GB2554660A

GB2554660A - Interdental cleaning device

Info

Publication number: GB2554660A
Application number: GB1616673.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Morris Philip; John Mayne Anthony
Original assignee: Wisdom Toothbrushes Ltd
Current assignee: Wisdom Toothbrushes Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-30
Filing date: 2016-09-30
Publication date: 2018-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-30
Also published as: GB2554660B; GB201616673D0

Abstract

An interdental cleaning device with two arms 100, 200 with proximal 110, 210 and distal 120, 220 ends, where the distal ends 120, 220 are spaced apart and each comprises a clamp or floss clamp 600, 700 for retaining an interdental cleaning element 25, each clamp having a first portion (Figure 9, 610), a second portion (Figure 9, 620) and a living hinge (Figure 11, 630), with two configurations, a first open configuration (Figure 8) with the inner surfaces spaced apart and a second closed configuration (Figure 9) such that an interdental cleaning element 25 is retainable between the inner surfaces (Figure 8, 614, 624), the surfaces may have a cooperating protrusion (figure 12, 660) and recess or aperture (Figure 14, 690) to retain the cleaning element and/or complementing ridges and troughs (Figure 10, 614, 624) to facilitate gripping of the cleaning element 25 therebetween, the clamp 600, 700 further having a locking feature configured to retain the clamp in the closed configuration which may be a hook (Figure 11, 640) configured to extend over an end of the second portion (Figure 11, 650) opposite the hinge (Figure 11, 630) or removably received into a recess in the second portion.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Wisdom Toothbrushes Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

The Silk Mill, HAVERHILL, Suffolk, CB9 8DT, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Philip Michael Morris Anthony John Mayne (56) Documents Cited:

EP 2550931 A1 BR 009602429 A US 5685325 A US 20040244815 A1

EP 2415368 A2 US 6209550 B1 US 4615349 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA61C

Other: EPODOC, WPI, TXTE (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Boult Wade Tennant

Verulam Gardens, 70 Gray's Inn Road, LONDON, WC1X 8BT, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Interdental cleaning device Abstract Title: Interdental Cleaning Device (57) An interdental cleaning device with two arms 100, 200 with proximal 110, 210 and distal 120, 220 ends, where the distal ends 120, 220 are spaced apart and each comprises a clamp or floss clamp 600, 700 for retaining an interdental cleaning element 25, each clamp having a first portion (Figure 9, 610), a second portion (Figure 9, 620) and a living hinge (Figure 11,630), with two configurations, a first open configuration (Figure 8) with the inner surfaces spaced apart and a second closed configuration (Figure 9) such that an interdental cleaning element 25 is retainable between the inner surfaces (Figure 8, 614, 624), the surfaces may have a cooperating protrusion (figure 12, 660) and recess or aperture (Figure 14, 690) to retain the cleaning element and/or complementing ridges and troughs (Figure 10, 614, 624) to facilitate gripping of the cleaning element 25 therebetween, the clamp 600, 700 further having a locking feature configured to retain the clamp in the closed configuration which may be a hook (Figure 11, 640) configured to extend over an end of the second portion (Figure 11,650) opposite the hinge (Figure 11,630) or removably received into a recess in the second portion.

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Interdental Cleaning Device

In the field of dental hygiene, it is known to provide a dental floss device. Dental floss devices often comprise two arms having spaced apart portions defining a gap therebetween. Dental floss is held between the spaced apart portions so as to bridge the gap.

Monofibre (single strand) floss is widely used for flossing between tight spaces. Monofibre floss is typically formed of PTFE and so has a very low coefficient of friction. Therefore, reliably retaining monofibre floss between the spaced apart portions may be difficult.

A known way in which monofibre floss is retained between the spaced apart portions involves using a simple burning or heat source, as described in US 5829458. The floss is passed through bores within each of the spaced apart portions so as to bridge the gap. The floss also extends beyond the gap and so outside the device. The portions of the floss outside the device are melted with a heat source and subsequently moulded to form beads of greater diameter than the bores within the arms. The beads prevent the floss from being pulled through the arms. The floss can be then cut. Alternatively, the floss can be cut and heated simultaneously.

