CA2590646A1 - Dental flossing devices and method of storage - Google Patents

Dental flossing devices and method of storage Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2590646A1
CA2590646A1 CA 2590646 CA2590646A CA2590646A1 CA 2590646 A1 CA2590646 A1 CA 2590646A1 CA 2590646 CA2590646 CA 2590646 CA 2590646 A CA2590646 A CA 2590646A CA 2590646 A1 CA2590646 A1 CA 2590646A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
floss
view
strand
handle
flossing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2590646
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Steve E. Kosteniuk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2590646 priority Critical patent/CA2590646A1/en
Publication of CA2590646A1 publication Critical patent/CA2590646A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61CDENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C15/00Devices for cleaning between the teeth
    • A61C15/04Dental floss; Floss holders
    • A61C15/046Flossing tools

Description

Dental Flossing Device Background of Invention It is well known that cleaning teeth with dental floss, particularly between the teeth and below the gum line, is essential in the control and prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. The recommended method is to guide the floss between two teeth, hold the floss in a semblance of a U-shape around half the side of the tooth, and reciprocate the floss back and forth across the tooth while at the same time moving the floss from below the gum line to the top of the tooth. This procedure is repeated for the front and back of each tooth so that cleaning is accomplished on all sides of every tooth.
At present such flossing is accomplished manually by taking a long piece of floss and wrapping is several times around the forefingers until a short section remains between the two fingers. Flossing is then performed using this short section of floss.
Soiled floss can be replaced with clean floss by winding the soiled section onto one finger and unwinding clean floss from the other.
Most people have difficulty flossing this way because it's time consuming, requires considerable dexterity and coordination, and is a strain on the fingers and hands. Many find it especially difficult to insert the fingers into the back of the mouth to properly floss the molars. They may also lack the ability to guide the floss between the teeth and to perform the required motions. Furthermore, people often wind the floss too tightly around the fingers, a practise that can be very uncomfortable or painful. For these reasons, most people lose the interest and motivation to floss in this manner.
Various tools have been devised to hold the floss to help facilitate flossing.
Generally, these tools utilize two prongs which are fixed in relation to one another, and in turn are connected to a common handle. A strand of floss is held in a taut manner between the tips of these prongs, and, using one hand, the floss is guided carefully between each pair of teeth and the required flossing motions are performed.
The concept of holding a strand of floss between two prongs in fixed relation to one another presents a number of disadvantages. For example:

- because the floss is held in a taut fashion, it can be difficult to insert the floss between each pair of teeth, especially if the teeth are tightly spaced - if excessive pressure is needed to force the strand between the teeth, the floss can inadvertently be pushed into the gum - it's impossible to curve the floss into the necessary U-shape so that all tooth surfaces, as well as gum surfaces immediately surrounding the tooth, are effectively cleaned - the floss cannot be positioned or manipulated to reach every surface of every tooth in the mouth
2 - the floss strand between the prongs is fixed in length, and will not be suitable to everyone who uses that particular tool Summary of Invention It is the object of this invention to provide a device for inter dental flossing that overcomes problems in the prior art. It is an object of this invention to provide a device that requires minimal hand and finger dexterity to use, and is comfortable to grasp and hold. It is an object of this invention to eliminate the need to insert the fingers into the mouth while flossing. It is an object of this invention to allow flossing of all teeth, including teeth in the back of the mouth, to be performed easily, effectively and thoroughly. It is an object of this invention to allow a strand of dental floss to be manipulated easily, and to be guided between a pair of teeth easily. It is an object of this invention to allow a strand of floss to be curved easily around each tooth and guided below the gum line, and to perform the required motions to clean all the teeth and gums.
It is an object of the invention to provide a device with which any kind of floss may be used. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which allows a strand of floss held between the two securing points of the device to be adjustable in length to suit individual needs and preferences. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which allows the aforementioned length of floss to be held between two points which can be positioned independently of one another. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which allows soiled floss to be replaced with clean segments of floss, for flossing of different areas of the mouth, by advancing a long strand of floss incrementally while flossing. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which holds and grips a strand of floss in a reliable manner. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which is uncomplicated in design and simple to understand and use. It is an object of this invention to provide a device that is economical to manufacture. It is an object of this invention to provide a device that allows flossing to be performed using the guidelines recommended by dental associations.

