MXPA06013913A

MXPA06013913A - Oral care device.

Info

Publication number: MXPA06013913A
Application number: MXPA06013913A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Alexander T Chenvainu; Thomas A Christman; Karen Claire-Zimmet; William R Brown; Mark E Farrell; Mark S Meadows; Marc Phillip Ortins
Original assignee: Gillette Co
Priority date: 2004-06-03
Filing date: 2005-05-20
Publication date: 2007-01-26
Also published as: JP2008501412A; EP1765215A2; WO2005120387A3; US20050271531A1; CA2569252C; CN1960683B; AU2005251695A1; CN1960683A; AR050509A1; WO2005120387A2; CA2723021A1; CA2569252A1

Abstract

Oral care devices are provided that include a pumping assembly for dispensing a fluid, e.g., a dentifrice, from the oral care device.

Description

DEVICE FOR THE CARE OF THE MOUTH TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to systems for oral care and methods for using them.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional toothbrushes, which have bristle tufts mounted on a head, are generally effective for removing scale from the flat surfaces of teeth, the areas between teeth and along the gums that can be easily accessed by sows . Typically, a consumer usually places a globule of paste from a tube on the bristles of the conventional brush before placing the brush in the mouth. After the paste is deposited on the bristles, the brush is placed in the mouth and the brushing process begins. As a further advancement with regard to toothbrushes, U.S. Pat. no. serie 2002/0108193 proposes a sonic electric toothbrush that can dispense additives in the brush head. The head can vibrate in relation to the brush body due to the sonic frequency vibrations that are transmitted to the brush head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention features a mouth care device that includes (a) an elongate housing that includes, at a distal portion of the housing, a sized head that fits within the mouth of the user; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a passage of fluids in the housing, the fluid conduit has a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) a motorized pumping unit configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid to outside the compressible region along the fluid passage to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing. The compressible region of the fluid conduit defines a path that is not semicircular. Preferably, the trajectory, generally, is not circular either. In some implementations, the path defined by the compressible region is practically right, that is, it has a radius of curvature greater than half the diameter of the housing in cross section. The radius of curvature can, in some cases, be greater than 2 inches. In other implementations, the path defined by the compressible region may include one or more localized arched areas, but in other implementations the path will generally include linear areas. The geometry of the compressible region allows the pumping unit to have a relatively small profile, such that the pumping unit fits into the elongate housing so that the diameter of the housing becomes graspable. The geometry of the compressible region also facilitates the removal of the fluid conduit from the housing, which is advantageous for the reasons discussed below. Some implementations include one or more of the following characteristics. The pumping unit can be configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple different compression events. The pumping unit further comprises a rotating rod which includes an elevated spiral, which may be continuous or discontinuous. For example, the spiral may include a discontinuous arrangement of projections extending outwardly from a surface of the rotating rod. The spiral can be configured to compress the conduit in the compressible region, progressively along at least a portion of the length of the conduit as the rod rotates. The pumping unit may further include a compression element disposed between the rod and the conduit such that the rod displaces the compression member to compress the conduit in the compressible region when the rod rotates. The rod can move the compression element when the rod rotates to multiple angular positions. The compression element can be configured to be displaced in a direction substantially transverse to the fluid path. For example, the compression element can be linearly displaced when the rod is in a selected angular position. Alternatively, the compression element can be displaced in a rotational or bending motion, or by bending the compression element. The buccal device may include multiple compression elements disposed between the rod and the conduit, in such a way that the compression elements are able to be displaced by the rod when it rotates, which can be arranged in one or more linear series. The oral care device may include an electric motor configured to rotate the rotating rod, for example, at a selected frequency or speed in response to a signal from the controller located within the housing, or at different selected frequencies or speeds. The controller may be programmed to increase or decrease the speed or frequency at which the motor rotates the rotating rod, for example, in response to the user's initiative. The long axis of the fluid conduit may be substantially parallel to, or coaxial with, the long axis of the housing. The oral care device may further include a fluid receptacle located within the housing, which is capable of being in communication with the fluid path. The pumping unit may be located downstream of the fluid receptacle. The oral care device may include multiple fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduit defining a fluid passage, and the fluid conduits may each have a region of compression. The multiple fluid passages can converge within the housing to combine fluid upstream of the outlet. The oral care device can be configured in such a way that the passage of fluids is replaceable. In another aspect, the invention features a device for oral care that includes a housing that includes a passage of fluids to direct the fluid within the housing and, in a distal portion of the housing, a head sized to fit inside the mouth of the user , and a reversible pumping unit configured to transfer fluid along the passage. Some implementations include one or more of the features described above. Some implementations may include one or more of the following characteristics. The reversible pumping unit can be configured to transfer fluid along the fluid passage in a direction away from the outlet in the distal portion of the housing. The reversible pumping unit may include an electric motor. The electric motor can be configured to rotate the rotary rod either in a first direction or in a second opposite direction in response to a signal from a controller located within the housing. The oral care device may include a fluid receptacle within the housing in continuous communication with the fluid passage, and the reversible pump unit may be configured to introduce fluid into the fluid receptacle. The reversible pumping unit can be configured to introduce fluid from the fluid passage into the fluid receptacle while the pumping unit operates in reverse. In another aspect, the invention features a device for oral care that includes a housing that includes a head, a handle and a neck connected to the head and the handle, the head is sized to fit inside the mouth of a user, and a power source for operating the oral care device, wherein the housing includes a removable cartridge component containing a fluid receptacle and a power source. The energy source can be, for example, a battery. The power source can be electronically connected to a motor configured to operate a pumping unit, for example, such as the pumping units described above. In yet another aspect, the invention features a buccal care device that includes a housing having a movable head configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, a handle and a neck connected to the head and handle, the housing defines an axis of accommodation extending between the handle and the head that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a passage of fluids located within the neck of the housing and extending to an outlet in the head, and a traction member connected to the head in a Apart from the axis of the housing, the traction member is configured to rotate the movable head about the axis of rotation.

Some implementations may include one or more of the following characteristics. In some implementations, at least a portion of the fluid passage extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation or co-extends with the axis of rotation. The output and the axis of rotation can be separated from each other. The oral care device may include a traction unit configured to move the traction member. The traction member can be connected to the head at a location spaced by a distance (d) between approximately 0.0127 and 0.508 cm (0.05 and approximately 0.2 inches) from the housing axis, for example, approximately 0.1905 and 0.381 cm (0.075 and 0.150 inches) ) from the housing axis, for example, approximately 0.3175 cm (0.125 inches). The invention also features methods for providing oral care when using the oral care devices described above. For example, the invention features a method that includes reducing an uncompressed volume (VO) of a fluid conduit disposed within the oral care device by compressing the fluid conduit to a compress volume (Ve, by its acronym in English) within a compressible region that defines a trajectory that is not semicircular, where compress volume (Ve) remains practically constant as the fluid conduit is compressed progressively along a length (L) to transfer fluid along the fluid passage within the oral care device. The fluid conduit can be progressively compressed along L by a series of different compression events, for example, using the pumping units described above. The invention also features a method that includes, with a series of successive side-by-side compression events, compressing a fluid conduit progressively into a compressible region along at least a portion of a length of the fluid conduit to extract fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passage and into a fluid outlet in the head of the oral care device. The compressible region can be substantially linear. In another at, the invention features a device for oral care that includes (a) a housing that includes, in a distal portion thereof, a dimensioned head that fits inside the mouth of the user; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing; (c) a pocket disposed within the housing, the pocket comprises a pocket body that includes two side walls defining a volume therebetween; and (d) an accessory that provides communication between the pocket body and the fluid conduit. In some implementations, the side walls are joined by a joint along at least one longitudinal side edge. In some implementations the fixture has an at ratio of height to width less than one, the height and width being measured along the minor and major axes, retively, at one end of the fixture disposed between the side walls.

The volume of the pocket can be increased from an original volume of zero as it becomes full, and decreases as the pocket empties. When the pocket is practically empty, the volume of it can be practically equivalent to the original empty volume. In one at, the invention features a mouth care device that includes (a) an elongate housing that includes, at a distal portion of the housing, a sized head that fits within the mouth of the user; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing, the fluid conduit has a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) a motorized pumping unit configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid to outside the compressible region along the fluid passage to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing. Where the pumping unit can be configured to compress the duct progressively with a series of multiple different compression events. The invention also features a device for oral care that includes (a) an elongate housing that includes, in a distal portion of the housing, a sized head that fits within the mouth of the user; (b) a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a passage of fluids in the housing, the fluid conduit has a compressible region disposed in the housing; and (c) a motorized pumping unit configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid to outside the compressible region along the fluid passage to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing, the motorized pump unit includes a traction unit which is disposed substantially parallel to the plane defined by the compressible region. This relative arrangement of the traction unit and the compressible region provide a compact geometry that allows the pumping unit to fit within the elongated housing so that the diameter of the housing becomes graspable. The features described above can be combined in any desirable manner, with each other and with other characteristics of oral care devices that will be described later. The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are defined in the accompanying figures and the description that follows. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the figures, as well as from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a modality of a system for oral care.

Fig. 2A is a front perspective view of a modality of a mouth care device. Fig. 2B is a rear perspective view of a mouth care device of Fig. 2A. Fig. 3A is a transparent front view of a mouth care device of Fig. 2A. Fig. 3B is a transparent rear view of a mouth care device of Fig. 2A. Fig. 4A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a pumping unit and associated fluid passage. Fig. 4b is a detailed perspective view of the pumping unit of Fig. 4A. Figures 5A and 5B are side and front views, respectively, of one embodiment of a set of compression elements. Figures 6A and 6B are side and perspective views, respectively, of a screwing mode. Figures 7A-7E illustrate a pumping sequence of the pumping unit and the fluid passage of Fig. 4A. Fig. 8 is a side view of elements of a pumping unit including a flexible membrane. Figures 9 and 9A illustrate another embodiment with flexible membrane. Fig. 10A is a top perspective view detailing one embodiment of a traction unit.

Fig. 10B shows the traction unit of Fig. 10A disposed within the oral care device. Fig. 10C is a side view of an alternative cam mode. Fig. 10D is a perspective view of a guide unit. Fig. 11 is a rear perspective view of a traction rod embodiment. Fig. 12 is a sectional drawing of a head of the oral care device of Fig. 2A. Figures 13A and 13B are top and perspective views, respectively, of the traction rod of Figure 11 and a fluid passage connected to the head. Figures 14 and 15 are front perspective views of two brush modalities. Figures 16A and 16B are front and rear perspective views of the head and neck of another embodiment of a mouth care device. Figures 17A and 17B are front and back perspective views of the head and neck of another embodiment of a mouth care device. Figures 18A and 18B are side views of a detachable component embodiment forming part of the oral care device of Fig. 2A.