Disadvantages associated with this known way of retaining floss between the spaced apart portions include discomfort during use. When the floss device is placed within the mouth of a user, the beads formed at the ends of the floss are hard and sharp thereby rendering the device uncomfortable. Further disadvantages associated with this way of retaining floss between the arms concern the manufacturing process. The requirement to heat the floss ends when manufacturing the floss device reduces the safety and increases the difficulty of the manufacture process. Furthermore, the requirement for heat increases the energy expenditure and so cost expenditure required during manufacture. A further disadvantage is that the floss may become slack as a result of the heating process, which may impede its function. Another disadvantage with the floss retention mechanism described above is the inability of a user to replace the floss in the floss device to therefore extend the useful life of the floss device.

There exists a need to provide a dental floss device which is more comfortable to use, is easier, safer and cheaper to manufacture.

Against this background there is provided an interdental cleaning device comprising: a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end; a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end of the first arm is spaced apart from the distal end of the second arm and wherein the distal end of each of the first and second arms comprises a clamp;

wherein each clamp comprises a first portion, a second portion and a living hinge between the first portion and the second portion, each clamp having: an open configuration in which the hinge is open such that inner surfaces of the first and second portions are spaced apart; and a closed configuration in which the hinge is closed such that an interdental cleaning element is retainable between the inner surfaces of the first and second portions, the clamp further comprising a locking feature configured to retain the clamp in the closed configuration.

Advantageously, this interdental cleaning device can reliably retain an interdental cleaning element between its arms whilst ensuring that the edges of the device are smooth and so discomfort to a user is avoided. Furthermore, this interdental cleaning device can more reliably retain an interdental cleaning element between its arms, since the interdental cleaning element is not melted for retention between the arms which would otherwise cause the interdental cleaning element to become slack. The manufacturing process of the interdental cleaning device is simple, efficient, safe and cheap. A low cost standard single material injection moulding process may be used to manufacture the device and heating of the interdental cleaning element is not required.

For each clamp:

the first portion may have a first end that extends from the distal portion of the respective arm and a second end opposite the first end;

the hinge may extend from the second end of the first portion; and the second portion may have a first end that extends from the hinge and a second end opposite the first end.

For each clamp the locking feature may comprise the second end of the second portion being configured to snap fit into a receiving element at the distal end of the respective arm.

-3For each clamp:

the hinge may extend from the distal end of the respective arm; and the first and second portions may extend from either side of the hinge.

The locking feature may comprise a hook located at an end of the first portion opposite the hinge wherein in the closed configuration the hook extends over an end of the second portion opposite the hinge.

When the clamp is in the closed configuration, the hook may be removably received into a recess within the end of the second portion opposite the hinge.

Each clamp may comprise a protrusion on the inner surface of one of the first and second portions and a corresponding recess on the inner surface of the other of the first and second portions whereby in the closed configuration the protrusion is retained in the recess so as to facilitate gripping of the interdental cleaning element between the recess and the protrusion.

For each clamp:

an inner surface of the first portion may comprise a first series of ridges and troughs; and an inner surface of the second portion may comprise a second series of ridges and troughs;

wherein the first series of ridges and troughs may complement the second series of ridges and troughs so as to facilitate gripping of the interdental cleaning element therebetween.

For each clamp there may be provided an aperture between the inner surface and an outer surface of one of the first and second portions and a corresponding plug extending from the inner surface of the other of the first and second portions such that in the closed configuration the plug is retained within the aperture.

Each clamp may be a floss clamp and the interdental cleaning element may be floss.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

-4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a floss device in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 2 shows the floss device of Figure 1 from an alternative perspective;

Figure 3 show the floss device of Figure 1 from a further perspective;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the floss device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the floss device of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows the floss device of Figure 1 viewed from one end;

Figure 7 shows the floss device of Figure 1 viewed from an opposite end;

Figure 8 shows a first embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration;

Figure 9 shows the floss clamp of Figure 8 in a closed configuration;

Figure 10 shows inner surfaces of the floss clamp of Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a side view of the floss clamp of Figure 8 in the open configuration;

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration;

Figure 13 shows the floss clamp of Figure 12 in the closed configuration;

Figure 14 shows a third embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration;

Figure 15 shows the floss clamp of Figure 14 in the closed configuration;

-5Figure 16 shows a fourth embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration; and

Figure 17 shows the floss clamp of Figure 16 in the closed configuration.

