WO1999002103A1

WO1999002103A1 - Flossing device

Info

Publication number: WO1999002103A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Anthony Cohen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-07-09
Filing date: 1998-07-09
Publication date: 1999-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2000-01-09

Abstract

A floss dispensing apparatus (10) of the type adapted to dispense dental floss tape (19) and present the dental floss tape in tension between two adjacent prongs (16, 18) to a person for a tooth cleaning operation, the floss dispensing apparatus incorporating a housing (12 and 14), a spool (20) located within the housing (12) for storing dental floss tape, a button (28) and inclined surfaces (38) arranged to dispense dental floss tape from the storage means and feed a length of the floss across the finger members, a diamond tip (24) and ramps (40, 42) for securing the dispensed dental floss in tension across the finger members, the diamond tip (24) and ramps (40, 42) being located adjacent the prongs (16, 18), the diamond tip (24) being disposed about the axis of a shaft (26), the shaft (26) being axially moveable between a clamping position wherein dispensed floss is clamped between the prongs (16, 18) and a release position wherein the floss may be further dispensed, a spring (22) adapted to bias the shaft (26) into the clamping position, the shaft (26) being moved from the clamping position when the button (28) moves along the inclined surface (38) to move the shaft from the clamping position to the release position.

Description

FLOSSING DEVICE

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a flossing device for flossing teeth and gums. More particularly the invention relates to a flossing device which assists a person in flossing their teeth by providing a device which dispenses dental floss and presents dental floss tape in tension between two adjacent finger members to a person for a teeth cleaning operation.

BACKGROUND ART

Dental hygiene is a major aspect of human health and hygiene. Dental experts have recommended that in order to maintain adequate dental health care for one's teeth, people should not only brush their teeth with toothpaste and gargle with mouthwash, but also regularly use dental floss for cleaning their gums and teeth. It has been found that if dental flossing is combined with brushing and gargling on a regular basis good dental hygiene can be maintained.

The major purpose of a dental cleaning operation, is to remove plaque and food from a person's teeth. Unfortunately food and plaque may not always be removed from a person's teeth by a toothbrush. Hence, dental experts have encouraged the use of floss as a way of removing plaque and food substances from teeth.

Usually in a floss tape cleaning operation, flossing one's teeth simply involves holding a measure of floss between one's fingers to clean the teeth. The disadvantage of this method is that it can be unhygienic as the fingers usually have to enter into the mouth (especially to access the back teeth) . To overcome this problem dental floss tape devices have been used which provide a device for presenting a length of floss tape to a person so that they can use the floss tape to clean between their teeth. One such dental flossing device which has been suggested is US Patent 5,348,032 (Mason) that relates to a floss dispensing apparatus that presents the floss to a user and which encapsulates the flossing material so as to prevent moisture from entering into the interior of the flossing tool, which can reduce the integrity of the floss tape. A disadvantage with this flossing device, is that the floss tape still has to be used in a cleaning operation by a person's fingers which may be unhygienic . Another known flossing device is US Patent No.

4,005,721 (Yasumoto) which discloses a flossing device having a hollow handle having a spool of dental floss located therein, that can be removed from the interior of the handle and be positioned between two prong members so as to form a yoke. The floss tape between the prong members can then be used for a tooth cleaning operation. A disadvantage with this and other similar devices in the art is that dental floss tape is a resilient material which tends to stretch when held in tension. In the Yasumoto dental flossing tool, the integrity of the material can be reduced or degraded, as the floss is held in tension throughout the length of the body of the dental floss tape and tends to become over-stretched.

A similar problem to that of Yasumoto exists in US Patent No. 3,915,178 (The Raymond Lee Organisation) which also discloses a dental flossing device in which dental floss is held in tension throughout the length of the body of the floss tape.

