Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
DENTAL DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/115964
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A dental device for imparting vibration to a manual toothbrush having a head and a handle, the dental device comprising an elongated body, a concave cavity extending along the body, the cavity having an opening, the opening being structured and dimensioned to allow insertion of the handle of the manual toothbrush into the cavity, the cavity being structured and dimensioned to retain at least a portion of the handle of the manual toothbrush, an opening at a bottom of the body to allow a liquid draining from the cavity to exit from the dental device when the dental device is positioned vertically, an electric motor disposed within the body for imparting vibration to the manual toothbrush, a battery located within the body of the dental device for providing electric power to the electric motor, and a switch electrically connected to the electric motor for activating and deactivating the motor.

More Like This:
Inventors:
COOPERSMITH ALLAN (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2017/001686
Publication Date:
June 28, 2018
Filing Date:
December 19, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
COOPERSMITH ALLAN (CA)
International Classes:
A61C17/22; A46B13/02; A61C17/16; A61C17/34
Foreign References:
JP2005046519A2005-02-24
US20140327177A12014-11-06
JPH10216159A1998-08-18
US20150230899A12015-08-20
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CUTLER, Jonathan, D. (CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A dental device for imparting motion to any one manual toothbrush of a plurality of manual toothbrushes, each having a handle and a head and having a different size and shape, the dental device comprising:

an elongated body with a longitudinal axis, the body being resistant to moisture penetration, the body including:

a housing having a shape structured and dimensioned to be held by a human hand,

a retainer structured and dimensioned to removably retain a portion of the any one manual toothbrush,

a receptacle structured and dimensioned to removably retain a distal portion of the any one manual toothbrush,

a passage extending from an inside portion of the receptacle to an outside portion of the body, the passage structured and dimensioned to allow a liquid having entered the receptacle to gravitationally drain therefrom and to exit from the dental device when the dental device is positioned vertically,

an unenclosed volume aligned with the longitudinal axis and located in between the retainer and the receptacle, the unenclosed volume structured and dimensioned to at least passively receive at least a portion of the any one manual toothbrush,

an electric motor assembly disposed at least partially into the housing for imparting motion to at least the head of the manual toothbrush, a power assembly disposed within the housing of the dental device for providing electric power to the electric motor assembly, and a controller attached to the housing and electrically connected to the electric motor assembly and to the power assembly for activating and deactivating the electric motor assembly.

2. The dental device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a proximal portion extending upward from the unenclosed volume and being operatively connected to at least a portion of the electric motor assembly.

3. The dental device of claim 2, wherein the proximal portion is releasably connected to the housing of the dental device.

4. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retainer includes an insert for assisting in transmitting motion imparted from the electric motor assembly to a portion of the any one manual toothbrush.

5. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retainer includes a

retainer lining disposed onto at least a portion of the retainer, the retainer lining structured and dimensioned to resiliency conform to the size and shape of the portion of the any one manual toothbrush.

6. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retainer is one of a loop, a clip and a clamp.

7. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing includes a

housing lining disposed onto at least an outer portion of the housing, at least a portion of the housing lining positioned adjacent to the unenclosed volume and structured and dimensioned to resiliency conform to the size and shape of the at least a portion of the any one manual toothbrush.

8. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the retainer is a proximal retainer and the retainer lining is a proximal lining, and the housing further includes a medial retainer structured and dimensioned for retaining the at least a medial portion of the any one manual toothbrush, the medial connector also for assisting in transmitting motion imparted to the any one manual toothbrush.

9. The dental device of claim 8, wherein the medial retainer includes a medial lining disposed onto at least a portion of the medial adaptable retainer, the medial lining structured and dimensioned to resiliency conform to the size and shape of the at least a medial portion of the any one manual toothbrush.

10. The dental device of claim 9, wherein the medial retainer is one of a loop, a clip and a clamp.

11. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body further includes a distal portion extending downward from the unenclosed volume, the distal portion including the receptacle and defining a base on which the dental device can be supported vertically.

12. The dental device of claim 11, wherein receptacle includes a receptacle lining

disposed onto at least a portion thereof, the receptacle lining structured and dimensioned to resiliency conform to the size and shape of the distal portion of the any one manual toothbrush.

13. The dental device of any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the distal portion

includes a channel extending from within the housing to an outside portion of the housing for receiving a power supply connector.

14. The dental device of claim 13, wherein the distal portion includes a channel

opening extending from the channel to an outside portion of the body, the channel opening structured and dimensioned to allow a liquid having entered the channel to gravitationally drain therefrom and to exit from the dental device when the dental device is positioned vertically.

15. The dental device of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the base includes a

fastener structured and dimensioned for detachably fastening the device onto any of a plurality of surfaces.

16. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body includes a body lining disposed onto at least a portion of the body.

17. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a unitary piece is formed by at least two of the proximal lining, the housing lining, the medial lining, the receptacle lining and the body lining.

18. The dental device of any one claims 1 to 17, wherein at least a portion any one of the proximal lining, the medial lining, the receptacle lining and the body lining is composed of at least one of: polypropylene, silicone and thermoplastic elastomer.

19. The dental device of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the dental device is

structured and dimensioned to allow a liquid to flow thereon and to gravitationally drain therefrom when the dental device is positioned on the base.

20. The dental device of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the controller can

cooperate with an electronic device for activating and deactivating the electric motor assembly, the electronic device connected to the controller via a wireless data exchange protocol.