Description of Invention The present invention consists of two identical tip components which, by using a screw thread assembly, are mechanically affixed to two identical, elongated handle components, which in turn are held independently in each hand.
A transverse hole is found near the end of each tip component. By grasping the tips and loosening the threads, the holes become fully open. A strand of dental floss is manually
3 inserted through these two holes. The section of floss that bridges the tips is adjusted in length to the user's preference. The threads are then tightened until the floss strand is held securely by the tips. The floss section bridging the tips may now be inserted into the mouth and flossing may commence.
To follow flossing guidelines recommended by dental associations, a long strand of floss is used. After inserting it through the tips, each end of the strand is then inserted through the large transverse hole found at the back of each handle. After flossing the teeth in one area of the mouth, the tips are loosened slightly, a clean section of the strand is pulled through, the tips are re-tightened, and flossing is performed in the next area of the mouth.
The tips and handles are preferably moulded using a plastics material but may also be moulded or machined using metal materials, composite materials, or combinations thereof. The tips and handles must be made from materials that can withstand the shear, tensile, compressive, torsional and bending forces imposed upon them.

Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective of the two handle components and the accompanying tip components, shown prior to assembly.
A is a handle.
B is a tip.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tip components assembled to the handle components. A strand of dental floss is shown affixed to the handle/tip assemblies.
Figure 3 shows the external surfaces of a tip component, from which:
1 is a front view.
2 is a rear view.
3 is a left side view.
4 is a right side view.
is a top view.
6 is a bottom view.

Figure 4 shows a front view and section view of a tip component.
1 is a front view.
Section A-A is a section view derived from the front view.
A is a course internal thread section.
B is a tapered transition section.
C is a cylindrical section.
D is a generally flat end of a straight bore section.

E is transverse hole which receives a strand of floss. Examples of how this hole may shaped are round, oval, obround, or keyhole shaped as illustrated. The hole is sufficient in size to easily receive a ribbon style strand of floss.
F is a rounded end which contacts the mouth and gums.

Figure 5 shows a left side view and a section view of a tip component.
1 is a left side view.
Section B-B is a section view derived from the left side view.

Figure 6 shows the external surfaces of a handle component, from which:
1 is a front view.
2 is a rear view.
3 is a left side view.
4 is a right side view.
is a top view.
6 is a bottom view.

Figure 7 is a front view of a handle component, from which:
A is a generally flat end.
B is a cylindrical section.
C is a tapered transition section.
D is a course external thread section.
E is a handle body.
F is a transverse hole which receives an end of a long strand of floss.
G is a rounded end which contacts the fingers and hand.

Figure 8a) is a front view of a handle/tip assembly complete with a strand of floss, shown prior to fully engaging the threads. These threads are course is design to minimize the number of turns required to fully open the transverse hole in order to receive a strand of floss, as well as to minimize the turns required to fully close the transverse hole.
Figure 8b) is a front view of a handle and an internal view of a tip, complete with a strand of floss, shown prior to fully engaging the threads.

Figure 9a) is a front view of a handle/tip assembly complete with a strand of floss, showing the threads in the fully engaged position.
Figure 9b) is a front view of a handle and an internal view of a tip, complete with a strand of floss, showing the floss clamped between the generally flat end of the handle component and the generally flat end of the bore inside the tip, upon fully engaging the threads. By positioning the flat end of the bore inside the tip beyond the leading end of the transverse hole, the floss strand is forced to bend and fold in a downward direction as the threads are fully engaged and the flat end of the handle component contacts the flat end of the bore.

It should be noted that either or both of the generally flat ends shown may be textured or may be slightly elevated around their circumference to improve gripping of the floss strand. The material or materials used in making both handle and tip components, thus the flat surfaces which contact the floss to clamp it securely, is also hard enough to not deform around the floss strand under the high compressive force imposed.
It should be further noted that the clearance between the cylindrical section of the handle component and the cylindrical bore section of the tip component is minimal, to prevent a floss strand from inadvertently slipping between the two components.
The illustrated keyhole design has also been shown to eliminate this tendency.
It should also be further noted that a space is shown between the base of the tip component and the base of the handle thread section to ensure the threads can be tightened as needed to in turn clamp the strand of floss.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of two handle/tip assemblies complete with a strand of floss, showing the floss strand clamped in place as a result of fully engaging the threads.
In this figure the section of floss held between the tips is shown in a relaxed manner.
Figure 11 is a side view of two handle/tip assemblies, showing a section of floss held between the tips in a taut manner.

Alternative Method and Design Description of Invention The following is a description of an alternative design which also satisfies the objectives previously mentioned.
The device also consists of two, identical elongated handles. Near the tip of each handle is a transverse hole. At the back end of each handle is a second transverse hole which is immediately followed by a course threaded section. Each handle is accompanied by a threaded nut. Each nut turns onto the threaded back end of each handle.
The device is loaded by first inserting a strand of floss through the rear transverse hole on one handle, and securing one end of the floss by tightening the nut. The floss strand is then inserted through the front transverse holes of both handles, then back through the rear transverse hole of the second handle. The section of floss between the tips of the handles is adjusted to the desired length, and the nut is tightened on the second handle.
An area of the mouth may now be flossed.

