir; or the collection reservoir can be removably coupled to the toothbrush handle.

A method for suctioning material from and adjacent to a head of a toothbrush is provided and includes creating suction with a vacuum pump, applying the suction to a gap between the toothbrush head and a suction head portion of a housing coupled to the toothbrush, and transferring suctioned material to a collection reservoir through one or more conduits.

The method can further include one or more of the following: Breaking surface tension of fluids adjacent to the suction head portion with a foam or other porous material disposed at least partially in the gap; preventing backflow of suctioned material from the collection reservoir with a one-way valve; supplying power to the vacuum pump and an electric toothbrush with a power source; removably coupling the housing to the toothbrush; or removably coupling the collection reservoir to the toothbrush.

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the embodiments described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:.

For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

A suction assembly, toothbrush, and method are provided that advantageously suction fluids and debris resulting from brushing, including toothpaste, saliva, and other brushing byproducts. The suction effectively removes liquids, foams, and other materials from the mouth of a user either during or after brushing to thereby prevent or minimize materials or liquids from being aspirated by the user to reduce the risk of infection by preventing harmful bacteria from getting into a user's lungs. The assembly and toothbrush is advantageously portable and includes a vacuum pump, collection tubes, and, optionally, a sponge for optimal suction.

The suction assembly, toothbrush, and method can help to prevent the aspiration of fluids and debris containing microorganisms by safely evacuating the fluids during brushing. As such, respiratory diseases and various comorbidities can be avoided by reducing bacterial growth from excess fluids in the oral and pulmonary cavity.

A first embodiment of a suction assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The suction assembly includes a suction housing <NUM>, a vacuum pump <NUM>, a collection reservoir <NUM>, and conduits <NUM> fluidly connecting the components. The suction assembly <NUM> further includes a power source <NUM> electrically coupled to the vacuum pump <NUM> and a switch device <NUM> to allow a user to selectively energize the vacuum pump <NUM>. So configured, a user can actuate the switch device <NUM> to energize the vacuum pump <NUM>, which creates suction in the suction housing <NUM> via the conduits <NUM> and expels any collected materials into the collection reservoir <NUM>. With electric toothbrushes as described in more detail below, the separate switch device <NUM> of the suction assembly <NUM> allows a user to operate the assembly <NUM> before, during, and/or after brushing. Additionally, the power source <NUM> can be separate from a power source of the toothbrush or can utilize the same power source as desired. In some versions, the vacuum pump <NUM> is able to suction with a pressure of <NUM> KPa (<NUM> mmHg). With such a configuration, the assembly <NUM> can provide at least an evacuation rate of about <NUM> to <NUM>/min and can evacuate the bolus of fluid in the mouth during normal brushing, which can include paste, debris, saliva, water, etc..

The suction assembly <NUM> of this form is configured to be secured to a toothbrush <NUM> that includes a head <NUM> having bristles <NUM>, a neck portion <NUM> extending from the head <NUM>, and a handle <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the toothbrush <NUM> is an electric toothbrush that includes a power source <NUM> in the handle <NUM> and a switch device <NUM> operable to allow a user to selectively energize the toothbrush <NUM> as commonly understood. The electric toothbrush <NUM> further includes a removable tip <NUM> where the head and neck portion <NUM>, <NUM> can be removed and replaced by a user as desired. Further, although an electric toothbrush is shown in the figures, the suction assembly <NUM> can be similarly secured to non-powered toothbrushes. Due to potential overheating, the vacuum pump <NUM> can be mounted to the toothbrush <NUM> in a spaced relation, such as with a hook-and-loop fastener (VELCRO™) or the like. Alternatively, the vacuum pump <NUM> can be disposed within a case or housing sized to provide sufficient ventilation.

The suction housing <NUM> has an open front <NUM> and includes a neck portion <NUM> configured to snap-fit to the neck portion <NUM> of the toothbrush <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> has a cup-shaped or hood configuration to extend along sides <NUM> and a back <NUM> of the toothbrush head <NUM> and be spaced therefrom by a gap <NUM>. The suction housing <NUM> is sized so that the gap <NUM> extends radially around the toothbrush head <NUM> behind or adjacent to the bristles <NUM>. Preferably, the head portion <NUM> can have a sidewall <NUM> with a cross-sectional shape generally complementary to a shape of the toothbrush head <NUM> so that the gap <NUM> has a generally constant width. As such, although a cylindrical toothbrush head <NUM> having a circular cross-section is illustrated, other shapes and sizes are within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, electric toothbrushes may cause a portion of the head <NUM> and/or bristles <NUM> to move during operation, such as in an oscillating, reciprocating, pulsating, and/or rotating motion. The head portion <NUM> can be advantageously sized and configured so that the gap <NUM> has a sufficient width to accommodate any translation of the head <NUM> and/or bristles <NUM> of the toothbrush <NUM> resulting from this motion. The suction housing <NUM> can be created using any suitable process, such as injection molding or 3D printing.