Description:
DENTAL DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE

[01] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/436,060, filed December 19, 2016, entitled "Dental Device". As to the United States of America only, the entire content of this patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[02] The present technology relates to dental devices in general, and specifically, to a motorized dental device for attaching a manual toothbrush or dental instrument and imparting movement thereto.

BACKGROUND

[03] Teeth and other oral structures are prone to plaque accumulation, which may result in producing periodontal breakdown, dental caries, staining, erosion, decalcification and other deleterious effects. Specifically, the surfaces of the teeth consisting of the biting surface, outer or facial surface, the tongue side or lingual surface and the inter-dental or inter-proximal area, which is the area between adjacent teeth consisting of the roots of the teeth, are covered in cementum that overlies the dentin surface (i.e. dentin, enamel, cementum, gingiva, sub-gingival sulcus, periodontal pocket, etc.). Often, the cementum is eroded or abraded, leaving the underlying soft, vulnerable dentin surface exposed, which in turn leads to hypersensitivity or caries. Additionally, bacteria and plaque must be removed from other oral structures such as the periodontium, and tongue which harbours bacteria.

[04] Daily dental care and hygiene are therefore essential to avoiding the above- described problems and maintaining dental health. One of the primary methods of maintaining dental health is by brushing teeth and the dental area daily. Currently, a consumer has two principal options for brushing their teeth and dental area. First, a consumer may opt for a standard manual toothbrush. Such toothbrushes are generally inexpensive, easy to find and offer a variety of styles and sizes. However, the effectiveness of manual toothbrushes is restricted by the quality of the manual brushing movement effected by the brusher, and, if such movement is subpar, manual toothbrushes may be less effective in adequately removing plaque accumulation and bacteria from teeth and other oral structures, thereby causing dental problems such as those discussed above.

[05] In order to overcome this deficiency, a second option is available to consumers in the form of motorized electric toothbrushes. Most electric toothbrushes are designed to clean the dental area and consist of a handle with a motor that imparts motion to the bristles on the head of the toothbrush, which may be rotational or vibrational. Electric toothbrushes are able to provide a more uniform brushing movement and are generally regarded as being more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from the dental area.

[06] However, electric toothbrushes are not entirely disposable and therefor sold as a system, generally requiring the purchase of replaceable proprietary brush heads over time. Aside from being expensive, another drawback of such proprietary heads is that although they may be similar in design, most electric toothbrush systems are not compatible to one another, thereby potentially causing consumer confusion and making it more difficult for a consumer to find the correct replacement brush head. Furthermore, the brush heads available for a given electric toothbrush system offer little variation as to size, contour, flexibility, composition and form, thereby rendering electric toothbrushes more limited in practicality compared to manual toothbrushes.

[07] While some attempts at devices capable of imparting motion to a manual toothbrush have been made, these devices suffered from significant drawbacks as they were only capable of providing an up/down motion to the toothbrush, were not capable of allowing liquid substances flowing from the toothbrush and into the device to automatically exit the device and required a manual screw to attach the toothbrush to the device. Moreover, such devices were not adapted to work with other dental tools. SUMMARY

[08] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

[09] The present technology arises from an appreciation by the inventor that there exists at least one problem or an area for improvement associated with the prior art solutions. Specifically, the technology arises from an appreciation by the inventor that it is possible and desirable to motorize a standard manual toothbrush by providing a dental device that is able to easily and securely receive the toothbrush, and contains an electric motor assembly that, when powered and activated, is able to impart motion to the head of the manual toothbrush, the motion which may be vibrational.

[10] Generally, a manual toothbrush as referred in the context of the present technology comprises an elongated handle, a shank and a head. The elongated handle may be parallel to a central longitudinal axis and used to hold the toothbrush as to reach the deeper spots of the mouth. The shank, also known as neck in the art, may be connected to the handle, which may or may not be tapered to facilitate access to the mouth of the user. The head may be connected to the shank and may consist of tightly clustered bristles for cleaning the teeth and/or gums and/or tongue. Generally, a manual toothbrush may be made of a unitary piece. Other modifications may be possible as would be recognized by the person skilled in the art.

[11] The inventor has further appreciated that, in order to render attachment of a toothbrush easier for a user, the dental device may benefit from having an unenclosed volume defined along a central longitudinal axis of a body of the device to allow at least a portion of the toothbrush to be easily positioned with respect to the device. Such a configuration also has the advantage of ensuring that the device remains water resistant as the unenclosed volume is separated from the electric components of the device which are located in a housing of the body, the housing defined separately and sealed away from the unenclosed volume, thus ensuring that water or other liquids flowing into the unenclosed volume do not reach and damage the electric components. The dental device also comprises a retainer linked to the body of the device for securely and releasably retaining at least a portion of the manual toothbrush, the retainer also aiding in transmitting motion to the manual toothbrush. According to some of the alternative embodiments of the present technology, the device may comprise a proximal retainer, being a retainer linked to a proximal portion of the body. In addition, according to some alternative embodiments of the present technology, the dental device may comprise a medial retainer, being a retainer linked to a medial portion of the body. Still according to some of the alternative embodiments, the device may comprise both a proximal retainer and a medial retainer.

