Patent Description:
Prior art is found in <CIT> and in <CIT> which both relate to an oral treatment device having a lamp support surface with a concave curvature, wherein a lamp comprising a flexible sheet body is mounted to the lamp support surface.

The invention relates to an oral care treatment device as defined in claim <NUM>. Specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

In one aspect which is not part of the claimed invention the disclosure relates to an oral treatment device that emits electromagnetic radiation onto surfaces of the user's teeth. In certain aspects, the electromagnetic radiation is emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source that is coupled to a lamp support structure of a mouthpiece. The electromagnetic radiation source may comprise a flexible circuit and a plurality of illumination elements located thereon. In some aspects, the electromagnetic radiation source may be a printed light emitting diode circuit. The oral treatment device may include a mouthpiece or other structure that supports the electromagnetic radiation source as well as a handle. The handle may contain additional electronic components such as a processor and a power source.

In one aspect, which is not part of the claimed invention, the device may be an oral treatment device comprising: an intraoral mouthpiece having a dental arch midline plane and comprising: a lamp support structure comprising: a curved support plate; a first relief element formed in the curved support plate on a first side of the dental arch midline plane that increases flexibility of a first end portion of the curved support plate relative to a central portion of the curved support plate; and a second relief element formed in the curved support plate on a second side of the dental arch midline plane that increases flexibility of a second end portion of the curved support plate relative to the central portion of the curved support plate; and a lamp mounted to the lamp support structure and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation onto oral surfaces when the intraoral mouthpiece is positioned within a mouth of a user and activated.

In another aspect which is not part of the claimed invention, the device may be an oral treatment device comprising: a control circuit that comprises, in operable coupling, a power source, a first compressible electrical contact having a first electrical charge, and a second compressible electrical contact having a second electrical charge that is opposite the first electrical charge; an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet body having first and second electrical contacts on a rear surface of the flexible sheet body, the lamp configured to generate and emit electromagnetic radiation from a front surface of the lamp; and wherein the lamp is mounted within the oral treatment device so that the first and second electrical contacts of the lamp are aligned and pressed into contact with the first and second compressible electrical contacts of the control circuit, respectively.

In still another aspect which is not part of the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a method of forming an intraoral mouthpiece of an oral treatment system, the method comprising: a) providing a lamp support structure comprising: a lamp support surface having a concave curvature; at least one upper overhang structure defining an upper slot having an open bottom between the upper overhang structure and the lamp support surface; and at least one lower overhang structure defining a lower slot having an open top between the upper overhang structure and the lamp support surface; and b) mounting a lamp to the lamp support structure by inserting a top edge of a flexible sheet body of the lamp into the upper slot and a bottom edge of the flexible sheet body into the lower slot, the flexible sheet body being maintained in a flexed state along the lamp support surface due, at least in part, to contact with the upper and lower overhang structures.

In a further aspect which is not part of the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to an oral treatment device comprising: a control circuit that comprises, in operable coupling, a power source, a first electrical contact having a first electrical charge, and a second electrical contact having a second electrical charge that is opposite the first electrical charge; an intraoral mouthpiece having a dental arch midline plane and comprising: a lamp comprising a sheet body and a plurality of illumination zones, each of the illumination zones comprising a plurality of light emitters embedded within the sheet body and disposed within an electrically conductive ink, the plurality of illumination zones electrically isolated from one another; the lamp further comprising a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, each of the plurality of illumination zones in electrical coupling with the first and second electrical contacts of the lamp; and the first and second electrical contacts of the lamp electrically coupled to the first and second electrical contacts of the control circuit respectively so that each of the plurality of illumination zones receives power from the power source and emits electromagnetic radiation from a front surface of the flexible sheet body.

In a still further aspect which is not part of the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to an oral treatment system comprising: an oral treatment device comprising: a control circuit comprising a power source; an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp operably coupled to the power source, the lamp comprising a sheet body and a plurality of light emitters embedded within the sheet body, the sheet body comprising a lamp lens plate forming a front surface of the flexible sheet body, the lamp lens plate formed of a material having a first refractive index; and a cover lens plate overlying the front surface of the sheet body of the lamp and being adjacent the lamp lens plate so that a lamp-cover interface is formed between the lamp lens plate and the cover lens plate, the lamp lens plate being formed of a material having a second refractive index that is less that the first refractive index; and wherein upon the lamp being activated, light generated by the plurality of light emitters passes though the lamp lens plate and the cover lens plate prior to exiting the oral treatment device.

In another aspect which is not part of the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a method of whitening facial surfaces of teeth comprising: a) applying a teeth whitening material having a third refractive index to at least one of the facial surfaces of the teeth or a front surface of a cover lens plate of an oral treatment device, the oral treatment device comprising: a lamp comprising one or more light emitters and a lamp lens plate, the lamp lens plate formed of a material having a first refractive index; and the cover lens plate overlying the lamp lens plate so that a lamp-cover interface is formed between the lamp lens plate and the cover lens plate, the lamp lens plate being formed of a material having a second refractive index that is less that the first refractive index; b) positioning the oral treatment device adjacent the facial surfaces of the teeth so that the teeth whitening material contacts the teeth and the front surface of the cover lens plate, the third refractive index being less than the second refractive index; and c) activating the lamp so that the one or more light emitters generate light that passes through the lamp lens plate, the cover lens plate, and the oral care material.

In yet another aspect which is not part of the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to an oral treatment device comprising: a control circuit that comprises, in operable coupling, a power source, a first electrical contact having a first electrical charge, and a second electrical contact having a second electrical charge that is opposite the first electrical charge; an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp comprising a flexible sheet body and a plurality of light emitters, the flexible sheet body having first and second electrical contacts on a rear surface of the flexible sheet body; a lamp support surface having a concave curvature, the lamp mounted to the lamp support surface; a curved cover lens plate overlying the lamp, the lamp positioned between the curved cover lens plate and the lamp support surface, the cover lens plate comprising one or more protuberances extending from a convex rear surface of the curved cover lens plate that are aligned with the first and second electrical contacts of the lamp and press the flexible sheet body of the lamp against the first and second electrical contacts.

Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivative thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.

Referring to <FIG> concurrently, an oral treatment device <NUM> will be described in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is known in teeth whitening systems that a more effective whitening result can be achieved by applying a tooth whitening material to a user's teeth and then emitting light or electromagnetic radiation onto the teeth with the tooth whitening material pre-applied thereon in order to activate the tooth whitening material. Thus, the oral treatment device <NUM> is one such device that is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation onto oral surfaces when the oral treatment device <NUM>, or portions thereof, is positioned within a mouth of a user and activated.

The oral treatment device <NUM> generally comprises an intraoral mouthpiece (hereinafter, "the mouthpiece") <NUM> and a handle <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> comprises a concave front surface <NUM> from which the electromagnetic radiation is emitted onto the user's teeth during use and a convex rear surface <NUM>. The handle <NUM> extends from the convex rear surface <NUM>. Thus, the handle <NUM> extends from the mouthpiece <NUM> in a direction generally opposite the direction in which electromagnetic radiation/light is emitted from the mouthpiece <NUM>. The handle <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> that houses a control circuit <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the oral treatment device <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> and its positioning inside the housing <NUM> of the handle <NUM> will be described in greater detail below.

In the exemplified embodiment, the handle <NUM> comprises an actuator <NUM> (i.e., a power button) for activating the control circuit <NUM> for operation of the oral treatment device <NUM>. Specifically, actuation of the actuator <NUM> will power the oral treatment device <NUM> on so that power is transmitted from a power source to an electromagnetic radiation source so that the electromagnetic radiation source can emit the electromagnetic radiation onto the user's teeth as described herein. The oral treatment device <NUM> may power off automatically after a predetermined period of time, and/or the oral treatment device <NUM> may power off upon a second actuation of the actuator <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the actuator <NUM> is a depressible button, but the invention is not to be so limited and other types of actuators may be used. Specifically, the actuator <NUM> can be any type of device that upon actuation powers on and/or off one or more of the electrical components stored within the housing <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> can be a slide switch, a touch pad, a knob, a capacitive sensor, or any other component that upon actuation causes the oral treatment device <NUM> to function as described herein. The actuator <NUM> may be operably coupled to a processor so that upon depressing or otherwise actuating the actuator <NUM>, the processor initiates operation of the oral treatment device <NUM> (i.e., powers on the electromagnetic radiation source) as described in more detail below.