To optimize the suction action through the gap <NUM>, an open cell foam or sponge <NUM> can be disposed within the gap <NUM> to extend between the toothbrush head <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM>. The foam <NUM> advantageously breaks the surface tension of fluids it contacts and absorbs the fluid, thereby serving as a sponge. The vacuum can then collect the fluids accumulated in the sponge and deposit the fluids in the collection reservoir <NUM>. The foam <NUM> can vary in pore sizes and forms. In some embodiments, the pore sizes of the foam <NUM> can range from about <NUM> pores per <NUM> (in other words, ppi, pores per inch) to about <NUM> pores per <NUM>(in other words, ppi, pores per inch). For example, the foam <NUM> can have a reticulated form. The foam <NUM> can, by way of example, be polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, or a mixture of materials. In the illustrated form, the gap <NUM> and the foam <NUM> is about <NUM> and the foam <NUM> extends forwardly of the suction housing <NUM> by about <NUM>.

A back wall <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> includes a port or other connection <NUM> to couple to a waste tube <NUM> of the conduits <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the port <NUM> is disposed generally centrally on the back wall <NUM> to align with a center of the toothbrush head <NUM>. The waste tube <NUM> directs the suction generated by the vacuum pump <NUM> to an interior of the head portion <NUM> and, when the housing <NUM> is secured to the toothbrush <NUM>, to the gap <NUM> between the head portion <NUM> and the toothbrush head <NUM>. Preferably, the neck portion <NUM> has an air-tight engagement with the toothbrush neck <NUM> so that the suction generated by the vacuum pump <NUM> is directed entirely to the head portion <NUM>.

A diagram of the suction assembly <NUM> is provided in <FIG> that is configured to collect fluids, debris, and particulates allowable to the pore size in the foam <NUM>. The vacuum pump <NUM> has an input port <NUM> and an output port <NUM>. A vacuum tube <NUM> is coupled to the input port <NUM> of the vacuum pump to drive suction within the assembly <NUM>. As shown, the waste tube <NUM> and vacuum tube <NUM> couple to the collection reservoir <NUM> so that the pressure gradient present between the vacuum pump input and output ports <NUM>, <NUM> applies suction around the toothbrush head <NUM> and water and debris are collected and deposited into the collection reservoir <NUM>. By one optional approach, the assembly <NUM> can further include a small vesicle <NUM> and the vacuum tube <NUM> can include a large diameter portion <NUM> that extends between the small vesicle <NUM> and the collection reservoir <NUM>. In this form, the waste tube <NUM> can extend from the port <NUM> of the suction housing <NUM>, through the small vesicle <NUM>, and through the large diameter portion <NUM>. This concentric, co-axial configuration utilizes the large diameter portion <NUM> to provide a flexible support for the waste tube <NUM> and allows air to pass on the outside of the waste tube <NUM>. The waste and vacuum tubes <NUM>, <NUM> can have any suitable diameter, such as about <NUM> in a separate configuration. A benefit of such a configuration is that back-flow of the collected material is avoided, even when the orientation of the collection reservoir <NUM> is inverted.

Coupling the conduits <NUM> to the collection reservoir <NUM> can be achieved by any suitable form of securement. In a first approach as shown in <FIG>, the collection reservoir <NUM> is provided with a cap <NUM> that removably secures thereto, by threading, snap-fit, friction fit, bayonet fitting, or the like. In the case of a powered toothbrush, the necessary torque and/or direction of movement to remove the cap <NUM> are selected relative to the collection reservoir <NUM> such that removal of the cap <NUM> does not inadvertently result in unintended disassembly of other components of the toothbrush, such as a battery housing. The cap <NUM> defines a central aperture <NUM> that is sized to receive a tube therethrough in an air-tight manner. By one approach, the aperture <NUM> can be sized to receive the waste tube <NUM> therethrough with the waste tube <NUM> extending to a bottom wall <NUM> of the collection reservoir <NUM> so that an opening <NUM> thereof is closely adjacent to the bottom wall <NUM>. The vacuum tube <NUM> can be inserted into the collection reservoir <NUM> in any sealed configuration, such as through an opening in the cap <NUM> or sidewall <NUM>.