[12] Furthermore, the inventor has appreciated that the dental device should be fitted with a receptacle defined on a distal portion of the elongated body, the receptacle fluidly linked to the unenclosed volume and to the outside of the device via a passage, such that any residual liquids flowing from the toothbrush and into the unenclosed volume may automatically exit therefrom when the dental device is left in an upright position following use, thereby preventing build-up of residue onto the device. The arrangement of the unenclosed volume with respect to the receptacle further allows to easily clean the device by providing ready access for rinsing and drying thereof, and for any excess water remaining after cleaning to drain therefrom. Additionally, the receptacle may assist in securing the toothbrush to the dental device by being structured and dimensioned to removably retain a distal portion of the toothbrush.

[13] Thus, the present technology allows to confer the advantages of an electric toothbrush to a standard manual toothbrush, while retaining the advantages of a manual toothbrush. For example, according to some embodiments, most manual toothbrushes may be compatible with a dental device in accordance with the present technology, which would allow for a wide range of styles (including variations as to size, contour, flexibility, composition and form) of manual toothbrushes to be motorized, as well as for inexpensive replacement of such toothbrushes once a toothbrush head becomes worn out. [14] Moreover, the present technology also allows motorizing other manual dental tools or instruments known in the art, which are typically used to remove plaque from teeth and clean the dental area, whether operated by dental professionals or by consumers. Conventionally, some such manual dental tools are much smaller than manual toothbrushes (e.g. interdental brushes). Those smaller dental tools may still be connected to a device of the present technology via an adaptor, the adaptor structured and dimensioned similar to the handle of a conventional manual toothbrush and adapted to securely and removably receive such smaller manual dental tool.

[15] Thus, according to a first broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a dental device for imparting motion to a manual toothbrush. The dental device comprises an elongated body with a central longitudinal axis, the body being resistant to moisture penetration. The body of the device includes a housing having a shape structured and dimensioned to be held by a human hand. The body further includes a retainer structured and dimensioned to removably retain a portion of the manual toothbrush, a receptacle structured and dimensioned to removably receive a distal portion of the manual toothbrush, and an unenclosed volume aligned with the longitudinal axis and located in between the retainer and the receptacle, the unenclosed volume structured and dimensioned to at least passively receive at least a portion of the handle of the manual toothbrush. Also, the device defines a passage extending from the receptacle and to an outside portion of the body, the passage structured and dimensioned to allow a liquid to gravitationally drain and to exit from the dental device when the device is positioned vertically. In some implementations, a distal portion of the body defines a base on which the device may rest in a vertical position. The device further includes an electric motor assembly and a power assembly, both disposed inside the housing. The device also includes a controller attached to the housing, and electrically connected to the electric motor assembly and to the power assembly for activating and deactivating the electric motor assembly. When a manual toothbrush is connected to a device of the present technology and the electric motor assembly is activated, motion is imparted by the electric motor assembly to the housing, and motion is imparted therefrom either directly to the connected manual toothbrush, or indirectly thereto via a retainer.

[16] In a preferred implementation of the present technology, the retainer of the device is a loop linked to a proximal portion of the housing, projecting outwardly therefrom. When composed of an elastomeric material, such retainer may accommodate a plurality of manual toothbrushes having variations as to size, contour, flexibility, composition and form, the elastomeric loop adaptably deforming to portions of any manual toothbrush being one of the plurality of manual toothbrushes as the manual toothbrush is moved therethrough until in the adequate position with respect to the unenclosed volume and to the receptacle. Such loop may also be structured and arranged such that when adaptably deformed under a tension induced by the portion of the manual toothbrush along the loop and outwardly from the housing, a reciprocal tension is induced along the loop and inwardly toward the housing, thereby retaining the accommodated portion of the manual toothbrush against the housing.

[17] In such implementations, the loop may aid in indirectly imparting motion to the portion of the manual toothbrush retained therein by transmitting at least some of the motion generated by the electric motor assembly being transferred to the proximal portion of the housing therefrom. In some of such implementations, the loop is structured such that some of its physical properties (including but non-limited to rigidity and resilience) may, under certain circumstances, be adapted to improve the transmission of motion therefrom. To this effect, the loop may be composed of a material having such adapted physical properties, and the loop may include one or more inserts having those adapted properties affixed thereto. Such inserts may be at least one of affixed to an outer surface of the loop, affixed to an inner surface of the loop, embedded into the loop and extend from the outer surface to the internal surface and vice versa, embedded into the loop and extend from a top surface toward a bottom surface and vice versa, and enclosed within the structure of the loop. In some of such implementations, a single insert may be disposed in a central portion of the loop, and a plurality of inserts may be distributed along the loop, the inserts distributed either according to an even distribution or a staggered distribution. In addition, some such implementations having a loop linked to the proximal portion of the housing and extending therearound, thereby extending around a portion of the electric motor assembly disposed therein may, under certain circumstances, further aid in imparting motion to the manual toothbrush.

[18] In alternative implementations, the retainer may be composed of a metallic wire fixedly attached to the housing, thereby defining a loop. In some such implementations, the metallic wire may project outwardly and upwardly from a portion of the housing, such that the metallic loop may need to be biased downwardly to receive and retain the portion of the manual toothbrush.

[19] In some implementations, the loop may be dimensioned such as to extend outwardly and upwardly from the proximal portion of the housing, thereby defining an aperture through which the manual toothbrush of the plurality of manual toothbrushes may be inserted passively (i.e. not requiring the loop to accommodate the manual toothbrush or a portion thereof whatsoever) and moved therethrough until the manual toothbrush is connected with the device of the present technology. In such implementations, retention of the manual toothbrush may be aided by other portions of the body of the device, as further described below.

