Patent ID: 8113832

Claim:
A hand-held oral irrigation device, comprising a body comprising a body top surface; a body bottom surface; and at least one body sidewall connecting the body top surface and the body bottom surface; a tip detachably connected to the body; a reservoir for storing a fluid removably coupled with the body; a pump contained within the body and operative to draw the fluid from the reservoir, through the body bottom surface, and propel the fluid to the tip, the pump comprising an interior fluid channel disposed between the tip and the reservoir; a first valve regulating fluid flow into the interior channel from the reservoir, the first valve comprising a first rim defined on a portion of a perimeter of the first valve; a first flap portion extending into a space defined by an interior edge of the first rim so as to define a crescent-shaped opening between the first flap portion and the first rim; and a first hinge portion between the first flap portion and the first rim, the first hinge portion configured to allow the first flap portion to move relative to the first rim; a second valve regulating fluid flow from the interior channel to the tip, the second valve comprising a second rim defined on a portion of a perimeter of the second valve; a second flap portion extending into a space defined by an interior edge of the second rim so as to define a crescent-shaped opening between the second flap portion and the second rim; a second hinge portion between the second flap portion and the second rim, the second hinge portion being configured to allow the first flap portion to move relative to the first rim; a pump body defining a chamber in fluid communication with the interior fluid channel; a piston positioned within the chamber of the pump body, wherein when the piston moves downwards within the chamber the first valve is open and the second valve is closed, and when the piston moves upwards within the chamber the second valve is open and the first valve is closed; a pump gear comprising a first disc portion; and a second disc portion extending from the first disc portion, wherein the second disc portion is offset relative to a center axis of the first disc portion; a gear pin coaxial with an axis of the first disc portion and about which the pump gear rotates; and a connecting rod comprising a ball end, wherein the ball end is operatively connected to the piston; and a cylindrical end, wherein the cylindrical end is operatively connected to the second disc portion; wherein when the pump gear rotates, the ball end moves in an upward and downward motion within the chamber.