Fig. 18C is a detailed sectional view of area C of Fig. 18A showing a valve. Figures 19A and 19B are sectional side views, respectively, of an embodiment of a detachable cartridge component that is part of the oral care device of Fig. 2A. Figures 19C and 19D are detail elongated views of areas C and D, respectively, of Fig. 19B. Figures 20A and 20C are front and back views, respectively, of a detachable component embodiment forming part of the oral care device of Fig. 2A. Figures 20B and 20D are transparent front and rear views, respectively, of the component of FIG. 20A. Fig. 21 side section of the valve of Fig. 19D coupled with a valve of the docking station. Figures 22A and 22B are sectional side views of another embodiment of a valve unit. Fig. 22C is a front view of a valve fitting of Figs. 22A and 22B. Fig. 23A is a perspective side view of a mode of a docking station. Fig. 23B is a transparent perspective side view of the coupling station of Fig. 23A. Fig. 24 illustrates one embodiment of a docking station. Fig. 25 illustrates another embodiment of a docking station.

Figures 26A and 26B are side perspective views of one embodiment of a pumping unit. Figures 27A and 27B are perspective side views of a unit of an actuation valve. Fig. 28 is a diagram of a control modality of a system for oral care. Fig. 29 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a mouth care device. Figures 30A and 30B are perspective and transparent views, respectively, of a separable component that is part of the oral device of Fig. 29. Figures 31 A and 31 B are perspective and transparent views, respectively, of a separable component that forms part of the device for buccal of Fig. 29. Figures 32, 33 and 34 are perspective views of alternative compression member assembly modalities. Figures 35A and 35B show an alternative screw-in mode. Figures 36A and 36B are front and back views, respectively, of the head and neck of another embodiment of a mouth device with the neck shown as transparent.

Fig. 37 is a rear view of the head and neck of another embodiment of a mouth care device with the neck shown as transparent. Figures 38 and 39 illustrate alternative embodiments of the head. Figures 40A and 40B are sectional views of an alternative embodiment of a valve unit. Figures 41, 42 and 44 are perspective views of different embodiments of fluid receptacles, and Fig. 43 is an end view of an accessory of Figs.41 and 42.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a modality of a system for oral care 10 that includes a device for oral care 12, in this case, a toothbrush and a docking station 14 that holds the device for care mouth 12 in a vertical position within a receiving portion of the docking station. As will be described in more detail below, the oral care device 12 is an electric toothbrush having a motorized head and designed to discharge a fluid such as a dentifrice or mouthwash or a combination of several fluids during the brushing cycle. . The docking station 14 is designed to recharge the batteries that are located within the oral care device, and to refill the oral care device with the fluid (s). As for Figs. 2A and 2B, the oral care device 12 includes a removable multicomponent housing 16 consisting of three interconnected components 152, 154 and 156 (see also for example Figs 18A, 19A and 20A). Assembled, the oral care device 12 includes a distal portion 18 in which a head 20 is placed, and a proximal portion 22 in which a handle 24 is positioned. The neck 26 connects the handle 24 and the head 20. head 20 is sized to fit inside a user's mouth for brushing, while handle 24 can be held by a user and facilitates manipulation of the head during use.

With respect to FIG. 2B, which shows a rear view of the oral care device 12, an inlet 28 is positioned near an end surface 30 in the proximal portion 22 of the oral care device. As will be described in more detail below, the inlet 28 may coincide with an outlet 280 (Fig. 23A) located in the coupling station 14, for filling the fluid path within the component 154. By placing the inlet 28 away from the end surface 30, the inlet is separated above a seating surface 275 (Fig. 23A) within the receiving portion of the docking station where substances (eg, toothpaste, water, powder) can accumulate, of such that the substances will not interfere with the coupling between the inlet 28 and the outlet 280. With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the internal components of the oral care device 12 are shown. The oral care device 12 includes the engines 34 and 36. The motor 34 controls a pumping unit 38, which is used to transfer a fluid along a fluid passage 40 (see Fig. 3B) to the distal portion 18 of the device for mouth care 12. As will be discussed below, pumping unit 38 transfers fluid by compressing a portion of tube 60 with a compression element. In some embodiments, the motor 34 is reversible and can move fluid in an opposite direction toward the proximal portion 22 of the oral care device 12. Moving the fluid in the opposite direction can, for example, reduce or, in some cases, even eliminate any leakage of fluid from the head that may occur due to increased pressure within the passage. The motor 36 controls a traction rod 42, which in turn moves (eg, rotates) the head 20. To provide power to the motors 34, 36A rechargeable battery 44 is electrically coupled to the motors. A suitable rechargeable battery is Li Ion UR 14500P, available from Sanyo. Pumping unit As can be seen more clearly in Figures 4A and 4B, the motor 34 includes a rotary rod 46 which is connected to a screw 48 having an elongated feed spiral 50 (FIG. 4B) by a pair of cams 52 and 54. The screw 48 and the spiral 50 are formed to sequentially displace each finger (or compression element) of a set of fingers 56 interconnected as the motor 34 rotates the screw. The finger 56 is secured to an interior wall of the housing 16 (Fig. 2A) by forming a series of drawlifts that are positioned adjacent the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 (Fig. 4A), which forms a portion of the passageway. of fluids 40. When the fingers 56 move, they compress the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 progressively along its length in a series of multiple compression events to force fluid along the fluid path (see FIGS. 7A-7E). Generally, the motor 34 and the set of cams (for example, cams 52 and 54) can be selected as desired. An appropriate motor 34 is FF-130SH, available from Mabuchi. In some embodiments, the set of cams is selected to reduce speed by approximately 23: 1.

With reference to Figures 5A and 5B, as shown, the set of fingers includes seven interconnected fingers 56 that extend integrally from a common base 57. Even when seven fingers are shown, the number of fingers can be selected as desired (for example, more than one, up to 10, 50, 100 or 200 fingers). Several sets of fingers can be used. The fingers 56 are interconnected at one end 62 and each extend to a free end 64 that can be displaced depending on the angular position of the screw 48. Even though the pumping unit 38 can be used without fingers 56 (e.g. of the screw 48 can be used to compress the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 directly), by using the fingers 56, the wear coming from rolling and sliding against the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 could be reduced due to the displacement of the fingers in the a direction substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the tube 60. Such reduction of wear from the bearing and sliding can potentially reduce the breakage of the tube 60, rupture which could lead to leakage of fluid within the housing 16. Generally, the sizes and dimensions of each one of the fingers can be selected as desired. As shown, each of the fingers 56 is of virtually identical dimensions with a width Wf (eg, from about 0.127 cm (0.05 inches) to about 0.508 cm (0.2 inches), such as about 0.254 cm (0.1 inches) ) and a length L (eg, from about 1.016 cm (0.4 inches) to about 1.524 cm (0.6 inches), such as about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches)) and have been formed to reduce the volume occupied by the fingers within of the accommodation. With reference to Fig. 5B particularly, the fingers 56 extend relatively linearly within the regions 66 and 68, with the region 68 separated from the region 66 at a distance T by the curve 70. In operation, the surface 72 of the fingers 56 can contact an outer surface of the tube 60, and the opposite surface 74 can contact the screw 48 or vice versa. The separation can ensure that a downward force of the finger is applied to the tube 60 completely. In some embodiments, one or more of the fingers may have a different dimension. The design of the fingers 56 depends, at least in part, on the designs of the tube 60 and the screw. Each finger 56 is designed to compress a region of the tube 60 that is more or less equal to the width of the respective finger 56. The distance between each finger and the adjacent finger is minimized (for example, approximately 0.0381 cm (0.015 inches)) for pumping to be effective. In general, the materials for forming the fingers 56 can be selected as desired. Preferred materials for forming the finger assembly include elastic materials that have high resistance to fatigue (e.g., due to repeated displacement of the fingers) and capable of resisting, at least for a reasonable period of time (e.g., 180 uses). or more) the contact coming from the bearing and sliding between the fingers 56 and the spiral 50. A suitable plastic material is the DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable method can be used to form the fingers, such as molding (e.g., injection molding), plastering, and machining. With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the definition variables of the screw 48 include the pitch of the screw, the waiting time caused by the platform 76 above the passage. Other variables that affect the design of the screw include the width of the fingers and the number of fingers. The pitch of the screw P (for example, the center-to-center distance between the platforms 76 along a line parallel to the axis of the rod, at least in some cases, ensures that at least one (preferably more than one) Finger compresses the tube at a given moment in time As shown, P is approximately 2.032 cm (0.8 inches), while the width of each platform is approximately 0.0889 cm (0.035 inches). Generally, the dimensions of the screw 48 can be selected as desired. Preferably, however, the design of the screw 48 depends, at least in part, on the design of the tube 60 and the fingers 56 within the compressible region 58 to achieve pumping action to transfer fluid along the passage 40. As discussed above with respect to the fingers, the preferred materials for forming the screw can support, at least for a reasonable time (eg, 180 uses or more) the contact caused by the rolling and sliding between the spiral 50 and the fingers 56 An appropriate plastic material is DELRIN® plastic. Any suitable method can be used to form the screw 48, such as molding (for example, by applying injection molding to the screw or plastic overmolding on, for example, a metal rod), and machining. With reference to Figures 7A-7E, schematic illustrations of portions of a displacement sequence of the pumping unit 38 shown in Fig. 4A and described above are shown. In this displacement sequence, the fingers 56 of the unit are sequentially displaced by the elongated spiral 50 (see Fig. 4B). Prior to compression, within the compressible region 58 the tube 60 has an almost constant internal and external diameter and an initial uncompressed volume V0 for a length L (i.e., the length of the compressible region 58), with L being practically equal to the width W of the set of fingers (Fig. 5A). When the fingers 56 compress the tube 60, the volume of L decreases to a compressed volume Vc. In some embodiments, Vc remains practically constant during the total sequence of displacement. In certain other modes, Vc changes practically during the total sequence of displacement. In any case, it is the geometry of the passage 40 through which the fluid flows which acts on a series of different progressive compression events to create the flow. Referring in particular to FIG. 7A, the fingers 56A and 56B are displaced by the screw 48 due to the increased diameter of the spiral 50 (Fig. 6A and 6B), which in turn compresses (e.g., obstructs) a portion of the tube 60 within the compressible region 58 between the finger 56 and the wall 78 to positively displace the fluid along the passage 40. While the screw 48 moves the finger 56 (possibly a maximum distance I), the screw 48 also move finger 56b. As the screw 48 rotates, also with reference to Fig. 5B, the finger 56a begins to return, withdrawing fluid within the region of the previously displaced tube 60, while the finger 56b displaces the distance I and the finger 56c begins its movement. As shown in Fig. 7C, the spiral 50 is formed in such a way that the finger 56b moves the distance I (or the maximum displacement distance) at least from the moment when the finger 56a begins its return path and at least until the finger 56c moves the distance I. With reference to Figures 7D and 7E, this sequence continues at the same time that all seven fingers 56a-56g move (only the displacement of the first four fingers 56a- 56d is shown to be brief) and repeated until the motor 34 stops rotating the screw 48. By moving more than one finger each time, the displacement sequence compresses the tube 60 relatively continuously along the length L, with relatively little or no reflux. Eliminating reflux usually eliminates the need for a check valve to achieve the pumping action. In some embodiments, I is substantially equal to or greater than the internal diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region 58. However, I may be smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 60 within the compressible region 58. As shown, the inner diameter of the tube 60 in the compressible region is approximately 0.15875 cm (1/16 inch) and I is slightly larger than 0.15875 cm (1/16 inch). With reference to Fig. 8, the flexible membrane 80 can be placed between the fingers 56 and the tube 60 (see Figs 20C and 20D). The membrane 80 is used to seal internal components disposed within the housing component 156 against water, paste or other liquids associated with brushing. The membrane can, for example, adhere to the inner wall 81 of the component 156 and / or molded onto the component 156. With respect to Figs. 9 and 9A as examples, in some embodiments, the membrane 80 includes a compression element 57 or a set of compression elements (or multiple sets of compression elements) that can be used to compress the tube 60, replacing the fingers 56. Additionally, other compression means are considered for compressing the tube 60 directly (or for displacing the compression elements), such as a rotating bent wire (eg, coiled wire or cam rod / crankshaft), solenoids, pneumatic cylinders. , a tilting mechanism and / or annular constrictions with ferrofluids. By using the pump unit described above, the fluid can be positively displaced without reflux and, as mentioned, without the need for any device to prevent backflow, such as a check valve (however, a non-return valve can be used). retention if desired). The pumping unit described above is particularly suitable for pumping aggressive, viscous, and shear sensitive slurries and fluids. Additionally, the fingers, motor, cams, screw, and other internal components can be isolated from fluids at the same time the fluid travels through passage 40, which in some cases can increase the life of the oral care device. 12 .