The mouthpiece <NUM> (which, as discussed below, may be formed by a plurality of components) generally comprises an arch-shaped wall <NUM> from which the electromagnetic radiation (i.e., light) is emitted and a bite platform (or bite plate) <NUM> extending horizontally from the arch-shaped wall <NUM>. The arch-shaped wall <NUM> may have a curvature that generally corresponds to the arch of the human dentiture. The mouthpiece <NUM> is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation both above and below the bite platform <NUM>. Thus, the arch-shaped wall <NUM> forms a light emitting surface of the mouthpiece <NUM>. The mouthpiece <NUM> may include a plurality of illumination zones (described in more detail below) so that at least one of the illumination zones is located above the bite platform <NUM> and at least one of the illumination zones is located below the bite platform <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, the arch-shaped wall <NUM> has a concave curvature and it is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation simultaneously onto the user's maxillary and mandibular teeth (and more specifically onto the facial surfaces of those teeth). Of course, in other embodiments the mouthpiece <NUM> may be modified so that it only emits electromagnetic radiation onto one of the user's maxillary or mandibular teeth at a time, but not both simultaneously. In the exemplified embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is emitted by a lamp having a flexible sheet body, the details of which will be described in greater detail below with specific reference to <FIG>. In other embodiments, however, the light emitted by the mouthpiece <NUM> may be generated with other light sources that are either embedded in the arch-shaped wall <NUM> and/or transmitted to the light emitting surface of the mouthpiece <NUM> using light piping or other suitable techniques. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the light emitting surface of the mouthpiece <NUM> is designed to be positioned close to and optimally oriented relative to the user's maxillary and mandibular teeth when the oral treatment device <NUM> is being used.

The bite platform <NUM> comprises a horizontal portion <NUM> that extends horizontally from the arched wall <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> and a vertical portion <NUM> that extends both upwardly and downwardly from the horizontal portion <NUM> at the distal end <NUM>. Thus, a first channel <NUM> is formed by the arched wall <NUM> and the bite platform <NUM>, and specifically the horizontal portion <NUM> and the portion of the vertical portion <NUM> that extends upwardly from the horizontal portion <NUM>. Similarly, a second channel <NUM> is formed by the arched wall <NUM> and the bite platform <NUM>, and specifically the horizontal portion <NUM> and the portion of the vertical portion <NUM> that extends downwardly from the horizontal portion <NUM>. The first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to receive a user's upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth, respectively, during a tooth whitening session. The first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> may also receive a tooth whitening or treatment material prior to inserting the mouthpiece <NUM> into a user's oral cavity.

The mouthpiece <NUM> comprises a dental arch midline plane A-A illustrated in <FIG>. The dental arch midline plane A-A is a plane that is located centrally between the two side ends of the mouthpiece <NUM> that intersects the upper and lower ends of the mouthpiece <NUM> and is perpendicular to an arcuate axis upon which the arched wall <NUM> extends. The dental arch midline plane A-A will be referenced later for purposes of providing a reference location along the mouthpiece <NUM> and components thereof.

During use, the mouthpiece <NUM> is inserted into a user's mouth such that the bite platform <NUM> is trapped or sandwiched between the user's maxillary and mandibular teeth. When so positioned, the upper portion of the light emitting surface (which is formed by the arch-shaped wall <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>) that is adjacent to the facial surfaces of the user's maxillary teeth has a curvature such that the upper portion of the light emitting surface generally corresponds to at least the anterior portion of the arch of the maxillary teeth. Similarly, the lower portion of the light emitting surface (which is formed by the arch-shaped wall <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>) that is adjacent the facial surfaces of the user's mandibular teeth has a curvature such that the lower portion of the light emitting surface generally corresponds to at least the anterior portion of the arch of the mandibular teeth.

It should be noted, however, that in certain embodiments of the invention, the mouthpiece <NUM> may be designed such that the bite platform <NUM> is omitted. In one such embodiment, the upper and lower light emitting surfaces may be maintained as separate and distinct light emitting areas, each of which emits light only onto the facial surfaces of the maxillary teeth and the facial surfaces of the mandibular teeth, respectively. In another such embodiment, the upper and lower light emitting surfaces may be merged into a single light emitting area that emits light onto the facial surfaces of both the maxillary and mandibular teeth. In another embodiment, the bite platform <NUM> may be omitted and only a single light emitting surface may be provided that emits light only onto the facial surfaces of the maxillary teeth or only onto the facial surfaces of the mandibular teeth at any given time. In still another embodiment, the bite platform <NUM> can be included and only one of the upper or lower light emitting surfaces may be provided.

In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM> (including all of the components thereof that come into contact with the oral cavity) may be formed of a biocompatible material, such as a food grade polymer. Suitable biocompatible materials include, without limitation, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene (PE), silicone, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), and other plastics. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other materials are possible for construction of the mouthpiece <NUM>, and various components thereof. In certain embodiments, the mouthpiece <NUM>, or at least portions thereof, may be formed of an elastomeric material. The specific materials of some of the components of the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM> will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the components of the oral treatment device <NUM> will be mentioned and briefly described, with a more detailed description of some of the components being provided in the figures and description that follow. The mouthpiece <NUM> of the oral treatment device <NUM> generally comprises a lamp support structure <NUM>, a lamp <NUM>, a lens plate or cover lens plate <NUM>, and a guard component <NUM>. Also illustrated in these exploded views are the handle <NUM> and the control circuit <NUM> that is housed within the housing <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. When fully assembled, the lamp <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> and then the lens plate <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> thereby sandwiching the lamp <NUM> between the lamp support structure <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM>. The guard component <NUM> is then coupled to the lens plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the guard component <NUM> may be formed of a resilient or elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. In such embodiments, the guard component <NUM> may be injection molded onto the lens plate <NUM> after the lens plate <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> as described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> concurrently, the housing <NUM> and the components housed therein will be briefly described. As can be seen in these figures, a first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is integrally formed with the lamp support structure <NUM> as a monolithic structure and a second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is integrally formed with the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> by coupling the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing together, which forms the fully enclosed housing <NUM>, whereby portions of the housing <NUM> are formed by each of the handle <NUM> and the lamp support structure <NUM>. The handle <NUM> also comprises an end cap <NUM> that is separate from and coupled to the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As mentioned above, the housing <NUM> contains a control circuit <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> comprises a control unit <NUM> and an actuation unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> and the actuation unit <NUM> are separate components, but when the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled they are operably coupled together. The actuation unit <NUM> operates in conjunction with the actuator <NUM> to power the oral treatment device <NUM> on and off. Furthermore, the actuation unit <NUM> comprises a front wall <NUM> with depressions <NUM>, <NUM> therein, the depressions <NUM>, <NUM> each having a floor <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and described in more detail below, when the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled, the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> forms a portion of a lamp support surface to which the lamp <NUM> is coupled. Specifically, the lamp support structure <NUM> and the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> collectively form the lamp support surface.

The control unit <NUM> generally comprises, among other components, a properly programmed processor, a memory device, a power source <NUM>, and a timer that are operably coupled together. The control unit <NUM> is also operably coupled to the actuation unit <NUM> and specifically to the actuator <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> also comprises a first compressible electrical contact <NUM> and a second compressible electrical contact <NUM>, each of which is operably coupled to the power source <NUM>. The first compressible electrical contact <NUM> has a first electrical charge and the second compressible electrical contact <NUM> has a second electrical charge, the first and second electrical charges being opposite to one another. Thus, if the first electrical charge is positive, then the second electrical charge is negative, and vice versa.

The control circuit <NUM>, in turn, is operably and electrically coupled to the lamp <NUM> so that the control circuit <NUM> can control the operation thereof. More specifically, and as described in much more detail below, the lamp <NUM> comprises electrical contacts that contact the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM> to transmit power from the power source <NUM> to the lamp <NUM> so that light or other electromagnetic radiation may be generated by the lamp and emitted from the oral treatment device <NUM>.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are indicated as being compressible. This means that the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may compress when a force is applied thereto. In some embodiments, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a body formed of a compressible material and an electrically conductive layer on the compressible material. In certain embodiments, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed from an electrically conductive mesh that is filled with a compressible material. The compressible material may in some embodiments be foam, although other materials are possible so long as it permits compression of the electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, which as will be discussed further below increases the physical contact between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and electrical contacts on the lamp <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are resilient such that they can be compressed or otherwise deformed in response to a force being applied therein. The first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> should have an electrically conductive material (e.g., the electrically conductive mesh) on their exterior for facilitating the electrical coupling with the lamp <NUM> and the power source <NUM>. The electrically conductive mesh may be a metal (e.g., such as silver, copper, aluminum, iron, steel, brass, or the like) or other electrically conductive material as may be desired. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive mesh may be woven like a tube with the foam acting as a compressible material residing inside of the tube-like electrically conductive mesh.

Of course, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> need not be compressible in all embodiments. Rather, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> could instead be traditional electrical contacts that are formed from an electrically conductive material (i.e., metal such as silver, copper, aluminum, iron, steel, brass, or the like) but that are not compressible. The compressible feature of the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> increases the electrical coupling between the electrical contacts of the lamp <NUM> and the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, but is not required in all embodiments.

