ORAL CARE SYSTEMS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of oral care. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an oral care system with brush heads.

BACKGROUND

Oral care tools are used in clinical settings globally to clean anatomy within an oral cavity of a patient. In many hospitals or other medical treatment facilities, hygiene procedures like oral care must be repeated multiple times. For example, during treatment a series of oral care products may be used in repetitious fashion, such as periodic cleaning sessions, including evacuation, brushing of the teeth, swabbing of the mouth and gums, etc. However, in the hospital or medical treatment facility setting there is an increased risk of illness (e.g., pneumonia, etc.), especially for those with a compromised immune system. Accordingly, it may be desirable to use a new, sterilized oral care system each time to reduce the risk of illness.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a body portion and an attachment. The body portion includes a body, a body opening, and a funnel. The body extends from a first body end to a second body end. The body opening is proximate the first body end. The body opening extends into the body portion to define an inner cavity. The funnel is proximate the first body end such that the funnel is in fluid communication with the body opening. The attachment extends from a first attachment end to a second attachment end, the attachment being selectively coupled to the body portion. The attachment includes a neck, a brush, and a connector. The neck extends between the first attachment end and the second attachment end. The brush is coupled to the neck proximate the second attachment end. The connector is proximate the first attachment end. The connector is configured to secure the attachment to the to the first body end in a first orientation, where the neck extends into the inner cavity such that the brush is positioned inside the inner cavity, and a second orientation, where the neck extends away from the first body end such that the brush is positioned outside of the inner cavity.

According to various embodiments, the oral care system includes an oral solution positioned within the inner cavity. The oral care system can include seal member positioned within the inner cavity and configured to facilitate release of the oral solution from the inner cavity upon piercing of the seal member. The oral care system may include a membrane coupled to the attachment proximate the second attachment end, the membrane configured to facilitate release of an oral solution upon piercing of the membrane.

According to various embodiments, the attachment further can include a suction opening disposed proximate the second attachment end and configured to be positioned within the inner cavity when the attachment is in the first orientation. The suction port can be in fluid communication with the suction opening, and can be located between the first attachment end and the second attachment end and configured to be positioned within the inner cavity when the attachment is in the first orientation.

According to various embodiments, the attachment can be selectively coupled to the body portion via at least one of a thread, a snapping feature, or a gasket. The body portion can be at least partially formed of a thermoplastic. The body portion defines a plurality of ribs, each of the ribs extending within the inner cavity. The attachment can further include a hinge, the hinge can facilitate rotation of the neck around the hinge between a first position and a second position, the inner cavity being sealed in the first position and the inner cavity being unsealed in the second position.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a body portion that includes a body, a body opening, and a funnel. The body extends from a first body end to a second body end. The body opening is proximate the first body end, the body opening extending into the body portion to define an inner cavity. The funnel is coupled to the body portion proximate the first body end. The oral care system can further include a cap removably coupled to the body portion proximate the body opening, the cap being configured to seal the inner cavity, a neck coupled to the body portion proximate the second body end, and a brush head coupled to the neck opposite the second body end.

According to various embodiments, a funnel opening of the funnel is in fluid communication with the body opening. the funnel and body are configured to couple to a cup such that the funnel opening is in fluid communication with the body and the body is in fluid communication with an inner cup volume defined by the cup. According to some embodiments, a system may include a cup defining an inner cup volume and the oral care system. The funnel and body of the oral care system are coupled to the cup such that the funnel opening is in fluid communication with the body and the body is in fluid communication with the inner cup volume.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a bite block, a plurality of bristles, and a handle. The bite block defines an opening. The bite block includes a first side and a second side. Each of the bristles coupled to and extending from at least one of the first side or the second side. The handle is coupled to the bite block via the opening.

According to various embodiments the oral care system includes a container that holds an oral care solution and a lid that is coupled to the container. The lid defines an aperture for receiving the bite block such that the bite block may be inserted into the container. The bite block can include a plurality of apertures on the first side and the second side. In some embodiments, the bite block and bristles are integrally formed from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the container holding the oral care solution further includes a barrier to seal the oral care solution in the container. The bite block can further include a third side that connects the first side and the second side, wherein the third side includes a plurality of ridges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the oral care system in a first orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the oral care system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an internal view of the oral care system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 1 in a second orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 1 in the second orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the oral care system of FIG. 1 in the second orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view of a portion of the oral care system of FIG. 1 in the second orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another oral care system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plurality of the oral care systems of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an oral care device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another oral care device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bite block, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the bite block of FIG. 14, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the bite block of FIG. 14, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an oral care system that includes the bite block of FIG. 14, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 17, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the oral care system of FIG. 17 when assembled, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the Figures, various systems and methods for oral care are disclosed. Various oral care systems described herein include components for performing an oral care routine and components for receiving excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., the subject spits out excess oral care solution and/or saliva before, during, or after the oral care routine). Some or all of the oral care components may be disposed after such that the excess oral care solution and/or saliva are contained and disposed of in a sanitary manner.