Yet another flossing device disclosed in the prior art is US Patent No. 5,188,133 (Romanus) which teaches a dental flossing device that has a locking mechanism located in the handle. Also in this device, the dental floss is stretched throughout the length of the body of the device. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a floss dispensing apparatus of the type adapted to dispense dental floss tape and present the dental floss tape in tension between two adjacent finger members to a person for a tooth cleaning operation, the floss dispensing apparatus incorporating: a body; floss storage means located within the body for storing a measure of dental floss tape; dispensing means arranged to dispense dental floss tape from the storage means and feed a length of the floss across the finger members; securing means for securing the dispensed dental floss in tension across the finger members, the securing means being located adjacent the finger members, the securing means having a shaft provided with an enlarged portion disposed about the axis of the shaft and an abutment member oppositely disposed with respect to the enlarged portion, the shaft being axially moveable between a clamping position wherein dispensed floss is clamped between the enlarged portion and the abutment member and a release position wherein the floss may be further dispensed; biasing means adapted to bias the shaft into the clamping position; and actuating means adapted to move the shaft axially from the clamping position to the release position.

Preferably the enlarged portion is integrally formed with the shaft, at a first end of the shaft, and incorporates two inclined surfaces which meet at a common apex.

Preferably the abutment member incorporates a first ramp in juxtaposition to one of the inclined surfaces of the shaft, the dental floss being dispensed to the finger members between the ramp and the one inclined surface. Preferably the abutment member incorporates a second ramp in juxtaposition to the second inclined surface, the dental floss being dispensed from the finger members between the second ramp and the second inclined surface. Preferably a cutter is located adjacent the second ramp for cutting dental floss tape when the dental floss tape is pulled against the cutter.

Preferably a spool that is wound with a supply of dental floss tape. Preferably the biasing means comprises a compressive spring that is adapted to bias the shaft into the clamping position.

Preferably the actuating means includes cam means operable between a button located on a side of the body and the shaft, causing the shaft to move to the release position when the button is depressed.

Preferably the cam means comprises mutually inclined planes on the button and the shaft, configured to slide relative to one another when the button is depressed. Preferably the shaft includes a longitudinal groove for passage of the dental floss .

Preferably the two adjacent finger members are prongs ^"that form a yoke with the dental floss..

Preferably each prong is provided with an aperture for passage of the dental floss therein.

Preferably the floss dispensing apparatus includes a protective cover that is adapted to cover at least the dispensed dental floss between the finger members when the apparatus is not in use. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any forms which may fall within its scope, one preferred form of the invention will now been described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1 from side view;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional top view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 6 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1, from a side view provided with a cap cover;

Figure 7 shows the embodiment of Figure 1, from a top view with a closed cap cover;

Figure 8 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 from a side view, when the cap is raised; and Figure 9 shows a front view of Figure 8.

MODE OF PERFORMING THE INVENTION

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a floss tape dispensing apparatus in the form of floss dispenser 10, the floss dispenser 10 being adapted to dispense dental floss and present the dental floss in tension between two adjacent finger members in the form of first prong 16 and second prong 18 to a person for a tooth cleaning operation. The floss dispenser 10 has a body which in this example of the invention, is in the form of housing 12 and shaft housing 14. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the housing 12 comprises a floss tape storage means in the form of spool 20 which stores the floss and is rotatable about an axis (not shown) within the housing 12.

The spool 20 rotates about the axis as the floss tape is dispensed from the floss tape dispenser 10.

In this embodiment of the invention, the shaft housing 14 also comprises securing means for securing the dental floss tape between the prongs 16 and 18 so that the floss tape is not released during a tooth cleaning operation. It can be seen from the drawings that the securing means is located adjacent to the first and second prong members 16 and 18, due to the securing means having a shaft 26 provided with an enlarged portion in the form of diamond tip 24, which in this example of the invention, is integrally formed with the shaft 26. Additionally the shaft 26 is axially moveable between a clamping position (in which the floss tape material is secured within the floss dispenser 10 as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5) and a release position. The securing means further includes a first ramp in the form of ramp 40. In this example of the invention, the shaft housing 14 and housing 12 is sealingly closed and hence resistant to water.

The housing 12 further comprises a biasing means in the form of spring 22. The spring 22 imparts an axial force against the shaft 26, so that the shaft is biased into the clamping position and the floss tape is secured to the floss dispenser and held between the prongs 16 and 18 for a tooth cleaning operation.

The actuating means include a button 28 and cam means enabling the shaft 26 to axially move into the release position when the button 28 is depressed. The cam means comprises mutually inclined planes on the button

(which in this example are in the form of inclined surfaces 36), and on the shaft (inclined surfaces 38). The surfaces 36 and 38 are configured so that when the button 28 is depressed, the surface 36 slides along surface 38 which moves the shaft 26 into the release position.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the button 28 only has to be depressed a small distance in order to move the shaft 26 into the release position. Only minimal pressure is required to be exerted on the button 28 sufficient for release of the floss tape.

