Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
DENTAL FL~SS H~LDER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to dental floss holders. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a novel single use dental floss holder which
is
capable of, among other things, adjusting the tension of dental floss held by
the
holder.
EAOKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
l0 Dental floss holders are well known in the art. Such a prior art holder
typically comprises a body having a linear portion for grasp>ing the holder
and a
generally U-shaped or V-shaped end portion defined by a pair of fingers or
tines which hold a string of dental floss material therebetween. The dente!
floss is securely fixed to the tines at opposite ends thereof by any well
known
manner. This construction of the dental floss holder enables the user to hold
the linear portion while manipulating the dente! floss between the user's
teeth.
While the dental floss holder described above is suitable for its intended
use, it does suffer from several disadvantages. For instance, prior to using
the
dental floss holder, the dental floss is fixed so that it can be manipulated
2 o between teeth. hlowever, after forcing the dental floss many times between
adjacent teeth, the dental floss stretches and becomes slack, thereby losing
some of its initial tension. This makes it more difficult to manipulate the
dental
floss between teeth.
Additionally, during flossing of teeth, it is preferred to maintain the dental
2 5 floss taut when initially inserting the floss between teeth, and, upon
entering the
space between the teeth, lessening the tension so that the dental floss wraps
around the tooth being flossed. With the prior art dental floss holder
described
above, this preferred method of flossing one's teeth is impossible since the
dental floss maintains only one tension, albeit this tension lessens as the
dental
3 0 flass holder is manipulated between one's teeth.
The foregoing illustrates some limitations known to exist in present dental
floss holders. Thus, it is apparent that it would be advantageous to provide
an
improved dental floss holder directed to overcoming one or more of the
limitations set forth above. Accordingly, a suitable alternative is provided
3 5 including features more fully disclosed hereinafter.
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SUMMARY OF TtiE tNVENTtON
The present invention advances the art of dental floss holders, and the
techniques for creating such dental floss holders, beyond which is known to
date.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a dental floss holder
comprises a pair of arms or tines, each arm having a middle portion and first
and second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves
outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions
of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to del~sne a pivot. The
1 o curvature permits the user to easily manipulate the dental floss device
deep in
the oral cavity without requiring the user to open his or her mouth extremely
wide. Additionally, the area encompassing the yoke section, which is defined
as the tines and the dental floss, is sufficiently large to permit the user to
easily
pass the dental floss around the molars. The second end portions are movable
I5 between a spaced apart position in which the second end portions of the
arms
diverge away from one another, and a proximate position in which the second
end portions are moved toward one another. Dental floss material has one end
secured to the first end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the
frst end portion of the other arm. The dental floss material has a first
tension
2 o when the second end portions are in their spaced apart position and a
second
tension when the second end portions are in their proximate position, the
second tension being greater than the first tension.
fn a second embodiment of the present invention, the dental floss holder
comprises a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and
25 second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves
outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions
of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to define a pivot. The
second end portions are movable between a spaced apart position in which the
second end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a
3 0 proximate position in which the second end portions are moved toward one
another. Dental floss material has one end secured to the first end portion of
one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of the other arm.
The dental floss material has a first tension .when the second end portions
are
in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the second end
35 portions are in their proximate position, the second tension being greater
than
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the first tension. Connecting means releasably connects terminal ends of the
second end portions of the arms to one another. Hence, the tension within the
floss material is maintained. The connecting means located at the terminal
ends may have a tooth configurations such to provide a connecting condition
where the user may engage one tooth or several teeth of the locking means,
hence resulting in varying tensioning of the dental floss as desired.
In a third embodiment of the present invention, the dental floss holder
comprises a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and
second opposite end portions. The first end portion of.each arm curves
outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions
of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to defne a pivot. The
second end portions are movable between a spaced apart position in which the
second end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a
proximate position in which the second end portions are moved toward one
1 S another. A living hinge is provided for connecting the middle portions of
the
arms to one another. Dental floss material has one end secured to the first
end
portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of the
other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the second end
portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the
2 o second end portions are in their proximate position, the second tension
being
greater than the first tension. A finger gripping surface is further provided
on
the second end portion of each arm to receive fingers of the user. Each finger
gripping surface is located adjacent its respective middle portion of the arm.