As with the previous device, the section of floss between the tips is held in a relaxed manner by bringing the tips closer to one another, or in a taut manner by pulling the tips farther from one another.
Before flossing a different area of the mouth, a clean section of floss is advanced by loosening both nuts, pulling a short length of floss through the rear and front transverse holes of both handles, adjusting the section of floss between the tips to the desired length, and tightening both nuts to secure each end of the floss strand.

Description of Drawings Figure 12 is a front view of the two handles, complete with a strand of floss inserted through their respective transverse holes. Also shown are the external thread sections on the back end of each handle, as well as the internally threaded nuts shown prior to being turned onto the ends of the handles.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the two handles and two nuts, shown prior to being turned onto the threaded ends of the handles.

Figure 14 is a front view of the two handles with the nuts turned on to each handle, and with the strand of floss secured.

Figure 15 is a side view of the two handles with the nuts turned on to each handle, and with the strand of floss secured.

Method of Storage Background of Invention It is well known that dental cleaning devices will become contaminated with germs if not stored in a protected manner between uses. This is especially true when these devices are stored in bathrooms.

To store the previously described flossing devices in a hygienic manner between uses, a special device is needed which shields and protects the front sections of the elongated handles, which enter the mouth during flossing and should be kept clean.
To enable the user to store the described flossing devices in an upright position, the base of the special device should be large enough to prevent the stored flossing device from tipping over.
Because the tips of the flossing device may be wet after use, the storage device should be designed such that the tips can dry out during storage.

Summary of Invention It is an object of this invention to provide a device which enables the previously described flossing devices to be stored in a hygienic manner. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which prevents the front sections of the elongated handles of the described devices from contacting surfaces which may be contaminated with germs. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which permits the front ends of the elongated handles of the described devices to dry out, should they be moist with water or saliva prior to being stored. It is an object of this invention to provide a device which allows the elongated handles of the described devices to be stored in a horizontal or vertical manner between uses, depending on individual preference.

Description of Invention The present invention is comprised of a single part, preferably moulded from plastics material. This single part consists of a body, which is generally hollow inside and accommodates the tips of two elongated handles, and a flange, which is located at the bottom end of the body. The flange helps to stabilize the elongated handles when stored in an upright position on a flat surface such as a shelf.
Inside the body are two sets of integrally moulded ribs which start at the top of the body and end at the bottom. The ribs create an air space around each handle. Each set forms a cylindrical shaped hole inside the body, starting at the top and ending at the bottom. The diameter of each cylindrical hole decreases slightly as it progresses from the top to the bottom of the cavity. As the handles are inserted into the body, each set of ribs gradually tightens against the surface of each handle until they are held firmly in place. A gentle pull is needed to remove the body from the handles.
The hollow body has two drain holes which exit through the underside of the flange.
These holes further allow the handle tips to dry between uses by increasing air circulation around the handle tips. These holes also allow water to drain, should the need arise to rinse the body cavity with water in order to clean.
The underside of the flange is elevated by placing small, integrally moulded feet at each corner. The resulting space under the flange allows air to flow through the drain holes and into the body cavity, and water to drain out of the body cavity if needed, when the flossing device is stored in an upright position.

Description of Drawings Figure 16 shows the various surfaces of the storage device, in which:
1 is a front view.
2 is a left side view.
3 is a right side view.
4 is a top view.
is a bottom view.

The various parts of the device are also shown, in which:
A is the hollow body.
B is the bottom flange.
C is a set of ribs inside the hollow body.
D is one of the two cylindrical holes formed by the ribs.
E shows the two ventilation holes through the flange.
F shows two of the four feet under the flange.

Figure 17 shows two elongated handles inserted into the storage device. The tips of the handles are indicated by broken lines.
1 is a front view.
2 is a right side view.

Claims

CA 2590646 2007-05-10 2007-05-10 Dental flossing devices and method of storage Abandoned CA2590646A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2590646 CA2590646A1 (en) 2007-05-10 2007-05-10 Dental flossing devices and method of storage

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2590646 CA2590646A1 (en) 2007-05-10 2007-05-10 Dental flossing devices and method of storage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2590646A1 true CA2590646A1 (en) 2008-11-10

Family

ID=39971173

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2590646 Abandoned CA2590646A1 (en) 2007-05-10 2007-05-10 Dental flossing devices and method of storage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2590646A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013537817A (en) * 2010-09-21 2013-10-07 オーラルワイズ・インコーポレイテッド Flossing system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013537817A (en) * 2010-09-21 2013-10-07 オーラルワイズ・インコーポレイテッド Flossing system

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