Head Traction Unit With reference to Fig. 3A, the motor 36 moves (eg, linearly translates) the pivoting traction rod 42, which in turn moves (eg, rotationally oscillates) the rotary head 20. The traction rod 42 is connected to the rotary head 20 using a displacement design that facilitates the placement of a fluid outlet in the head 20 and the tube 82, forming a portion of the fluid passage 40 within the neck 26 of the housing 16. This displacement design will be described in more detail later. The movement of the rotating head 20 is achieved, in part, by the use of a cam and a follower system which convert the rotational force of the motor 36 into a linear movement used to move the pull rod 42 back and forth. With particular reference to Fig. 10A, a tread 86 extends outwardly from the rod 84 which is connected to the engine 36 by a series of interconnected cams. The follower 88 includes a pair of projections 90 which are designed to be transported on the tread 86 at the same time that the rod 84 rotates due to the action of the engine 36. The tread 86 is formed in such a way that at the same time in that the rod 84 rotates, the follower 88 oscillates linearly. An alignment component 92 helps align the follower 88 in its oscillation Even when a high tread-follower system is shown, any suitable system may be used, such as several other cam systems, including drum cams with followers and grooved tread bands with followers. For example, with reference to Fig. 10C, an alternative cam design includes a cam 94 having a cam geometry on an inner surface 96 of a cup 98. In some cases, the cam follower can operate symmetrly with the motor shaft. Systems without cams, such as band or chain systems, can also be used. A band or chain system can replace the system of the traction rod shown to control the head 20 while leaving the axis of the mouth care device 12 available, to open the way for the passage of fluids 40. Connected to the follower 88 is found an intermediate traction rod 100. The intermediate traction rod 100 slides and is placed within the guide assembly 102 which is directly secured to the housing 16. With reference to Fig. 10D, the guide assembly 102 includes a gasket 104 (for example , formed of rubber), a bearing 106 (eg, a bronze oilite bearing), and a mounting plate 108. The mounting plate 108 is secured to the housing 16 (see Fig. 10B). The guide assembly 102 provides alignment and stabilization to the intermediate rod 100 as it moves back and forth with the follower 88. Referring to FIG. 10B, a pivoting draw rod 42 engages the intermediate drive rod 100. traction 100 and 42 are coupled through a pair of interconnecting notches 110A, 110B, which are made to mate with one another. The notch 110A is placed on one end of the rod 42 (Fig. 11) and the notch 110B is placed on the adjacent end of the intermediate rod 100 (Fig. 10A). The traction rod 42 slides and is placed within a support 112 which is secured within the neck 26 of the housing 16 (shown in shading) to restrict the side-to-side movement of the rod 42 and to maintain the connection between the notches 110. The notches 110 are detachable (e.g., to separate the components 152 and 154) by applying a force (eg, by the consumer) to the support 12 in a direction separating the notches 110. The support 112 has sufficient flexibility to allowing the notches 110 to come off when pushed by a consumer to allow the consumer to separate the component 154 from the components 152 and 156. As can be seen, the space available within the neck 26 of the housing 16 is relatively limited. As a result, the traction rod 42 is formed to facilitate the positioning of the fluid guide tube 82 and the oscillating traction rod 42 within the neck of the housing 16. Shown more clearly in Fig. 11, the traction rod 42 includes a number of elbows 114, 116 that help maintain the distance between the fluid passage 40 and the pull rod 42 such that the tube 82 does not interfere with the movement of the pull rod 42. The small bend 114 is connected to the rotary head 20 and is designed to be small enough to be mounted through the neck 26 of the housing 16. This may allow the rod 42 to be mounted through an opening in the bottom of the component 152. The elbow 114, without However, it is long enough to control the rotating head 20. By including the elbows 114, 116, there is a reduced likelihood that the traction rod 42 and the tube 82 will interfere with the operation of each other during use. With reference to Fig. 12, the rotating head 20 is rotatably connected to the housing 16 within a socket 118 formed in the housing 16. A non-rotating accessory (eg, a bearing) 120 is secured on a distal end of the tube. 82 and a valve 122 fits over the assembly 120. The valve 122 and the assembly 120 extend through an opening 124 in the rotating head 20 such that, from the valve 122 and the assembly 120, the non-rotating assembly 120 receives a lot of force from the rotating head 20 during operation, thereby reducing wear and tear of the valve. A pin 126 secures the rotary head 20 in the housing 16 as it passes through a hole 128 in the housing 16 and into a groove 130 formed in the rotary head 20. This connection of the pin 126 and the slot 130 secures the rotating head. 20 inside the housing 16 and allows the rotating head 20 to rotate. With reference to Figures 13A and 13B, the rotary rod 42 is connected to the rotating head 20 in an orifice (not shown) formed in the rotating head 20 and disposed away from the longitudinal axis 131 at a distance d (eg, greater than zero, such as from about 0.127 cm (0.05 inches) to about 0.508 cm (0.2 inches), such as about 0.3175 cm (0.125 inches)). The longitudinal axis 131 is perpendicular to a rotation axis 134 (Fig. 13B) of the head, and the distance d is measured perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis 131 to the center of the hole. The rod 42 slides and fits within the hole to allow oscillation of the rotating head 20 relative to the rod 42. At the same time that the traction rod moves back and forth, the rotary head 20 oscillates about the axis 134. at a desired frequency (eg, from about 35 Hz to about 140 Hz, such as from about 50 Hz to about 80 Hz.). With reference to Figures 14 and 15, the head 20 includes a base 136 that includes the opening 124 (see Fig. 12) through which the valve 122 extends outwardly beyond the base. Although any suitable valve can be used, such as a duckbill valve or other types of check valves, the duckbill valve is preferred because it is easy to use and reduces the ingress of fluids and foreign particles into the passageway. of fluids (for example, during use and storage). In some embodiments, the distal end of the tube 82 forms a fluid outlet without the use of a valve therein. In some embodiments, opening 1124 forms a portion of the fluid passage. Extending from the base 136 there is a set of bristle blocks 138. Even though each block 138 is shown as a solid mass in the figures, the blocks are each actually made from a large mass of individual plastic bristles. The bristles can be made of any desired polymer, for example, nylon 6.12 or 6.10, and can have any desired diameter, for example, 4-8 mil. The blocks 138 are supported by the base 136, and may be held in place by any insertion technique as is well known in the industry, for example, thermal insertion or a stapling process. The blocks 138 may be mounted to move on the base 136, as is well known in the toothbrush industry. For a more detailed description of brush heads, applicants cite the pending US patent. Application number 10 / 666,497, filed on September 9, 2003, the exhibition of which is incorporated herein in its entirety as a reference. Generally, blocks 138 and fluid outlet 140 (together with opening 124) can be placed where desired. With reference to Figures 14 and 15, the blocks 138 are placed near the centrally located valve 122. With particular reference to Fig. 14, an ellipse-shaped head design is illustrated in which the base 136 is in the form of an ellipse. The valve 122 is shown to be located near the center of the elliptical base 136 (ie, at the intersection of the major and minor axes of the ellipse) with the blocks 138 arranged near the fluid outlet 140 in an elliptical arrangement. Fig. 15 shows a more circular head design with the valve 122 disposed in the center of the base 136 and the blocks 138 disposed near the fluid outlet 140 in a circular arrangement. It is not required, however, that the valve 122 and the associated fluid outlet 140 be centrally positioned within the rotating head 20, or that the fluid outlet be aligned with the axis of rotation 134 of the rotating head 20. For example, with reference to Figs. 16A and 16B, a movable head 142 includes a valve of elbow design. In this embodiment, a valve 122 and the associated fluid passage 40 extends through a rotary head 142 spaced apart from the axis of rotation 134. As described above, a traction rod 42 is connected to the rotating head 142 extending from a longitudinal axis 131. As another example and with reference to Figs. 17A and 17B, a head 146 includes a movable portion 148 and a fixed portion 150 with a valve 122 and an associated fluid passage 40 disposed in the fixed portion 150. As an alternative, the valve 122 can be positioned within the movable portion 148. , as described above, and not in the fixed portion 150. The movable portion 148 is formed by a rotating head that is connected to a pull rod, as described above. In some embodiments, the rotary rod 42 includes a fluid path that forms a portion of the fluid passage 40 by continuously connecting the traction rod 42 to the tube 60. One end (not shown) of the traction rod 42 that is connected to the The head can provide a fluid outlet, or a valve or other structure can be attached to the end of the pull rod. Valves and seals With reference to Figures 18A-19B and 20A-20D, as mentioned above, the housing 16 is separated into three components 152, 154, and 156. The component 152 (ie, a removable head assembly); Figures 18A and 18B) include a head 20 and a neck 26 together with a pull rod 42 and a tube 82. The component 154 (ie, a refillable and removable cartridge unit); Figures 19A and 19B) include a tube 60, a compressible region 58 (Fig. 19B) and an inlet 28. Engines 34 and 36 are within the component 156, together with the pump unit 38 and a rechargeable battery 44 (see Fig. 3B). Because each of the components 152 and 154 contains a portion of the fluid passage 40, for the purpose of reducing or, in other cases, preventing the leakage of fluids when the components 152 and 154 are separated, each of the components 152 and 154 include a valve 160 and 162, respectively, with a "normally closed" construction. The valves are placed at one end of the associated conduit, for example, to virtually close the fluid passage completely associated with each component when the components are separated. With reference to Figures 18A and 18C, the neck valve 160 is capable of mating with the valve of the cartridge 162 (see Figs 19A and 19C). With reference to Figs. 18C and 19C, the valve 160 and the valve of the cartridge 162 include internal surfaces 164 and 166 respectively, which each