When the device is assembled as shown in <FIG>, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> nest within the depression <NUM> of the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM>. However, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> protrude slightly from the front wall <NUM>. As a result, when the lamp <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM>, electrical contacts of the lamp <NUM> (described below) contact and compress the compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> thereby electrically coupling the lamp <NUM> to the compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. This will be described in greater detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The properly programmed processor may be any suitable microprocessor based programmable logic controller, personal computer, or the like that has memory for storing various instructions to control the operation of the lamp <NUM>. The processor is programmed with algorithms to receive data from the various other electrical components and sensors, analyze the data, and cause the electrical components to operate in a desired or predetermined manner based on instructions that are stored in the memory device or an integrated memory area of the processor.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power source <NUM> is operably and electrically coupled to the processor and to the lamp <NUM> so that electrical energy can be provided thereto for powering the same. The power source <NUM> may be one or more batteries, battery cells, printed batteries, rechargeable batteries, super capacitors, or a control circuit that stores electrical energy. Alternatively, in certain embodiments the power source <NUM> may be omitted and instead the electronic components of the oral treatment device <NUM> may be powered by a plug that is coupled to a power supply, such as a wall socket.

Referring to <FIG>, the lamp support structure <NUM> will be further described. The lamp support structure <NUM> comprises a curved support plate <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The curved support plate <NUM> comprises a concave front surface <NUM> and a convex rear surface <NUM>. The concave front surface <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> forms at least a portion of a lamp support surface <NUM> (the rest of the lamp support surface <NUM> being formed by the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> as mentioned above). The lamp support structure <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> formed into the lamp support surface <NUM> that extends all the way through to the back end of the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In the assembled oral treatment device <NUM>, portions of the control circuit <NUM> extend through the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and into the opening <NUM> in the lamp support surface <NUM>. Specifically, as best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuation unit <NUM> is positioned so that the front wall <NUM> and the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> extend into the opening <NUM>. Thus, in the fully assembled oral treatment device <NUM>, the lamp support surface <NUM> is formed partially by the lamp support structure <NUM> and partially by the front wall <NUM> and the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM>. This will be described in greater detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The lamp support structure <NUM> extends along an arcuate longitudinal axis B-B that extends from a first distal side edge 125a of the curved support plate <NUM> to a second distal side edge 126a of the curved support plate <NUM>. The curved support plate <NUM> comprises a central portion <NUM>, a first end portion <NUM> extending from the central portion <NUM> to the first distal side edge 125a, and a second end portion <NUM> extending from the central portion <NUM> to the second distal side edge 126a. Furthermore, the curved support plate <NUM> comprises a first relief element <NUM> located on a first side of the dental arch midline plane A-A and a second relief element <NUM> located on a second side of the dental arch midline plane A-A. The first relief element <NUM> is located within the first end portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> and the second relief element <NUM> is located within the second end portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>.

The first relief element <NUM> increases flexibility of the first end portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> relative to the central portion <NUM> and the second relief element <NUM> increases flexibility of the second end portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> relative to the central portion <NUM>. Specifically, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexibility of the curved support plate <NUM> is illustrated. In <FIG>, the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> are being flexed relative to the central portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>. This flexing is achieved by applying a force onto the first and second distal side edges 125a, 125b of the curved support plate <NUM>. The first and second relief elements <NUM>, <NUM> facilitate this flexing capability of the curved support plate <NUM>.

The curved support plate <NUM> is generally formed of a rigid material, such as a hard plastic. Thus, without the first and second relief elements <NUM>, <NUM>, the curved support plate <NUM> would only be able to be flexed very minimally, if at all. However, in some embodiments the mouthpiece <NUM> is not custom made, but rather the same size and shape device is intended to be used by different people having different mouth sizes and shapes. For example, the mouthpiece <NUM> may come in a few different sizes (e.g., small, medium, large). However, people have more than three different mouth sizes, so such standard sizing is not always optimal. By including the first and second relief elements <NUM>, <NUM>, the curved support plate <NUM> is able to flex so that the mouthpiece <NUM> can fit into mouths of different size. Specifically, if a person with a smaller mouth were to insert the mouthpiece into his/her mouth, both of the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> would flex relative to the central portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> to facilitate insertion into the smaller mouth.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first relief element <NUM> is a first elongated aperture <NUM> and the second relief element <NUM> is a second elongated aperture <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>) formed through the curved support plate <NUM>. Each of the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> is a closed-geometry aperture defined entirely by the curved support plate <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> is arcuate in shape. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment, the first elongated aperture <NUM> is defined, at least in part, by a first convex edge <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> and a first concave edge <NUM> of the first end portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>. Similarly, the second elongated aperture <NUM> is defined, at least in part, by a second convex edge <NUM> of the central portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> and a second concave edge <NUM> of the second end portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the exact shape of the elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> in all embodiments and the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> may take other shapes, such as rectangular, square, triangular, irregular, or the like, while still permitting and facilitating the desired flexing of the curved support plate <NUM> as described herein.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> is filled with an elastomeric material. Thus, the lamp support structure <NUM>, in its final assembled state, does not have openings in the curved support plate <NUM>. Rather, the openings that form the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are filled with an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer or the like. Thus, the first elongated aperture <NUM> may be filled with a first elastomeric component <NUM> and the second elongated aperture <NUM> may be filled with a second elastomeric component <NUM>. The first and second elastomeric components <NUM>, <NUM> may be injection molded directly into the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, or they may be formed separately from the curved support plate <NUM> and coupled thereto using an interference fit or other mechanical means.

The curved support plate <NUM> is formed of a hard plastic material and the elastomeric material filler in the first and second elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> is much more resilient and flexible than the hard plastic. Stated another way, the curved support plate <NUM> is formed of a first material having a first hardness and the first and second relief elements <NUM>, <NUM> are sealed with a second material (i.e., the first and second elastomeric components <NUM>, <NUM>, for example) having a second hardness which is less than the first hardness. Thus, even though the elongated apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are filled, the relief elements <NUM>, <NUM> are still capable of increasing the flexibility of the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> relative to the central portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>.

The first relief element <NUM> extends from a first point P1 above the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B to a second point P2 below the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B. Similarly, the second relief element <NUM> extends from a first point P4 above the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B to a second point P4 below the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B. Each of the first and second relief elements <NUM>, <NUM> is symmetric about the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B of the lamp support structure <NUM>. Furthermore, the first and second relief elements <NUM> have lengths that extend for most of the height of the curved support plate <NUM>. This is needed to allow for the desired flexing of the curved support plate as described herein above. Thus, a first transverse distance TD1 between the first and second points P1, P2 of the first relief element <NUM> measured along a first transverse reference line TR1 is at least a majority of a first transverse height TH1 of the curved support plate <NUM> measured along the first transverse reference line TR1 from a bottom edge <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> to a top edge <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>. Similarly, a second transverse distance TD2 between the first and second points P3, P4 of the second relief element <NUM> measured along a second transverse reference line TR2 is at least a majority of a second transverse height TH2 of the curved support plate <NUM> measured along the second transverse reference line TR2 from the bottom edge <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> to the top edge <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second transverse distances TD1, TD2 are at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the first and second transverse heights TH1, TH2 of the curved support plate <NUM>. Thus, only a small percentage of the curved support plate <NUM> is formed of the hard plastic in this region, the remainder being formed from a resilient material (or an opening), thereby enhancing the flexibility of the curved support plate <NUM> as described herein.

Moreover, the first elongated aperture <NUM> of the first relief element <NUM> extends along a first aperture axis AA1-AA1 and the second elongated aperture <NUM> of the second relief element <NUM> extends along a second aperture axis AA2-AA2. The first elongated aperture <NUM> has a first aperture width W1 measured in a direction transverse to the first aperture axis AA1-AA1. The first aperture width W1 decreases with distance from the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B of the lamp support structure <NUM> in both directions towards the first point P1 and towards the second point P2. The second elongated aperture <NUM> has a second aperture width W2 measured in a direction transverse to the second aperture axis AA2-AA2. The second aperture width W2 decreases with distance from the arcuate longitudinal axis B-B of the lamp support structure <NUM> in both directions towards the first point P3 and towards the second point P4.

Still referring to <FIG>, the lamp support structure <NUM>, and more specifically the curved support plate <NUM> thereof, comprises a perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM> protruding from and surrounding the lamp support surface <NUM>. The perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM> comprises a first side lamp retaining wall 139a, a second side lamp retaining wall 139b, an upper lamp retaining wall 139c, and a lower lamp retaining wall 139d. The first and second side lamp retaining walls 139a, 139b and the upper and lower lamp retaining walls 139c, 139d collectively define the perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM>, which is a closed geometric wall. The perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM> extends upwardly away from the lamp support surface <NUM> such that the lamp support surface <NUM> is recessed relative to an outermost surface of the curved support plate <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM>. When the lamp <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM>, the lamp <NUM> is located entirely within the lamp support surface <NUM>. Thus, the lamp <NUM>, when so positioned, is surrounded by the perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM>. The perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM> assists in maintaining the lamp <NUM> within the lamp support surface <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM>.