[20] In further implementations, the loop may be extending upwardly from the proximal portion of the housing such that, when the manual toothbrush is connected to the device, at least a portion of the shank of the manual toothbrush is received into the loop. The shank being closer to the head of the manual toothbrush than the handle, such devices having a loop retaining a portion of the shank of the manual toothbrush may desirably aid in transferring motion to the head proximate thereof.

[21] Alternatively yet still in accordance with the present technology, the retainer of the device may be any one of a clip and a clamp. Similarly to retainers shaped as a loop, clips and clamps are structured and arranged to adapt, to some extent, to the manual toothbrush being one of the plurality of manual toothbrushes in order to removably retain a portion thereof. Clips, for instance, may define arms that extend outwardly from the housing of the device, preferably transversely to the longitudinal axis, the arms spaced apart to receive a portion of the manual toothbrush therebetween. Preferably, the arms are structured such that extremities thereof may be distanced from one another when the portion of the manual toothbrush is inserted therebetween, the extremities being resiliently biased toward their initial position and thereby retaining the portion of the toothbrush. The clip may alternatively be shaped similarly to a loop, such loop differing from aforementioned loops due to an open end defined therein, the open end being resiliently frangible when forcing the portion of the manual toothbrush therethrough and into the clip.

[22] Although some implementations of clamps in accordance with the present technology may also define an open end, all implementations of clamps are attached to the housing of the device and extend outwardly therefrom, such clamps including one of a spring-loaded mechanism or a screw-driven mechanism intended to be positioned in an open position for receiving the portion of the manual toothbrush, then positioned in a closed position for applying a compressive force to the portion of the manual toothbrush toward the housing, thereby removably retaining the portion of the manual toothbrush.

[23] Also in accordance with the present technology, further implementations of the dental device include a plurality of retainers, each being one of a loop, a clip and a clamp. For example, such a device may include a proximal retainer attached to a proximal portion of the housing, the retainer being a loop, the device further including a medial retainer attached to a medial portion of the housing, the medial retainer being a clip. In such implementations, the medial retainer is located distally from the proximal retainer, and proximally from the receptacle. Furthermore, the dental device may include a distal retainer attached to a distal portion of the housing, the distal retainer being desirable, among other implementations, on a device wherein the receptacle is structured and arranged to passively receive the distal portion of the manual toothbrush. [24] Still according to the same first broad aspect of the present technology, when the device is connected to the manual toothbrush, the receptacle is structured and dimensioned to receive the distal portion and to limit vertical displacements thereof, such as displacements directed downward along the longitudinal axis. In some such implementations, the receptacle is further adapted to limit the displacement of the distal portion in lateral directions, such as directions directed radially outward from the longitudinal axis.

[25] A manual toothbrush is connected to a device of the present technology when, in no particular order, the distal portion of the toothbrush is received into the receptacle, a portion of the toothbrush is positioned within the unenclosed volume and a portion of the toothbrush is retained by the retainer. The receptacle, the unenclosed volume and the retainer are preferably oriented toward a common direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, although they may be oriented differently in some implementations. When connected to the device, the manual toothbrush is also preferably oriented toward the same direction, such that brush head bristles of the toothbrush are also oriented accordingly. However, the device may also connect to the toothbrush when oriented otherwise.

[26] The receptacle of the device of the present technology is fluidly connected to the outside of the device via a passage. In some implementations, the passage is oriented downward from the receptacle along the longitudinal axis and communicates with the distal base of the device. In alternate implementations, the passage the passage is oriented in a direction having a longitudinal and radial component with respect to the longitudinal axis, thereby communicating with a lateral portion of the housing, still allowing liquid having entered the receptacle to drain therefrom and outside of the device when the device is positioned in the vertical position.

[27] In accordance with the present technology, the body of the device may include a lining disposed on at least a portion thereof which may, under certain circumstances, render the body less slippery in both dry and wet conditions due to the lining being elastomeric or textured. As such, portions of the body covered with the lining may provide adequate friction to limit slippage during use, at the interface with the hand of the user and with the attached toothbrush, and also after use, at the interface with a countertop, sink or other like surfaces. In such implementations, the lining is an elastomeric lining having sufficient elasticity so that the portion of the manual toothbrush being retained in a portion of the body affixed with the lining (i.e. at least one of the proximal retainer, medial retainer, distal retainer and the receptacle) is intimately adapted thereto. The intimate adaptation of a portion of the manual toothbrush with such a portion of the body may, under certain circumstances, be beneficial for retention of the manual toothbrush and imparting of motion therethrough. In some such implementations, the elastomeric lining is composed of at least one of: polypropylene, silicone and thermoplastic elastomer.

[28] In preferred implementations, the lining is disposed on the housing alongside a portion of the unenclosed volume and a portion of the base, thereby facilitating prehension of the device. In some such implementations, the lining is disposed on a portion of the proximal retainer, thereby stabilizing the portion of the toothbrush retained therein. Furthermore, the lining may also aid in making the device water resistant by sealing the housing and thereby protecting the electrical components from water. In some instances, the housing may be composed of a plurality of assembled parts defining assembly joints, which may be covered and sealed by the lining. In such instances, the device preferably includes a lining that covers and seals the controller, the resilient structure of the lining allowing the user to operate the controller therethrough.