As can be seen clearly in Figure 5, the shaft 26 has a first shaft end 33 and a second shaft end 34. Adjacent to the first shaft end is the diamond tip 24 which forms two inclined surfaces which meet at a common apex. The abutment member is axially disposed with respect to the shaft and in this example of the invention, is in the form of first ramp 40 located on a first side 25 of the shaft 26. The ramp 40 has an inclined surface which is oppositely disposed with respect to the inclined surface of one side of the diamond tip 24. On the second side 27 of the shaft 26 there is provided a second internal ramp 42 which is also oppositely disposed with respect to the inclined surface of the diamond shaped tip 24.

Additionally, each of the prongs 16 and 18 are provided with an aperture (not shown) through the prong member which allows the floss tape tape to be presented and held in tension so that the dental floss forms a yoke 19.

When the dental floss tape is being used for a tooth cleaning operation, the dental floss tape is dispensed as can be seen in Figure 5 from the spool 20 up through a groove 44 which is provided along the length of the shaft 26. The floss tape passes over the first side of the shaft 25 past the apex of the diamond tip 24 so that it is disposed between the surface of the diamond tip 24 and the first ramp 40. The floss tape is then dispensed up through the external housing of first prong

16 and over to second prong 18. The floss tape is then passed over to the second side 27 of the shaft 26 so that it is disposed between the diamond tip 24 and the second ramp 42. As can be seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3, there is a cutting device 48 provided on the second side of the shaft 27, which after the floss tape has been passed through the second prong 18, may be used to cut any soiled floss. It is an advantageous feature that the cutting device is internal to the shaft housing 14, so that the floss tape can be cut by a person using the floss dispenser 10 without the knife coming into contact with a person's mouth when the floss dispenser 10 is in use.

After a person has performed a tooth cleaning operation with the floss device 10 the person then depresses a button cover 50 (refer to Figure 1) which is in engaging contact with the button 28. The shaft 26 (as explained above) moves into the release position.

In the present embodiment, when the shaft 26 is in the release position, the dental floss measure 19 can be pulled upon by the user so as to dispense fresh floss tape. The measure of soiled or old dental floss is then placed between the ramp 42 and cutter whereby it is cut by the cutter.

The floss tape is able to be dispensed from the floss dispenser 10 because the inclined surface of the diamond tip 24 does not abut the floss tape against the first ramp 40, but is free to move axially within the shaft housing 14. Once a clean measure of floss is located between prong 16 and prong 18, any soiled floss can be removed from the floss dispenser 10 by pulling the dental floss pulled by the user between the cutter until the soiled measure is between the second ramp 42 and the inclined surface of the second side of the diamond tip 24. The floss tape can then simply be pulled by the user in a direction which cuts the floss tape by the cutter 52.

In this example of the invention, as the cutting edge of the cutter 52 faces in a direction downwards with respect to the prong members, the floss tape can simply be pulled in a direction towards the prongs, thereby cutting the soiled floss tape.

After the soiled or old dental floss measure has been cut by the cutter 52, the button 28 can then be released and the diamond tip 24 secures the floss tape to the ramp 42. Referring to figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, the floss dispenser 10 is provided with a protective cap shown generally as protective cap 54, which provides a protective cover to the prongs 16, 18, and the yolk 19. Advantageously, the protective cap prevents the yolk from coming into contact with unwanted containment, such as germs which may be passed onto the yolk by an insect such as a fly or cockroach when the floss dispenser 10 is not in use.

The protective cap 54 comprises a first half 56 which is adapted to be located upon a first side of the floss dispenser 10, and a second half 58 provided on a second opposite side of the floss dispenser 10. It can be seen from figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 that the cap halves 56, 58 are joined at a peripheral end by a joint groove 60. The joint groove is formed from two apex members 61 and 62 (as can be seen clearly in Figure 8) . The protective cap 54 can been formed by an injection moulding process and is preferably made from any suitable plastic material.