form a portion of the fluid passage 40. Close to the openings 126 and 128, the inner surfaces 164 and 166 narrow down, they reduce the internal diameter of the fluid passage to form the seating surfaces 172 and 174. Pressed against the seating surfaces 172 and 174 are the sleeves 176 and 178. The sleeves 176 and 178 have external surfaces 180, 182 which they have been contoured to complement the contour of the respective seat surfaces 172 and 174. The sleeves are pressed against the seating surfaces 172, 174 by the coil springs 184, 186 (eg, between approximately 0.635 and 0.9625 cm (0.250 and 0.375 inches) together with a total external diameter of between about 0.3048 and 0.6096 cm (0.120 and 0.240 inches) formed of, for example, stainless steel wire between about 0.03556 and 0.04572 cm (0.014 and 0.018 inches) in diameter) to close the passage of fluids 40 when components 152 and 154 are separated (e.g. an airtight seal against fluid or against air.Valves can be constructed to remain closed and seal the passage even when a positive pressure is applied within the passage, for example, when the pumping mechanism is activated). A positive pressure is applied to the respective sleeve from within the passage, an increase in deflection force is transmitted and the sleeve applies more force against the seating surface which maintains the seal. With reference to Figures 19B and 19D, the cartridge component 154 includes a second valve 200 that is capable of engaging the valve of the docking station 322 at the outlet 280 (Figs 21 and 23A). The valve 200 includes the features described above with respect to the valve 162, and the valve 322 includes the features described above with respect to the valve 160. The valve 200 controls the flow of fluids through the inlet 28 disposed near the surface of the base 30 (see Fig. 2B), while the valve 322 controls the flow of fluids through the outlet of the coupling station 280. To illustrate the operation of the valves, with reference to Fig. 21, each one of the sleeves 176 and 178 includes an extended portion 188. The extended portions 188 project beyond the seating surfaces 172, 174 when the valves are separated. When the valves 200 and 322 engage, the extended portions 188 of the sleeves 176, 178 come into contact with each other. In some embodiments, only one or none of the sleeves 176, 178 has an extended portion 188 that extends beyond the respective seating surface. As valves 200 and 322 approach each other, the sleeves 176, 178 deviate from the seating surfaces, thereby opening the fluid passage 40 and allowing the flow of fluids therethrough. When coupled, the valves are also made to be kept open during use by applying pressure to the sleeves, for example, by the fluid flowing within the passage. This can be achieved by restricting the movement of the respective sleeves when the valves are opened. To seal the surrounding fluid passage 40 when the valves are engaged, the cartridge valves 162 and / or 200 may include a seal ring 201 (e.g., a seal) disposed within the cavity 192 extending internally from a surface external 194 of the cartridge valve. In some embodiments, the seal ring provides an airtight seal against fluids, but not an air tight seal. In some cases, the seal ring provides a watertight seal against fluids, and an airtight seal against air. The seal ring can be sized to contact an inner surface 190 of the valves 160 and / or 322. With reference to FIG. 18C, the neck valve 160 incorporates a portion 165 of the neck 26 as part of the valve unit. The valve unit of the neck 160 is directly connected to the open proximal end of the tube 82, allowing the passage of fluids directly from the valve into the tube 82. With reference to Fig. 19C, the cartridge valve is connected to the tube 60 by means of a pointed attachment 203 at the end of the unit. Other fastening methods are also possible such as presses, plastic or wire bonding wraps and / or adhesives. In some embodiments, an alternative valve unit is used to close the fluid passage 40 in a single component, when the components are separated. With reference to Figures 22A-22C, a single-sided valve unit 250 includes a valve 252 and an accessory 254 (see Fig. 22C). The valve 252 includes an inner surface 256 that tapers downward to form a seating surface 258 and a sleeve 260 with an extended portion 262 that is pressed toward the seating surface 258. The fitting 254 includes an inner surface 266 that forms a passage for the flow of fluid and a wall 268 that covers the length of the passage of the accessory. Wall 268 includes four channels 270 that are in constant communication with the passage. The channels 270 provide a conduit through which fluid can flow from the fitting 254 to the valve 252 (or vice versa) when the valve 252 engages the fitting 254. Because the valve 252 engages the fitting 254, returning to Fig. 22B, the extended portion 262 comes into contact with the wall 268. Since the surface 272 of the valve 252 approaches the wall 268, the sleeve 260 deviates from the seating surface 258 by opening the valve 252. The channels 270 are positioned in such a way that the sleeve 260 does not block the channels 270 in such a way that the fluid can pass through them. In some embodiments, attachment 254 replaces the neck valve (e.g., to allow rinsing of passageway 40 within collar component 152). Generally, materials for making the accessory and valves, including hoses and springs, can be selected as desired. Suitable materials for the manufacture of the valves include polyethylene (e.g., HDPE), polypropylene, acrylonitrile-based copolymer (e.g., BAREX® available from BP plc), acetal (POM), or corrosion-resistant metals such as stainless steel. Suitable materials for forming the sleeves include elastomers such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), fluorocarbons (eg, VITON® fluorocarbons, available from DuPont Dow Elastomers LLC), combinations of these materials and any of these materials used in combination with a harder material such as stainless steel. The valves can be made by any suitable method including molding (for example, injection molding) and / or machining, with common joining processes such as ultrasonic or laser welding, adhesives, and the like. Components 152 and 154 are designated to be replaced. By "replaceable", it is meant that components 152 and 154 are interchangeable by the consumer with other similar components to form a mounted oral care device, and that replacement can normally be effected by the consumer without causing damage to the consumer. device for oral care. As can be seen from the above description, because the entire fluid passage 40 is supported by the components 152 and 154, the entire fluid passage 40 is also replaceable. In other words, any part of the oral care device 12 that comes into contact with fluid is replaceable. This facilitates the use of different types of fluids with the oral care device without reaching the undesirable mixture of fluids and repair of the oral care device (for example, due to rupture of fluid passage, malfunction of valves , and the similar). This also helps to maintain the oral care device in a hygienic condition during extended use. To mount the oral care device 12, the components 152 (the head unit) and 154 (cartridge) are adjusted to the component 156 through mechanical push-pin mechanisms 137. (Figs 2A and 2B). With reference to Figures 18A and 20A, component 152 is adjusted to component 156 by inserting an upper end 133 of component 156 into the receiving end 135 of component 156. In this way, a mechanical connection is formed by the pin members. at pressure 139 (Fig. 18B) and 141 (Fig. 20A), the traction rods 42 and 100 are connected and, if the component 154 is connected to the component 156, a continuous connection is generated through the valves 160 and 162 The component 154 is fitted to the component 156 through a similar pressure pin connection (see also Fig. 19A). To disassemble the components 152 and 154 of the component 156, a user can press the push pins 137 against each other to release the mechanical connection. This is achieved by pressing buttons 143 located on handle 24 to release component 154 from component 156, and pressing buttons 143 located on neck 26 to release components 152 and 156. Other connections are contemplated, such as a separate screw, or a bayonet-style neck that can move independently of the orientation of the components that are mounted. Because a connection must be made between the traction rod and a fluid line, a linear connection (eg, opposite a rotational connection) is preferred to align the two connections. Other general assembly arrangements can be made, such as mounting component 152 to component 154, and subsequently, mounting component 154 to component 156. Controls of the oral care device With reference to Fig. 3A, the device for care mouth 12 includes a control circuit or controller 400 that is electrically connected to motors 34, 36, and generally governs the operation thereof. A user interface 402 provides external interaction with the controller 400. The user interface 402 includes on and off buttons 404 and 406 and a fluid level switch 408, all of which are accessible from the outside of the housing 16 (see FIG. 2A). While the controller can be programmed as desired, as an example, the controller is designed in such a way that when the button 404 is released the motors 34 and 36 are turned on, and when the button 406 is released, only one of the motors 34, 36 is turned on. , such as the motor 36. By releasing the 404 button the movement of the head and the fluid flow can be initiated. When you release the 406 button, only one, the flow of the fluid or the movement of the head can start. Releasing the 404 or 406 button can also stop the associated motor (s) after powering up. In the cases where the button 406 turns on and stops only the motor 36, a user can, for example, brush without the additional fluid dispensing and can rinse the oral care device 12 while the head rotates. The fluid level switch 408 allows the user to choose between preselected fluid delivery speeds, such as high (eg, about 1.1 g / min), medium (e.g., about 1 g / min) and low (e.g. , approximately 0.9 g / min). Three electroluminescent diodes (LEDs) 410 can selectively illuminate to indicate a selected level of fluid delivery. As an alternative or in addition, a liquid crystal display (LCD) may be included to show a level of fluid delivery and / or may be used to display other information such as the fluid level in the device for the oral care 12 and / or the state of charge of the battery. As mentioned above, the controller 400 can be programmed as desired. Preferably, the controller 400 is programmed to adjust a level of pulp dispensing followed by the ignition of the motor 34. In some embodiments, the controller is programmed such that a relatively large bolus of fluid is dispensed immediately after the motor 34 it has been turned on, for example, to have sufficient paste to begin brushing, and then the level of pulp dispensing is decreased, for example, to a lower clearance level through the remaining portion of the brushing cycle. The pulp dispensing level can