According to various embodiments, a brush head portion in contained within a body before use of the oral care system. For example, the brush head may be a part of an attachment configured to selectively couple to the body. The brush head may be sealed within the body to reduce the risk of contamination of the brush head prior to usage. According to various embodiments, the brush head is removed from an inner cavity of the body and coupled to the body such that the brush head is positioned outside of the inner cavity and can be used as a part of an oral care routine. In this sense, the body may serve as a handle for a user of the oral care system. Since the body serves as a storage body and a handle, the amount of packaging may be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and waste (e.g., when throwing away the product after it is used).

According to various embodiments, the body may further be configured to receive excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., the subject spits out excess oral care solution and/or saliva before, during, or after the oral care routine). For example, the attachment may be decoupled from the body before, during, or after the oral care routine and the subject may spit into the body. In an alternate embodiment, the attachment may be hingedly coupled to the body such that the attachment can be pivoted and an opening in the body is exposed. The subject may spit into then spit into the body while the opening is exposed. After the oral care routine is complete, the brush head may be inserted back into the body and the attachment may be coupled to the body (e.g., in a similar manner as the attachment was coupled to the body prior to the oral care routine) to seal the spit and/or excess oral care solution within the body for disposal.

According to various embodiments, the opening is surrounded by a funnel. The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the inner cavity. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, the oral care system may be packaged with oral care solution within the body. For example, the brush head may be submerged in the oral care solution within the body when packaged. Alternatively, the oral care solution may be contained within a separate compartment within the body. For example, the oral care solution may be sealed within a compartment within the body and the oral care solution may be released from the compartment when the seal member is punctured or otherwise broken. For example, the brush head may be plunged into the compartment to pierce the seal member and at least partially saturate the brush head in oral care solution. According to another example, the oral care solution may be sealed within a compartment that is coupled to the body. For example, the brush head may be stored in a first compartment (e.g., within the body) and the oral care solution may be stored in a second compartment that is not in fluid communication with the first compartment. The second compartment may be opened independently from the first compartment to release the oral care solution.

According to various embodiments, the brush head is selectively coupled to the body. For example, the brush head may be coupled to the body via threads, connectors, snapping features, gussets, gaskets, and any combination thereof. According to various embodiments, the brush head is coupled to the body via a first method (e.g., via a snapping feature) in the original packaging and is recoupled to the body (e.g., after the oral care routine) via a second method (e.g., via threads) that is different form the first method.

According to another embodiment, the oral care solution is stored within a membrane that is coupled to the oral care device. For example, the oral care solution may be stored in a membrane that is coupled to the brush head. For example, the membrane may be embedded in the bristles of the brush head. The membrane may be configured to rupture under a certain pressure. Thus, the membrane may be pierced by biting down on the membrane, thereby releasing the oral care solution.

According to various embodiments, the attachment may include a suction port. The suction port is configured to be coupled to a suction source, such as a vacuum. The suction port is in fluid communication with one or more openings proximate the brush head via a suction tube. When suction is applied to the suction port, oral solution and/or saliva may be drawn into the openings proximate the brush head, thru the suction tube, and out of the suction port. According to various embodiments, the suction port is positioned between the brush head and a cap used to secure the attachment to the body such that when the brush head is sealed within the inner cavity in the body, the suction port is also positioned within the inner cavity in the body. Such an arrangement may prevent contaminants from being introduced into the inner cavity via the suction port while the brush head is sealed within the inner cavity.

According to another embodiment, the brush head is coupled to a first end of the body via a neck. In this embodiment, the brush head may not be stored within an inner cavity in the body prior to the oral care routine being performed. The body may include an inner cavity with an opening proximate a second end of the body. The inner cavity may contain oral care solution. The inner cavity may further be configured to receive excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., the subject spits out excess oral care solution and/or saliva before, during, or after the oral care routine).

