Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This Application is a Continuation Application of the application Ser. No. 10/382,559, entitled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Mar. 5, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,299, which is a Continuation Application of application Ser. No. 09/588,686 entitled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Jun. 5, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,417, which is a Continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/330,704 entitled “SQUEEGEE CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM” filed Jun. 11, 1999 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,332. The application Ser. No. 10/382,559 entitled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Mar. 5, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,299, the application Ser. No. 09/588,686, entitled “DENTITION CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, filed Jun. 5, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,417 and the application Ser. No. 09/330,704 entitled “SQUEEGEE CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM” filed Jun. 11, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,332, are all hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to dentition cleaning devices and dentition cleaning systems. More specifically the invention relates to dentition cleaning devices and dentition cleaning systems that clean teeth, gums and dentures through contact. 
   BACKGROUND 
   The toothbrush is the most common instrument for cleaning teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth. A toothbrush, unfortunately, is an inefficient device for removing plaque and stains from the enamel surfaces of teeth and is poorly suited for cleaning the surfaces of gum tissue. The inefficiency arises because plaque, while relatively soft, strongly adheres to enamel surfaces of the teeth. Because, plaque strongly adheres to enamel surfaces of teeth, brushing convection does not readily remove plaque. In order to remove all the plaque from the enamel surfaces of the teeth, bristles must contact each point on the surfaces of the teeth. Even where bristles contact the enamel surfaces of the teeth during a cleaning operation, the toothbrush generally fails to remove stains. 
   A further disadvantage of toothbrushing is the tendency of the toothbrush to cause gum abrasion, or toothbrush abrasion. The main symptom of toothbrush abrasion is gingival recession, or receding gums, often found in people who brush their teeth frequently. As the gums recede, sensitive parts of the teeth are exposed, generally resulting in painful reactions to hot and cold foods. Frequent brushing of the teeth, even with a very soft bristle toothbrush can lead to a condition of gingival recession. Furthermore, gingival recession is a progressive condition: it never improves but only worsens with time. Although the connection between toothbrushes and receding gums has been documented for over half a century, progress in the field of dentition cleaning devices designed to reduce or eliminate receding gums has been tortuously slow. 
   In addition to causing gingival recession, toothbrushes are difficult to keep clean, because the bristles have a tendency to accumulate and trap debris. Further, toothbrushes have the propensity to retain water and remain moist long after brushing thus providing an excellent place for the cultivation of bacteria, germs and the like. 
   There have been several attempts to improve oral hygiene by providing cleaning devices that help remove plaque from the tongue, the gums and the palate. For example, Vezjak describes an oral hygiene brush in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,043 that comprises a toothbrush and a rigid plaque scraper mounted on the side of the toothbrush head. The plaque scraper is engineered for removing plaque from the tongue, and Vezjak&#39;s device requires that a toothbrush still be used for cleaning teeth. Herrera, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,082 discloses a device for removing denture adhesive from the palate. The device comprises a head that has several lines of projections extending from a common surface. The projections are made of a material whose flexibility is temperature dependent, so that submerging the projections in hot water makes them more pliable, and placing them in cold water makes them more rigid. This device is tailored toward removing adhesive from the mouth, and cannot be effectively used for cleaning teeth. Tveras, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,856 discloses an oral scraping device having at least one wiping element. Each wiping element is flexible, and has at least one scoop-like side that terminates in a wiping edge in an undercutting fashion. This device is designed for scraping the tongue, and in the preferred embodiment, is mounted on a toothbrush handle on the end opposite the toothbrush head. Thus, using the device of Tveras, teeth must still be cleaned with a toothbrush. 
   The effects of gum stimulators were studied recently by M. J. Cronin et al., “Anti-Gingivitis Efficacy of Toothbrushing Compared to Toothbrushing and Gum Stimulation,” Journal of Dental Research 78 (Special Issue), 1999, p. 149. In this study, a group of test subjects used selected toothbrushes and gum stimulators regularly, and were compared to a control group that used the toothbrushes alone. The researchers found that the toothbrushes provided the same benefit in reducing gingival bleeding as the toothbrushes and gum stimulators combined. However, this study did not address the problem of gingival recession, nor did it provide an alternative to toothbrushing for cleaning teeth. 
   What is needed is an efficient contact dentition cleaning device and system that provides an alternative to using a toothbrush for cleaning teeth and that is capable of reducing bristle abrasion to the surrounding gum tissue. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is a dentition cleaning device and system that provides an alternative to using a bristle-only toothbrush. The dentition cleaning device has at least one squeegee that contacts the surface of the teeth during a cleaning operation. The squeegee may be used in combination with bristles or bristle sections that also contact teeth during cleaning. The bristle sections clean the teeth with brushing convection, much like a conventional tooth brush, while the squeegee wipes the surfaces of the teeth to improve the efficiency of teeth cleaning. Alternatively, the squeegee is configured to confine bristle portions of the device from directly contacting the gum tissue, while a squeegee messages the gums during cleaning of the teeth. 
   In alternative embodiments, a continuous squeegee encircles the outer portion of the cleaning head allowing the device to be used in conjunction with low viscosity cleaning solutions or allows the cleaning head to be equipped with a sealed cap that can be removed when the device is ready for use. Sealing the cleaning head with a cap can help to keep the cleaning head sanitary during storage and/or can help enclose an oral cleaning material within the cleaning head making the device particularly useful and convenient to used during traveling, camping and the like. 
   Several embodiments of the invention provide for a plurality of squeegee cleaning directions that enhance the efficiency of cleaning dentition. The plurality of cleaning directions is achieved by supplying several elongated squeegees having different orientations or at least one squeegee that curves, as described in detail below. 
