US3746225A

US3746225A - Dental floss dispensing case

Info

Publication number: US3746225A
Application number: US00130392A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Runckel
Original assignee: Skyline Northwest Corp
Current assignee: Skyline Northwest Corp
Priority date: 1971-04-01
Filing date: 1971-04-01
Publication date: 1973-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 1990-07-17

Abstract

A storing and dispensing pocket-type case for a roll of withdrawable dental tape. The case is hollow and embodies spaced parallel walls having outer marginal edges joined by an encircling rim. The outer peripheral surface of the rim is provided with first and second outstanding annular ribs. These ribs have inward edges spaced apart a prerequisite distance to define an intervening annular channel of requisite width and depth. A predetermined portion of the bottom of the channel is provided with a transverse dispensing slot through which the free withdrawable end of the tape is accessible. At a circumferentially spaced point a clip is confined in the channel and is provided with a struck-out tongue. This tongue is nested within the confines of the channel and provides a safeguarded tape cutting blade. That portion of one rib which is proximal to and situated between the slot and cutting blade is provided with an outwardly opening tape threading and holding groove. The portion of the tape between the slot and blade is guidingly passed through the groove and facilitates piloting the terminal end toward the blade. The tape beyond the blade is severed and used and the tape between the blade and slot and guiding groove is accessible for controllable use.

Description

United States Patent 1 Runckel July 17, 1973 DENTAL FLOSS DISPENSING CASE [75] Inventor: John L. Runckel, Lake Oswego,

Oreg.

[22] Filed: Apr. 1, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 130,392

[52] US. Cl 225/19, 225/45, 225/56, 225/80, D9/216 [51] Int. Cl 82613/02 [58] Field of Search 225/44, 45, 47, 19,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,664,194 12/1953 Sharp 225/44 2,806,660 9/1957 Marcoff-Moghadan 225/88 X D] 15,559 10/1949 Tillmann D9/2l6 3,525,462 8/1970 Freedman.... 225/44 X 2,370,699 3/1945 Warren 225/88 X 3,246,815 4/1966 Aronsen 225/44 3,480,190 11/1969 Freedman 225/448 Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz Assistant Examiner-Leon Gilden Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B.

Jacobson 57 ABSTRACT A storing and dispensing pocket-type case for a roll of withdrawable dental tape. The case is hollow and embodies spaced parallel walls having outer marginal edges joined by an encircling rim. The outer peripheral surface of the rim is provided with first and second outstanding annular ribs. These ribs have inward edges spaced apart a prerequisite distance to define an intervening annular channel of requisite width and depth. A predetermined portion of the bottom of the channel is provided with a transverse dispensing slot through which the free withdrawable end of the tape is accessible. At a circumferentially spaced point a clip is confined in the channel and is provided with a struck-out tongue. This tongue is nested within the confines of the channel and provides a safeguarded tape cutting blade. That portion of one rib which is proximal to and situated between the slot and cutting blade is provided with an outwardly opening tape threading and holding groove. The portion of the tape between the slot and blade is guidingly passed through the groove and facilitates piloting the terminal end toward the blade. The tape beyond the blade is severed and used and the tape between the blade and slot and guiding groove is accessible for controllable use.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented July 17, 1973 I 3,746,225

John L Runcke/ DENTAL FLOSS DISPENSING CASE This invention relates to a plastic or an equivalent enclosing and carrying case for a roll of dental tapeand pertains, more particularly, to an ornamental pockettype adaptation wherein the encompassing rim has selfcontained features which facilitate withdrawing and dispensing the free end of the tape, severing the usable terminal portion, and controllably holding and guiding that portion of the tape between the properly spaced dispensing and severing points.

Many and various types and forms of storing and dispensing cases for ribbon and tape type dental floss have been devised and are in common use. Prior US. Pat. Nos. 2,929,541 of Mar. 22, 1960 and 3,525,462 of Aug. 25, 1970 may be regarded a generally indicative of the state of the art to which the present invention relates.