In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the dente! floss holder
2 S comprises a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and
second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each army curves
outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions
of the arms are positioned proximate one another sQ as to define a pivot. The
second end portions are movable between a spaced apart position in which the
3 o second end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a
proximate position in which the second end portions are moved toward one
another. The second end portions of the arms are integrally forrreed with one
another at respective terminal ends thereof. The terminal ends of the second
end portions of the arms define a pointed member far stimulating a gingival
3 5 area of an oral cavity. dental floss material has one end secured to the
first
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end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of
the other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the second
end portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the
second end portions are in their proximate position, the second tension being
greater than the first tension.
in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the dental floss holder
comprises a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and
second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves
outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions
1 o of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to define a pivot.
The
second end portions are movable between a spaced apart position in which the
second end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a
proximate position in which the second end portions are moved toward one
another. The first end portions of the arms project rearwardly from the middle
15 and second end portions. Dental floss material has one end secured to the
first end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end
portion
of the other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the
second
end portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the
second end portions are in their proximate position, the second tension being
2 o greater than the first tension. A finger gripping surface is further
provided on
the second end portion of each arm to receive~fingers of the user. The finger
gripping surface is located adjacent the middle portion of the arm wherein it
projects forwardly with respect to the first and second end portions.
It is, therefore, a purpose of the present invention to provide a dente!
2 5 floss holder in which the tension of dental floss held by the holder can
be
manipulated to achieve a desired tension for increasing the effectiveness of
flossing.
A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a dental floss
holder in which the tension of the dental floss can be adjusted and locked at
a
3 0 certain tension.
Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a dental floss
holder which is easy to use and manipulate by hand.
Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide a dental floss
holder which can be used to stimulate a gingival area of an oral cavity.
3 5 A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a dental floss
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holder which simple in design and cost-efficient to manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE t~RAiIVINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the foilo~nring detailed description of a
5 preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read
in
conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the
invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently
preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited
to
the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown. fn the drawings:
2 0 Figure 1 is a front elevationai view of a dente! floss holder of a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 1A is a rear elevationaf view of the dental floss holder in which
second end portions of arms of the dental floss holder are illustrated in a
spaced apart position;
15 Figure 1 B is an enlarged fragmentary view of the second end portions of
the arms of the dental floss holder;
Figure 2 is a right side elevational view of the dente! floss holder
illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a left side elevational view thereof;
2 o Figure 4 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Figure 5 is a top plan view thereof;
Figure 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;
Figure 7 is a front eievational View of a dental floss holder of a second
preferred embodiment;
2 5 Figure 8 is a right side elevationaf view of the dental floss holder
illustrated in Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a left side elevational view thereof;
Figure 14 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Figure 11 is a top plan view thereof;
3 o Figure 12 is a bottom plan view thereof;
Figure 13 is a front elevational view of a dental floss holder of a third
preferred embodiment;
Figure 14 is a right side elevational view of the dental floss holder
illustrated in Figure 13;
3 5 Figure 15 is a left side elevational view thereof;
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Figure 16 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Figure 17 is a top plan view thereof;
Figure 1~ is a bottom plan view thereof;
Figure 19 is a front elevational view of a dental floss holder of a fourth
preferred embodiment;
Figure 20 is a right side elevational view of the dental floss holder
illustrated in Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a left side elevational view thereof;
Figure 22 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Figure 23 is a top plan view thereof;
Figure 24 is a bottom plan view thereof;
Figure 25 is a front elevational view of a dental floss holder of a fifth
preferred embodiment;
Figure 2fi is a right side elevationai view of the dental floss holder
~5 illustrated in Figure 25;
Figure 27 is a left side elevational view thereof;
Figure 28 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Figure 29 is a top plan view thereof; ,
Figure 30 is a bottom plan view thereof;
2 0 Figure 31 is a front elevational view of a dental floss holder of a sixth
preferred embodiment;
Figure 32 is a right side elevational view of the dental floss holder
illustrated in Figure 31;
Figure 33 is a left side elevational view thereof;
2 S Figure 34 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Figure 35 is a top plan view thereof;
Figure 36 is a bottom plan view thereof; and
Figure 37 is a perspective view of a dental floss holder of a seventh "
preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Preferred Embodiment
Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar reference characters
3 5 designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, ii first
preferred
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embodiment of a dental floss holder the present invention is generally
illustrated at 10 in Figures 1-6. The dental floss holder 10 includes a pair
of
arms, generally indicated at 12, 14, which are connected to one another by a
living hinge 16.
