WO1997036549B1 - Dental flossing devices - Google Patents
Dental flossing devicesInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997036549B1 WO1997036549B1 PCT/US1997/005132 US9705132W WO9736549B1 WO 1997036549 B1 WO1997036549 B1 WO 1997036549B1 US 9705132 W US9705132 W US 9705132W WO 9736549 B1 WO9736549 B1 WO 9736549B1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- extension
- floss
- dental
- flossing device
- tooth
- Prior art date
Links
- 241000628997 Flos Species 0.000 claims abstract 65
- 210000000515 Tooth Anatomy 0.000 claims 35
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 6
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000591 gum Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 claims 1
Abstract
Dental flossing devices (10, 11, 34, 100) and methods which are of particular use with corrective dental braces (71, 171). The flossing devices utilize a strand of floss (14, 44, 150) supported by an arm (20, 38, 120) attached to a grip (12, 36, 112). The arm (20, 38, 120) includes one or more extensions (22, 30, 56, 141, 142) which support the floss (14, 44, 150) and can be inserted under a brace wire (71, 171). An extension (141) which is more flexible and curved facilitates tensioning of the floss when forced against a tooth (172). In another embodiment a supply roll of floss (42) is included. Other flossing devices include a loop (14, 44) which is engaged by the user's finger.
Claims
1. A dental flossing device, comprising: a grip; a main arm connected to the grip and extending therefrom; a first extension connected to the main arm and having a distal end, said first extension being sufficiently slender to allow insertion of the first extension between a tooth and brace wire which is mounted adjacent to the tooth, said first extension also having a convexly curved contact surface which extends along approximately the length of an inward face of the first extension so as to allow the convexly curved contact surface to engage a distal side of the tooth, said first extension further having a floss support feature formed near the distal end thereof; a second extension connected to the main arm and having a distal end, said second extension also having a floss support feature formed near a distal end thereof; a strand of dental floss supported between said first and second extensions, said strand of dental floss being supported by the first and second extensions at said floss support features; wherein said first extension is relatively more flexible in bending as compared to said second extension to allow a user to tension the strand of dental floss by forcing the curved surface of the first extension against surfaces of the user's teeth to thereby bend the first extension relative to the second extension to tension the strand of dental floss; and whereby the convexly curved contact surface of the first extension allows the user to press the convexly curved contact face against a tooth and to rock the flossing device in a rocking motion which facilitates cleaning of teeth by moving the strand of floss relative to the tooth.
2. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein me first extension is relatively closer to the grip than said second extension.
3. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein the grip is triangular shaped.
4. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second extensions extend away from the main arm at an angle in the range of between approximately 45 to 135 degrees of arc. 97/36549 PCΪYUS97/05132
25
5. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second extensions which are sized and the floss support features thereof positioned such that the strand of dental floss is supported at a floss incline angle which is in the range of approximately 5 to 25 degrees of arc.
6. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein the grip includes a flattened handle that facilitates applying torque by a user about a main arm axis.
7. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein the main arm includes an offset portion.
8. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein the main arm includes an offset portion which when combined with the grip forms a rest which keeps the flossing device in an upright position when placed upon a horizontal supporting surface.
9. A dental flossing device according to claim 1 wherein: the grip is triangular with a base thereof positioned opposite to the extensions; the main arm includes an offset portion which when combined with the grip forms a rest which keeps the flossing device in an upright position when placed upon a horizontal supporting surface.
10. A dental flossing device for flossing teeth of a user, comprising: a grip; a main arm connected to the grip and extending therefrom; at least one extension connected to the main arm and extending away from the main arm at an angle in the range of between approximately 45 to 135 degrees of arc, said at least one extension having a distal end and a floss support feature formed near the distal end; said at least one extension including a first extension which is sufficiently slender to allow insertion of the first extension between a tooth of the user and a brace wire which is mounted adjacent to the tooth; a strand of dental floss supported upon the at least one extension by said floss support feature; said strand of dental floss being looped to form a finger-engageable loop which can be grasped by the user along the medial side of the user's teeth when the dental flossing device is in use flossing the user's mouth. 26
11. A dental flossing device according to claim 10 wherein at least the first extension is curved.
12. A dental flossing device according to claim 10 wherein at least the first extension includes a convexly curved contact surface which extends along
5 approximately the length of an inward face of the first extension so as to allow the convexly curved contact surface to engage a distal side of the tooth.