be lowered, for example, through intermittent waves of fluid and / or through lower fluid delivery rates. As an example, the controller can be programmed to provide three dispatch speeds: low, medium and high. In one embodiment, at low dispatch speed, the controller is programmed to dispatch a bolus for approximately seven seconds when the motor 34 is activated. After approximately seven seconds, the controller intermittently turns on the motor 34 for approximately 0.75 seconds and deactivates the motor 34 for approximately 2.4 seconds (for example, place the engine on and off cycles at these intervals). In the same mode, at the average dispatch speed, the controller is programmed to dispatch a bolus when the engine 34 is turned on for approximately seven seconds, and then the engine is turned on for approximately 0.75 seconds and the off cycle for approximately 1.63 seconds. At the high dispatch speed, the controller is programmed to dispatch a bolus when the engine 34 is turned on for approximately seven seconds, and then the engine is turned on for approximately 0.75 seconds and the off cycle for approximately 1.2 seconds. Depending on the desired programming of the controller 400, more or less user interface controls can be used to initiate various functions.Coupling station When not in use, the oral care device 12 can be coupled with the docking station 14. The docking station 14 can be connected to an electrical outlet (not shown) or to another appropriate source of power supply . With reference to Figures 23A and 23B, the docking station 14 is formed to hold the oral care device 12 within the receiving portion in a vertical position. The receiving portion 273 is formed between the vertical cavity 295 formed in the housing 291 and the extension 297 of the housing extending from the base 293. The cavity 295 is contoured to receive a portion of the mouth care device 12. The coupling 14 includes a reaction device, for example, a sensor (not shown) that detects a signal when the docking station receives the oral care device, and in response to this signal, sends a signal to a controller, the details of which will be described in more detail later. With reference to Fig. 23B, the coupling station 14 includes a fluid receptacle 274 (see Figs 24 and 25) which is coupled to the tube 276 which forms a portion of the fluid passage 278 extending from the receptacle fluids 274 towards outlet 280. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 24, fluid container 274 is formed as an integral part of a removable, replaceable portion 301 of coupling station 14. In other embodiments, illustrated in Fig. 25, a replaceable pocket 303 forms the fluid receptacle. In this case, the upper portion 301 of the docking station is removable, to allow the consumer to easily remove the pocket 303 when its contents are exhausted, or when the user wishes to use a different product, and insert a replacement pocket . With reference to Fig. 23B, to move fluid along the fluid passage, the docking station includes a reversible pumping unit 282. As can be seen more clearly in Figs. 26A and 26B, the pump unit 282 is similar to the pump unit shown in Figs. 4A and 4B in which it includes a motor 284, a screw 286 having a large dimension scroll spiral (see Fig. 26A), and a set of interconnected fingers 290 arranged to sequentially compress a compressible region 277 of the tube 276. In some embodiments, the motor 284, the screw 286, including the scroll and the fingers 290, have been manufactured practically identical to those described above. Other pumping units have also been contemplated for moving the fluid, particulate and / or powder along the fluid passage, such as a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, compressed gas, cam pump, etc. The motor 284 is mounted, using a support 294, on a support plate 296 that is secured to a floor 298 (see Fig. 23B) of the base station 14. The fingers 290 are secured along its base (see , for example, the element 53 of Fig. 5A) to a plate 305 that is secured to a support member 300, which is mounted to the side surfaces of a pair of guide plates 306 and 308 (Fig. 26B). Mounted in this manner, the fingers 290 form a series of cantilevered projections disposed adjacent the tube 276. The guide plates 306, 308 are each mounted on the bottom surfaces of the support plate 296. The guide plate 308 includes an aperture 309 sized to receive a coupling member 311 that connects the outlet from the gearbox to the screw 286, and the guide plate 306 includes an opening 309 that receives the screw 286. Again with reference to Figures 26A and 26B, a plate positioning 310 is provided for positioning the fluid carrying tube 276 such that the compressible region 292 is adjacent to the fingers 290. The positioning plate 310 is mounted on an upper surface of the plates 306, 308, and includes openings, defined by the lower surface of the positioning plate 310 and the cavities 312 and 314 on the upper surfaces of each of the guide plates 306, 308, through which the tube 276 passes. that the tube 276 is disposed and held in place by these openings, when the fingers 290 move compress the tube 276 in the compressible region 292 progressively along its length in a series of multiple compression events to force the fluid along the fluid path. Generally, the engine 284 can be selected as desired. An appropriate motor is FF130SH, available from Mabuchi. The screw 286, the fingers 290 and the displacement sequence may be identical to those described above with reference to Figs. 7A-7E. Downstream of the pump unit 282, the tube 276 is connected to a pulling unit 316 (Fig. 27A) which is used to extend and remove the valve 322 to lock and unlock, respectively, the valve 200 of the care device buccal 12. Although valve 322 is illustrated, any appropriate coupling can be used, which is designed to be coupled to the oral care device and provide communication between the fluid container 274 and the oral care device. The traction unit 316 includes a motor 318 capable of moving a sled 320 which is connected to the valve 322, which is in continuous communication (e.g., using a pointed fitting) to the tube 276. With reference to FIGS. 27A and 27B, the valve 322 slides and fits within a fixed bearing 324. To move the sled 320 and the associated valve 322, the motor 318 and an associated gearbox 328 are connected to a guide screw 330 using a coupling that the screw is screwed to the sledge 320. As the motor 318 rotates the guide screw 330, the sledge 320 is pulled or pushed toward or away from the motor 318, depending on the direction of rotation of the guide screw 330. The guide screw 330 is connected to a pair of bearings 334, which help to position the guide screw 330. As set forth above, the valve 322 is disposed at the outlet 280 to control the flow of fluid from the outlet 280, and is engageable with the valve 200 that controls the flow of fluid within the inlet 28 of the oral care device 12. As an alternative, in some embodiments, the valve can be mechanically operated using other traction mechanisms, for example, a mecha. Spring (for example, loading the valve on a spring and releasing it using a button) and / or a lever that can cause the valve to extend and / or retract. With reference to Fig. 23B, a pair of guides 336, 338 are exposed within the receiving potion 273 of the docking station 14. The guides 336, 338 are positioned to contact a pair of contacts 340, 342 (Fig. 2A) on the oral care device 12 when it is placed inside the receiving portion 173. This contact will electronically couple the oral care device 12 and the coupling station 14, such that the source of energy to the which connects the docking station can recharge the rechargeable batteries inside the oral care device. Contacts 340, 342 are electrically connected to the rechargeable batteries, allowing energy to flow from the docking station to the batteries. With reference to Fig. 28, by placing the oral care device 12 within the receiving portion 273 in such a manner that the contacts 340, 342 engage the guides 336, 338, a charging circuit is closed, the which the controller recognizes. When the charging circuit is closed, the rechargeable batteries 44 begin to charge. The charging circuit may include an inductive component for charging the batteries 44 inductively. In some modalities, the oral care device is electronically connected to the docking station mechanically or using a signal from a magnetic field, electric field, radiofrequency identification (RFID), as examples. When the loading process begins, the motor 318 of the traction unit 316 is activated and the valve 322 projects forward to engage with the valve 200 (Fig. 2B) in the handle 24. A limit switch (not shown) ) determines the travel end of valve 322, once the limit switch is activated, valve 322 can be projected forward by traction unit 316 for an additional selected period of time (eg, approximately two seconds) , which can ensure that valves 200 and 322 are positioned. During the selected period of time, the valve 322 may or may not travel forward. The time period selected for the trip is used primarily to help ensure that valves 322 and 200 are coupled. After activation of the limit switch and the termination of the selected time period, the controller is programmed to determine if a pressure switch (not shown) has been activated. The pressure switch is positioned within the passage 278 (or, in some embodiments, within passage 40 of the oral care device 12) and will be activated when the pressure in the passage exceeds a preselected threshold, for example, 55.16 kPa (8 psi) (preferably between 41.37 and 68.95 kPa (6 and 10 psi)). If this threshold is exceeded, it is an indication that the fluid passage 40 in the oral care device is full. Once the valves are engaged, if the fluid path in the oral care device is not yet full (i.e., if the pressure switch has not been activated), then the pump unit 282 is activated and pumps fluid from the receptacle 274 in the docking station to fluid passage 40 within the component 154 of the mouth care device 12, filling the fluid supply into the fluid path of the mouth care device 12. However, if the The controller detects that the pressure switch is activated prior to activation of the pump unit 282 (ie, if the fluid passage of the oral care device is already full when the oral care device is placed in the delivery station. coupling), the motor 284 is not activated and the valve 322 retracts until a subsequent limit switch (not shown) is activated. During a refill operation, when the pressure in the passage reaches the threshold, the pressure switch is activated and the controller instructs the engine 284 to deactivate to discontinue pumping of fluid, and instructs the traction unit 316 to retract valve 322 to its closed start position. As an alternative, in some embodiments, after the activation of the pressure switch, the controller opens a bypass valve which directs the fluid back to the receptacle. A similar operation can also be achieved, for example, by using a pressure relief valve, which does not require a pressure switch. The rear limit switch is activated when valve 322 retracts to its starting position.