Preferably, the arms 12, 14 are fabricated from any suitable polymeric
material, such as medical grade polypropylene for use in Class 1 FDA medical
devices. Dental floss 18 is connected to the arms 12, 14 so that it spans
between the two arms in the manner illustrated in the drawings. The arms 12,
14 are constructed in such a way that the tension of the dental floss 18 can
be
1o adjusted so as to achieve to the aforementioned flossing method described
above. Specifically, the dental floss can be manipulated to have a relatively
high tension when positioning the floss between the user's teeth and a
relatively low tension when flossing (i.e., wrapping the floss around the
user's
teeth). The dental floss 18 can also be fabricated from any suitable material,
such as nylon or pofytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE"), for example.
As shown, the left-hand arm 12 has a middle portion 20, a first (upper)
end portion 22, and a second (lower) end portion 24. Similarly, the right-hand
arm 14 has a middle portion 26, a first (upper) end portion 28, and a second
(lower) end portion 30. The first end portions 22, 28 of the arms 12, 14 curve
outwardly and rearwardly (see Figure 5) away from their respective middle
portions 20, 26. The dental floss 18 is attached to the upper ends of the
first
end portions 22, 28 of the arms 12, 14 in a manner to be described below. The
construction of the first end portions 22, 28 enable the dental floss 18 to
project
away from the middle portions 20, 26 and the second end portions 24, 30 of
2 5 the arms 12, 14, respectively, so that the dental floss can be easily
positioned
between the user's teeth.
Referring specifically to Figures 1 and 1A, the second end portions 24, 30
of the arms 12, 14 are movable between a spaced apart position (Figure 1A) in
which the second end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and
3 0 a proximate position (Figure 1 ) in which the second end portions are
moved
toward one another. This pivating action is achieved about the middle portions
20, 26 of the arms 12, 14 which are positioned proximate to one another by the
living hinge 16 so as to define a pivot. Preferably, tile living hinge 16 is
approximately 0.020 inch long, and has a thickness between 0.005 inch and
3 5 0.030 inch, to create a diving hinge..
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This .construction results in the dental floss 18 having a first tension
(e.g.,
relatively slack) when the second end portions 24, 30 of the arms 12, 14 are
in
their spaced apart position (Figure 1A) and a second tension (e.g., relatively
taut) when the second end portions are in their proximate position. Thus, when
using the dental fitoss holder 10 of the present invention, the user can
manipulate the second end portions 24, 30 to their proximate position so that
the dental floss 18 is taut for moving the dental floss between the user's
teeth.
Upon entering the space between the teeth, the user can release the pressure
applied on the second end portions 24, 30 so that they move hack to their
1 o spaced apart position for loosening the tension on the dental floss 18. In
this
position, the dental floss 18 is sufficiently loose so that it can be wrapped
about
the user's teeth during flossing.
Turning now to Figure 1 B, the lower ends of the second end
portions 24, 30 are provided with means of the present invention for
reieasably
connecting the second end portions of the arms 12, 14 to one another. As
shown, the left-hand arm 12 has an inwardly projecting detest 32 formed
thereon. The right-hand arm 14 has a recess 34 formed therein for receiving
the detest 32 of the left-hand arm 12 therein to releasably connect the second
end portions 24, 30 of the arms to one another. The upper edge of the detest
has several teeth 36 formed thereon which mate with teeth 38 formed on the
second end portion 30 of the right-hand arm 14 within the recess 34. This
construction enables the user of the dental floss holder 10 to adjust the
lateral
position of the arms 12, 14 for increasing the tightness of the dental floss
18.
The further the detest 32 projects within the recess 34, the more the tension
of
the dental floss 18 increases. The teeth 36, 38 also serve the purpose of
locking the arms 12, 14 relative to one another, thus enabling the user.to
cease
applying pressure on the second end portions 24, 30 during flossing. It should
be noted that any suitable release mechanism for releasing the detest 32 from
the recess 34 of the second end portion 30 of the right-hand arm 14 can be
3 0 provided.