   Other embodiments of the present invention provide a dentition cleaning device and system that utilize squeegees that extend in several directions and form squeegee channels or compartments. The channels or compartments are preferably capable of holding water or cleaning solutions, allowing the device to wet the surface of dentition during cleaning. 
   Yet other embodiments of the invention provide for oral squeegee cleaning in a plurality of wiping planes. Because several wiping planes are provided, the device and system is capable of simultaneously contacting non-planar dentition surfaces or irregular dentition surfaces with edges of the squeegees. Configuring the device with different squeegee heights, different squeegee protruding directions, contoured squeegee edges, or combinations thereof, which provides for the plurality of squeegee wiping planes. 
   Still other embodiments of the invention do not utilize bristles or bristle sections. These embodiments utilize only squeegee cleaning elements to provide a dentition cleaning device. Such bristle-free embodiments provide for a dentition cleaning device and system that is highly sanitary because the cleaning head is less likely to trap debris and moisture which can lead to bacterial to growth between uses of or during storage of the device. 
   Still other embodiments of the invention, provide for a device and system that stores an oral cleaning substance in a handle portion of the device. The cleaning substance is delivered to the cleaning head of the device through apertures at or near the cleaning head. The handle is preferably equipped with a pumping mechanism to deliver the oral cleaning substance to the cleaning head. Alternatively the cleaning substance is delivered to the cleaning head by squeezing a compressible handle. 
   Other embodiments of the invention provide oral cleaning heads that are attachable to electric or motorized handles. The electric handles provide back and forth or rotational agitation during cleaning of dentition. 
   Still other embodiments of the invention utilize cleaning heads with a squeegee element that has bristles that are attached to the squeegee element. The squeegee element helps to guide the bristles into sections of dentition that require detailed or special cleaning. These embodiments are especially useful for persons that wear corrective braces or other corrective devices on their teeth. 
   The dentition cleaning device and system of the current invention has many useful applications besides cleaning of dentition. Bristle-free embodiments of the invention are useful as general tissue massagers to message any soft or delicate tissue where a bristle device is undesirable. For example, the device is useful to messages sore gums of teething babies or adults after oral surgery. Embodiments of the invention are useful as applicators to apply plaque removers, sealants, glues, medications and other substances to dentition. 
   In the most preferred embodiments of the current invention the dentition cleaning system and device is a manual hand-held system and device with an elongated handle attached to the dentition cleaning head. The handle and the cleaning head are configured to be detachable so the different dentition cleaning heads may be used with a single handle. The dentition cleaning head is preferably similar in size to a conventional toothbrush cleaning head for easy and comfortable insertion into a human oral cavity. It is, however, understood that there may be reasons to miniaturize or enlarge the system and device for a particular application at hand. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1   a  shows a cleaning device configured with bristle sections and linear elongated squeegees. 
       FIG. 1   b  illustrates a dentition cleaning device with bristle sections and linear elongated squeegees in accordance with current invention. 
       FIG. 2   a  illustrates a perspective view of an elongated squeegee member. 
       FIG. 2   b  illustrates a perspective view of an elongated curved squeegee member. 
       FIG. 2   c  compares the primary squeegee directions provided by the linear squeegee member of  FIG. 2   a  and the curved squeegee member of  FIG. 2   b.    
       FIGS. 3   a–o  show a top perspective views of several squeegee configurations in accordance with the current invention. 
       FIGS. 4   a–d  show several top perspective views of squeegee configurations that have directionally dependent squeegee cleaning action. 
       FIGS. 5   a–d  show several squeegee configurations with bristle sections incorporated. 
       FIGS. 6   a–d  show cross-sectional view of squeegees with continuous squeegees walls protruding from a single squeegee member. 
       FIGS. 7   a–f  show several squeegee segments with contoured cleaning edges used in the dentition cleaning system and device of the current invention. 
       FIGS. 8   a–f  show several squeegee segments with contoured or modified squeegee walls used in the dentition cleaning system and device of the current invention. 
       FIGS. 9   a–b  illustrate a perspective view and a top perspective view of a continuous squeegee member with contoured squeegee walls and a contoured squeegee cleaning edge. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a motorized rechargeable dentition cleaning device in accordance with the current invention. 
       FIGS. 11   a–d  show perspective views of a dentition cleaning head according to a preferred embodiment of the current invention. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a manual hand held dentition cleaning device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 13   a–b  illustrate a dentition cleaning system with a hand held dentition cleaning device and a low viscosity dentition cleaning solution that is deliverable through a container equipped with a pump. 
       FIGS. 14   a–b  illustrate a dentition cleaning device with a removable seal according to an embodiment of the current invention. 
       FIGS. 15   a–b  illustrate the cleaning head portion of a cleaning device with a cavity and apertures for delivering cleaning solution to the cleaning head. 
       FIGS. 16   a–b  illustrate cross-sectional views of squeegee configurations that provide for primary squeegee cleaning in a plurality of non-coincident wiping planes. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a soft tissue massager according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention. 
     FIG. 1   a  shows a cleaning head  50  configured with rows bristle sections  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  protruding from a surface  19  of a support member  10 . Protruding in a similar direction to the rows of bristle section, are squeegee segments  13 ,  15  and  17 . The bristle sections  12 ,  14 ,  16  and  18  and the squeegee segments  13 ,  15  and  17  are preferably capable of contacting a surface (not shown) simultaneously during a cleaning operation. 