[29] According to a second broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a dental device for imparting motion to a manual toothbrush, the device including an electric motor assembly disposed in the housing, the electric motor assembly having an electric motor and a transmission rod extending upward therefrom to a proximal portion of the body of the device, the electric motor imparting motion to the manual toothbrush at least indirectly via the transmission rod and the proximal portion. In a preferred implementation, the proximal portion includes a retainer structured and dimensioned to removably retain at least a portion of the shank of the manual toothbrush, the retainer being one of a loop, a clip and a clamp.

[30] In some implementations, the proximal portion of the device is releasably attached to the housing of the device, the transmission rod extending therefrom. In some such implementations, the releasably attached proximal portion is interchangeable with a plurality of interchangeable proximal portions. In accordance with the present technology, any one proximal portion of the plurality of interchangeable proximal portions may include a retainer being one of a loop, a clip and a clamp. Some proximal portions of the plurality of interchangeable proximal portions may include a plurality of loops, clips and clamps, each respectively adapted to removably retain a subset of the plurality of manual toothbrushes, each subset defining a range of variation as to at least one of size, contour, flexibility, composition and form.

[31] According to a third broad aspect of the present technology, there is provided a dental device for imparting motion to a manual toothbrush. The retainer of the device is an elongated medial retainer disposed along the unenclosed volume, extending along the longitudinal axis and extending transversely therefrom, the retainer being a clip structured and dimensioned to removably retain at least a portion of the handle of the manual toothbrush. In some implementations, the device further includes an elastomeric lining disposed onto a portion of the housing extending alongside the unenclosed volume, and further extending onto internal surfaces of the retainer. In further implementations, the internal surfaces of the retainer allow to magnetically connect a magnetic manual toothbrush thereto.

[32] In some implementations of the present technology, the controller enables to selectably activate the electric motor assembly of the dental device according to a plurality of control parameters such as duration and intensity, each control parameter having at least one modality (i.e. setting). Among such implementations, the controller of the device is capable of connecting via a wireless data exchange protocol (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc) with electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a tablet or a computer. For example, the electronic device may be used for a plurality of purposes such as remote activation (e.g. for disabled users), configuration of preferred settings and to collect usage data.

[33] In some implementations, the power assembly includes a rechargeable battery and a connector electrically connected thereto. The device also includes a port disposed on a distal portion of the housing, the port communicating with the connector of the power assembly and sized to receive a cable, the cable being removably connectable to charge the battery. In some such implementations, a second passage of the device extends downward from the port to an outside portion of the body, the second passage structured and dimensioned to allow a liquid having entered the port to gravitationally drain and to exit from the device when the device is positioned vertically. In alternate implementations, a power supply cable is electrically connected to the power assembly for supplying power to the electric motor assembly, the power supply cable being structured and arranged with respect to the housing to prevent water from entering therein.

[34] In alternate implementations, the device includes a docking station on which the body of the device may be connected. In some such implementations, the docking station includes a power supply cable, which may be detachably attached or permanently attached thereto. The docking station and the housing of the device each include a charging coupling (e.g. an induction coil), respectively electrically connected to the power supply cable and to the battery of the power assembly for charging the battery when the housing of the device is connected to the docking station and the power supply cable is connected to a power source. In some implementations, a third passage is defined in the docking station, extending from a top portion to a lower external portion thereof. The docking station is structured and arranged with respect to the housing of the device such that when the housing is connected to the docking station, the passage, which extends downward from the receptacle toward an external portion of the base, becomes fluidly connected to the third passage of the docking station, thereby allowing a liquid to gravitationally drain from the receptacle and to exit from the dental device via the passage and the third passage when the device is positioned vertically. In some implementations, the docking station includes the passage and among such implementations, the docking station further includes at least a portion of the receptacle.

[35] In some implementations of the present technology, the dental device includes a proximal portion that defines a proximal receptacle, structured and arranged to at least passively receive a portion of the manual toothbrush (e.g. a portion of the shank or the head thereof). Under certain circumstances, the proximal receptacle may releasably retain the portion of the manual toothbrush, and may assist in transmitting motion imparted by the electric motor assembly to the head of the toothbrush. In some such implementations, the proximal receptacle may be the proximal retainer.

Additional and/or alternative objects, features, and advantages of the implementations of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[36] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[37] FIG. 1 is a lower, front, left perspective view of a dental device being a first embodiment according to the present technology;

[38] FIG. 2 is a lower, front, left perspective view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto;

[39] FIG. 3 is a lower, front, left exploded perspective view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing an interior portion of the housing;

[40] FIG. 4 is a series of left side elevation views of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing a manual toothbrush being incrementally connected thereto; [41] FIG. 5. is a lower, rear, right perspective view of the dental device of FIG. 1;

[42] FIG. 6 is a lower, rear, right perspective view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto;

[43] FIG. 7 is a rear side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 1;

[44] FIG. 8 is a rear side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto;

[45] FIG. 9 is a front side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 1;

[46] FIG. 10 is a front side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto, the head of the manual toothbrush oriented rearward;

[47] FIG. 11 is a top view of the dental device of FIG. 1;

[48] FIG. 12 is a top view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto, the retainer adapted to the portion of the manual toothbrush retained therein;

[49] FIG. 12a is a top planar view of the dental device of FIG. 1, showing the retainer adapted to the portion of the manual toothbrush received therein shown in FIG. 12, the manual toothbrush being hidden;

[50] FIG. 13 is a bottom planar view of the dental device of FIG. 1;