Additionally, the dental floss holder 10 includes finger gripping
surfaces 40 provided on the second end portions 24, 30 of the arms 12, 14. As
shown, the finger gripping surtaces 40 are located adjacent the middle
portions
20, 26 of the arms 12, 14, respectively. Each finger gripping surface 40 is
3 5 slightly wider than the rest of the arm and includes relatively small
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protuberances which assist the user in gripping the arms 12, 14 of the dental
floss holder 10. As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, these protuberances extend
along the entire outer edge 42 of arm 14.
Moreover, ribs 40 are formed on the back side of the arms 12, 14 (see
Figure 4) of. the dental floss holder 10 for rigidifying the arms during use.
Unlike the embodiments that are discussed below, the dental floss holder 10
disclosed in Figures 1-6 does not flex a considerable amount, except for the
first end portions 22, 28 upon applying a tightening force on the dental floss
18.
As with the other embodiments of the present invention described herein,
z o the dental floss holder 10 is preferably fabricated by a thermal injection
molding
process. The dental floss 18 is attached to the first end portions 22, 28 of
the
arms 12; 14 by laying the dental floss within a mold (not shown) used to make
the dental floss holder 10. The dental floss 18 preferably has a rectangular
cross section and the first end portions 22, 28 of the arms 12, 14 are molded
around the dental floss to create a mechanical attachment of the dental floss
to
the first end portions of the arms. Ends of the dental floss 18 are then cut
off in
any well known manner so that they cannot back through the openings (not
shown) which receive the dental floss.
2 o Second Prefen-ed Embodiment
Turning now to Figures 7-12, there is generally indicated at 50 a dental
floss holder of a second preferred embodiment. This dental floss holder 50
includes a pair of symmetrically-shaped arms generally indicated at 52, 54.
The left-hand arm has a middle portion 56, a first (upper) end portion 58, and
a
second (lower) end portion 60. Similarly, the right-hand arm also has a middle
portion 62, a first (upper) end portion 64, and a second (lower} end portion
66.
A living hinge 68 is provided for connecting the middle portions 56, 62 of the
arms 52, 54 to one another. As with holder 10, the first end portions 58, 64
of
the dental floss holder 50 of this embodiment curve outwardly and rearwardly
3 0 (see Figure 11 ) away from their respective middle portions 5&, 62. ~ental
floss
70 is attached to the upper ends of the first end portions 58, 64 of the arms
52,
54 in the same fashion described above.
The living hinge 68 prevents the over rotation of the first end portions 58,
64 upon moving the second end portions 60, 66 together. Thus, the living
hinge 68 substantially precludes the snapping off of the dental floss 70 or
one
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of the arms 52, 54 caused by applying too much pressure on the arm when
moving them close together. It should be noted, however, that living hinge 68
may or may not be present in any one element of the present invention.
One major difference between dental floss holder 50 and dental floss
5 holder 10 is that the second end partions 60, 66 of the arms 52, 54 of
holder 50
are integrally formed with one another at respective terminal ends thereof. ~
As
shown, the terminal ends of the second end portions 60, 66 define a pointed
member 72 which can be utilized by the user of the dente! floss holder 50 to
stimulate a gingival area of the user's oral cavity. In this embodiment, the
arms
10 52, 54 are flexible; thus, the second end portions 60, 66 can be moved
toward
one another far increasing the tension of the dental floss 70. This results in
the
frrst end portions 58, 64 pivoting about the middle portions 56, 62 away from
one another for increasing the tension of the dental floss 70.
This construction results in the dental floss 70 having a first tension (e.g.,
15 relatively slack) when the second end portions 60, 66 of the arms 52, 54
are in
their relaxed condition and a second tension (e.g., relatively taut) when the
second end portions are moved toward one another. Thus, when using the
dental floss holder 50 of the present embodiment, the user can manipulate the
second end portions 60, 66 to their proximate position so that the dental
floss
2 0 70 is taut for moving the dental floss between the user's teeth. In its
relaxed
position, the dental floss 70 is less taut for manipulating the dental floss
around
the user's teeth.