Figures 1 to 7 show a floss device 10 in accordance with a first specific embodiment of the invention. The floss device 10 has a central longitudinal axis that extends between a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14 and defines a first, longitudinal, direction of the device. The distal end 14 of the device is intended to be inserted into a user’s mouth and comprises a floss receiving region 20, which is for receipt of floss and extends in a second, transverse, direction of the device substantially perpendicular to the first, longitudinal, direction of the device. The proximal end 12 of the device is intended to be gripped by a user. The floss device may be formed of one or more moulded plastic materials.

The floss device 10 comprises a first arm 100 and a second arm 200. The second arm 200 is substantially a mirror image of the first arm 100, wherein the axis of symmetry corresponds with the central longitudinal axis of the device. Each arm 100, 200 comprises a proximal portion 110, 210, a distal portion 120, 220 and an intermediate portion 130, 230 between the proximal portion 110,210 and the distal portion 120, 220. The proximal 110, 210 and intermediate portions 130, 230 of the arms 100, 200 are curved outwardly from the central longitudinal axis. The proximal 110, 210 and intermediate portions 130, 230 extend for a greater distance in a third direction of the device 10 compared to the second direction of the device 10, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The distal portions 120, 220 of the arms 100, 200 are rotated compared to the proximal 110,210 and intermediate portions 130, 230. The distal portions 120, 220 curve out of a plane comprising the first and second directions and extend for a greater distance in the second direction compared to the third direction. In the specific embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rotation is 90 degrees.

As best shown best in Figures 1 to 4, the intermediate portions 130, 230 of the arms 100, 200 are spaced apart to form a gap 300. The width of the device 10 at the distal end 14 is selected to achieve a comfortable fit within a user’s mouth and also provide maximum interdental access. The device 10 generally tapers towards the proximal end 12 where a connection 400 between the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 is formed.

-6The gap 300 between the intermediate portions 130, 230 is bridged by a resilient flexible member 500 that extends transversely across the device 10 between the intermediate portion 130 of the first arm 100 and the intermediate portion 230 of the second arm 200. The resilient flexible member 500 is described in more detail below.

The proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 each comprise a grip portion 114, 214, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. Each grip portion 114, 214 is positioned on an outer surface of its respective proximal portions 110, 210. Each grip portion 114, 214 has a textured outer surface in order to aid gripping of the device, as best shown in Figure 5.

The proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 comprise first and second brake portions 116, 216, respectively, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and explained in more detail below. Each brake portion 116, 216 projects inwardly from an inner surface of its respective proximal portion 110, 210. Each brake portion 116, 216 is bowed towards an abutment portion 117, 217 of the brake portion 116, 217 that is located inwardly of the device.

The distal portions of the first and second arms 120, 220 comprise first and second floss clamps 600, 700 located at the distal end 14 of the device 10, as shown in Figures 8 to 16 and explained in more detail below. The first and second floss clamps 600, 700 are configured for receipt of floss 25 and so define the floss receiving region 20, which extends transversely between the first and second floss clamps 600, 700. The distal portions 120, 220 of the first and second arms 100, 200 comprise a smooth outer surface to avoid discomfort on placing distal end 14 of the device 10 within a user’s mouth.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the resilient flexible member 500 comprises a number of limbs that are arranged such that, when viewed from the perspective of Figure 4, the resilient flexible member 500 resembles a truncated triangular waveform that projects for approximately two wavelengths or a “W” shape.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, each brake portion 116, 216 extends between a primary point 118, 218 proximal to the resilient flexible member 500 and a secondary point 119, 219 proximal to the grip portion 114, 214. The abutment portion 117, 217 of each break portion 116, 216 is located between, and inwardly of, the primary and