The protective cap 54 is provided with a locking means at a proximal end 63, in the form of locking tab 64. The cap half 58 has formed on the proximal end 63, a locking tab 64 and on the opposite side of tab half 56, there is provided a recess 66 (see Figure 8), for receiving the locking tab 64. The locking tab is adapted to be inserted into the locking recess 66 thereby ensuring that the protective cap 54 is fixed to the flossing device as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

When the user wishes to use the flossing device, they typically hold the housing 12 in one hand and then pull upon the locking tabs 64, so as to raise protective cap half 58 from protective cap 56. The apex 62 is rotatable about apex 61 as the user pulls upon the locking tab 64. The protective cap 54 can then be removed from the flossing device 10 by pulling upon (and thereby removing) , the protective half 56 from the flossing device. After a flossing operation, the user can then either place the protective half 56 or protective half 58 onto the respective side of the flossing device 10 and then rotate the other protective half about the apexes 51 or 62 until the locking tabs 64 have made locking engagement by insertion into locking recesses 66.

It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention has some advantages over what is known in the prior art. For example, as the cutter 52, diamond tip 24 and the first ramp 40 are adjacent to the prong members 16 and 18, the dental tape is not held in tension throughout the length of the floss dispenser 10 and is not subjected to being over-stretched, decreasing material waste. Furthermore, as the securing means is located adjacent to the prongs 16 and 18, the amount of space for biasing means taken up in the base of the handle is reduced and hence a slender and aesthetic looking product can be produced. Alternatively, more dental floss can be stored within the handle which reduces the frequency with which the dental floss tape must be replaced.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous adaptations and/or variations may be adopted from the specific features of the preferred embodiment disclosed herein by way of an example only.

For example, the enlarged portion does not have to be in the shape of a diamond tip but could be circular shaped so as to abut against the ramp. Alternatively, the ramp 40 could be of any particular shape and may in fact simply be a flat shaped surface rather than a clamp. Other embodiments and/or variations will be apparent from the disclosure as disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A floss dispensing apparatus of the type adapted to dispense dental floss tape and present the dental floss tape in tension between two adjacent finger members to a person for a tooth cleaning operation, the floss dispensing apparatus incorporating : a body; floss storage means located within the body for storing a measure of dental floss tape; dispensing means arranged to dispense dental floss tape from the storage means and feed a length of the floss across the finger members; securing means for securing the dispensed dental floss in tension across the finger members, the securing means being located adjacent the finger members, the securing means having a shaft provided with an enlarged portion disposed about the axis of the shaft and an abutment member oppositely disposed with respect to the enlarged portion, the shaft being axially moveable between a clamping position wherein dispensed floss is clamped between the enlarged portion and the abutment member and a release position wherein the floss may be further dispensed; biasing means adapted to bias the shaft into the clamping position; and actuating means adapted to move the shaft axially from the clamping position to the release position.

2. A floss dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the enlarged portion is integrally formed with the shaft, at a first end of the shaft, and incorporates two inclined surfaces which meet at a common apex.

3. A floss dispensing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the abutment member incorporates a first ramp in juxtaposition to one of the inclined surfaces of the shaft, the dental floss being dispensed to the finger members between the ramp and the one inclined surface.

4. A floss dispensing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the abutment member incorporates a second ramp in juxtaposition to the second inclined surface, the dental floss being dispensed from the finger members between the second ramp and the second inclined surface.

5. A floss dispensing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a cutter is located adjacent the second ramp for cutting dental floss tape when the dental floss tape is pulled against the cutter.

6. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floss storage means includes a spool that is wound with a supply of dental floss tape.

7. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing means comprises a co pressive spring that is adapted to bias the shaft into the clamping position.

8. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means includes cam means operable between a button located on a side of the body and the shaft, causing the shaft to move to the release position when the button is depressed.

9. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam means comprises mutually inclined planes on the button and the shaft, configured to slide relative to one another when the button is depressed.

10. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft includes a longitudinal groove for passage of the dental floss .

11. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two adjacent finger members are prongs that form a yoke with the dental floss.

12. A floss dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each prong is provided with an aperture for passage of the dental floss therein.

13. A floss dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the apparatus is not in use, there is provided a protective cover that is adapted to cover at least the dispensed dental floss between the finger members .