     FIG. 1   b  illustrates a dentition cleaning device  100  according to one embodiment of the current invention. The dentition cleaning device  100  employs a cleaning head configuration with a design that is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1   a . The bristle sections  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  protrude from a surface or support  59  in a bristle protruding direction. The bristles are preferably made of synthetic or natural bristle materials well known in the art, such as plastics or natural course hair. The dentition cleaning device  100  also has squeegee members  53 ,  55  and  57  that protrude from the surface  59  in a squeegee protruding direction that is substantially similar to the bristle protruding direction. Preferably, the bristles and squeegee members are both capable of connecting surfaces of dentition during cleaning operations.  FIG. 1   b  is set forth herein for illustrative purposes and a number of different bristle section configurations and squeegee configurations are considered to be within the scope of the current invention. 
   Again referring to  FIG. 1   b , in one embodiment of the current invention an outer continuous squeegee member (not shown) encircles the bristle sections  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  and/or the linear squeegee members  53 ,  55  and  57  to help prevent the bristles sections  50   52 ,  54  and  56  from contacting the surfaces of gum tissues during cleaning of the teeth, while the outer continuous squeegee member messages gum tissue. A continuous outer squeegee member also serves the purpose of containing or holding low viscosity cleaning solutions as described in later embodiments. Alternatively, squeegee segments (not shown) protrude from or near the edges of the surface  59 , for the purpose of protecting the gums from contact with the bristle and for messaging the gums while cleaning the teeth. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 1   b , in a particular embodiment of the invention the surface  59  of a support section  60  is made from a soft malleable material to which the bristle sections and the squeegee section are attached. The support section  60  is then attached to the toothbrush body  51  by any means known in the art. The support section  60  provides a suspension for the bristle sections  50 ,  52 ,  54  and  56  and for the squeegees  53 ,  55  and  57  such that the bristle sections and squeegees are capable of being partially displaced from their resting positions when pressure is applied to the cleaning tips of the bristles or cleaning edges of the squeegees. The support section  60  thus provides a mechanism for the bristle sections and the squeegees to conform to irregular surfaces of dentition during cleaning. 
   Again referring to  FIG. 1   b , the dentition cleaning device  100 , as shown, has a handle  49  integrated with a body  51 . While the dentition cleaning device  100  is shown as a monolithic unit, it will be clear to one of average skill in the art that the handle  49  and body  51  may be configured to be detachable so that several dentition cleaning heads can be used with a single handle  49 . Further, the body head  51  maybe configured to be detachably fastened to a motorized handle (not shown) for providing agitation to dentition similar to an electric toothbrush. It should also be noted that the support member  60  may be detachably fastened to the body head  51  such that the support member  60  and its attached cleaning elements (i.e. bristles and squeegees) are replaceable. 
     FIG. 2   a  shows a perspective view of a squeegee structure  99  with a squeegee member  98  that protrudes from a support member  102  in a protruding direction  108 . The squeegee member  98  has a protruding edge, or cleaning edge,  101  that contacts a surface during a cleaning operation. The squeegee member  98  is elongated in an elongation direction  107  with two elongated squeegee walls  103 / 104 . At any point on the surface of the squeegee walls  103 / 104 , the squeegee member  98  has a squeegee wall thickness  105 . The primary squeegee direction  109  is defined, herein, as any co-linear direction that is normal to the elongation direction  107  at each point along elongation direction  107 . Strictly speaking, for any elongated squeegee there will be at least two wiping directions, corresponding to a back and forth cleaning motion along the line of primary squeegee direction  109 . For the sake of simplicity and for this description, squeegee action along any straight line of motion is referred to as a single direction. Thus, the linear elongated squeegee  98  provides for one primary squeegee direction, regardless of a protruding angle  97  or curvature of the squeegee wall in the protruding direction  108 . Further, for clarity and descriptive purpose, elongated squeegees and squeegee supports are usually described as separated elements herein. However, it is clear that squeegees and squeegee supports may be monolithic and made of the same or different materials. Further, the shapes of supports are not limited to circles or squares as generally described herein; squeegee supports may take any shape or form that is reasonable for the application at hand. 
   The current invention utilizes elongated squeegees in the numerous configurations described below to provide an effective dentition cleaning device. The elongated squeegees are preferably made from a soft flexible, pliable or malleable material such as rubber, latex, urethane, silicone and the like. The flexibility, pliability or malleability of the squeegees are preferably in the range between 10 to 50 Shore A durometers as measured with durometer gauges well known in the art. The dimensions of the squeegees can vary in the numerous ways described below but preferably protrude from a support surface by an average distance of 0.1 to 3.0 cm in the squeegee protruding direction  108 . Further, while the squeegee wall thickness  105  can vary at any point between the squeegee walls  103  and  104 , the squeegee wall thicknesses are preferably within the range of 0.1 to 5.0 mm. 
     FIG. 2   b  illustrates a squeegee structure  110  with a curved squeegee member  121  that is curved in the elongation directions  127 . Curved squeegee members, such as  121  are particularly useful in the current invention. Geometric considerations will reveal that each point on the curved squeegee wall  122 / 123  corresponds to a primary squeegee direction in the direction that is normal to a tangent line of the squeegee curvature. For example points  131 ,  133  and  135  have tangent lines of curvature  151 ,  153  and  155 , respectively, and corresponding primary squeegee directions  141 ,  143  and  145 . 
     FIG. 2   c  compares the primary squeegee directions provided by the linear squeegee member of  FIG. 2   a  and the curved squeegee member of  FIG. 2   b . It can be seen from  FIG. 2   c , that the curved squeegee member  121  can be moved in a set of directions  165  normal to the protruding direction  128  to contact a single point  163  in a primary squeegee direction. However, the linear squeegee  98  can only be moved in one direction  160  normal to the elongation direction  128  to contact a point  161  in a primary squeegee direction. 