-7secondary points 118, 218,119, 219. Also, the abutment portion 117, 217 lies closer to the secondary point 119, 219 than the primary point, thereby rendering each brake portion 116, 216 asymmetrical. Between the primary point 118, 218 and the abutment portion 117, 217 each brake portion extends towards the central longitudinal axis of the device such that the distance between the first and second brake portions 116, 216 is minimized at the abutment portion 117, 217. Between the abutment portion 117, 217 and the secondary point 119, 219 each brake portion extends back towards its respective proximal portion 110, 210.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connection 400 extends to a point of a size suitable to be used as a toothpick.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 16, each floss clamp 600 comprises a first portion 610,710 and a second portion 620, 720. Each portion 610,710, 620, 720 of each floss clamp 600, 700 has a length and a width. The length of each section is selected according to the width of the dental floss 25. The width of each section is selected to be the same as the width of the distal portion of the arm 120, 220 comprising the floss clamp. This ensures that the device has a smooth distal end 14 and discomfort on placing the device within a user’s mouth is minimized.

The first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 are connected by a living hinge 630, 730. The living hinge is a flexible portion of plastic integrally moulded with the first and second portions such that at least one of the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 can rotate about the living hinge 630, 730 to facilitate retaining of floss 25 therebetween. The living hinge 630, 730 is manufactured such that the bend line of the hinge 630, 730 is perpendicular to the orientation of flow of the plastic molecules. This ensures that the hinge is reliable and repeatable, since, when the hinge 630, 730 is flexed for the first time, the chains of molecules are re-aligned perpendicular to the hinge 630, 730. Each portion 610, 710, 620, 720 comprises a curved outer surface 612, 712, 622, 722 which is smooth to avoid discomfort when inserted into a user’s mouth.

The first and second portions 610,710, 620, 720 have complementary locking features such that they permanently engage with each other in a manner so as to resist removal of floss held therebetween when the floss clamp is in the closed configuration. These are discussed in more detail below.

-8In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 15, the hinge 630, 730 of each floss clamp 600, 700 extends from the tips of the distal portions 120, 220 of the respective arm 100, 200.

The first portion 610, 710 has a first end 610a, 710a that extends from the hinge 630, 730 and a second end 610b, 710b at an opposite end thereof. The second portion 620, 720 has a first end 620a, 720a that extends from the hinge 630, 730 and a second end 620b, 720b at an opposite end thereof. Therefore, both the first 610, 710 and second portions 620, 720 can rotate about the living hinge 630, 730 to facilitate retaining of floss 25 therebetween.

In the embodiment of Figures 8 to 11, as best shown in Figure 10, each inner surface 614, 624, 714, 724 of the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 may comprise a series of ridges and troughs arranged such that the inner surface 614, 624, 714, 724 is undulating. The grooves and ridges of the inner surface of each first portion 614, 714 are complementary to those of the inner surface of each second portion 624, 724 such that the inner surfaces 614, 624, 714, 724 of the portions 610, 620, 710, 720 interlock when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

As best shown in Figure 11, each floss clamp 600, 700 further comprise a hook 640, 740 extending from the second end 610b of the first portion. The hook 640, 740 is configured to engage with a corresponding recess 650, 750 formed within the second end 620b, 720b of the second portion 620, 720 when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 13, the inner surface 614, 714 of each first portion 610, 710 comprises a protruding portion 660, 760 configured to engage with an opening 670, 770 within the inner surface 624, 724 of each second portion 620, 720. The protruding portion 660, 760 and recess 670, 770 may be configured to snap fit together thereby interlocking the first 610, 710 and second portions 620, 720 together when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, plugs 680, 780 protrude from the inner surface 614, 714 of each first portion 610, 710 and are configured to engage with corresponding apertures 690, 790 within each second portion 620, 720. The plugs 680, 780 and corresponding apertures 690, 790 may be configured to snap fit together thereby

-9interlocking the first 610, 710 and second portions together when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