Briefly, the herein disclosed carrying case for dental tape comprises a pair of companion separably connectible sections; a cup-like receiver section embodying a wall having an annular marginal flange constituting a rim and providing a storing receptacle for the roll of tape, and a complemental readily attachable and detachable cover section which also has a wall opposed to and spaced from the first wall and likewise has a surrounding annular marginal flange providing a rim. A portion of the rim or flange of the receiver section has a dispensing slot by way of which a free pull-responsive end portion of the dental tape can be caught hold of and progressively withdrawn for use. The cutting means for the withdrawable end portion of the tape is carried by the peripheral surface of the rim and is accessibly mounted on the rim and spaced from the slot a predetermined distance. Guiding and holding means is also mounted on the rim portion and is located between the dispensing slot and the cutting means and serves to hold and guide the severable portion of the tape. The flange portions of the two sections are separably and retentively connected together to permit access to be had to the receptacle portion for the aforementioned roll of tape.

More specifically exterior peripheral surface portions of the over-all rim are provided with endless or annular ribs. The inward marginal edges of the respective ribs are spaced apart to define an intervening channel which not only surrounds the case but is of prescribed depth. The aforementioned cutting means is characterized by a clip having an out struck tongue defining a cutting blade. The channel has circumferentially spaced lugs therein adjacent the slot. These lugs are provided with kerfs for reception and retention of the end portions of the clip. That part of one rib between the slot and clip is provided with a tape offsetting, bypassing and guiding groove. The grooved portion serves not only as a holder for a portion of the tape but renders the portion constantly accessible for ready access and use.

As will be hereinafter more fully appreciated, the exterior surface portions with respect to the encircling ribs are undulated. The undulations are such as to define circumferentially spaced scallops, the scallops having intervening depressions or recesses which while ornamental are also useful in that the ribs can be securely gripped with the fingers for separating the cover from the receiver and replacing a used roll of dental tape.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a dental floss dispensing case constructed in accordance with the invention and showing the same readied for use.

FIG. 2 is a view in edge elevation on a slightly enlarged scale observing FIG. 1 in a direction from left to right with the tape omitted in a manner to emphasize the slot, cutting blade and tape guiding groove.

FIG. 3 is a central vertical sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the section line 33 of FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the indicating ar- I'OWS.

FIG. 4 is a view also in section detailing the clip, cuttin blade and mounting lugs therefor.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail section taken on the plane of the horizontal section line 55 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of the receiver section of the sectional case showing the clip projected to one side and readied for placement in the anchoring lugs.

By way of introduction to the description of the details it will be observed that the case, considered as a unit, is of circular fonn as is generally evident from FIG. 1. It is preferably but not necessarily made of moldable' plastic material of an acceptably usable grade. The plastic materials in use are colorful and substantially rigid. Also, the finished marketable and usable case is ornamental but highly and feasibly useful. It is also to be pointed out that it is within the purview of the inventive concept to provide a one-piece throw away or disposable case. Preferably, however, the case is made of separable receiver and cover sections which are such that the roll of tape when the tape is used up can be replaced with a spare roll (not detailed).

The cup-like hollow receiver section is denoted (FIG. 6) by the numeral 8 and is characterized by a flat faced disk-like wall 10 the outer margin of which is provided with lateral flange means 12 having an assembling endless edge portion 14. The flanged wall or disk constitutes a receptacle portion 16 for an insertable and removable spool or roll of tape comprising an appropriate spool 18 having a hub portion 20 and embodying heads confining the roll of dental tape 22. The aforementioned wall or disk 10 is provided with a hollow stub axle 24 on which the hub 20 is mounted for free rotation as is evident in FIGS. 3 and 4 in particular. It will also be evident from FIG. 6 that a dispensing notch or slot is provided in the flange'portion as indicated at 26, said notch opening through the lip portion 14 to facilitate threading the portion 28 (FIG. 4) of the tape therethrough. The outer peripheral portion of the flange means is provided with a first endless or annular encompassing rib 30 and the peripheral surface of this rib projects beyond the surface of the flange where it is undulated with the undulations defining circumferentially spaced segmental scallops 32 and in-between depressions 34. These recessed scallops provide an antislipping grip and also render the over-all receiver section 8 ornamental-With further reference to FIG. 6 it will be evident that it shows two circumferentially spaced integral lugs as at 36 and 38 and that the confronting end portions of these lugs are provided with kerfs 40 which serve as positioning and retaining anchors for the adjacent end portions of an insertable and removable metal cleat or clip 42. This clip when in position presents itself as illustrated in FIG. 4. An intermediate portion of the clip is provided with a struckout tongue 44 which constitutes a properly located and usable tape cutting blade. It will be noted in connection with the two