[51] FIG. 14 is a left side elevation view of a dental device being a second embodiment according to the present technology, showing a manual toothbrush being inserted through the retainer thereof;

[52] FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of a dental device of FIG. 14, showing a manual toothbrush being inserted in the receptacle thereof; [53] FIG. 16 is a left side elevation view of a dental device being a third embodiment according to the present technology, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto;

[54] FIG. 17 is a left side elevation view of a dental device being a fourth embodiment according to the present technology;

[55] FIG. 18 is a lower, front, left perspective close-up view of a dental device being a fifth embodiment according to the present technology, the retainer being a clip;

[56] FIG. 19 is a lower, front, left perspective close-up view of a dental device being a sixth embodiment according to the present technology, the retainer being a clamp;

[57] FIG. 20 is a top planar view of a dental device being a seventh embodiment according to the present technology, the retainer being a clip located on a removably attached proximal portion of the body of the device;

[58] FIG. 21 is a front side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 20;

[59] FIG. 22 is a right side longitudinal cross-section view of the dental device of FIG. 20, according to the cross-section plane defined in FIG. 20;

[60] FIG. 23 is a right side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 20, showing a manual toothbrush attached thereto;

[61] FIG. 24 is a rear side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 20;

[62] FIG. 25 is a right side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 20, showing the removably attachable proximal portion removed from the housing of the device, exposing the transmission shaft;

[63] FIG. 26 is an upper, front, right perspective view of a dental device being a seventh embodiment according to the present technology, the retainer being an elongated clip; [64] FIG. 27 is a right side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 26, showing a manual toothbrush connected thereto;

[65] FIG. 28 is a right side elevation view of the dental device of FIG. 26, showing the contents of the housing in transparency; and

[66] FIG. 29 is an upper, front, right perspective view of the dental device of FIG. 26, showing a dental tool attached thereto via an adaptor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[67] Regarding the Figures, there are shown various dental devices of the present technology. It is to be expressly understood that the various dental devices are merely some embodiments of the present technology. Thus, the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to the dental devices may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e., where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of embodying that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition, it is to be understood that the dental devices may provide in certain instances simple embodiments of the present technology, and that where such is the case they have been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various embodiments of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[68] A first embodiment of the present technology is illustrated in FIGS. 1-13. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a dental device 50 is shown positioned vertically by itself (FIG. 1) and when connected to a manual toothbrush 60 (FIG. 2), as viewed from a lower, front, left perspective.

[69] The dental device 50 comprises an elongated body with a central longitudinal axis, the body 100 being resistant to moisture penetration and defining proximal 182, medial 184 and distal 186 portions. The body 100 of the device 50 includes a housing 110 having a shape structured and dimensioned to be held by a human hand. The body 100 further includes a proximal retainer 120 structured and dimensioned to removably retain a proximal portion 92 of the manual toothbrush 60, a receptacle 160 structured and dimensioned to removably receive a distal portion 96 of the manual toothbrush 60, and an unenclosed volume 150 (best shown in FIGS. 3 and 14) aligned with a longitudinal axis 101 and located along the housing 110 in between the proximal retainer 120 and the receptacle 160, the unenclosed volume 150 structured and dimensioned to at least passively receive at least a portion of the handle 90 of the manual toothbrush 60. Also, the device 50 includes a passage 170 extending from the receptacle 160 and to the outside portion of the device, the passage 170 structured and dimensioned to allow a liquid (not shown) to gravitationally drain and to exit from the dental device 50 when the dental device 50 is positioned vertically. As shown in FIG. 2, the distal portion 186 of the body 100 defines a base 188 on which the device 50 may rest when in a vertical position, as shown. Under certain circumstances, when the device 50 rests on its base 188 in the vertical position, the manual toothbrush 60 may be attached to the device 50 without the need for manipulation thereof, such as when directing (61, 63) the manual toothbrush 60 along the longitudinal axis 101 through the proximal retainer 120' (61) until the distal portion 96 is received into the receptacle 160 (63), as schematised in FIG. 2. The proximal retainer 120' is shown deformed into a shape adapted to the proximal portion 92 of the manual toothbrush 60 retained therein.

[70] Now referring to FIG. 3, an exploded view of the device 50 reveals an interior portion 111 of the housing 110, left and right complementary portions 112, 114 being shown disassembled. The complementary portions 112, 114 define assembly joints 116, 117 which, when assembled, form the housing 110 and are either sealed by an elastomeric lining 400 or sealed otherwise. In this embodiment, a lining 400 defines elastomeric lining portions adapted to cover portions of the proximal retainer 120 (420), the housing 110 (front 450, rear 490 and distal 480 portions thereof), the receptacle 160 (470) as well as the passage 170 (470). In this embodiment, proximal, rear and distal linings 420, 490, 480 as well as front, receptacle and passage linings 450, 460, 470 form integral pieces. In other embodiments of the present technology, the lining 400 may define lining portions 420, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490 that form different integral pieces or form a single integral piece. Also, the lining portions 420, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490 may be composed of a material that is at least one of elastomeric and textured.

[71] Within the housing 110 are disposed the electric motor assembly 320, the power assembly 340 and an interior portion 362 of the connector 360, electrically inter connected (not shown) with a battery 344 of the power assembly 340 and the electric motor assembly 320 for activation and deactivation thereof. When a manual toothbrush 60 is connected to a device 50 of the present technology and the electric motor assembly 320 is activated, motion is imparted by the electric motor assembly 320 to the housing 110, and motion is imparted therefrom either directly to the connected manual toothbrush 60, or indirectly thereto via the proximal retainer 120, shown herein as an elastomeric loop.