Figures 16 and 17 show alternative embodiments of the clamps 600’, 700’. In these embodiments, each first portion 610’, 710’ has a first end 610a’, 710a’ that extends from the tips of the distal portions 120, 220 of the respective arm 100, 200 and a second end 610b’, 710b’ opposite thereof. The hinge 630’, 730’ extends from the second end 610b’, 710b’ of the first portion 610’, 710’. The second portion 620’, 720’ has a first end 620a’, 720a’ that extends from the living hinge 630’, 730’ and a second end 620b’, 720b’ opposite the first end 620a’, 720a’. The first portions 610’, 710’ are fixed in position relative to the distal portions 120, 220 of the arms 100, 200. The second portions 620, 720 rotate about their respective living hinges 630’, 730’ to facilitate folding of the second portions 620’, 720’ against their respective first portions 610’, 710’ and locking of the portions 610’, 620’, 710’, 720’ together.

The first and second portions 61 O’,71 O’, 620’, 720’ have complementary locking features such that, when the floss clamps 600’, 700’ are in the closed configuration, they permanently engage with each other in a manner so as to resist removal of floss 25 held therebetween. More specifically, the second end 620b’, 720b’ of the second portion 620’, 730’ is configured to snap fit into a receiving element 640’, 740’ at the tips of the distal portions 120’, 210’ of the respective arm 100, 200. A further way in which floss 25 is reliably maintained within the floss clamps is by texturing the inner surfaces 614’, 714’,

624’, 724’ of the first and second portions 610’, 620’, 710’, 720’, which increases the friction between the floss 25 and inner surfaces 614’, 714’, 624’, 724’ of the floss clamps 600’,

700’.

As explained in more detail below, to hold floss 25 within the floss clamps 600, 700 of the device 10, each floss clamp 600, 700 is arranged in the open configuration, then floss 25 is placed between the portions 610, 620, 710, 720 of each floss clamp 600, 700 and each floss clamp 600, 700 is placed and retained permanently in the closed configuration. Once the floss is reliably maintained within the floss clamp 600, 700, the excess floss extending beyond the device 10 may be cut.

In the specific embodiments of Figures 8 to 15, to arrange the floss clamps 600, 700 in the open configuration, as shown in Figure 8, the first and second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions

- 10are rotated about the living hinge 630, 730 so as to move the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 apart. Subsequently, floss 25 is placed between the first and second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions. The floss clamps 600, 700 are then placed in the closed configuration by rotating the first and second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions about the living hinge 630, 730 to move the portions together, as shown in Figure 11. On pushing and locking the first second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions together, the portion of the floss 25 placed between the portions 610, 620, 620, 710, 720 is deformed by the inner surfaces 614, 624, 714, 724.

In the embodiments of Figures 8 to 15, the protruding portions 660, 760, plugs 680, 780, and ridges and troughs on the inner surfaces 614, 714 of the floss clamps 600, 700 stretch, and so also tighten, the floss on locking the floss between the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720. Furthermore, the protruding portions 660, 760, plugs 680, 780 and ridges and troughs on the inner surfaces 614, 714 of the floss clamps 600, 700 also provide increased friction between the floss and the floss clamps 600, 700 such that the floss clamps 600, 700 resist removal of the floss 25. These features of the floss clamp 600, 700 are advantageous, since they enable floss 25 to be reliably retained within the floss receiving region 20.

In the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, to arrange the floss clamps 600’, 700’ in the open configuration, as shown in Figure 14, the second portions 620’, 720’ are rotated away from the first portions 610’, 710’ about the living hinges 630’, 730’. Then, floss 25 is placed between the first and second 610’, 620’, 710’, 720’ portions. The floss clamps 600’, 700’ are then placed in the closed configuration by folding the second portion 620’, 720’ against the first portion 610’, 710’. On pushing and locking the first and second 610’, 620’, 710’, 720’ portions together, the floss 25 is permanently and reliably maintained therebetween, as shown in Figure 16.