The lamp support structure <NUM> further comprises a first connection element <NUM> protruding from the first distal side edge 125a of the curved support plate <NUM> and a second connection element <NUM> protruding from the second distal side edge 126a of the curved support plate <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> comprises two legs that protrude from the first and second distal side edges 125a, 126a, respectively, in a spaced apart manner. Thus, there is a gap between the two legs of each of the first and second connection elements <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to interact and mate with connection elements on the lens plate <NUM>, as discussed more fully below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, to couple the lens plate <NUM> to the lamp support structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lamp support structure <NUM> further comprises at least one upper overhang structure <NUM> and at least one lower overhang structure <NUM>. There is exactly one of the upper overhang structures <NUM> and one of the lower overhang structures <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments more than one of one or both of the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> could be included on the lamp support structure <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, in the exemplified embodiment each of the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> are located on the dental arch midline plane A-A. However, this is not required in all embodiments and the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> could be located at other positions in other embodiments. However, centering the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> along the lamp support surface <NUM> assists in retaining the lamp <NUM> thereon and maintaining the lamp <NUM> in its flexed and curved shape, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The upper overhang structure <NUM> protrudes from and extends downwardly from the upper lamp retaining wall 139c at a distal end of the upper lamp retaining wall 139c. Thus, the upper overhang structure <NUM> is spaced apart from the lamp support surface <NUM>. As a result, the upper overhang structure <NUM> defines an upper slot <NUM> having an open bottom <NUM>, the upper slot <NUM> being defined between the upper overhang structure <NUM> and the lamp support surface <NUM>. The lower overhang structure <NUM> protrudes from and extends upwardly from the lower lamp retaining wall 139d at a distal end of the lower lamp retaining wall 139d. Thus, the lower overhang structure <NUM> is spaced apart from the lamp support surface <NUM>. As a result, the lower overhang structure <NUM> defines a lower slot <NUM> having an open top <NUM>, the lower slot <NUM> being defined between the lower overhang structure <NUM> and the lamp support surface <NUM>.

Thus, the lamp <NUM> can be inserted into the upper slot <NUM> through the open bottom <NUM> thereof and into the lower slot <NUM> through the open top <NUM> thereof. Once in the upper and lower slots <NUM>, <NUM>, the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> serve to hold the lamp <NUM> in place. Thus, the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> form a single point contact that holds the lamp in place <NUM>. The curvature of the lamp <NUM> biases the lamp <NUM> against the end points and the lamp <NUM> snaps into place during assembly. The interaction between the lamp <NUM> and the lamp support structure <NUM> will be described in greater detail below with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the lamp <NUM> will be described. In the exemplified embodiment, the lamp <NUM> is a singular structure that, when the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled, is located along the lamp support surface <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM>. The lamp <NUM> comprises a flexible sheet body <NUM>, which is an elongated sheet that is sufficiently flexible such that it can be bent from a planar state into a contoured shape having a curvature that generally corresponds to the arch of a user's dentiture. In one embodiment, the flexible sheet body <NUM> is in a planar state when no bending force is applied thereto. In another embodiment, the flexible sheet body <NUM> is flat when no bending force is applied thereto, but the flexible sheet body <NUM> can be bent into the desired curvature such as for example to match the curvature of the lamp support surface <NUM>.

The flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> generally comprises a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. The lamp <NUM> also comprises a plurality of light emitters <NUM> embedded within the flexible sheet body <NUM> that generate light which is emitted from the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters <NUM> has a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In another embodiment, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters <NUM> has a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In a further embodiment, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters <NUM> has a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and in still another embodiment the wavelength is in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The wavelength of light emitted by the light emitters <NUM> is generally known to be effective to whiten teeth.

The flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> comprises an upper edge <NUM>, a lower edge <NUM>, a first side edge <NUM>, and a second side edge <NUM>. The flexible sheet body <NUM> comprises a length measured from the first side edge <NUM> to the second side edge <NUM> and a width measured from the upper edge <NUM> to the lower edge <NUM>. The length may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>, more specifically <NUM>-<NUM>, and still more specifically <NUM>-<NUM>. The width may be in a range of <NUM>-<NUM>, more specifically <NUM>-<NUM>, and still more specifically <NUM>-<NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the flexible sheet body <NUM> is a laminate structure that generally comprises a flexible lens plate <NUM>, a flexible reflective substrate <NUM>, first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, an upper bus bar <NUM>, and a lower bus bar <NUM>. The plurality of light emitters <NUM> are disposed between the flexible lens plate <NUM> and the flexible reflective substrate <NUM>. The upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> and portions of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may also be located between the flexible lens plate <NUM> and the flexible reflective substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments, when assembled, the flexible reflective substrate <NUM> is adjacent to the lamp support surface <NUM> and the light is emitted from the flexible lens plate <NUM> side of the flexible sheet body <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the flexible lens plate <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> has a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM>. The front surface <NUM> of the flexible lens plate <NUM> forms the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The flexible lens plate <NUM> may be formed of a transparent biocompatible material, such as transparent PET. The plurality of light emitters <NUM>, in one embodiment, are light emitting diodes ("LEDs") printed to the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible lens plate <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. In one such embodiment, the LEDs may be printed to the rear surface <NUM> with an electrically conductive ink <NUM>.

Printed LEDs may be formed by depositing micro LED chips via a conductive ink formulation that can be printed in any shape to best conform to the teeth and jaw structure, which is ideal for optimized efficacy. Specifically, gallium nitride may be used to form the LEDs in some embodiments, which may then be mixed with resin and binders to form an ink, and a standard screen printer may be used to deposit the resulting ink over a desired surface. The electrically conductive ink <NUM> may include electrically conductive materials, such as by infusing graphite or other conductive materials into the ink. Although described herein as being printed LEDs, the plurality of light emitters <NUM> may, in certain embodiments, be any type of light source, particularly solid state light sources, which may include LEDs, OLEDs, HBLEDs, electroluminescent elements, or the like. In certain other embodiments, the plurality of light emitters <NUM> can be printed inorganic LEDs, micro conventional LEDs that are surface mounted to a flexible substrate/circuit, organic LEDs (OLEDs), or electroluminescence. In still other embodiments, the plurality of light emitters <NUM> can be any of the LEDs noted herein mounted to a rigid rather than a flexible substrate. In the exemplified embodiment, after the LEDs are printed onto the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible lens plate <NUM> and the conductive ink <NUM> is printed, a dielectric material <NUM> may be provided to insulate different regions/illumination zones of the lamp <NUM> from one another, as described in more detail below.

The lamp <NUM> may operate with a driving current that is less than or equal to 130mA, although in some embodiments it may be between 75mA and 105mA. The lamp <NUM> may have an emittance at 90mA that is greater than <NUM>. The lamp <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of distinct regions of equal surface area. Regardless of the breakdown of the regions, the lamp <NUM> may have a uniformity that is greater than <NUM>% among the distinct regions. The lamp <NUM> may have a surface operating temperature that is below <NUM> when driven in accordance with the parameters set forth herein for a time period of <NUM> minutes.

After the LEDs are printed and the dielectric material <NUM> is added, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> may be added, by printing or in any other manner (such as placing an electrically conductive material onto the conductive ink <NUM> or near it and then electrically coupling it to the conductive ink <NUM>. The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> may be placed or otherwise provided onto the exposed side of the electrically conductive ink <NUM> and dielectric <NUM> that is opposite the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible lamp lens <NUM>. Next, electrical contacts (e.g., the diodes depicted in <FIG>) may be added between the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> and the illumination zones and between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and the illumination zones, as will be described in more detail below, in order to electrically couple the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> and the electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> to the illumination zones of the lamp <NUM>.

Finally, the reflective layer <NUM>, which is not conductive and may be considered an insulating layer, is positioned so as to completely cover the conductive ink <NUM>, the dielectric <NUM>, and the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM>. Although in the exemplified embodiment the reflective layer <NUM> covers the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> completely, in other embodiments at least portions of the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> may remain exposed. The reflective layer <NUM> may also cover a portion of the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> as shown, although a portion of the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> must be left exposed so that they can make contact with, and therefore be electrically coupled to, the first and second compressible electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM>. Thus, a percentage (i.e., <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%) of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be covered by the reflective layer <NUM> while the rest of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> remains exposed. The exposed portions of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> that will be aligned with the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> in the assembled oral treatment device <NUM> should be exposed.

Thus, portions of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are exposed on the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The first electrical contact <NUM> has a first contact surface <NUM> and the second electrical contact <NUM> has a second contact surface <NUM>. The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another. One of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM> operates as a positive electrical contact and the other of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM> operates as a negative electrical contact. Thus, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> must not be in contact with one another to avoid shorting the circuit.

As illustrated, each of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> is in the form of an elongated strip that extends approximately one-half of the length of the lamp <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are located equidistant from the upper and lower edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first electrical contact <NUM> may be a first bus bar and the second electrical contact <NUM> may be a second bus bar. The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another along a midline of the flexible sheet body <NUM>, perhaps as best shown in <FIG>.