[72] Referring to FIG. 4, a manual toothbrush 60 is shown entering the device 50 of the present technology at three instants. The first instant shows the distal portion 96 of the handle 90 progressing longitudinally (61) through the proximal retainer 120. The second instant shows a medial portion 94 of the handle 90 progressing out of the proximal retainer 120 and into the unenclosed volume 150, the handle 90 being pivoted (62) toward the housing 110, the distal portion 96 approaching the receptacle 160. The third instant shows the proximal portion 92 settling into the deformed proximal retainer 120', as well as the distal portion 96 settling into the receptacle 160 (63). Alternatively although not shown in the Figures, the manual toothbrush 60 may be connected to the dental device 50 by directing the head 70 upwardly through the unenclosed volume 150 and into the proximal retainer 120, after which the manual toothbrush 60 may be directed downwardly for the distal portion 96 to be received in the receptacle 160.

[73] As best shown on FIGS. 5-8, the device 50 includes a connector 360 on a rear portion 190 thereof, the connector attached to the housing 110, such that a portion 364 of the connector 360 is actionable through the rear lining 490. The distal portion 186 of the housing 110 defines a port 342, through which a power supply cable 346 is inserted for connection thereof to the power assembly 340 (not shown) disposed inside the housing 110.

[74] Presenting the dental device 50 from a front elevation view, FIGS. 9 and 10 show the relative positioning of the device 50 with respect to a connected manual toothbrush 60. Referring to FIG. 9, the longitudinal axis 101 of the body 100 defines the symmetrical configuration of the device when viewed in a frontal plane, the proximal retainer 120, the unenclosed volume 150 (not shown, although located forward from the front body lining 450), the receptacle 160, and the passage 170 being symmetrical and aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis 101. The proximal retainer 120, shaped as a loop, defines an aperture 125 through which the manual toothbrush 60 may be inserted. Now referring to FIG. 10, a manual toothbrush 60 is shown connected to the dental device 50, the head 70 and the bristles 74 thereof (not visible) facing rearward. The distal portion 96 of the manual toothbrush 60 is shown retained in the receptacle 160, although not at the bottom thereof. The residual depth of the receptacle 160, as well as the presence of the elastomeric receptacle lining 460, demonstrate how the device 50 is capable of accommodating a manual toothbrush having a longer and wider distal end.

[75] The top and bottom of the dental device 50 of the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. 11-13. FIG. 11 shows the device 50 from the top, the proximal retainer 120 connected to the proximal portion 182 of the housing 110 and defining an aperture 125, the proximal retainer 120 and the aperture 125 having an initial shape. As mentioned, the proximal, rear and distal elastomeric linings 420, 490 and 480 form an integral piece, as best shown by this Figure. Now referring to FIG. 12, a manual toothbrush 60 is connected to the device 50, a proximal portion 92 (not visible, although shown on FIG. 10) of the toothbrush 60 located distally from the head 70 thereof retained into the aperture 125' of the proximal retainer 120', now deformed by the proximal portion 92 into a shape adapted thereto. FIG. 13 shows the device 50 from the bottom. The device 50 also includes a port 342 disposed on the distal portion 186 of the housing 110, the port 342 communicating with the connector of the power assembly (not shown) and sized to receive a cable 346, the cable being removably connectable to charge the battery 344 (not shown). In this embodiment, a second passage 343 extends downward from the port 342 to the outside of the device 50, the second passage 343 structured and dimensioned such that a liquid (not shown) having entered the port 342 would gravitationally drain therefrom and exit from the device 50 when the device 50 is positioned vertically

[76] Referring to FIGS. 14-15, a second embodiment of the present technology, being a dental device 52 having a proximal retainer 122 shaped as a loop and composed of a rigid material. Some of the elements in common with the aforementioned embodiment will not repeated nor shown. The proximal retainer 122 extends forward and upward from the proximal portion 182 of the device 52 such that, under some circumstances, the loop may receive a portion of one of a plurality of manual toothbrushes 60 without the need to deformably adapt thereto. In these Figures, a manual toothbrush 60 is shown being connected to the device 52 at two instants. The first instant (FIG. 14) shows the distal portion 96 of the handle 90 progressing downward yet at an angle (64) from the longitudinal axis 101 (61) and through the proximal retainer 122. In this context, the manual toothbrush doesn't interfere with the device 52 until the distal portion 96 is received in the receptacle 160. The second instant shows the proximal portion 92 settling into the undeformed proximal retainer 122, as well as the distal portion 96 settling into the receptacle 160 (63).

[77] Referring to FIG. 16, a third embodiment of the present technology is shown, being a dental device 53 having a proximal retainer 123 shaped as a loop which, when a manual toothbrush 60 is connected to the device 53, extends from a proximal portion 92 of the handle 90 up to the shank 80. This embodiment being otherwise similar to the first embodiment recited herein, the rest of the elements will not repeated nor shown.