As explained above, the fluid passage 40 is filled until the pressure within the passage reaches the preselected threshold, indicating that the component 154 has reached a predetermined capacity. As a measure to avoid excesses, the controller can deactivate the motor 285 after a selected period of time (for example, one minute, preferably between 30 seconds and 2 minutes) has ended, regardless of whether the pressure switch has been turned off. activated or not. This can prevent the coupling station 14 from emptying the fluid receptacle 274 (for example, in the event of a valve coupling problem or when a component 154 breaks). When the valves 322 and 200 are engaged (Fig. 19), the oral care device 12 can not be removed from the receiving portion 273. The coupled valves lock the oral care device 12 to the docking station 14, for example, to maintain a continuous connection between the oral care device 12 and the docking station 14. In some embodiments, only one motor housed inside the docking station 14 is used to operate the valve 322 and the pump fluid along the fluid passage 278. In these cases, a clutch can be used to lock the motor with the traction unit and the pumping unit. In some cases, the pump unit 38 within the oral care device 12 is used to withdraw fluid from the fluid receptacle of the docking station to fill the passage 60 within the cartridge component 154. This may cause the unit pumping 282 inside the docking station is unnecessary. Now, with reference to Fig. 29, an alternative oral care device 400 is shown, which includes a separable bicomponent housing 402 with a removable and replaceable cartridge 404. Similar to the oral care device 12 described above, the oral care device 400 is an electric toothbrush having a motorized head and designed to discharge a fluid, such as a dentifrice or mouthwash or a combination of fluids during the brushing cycle. As will be discussed in detail below, the oral care device 400 includes a main component 418 and the detachable cartridge component 404 that includes a fluid receptacle (which can be refilled and / or disposed of) and batteries (which can be rechargeable or disposable) or another source of energy. The body and component of the cartridge are secured together through press pins 419. In some embodiments, the cartridge component 404 is disposable in its entirety. Assembled, the oral care device 400 includes a distal portion 406 in which a movable head 408 and a neck 410 and a proximal portion 412 are placed in which a handle 414 is located. The head 408 is sized to fit within the body. the mouth of a user for brushing, while the handle 414 can be held by a user and facilitates the manipulation of the head 408 during use. The oral care device 400 includes a user interface 416 in the form of an on / off button. As discussed above, the cartridge component 404 is separated from the main component 418 (see Fig. 31A). As illustrated in Figures 30A and 30B, the cartridge component 404 is a removable, removable cartridge capable of transporting a fluid (eg, toothpaste, mouthwash, water) within a fluid receptacle 405 (eg, a rigid container or a flexible pocket). The main component 418 also includes a power source 420 (see Fig. 30B). By providing the cartridge component 404 with a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) and a fluid receptacle, the need for a docking station capable of filling and recharging the cartridge component can be eliminated. In some modalities, a refill station, a refill station and / or a combination of a refill and refill station are provided for refilling the cartridge component 404 and / or recharging the power source 420. In other embodiments, a simple docking station that neither fill nor recharge can be provided to hold the device for oral care. With reference to Figures 31 A and 31 B, the main component 418 includes the movable head 408 and, internally housed within the main component 418, a pair of motors 34 and 36. The motor 34 controls a pumping unit 438 which is used for transferring a fluid along a passage of fluids 40 to the head 408 of the oral care device 400. In some embodiments, the motor 34 is reversible and can move fluid in an opposite direction toward the proximal portion of the device for oral care 400 (for example, to reduce, or, in some cases, even eliminate any leakage of fluid in the head, which may occur due to increased pressure within the passage). The motor 36 controls a traction rod 442, which in turn (for example, rotates) the head 408. When the cartridge component 404 is connected to the main component 418 (as shown in Fig. 29), the Power source 420 is electrically coupled to motors 34, 36 to provide them with power. The head traction unit is similar to the traction unit of the head of the oral care device 12 described above, in which the traction rod 42 is connected to the rotating head 408 using a displacement design that facilitates the placement of an outlet of fluids in the head 408 and a tube 422 that forms the fluid passage 40 within the neck 410 of the housing 402. The traction rod 42 moves with the use of a cam and a follower system that converts the rotational force of the motor 36. in linear motion used to move the traction rod 42 forward and backward. In some embodiments, the head traction unit is practically identical to that shown in Figs. 10A-13 (and may include any alternative) such as those described above. As can be seen in Fig. 31 B, the pumping unit 438 is similar to the pumping unit 38 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B in which it includes the motor 34, a screw 48 having a forward spiral 50 of large dimension, a set of interconnected fingers 56 and a tube 422 having a compressible region 58 that forms at least a portion of the fluid passage 40. In some embodiments, motor 34, screw 48 including spiral 50, tube 422 and fingers 56 are of substantially identical construction to the constructions described above, and can include any of the alternatives described above. Each of the housing components 404 and 418 contain a portion of the fluid passage 40. To reduce or, in some cases, even prevent fluid leakage from the fluid passage 40 when the components 404 and 408 are separated, the valves are provided. 160 and 162 having a "normal closed" configuration at the proximal end of the main component 418 and at the distal end of the cartridge component 404, respectively. (Appropriate valves having a "normal closed" configuration are shown, for example, in Figs 18C and 19C described above Other types of valves may be used, such as that described with reference to Figs 40A and 40B below) . As described with respect to the valves shown in Figs. 18C-19C, the valves 160 and 162 close the passage 40 when the main component 418 and the cartridge component 404 separate, and allow the flow of fluids through the passageway 40 when the components are joined. Other Modes With reference to Figures 32, 33 and 34, three sets of alternative compression elements are shown that include compression elements that have multiple elbows 508, for example, to facilitate the placement of the compression element assemblies within the oral care device. The curvature can be 180 degrees, as shown, but other configurations can be used, such as a 90 degree bend. With reference to Fig. 32, the set of compression elements 500 includes multiple interconnected compression elements 502. Each of the compression elements 502 is supported on both sides by the bases 504, each of these bases 504 also interconnects the element 502 of the set. The compression elements 502 are formed to be fastened by the application of a force, such as that applied to the screw 48. As the elements 502 are buckled, an associated compression surface 506 is displaced, which in turn it can displace, for example, an adjacent compressible tube. With reference to Fig. 33, another compression assembly 510 includes multiple interconnected compression elements 512 that are supported on only one end by a base 504. Now, with reference to Fig. 34, the compression assembly 600 is capable of compressing a pair of compressible fluid conduits 602 and 604 for pumping fluid along a pair of associated fluid passages 606 and 608 (shown with flashing lines). The compression elements 610 extend from a common base 612 which also interconnects each compression element 610 of the two assemblies. An advantage of the embodiment shown is that a single rod with a spiral can be used to displace both sets of compression elements by placing the rod with the spiral (not shown) between the two sets of compression elements 610. In some joint embodiments of separate, multiple compression elements can be used such as that shown in Fig. 5B, together with multiple spirally wound rods such as that shown in Fig. 6A, for pumping fluid along respective multiple passages. An alternative embodiment of a screw 700 is shown in Figs. 35A and 35B wherein spiral 702 is formed of multiple discontinuous projections 704. The projections 704 are arranged and formed to displace a set of compression elements, for example, as described above with reference to Figs. 7A-7E. As indicated above, the oral care device may include more than one passage of fluids. With reference to Figures 36A and 36B, the oral care device includes a pair of tubes 514 and 516 for directing two streams of fluids (eg, the same or different) within the oral care device. As shown, each of the tubes 514 and 516 is connected to the head in a location apart from the longitudinal axis 531 perpendicular to a rotation axis 518 of the movable head 408. In some embodiments, one of the tubes 514, 516 can be connected to the head on the axis of rotation 518 and the other can be connected in a location apart from the axis of rotation 518. With reference to Fig. 37, a variation is shown in which the tubes 550 and 552 are connected to each other in continuous form downstream of the pump assembly and upstream of a fluid outlet in the head. This embodiment can be advantageous where it is desired to mix fluids within the passages at a time just before dispensing to a brushing surface. With reference to Figures 38 and 39, the head may include a profi 620, 622 cup (or other guide member, such as a rod). As illustrated in Figures 38 and 39, the profi cups 620 and 622 extend from the base 624 and around the nozzle 626. In Fig. 39, the profi cup 622 is crenellated and includes openings 628 positioned throughout. of a 630 flange of the profi cup, which can help in cleaning. Figures 40A and 40B illustrate an alternative valve assembly embodiment, for example, to replace valves 160 and 162 that can provide communication between head component 152 and cartridge component 154 (see, for example, Figs. 18B and 19B) and / or to replace valves 200 and 322 that can provide communication between the cartridge component 154 and the docking station 14 (see, for example, Fig. 21). The valve assembly 800 includes an accessory 802 having a passage 804 extending along the fitting. Arranged within the passageway 804 is a spring-loaded ball 806 which is biased by a spring 808 towards the seal ring 810 which extends within and coaxial with the passageway 804. With reference to Fig. 40A, the valve unit 800 is shown in a closed position with the ball 806 pressed against the seal ring 810 sealing the passage 804. Now, with reference to Fig. 40B, the valve unit 800 is shown in the open position with the ball 806 forced away of the seal ring 810 by a conduit 812 that is received by the fitting 802. The conduit 812 includes multiple ports 814 that extend through a side wall 816 of the conduit 812. Ports 814 allow fluid to pass through there and within passage 804 when an end 818 of conduit 812 buttresses ball 806. In the open position, fluid, particulate or any other suitable material can flow past ball 806 during the use towards and / or, in some embodiments, away from, for example, the head 20 of the oral care device 10. With reference to Figures 41 and 42, the fluid receptacles suitable for use with certain device modalities for Oral care, for example, oral care devices that include one or more of the features described above, are in the form of refillable pockets 850 and 900, respectively. As shown, pockets 850 and 900 are refillable. In some cases, the pockets are replaceable and can be disposable, for example, when the pocket is empty. Pockets 850 and 900 include a pair of side walls 852, 854 that are joined along opposite longitudinal side edges 856, 858 by the respective joints 860 and 862. In some embodiments, the side edges may be joined by a fold along a longitudinal side edge by a joint and along an opposite longitudinal side edge. The side walls 852, 854 are also joined along the upper edge 864 and a lower edge 866 by the joints 868, 870. The side walls 852, 854 form a pocket body 872 having a volume formed between the side walls.