In one embodiment, the lamp <NUM> has an illumination area (i.e., area of the front surface <NUM> that comprises the plurality of light emitters <NUM>) that is in a range of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, more preferably in a range of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, and most preferably in a range of <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. The height of illumination area may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, with <NUM> being most preferred. The length of illumination area may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and most preferably in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. Of course, dimensions outside of these ranges are certainly possible. However, these ranges have been selected to optimize the side of the lamp <NUM> for different users having different sized oral cavities and mouths while ensuring that the mouthpiece <NUM> remains comfortable for all users for the desired treatment time.

The lamp <NUM> extends along a lamp longitudinal axis C-C from a first lamp side edge 151a of the flexible sheet body <NUM> to a second lamp side edge 151b of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are located on the lamp longitudinal axis C-C, although this is not necessarily required in all embodiments. Thus, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be located at other positions along the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> so long as they are positioned so as to come into electrical contact with the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM> when the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled. The lamp <NUM> also comprises a plurality of illumination zones that are electrically isolated from one another. However, each of the plurality of illumination zones is in electrical coupling with one of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> and one of the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> that electrically couples at least two of the illumination zones together, which enables each of the illumination zones to receive power from the power source and to emit electromagnetic radiation from the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The flow of current through the illumination zones will be described in greater detail below.

The plurality of illumination zones comprise a first upper illumination zone <NUM>, a second upper illumination zone <NUM>, a first lower illumination zone <NUM>, and a second lower illumination zone <NUM>. Although shown in <FIG>, in actuality the various zones <NUM>-<NUM> will not be visible on the exterior of the lamp <NUM>. Rather, the exterior of the lamp <NUM> will have a very plain, unassuming appearance. The demarcation of the various zones <NUM>-<NUM> takes place internally within the flexible sheet body <NUM>, as described herein. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of the lamp <NUM> and thus it depicts the various zones <NUM>-<NUM> and other features that are not actually visible on the lamp <NUM> itself.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are located above the lamp longitudinal axis C-C and the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are located below the lamp longitudinal axis C-C. In the assembled oral treatment device <NUM>, the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are located above the bite platform <NUM> and the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are located below the bite platform <NUM>. Furthermore, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in series with one another between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> and the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in series with one another between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. The first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in parallel to the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the lamp <NUM> comprises a single flexible sheet body <NUM> and each of the plurality of illumination zones <NUM>-<NUM> is on a single flexible sheet body <NUM>.

The upper bus bar <NUM> is located above the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM>, and more specifically between the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> and the upper edge <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The upper bus bar <NUM> is an elongated strip formed of an electrically conductive material such as a metal that is elongated between the first and second side edges 151a, 151b of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The upper bus bar <NUM> extends in an uninterrupted manner for its entire length above each of the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM>. The upper bus bar <NUM> electrically couples the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> together, as described below.

The lower bus bar <NUM> is located below the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM>, and more specifically between the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The lower bus bar <NUM> electrically couples the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> together. The lower bus bar <NUM> is an elongated strip formed of an electrically conductive material such as a metal (e.g., silver, copper, aluminum, iron, steel, brass, or the like) that is elongated between the first and second side edges 151a, 151b of the flexible sheet body <NUM>. The lower bus bar <NUM> extends in an uninterrupted manner below each of the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> along its entire length.

In the exemplified embodiment, portions of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are located on (or exposed on) the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> are embedded within the flexible sheet body <NUM> as described above and illustrated in <FIG>. The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are adjacent to one another and axially spaced apart from one another. The upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, although in the exemplified embodiment the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> may have a slight curve rather than being perfectly straight. Thus, the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> are elongated in the same direction that the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are elongated. The upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another and from each of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, with the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> being located between the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction that is transverse to the lamp longitudinal axis C-C.

The first electrical contact <NUM> is a first bus bar formed of an electrically conductive material such as a metal that is elongated and positioned between the first upper illumination zone <NUM> and the first lower illumination zone <NUM>. The second electrical contact <NUM> is a second bus bar formed of an electrically conductive material such as a metal that is elongated and positioned between the second upper illumination zone <NUM> and the second lower illumination zone <NUM>. The first upper illumination zone <NUM>, the first lower illumination zone <NUM>, and the first electrical contact <NUM> are located on a first side of the dental arch midline plane A-A. The second upper illumination zone <NUM>, the second lower illumination zone <NUM>, and the second electrical contact <NUM> are located on a second side of the dental arch midline plane A-A that is opposite the first side. The upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> are each located on both sides of the dental arch midline plane A-A. The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be any electrically conductive material, but possible metals include silver, copper, aluminum, iron, steel, brass, or the like.

As described above, in the exemplified embodiment, the plurality of light emitters <NUM> comprises a plurality of LEDs or the like that are printed with an electrically conductive ink <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the electrically conductive ink <NUM> is electrically coupled to each of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and each of the upper and lower bus bars <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. More specifically, the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the first upper illumination zone <NUM> is electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> and to the upper bus bar <NUM>, the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the second upper illumination zone <NUM> is electrically coupled to the upper bus bar <NUM> and the second electrical contact <NUM>, the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the first lower illumination zone <NUM> is electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> and the lower bus bar <NUM>, and the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the second lower illumination zone <NUM> is electrically coupled to the lower bus bar <NUM> and the second electrical contact <NUM>.

As shown schematically in <FIG>, this electrical coupling between the various illumination zones and the electrical contacts/bus bars is achieved with diodes. Thus, a first diode is electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM>, the first upper illumination zone <NUM>, and the upper bus bar <NUM>. A second diode is electrically coupled to the upper bus bar <NUM>, the second upper illumination zone <NUM>, and the second electrical contact <NUM>. A third diode is electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM>, the first lower illumination zone <NUM>, and the lower bus bar <NUM>. A fourth diode is electrically coupled to the lower bus bar <NUM>, the second lower illumination zone <NUM>, and the second electrical contact <NUM>. When the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled, the first electrical contact <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> is electrically coupled to the first compressible electrical contact element <NUM> and the second electrical contact <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> is electrically coupled to the second compressible electrical contact element <NUM>. These electrical couplings facilitate providing power to each of the illumination zones <NUM>-<NUM> so that each can emit electromagnetic radiation/light as described herein.

Due to the electrical coupling between the various electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, bus bars <NUM>, <NUM>, and the electrically conductive ink <NUM> (in the various illumination zones <NUM>-<NUM>), current will flow as follows: (<NUM>) from the first electrical contact <NUM> through the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the first upper illumination zone <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> to the upper bus bar <NUM>; (<NUM>) from the upper bus bar <NUM> through the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the second upper illumination zone <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> to the second electrical contact <NUM>; (<NUM>) from the first electrical contact <NUM> through the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the first lower illumination zone <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> to the lower bus bar <NUM>; and (<NUM>) from the lower bus bar <NUM> through the electrically conductive ink <NUM> in the second lower illumination zone <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> to the second electrical contact <NUM>. As a result, all of the illumination zones <NUM>-<NUM> will be powered simultaneously when the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, which are in turn coupled to the power source <NUM>. Thus, the upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are in series with one another, the lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> are in series with one another, the first upper illumination zone <NUM> is in parallel with the first lower illumination zone <NUM>, and the second upper illumination zone <NUM> is in parallel with the second lower illumination zone <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments the illumination zones <NUM>-<NUM> may be subdivided into a plurality of sub-zones. Thus, the first upper illumination zone <NUM> may comprise first, second, and third sub-zones 167a, 167b, 167c, the second upper illumination zone <NUM> may comprise first, second, and third sub-zones 168a, 168b, 168c, the first lower illumination zone <NUM> may comprise first, second, and third sub-zones 169a, 169b, 169c, and the second lower illumination zone <NUM> may comprise first, second, and third sub-zones 170a, 170b, 170c. In some embodiments, the second and third sub-zones 167b, 167c of the first upper illumination zone <NUM> and the first and second sub-zones 168a, 168b of the second upper illumination zone <NUM> may form the four critical zones of the lamp <NUM>. The reason for this is that the teeth that are most visible in day-to-day life are the front four teeth of a user's top jaw (i.e., the maxillary incisors). The four critical zones of the lamp <NUM> are aligned with the maxillary incisors during a normal tooth whitening procedure using the oral treatment device <NUM> described herein.