Once floss is clamped so as to extend between the first and second arms 100, 200, the tension in the floss 25 may be adjusted by exerting a force on the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200. More specifically, on pushing the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 together, the resilient flexible member 500 deforms in an arcuate manner so as to exert a force on the distal portions 120, 220 of the first and second arms 100, 200. The force exerted on the distal portions 120, 220 of the first and second arms 100, 200 increases the spacing between the distal

- 11 portions 120, 220 thereby increasing the tension in the floss 25. On release of this force, the resilient flexible member 500 regains its original shape thereby reducing the distance between the first and second arms 100, 200 and releasing the tension in the floss 25. The distance moved by the distal portions 120, 220 accurately corresponds with the force exerted on the proximal portions 110, 210. Advantageously, the force applied to the proximal portions 110, 210 of the arms 100, 200 is distributed across the width of the resilient member 500. Increasing the area over which the force is dissipated reduces the concentration of the force thereby increasing fatigue resistance and durability of the device 10.

The brake portions 116, 216 serve to prevent widening of the floss receiving region 20 beyond a predetermined threshold width. If the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 are pushed together with a force equal to or greater than a threshold force, then the abutment portion 117 of the first brake portion 116 abuts the abutment portion 217 of the second brake portion 216. This therefore prevents widening of the distal portions 120, 220 of the arms 100, 200 beyond a threshold width. This threshold width may correspond to a maximum extension of the dental floss 25, beyond which the floss may be expected to snap. Therefore, the brake portions 116, 216 may prevent snapping of floss 25. In the specific embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, each brake portion 116, 216 is outwardly curved and asymmetrical. This configuration increases the flexibility of the brake portions 116, 216, which is advantageous, since on flexing of the brake portions 116, 216, a proportion of the force may be absorbed thereby preventing snapping of the brake portions 116, 216 and increasing the durability of the device 10.

Whilst a number of embodiments have been described, it will be understood that these are for the purposes of illustration only and that the invention is not so limited. The skilled reader will envisage various modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope of the claims.

For example, as the skilled person will readily appreciate, the floss clamps 600, 700 of the floss device 10 may have any locking mechanism combined with any inner surface configuration. Furthermore, at least the inner surfaces 614, 624, 714, 724 of the floss clamps 600, 700 may be formed of a material comprising a high friction additive. This additive can be mineral, glass fiber or any high friction material which is compatible or combinable with the material used to form the device 10. Furthermore, the floss clamps

- 12 600, 700 may be replaced with any alternative fastening means for retaining the floss 25 within the floss receiving region 20. The floss clamps 600, 700 of the floss device 10 have been described to have complementary locking features that permanently engage with each other when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration. However, the skilled person would readily appreciate that the complementary locking features may be configured so that they reversibly engage with each other when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration. Therefore, the floss clamps 600, 700 may be re-opened to replace the floss 25 and the device 10 may be re-used.

Whilst the floss device 10 has been described above in relation to floss, and in particular monofibre floss, the skilled person would readily appreciate that the floss device 10 may be used with non-monofibre floss or with other interdental cleaning elements. For example, it may be used for multifibre floss or for altogether different interdental cleaning elements such as brushes or strands that can be held between a first end and a second end. Furthermore, the floss device 10 can be used with any interdental cleaning material such as nylon, polyester, thermoplastic elastomer; polypropylene; flock, cloth and silicone.

The floss device 10 may be formed as a single unit by a single-part moulding process. Alternatively, the floss device 10 may be formed using a multi-part moulding process in order to achieve desired characteristics. For example, the grip portion 114, 214 may be formed from a different material compared to the rest of the arm 100, 200 in an overmoulding step. The materials may be selected in order to achieve a grip portion 114, 214 having a high coefficient of friction, facilitating gripping of the device 10, and distal portions 120, 220 having a low coefficient of friction, reducing discomfort on inserting the device 10 into the mouth. By way of further example, the inner surfaces 614,624, 714, 724 of the floss clamps 600, 700 may be formed of a different material compared to the rest of the floss clamps 600, 700 in an over-moulding step. The inner surfaces 614, 714, 624, 724 of the floss clamps 600, 700 as noted above may be formed of a material comprising a high friction additive, facilitating gripping of the interdental cleaning element disposed therebetween, and the outer surfaces 612, 622, 712, 722 of the floss clamps 600, 700 may be formed of a material having a low-coefficient of friction, reducing discomfort on inserting the device 10 into the mouth.