   For descriptive purposes squeegees are classified as the following: squeegee segments have at least two terminus ends; continuous squeegees have no ends; and squeegee networks have squeegee walls that are shared by one or more adjacent squeegee enclosures or compartments. Squeegees can also have a single terminus end, wherein the squeegee forms and squeegee enclosure or compartment, but does not connect end-to-end. 
     FIGS. 3   a–o  illustrate top perspective views of several alternative squeegee configurations that provide for a plurality of primary squeegee directions.  FIG. 3   a  shows a squeegee configuration  200  with two elongated squeegee members  199 / 201  that protrude from a support member  21 . Because the squeegee members  199 / 201  are positioned in an angled fashion, the squeegee configuration  200  provides for two primary squeegee directions that are substantially normal to the two corresponding elongation directions of the squeegee members  199  and  201 .  FIG. 3   b  shows a squeegee configurations  202  with a plurality of linear squeegee segment members  203 / 205  positioned at alternating angles and protruding from several positions of a support member  23 .  FIG. 3   c  illustrates a squeegee configuration  204  with a curved elongated squeegee member  207  that protrudes from a support member  25 . The curved or cupped squeegee configuration  204  provides for primary squeegee directions all directions of a plane substantially containing the squeegee member  207  elongation directions. However, the squeegee configuration  204  does not provide for equal squeegee actions in all directions, because the squeegee member  207  will squeegee a surface twice each time the squeegee member  207  is moved with a sideways cleaning motion, but will squeegee a surface once for each up or down cleaning motion. Thus, the squeegee configuration  204  provides for a plurality of directionally dependent primary squeegee directions.  FIG. 3   d  illustrates a squeegee configuration  206  with several cupped squeegee members  209 / 211  that protrude from a support member  27  with the squeegee members  209  and  211  cupped in opposite directions.  FIG. 3   e  shows a squeegee configuration  208  with a continuous circular squeegee member  213  protruding from a support member  22 . The continuous circular squeegee member  213  forms an inner squeegee region  232  and an outer squeegee region  234 . Like the cupped squeegee configuration  204 , the squeegee configuration  208  provides for primary squeegee directions in all directions of a plane substantially parallel to the elongation directions of the circular squeegee member  213 . However, the circular squeegee configuration provides for a plurality of directionally independent primary squeegee directions.  FIG. 3   f  illustrates a squeegee configuration  210  with several continuous circular squeegee members  215 ,  217  and  219  protruding from a support member  24  that form a concentric set of squeegees with continuous circular channels  236  and  236 ′. The set of concentric continuous circular squeegee members provide for a plurality of primary squeegee directions in all directions of a plane substantially normal to the squeegee elongation directions.  FIG. 3   g  shows a squeegee configuration  212  with a spiraling squeegee member  221  protruding from a squeegee support member  26 . The spiraling squeegee member  221  forms a spiraling squeegee channel  238  and provides for a plurality of primary squeegee directions in all directions of a plane substantially normal to the squeegee elongation directions.  FIG. 3   h  shows a squeegee configuration  214  with a plurality of spiraling squeegee members, such as  223  and  225  protruding from a squeegee support member  28  to provide a plurality of primary squeegee directions in all directions of a plane substantially normal to the squeegee elongation directions.  FIG. 3   i  also shows a squeegee configuration  216  with a spiraling squeegee member  227  protruding from a squeegee support member  32 . The squeegee member  227  spirals in a substantially rectangular fashion and forms a rectangular-like squeegee channel  240 . The squeegee configuration  216  provides for directionally dependent squeegee action, wherein a diagonal cleaning motion will give a different squeegee action than a sideways or up and down cleaning motion.  FIG. 3   j  and  FIG. 3   k  illustrate squeegee configurations  218  and  220  that have squeegee segments protruding from squeegee support members  34  and  36 , respectively, where the squeegee segments are positioned at varying angles on the squeegee support members  34 / 36 .  FIG. 3   j  shows linear squeegee segments  229  and  231  positioned at or near to right angles relative to each other and forming a rectangular segmented squeegee configuration  218 .  FIG. 3   k  shows squeegee configuration  220  comprising squeegee segments  235  that are positioned within an inner squeegee region of a larger circular squeegee member  233 .  FIG. 3   l  and  FIG. 3   m  illustrate yet other squeegee configurations  222  and  224  that have squeegee members protruding from squeegee support members  38  and  42 . In  FIG. 3   l  the squeegee configuration  222  has cross-type squeegee segments  237 . The squeegee configuration  222  can also have a major squeegee member  239 , wherein the major squeegee member  239  comprises a long squeegee segment  243  intersected short squeegee segments  241  that are positioned at near to right angles relative to the long squeegee segment  243 . The squeegee configuration  224  of  FIG. 3   m  has a squiggling squeegee member  245  protruding from a squeegee support member  42  to provide several primary squeegee directions. Portions of squiggling squeegee member  245 ′ is configured to enclose inner squeegee regions  247  and  247 ′. Squiggling squeegee  245 ″ is configured to form a set of connected squeegee compartments  246 , 246 ′, 246 ″ and  246 ′″. In  FIG. 3   n  and  FIG. 3   o , squeegees are configured to produce a variety of squeegee compartments. The squeegee configuration  226  illustrates a complex arrangement of squeegees that form scale-shaped squeegee compartments  249  within a circular squeegee  248  and with squeegees flaring out  251  from the circular squeegee  248  to add other cleaning features. The configuration  228  illustrates a continuous network of squeegee walls  255  that protrude from the support  46  and that forms an array of symmetrical squeegee compartments  253 . 