In certain embodiments, the twelve sub-zones noted above have greater than <NUM>% uniformity, more preferably greater than <NUM>% uniformity. Furthermore, the four critical zones have greater than <NUM>% uniformity. While the uniformity of the twelve sub-zones may decrease slightly after twenty-five hours of operation of the oral treatment device <NUM>, the uniformity of the four critical zones will not have any such drop. As used herein, uniformity refers to the consistency of the irradiance of the lamp <NUM> within the various indicated zones and sub-zones, irradiance being the radiant flux (i.e., power) received by a surface per unit area having an SI unit of watt per square meter (W/m<NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> concurrently, the coupling of the lamp <NUM> to the lamp support structure <NUM> will be described. As noted previously, when the control circuit <NUM> is in its assembled state/position, the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> forms a portion of the lamp support surface <NUM>. The control circuit <NUM> is illustrated in position within the lamp support structure <NUM> in <FIG> to illustrate this. Furthermore, the first and second compressible electrical contact elements <NUM>, <NUM> nest within the depressions <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>) formed into the front wall <NUM>. However, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> protrude from the lamp support surface <NUM> when they are in an uncompressed state (i.e., normal state without any forces acting thereon). As can be seen, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> on the lamp <NUM> are aligned with the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, as the lamp <NUM> comes into contact with the lamp support surface <NUM> during assembly, the electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> come into electrical coupling with the first and second compressible electrical contact elements <NUM>, <NUM> and cause the compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> to compress. This will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

To couple the lamp <NUM> to the lamp support structure <NUM>, the upper edge <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> is inserted into the upper slot <NUM> defined between the upper overhang structure <NUM> and the lamp support surface <NUM>. Similarly, the lower edge <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> is inserted into the lower slot <NUM> defined between the lower overhang structure <NUM> and the lamp support surface <NUM>. Thus, a portion of the upper edge <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> nests within the upper slot <NUM> and a portion of the lower edge <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> nests within the lower slot <NUM>. <FIG> provides a close-up view of the upper edge <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> being located within the upper slot <NUM>. This holds the lamp <NUM> in place and snap fits the lamp against the lamp support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lamp <NUM> may have a pre-defined curvature that biases the lamp <NUM> against the entirety of the lamp support surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the lamp <NUM> may be maintained in a flexed state (i.e., curved as shown) along the lamp support surface <NUM> due, at least in part, to contact with the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lamp <NUM> is snap-fit to the lamp support structure <NUM> due to the upper edge <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> flexing and snapping past the upper overhang structure <NUM> into the upper slot <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> flexing and snapping past the lower overhang structure <NUM> into the lower slot <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, the edges of the lamp <NUM> may be retained by the perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the edges of the lamp <NUM> may abut against or otherwise be in contact with the perimetric lamp retaining wall <NUM> or portions thereof, although this is not required in all embodiments. <FIG> illustrates the lamp <NUM> mounted to the lamp support structure <NUM>. When so positioned, the lamp <NUM> is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation onto oral surfaces when the mouthpiece <NUM> is positioned within a mouth of a user and activated, as described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, the lens plate <NUM> will be described. The lens plate <NUM> may be referred to herein as a curved lens plate or a cover lens plate in various embodiments, but it should be appreciated that all of these terms refer to the same component. However, it should be appreciated that the lens plate <NUM> is a separate structure from the lamp <NUM>, and therefore a separate structure form the flexible lens plate <NUM> that forms a part of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. When the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled, the lens plate <NUM> is adjacent to the flexible lens plate <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. The lens plate <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> so that the lamp <NUM> is positioned between the lamp support structure <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM>. The lens plate <NUM> comprises a front surface <NUM> from which the light generated by the lamp <NUM> is emitted and a rear surface <NUM> opposite the front surface <NUM>. The rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> is adjacent to and faces the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the lens plate <NUM> has a curved shape such that the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> is concave and the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> is convex. Thus, the shape of the lens plate <NUM> matches the shape of the lamp support surface <NUM>.

Because the lens plate <NUM> covers the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>, the lens plate <NUM> is formed of a light transmissive material so that the light generated by the light emitters of the lamp <NUM> can pass through the lens plate <NUM>. Thus, in some embodiments the lens plate <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material. The lens plate <NUM> may also be formed of a translucent material. In some embodiments, the lens plate <NUM> may have a colored tint, while still being light transmissive so that light emitted by the lamp <NUM> can pass therethrough. In one particular embodiment, the lens plate <NUM> may be formed of a transparent biocompatible material. The lens plate <NUM> may be formed of a copolyester. In some embodiments the copolyester is Eastar™ BR003, although the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the lens plate <NUM> may be formed of a number of different materials so long as it enables the light emitted by the lamp <NUM> to pass therethrough as described herein. One benefit of Eastar™ BR003 is that it contains a mold release additive and is nearly water-clear.

The lens plate <NUM> extends along an arcuate longitudinal axis D-D from a first end <NUM> to a second end <NUM>. The lens plate <NUM> comprises a first connection element <NUM> located on the first end <NUM> and a second connection element <NUM> located on the second end <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the first and second connection features <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> mate with the first and second connection features <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> to couple the lens plate <NUM> to the lamp support structure <NUM>.

The lens plate <NUM> comprises a first protuberance <NUM> and a second protuberance <NUM> extending from the rear surface <NUM> in a spaced apart manner. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> is located on the arcuate longitudinal axis D-D of the lens plate <NUM>. Furthermore, the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another along the arcuate longitudinal axis D-D. Although two of the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> are depicted in the exemplified embodiment, it is possible that only one protuberance or more than two protuberances could be used in alternative embodiments. In one particular embodiment, the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> could be connected to form a single, longer protuberance.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> is elongated in a direction that extends between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be particularly limited by the shape of the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> in all embodiments. Thus, the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> could take on other shapes while still being able to achieve the desired function, described in more detail herein below. For example, the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> could be nubs that extend form the rear surface <NUM> without being elongated. When the oral treatment device <NUM> is assembled, the first and second protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> on the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> to press them into contact with the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM>.

The lens plate <NUM> also comprises an upper recess <NUM> and a lower recess <NUM> that are aligned with one another along the dental arch midline plane A-A. Each of the upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM> are formed into the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM>, which is the surface that faces the lamp support surface <NUM> when the mouthpiece <NUM> is assembled as described herein. The upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM> have a shape that corresponds with the shape of the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> so that the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> nest within the upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> when those two components are coupled together.

The upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may form alignment elements of the lens plate <NUM> and the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> may form alignment elements of the lamp support structure <NUM>. In that way, the upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> and the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> may mechanically mate with one another (by the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> being received within the upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM>) to maintain the lens plate <NUM> and the lamp support structure <NUM> in relative alignment with one another. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment it is recesses (i.e., the upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM>) of the lens plate <NUM> that mate with protrusions (i.e., the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM>) of the lamp support structure <NUM> to provide the alignment function. The invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. In other embodiments, the lens plate <NUM> may be protrusions that interact/mate with recesses in the lamp support structure <NUM> to achieve the alignment. In other embodiments, these "alignment" elements may be omitted and alignment may be achieved by properly coupling the connection features <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> to the connection features <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate.

In the exemplified embodiment, the lens plate <NUM> further comprises a plurality of protuberances <NUM> protruding from the front surface <NUM>. More specifically, the lens plate <NUM> comprises a ridge <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> along the arcuate longitudinal axis D-D. The plurality of protuberances <NUM> are located on and extend from the ridge <NUM> in a direction away from the front surface <NUM>. The plurality of protuberances <NUM> are spaced apart along the arcuate longitudinal axis A-A. In the exemplified embodiment, there are four of the protuberances <NUM>. However, any number of the protuberances <NUM> may be present in various alternative embodiments. In fact, it may be possible to properly manufacture the oral treatment device <NUM> without including the protuberances <NUM> on the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> and thus those protuberances <NUM> may be omitted in some embodiments.

In the exemplified embodiment, the protuberances <NUM> that extend from the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> are aligned with the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> that extend from the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM>. Thus, at least one of the protuberances <NUM> on the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> is aligned with/overlaps at least one of the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> on the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> In fact, in the exemplified embodiment the protuberances <NUM> on the front surface <NUM> and the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> on the rear surface <NUM> are all located on the arcuate longitudinal axis D-D. However, it should be appreciated that the protuberances <NUM> need not be aligned with the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> in all embodiments, although such alignment may facilitate a secure electrically coupling between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> of the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the coupling of the lens plate <NUM> to the lamp support structure <NUM> with the lamp <NUM> already coupled thereto will be described. The lens plate <NUM> is positioned with its rear surface <NUM> facing the lamp support surface <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> and the lamp <NUM>. The lens plate <NUM> is then moved towards the lamp support structure <NUM> until the first and second connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> are received between the legs of the first and second connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM>. The engagement and mating of the connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> with the connection elements <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> physically/mechanically couple the lens plate <NUM> to the support structure <NUM>. Furthermore, as the lens plate <NUM> is moved towards the lamp support structure <NUM>, the upper and lower overhang structures <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM> enter into and nest within the upper and lower recesses <NUM>, <NUM> on the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when the lens plate <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM>, the lens plate <NUM> overlies the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> so that the lens plate <NUM> is adjacent to the flexible lens plate <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. In this way, a lamp-cover interface <NUM> is formed between the flexible lens plate <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM>. The flexible lens plate <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> is formed of a material having a first refractive index and the lens plate <NUM> is formed of a material having a second refractive index, with the second refractive index being less than the first refractive index. During operation, the light generated by the light emitters <NUM> passes through the flexible lens plate <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> and through the lens plate <NUM> prior to exiting the oral treatment device <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the lens plate <NUM> and the lamp <NUM> have the same curved profile. Furthermore, the lens plate <NUM> and the lamp <NUM> are straight (i.e., perpendicular to the horizon) rather than being angled.