According to various embodiments, the inner cavity of the body may define a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may function to reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume. For example, the ribs may function to contain some of the excess oral care solution and/or saliva. Further, the ribs may allow the body to be formed of a relatively thin thermoplastic molded bottle. The ridges may increase the rigidity of the body such that a thinner plastic can be used to create the body. Similarly, the funnel may include ridges such that the funnel can be formed of a thinner plastic material.

According to various embodiments, the oral care system includes a plurality of oral care devices that are packaged together. For example, a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) of oral care devices may be packaged within a larger container. The larger container may be configured to be opened and resealed after an oral care device is removed from the larger container. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care devices may be connected by a runner. For example, one or more components of the plurality of oral care devices may be formed using a mold. The mold may include a conduit (e.g., a runner) that connects each of the components. In use, a user may break a part of the runner to separate a single oral care device from the plurality of oral care devices. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care devices may be coupled to non-plastic board (e.g., paper, cardboard, wood, etc.) and sold as a kit, which may reduce plastic consumption of the product.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes an attachment that is configured to be coupled to a cup, such as a disposable Dixie® cup. For example, the oral care system may include a body and a brush head coupled to the body. The body may be removably coupled to the brush head. The oral care system may include oral care solution positioned within the body. The body may include a funnel be configured to couple to a cup (e.g., via a snapping feature). The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the cup. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the cup. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, the attachment is configured to receive the brush head while the attachment is coupled to the cup. The attachment may include an aperture configured to receive a neck coupled to the brush head. The attachment may further include alignment slots on either side of the aperture to guide and/or center the neck in the attachment. In this embodiment, the attachment and/or the brush head may be coupled to the cup via a hinge such that the attachment or brush head can be rotated about the hinge to expose the inner volume of the cup such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be released into the cup. The attachment and/or brush head may then be rotated back to the original position to contain the solution and/or saliva within the cup. The cup and oral care system may then be disposed of together.

According to other embodiments, the brush head is configured to be used without being coupled to the cup. For example, the brush head may be removed from the packaging and the attachment may be separately coupled to a cup. The attachment, which may include a funnel, can then be used in conjunction with the cup to receive excess oral solution and/or saliva. The funnel may include a funnel opening that is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the cup. The funnel opening may be defined by a tube that extends from an inner volume of the funnel into the cup. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the inner volume.

According to various embodiments, an oral care system includes a bite block that is coupled to a handle. According to various embodiments, the bite block may further be coupled to a handle such that the handle and the bite block are configured to be coupled to the other structure, such as a tongue depressor. In other embodiments, the bite block may be coupled to a tongue depressor, such that the tongue depressor serves as the handle. According to various embodiments, the handle may be formed of a non-plastic material, such as wood, to reduce plastic consumption. According to various embodiments, the handle includes a suction port such that a vacuum can be coupled to the handle and draw excess oral care solution and/or saliva out of the subject's mouth. According to various embodiments, the bite block includes a plurality of openings or dimples in-between the bristles. Such an arrangement may increase surface area such that a greater amount of oral care solution can adhere to the brush head.

The oral care systems and devices described herein may be formed via injection molding, according to some embodiments. The oral care systems and devices described herein may be formed using a single mold or cast, and in some instances a mold insert and/or overmold insert. The single mold and/or inserts may be used to form different oral care devices, such that the injection molding process described herein decreases cost, increases efficiency, and/or otherwise cases certain processes of providing (e.g., manufacturing) various oral care devices.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, an oral care system 100 is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system 100 is shown to include an oral care device. The oral care device is configured to be used as a part of an oral care routine. According to various embodiments, the oral care device is a disposable oral care device that is intended to be used once and discarded, which may reduce the risk of illness in a user of the device.