13. A dental flossing device according to claim 10 wherein said at least one extension further includes a second extension which is sufficiently slender to allow insertion of the second extension between a tooth and a brace wire which is w mounted adjacent to the tooth, said strand of dental floss being supported near a distal end of said second extension.
14. A dental flossing device according to claim 10 wherein: said at least one extension further includes a second extension which is sufficiently slender to allow insertion of the second extension between a tooth and is a brace wire which is mounted adjacent to the tooth, said strand of dental floss being supported near a distal end of said second extension; and said first and second extensions are curved.
15. A dental flossing device according to claim 10 wherein: said at least one extension further includes a second extension which is 0 sufficiently slender to allow insertion of the second extension between a tooth and a brace wire which is mounted adjacent to the tooth, said strand of dental floss being supported near a distal end of said second extension; and said first and second extensions include convexly curved contact surfaces which extend along approximately the length of inward faces thereof so as to allow 25 the convexly curved contact surfaces to engage a distal side of the tooth.
16. A dental flossing device according to claim 10 wherein said at least one extension further includes a second extension which is sufficiently slender to allow insertion of the second extension between a tooth and a brace wire which is mounted adjacent to the tooth, said second extension extending from the main arm
30 in opposed relationship to the first extension, said strand of dental floss being supported near a distal end of said second extension.
17. A dental flossing device, comprising: a grip; 27
a main arm connected to the grip and extending therefrom, said main arm having a main arm offset; at least one extension connected to the main arm and having a distal end; at least one floss support feature formed near the distal end; a strand of dental floss supported by said at least one extension at said floss support feature; whereby the grip and main arm offset are constructed to engage a flat supporting surface and act as a supporting rest for the dental flossing device which keeps the flossing device in an upright position when placed upon a horizontal supporting surface.
18. A dental flossing device according to claim 17 wherein the grip is a planar member.
19. A dental flossing device according to claim 17 wherein the grip is a planar member oriented approximately orthogonal to an offset axis defined by said main arm offset.
20. A dental flossing device according to claim 17 wherein the grip is a triangular planar member.
21. A dental flossing device according to claim 17 wherein the grip is a triangular planar member oriented approximately orthogonal to an offset axis defined by said main arm offset.
22. A dental flossing device according to claim 17 wherein said at least one extension includes a first extension and a second extension, said first and second extensions having distal ends which include said at least one floss support feature thereon, said first and second extensions extending from the main arm in approximately the same directions.
23. A dental flossing device according to claim 17 wherein: said at least one extension includes a first extension and a second extension, said first and second extensions having distal ends which include said at least one floss support feature thereon; one of said first or second extensions is relatively more flexible in bending as compared to the other of said extensions to allow a user to tension the strand of dental floss by forcing the more flexible extension against surfaces of the user's teeth 28
to thereby bend the more flexible extension relative to the other of said extensions and tension the strand of dental floss.
24. A dental flossing device according to claim 23 wherein the more flexible extension is adjacent to the grip.
25. A dental floss support and supply device enabling an individual with braces to floss between adjacent teeth of the individual and to replace used floss, the device comprising: a frame having an arm with a distal end insertable between a brace wire and adjacent teeth to bring the distal end into close proximity with a gum line adjacent the teeth; a supply of floss on the frame trainable along desired areas of the frame and arm; a floss support feature on the arm for supporting a length of floss, the length of floss being disposed relative to the floss support feature to allow engagement by a finger of the individual to tension the length of floss relative to the floss support feature; and a floss exposure area upon the frame through which a portion of trained floss is exposed to promote capture of the portion of trained floss against the frame using the finger of the individual, such floss exposure area including a recess over which the portion of trained floss passes for facilitating grasping and advancing new floss from the supply of floss.
26. The device of claim 25 wherein the floss support feature supports the length of floss in a manner forming a finger-engageable loop of floss disposed to allow engagement by the finger of the individual to tension the length of floss relative to the floss support feature.