The floss device 10 may be formed of a singly moulded polymer such as, for example, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene or nylon, polyethylene or a thermoset or

- 13thermoplastic elastomer such as, for example, styrenic block copolymers, melt processable rubber, thermoplastic olefinic elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanisate, thermoplastic amide elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.

The resilient flexible member 500 may be of an alternative configuration compared to that shown in Figures 1 to 4. The resilient flexible member 500 may have an appearance of a waveform that is discontinuous, for example a square wave or sawtooth wave, or a waveform that is continuous, for example a triangular or sinusoidal wave. The resilient flexible member 500 may have an appearance of a waveform projecting for any number of wavelengths.

The grip portion 114, 214 may be a co-moulded thermoset or thermoplastic elastomer such as, for example, styrenic block copolymers, melt processable rubber, thermoplastic olefinic elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanisate, thermoplastic amide elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, or a polymer, such as, for example, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene or nylon. The grip portion 114, 214 may be formed of the same polymer as the remainder of the floss device 10 or may be formed of a material having a higher coefficient of friction. Any grip portion 114, 214 may be used in combination with any of the embodiments described.

Each brake portion 116, 216 may project from the inner surface of each respective proximal portion 110, 210 at any location between the resilient flexible member 500 and the connection point 400. Furthermore, the positioning of the abutment portion 117, 217 relative to the primary and secondary 118, 218, 119, 219 points of each brake portion 116, 216 may be varied such that the abutment portion 117, 217 lies equidistant between the primary and second points 118, 218, 119,219 or closer to the primary point 118, 218 or closer to the secondary point 119,219.

Whilst the floss device 10 has been described to have a first and second arm 100, 200, the skilled person will appreciate that the floss device 10 could alternatively comprise a handle that branches into spaced apart portions defining a gap therebetween. Furthermore, whilst the figures show the floss device 10 to be Y-shaped, the shape of the floss device is not a limitation of the present invention. For example, the spaced apart portions do not necessarily need to project parallel to the axis handle and may instead project perpendicular to the axis of the handle thereby providing a P-shaped floss device.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An interdental cleaning device comprising:

a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end;

a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end;

wherein the distal end of the first arm is spaced apart from the distal end of the second arm and wherein the distal end of each of the first and second arms comprises a clamp for retaining an interdental cleaning element;

2. The interdental cleaning device of claim 1 wherein for each clamp:

the first portion has a first end that extends from the distal portion of the respective arm and a second end opposite the first end;

the hinge extends from the second end of the first portion; and the second portion has a first end that extends from the hinge and a second end opposite the first end.

3. The interdental cleaning device of claim 2 wherein for each clamp the locking feature comprises the second end of the second portion being configured to snap fit into a receiving element at the distal end of the respective arm.

4. The interdental cleaning device of claim 1 wherein for each clamp: the hinge extends from the distal end of the respective arm; and the first and second portions extend from either side of the hinge.

5. The interdental cleaning device of claim 4 wherein the locking feature comprises a hook located at an end of the first portion opposite the hinge wherein in the closed configuration the hook extends over an end of the second portion opposite the hinge.

- 156. The interdental cleaning element of claim 4, wherein in the closed configuration the hook is removably received into a recess within the end of the second portion opposite the hinge.

7. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein each clamp comprises a protrusion on the inner surface of one of the first and second portions and a corresponding recess on the inner surface of the other of the first and second portions whereby in the closed configuration the protrusion is retained in the recess so as to facilitate gripping of the interdental cleaning element between the recess and the protrusion.

8. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein for each clamp: an inner surface of the first portion comprises a first series of ridges and troughs;

and an inner surface of the second portion comprises a second series of ridges and troughs;

wherein the first series of ridges and troughs complements the second series of ridges and troughs so as to facilitate gripping of the interdental cleaning element therebetween.

9. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein for each clamp there is provided an aperture between the inner surface and an outer surface of one of the first and second portions and a corresponding plug extending from the inner surface of the other of the first and second portions such that in the closed configuration the plug is retained within the aperture.

10. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein each clamp is a floss clamp and the interdental cleaning element is floss.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1616673.8 Examiner: John Vinall