As shown, the oral care system 100 can be transformed from a first orientation (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a second orientation (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). For example, the oral care system 100 may be packaged in the first orientation and transformed into the second orientation for use during an oral care routine. As is discussed further herein, in the first orientation, a brush head 130 may be positioned within a body 122 to protect the brush head 130, reduce the risk of contamination of the brush head 130, and/or reduce the footprint of the oral care system 100. In the second orientation, the brush head 130 may be positioned outside of the body 122 such that brush head can be inserted into a subject's mouth as a part of an oral care routine. Following the oral care routine, the oral care system 100 may be reverted back to the first orientation to store the used brush head within the body 122 and disposed of.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 when the oral care system 100 is in the first orientation, the attachment portion 110 is coupled to the body portion 120. As shown, the attachment portion 110 is coupled to the body portion 120 via a friction fit. For example, the neck 112 of the attachment portion may be received within a slot in the conduit 132 such that the friction between the neck 112 and the slot couple the attachment portion 110 to the body portion 120. According to other embodiments, the connector 114 may include a second set of threads configured to engage a set of threads on the conduit 132 to couple the attachment portion 110 to the body portion 120 via the threads. In other embodiments, a portion of the neck 112 may contain threads to engage with a set of threads on the interior of the conduit 132. The threads may be disposed along any portion of the neck 112, or along the entirety of the neck, according to some embodiments. In the first orientation, the attachment portion 110 may rest inside of the body 122. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 110 rests below or substantially flush with the top of the funnel 124. In this way, the funnel 124 may be covered by a seal member that is a removable barrier (e.g., a film, a seal member, a sheet, a board, etc.) to keep the oral care system 100 sterile before use. While the neck 112 is depicted in various Figures (e.g., FIG. 4, etc.) as being bent, it is understood that this is an example of the neck 112 and that the neck 112 is straight in some embodiments, has an angle (e.g., two portions separated by an angle, etc.) in some embodiments, and has a curved shape in some embodiments, for example.

The body 122 may contain oral care solution, such that the attachment portion soaks in the oral care solution until the device is moved into a second orientation. For example, oral care solution may be positioned within the body 122 such that a brush head 130 may be plunged into the body 122 to at least partially saturate the brush head 130 with oral care solution. Further, the body 122 may contain a sufficient volume of oral care solution such that the user can pour the oral care solution from the body 122 directly into the user's mouth as a part of the oral care routine.

According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the body 122 via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head 130 penetrates a barrier when plunged into the body 122 to release the oral care solution. According to various embodiments, oral care solution may be positioned within the conduit 132 such that a brush head 130 may be plunged into the conduit 132 to at least partially saturate the brush head 130 with oral care solution. According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the conduit 132 via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head 130 penetrates a barrier when plunged into the conduit 132 to release the oral care solution.

According to various embodiments, inner cavity of the body 122 may define a plurality of ribs. The plurality of ribs may function to reduce the risk of spilling the excess oral care solution and/or saliva that has been introduced into the body 122. For example, the ribs may function to contain some of the excess oral care solution and/or saliva. Further, the ribs may allow the body 122 to be formed of a relatively thin thermoplastic molded bottle. The ridges may increase the rigidity of the body 122 such that a thinner plastic can be used to create the body 122. Similarly, the funnel 124 may include ridges such that the funnel 124 can be formed of a thinner plastic material. In alternative embodiments, the inner cavity of the body 122 may define round squeegee style stopper that functions to remove excess oral care solution from the attachment portion 110 and/or the brush head 130. The squeegee stopper may have an inner diameter that is the same as the length of the brush head laterally, according to an embodiment. In this way, as the attachment portion 110 is removed from the body 122, the brush head 130 passes through the inner diameter of the squeegee stopper. The bristles and the pad may be pushed down/inward to remove excess oral care solution, according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the oral care device may take a second orientation, in which the attachment portion extends generally along the axis 101 between a first end and a second end. The oral care system 100 includes a body portion 120 and an attachment portion 110 coupled to the body portion 120. The body portion 120 extends along the axis 101 from a first body end 121 to a second body end 123 and includes a body 122.

The body 122 may further be configured to receive excess oral care solution and/or saliva during and after the oral care routine. For example, the body 122 defines an inner cavity configured to receive the excess oral care solution and/or saliva. The excess oral care solution and/or saliva may be introduced into the inner cavity via a conduit 132 that defines a body opening 128 (see FIG. 3). For example, the attachment portion 110 may be decoupled from the body portion 120 such that the body opening 128 is exposed and a subject may spit excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the body opening 128. In some embodiments, the funnel 124 is coupled to the conduit 132 and/or the body opening 128, such that the excess oral care solution/saliva may be spit into the funnel 124 and introduced into the inner cavity via the conduit 132 therein.

According to other embodiments, the conduit 132 is not in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the body 122. For example, the body portion 120 includes a funnel 124 proximate the second body end 123. The funnel 124 defines a funnel opening 125 (see FIGS. 1-3) that is in fluid communication with the inner cavity. For example, the conduit 132 may be sealed off from the inner volume and located within the funnel opening 125 and one or more openings within the funnel opening 125 that surround a perimeter the conduit 132 may be in fluid communication with the inner cavity such that a subject may spit into the funnel opening 125 to release excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the inner volume of the body 122. According to various embodiments, the conduit 132 may contain oral care solution prior to the oral care routine being performed such that the oral care solution can be applied to a brush head 130 as a part of the oral care routine. Such an arrangement allows the subject to release (e.g., spit) excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the body 122 without contaminating the oral care solution within the conduit 132.