In some embodiments, a ratio of the second refractive index to the first refractive index is at least <NUM>:<NUM> and in other embodiments the ratio of the second refractive index to the first refractive index is at least <NUM>:<NUM>. In some embodiments, the first refractive index may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second refractive index may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, an oral treatment material that is intended for use with the oral treatment device <NUM> may couple the lens plate <NUM> to the oral surface to be treated (see element <NUM> in <FIG>). The oral treatment material may have a third refractive index that is less than the second refractive index. In some embodiments, the third refractive index may be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> and a ratio of the third refractive index to the second refractive index of the lens plate <NUM> may be at least <NUM>:<NUM>. The oral treatment material may be a tooth whitening gel and the light emitted by the plurality of light emitters <NUM> may have a wavelength in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, or more specifically <NUM> to <NUM>, as noted above.

Referring to <FIG>, the relationship between the lens plate <NUM>, the lamp <NUM>, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>, and the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM> will be described. The lamp support surface <NUM> comprises two depressions <NUM>, <NUM>, each of which are formed into the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> as described above. Specifically, because the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> forms a portion of the lamp support surface <NUM>, the depressions <NUM>, <NUM> formed into the front wall <NUM> of the actuation unit <NUM> are also depressions in the lamp support surface <NUM>. The floor <NUM> of the depressions <NUM>, <NUM> forms a wall surface upon which the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be compressed in the assembled oral treatment device <NUM>. As mentioned previously, the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are located within the depressions <NUM>, <NUM> and protrude out from the lamp support surface <NUM> in their normal, non-compressed state.

The lamp <NUM> is then coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> adjacent to the lamp support surface <NUM> so that the rear surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> is in contact with the lamp support surface <NUM>. When so positioned, the electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> are aligned with the compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM>. Next, the lens plate <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> as described above so that the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> is adjacent to the front surface <NUM> of the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. As noted above, the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the rear surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> are aligned with the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> and the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the control circuit <NUM>. Thus, when the lens plate <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM>, the protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> press the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>, and more specifically the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>, against the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby causing the first and second compressible electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> to compress. In <FIG>, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> (only the first electrical contact <NUM> is illustrated, but the same occurs with the second electrical contact <NUM>) are in a compressed state due to the contact with the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>. Thus, the one or more protuberances <NUM>, <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> compress the first and second compressible contacts <NUM>, <NUM> between the flexible sheet body <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> and a wall surface, said wall surface being formed by the floor <NUM> of the depressions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, the guard component <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> will be described. As mentioned above, the guard component <NUM> may be formed of a resilient material such as a thermoplastic elastomer or other elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, without limitation, thermoplastic elastomers, rubbers, silicones, or other biocompatible resilient materials suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus including thermoset elastomers or the like. The reason for forming the guard component <NUM> out of an elastomeric material is that the guard component <NUM> is the main component that directly contacts the user's oral cavity surfaces during use of the oral treatment device <NUM>. Thus, forming the guard component <NUM> out of an elastomeric material enhances comfort to the user. The guard component <NUM> may be injection molded onto the lamp support structure <NUM> after the lamp <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM> are coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> to complete the assembly of the mouthpiece <NUM>. Alternatively, the guard component <NUM> could be formed separately from the lamp support structure <NUM> and merely coupled thereto using mechanical interfaces/mating between the components.

The guard component <NUM> has a front surface <NUM> and a rear surface <NUM> opposite the front surface <NUM>. The guard component <NUM> extends from a first side end <NUM> to a second side end <NUM> and is generally arcuate in its extension from the first side end <NUM> to the second side end <NUM>. The guard component <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> with the rear surface <NUM> facing the lens plate <NUM>, the lamp <NUM>, and the lamp support surface <NUM>. The guard component <NUM> generally comprises a frame <NUM>, a wall portion <NUM>, and a bite plate portion <NUM> that forms at least a part, if not the entirety, of the bite platform <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

The frame portion <NUM> defines a window <NUM> that is divided by the bite plate portion <NUM> into an upper window <NUM> and a lower window <NUM>. The frame <NUM> forms an enclosed geometric structure having an arcuate shape that appears rectangular when viewed from the front (see <FIG>). The frame portion <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM> that forms the bounds of the upper and lower windows <NUM>, <NUM>. The upper and lower windows <NUM>, <NUM> are openings through which the lens plate <NUM> is exposed in the assembled mouthpiece <NUM>. Thus, electromagnetic radiation emitted by the lamp <NUM> can pass through the lens plate <NUM> and through the upper and lower windows <NUM>, <NUM> to reach a user's teeth and other oral surfaces as desired. More specifically, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first and second upper illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> pass through the upper window <NUM> and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the first and second lower illumination zones <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> pass through the lower window <NUM>.

As noted above, the bite plate portion <NUM> of the guard component <NUM> may in certain embodiments form the entirety of the bite platform <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. Thus, as shown in the exemplified embodiment, the bite plate portion <NUM> of the guard component <NUM> comprises a horizontal portion <NUM> that extends horizontally form the wall portion <NUM> of the guard component <NUM> and a vertical portion <NUM> that extends both upwardly and downwardly from the horizontal portion <NUM>. Upper and lower channels <NUM> (only the upper channel is visible in <FIG>) are defined between the wall portion <NUM> and the vertical portion <NUM> of the horizontal portion <NUM>. Stopper elements <NUM>, <NUM> are provided at the ends of the upper and lower channels <NUM> that will be adjacent to a user's back-most teeth during use. The stopper elements <NUM>, <NUM> may ensure that any whitening or other agents provided in the upper and lower channels <NUM> remain therein during use.

Because the bite platform <NUM> is formed entirely from the guard component <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment, the bite platform <NUM> is formed from an elastomeric material as described herein. During use, the bite platform <NUM> is located between the user's upper and lower teeth and thus the user may bite down on the bite platform <NUM>. Forming the bite platform <NUM> entirely out of an elastomeric material may be advantageous in that it will not damage a user's teeth if they happen to bite down with great force.

The guard component <NUM> also comprises an upper gum guard <NUM> and a lower gum guard <NUM>. The upper gum guard <NUM> extends from the frame <NUM> along an upper edge thereof and the lower gum guard <NUM> extends from the frame <NUM> along a lower edge thereof. The upper gum guard <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM> that faces the bite plate portion <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> that faces away from the bite plate portion <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> of the upper gum guard <NUM> is convex and the outer surface <NUM> of the upper gum guard <NUM> is concave. Similarly, the lower gum guard <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM> that faces the bite plate portion <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> that faces away from the bite plate portion <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>). In the exemplified embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> is convex and the outer surface <NUM> is concave. During use, the upper gum guard <NUM> may pivot upwardly relative to the frame <NUM> while the lower gum guard <NUM> may pivot downwardly relative to the frame <NUM> to cover a greater surface area of the gums for protection thereof (see <FIG>).

As can be seen in <FIG>, the guard component <NUM> is coupled to the lamp support structure <NUM> and seals the lamp <NUM> in a fluid tight manner between the lens plate <NUM> and the lamp support structure <NUM>. The guard component <NUM> covers a perimeter region of the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> to prevent liquid (i.e., water, saliva, whitening material, etc.) from penetrating through the guard component <NUM> and contacting the lamp <NUM> or other electronic components of the oral treatment device <NUM>. Furthermore, because the guard component <NUM> is injection molded onto the lamp support structure <NUM> during manufacturing in the exemplified embodiment, the protuberances <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> extend into the bite plate portion <NUM> of the guard component <NUM> during the injection molding process. Specifically, the protuberances <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> extend into a rear surface <NUM> of the bite platform <NUM> of the guard component <NUM>. This is best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. This creates a strong bond between the guard component <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM> and prevents upward and downward movement of the guard component <NUM> relative to the lens plate <NUM> and the remainder of the mouthpiece <NUM>. Even without injection molding, this same structural arrangement can be achieved by forming recesses into the rear surface <NUM> of the bite platform <NUM> within which the protuberances <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> can nest when the guard component <NUM> is coupled to the remainder of the mouthpiece <NUM>.