In the co-axial approach discussed above, the cap aperture <NUM> can be sized to receive the large diameter portion <NUM> of the vacuum tube <NUM> therethrough, with the waste tube <NUM> extending co-axially therein. Regardless of the configuration, the vacuum tube <NUM> can have an opening <NUM> that is positioned at an intermediate position within the collection reservoir <NUM>. For example, the vacuum tube <NUM> can extend to a position closely adjacent to the cap <NUM>, such as spaced above a percentage of volume of the collection reservoir <NUM>, such as <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and so forth. As the suctioned fluid is collected in the bottom of the reservoir <NUM>, the vacuum tube opening <NUM> being spaced from the bottom wall <NUM> minimizes backup flow until a sufficiently large volume of collected fluid can access the tube <NUM> when the reservoir <NUM> is held at an angle. This advantageously provides a one-way valve functionality that restricts collected fluids from backing up to the vacuum inlet port <NUM> when the toothbrush <NUM> is held at an angle. Of course, a one-way valve can alternatively be positioned within the vacuum tube <NUM> to prevent back up.

In another approach as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the waste tube <NUM> includes a collection funnel <NUM> mounted to the toothbrush handle <NUM>, such as with threading as shown, a snap-fit, or other suitable connection. The collection funnel <NUM> includes a frusto-conical portion <NUM> and a spout <NUM>. The waste tube <NUM> extends from the port <NUM> of the suction housing <NUM> down the toothbrush <NUM> and empties into the collection funnel <NUM>. The waste tube <NUM> of this form can include tubing that runs external to the toothbrush <NUM>, internal to the toothbrush, and combinations thereof. The waste tube <NUM> of this form further includes a connection portion <NUM> that fluidly couples to the spout <NUM> of the funnel <NUM> and extends to the collection reservoir <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> can be integral with a cap <NUM> of the collection reservoir <NUM> or can sealingly engage the cap <NUM> as with the above embodiment. Further, the connection portion <NUM> can also extend to the bottom wall <NUM> of the collection reservoir <NUM>. The vacuum tube <NUM> can be inserted into the collection reservoir <NUM> in any sealed configuration, such as through an opening in the cap <NUM> or the sidewall <NUM>. By yet a further approach, the vacuum tube <NUM> can include a large diameter portion similar to the embodiment discussed above and the connection portion <NUM> of the waste tube <NUM> can extend within the large diameter portion in a concentric, co-axial configuration.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the connection portion <NUM> can be flexible so that the collection reservoir <NUM> is flexibly mounted to the toothbrush <NUM>. This configuration allows the collection reservoir <NUM> to flexibly hang below the toothbrush <NUM> and maintain an upright or generally vertical orientation during use, regardless of the angle of the toothbrush <NUM>. This also aids in preventing backflow of non-gaseous fluid into the vacuum pump <NUM> when tilted. Of course, by another approach, the collection reservoir <NUM> can be rigidly mounted to the toothbrush <NUM>, such as to the handle <NUM>, and can optionally be provided as a portion thereof. For example, the collection reservoir <NUM> can be connected most inferiorly on the toothbrush <NUM> so that the reservoir <NUM> extends downwardly therefrom.

The waste tube <NUM> can be detachable from the collection reservoir <NUM> and other conduits <NUM>, to permit cleaning, sterilization, and/or connection to another vacuum pump. For example, the waste tube <NUM> can be connected to an external vacuum pump or a central vacuum pump system, which may provide a more powerful suction.

Claim 1:
A suction apparatus for a toothbrush (<NUM>) having a body including a head (<NUM>), a neck (<NUM>), and a handle (<NUM>), the suction apparatus comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) configured to couple to the toothbrush (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) including:
a suction head portion (<NUM>) sized to extend around sides and a back of the toothbrush head (<NUM>), and be spaced from the toothbrush head (<NUM>) by a gap (<NUM>); and
a neck portion (<NUM>) configured to snap-fit to the toothbrush neck (<NUM>) so that the suction head portion (<NUM>) extends around the sides and back of the toothbrush head (<NUM>);
a vacuum pump (<NUM>);
a collection reservoir (<NUM>); and
one or more conduits (<NUM>) coupling the vacuum pump (<NUM>), suction head portion (<NUM>), and collection reservoir (<NUM>) to apply a suction around the toothbrush head (<NUM>) through the gap (<NUM>) and deposit suctioned material in the collection reservoir (<NUM>).