The oral care system 100 includes an attachment portion 110 extending between a first attachment end 113 and a second attachment end 111. The attachment portion 110 includes a brush head 130 proximate the second attachment end 111. The brush head 130 is shown to include bristles 138 on a first side of the brush head 130 and a pad 134 on a second side of the brush head 130. The brush head 130 is coupled to a neck 112 of the attachment portion. The neck 112 couples the brush head 130 to a connector 114 proximate the first attachment end 113.

The attachment portion 110 is configured to selectively coupled to the body portion 120 between the first orientation (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and the second orientation (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment portion 110 includes the connector 114 proximate the first attachment end 113. The connector 114 is shown to secure the attachment portion 110 to the body portion 120 in the second orientation. The connector 114 is shown to couple to the body portion 120 via threads, however, according to other embodiments, the connector 114 may include other coupling features such as a snapping feature or gasket. According to other embodiments, the connector 114 may include a projection that is configured to be received in an aperture or slot in the body portion (e.g., within the body opening). The aperture or slot may further include alignment slots on either side of the aperture to guide and/or center the projection (e.g., the neck 112).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the attachment portion 110 includes a suction port 118. The suction port 118 is configured to be coupled to a suction source, such as a vacuum. The suction port 118 may be in fluid communication with one or more openings 142 (see FIG. 7) proximate the brush head 130. When suction is applied to the suction port 118, oral solution and/or saliva may be drawn into the openings 142 proximate the brush head 130, thru a suction tube positioned within the neck 112), and out of the suction port 118. As shown, the suction port 118 is positioned between the brush head 130 and the connector 114 used to secure the attachment portion 110 to the body portion 120 such that when the brush head 130 is sealed within the inner cavity in the body 122, the suction port 118 is also positioned within the inner cavity in the body. For example, the suction port 118 is positioned within the body portion 120 in FIGS. 4 and 5. Such an arrangement may prevent contaminants from being introduced into the inner cavity via the suction port 118 while the brush head 130 is sealed within the inner cavity.

According to various embodiments, the brush head 130 is coupled to the body portion 120 via a hinge. For example, the attachment portion 110 and/or the brush head 130 may be coupled to the cup via a hinge such that the attachment portion 110 or brush head 130 can be rotated about the hinge to expose the inner volume of the body 122 such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be released into the body 122. For example, rotating the brush head 130 about the hinge may increase the angle the neck 112 forms with the axis 101 and expose the body opening 128. After the excess oral care solution and/or saliva are released into the body 122, the attachment portion 110 and/or brush head 130 may then be rotated back to the original position to contain the oral care solution and/or saliva within the body 122. The oral care system 100 may then be disposed of.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exploded view of the oral care system 100. In various embodiments, the exterior surface of the body opening 128 defines threading. The interior of the connector 114 may define threading for receiving the threading of the body opening 128. The exterior surface of the body opening 128 may define external threading (e.g. male threads), whereas the internal surface of the connector 114 may define internal threading (e.g. female threads). In this way, the connector 114 and its extension, the attachment portion 110, may be removably coupled to the body opening 128 by screwing the connector 114 onto the body opening 128. In other embodiments, the exterior surface of the body opening 128 may define internal threading (e.g., female threads), whereas the interior surface of the connector 114 may define external threading (e.g., male threads). In this way, the connector 114 may be screwed onto the exterior of the body opening 128.

In other embodiments, the internal surface of the connector 114 may contain adhesive to fix the connector 114 to the body opening 128. The adhesive coupling may create a permanent or removable coupling between the connector 114 and its extension, the attachment portion 110, and the body opening 128. In alternate embodiments, the connector 114 may be coupled to the body opening 128 by a friction fit. In some embodiments the connector 114 and the body opening 128 may define a camlock coupling. In this way, the connector 114 may be a female cam having handles or arms, whereas the body opening 128 defines a male groove gasket, such that the connector 114 may be fit to the inside of the body opening 128 to for a leakproof camlock coupling.

In some embodiments, the base of the funnel 124 may contain threading, such that the funnel may be removably coupled to the body 122 via screwing the funnel 124 onto threading on the exterior of the body 122. In other embodiments, the funnel 124 may be configured snap fit onto the body 122. Alternatively, the funnel 124 may be tension fit onto the body 122 or coupled via adhesive.