27. The device of claim 25 and further comprising a tie-off connected to the frame which allows the length of floss to be formed into a finger-engageable loop extending between the floss support feature and the tie-off.
28. The device of claim 25 wherein the floss support feature supports the length of floss in a manner forming a finger-engageable loop of floss disposed to allow engagement by the finger of the individual to tension the length of floss relative to the floss support feature, the floss support feature including an aperture adjacent the distal end through which length of floss is trained for forming the loop 29
of floss, and wherein the arm has a main arm part which extends along a generally straight main arm part axis, and an extension arm part joined to the main arm part and configured to extend along an extension arm part axis toward the distal end, the arm including a bend between the main arm part and the extension arm part, the bend defining an angle between the extension arm part axis and the main arm part axis of around between 75- to 105- degrees.
29. A method for flossing teeth, comprising: gripping a dental flossing device having a first extension and a second extension which support a strand of dental floss therebetween, at least one of said first or second extensions being relatively more flexible in bending as compared to the other of said extensions; forcing the more flexible extension against surfaces of the user's teeth to thereby bend the more flexible extension relative to the other of said extensions and tension the strand of dental floss; moving said strand of dental floss relative to the tooth and adjacent gums to dislodge materials therefrom.
30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the more flexible extension is adjacent to a grip which is engaged in the gripping step.
31. A method according to claim 29 wherein the moving step includes rocking the dental flossing device against teeth of a user.
32. A method according to claim 29 wherein; the more flexible extension includes a convexly curved surface which extends along approximately the length of an interior face which engages teeth of a user; the moving step includes rocking the convexly curved surface of the dental flossing device against a tooth of the user.
33. A method according to claim 29 further comprising inserting the more flexible extension between a dental brace wire and a tooth of a user.
34. A method according to claim 29 further comprising inserting the more flexible extension between a dental brace wire and a tooth of a user; and wherein: the more flexible extension includes a curved surface which extends along approximately the length of an interior face which engages teeth of a user; 30
the moving step includes rocking the convexly curved surface of the dental flossing device against a tooth of the user.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU25543/97A AU2554397A (en) | 1996-04-02 | 1997-03-28 | Dental flossing devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US62677496A | 1996-04-02 | 1996-04-02 | |
| US08/626,774 | 1996-04-02 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1997036549A2 WO1997036549A2 (en) | 1997-10-09 |
| WO1997036549A3 WO1997036549A3 (en) | 1997-11-27 |
| WO1997036549B1 true WO1997036549B1 (en) | 1997-12-24 |
Family
ID=24511805
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1997/005132 WO1997036549A2 (en) | 1996-04-02 | 1997-03-28 | Dental flossing devices |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5860434A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2554397A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997036549A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2386559A (en) * | 2002-03-22 | 2003-09-24 | Alan Ogilvie | Dental flossing apparatus |
| US7328711B2 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2008-02-12 | Anthony Jason Hill | Orthodontic flossing implement and method of use thereof |
| US20070017546A1 (en) * | 2005-07-25 | 2007-01-25 | Dino Bite Inc. | Orthodonthic flossing device |
| US7832415B2 (en) * | 2006-02-24 | 2010-11-16 | Pitsis Andrew J | Floss grip |
| US8631807B2 (en) * | 2007-03-14 | 2014-01-21 | A Better Way of Life, Inc. | Method and apparatus for orthodontic floss aid |