     FIGS. 4   a–d  illustrate several squeegee configurations that provide for directionally dependent squeegee action.  FIG. 4   a  shows a squeegee configuration  300  with several circular squeegee members  303 ,  303 ′ and  303 ″ protruding from a circular squeegee support member  301 . Within the inner squeegee region of the circular squeegee members  303 ,  303 ′ and  303 ″ are linear squeegee segments  305 ,  305 ′ and  305 ″, respectively. The linear squeegee segments  305 ,  305 ′ and  305 ″ only provide for primary squeegee actions when the squeegee configuration  300  is moved on a surface with an upward or a downward cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 1 . The linear squeegee segments  305 ,  305 ′ and  305 ″ do not, however, provide primary squeegee actions when the squeegee configuration  300  is moved on the surface with a sideways cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 2 .  FIG. 4   b  illustrates an alternative squeegee configuration  302  that provides for directionally dependent primary squeegee action. Linear squeegee segments  306  are positioned in the squeegee channel  308  of a spiraling rectangular squeegee member  309 . The squeegee segments  306  and the spiraling squeegee  309  protrude from a squeegee support member  307 . In this example, the linear segments  306  provide for primary squeegee actions when the squeegee configuration  302  is moved on a surface with a sideways cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 2 , but do provide for primary squeegee action when the squeegee configuration  302  is moved on the surface with an upward or a downward cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 1 .  FIG. 4   c  shows a squeegee configuration  304  with two non-concentrically positioned circular squeegee members  315  and  317  protruding from a circular squeegee support member  313 . In the squeegee configuration  304 , it is the non-uniform channel spacing  314  between the squeegee members  315  and  317  that provides for directionally dependent primary squeegee actions, wherein the number of squeegees edges that contact a surface by moving the squeegee configuration  304  in with a sideways cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 2 , is different that the number of squeegee edges that contact the surface by moving the squeegee configuration  304  in a sideways cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 2 .  FIG. 4   d  shows a different squeegee configuration  306  that provides for directionally dependent squeegee action. The squeegee configuration  306  comprises two rectangular squeegee members  320  and  322 . The longer squeegee walls  321  and  323  of the rectangular squeegees,  320  and  322 , are thinner than the shorter squeegee walls,  319  and  325 . In this way the primary squeegee action is made to be different by virtue of alternating squeegee wall thicknesses or physical properties of the squeegees  320  and  322 . In this embodiment, the thicker squeegees  319  and  325  exhibit primary squeegee action by moving the squeegee configuration  306  in an upward or downward cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 1 , but do not provide for primary cleaning action when the squeegee configuration  306  is moved in with a sideways cleaning motion, as indicated by the arrow W 2 . It will be clear to one skilled in the art that there are many alternative squeegee configurations that can provide for directionally dependent squeegee actions. These variations can be achieved by varying squeegee geometries, squeegee configurations, squeegee thickness, squeegee materials and combinations thereof. 
     FIGS. 5   a–d  show top views of several dentition cleaning heads configured with squeegee sections and bristles.  FIG. 5   a  shows a substantially rectangular cleaning head portion  400  with a spiraling rectangular squeegee  403  protruding from a rectangular support member  401 . In the rectangular-like squeegee channel  404  there are several brush sections such as  405 ,  405 ′ and  405 ″ protruding from the surface  402 .  FIG. 5   b  illustrates an oval cleaning head configuration  410  with circular squeegee members  409 ,  409 ′ and  409 ″ protruding from the surface  414  of a circular support member  413 . Within the inner squeegee region of the circular squeegee members  409 ,  409 ′ and  409 ″ there are bristles sections  411 ,  411 ′ and  411 ″.  FIG. 5   c  shows an elongated cleaning head configuration  415  comprising squeegee segments such as  416  and  417  protruding from a rectangular support member  418  and forming a segmented rectangular squeegee configuration. Within the segmented rectangular squeegee configuration, there is a substantially rectangular brush section  419  protruding from the support member  415 .  FIG. 5   d  illustrates a cleaning head configuration  420  with a spiraling squeegee member  423  protruding from a circular support member  421  and forming a spiral channel  422 . There are several medium ports  425 ,  425 ′ and  425 ″ positioned within the spiraling channel  422 . The medium ports  425 ,  425 ′ and  425 ″ provide a means for directing a medium to dentition surfaces during cleaning or alternately for drawing a vacuum near a surface of dentition. The cleaning configuration  420  further includes a brush section  427  attached substantially central to the support member  421 . The configuration  420  is particularly useful where a cleaning medium such water is required or where vacuum convection is needed to remove cleaning solutions, saliva and the like. The cleaning configuration  420  can also be configured to attached to a rotary device to provide a rotary cleaning action to the surfaces of dentition during a cleaning operation. It is clear that any of the cleaning head configurations described herein are adaptable to have ports or apertures through which oral cleaning solutions can be delivered or through which a vacuum can be drawn to facilitate cleaning of dentition. 