Furthermore, as best seen in <FIG>, a portion of the frame <NUM> of the guard component <NUM> directly covers a portion of the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> along the upper and lower edges and opposing side edges thereof (i.e., along a perimeter region as noted above) to securely retain the lens plate <NUM> in place between the guard component <NUM> and the lamp <NUM>/lamp support structure <NUM>. Thus, the guard component <NUM> directly covers a perimetric portion of the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guard component <NUM> may also wrap around portions of the lamp support structure <NUM> to the rear surface of the curved support plate <NUM> to achieve a good, secure coupling between the guard component <NUM> and the lamp support structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the oral treatment device <NUM> is illustrated in its entirety and in various cross-sections. In these collective views, it can be readily seen that the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> formed by the lamp support structure <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> formed by the handle <NUM> are coupled together to form the enclosed housing <NUM>. The first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may have coupling elements that facilitate the coupling of the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> together. Such coupling elements may include mating indents/detents, protuberances/recesses, clips, hooks, or other mechanical coupling members that are configured to mate/interact with one another to couple the components together.

The enclosed housing <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM> that defines a cavity <NUM> within which the control circuit <NUM> is located. The housing <NUM> should be completely enclosed and preferably hermetically sealed to prevent water or other liquids from penetrating into the cavity <NUM>, which could cause damage to the control circuit <NUM> housed therein. The oral treatment device <NUM> may include a gasket <NUM> that is positioned between the first portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to ensure that the cavity <NUM> is a sealed interior space. As can be seen in these views, the handle <NUM> extends from the convex rear surface <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> along the dental arch midline plane A-A such that the handle <NUM> is fixed to the central portion <NUM> of the curved support plate <NUM> of the lamp support structure <NUM>.

To reiterate, the first and second compressible electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> are operably coupled to the power source <NUM>. Furthermore, the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> on the rear surface <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> are in direct contact with the first and second compressible electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby electrically coupling the lamp <NUM> to the power source <NUM>. The protuberances <NUM> extending from the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> apply pressure onto the front surface <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>, which forces the first and second electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> to compress the first and second compressible electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> as described above. Once the oral treatment device <NUM> is activated by pressing a power button or the like, power is transmitted from the power source <NUM> to the lamp <NUM> so that the light emitters <NUM> of the lamp <NUM> can emit electromagnetic radiation from the front surface <NUM> of the lamp <NUM>, through the lens plate <NUM>, and through the upper and lower windows <NUM>, <NUM> of the guard component <NUM>. In this manner, the electromagnetic radiation can be emitted onto teeth or the like that are located within the first and second channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the oral treatment device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a method of whitening facial surfaces of a user's teeth using the oral treatment device <NUM> described herein will be described. <FIG> illustrate alternative possibilities for the first step in the process. Specifically, the method may comprise applying a teeth whitening material <NUM> having the third refractive index (described above) to the facial surfaces of a user's teeth <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. This can be achieved using a brush, an applicator, a finger, or the like. Alternatively, the method may comprise applying the teeth whitening material <NUM> having the third refractive index to the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> of the oral treatment device <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the teeth whitening material <NUM> may be applied to both the facial surfaces of the user's teeth <NUM> and to the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> of the oral treatment device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the next step is to position the oral treatment device <NUM> within the user's mouth so that the facial surfaces of the user's teeth <NUM> are adjacent to the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> of the oral treatment device <NUM>. During this step, the teeth whitening material <NUM> may be positioned so that it contacts the teeth <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the lens plate <NUM> simultaneously. This may be important in some embodiments to ensure that the electromagnetic radiation is able to be properly emitted onto the teeth. Specifically, because the lamp <NUM> has a first refractive index, the lens plate <NUM> has a second refractive index that is less than the first refractive index, and the teeth whitening material <NUM> has a third refractive index that is less than the second refractive index, having all of these components/materials in contact with one another ensures a proper emission of the electromagnetic radiation from the lamp <NUM> to the teeth <NUM>. Of course, this is not required in all embodiments and in some other embodiments the teeth whitening material <NUM> may be located on the facial surfaces of the user's teeth <NUM> but not also in contact with the lens plate <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the light or electromagnetic radiation being emitted from the lamp <NUM> will still contact the teeth whitening material <NUM> to increase its effectiveness.

Finally, as shown in <FIG>, the next step is to activate the lamp <NUM>, which can be achieved by pressing a button, sliding a switch, or the like as has been described herein. Activation of the lamp <NUM> will cause the light emitters of the lamp <NUM> to generate electromagnetic radiation or light that passes through the lamp lens plate <NUM>, the lens plate <NUM>, and the teeth whitening material <NUM>. As should be understood, the light will pass through the lamp lens plate <NUM>, the lens plate <NUM>, and the teeth whitening material <NUM> sequentially.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the lamp <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM> are oriented vertically when the mouthpiece <NUM> or portions thereof are located within a user's oral cavity. Thus, the lamp <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM> are not angled, but rather they are oriented so as to be perpendicular to the horizon or to the bite plate <NUM>. Of course, the lamp <NUM> and the lens plate <NUM> could be positioned at other orientations in other embodiments if so desired.

As noted above, the oral treatment device <NUM> may include a timer that is operably coupled to a processor. A single treatment using the oral treatment device <NUM> may have a predetermined treatment time, and thus the oral treatment device <NUM> may automatically power off upon the predetermined treatment time being reached or the oral treatment device <NUM> may include an indicator to indicate to the user that the predetermined treatment time has been reached. Such an indicator could be a light, a sound (emitted by a speaker), a vibration (emitted by a vibration device), or the like. In some embodiments, the oral treatment device <NUM> may be configured to activate an indicator at the halfway point during a treatment session. Thus, if a treatment is intended to last for ten minutes, the indicator may be automatically activated at the expiration of five minutes from the beginning of the treatment time (determined either by the power being activated or by the power being activated and sensing that the mouthpiece <NUM> is located within a user's oral cavity). The indicator may be an audible tone, a visible light (blinking or the like) or a vibration or other tactile indicator. In some embodiments, the oral treatment device <NUM> may emit an audible tone at the halfway point of a treatment session and again at the end of a treatment session/cycle. Of course, the audible tone may readily be replaced by emission of a light or a tactile indicator as described herein. In certain embodiments, the oral treatment device <NUM> may include a speaker located inside of the handle <NUM> to emit the audible tone.

In some embodiments, the speaker may also emit an audible tone, for example three distinct tones or the like, if the battery runs out of power during a treatment session. Thus, the speaker may emit a first audible tone at the halfway point during a treatment session, a second audible tone at the end of a treatment session, and a third audible tone if the battery runs out of power during a treatment session. The first and second audible tones may be the same in some embodiments and they may be different in other embodiments (e.g., the first audible tone could be a single discrete beep and the second audible tone could be two discrete beeps, or the first and second audible tones could have a first sound pattern and the third audible tone could have a second different sound pattern). In some embodiments, the first and second audible tones may be different from one another and from the third audible tone so that a user can readily distinguish between the different tones so that the user understands the information that the oral treatment device <NUM> is trying to relay to the user.

The oral treatment device <NUM> may in certain embodiments be sold as a kit that includes the mouthpiece/housing and a supply of the tooth whitening material <NUM>. In other embodiments the mouthpiece/housing may be sold by itself without tooth whitening material. Furthermore, in certain embodiments the mouthpiece/housing may be designed and used to dispense the tooth whitening material into contact with the user's teeth. Thus, there is versatility in the use of the devices and systems described herein. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that when the device is used for both dispensing the tooth whitening material and emitting electromagnetic radiation onto the user's teeth, the tooth whitening material may be optically clear to enable the electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted through the tooth whitening material and onto the surfaces of the user's teeth.

Claim 1:
An oral care treatment device (<NUM>) comprising:
an intraoral mouthpiece (<NUM>) having a dental arch midline plane (A-A) and comprising:
a lamp support structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a lamp support surface (<NUM>) having a concave curvature;
at least one upper overhang structure (<NUM>) defining an upper slot (<NUM>) having an open bottom (<NUM>) between the upper overhang structure (<NUM>) and the lamp support surface (<NUM>);
at least one lower overhang structure (<NUM>) defining a lower slot (<NUM>) having an open top (<NUM>) between the upper overhang structure (<NUM>) and the lamp support surface (<NUM>); and
a lamp (<NUM>) comprising a flexible sheet body (<NUM>) and configured to generate and emit electromagnetic radiation; and
the lamp (<NUM>) is mounted to the lamp support structure (<NUM>) so that a top edge (<NUM>) of the flexible sheet body (<NUM>) nests within the upper slot (<NUM>) and a bottom edge (<NUM>) of the flexible sheet body (<NUM>) nests within the lower slot (<NUM>), the flexible sheet body (<NUM>) being maintained in a flexed state along the lamp support surface (<NUM>) due, at least in part, to contact with the upper and lower overhang structures (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the flexible sheet body (<NUM>) comprises a rear surface (<NUM>) comprising first and second electrical contacts (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the lamp (<NUM>) extends along a lamp longitudinal axis (C-C) that extends from a first lamp side edge (151a) of the flexible sheet body (<NUM>) to a second lamp side edge (151b) of the flexible sheet body (<NUM>); and
wherein a transverse plane contains the lamp longitudinal axis (C-C) and the transverse plane intersects both of the first and second electrical contacts (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the lamp (<NUM>).