lugs

36 and 38 that the scallop 46 has an outer edge portion thereof provided with an open ended outwardly opening tape fastening and guiding groove 48. This groove occupies the locale best illustrated in FIG. 2 where it is situated in relation to the transverse slot 26 and the cutter blade 44 which is spaced circumferentially from the slot. The lug 36 is between the cutter blade and the slot 26 and the other lug 38 is properly and circumferentially spaced therefrom. in practice an end portion of the tape is threaded through the groove 48 and beyond the open end where it is then laterally directed as at 50 where it can be piloted into position in relation to the cutting blade or tongue 44. That end portion of the tape which is to be severed and used is denoted by phantom lines as at 52 in F IG. 1. The complemental cap-like cover section for the open side of the receiver section 8 is denoted in FIG. by the numeral 54 and it too comprises a disk like-plate 56 which is spaced from the plate to cover the open side of the receiver. In addition, the flange means here is denoted at 58 (FIG. 5) and is surrounded by a second annular or endless rib 60 which in conjunction with the flange 58 provides a groove for telescoping and assembling reception of the lip portion 14 of the afore-mentioned flange 12. Here again, the rib 60 also referred to as a second rib, is of a form corresponding to the rib 30 in that it is undulated in the manner that the undulations define circumferentiaily spaced scallops 62 and intervening depressions or recesses 64. When the two

sections

8 and 54 are properly lined up and the rim portions thereof snapped together, the spool of dental floss is protectively housed or enclosed. Prior to applying the cap 54 the free end portion of the tape is threaded through the notch or slot 26 for withdrawing and dispensing purposes. A porion of the tape is pulled to one side and then threaded through the guiding goove 48 and the portion 50 is returned to and engaged releasably with the cutting blade 44 where it is ready for use. The portion 52 is cut and removed for use and the other portion is left in place so that it is available for ready use.

It is to be noted that when the

sections

8 and 54 are put together to assume the position and relationship illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 inclusive that portion of the rim or flange means between the ribs constitutes a channel 66. It is in this channel that the circumferentially spaced lugs 36 and 38 and the cutter blade are arranged. It is to be noted in this connection that by interrelating the dispensing notch or slot 26, the circumferentially spaced cutter blade and the in-between grooved scallop 46, these several features combine in achieving an ideal and feasible result. The component 26 and groove 48 function not only to guide the dental floss or tape into the cutter but also allow for ease in starting a new piece of floss. The groove also enhances the purposes desired by holding the floss down as it is guided into the cutter whereby to maintain its proper position so that when the user wants an additional piece of floss or tape it is readily available. The shape of the container, the scalloped ribs and slot, groove and cutter means insures that the cutter will be retained within the shallow confines of the channel in such a manner as to prevent catching the cutter blade on the clothing or on purse linings when being carried in a garment pocket or purse as the case may be. This is regarded as a unique feature of the over-all spool containing and dispensing case. The component parts are individually unique and coordinate in a properly oriented and combination sense to provide the dental floss container and dispenser desired.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An enclosing and carrying pocket-type case for a roll of withdrawable dental tape comprising: a cup-like receiver section embodying a wall having a complemental annular marginal flange constituting a rim and, in conjunction with said wall, providing a storing receptacle for said roll of tape, said rim having a tape inserting and dispensing slot which is open at one end and by way of which a free pull-responsive end portion of the dental tape can be initially inserted and subsequently caught hold of and progressively withdrawn for use, cutting means for the withdrawable end portion of the tape, said means being accessibly mounted on a peripheral surface of said rim and circumferentially spaced from said slot, tape guiding and holding means embodied in a pheripheral surface of said rim and located in an offset position between (1) the dispensing slot and (2) said cutting means and serving to slidingly hold and guide the severable portion of the tape to said cutting means, and an attachable and detachable cover section also having a wall opposed to and spaced from said first wall and likewise having a surrounding annular marginal flange providing a rim and having an annular goove for coordinating retentive reception of a coacting edge portion of said first named flange.

2. The dental tape case defined in and according to claim 1, and wherein the, exterior peripheral surface of said first named flange is surrounded by an encompassing outstanding finger gripping rib, and the exterior peripheral surface of the second named flange is likewise surrounded by a similar outstanding and encompassing rib, the adjacent inward marginal and confronting edges of said ribs being spaced and providing an intervening case-encircling channel, and said cutting means being protectively nested within the confines of said channel.