Extending within the body of the pocket 872 and with an end 882 (Fig. 43) disposed between the side walls 852, 854 at the top edge 864 is an accessory 874. The accessory 874 provides communication between the pocket body 872 and the conduit of fluids that extends through the oral care device. In some embodiments, with reference to Fig. 44, the fitting 880 extends through an opening formed in the side wall 852. Again, with reference to Figs. 41 and 42, connected to the fitting 874 is the valve 200, which has a normally closed construction, as described above. Now, with reference to Fig. 43, end 822 of the fitting 874 has a width W that is greater than an accessory height H, W and H are measured along the major and minor perpendicular axes 884, 886 (each axis is shown shaded), respectively (ie, an aspect ratio of height to width of the accessory 874 is less than 1, preferably at most approximately 0.55). The pocket that includes the accessory is constructed in such a way that the volume of the body of the pocket increases with the content from an empty original volume; the volume decreases at the same time as the pocket empties. When the pocket is practically empty, such as at least about 95% empty, the volume of the pocket is practically equivalent to the original empty volume (for example, the volume is within at least 40% of the original empty volume, such as at least about 10% of the empty original volume), with the shoulders 888 and 890 of the pocket folded practically flat. This construction may allow the pocket to be emptied without significant material fatigue, for example, allowing the pocket to be replenished and reused, and may facilitate the use of harder materials to form the side walls. The pockets 850 and 900 may have a laminated structure including internal and external layers forming the side walls 852, 854, or the side walls may be of a unitary structure having a single layer. In embodiments having multiple layers forming the side walls, the layers may be of different materials, or each of the layers may be of the same material. To form the pockets 850 and 900, the pocket body can be formed of a single sheet of plastic film (or multiple sheets, eg, two sheets) that is folded in half and sealed over the folded edge and the two edges open The accessory is then inserted inside the open edge and the edge is sealed with the fitting disposed between the two side walls. In some embodiments, as described above, the folded edge may not be sealed. In some embodiments, the pocket body is rounded at one end and a continuous rounded union seals the rounded end of the pocket body (not shown). Suitable materials for the manufacture of the pocket body include acrylonitrile comonomer, acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer (for example, BAREX® resin), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, for example, PCTFE or CTFE, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination of these. The fitting can also be formed of any suitable material such as acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer (eg, BAREX® resin). The side walls (or at least one layer of the side walls) may comprise a laminated structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer comprising a material having a maximum flexural modulus of approximately 3,447,378 kPa (500,000 psi) . In some embodiments, the side wall (or at least one layer of the side wall) is between about 25 and 100 microns thick.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A device for oral care; The device comprises: An elongate housing that includes, in a distal portion of the housing, a head sized to fit within the mouth of a user; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing, the fluid conduit has a compressible region disposed in the housing; characterized in that the compressible region of the fluid conduit defines a path that is not semicircular. and a motorized pumping unit configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the region compressible along the passage of fluids to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pumping unit is configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple different compression events. 3. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the conduit has a substantially constant compressed volume (Vc) in the compression region while the conduit is compressed in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of its length. 4. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pumping unit further comprises a rotating rod including a raised coil. 5. The oral care device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the spiral is continuous. 6. The oral care device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the coil comprises a discontinuous arrangement of protrusions extending externally from the surface of the rotating rod. The oral care device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the coil is configured to compress the duct in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the duct at the same time as the shank broken. 8. The oral care device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the pumping unit further comprises a compression element disposed between the rod and the conduit, in such a way that the compression element is moved by the action of the piston rod to compress the conduit in the compressible region when the rod rotates. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression element is capable of being displaced by the rod when it rotates to multiple angular positions. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression member moves in a direction substantially transverse to that of the fluid path. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression element is linearly displaced when the rod is in a selected angular position. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression element is displaced in a rotational movement. 13. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression element is displaced in a bending motion. 14. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression element is displaced by bending the compression element. 15. The oral care device according to claim 8, which comprises compression elements arranged between the rod and the conduit, in such a way that the compression elements are able to be displaced by the rod when it rotates. 16. The oral care device according to claim 15, further characterized in that the compression elements are arranged in a linear array. 17. The oral care device according to claim 15, further characterized in that the compression elements are arranged in multiple linear assemblies. 18. The oral care device according to claim 15, further characterized in that the compression elements are sequentially displaced by the spiral of the rod to compress the conduit in the compressible region to transfer fluid along the fluid path. 19. The oral care device according to claim 15, further characterized in that the compression elements are arranged to compress the conduit in a series of compression events sequentially applied along the length of the conduit. 20. The oral care device according to claim 15, comprising a flexible membrane disposed between the rotating rod and the conduit; The compression elements are integral with the flexible membrane. 21. The oral care device according to claim 20, further characterized in that the compression elements extend externally from the flexible membrane. 22. The oral care device according to claim 15, comprising a flexible membrane disposed between the compression elements and the conduit. 23. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression member includes a secured end that is connected to a support member and a free end forming a finger, the free end being between the the rod and the conduit such that the free end is capable of being displaced by the rod when it rotates to a selected angular position. 24. The oral care device according to claim 23, comprising multiple compression elements, each of which includes a secured end connected to a support member and a free end to form a set of fingers, the ends free are between the rod and the duct in such a way that the free ends are able to be displaced by the rod when it rotates. 25. The oral care device according to claim 24, further characterized in that the secured ends of the set of fingers are interconnected. 26. The oral care device according to claim 23, further characterized in that a flexible membrane is placed between the free end of the finger and the conduit. 27. The oral care device according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compression element has a pair of ends that are secured to a support member, the compression element is configured to be bent between the secured ends when the broken stem to compress the conduit in the compressible region. 28. The oral care device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the pumping unit comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the rotary rod. 29. The oral care device according to claim 28, further characterized in that the electric motor rotates the rotary rod at a selected speed or frequency in response to a signal from the controller located within the housing. 30. The oral care device according to claim 29, further characterized in that the controller is configured to rotate the rotating rod at different selected rates or frequencies. 31. The oral care device according to claim 30, further characterized in that the controller is programmed to decrease or increase the speed or frequency at which the motor rotates the rotary rod. 32. The oral care device according to claim 30, further characterized in that the controller increases or decreases the speed or frequency with which the motor rotates the rotating rod in response to a signal from the user. 33. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the long axis of the fluid conduit is substantially parallel to or coaxial with the long axis of the housing. 34. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the fluid conduit comprises a tube. 35. The oral care device according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid receptacle located within the housing, capable of communication with the fluid path. 36. The oral care device according to claim 35, further characterized in that the pumping unit is located downstream of the fluid receptacle. 37. The oral care device according to claim 1, comprising multiple fluid conduits disposed within the housing, each fluid conduit defining a passage of fluids. 38. The oral care device according to claim 37, further characterized in that the fluid conduits each have a compressible region. 39. The oral care device according to claim 38, further characterized in that the pumping unit is configured to compress each of the fluid conduits in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of their lengths to transferring fluid along an associated fluid path to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing. 40. The oral care device according to claim 37, further characterized in that the multiple fluid passages converge within the housing to combine fluid upstream of the outlet. 41. The oral care device according to claim 37, comprising multiple fluid outlets, each fluid outlet being in continuous communication with an associated fluid conduit. 42. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the head is movable with respect to the housing. 43. The oral care device according to claim 42, further characterized in that the head includes a movable portion that is movable with respect to the housing and a fixed portion. 44. The oral care device according to claim 43, further characterized in that at least one, the movable portion and the fixed portion includes a set of bristles extending externally from a base. 45. The oral care device according to claim 43, further characterized in that the outlet is located in the fixed portion. 46. The oral care device according to claim 43, further characterized in that the outlet is located in the movable portion. 47. The oral care device according to claim 43, further characterized in that the outlet is located between the movable and fixed portions. 48. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the head comprises a brush. 49. The oral care device according to claim 1 or 48, further characterized in that the head comprises an elastomeric cup. 50. The oral care device according to claim 49, further characterized in that the elastomeric cup extends externally from the base and around at least a portion of the fluid outlet. 51. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the head comprises a rod. 52. The oral care device according to claim 1, in the form of a toothbrush dispenser. 53. The oral care device according to claim 1, comprising a replaceable cartridge component. 54. The oral care device according to claim 53, further characterized in that the replaceable cartridge component includes at least a portion of the fluid conduit. 55. The oral care device according to claim 1 or 53, comprising a separable main component. 56. The oral care device according to claim 55, further characterized in that the separable main component includes the motorized pump assembly. 57. The oral care device according to claim 1 or 53, having a replaceable head component. 58. The oral care device according to claim 57, further characterized in that the head component includes the head, neck and fluid outlet. 59. The oral care device according to claim 1, comprising an input in continuous communication with the fluid conduit, the inlet is configured to continuously communicate with the docking station to allow fluid to enter through the fluid. entry. 60. The oral care device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the passage of fluids is replaceable in its entirety. 61. The oral care device according to claim 60, comprising an entry in continuous communication with the fluid conduit. 62. The oral care device according to claim 61, further characterized in that the inlet comprises a valve. 63. The oral care device according to claim 60, comprising first and second components, each component forms at least a portion of the housing and includes a portion of the fluid passage. 64. The oral care device according to claim 63, further characterized in that the respective fluid passages of the first and second components are in continuous communication through a valve. 65. The oral care device according to claim 64, further characterized in that one, the first or second component, is a replaceable cartridge component, and the other first or second component is a replaceable head and neck component. 66. A device for oral care; the device comprises: A housing including a fluid passage for directing fluid within the housing and, at a distal portion thereof, a dimensioned head that fits within a user's mouth; and a reversible pumping unit configured to transfer fluid along the passage. 67. The oral care device according to claim 66, comprising a fluid conduit defining the passage of fluids. 68. The oral care device according to claim 67, the pumping unit is configured to compress the fluid conduit in a progressively compressible region along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to extract fluid. into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passage to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing. 69. The oral care device according to claim 68, further characterized in that the pumping unit further comprises a rotating rod including a raised coil. 70. The oral care device according to claim 69, further characterized in that the coil is configured to compress the duct in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the duct at the same time as the broken stem. 71. The oral care device according to claim 69, further characterized in that the pumping unit further comprises a compression element disposed between the rod and the duct such that the compression element is displaced by the stem to compress the conduit in the region compressible progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit at the same time as the rod rotates. 72. The oral care device according to claim 71, comprising multiple compression elements disposed between the rod and the duct such that the compression elements are capable of being displaced by the rod when it rotates. 73. The oral care device according to claim 63, further characterized in that the compression elements are sequentially displaced by the spiral of the rod to compress the conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to transfer fluids along the fluid path. 74. The oral care device according to claim 68, further characterized in that the pumping unit is configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple compression events. 75. The oral care device according to claim 68, further characterized in that the reversible pumping unit is configured to transfer fluid along the fluid passage in a direction away from the outlet in the distal portion of the housing. 