     FIG. 6   a–d  show cross-sectional views of several dentition cleaning head configurations with a squeegee member having continuous elongated squeegees.  FIG. 6   a  shows a cross-sectional view of a dentition cleaning head  602  with a squeegee member  622  attached to a support  62 . The squeegee member has four substantially circular protruding squeegee edges  619 ,  621 ,  623  and  625 . Positioned substantially in the center of the squeegee member  622 , is a brush section  620 .  FIG. 6   b  shows cross-sectional view of a dentition cleaning head  604  with a squeegee member  632  attached to a support  64 . The squeegee member  632  has four substantially circular protruding squeegee edges  631 ,  633 ,  635  and  637 . The protruding squeegee edges protrude in an alternating fashion with the cleaning edges of squeegees  633  and  637  protruding farther than the cleaning edges of squeegee  631  and  635 . Positioned substantially in the center of the squeegee member  632  is a brush section  630 .  FIG. 6   c  shows cross-sectional view of a dentition cleaning head  606  with a squeegee member  642  attached to a support  66 . The squeegee member  642  has four continuous protruding squeegees  641 ,  643 ,  645  and  647 . The cleaning edges of the squeegees  641 ,  643 ,  645  and  647  protrude in a cascade fashion with the edge of squeegee  641  protruding farthest and the edge of squeegee  647  protruding the least. Positioned substantially in the center of the squeegee member  642  is a brush section  640 .  FIG. 6   d  shows a cross-sectional view of a dentition cleaning head  608  with a squeegee member  652  attached to a support  68 . The squeegee member  652  has three continuous and substantially circular protruding squeegee edges  651 ,  653 , and  655 . The edges of the squeegees edges  651 ,  653 , and  655  are spatially displaced such that the distance between the squeegees  651  and  653  is greater than the distance between the squeegees  653  and  655 . The dentition cleaning head configuration  608  has two brush section  650  and  660 . The brush section  650  is positioned substantially in the center squeegee member  652  while the brush section  660  is a continuous and substantially circular brush section that is positioned in the squeegee channel defined by protruding squeegees  651  and  653 . 
   All of the dentition cleaning heads detailed and described, herein can be configured to have bristles or bristle sections integrated into the cleaning head, attached to the squeegee members themselves or attached to another portion of the cleaning device. For some applications of the invention the combination of a squeegee or squeegees and bristles is preferred. In one embodiment of the invention a squeegee section encircle bristle sections or portions thereof to reduce potential contact of the bristles with soft gum tissue while messaging the gums during cleaning of the teeth. 
     FIGS. 7   a–f  illustrate squeegee segments with contoured squeegee cleaning edges that are useful in the dentition cleaning device and system of the current invention.  FIG. 7   a  shows a squeegee segment  75  with a planar protruding edge  76 .  FIG. 7   b  illustrates a squeegee segment  77  with a V-shaped cleaning edge  78 ;  FIG. 7   c  illustrates a squeegee segment  79  with a curved, convex contoured cleaning edge  80 ;  FIG. 7   d  shows a squeegee segment  81  with a concave contoured squeegee edge  82 ;  FIG. 7   e  shows a squeegee segment  83  with a diagonally contoured cleaning edge  84 ; and  FIG. 7   f  shows a squeegee segment  85  with a pointed cleaning edge  86 . 
     FIGS. 8   a–f  illustrate several squeegee segments with contoured squeegee walls.  FIG. 8   a  illustrates a squeegee segment  170  with a planar protruding edge  171  and a concave squeegee wall  172 ;  FIG. 8   b  illustrates a squeegee segment  173  with a planar pointed protruding edge  174  and tapered squeegee walls  175 / 184 ;  FIG. 8   c  illustrates a squeegee segment  177  with a planar protruding edge  178  and concave V-shaped squeegee walls  179 / 180 ;  FIG. 8   d  illustrates a squeegee segment  181  with a jagged protruding edge  182  and a grooved squeegee wall  183  grooved in the squeegee protruding direction;  FIG. 8   e  illustrates a squeegee segment  184  with a planar cleaning edge  185  and walls  186 / 187 , with smaller squeegees  188 ,  188 ′ and  188 ″ attached to the wall  187 ; and  FIG. 8   f  shows a squeegee segment  189  with a planar cleaning edge  190  and planar squeegee walls  192 / 193  with bristles  194 ,  194 ′ and  194 ″ attached to and protruding from the squeegee wall  193 . 
     FIGS. 9   a–b  show a continuous squeegee with a contoured squeegee cleaning edge and contoured squeegee walls.  FIG. 9   a  shows a perspective view of a substantially circular squeegee member  261  with a contoured protruding squeegee edge  262  and a contoured squeegee wall  263 / 264 . The squeegee cleaning edged  262  and the squeegee walls  263 / 264  are contoured in a corrugated wave-like fashion.  FIG. 9   b  shows a top view of the squeegee member  261  illustrating the corrugated wave-like contouring of the squeegee member walls  263 / 264 . 
     FIG. 10  illustrates an electric dentition cleaning device  270  that utilizes a dentition squeegee cleaning head  271  according with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The dentition cleaning head  271  several continuous squeegee members positioned in a substantially concentric fashion wherein smaller squeegee members are positioned within the next larger squeegee element as shown. The dentition cleaning head  271  is attached to a body  272 . The body  272  is attached to a motorized handle  273  that provides agitation to the cleaning head  271  through the body  272 . The motorized handle  273  is preferably capable of being turned on and off through the switch  275  and is powered by an internal battery (not shown) that is rechargeable through the contacts  276  and  276 ′ with a properly configured battery charger (also not shown). 
     FIGS. 11   a–d  illustrate several views of a dentition cleaning head configured according to a preferred embodiment of the current invention.  FIG. 11   a  shows a top view of a dentition cleaning head  350 . 