3. The dental tape case defined in and according to claim 1, and wherein the exterior surface of said first named flange is surrounded by an encompassing outstanding finger gripping rib, and the exterior surface of the second named flange is likewise surrounded by a similar outstanding and encompassing rib, the adjacent inward marginal and confronting edges of said ribs being spaced and providing an intervening caseencircling channel, and said cutting means being protectively nested within the confines of said channel, said cutting means comprising an anchored clip having a struck-out tongue, said tongue constituting a cutting blade and said blade projecting into but terminating and being pocketed within the channel in a manner that it minimizes the likelihood of snagging when the case is being carried in a purse or in a garment pocket.

4. The dental tape holding and dispensing case defined in and according to claim 2, and wherein the peripheral surfaces of said ribs are undulated, the undulations defining circumferentially spaced scallops and intervening depressions, one of the scallops adjacent to and in-between said dispensing slot and cutting means having an outwardly opening open-ended goove defining said guiding means and in which an oriented offset portion of the dental tape is slidingly threaded and guidingly held and readied for accessibly convenient use.

5. The dental tape holding and dispensing case defined in and according to claim 2, and wherein that portion of the first flange which is adjacent the dispensing slot is provided with a pair of circumferentially spaced lugs, said lugs being seated in and aligned with the channel, the ends of said lugs which face each other having kerfs providing keepers, said cutting means comprising a clip which is situated between the respective lugs, has its ends lodged and retained in the respectively cooperable keepers and has a tongue struck-out and constituting a tape holding and cutting blade.

6. The dental tape holding and dispensing case delined in and according to claim 5, and wherein the peripheral surfaces of said ribs are undulated, the undulations defining circumferentially spaced scallops and intervening depressions, one of the scallops adjacent to and in-between said dispensing slot and cutting means having an outwardly opening open-ended groove defining said guiding means and in which an oriented offset portion of the dental tape is slidingly threaded and guidingly held and readied for accessibly conventient use.

7. A pocket-type enclosing and carrying case for a roll of withdrawable dental tape comprising a hollow case embodying spaced walls marginally joined by an encompassing rim, the outer peripheral surface being provided with first and second outstanding and encompassing ribs, said ribs having inward encircling edges spaced apart and defining an intervening annular channel, a portion of said channel having a dispensing slot for the free withdrawable end of said tape, also having a circumferentially spaced clip which is confined in said channel and which is provided with a struck-out tongue, said tongue being wholly and protectively nested within the confines of the channel and providing a safeguarded tape cutting blade, that portion of the first rib which is proximal to and is situated between the slot and cutting blade being provided with an outwardly opening tape threading, holding, and guiding groove.

8. The case defined in and according to claim 7, and wherein the peripheral surfaces of said ribs are undulated, the undulations defining circumferentially spaced segmental scallops and in-between depressions.

9. The case defined in and according to claim 8, and wherein said slot is open at one end in a manner to facilitate the step of initially inserting the tape for withdrawal and dispensing, and also wherein said tape threading, holding and guiding groove is formed in one of said scallops, said one scallop being located in a position between said slot and struck-out tongue.

Claims

2. The dental tape case defined in and according to claim 1, and wherein the exterior peripheral surface of said first named flange is surrounded by an encompassing outstanding finger gripping rib, and the exterior peripheral surface of the second named flange is likewise surrounded by a similar outstanding and encompassing rib, the adjacent inward marginal and confronting edges of said ribs being spaced and providing an intervening case-encircling channel, and said cutting means being protectively nested within the confines of said channel.

3. The dental tape case defined in and according to claim 1, and wherein the exterior surface of said first named flange is surrounded by an encompassing outstanding finger gripping rib, and the exterior surface of the second named flange is likewise surrounded by a similar outstanding and encompassing rib, the adjacent inward marginal and confronting edges of said ribs being spaced and providing an intervening case-encircling channel, and said cutting means being protectively nested within the confines of said channel, said cutting means comprising an anchored clip having a struck-out tongue, said tongue constituting a cutting blade and saiD blade projecting into but terminating and being pocketed within the channel in a manner that it minimizes the likelihood of snagging when the case is being carried in a purse or in a garment pocket.

6. The dental tape holding and dispensing case defined in and according to claim 5, and wherein the peripheral surfaces of said ribs are undulated, the undulations defining circumferentially spaced scallops and intervening depressions, one of the scallops adjacent to and in-between said dispensing slot and cutting means having an outwardly opening open-ended groove defining said guiding means and in which an oriented offset portion of the dental tape is slidingly threaded and guidingly held and readied for accessibly conventient use.