Still referring to Figures 6-12, the dental floss holder further includes
finger gripping surfaces 74 provided on the second end portions 60, 66 of the
25 arms 52, 54 adjacent the middle portions 56, 62 of the arms. As with the
finger
gripping surfaces 40 of holder 10, the finger gripping surfaces 74 are
slightly
wider than the rest of the arms 52, 54 and include relatively smelt
protuberances which assist the user in gripping the arms of the dental floss
holder 50.
Third Preferred Embodiment
Turning now to Figures 13-18, a dental floss holder 80 of a third preferred
embodiment is shown. This dental floss holder 80 is similar to holder 50 of
Figures 7-'! 2, and in this regard, corresponding parts are designated by
similar
3 5 reference characters throughout the views. The primary difference between
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holders 50 and 80 is that dental floss holder 80 has a finger gripping surface
82
which is longer in length than finger gripping surface 74 of holder 50. The
increased surface area of finger surface 82 enables the user to better grasp
the
dental floss holder 80 when flossing.
Fourth and Fifth Preferred Embodiments
Figures 19-30 illustrate dental floss holders, generally designated
at 90, 100, of fourth and fifth preferred embodiments, respectively. Dental
floss
holders 90, 100 are substantially similar to dental floss holders 50, 80,
except
that they tack the finger gripping surfaces 74, 72 described above. As shown,
dental floss holder 90 is almost identical to holder 100, except holder 90
includes the living hinge 68, whereas holder 100 (asks this feature.
Sixth Preferred Embodiment
Turning to Figures 31-3fi, there is generally indicated at 110 a dental
floss holder of a sixth preferred embodiment. As shown, this dental floss
holder 110 is substantially identical to holders 50, 80 of Figures 7-18, but
for
the construction of its finger gripping surfaces 112. As shown, the finger
gripping surfaces 112 project forwardly with respect to the middle portions
56,
2 0 62 and the second end portions 60, 66. This construction improves the
motion
of the first end portions 58, 64 upon squeezing together the second end
portions 60, 66 at the finger gripping surfaces 112 for increasing the tension
of
the dental floss 70. Specifically, the offset nature of the finger gripping
surfaces 112, upon being pressed together by the user, causes the slight
forward rotation of the arms 52, 54 for ensuring that the dental floss 70 is
tightened rather than loosened. As described above, the living hinge 68
prevents the over pivoting of the first end portions 58, 64 which can result
from
squeezing the second end portions 60, 66 too tightly together. This can result
in the dente( floss 70 disengaging the one of the first end portions 58, 64
3 o thereby destroying the dental floss holder 110.
Seventh Preferred Embodiment
Lastly, fuming to Figure 37, a dental floss holder is generally indicated at
120. As shown, dental floss holder 120 comprises a yoke section generally
3 5 indicated at 122 having a straight member 124 with ferst and second ends
126,
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128, and a-.pair of outwardly diverging arms 130, 132 connected one another at
the first end 126 of the straight member 124. The yoke section 122, at the
junction of the straight member 124 and the pair of arms 130, 132, has a slot
134 formed therein, the purpose of which will be discussed iri greater detail
below.
A living hinge 136 is attached to the second end 128 of the straight
member 124, the living hinge being constructed similarly to the living hinges
described above. A pivoting member 138 is attached to the living hinge 136
and extends away from the straight member 124 of the yoke section 122 in the
manner depicted in figure 37. The pivoting member 138 has an outwardly
projecting wedge element 140, and is hingedly movable about the living hinge
136 between a first position in which the pivoting member 138 is generally
parallel to the straight member 124 and a second position in which the wedge
element 140 of the pivoting member 138 is moved into engagement with the
straight member 124 and received within the slot ~ 34 for moving the pair of
arms 130, 132 away from one another. The reception of the wedge element
140 within the slot 134 spreads the arms 130, 132 apart.
Dental floss 142 is attached to the ends of the arms 130, 132 in the
manner described above. The dental floss 142 having a first tension when the
2 0 pivoting member 138 is in its first position and a second tension when the
pivoting member 138 is in its second position. In this arrangement, the first
tension of the dental floss 142 is less than the second tension. Thus, it
should
be noted that with dents! floss holder 120, the tension of the dental floss
142
can be increased after initial use thereof by simply pivoting the pivoting
member 138 to its second position.
Although a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail above, those skilled in the art readily appreciate
that
many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages which are described herein. Accordingly, all such
3 0 modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present
invention, as defined by the following claims.