76. The oral care device according to claim 66, further characterized in that the reversible pumping unit includes an electric motor. 77. The oral care device according to claim 76, further characterized in that the electric motor rotates a rotary rod either in a first direction or in a second opposite direction in response to a signal from a controller located within the housing. 78. The oral care device according to claim 66, further comprising a fluid receptacle within the housing and in continuous communication to the fluid passage. 79. The oral care device according to claim 78, further characterized in that the reversible pumping unit is configured to provide fluid within the fluid receptacle. 80. The oral care device according to claim 79, further characterized in that the reversible pumping unit is configured to provide fluid from the passage of fluids into the fluid receptacle while operating in reverse. 81. A device for oral care; the device comprises: A housing that includes a head, a handle and a neck connected to the head and the handle, the head is sized to fit inside the mouth of a user; and a source of energy to energize the device for oral care; further characterized in that the housing comprises a removable cartridge component that includes a fluid receptacle and an energy source. 82. The oral care device according to claim 81, further characterized in that the power source comprises a battery. 83. The oral care device according to claim 82, further characterized in that the battery is rechargeable. 84. The oral care device according to claim 82, further characterized in that the battery is disposable. 85. The oral care device according to claim 81, further characterized in that the power source is electronically connected to a motor configured to operate a pump unit. 86. The oral care device according to claim 85, further characterized in that the pumping unit is configured to transfer fluid along the fluid passage to an outlet located in the head at the distal end of the housing. 87. The oral care device according to claim 85, further characterized in that the pumping unit is configured to compress a fluid conduit in a progressively compressible region along at least a portion of its length to transfer fluid to along a fluid passage. 88. The oral care device according to claim 85, further characterized in that the pumping unit comprises a rotating rod including a raised coil. 89. The oral care device according to claim 88, the pumping unit comprises a fluid conduit having a compressible region and defining at least a portion of the fluid passage, and the pumping unit comprises an element of compression disposed between the rod and the conduit such that the compression member is displaced by the rod to compress the conduit in the compressible region at the same time as the rod rotates. 90. The oral care device according to claim 89, comprising multiple compression elements disposed between the rod and the fluid conduit such that the compression elements are sequentially displaced by the rod at the same time as the rod rotates. to progressively compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region. 91. A device for oral care; the device comprises: A housing having a movable head configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, a handle and a neck that connects the head to the handle, the housing defines a housing axis extending between the handle and the head that it is perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a passage of fluids disposed within the neck of the housing and extending towards an outlet in the head; and a traction member connected to the head in a location separate from the axis of the housing, the traction member is configured to rotate the movable head about the axis of rotation. 92. The oral care device according to claim 91, further characterized in that at least a portion of the fluid passage extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. 93. The oral care device according to claim 91, further characterized in that at least a portion of the fluid passage co-extends with the axis of rotation. 94. The oral care device according to claim 91, further characterized in that the outlet and the axis of rotation are separated from one another. 95. The oral care device according to claim 91, comprising a traction unit configured to move the traction member. 96. The oral care device according to claim 95, further characterized in that the traction unit includes an electric motor. 97. The oral care device according to claim 95, further characterized in that the traction unit includes a cam comprising a tread and a follower connected to the tread, and the traction member. 98. The oral care device according to claim 97, further characterized in that the tread extends externally from an outer surface of a rod. 99. The oral care device according to claim 97, further characterized in that the tread is defined by an internal surface of a cup. 100. The oral care device according to claim 91, further characterized in that the head includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. 101. The oral care device according to claim 100, further characterized in that the head includes a set of bristles extending from a base in the static portion. 102. The oral care device according to claim 100, further characterized in that the head includes a set of bristles extending from a base in the movable portion. 103. The oral care device according to claim 100, further characterized in that the outlet is located in the movable portion. 104. The oral care device according to claim 100, further characterized in that the outlet is located in the static portion. 105. The oral care device according to claim 100, further characterized in that the outlet is located between the movable and fixed portions. 106. The oral care device according to claim 91, comprising multiple fluid outlets located in the head. 107. The oral care device according to claim 91, further characterized in that the traction member is connected to the head at a location separated by a distance (d) of between about 0.127 and about 0.508 cm (0.05 and about 0.2 inches). ) from the accommodation axis. 108. The oral care device according to claim 107, further characterized in that d is from about 0.1905 to 0.381 cm (0.075 and 0.150 inches). 109. The oral care device according to claim 107, further characterized in that d is approximately 0. 3175 cm (0.125 inches). 110. A method for providing oral care using a device for oral care; the method comprises: Reducing an uncompressed volume (V0) of a fluid conduit disposed within the oral care device by compressing the fluid conduit to a compression volume (Vc) within a compressible region defining a trajectory that does not it is semicircular; further characterized in that the compressed volume (Vc) remains substantially constant at the same time that the fluid conduit is progressively compressed along the length (L) to transfer fluid along the fluid passageway within the oral care device. 111. The method according to claim 110, further characterized in that the fluid conduit is compressed progressively along L by a series of different compression events. 112. The method according to claim 110, further characterized in that the reduction step includes displacing a compression element. 113. The method according to claim 112, further characterized in that the compression element is displaced by a rod having a high spiral. 114. The method according to claim 113, further comprising rotating the rod. 115. The method according to claim 114, further characterized in that the rod rotates by the action of an electric motor. 116. A method to provide oral care using a device for oral care; The method comprises: With a series of successive side-by-side compression events, compress a fluid conduit progressively into a compressible region along at least a portion of a length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the fluid. compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passage and toward a fluid outlet in the head of the oral care device. 117. A device for oral care; the device comprises: A housing that includes, in a distal portion of the housing, a head sized to fit within the mouth of a user; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing; a pocket disposed within the housing; the pocket comprises a pocket body including two side walls defining a volume therebetween, the side walls being joined along at least one longitudinal side edge by a joint; and an accessory that provides communication between the pocket body and the fluid conduit. 118. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the side walls comprise comonomer of acrylonitrile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination thereof. 119. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the side walls comprise acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer. 120. The oral care device according to claim 119, further characterized in that the accessory comprises acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer. 121. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the body of the pocket has a shoulder configured to be folded substantially flat. 122. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the accessory is attached to the side walls on an edge of the body of the pocket. 123. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the accessory is attached to one side of the body of the pocket, the accessory extends through an opening defined by the associated side wall. 124. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the side walls comprise a laminated structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, further characterized in that the inner layer comprises a material having a flexural modulus maximum of approximately 3,447,378 kPa (500,000 psi). 125. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the side walls comprise a film of between about 25 and 100 microns thick. 126. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by their respective joints along two opposite longitudinal side edges. 127. The oral care device according to claim 117, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by a fold on a longitudinal side edge. 128. A device for oral care; the device comprises: A housing including, in a distal portion thereof, a head sized to fit within the mouth of a user; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing; a pocket disposed within the housing, the pocket comprises a pocket body that includes two side walls defining a volume therebetween; and an accessory that provides communication between the pocket body and the fluid conduit. further characterized in that the attachment has an aspect ratio of height to width less than one, the height and width being measured along the minor and major axes, respectively, at the end of the fitting disposed between the side walls. 129. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the height-to-width aspect ratio is at most 0.65. 130. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by a joint along at least one edge. 131. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by their respective joints along two opposite longitudinal side edges. 132. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by a joint along at least one side edge. 133. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls comprise comonomer of acrylonitrile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination thereof. 134. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls comprise acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer. 135. The oral care device according to claim 134, further characterized in that the accessory comprises acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer. 136. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the body of the pocket has a shoulder configured to be folded substantially flat. 137. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the accessory is attached to the side walls on an edge of the body of the pocket. 138. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the accessory is attached to one side of the body of the pocket, the accessory extends through an opening defined by the associated side wall. 139. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls comprise a laminated structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, further characterized in that the inner layer comprises a material having a flexural modulus maximum of approximately 3,447,378 kPa (500,000 psi). 140. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the side walls comprise a film of between about 25 and 100 microns thick. 141. A device for oral care; the device comprises: A housing that includes, in a distal portion of the housing, a head sized to fit within the mouth of a user; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing; a pocket disposed within the housing, the pocket comprises a pocket body that includes two side walls defining a volume therebetween; and an accessory that provides communication between the pocket body and the fluid conduit, further characterized in that the original empty volume increases as the pocket fills with content. 142. The oral care device according to claim 128, further characterized in that the volume decreases as the pocket is emptied. 143. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that when it is practically empty, the volume is practically equivalent to the original empty volume. 144. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the accessory has an aspect ratio of height to width less than one, the height and width being measured along the minor and major axes, respectively, at the end of the fitting disposed between the side walls. 145. The oral care device according to claim 144, further characterized in that the height-to-width aspect ratio is at most 0.65. 146. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by a joint along at least one edge. 147. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by their respective joints along two opposite longitudinal side edges. 148. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls are joined by a joint along at least one side edge. 149. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls comprise comonomer of acrylonitrile, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, polyethylene terephthalate or a combination thereof. 150. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls comprise acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer. 151. The oral care device according to claim 150, further characterized in that the accessory comprises acrylonitrile-methylacrylate copolymer. 152. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the body of the pocket has a shoulder configured to be folded substantially flat. 153. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the accessory is attached to the side walls on an edge of the body of the pocket. 154. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the accessory is attached to one side of the pocket body, the accessory extends through an opening defined by the associated side wall. 155. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls comprise a laminated structure including an inner layer and an outer layer, further characterized in that the inner layer comprises a material having a flexural modulus maximum of approximately 3,447,378 kPa (500,000 psi). 156. The oral care device according to claim 141, further characterized in that the side walls comprise a film of between about 25 and 100 microns thick. 157. A device for oral care; the device comprises: An elongate housing that includes, in a distal portion of the housing, a head sized to fit within the mouth of a user; a fluid conduit defining at least a portion of a fluid passage in the housing, the fluid conduit has a compressible region disposed in the housing; and a motorized pumping unit configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the a region compressible along the fluid passage to an outlet in the distal portion of the housing, further characterized in that the pump unit can be configured to compress the conduit progressively with a series of multiple different compression events. 158. A device for oral care; The device comprises: An elongate housing that includes, in a distal portion of the housing, a head sized to fit within the mouth of a user; a fluid conduit that defines at least a portion 5 of a passage of fluids in the housing, the fluid conduit has a compressible region disposed in the housing; and a motorized pumping unit configured to compress the fluid conduit in the compressible region 10 progressively along at least a portion of the length of the fluid conduit to draw fluid into the compressible region and to transfer fluid out of the compressible region along the fluid passage to an outlet in the distal portion of the 15, the motorized pumping unit includes a traction unit which is disposed substantially parallel to a plane defined by the compressible region.