In some embodiments, the neck 112 is couplable to the inside of the conduit 132. As mentioned above, the neck may contain threading to couple with the connector 114 and/or the inside of the conduit 132. In this way, the neck 112 may be threadedly coupled to the interior of the conduit 132, while the connector 114 is threadedly coupled to the top of the conduit at the body opening 128. In some embodiments, the base of the neck 112 includes an O-ring for the purpose of creating a seal between the base of the neck 112 and the connector 114. In other embodiments, the connector 114 includes an O-ring, such that a sealed connection is formed when the connector 114 is screwed into/onto the body opening 128.

As shown in FIG. 7, the oral care system 100 may include oral care solution contained within a membrane 140 that is coupled to the oral care device. For example, as shown, the oral care solution is stored within the membrane 140 that is coupled to brush head 130. As shown, the membrane 140 is be embedded in the bristles 138 of the brush head 130. The membrane 140 may be configured to rupture under a certain pressure. Thus, the membrane 140 may be pierced by biting down on the membrane 140, thereby releasing the oral care solution. In some embodiments, the solution contained within the membrane 140 is an ingredient or set of ingredients that form the oral care solution when mixed with the solution contained in the body 122. In this way, the solution in the membrane 140 mixes with the solution the brush head is submerged in when the brush is used in the oral cavity (e.g., upon biting, with scrubbing motion, upon pressing within the oral cavity, etc.). Advantageously, the membrane 140 may include active ingredients whose potency may diminish over time when mixed with an oral care solution. In this way, the ingredients may be better preserved before application.

Referring now to FIG. 8-11, another embodiment of an oral care system 200 is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system 200 may share one or more features with any of the other oral care systems described herein. The oral care system 200 is shown to include an oral care device. The oral care device is configured to be used as a part of an oral care routine. According to various embodiments, the oral care device is a disposable oral care device that is intended to be used once and discarded, which may reduce the risk of illness in a user of the device.

As shown in FIG. 8, the oral care device extends generally along the axis 201 between a first end and a second end. The oral care system 200 includes a body portion 220 and an attachment portion 210 coupled to the body portion 220. The body portion 220 extends along the axis 201 from a first body end 221 to a second body end 223 and includes a body 222. The body 222 may contain oral care solution prior to the oral care routine being performed (e.g., in the original packaging). For example, oral care solution may be positioned within the body 222 such that a brush head 230 may be plunged into the body 222 to at least partially saturate the brush head 230 with oral care solution. According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the body 222 via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head 230 penetrates a barrier when plunged into the body 222 to release the oral care solution.

In some embodiments, the oral care system is a unitary device. In other embodiments, the attachment portion 210 may be removably coupled to the body portion 220. The attachment portion may be coupled to the body portion with adhesive, according to an embodiment. In alternate embodiments, the attachment end opposite the brush head 230 may be coupled to the second end of the body 222 by suction (e.g., by a suction cup). In other embodiments, the attachment portion 210 may be removably coupled to the body 222 with threads, such that the body 222 receives the threads of the attachment portion 210.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the body portion 220 includes an opening 228 that defines a conduit 226. The conduit 226 may contain oral care solution within an inner volume of the conduit 226 for use during the oral care routine. For example, the brush head 230 may be inserted into the conduit 226 such that oral care solution within the inner volume of the conduit 226 is applied to the brush head. Further, the conduit 226 may include a sufficient volume of oral care solution such that the user can pour the oral care solution from the conduit 226 directly into the user's mouth as a part of the oral care routine.

As shown, the inner volume of the conduit 226 is exposed by removing a cap 214. The cap 214 is shown to include a plurality of threads configured to secure the cap 214 to the conduit 226, however, according to other embodiments, other securing methods may be utilized. According to various embodiments, the conduit 226 is in fluid communication with an inner cavity of the body 222. However, according to other embodiments, the conduit 226 is fluidly isolated from the body 222.