   The dentition cleaning head has a base portion  353 , a continuous outer squeegee member  351 , two curved squeegee segments  355 / 355 ′, and two oval squeegee members  357 / 359  with the smaller squeegee member  359  positioned concentrically within the inner squeegee region of the larger squeegee member  357 .  FIG. 11   b  illustrates a side view  370  of the squeegee cleaning head  350 . The outer squeegee member  351  preferably extends farther from the base  353  than the inner squeegee members  355 ,  355 ′,  357 , and  359  and has a squeegee cleaning edge  356  that is contoured as shown. The contoured squeegee cleaning edge  356  facilitates the ability of the squeegee  351  to penetrate grooves of teeth and spaces between teeth. Further, its is believed that a contoured squeegee cleaning edge  356  will facilitate the ability of the squeegee  351  to penetrates spaces between the gum line and teeth during a cleaning operation. The cleaning head  350  may also have a cavity  363  to increase the flexibility of the dentition cleaning head  350 .  FIG. 11   c  illustrates a cross sectional view  380  of the cleaning head  350  shown in  FIG. 11   a . All of the squeegee members  351 ,  355 ,  355 ′,  357  and  359  preferably have tapering wall thicknesses, being thicker near the surface  373  and thinner near the cleaning edges. The length of the dentition cleaning head  368  is preferably in a range of 1.0 to 4.0 cm. The outer squeegees squeegee member  351  preferably does not protrude a distance  362  father than 1.5 cm from the bottom of the base support  353  or a distance  364  more than 1.0 cm from the inner surface  373 . The tops of the squeegee cleaning edges are preferably less than 0.5 mm in thickness and most preferably less than 0.2 mm. The average separation  360  between adjacent squeegee members is preferably in the range of 1.0 cm to 0.05 cm and most-preferably between 0.3 and 0.1 cm. However, the preferred separation  360  will vary depending on the cleaning solution used. The average separation  360  is preferably chosen such that water or a liquid oral cleaner is retained in the squeegee channels of the dentition cleaning head  350  even when the dentition cleaning head  350  is inverted, but such that cleaning solutions and debris are easily rinsed away under running water.  FIG. 11   d  shows an end view  390  of the dentition cleaning head  350 . The width of the dentition cleaning head  366  is preferably in the range of 0.5 cm to 2.0 cm. Side squeegee edge  358  of the squeegee member  351  is also preferably contoured as shown.  FIGS. 11   a–d  are set forth as an example of the preferred embodiment. It is clear that the dimensions of the dentition cleaning head  350  can altered in many ways depending on the application at hand. For example, larger devices are useful for providing oral care for other animals including horses and dogs, while smaller devices are useful for cleaning the gums and teeth of infants or small children. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held manual dentition cleaning device  450  configured with a cleaning head  451  similar to that described in  FIGS. 11   a–d . The dentition cleaning head  451  is preferably formed from soft flexible non-toxic material such as rubber, latex, silicon or polyurethane. The dentition cleaning head  451  is attached to a handle  453  by any suitable method known in the art, but is preferably co-molded to the handle during manufacturing of the device  450 . Holes may be provided in the preformed plastic handle  453  prior to co-molding the dentition cleaning head  450  to the handle  453  to ensure that dentition cleaning head  451  remains secured to the handle  453 . A second smaller dentition cleaning head may also be attached to the opposite side of the handle or the device may be equipped with a bristle section on the opposite end of the handle  453  or on the other side of the handle (not shown) to provide a multi-functional dentition cleaning device. 
     FIGS. 13   a–b  illustrate a cleaning system according to the present invention.  FIG. 13   a  shows a perspective view  500  of the dentition cleaning device  450  described in  FIG. 12  being prepared for a cleaning operation. Oral cleaning solution  501  is dispensed by a conventional pump device onto the cleaning head  451  with the cleaning head  451  in an upright position as shown.  FIG. 13   b  shows a perspective view  510  of the oral cleaning device  450  having the oral cleaning solution  501  held within the squeegee cavity of the cleaning head  451 . Because the cleaning head  451  provides a containing structure, the device  450  can be used with low viscosity oral cleaning solutions. Low viscosity oral cleaning solution have several advantages over conventional tooth pastes including being easier to clean from a sink and/or counter surfaces. Further, because low viscosity oral cleaning solutions can be dispensed from a conventional pump device, as shown, the solution can be sold in bulk and the container can be refilled, thus providing potential economic and environmental benefits. While the preferred system of the invention utilizes a low viscosity oral cleaning solutions, the dentition cleaning device  450  can be used with conventional tooth pastes known in the art. 
     FIGS. 14   a–b  illustrate a dentition cleaning device that is similar to the device  450  shown in  FIG. 12  which is further equipped with a removable cover  521 .  FIG. 14   a  shows a dentition cleaning device  520  with a cleaning head  523  that is configured with continuous outer squeegee. The inner portion of the cleaning head is sealed with a removable cover  521 . Preferably, the inner portion of the cleaning head  523  is sealed with the cover  521  by a sticky adhesive that sticks to the edge  524  of the outer squeegee to hold the cover  521  in place. The cover  521  has a tab  522  that can be grabbed to remove the cover  521  from the cleaning head  523 . The adhesive preferentially remains attached to the cover  521  when it is removed from the edge  524  of the outer squeegee. In  FIG. 14   b , the cover  521  is partially removed form the head  523  by pulling the tab  522  as shown. The cover  521  keeps the interior portion  526  of the head  523  sanitary during storage or while transporting the device  520 . Prior to sealing the cover  521  on the head  523 , cleaning substances, including liquids or powders, can be placed in the interior portion  526  of the head  523  and stored there until the device  520  is ready for use. This embodiment is particular useful for as travel dentition care kit. The device  520  can be made to be disposable after a single used or made to be reusable. Further, the cover  521  may be made to be resealed on the head  523  after use or the device  520  may be equipped with a more elaborate cover. 