| US20090241984A1 (en) * | 2008-03-27 | 2009-10-01 | Wall William J | Flossing Dental Tool for Use with Fixed Orthodontic Appliance |
| US20100206325A1 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2010-08-19 | Inma Lacross | Bracemate flosser |
| US8671958B2 (en) * | 2009-10-14 | 2014-03-18 | N. Michelle Borg | Orthodontic flosser |
| US9517118B1 (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2016-12-13 | N. Michelle Borg | Orthodontic flosser |
| US8152508B2 (en) * | 2010-05-28 | 2012-04-10 | Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. | Apparatus for manufacture of single-use dental floss holders |
| US20120080049A1 (en) * | 2010-10-01 | 2012-04-05 | En-Heng Liu | Dental Floss Pick |
| US20120285478A1 (en) * | 2011-05-11 | 2012-11-15 | Practicon, Inc. | Disposable Flosser |
| TWI413512B (en) * | 2011-08-23 | 2013-11-01 | Liang Wan Jhih | Dental floss stick |
| USD770095S1 (en) | 2013-08-13 | 2016-10-25 | William J. Wall | Flossing tool head |
| CN105167871B (en) * | 2015-09-28 | 2017-03-22 | 吉林大学 | Special orthodontic floss pick with replaceable floss |
| US11844661B2 (en) * | 2021-03-12 | 2023-12-19 | Kurt G. Vest | Flosser |
Family Cites Families (26)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US691581A (en) * | 1901-06-20 | 1902-01-21 | Auguste Baumeister | Dental floss-holder. |
| US1260011A (en) * | 1917-03-24 | 1918-03-19 | William Mark Muchow | Dental-floss container. |
| US1498853A (en) * | 1921-11-10 | 1924-06-24 | Louise C Ball | Dental floss holder |
| US1534171A (en) * | 1923-08-13 | 1925-04-21 | Josiah B Fickes | Dental-floss-guiding means |
| US1771026A (en) * | 1929-07-29 | 1930-07-22 | Bohm Alfred | Dental floss saw |
| US2187899A (en) * | 1938-03-25 | 1940-01-23 | Henne Isabelle | Dental floss throw-away unit |
| US2354454A (en) * | 1944-03-21 | 1944-07-25 | Samuel H Geffner | Dental floss holder |
| US2451849A (en) * | 1946-09-04 | 1948-10-19 | Santo A Massimiano | Dental accessory |
| US2443415A (en) * | 1946-09-18 | 1948-06-15 | Buscarino James | Dental floss holder |
| US2612176A (en) * | 1951-10-30 | 1952-09-30 | Sam Sam Women | Tooth cleaner |
| US2754833A (en) * | 1952-06-09 | 1956-07-17 | Vecchio Orazio | Tooth cleaner |
| US3848613A (en) * | 1973-05-31 | 1974-11-19 | J Sheehan | Dental floss holder |
| US4013085A (en) * | 1974-07-17 | 1977-03-22 | Wright Charles E | Dental cleaning means and method of manufacture therefor |
| US4460002A (en) * | 1981-12-18 | 1984-07-17 | Burdette Jr Douglas C | Disposable dental floss applicator system |
| US4531530A (en) * | 1983-09-13 | 1985-07-30 | Aiken Ormarion J | Dental floss holder |
| US4597398A (en) * | 1985-02-15 | 1986-07-01 | Chu Grace M M | Oral hygiene instrument for use with orthodontial appliances and method of cleaning same |
| US4807651A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1989-02-28 | Abram Naydich | Dental debris remover |
| US4727895A (en) * | 1986-05-05 | 1988-03-01 | Berarducci James P | Dental floss applicator |
| US5050625A (en) * | 1990-10-16 | 1991-09-24 | Plastisonics, Inc. | Dental floss threading device |
| US5101843A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1992-04-07 | Peng Chien Lun | Dental floss with holder used in fixed orthodontic appliance |
| US5139038A (en) * | 1991-03-28 | 1992-08-18 | El Gazayerli Mohamed M | Dental flossing instrument |
| US5184631A (en) * | 1991-05-13 | 1993-02-09 | Noriko Ikeda | Device for cleaning between the teeth of orthodontic patients |
| US5280797A (en) * | 1993-01-25 | 1994-01-25 | Stephen Fry | Dental floss tool |
| DE4310432A1 (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1994-01-27 | Paul Knaus | Dental fitting, retaining dental floss - is used for cleaning interspaces of teeth by floss of specified length |
| US5482466A (en) * | 1993-07-09 | 1996-01-09 | Haynes; Patrick M. | Flossing tool |
| US5538023A (en) * | 1993-08-30 | 1996-07-23 | Placontrol Corporation | Tensioning dental flosser and method of manufacturing same |
-
1997
- 1997-03-28 US US08/827,282 patent/US5860434A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-03-28 AU AU25543/97A patent/AU2554397A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-03-28 WO PCT/US1997/005132 patent/WO1997036549A2/en active Application Filing
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