The body portion 220 includes a funnel 224 proximate the first body end 221. The funnel 224 defines a funnel opening 225 (see FIGS. 9, 10). According to various embodiments, the funnel opening 225 is not in fluid communication with the inner volume of the conduit 226. For example, the conduit 226 may be sealed off from the inner volume of the body 222 and located within the funnel opening 225. One or more openings within the funnel opening 225 that surround a perimeter the conduit 226 may be in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the body 222 such that a subject may spit into the funnel opening 225 to release excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the inner volume of the body 222. According to various embodiments, the conduit 226 may contain oral care solution prior to the oral care routine being performed such that the oral care solution can be applied to a brush head 230 as a part of the oral care routine. Such an arrangement allows the subject to release (e.g., spit) excess oral care solution and/or saliva into the body 222 without contaminating the oral care solution within the conduit 226. As discussed further below, according to various embodiments, the second body end 223 may be sealed such that the excess oral care solution and/or saliva is not released from the second body end 223. However, as is further discussed below with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second body end 223 may include an opening configured to release the excess oral care solution and/or saliva (e.g., into a cup 1230).

According to various embodiments, oral care solution may be positioned within the conduit 226 such that a brush head 230 may be plunged into the conduit 226 to at least partially saturate the brush head 230 with oral care solution. According to various embodiments, the oral care solution may be contained within the conduit 226 via a barrier (e.g., a film, a sheet, a board, etc.) such that the brush head 230 penetrates a barrier when plunged into the conduit 226 to release the oral care solution.

The oral care system 200 includes an attachment portion 210 extending between a first attachment end 213 and a second attachment end 211. The attachment portion 210 includes a brush head 230 proximate the second attachment end 211. The brush head 230 is shown to include bristles 232 on a first side of the brush head 230 and a pad 234 on a second side of the brush head 230. The brush head 230 is coupled to a neck 212 of the attachment portion. The neck 212 couples the brush head 230 to the body portion 220.

The attachment portion 210 may be selectively coupled to the body portion 220. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the attachment portion 210 may be detached from the body portion 220 and used as a part of an oral care routine. According to various embodiments, the neck 212 is configured to be received in an aperture or slot in the body portion 220 (e.g., within the body opening 128). The aperture or slot may further include alignment slots on either side of the aperture to guide and/or center the neck 212.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an oral care system 1000 is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system 1000 includes a plurality of oral care systems 200 within a container 1010. The larger container 1010 may be configured to be opened and resealed after an oral care system 200 is removed from the container 1010. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care systems 1000 may be connected by a runner. For example, one or more components of the plurality of oral care systems 1000 may be formed using a mold. The mold may include a conduit (e.g., a runner) that connects each of the components. In use, a user may break a part of the runner to separate a single oral care system 200 from the plurality of oral care systems 200. According to various embodiments, the plurality of oral care systems 200 may be coupled to non-plastic board (e.g., paper, cardboard, wood, etc.) and sold as a kit, which may reduce plastic consumption of the product.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the attachment portion 210 and the funnel 224 are shown, respectively, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the attachment portion 210 can be separated from the body portion 220 and used as a part of an oral care routine. Further, as shown, a vacuum source 1212 is coupled to the attachment portion. The vacuum source is configured to draw excess oral care solution and/or saliva from one or more openings proximate the brush head 230.

As shown, the funnel 224 is configured to be separated from the attachment portion 210 and coupled to a cup 1230 (e.g., a disposable Dixie® cup). According to various embodiments, the funnel 224 is configured to snap fit onto the cup 1230. According to various embodiments, the body 222 is coupled to the funnel 224 when the funnel 224 is coupled to the cup 1230. The body 222 extends into the cup 1230 such that liquid released into the funnel opening 225 flows through the body 222 and into an inner volume of the cup 1230. Such an arrangement may help prevent liquid from escaping the cup 1230 in the event the cup 1230 is knocked over.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an oral care system 300 is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system 300 includes a bite block 320 that is configured to be coupled to another structure, such as a handle 310, and used during an oral care routine. According to another embodiment, the bite block 320 is configured to be coupled to other structures, such as a tongue depressor. It should be appreciated that the bite block 320 may be packaged and sold separately from the handle 310. For example, the handles 310 may be common in medical environments (e.g., tongue depressors) such that packaging can be reduced by selling the bite block 320 separately.

As shown, the bite block 320 includes an opening that may be used to couple the bite block 320 to the handle 310. For example, the bite block 320 may surround a portion of the handle 310 when the bite block 320 is coupled to the tongue depressor via the opening.

As shown in FIG. 14, the bite block 320 includes a plurality of bristles 322. The bite block 320 further includes a plurality of apertures 324. According to various embodiments, the apertures 324 increase the surface area of the bite block 320 that the oral care solution can adhere to without the use of a foam pad.