     FIGS. 15   a–b  illustrate an embodiment of the current invention that is particularly useful in clinical environments.  FIG. 15   a  shows a perspective view of a device  800  that has applications for cleaning wounds and incisions before, during or after medical procedures. The device  800  has a cleaning head  803  with several continuous squeegee members  805 ,  807 ,  809 ,  811  and  813 . The squeegee members  805 ,  807 ,  809 ,  811  and  813  are preferably positioned concentricity with the smaller squeegees positioned inside of the wall of the next largest squeegee member. The cleaning device  800  is attachable by the end  801  of its neck  806  to a solution delivery system or a vacuum suction system (not shown).  FIG. 15   b  illustrates a cross sectional view  810  of the device  800 . Solution or vacuum is delivered to the cleaning head  803  through the channel  804  and the reservoir  802 . Solution or vacuum is then delivered between the squeegee members  811  and  183  through the apertures  817 ,  819  and  821 . A health care profession or user contacts the squeegee portion of the device against the wounds or incision and applies a cleaning solution or a vacuum depending on the intended outcome of the procedure. The cleaning device  800  shown in  FIGS. 15   a–b  is also useful as a dentition cleaning device or for oral procedures where solution and vacuum must be applied to dentition. 
   Embodiments illustrated in the preceding Figures have shown squeegee walls that protrude in direction substantially parallel with respect to each other. Such devices provided a plurality of primary squeegee cleaning actions in a plurality of wiping directions contained in a single wiping plane or in a plurality of co-linear wiping planes. However, it will be clear from the following description that these embodiments previously described can also include squeegee walls that protrude at nonzero angles relative to each other in order to provide for primary squeegee cleaning action in a plurality of non-coincident wiping planes. Further, it will be clear for the following description that oral cleaning devices and other cleaning devices can be configured with squeegee elements that provide for a plurality of squeegees cleaning actions in a plurality of wiping directions within a plurality of non-coincident wiping planes. 
     FIG. 16   a  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a squeegee configuration  925  with squeegee walls  929 ,  931 ,  933  and  935  that protrude from a squeegee support member  927 . The squeegee walls  929  and  935  protrude in a squeegee protruding direction that is at an angle θ 1  from the squeegee support member  927  and provide for primary squeegee directions in the non-coincident squeegee wiping planes indicated by the arrows  930  and  928 , respectively. The angle θ 1 , can be any angle between 180 and 90 degrees. The squeegees walls  931  and  933  protrude from the squeegee support  927  in a squeegee protruding direction that is at an angle θ 2  relative to the squeegee support  927  to provide for a primary squeegee direction in the wiping plane indicated by the arrow  926 . Angle θ 2  can also be any angle between 90 and 180 degrees that is different from angle θ 1  such as to provide primary squeegee directions in a plurality of non-coincident wiping planes  930 ,  926  and  928 . 
     FIG. 16   b  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative squeegee configuration  950 . The squeegee configuration  950  has squeegee walls  954 ,  956 ,  958  and  960  that protrude in squeegee protruding directions at the angles θ 1 , θ 2 , θ 3  and θ 2  relative to a contoured squeegee support member  952 . The squeegee configuration provides primary squeegee direction in the wiping planes indicated by the arrows  953 ,  955 ,  957  and  959 , respectively. The squeegee walls described in  FIGS. 16   a–b  can belong to individual squeegee segments, continuous squeegees, squeegee networks, squeegee elements with a single terminus end or any combination thereof. 
   Squeegee configurations with squeegee walls that protrude in non-parallel squeegee protruding directions are utilized in cleaning devices that provide for primary squeegee directions in a plurality of non-coincident wiping planes. Extending, the principles illustrated in  FIGS. 16   a–b , squeegee configurations that have a plurality of squeegee walls that protrude in each of a plurality of squeegee protruding directions provide for a plurality of primary squeegee directions in each of the plurality of non-coincident wiping planes. 
     FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a general tissue massager  900  in accordance with the current invention. The tissue massager  900  has a network squeegee cleaning edge surfaces  903  and depressed inner squeegee regions  901 . The continuous squeegee walls  906  protrude from a mushroom shaped squeegee support  905 . Continuous squeegee walls  906  extend from the recessed inner squeegee regions  901  to form the network squeegee edge surfaces  903 . Portions of the network squeegee edge surface  903  between any adjacent depressed inner squeegee regions, indicated by the arrows  902  and  904 , provide for squeegee edges that contact and squeegee surfaces during use. The squeegee configuration  900  is one of a number of squeegee configurations that provided for a plurality primary squeegee directions in a plurality of non-coincident planes. Other embodiments are round or have any other three dimensional shapes suitable for the application at hand. Further, three dimensional devices with squeegee segments, continuous squeegee elements, squeegee elements with a single terminus end and combinations thereof, are used within devices to provide for a plurality primary squeegee directions in a plurality of non-coincident wiping planes. A handle (not shown) can be attached to the massager  900  to enhance the functionality or use of the device  900 . In a particular embodiment of the invention the device  900  is made from a hard rubber material and is a chewing toy and tooth cleaning device for pets such as dogs. Alternatively, the device  900  is made of soft rubber, silicone of latex and is a gum massager/chewing toy for teething babies. 
   It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the above embodiment may be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the dentition cleaning heads can be made to be any variety of color that make the particularly attractive for children. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Technology Category: 1