[78] Referring to FIG. 17, a fourth embodiment of the present technology is shown, being a dental device 54 having a proximal retainer 124 consisting of a loop, the proximal retainer 124 including an insert 224. Some of the elements in common with the aforementioned embodiments will not repeated nor shown. Composed of a semi-rigid material, the insert 224 extends from the proximal portion 182 of the body 100 and along the proximal retainer 224, embedded into the proximal retainer lining 420 and the rear body lining 490, the proximal retainer lining 420 and the rear body lining 490 forming an integral piece together with the distal body lining 480. The insert 224 further surrounds a portion 323 of the electric motor 322 such that, under certain circumstances, the insert 224 may assist in transmitting motion imparted by the electric motor 322 to a proximal portion 92 of a connected manual toothbrush 60 (not shown). Furthermore, the device 54 includes a medial retainer 220, shaped as a loop and defining an aperture (not shown). Such a medial retainer, which may otherwise be a clip or a clamp in other embodiments, is adapted to releasably retain a medial portion 94 of a connected manual toothbrush 60 (not shown). Understandably, some embodiments of the present technology may include the proximal retainer 124 having the insert 224 and not include the medial retainer 220, and vice versa.

[79] Referring to FIG. 18, a fifth embodiment of the present technology is shown, being a dental device 55 having a proximal retainer 130 consisting of a clip. Some of the elements in common with any of the aforementioned embodiments will not repeated nor shown. In this embodiment, the proximal retainer 130 defines an arm projecting forward from a lateral side of the proximal portion 182 of the housing 110, the arm 130 curving back toward the opposite lateral side thereof and terminating in a tapered open end 136. The arm 130 and the proximal portion 182 of the housing 110 define an aperture 135, in which a proximal portion 92 of a manual toothbrush 60 (not shown) may be retained by entering the aperture 135 laterally and deforming the open end 136, overcoming the structural bias thereof. Other embodiments may include proximal retainers 130 being clips of different structural arrangements.

[80] Referring to FIG. 19, a sixth embodiment of the present technology is shown, being a dental device 56 having a proximal retainer 140 consisting of a clamp, the clamp of the proximal retainer 140 being of a spring-loaded type. Some of the elements in common with any of the aforementioned embodiments will not repeated nor shown. In this embodiment, the proximal retainer 140 includes a spring mechanism 141 extending from one side of the proximal portion 182 of the housing 110, the spring mechanism 141 including a clamp arm 142 curving back toward the opposite lateral side thereof and terminating with an open end 146, the clamp arm 142 biased toward the housing 110 by the spring mechanism 141, the open end 146 also biased thereby in a closed position. The clamp arm 142 and the proximal portion 182 of the housing 110 define an aperture 145, in which a proximal portion 92 of a manual toothbrush 60 (not shown) may be retained by entering the aperture 145 laterally when the open end 146 is biased in an open position via the spring mechanism 141. Other embodiments may include proximal retainers 140 being clamps of different structural arrangements, such as screw-based clamps (e.g. C-clamps), some of which may not define an open end, requiring that a portion of a manual toothbrush be inserted longitudinally through the aperture for being retained therein.

[81] Referring to FIGS. 20-25, a seventh embodiment of the present technology is shown, being a dental device 57. Some of the elements in common with any of the aforementioned embodiments will not repeated nor shown. The device 57 has a body 100 including a proximal portion 187 removably connected to the housing 110, the proximal portion including a proximal retainer 127 being a clip. As best shown on FIG. 23, the proximal retainer 127 defines two arms 128 projecting forward from the proximal portion 187, the arms 128 structured and arranged to releasably retain the shank 80 of the connected manual toothbrush 60 (FIG. 23) therebetween. The housing 110 of the body 100 includes elongated arms 137 extending forward therefrom and partially wrapping around the unenclosed volume 150 and around a portion of the connected manual toothbrush 60. The housing 110 further includes an electric motor assembly 320 having a transmission shaft 324 extending along the longitudinal axis 101 and upward from the electric motor 322 to the proximal portion 187, operatively connected thereto via a shaft connector 325 (FIG. 25) for imparting motion to the proximal portion 92 of the connected manual toothbrush 60. The device 57 includes a docking station 189 that is detachably attached to the base 188 of the housing 110, the docking station 189 and the housing 110 each including a charging coupling (only the coupling 345 of the docking station 189 is shown), respectively electrically connected to the power supply cable (not shown) and to the battery 344 for charging the battery 344 when the housing 110 of the device is connected to the docking station 189 via the base 188 and the power supply cable is connected to a power source (not shown). In other embodiments, the proximal portion 187 may include a retainer being one of a loop, a clip or a clamp. Some of such embodiments may include a plurality of proximal portions 187 each having a retainer of various sizes and shapes to adapt to a plurality of manual toothbrushes 60 having various sizes and shapes.

[82] Referring to FIGS. 26-29, an eight embodiment of the present technology is shown. Again, some of the elements in common with any of the aforementioned embodiments will not repeated nor shown. A dental device 58 of the present embodiment has a body 100 including an elongated retainer 138 shaped as an elongated clip, extending longitudinally therefrom and alongside the unenclosed volume 150. The elongated retainer 138 defines two arms 139 projecting forward from the housing 110, partially wrapping around the unenclosed volume 150 for releasably retaining a portion of the connected manual toothbrush 60 therebetween (FIG. 27). As shown on FIG. 29, the device 58 of the present embodiment may instead releasably retain a dental tool 65 via a connected adaptor 66, the adaptor having a shape analogous to a handle 90 of a manual toothbrush 60. Understandably, the dental device of other embodiments of the present technology, including the aforementioned, may also be used to releasably retain the adaptor 66 as shown herein, and thereby impart motion to the connected dental tool 65.