In some embodiments, the bite block 320 further includes an injection port. The injection port may be configured to receive oral care solution. According to various embodiments, oral care solution injected into the injection port may be release from one or more of the apertures 324. In other embodiments, the brush head further includes a suction port. The suction port may be coupled to a vacuum source such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be drawing through one or more of the apertures 324 and out of the suction port.

According to various embodiments, the bite block 320 is formed from a plastic material and the handle may be formed of a plastic material, or a non-plastic material, such as wood. For example, the bite block 320 may be formed of a plastic using a single mold or cast, and in some instances a mold insert and/or overmold insert.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the bite block 320 of FIG. 14 is shown up close, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the bite block 320 includes a plurality of bristles 322. The bristles 322 may be made of a stiff material, such as plastic, rubber, or silicon. The bristles 322 may be conical, cylindrical, or rectangular or any combination thereof in shape. The bite block 320 further includes a plurality of apertures 324. According to various embodiments, the apertures 324 increase the surface area of the bite block 320 that the oral care solution can adhere to without the use of a foam pad. As shown in FIG. 16, the sides of the bite block 320 include ridges that may be used to clean soft tissue (e.g., tongue, gums, cheeks, etc.). The ridges may be made of the same material as the bristles (e.g., plastic, rubber, silicon, etc.), or a variation thereof. In some embodiments, the ridges extend laterally across the exterior surface. In an example, the bite block 320 comprises a first side and a second side (i.e., a front side and a back side). The first side and the second side may contain a combination of bristles 322 and apertures 324. The first side and the second side may be connected by a third side (i.e., a connecting edge) that contains ridges. The bottom of the bite block 320 comprises an opening for receiving the handle 310. The opening may compose the whole bottom portion of the bite block, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the opening may compose part of the bottom portion of the bite block, for example, in a slot shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, an oral care system 400 is shown, according to an embodiment. The oral care system 400 includes a bite block 320 that is configured to be coupled to another structure, such as a handle 310 and used during an oral care routine. According to some embodiments, the bite block 320 is configured to be coupled to other structures, such as a bite block. It should be appreciated that the bite block 320 may be packaged and sold separately from the handle 310. For example, the handle 310 may be common in medical environments, such as a tongue depressor, such that packaging can be reduced by selling the bite block 320 separately.

The oral care system 400 further includes a handle 310 coupled to the bite block 320. The handle 310 extends from the bite block 320 such that the handle 310 can be held in conjunction with a tongue depressor. In other embodiments, the handle 310 may be comprised of a tongue depressor. According to various embodiments, the bite block 320 is formed from a plastic material and the tongue depressor may be formed of a non-plastic material, such as wood. For example, the bite block 320 may be formed of a plastic using a single mold or cast, and in some instances a mold insert and/or overmold insert.

In some embodiments, the handle 310 includes a suction port. The suction port may be coupled to a vacuum source such that excess oral solution and/or saliva can be drawing through one or more of the apertures 324 and out of the suction port.

The oral care system 400 may include a cap with an aperture for receiving the bite block 320 and handle 310. The cap may be couplable to a cup, such as a disposable Dixie® cup. The cap's aperture may act as a squeegee to remove excess oral care product/solution. Additionally, the cap with aperture may provide spill resistance if the cup falls or tips over. In some embodiments, the oral care system 400 includes a container holding oral care solution. The oral care solution container may be covered by a removable barrier to keep the oral care solution sterile before use (e.g., a film, a seal, a sheet, a board, etc.). The barrier may be pierced by the bite block 320 or removed by a user upon use of the oral care system 400.

According to various embodiments, any of the oral care devices, systems, and/or components described herein may be packaged individually or as a kit. In some embodiments, the kit includes one oral care device, system, and/or component; however, in other embodiments the kit includes any number of oral care devices, systems, and/or components. In this regard, a patient may receive a kit (e.g., an oral care system 1000) upon intake into a healthcare facility, and/or a plurality of individual oral care devices (e.g., an oral care system 100) may be provided in a patient room, for example for replacement. A healthcare provider may periodically check the kit for devices and/or components that may need to be repaired, replaced, refurbished, etc. According to an embodiment, the components of the kit are pre-packaged and/or arranged for use. In other embodiments, the packaging is designed with a small footprint for storage on a bedside table in a hospital room.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The term “or,” as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems, apparatuses, and methods shown in the various embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, any of the embodiments described in FIGS. 1-5 of this application can be incorporated with any of the other embodiments described. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

ORAL CARE SYSTEMS

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