Oral hygiene apparatuses

Abstract

A dental hygiene apparatus (10) for enabling a flossing of teeth. The apparatus can include a dispensing member (12) and an accumulating member (14). The dispensing and accumulating members (12,14) can each comprise a ring with an aperture for receiving a finger of a user. Activating switches (18,20,254) can selectively enable a dispensing of dental floss from the dispensing member (12) and a retraction of dental floss relative to the accumulating member (14). A bobbin (38) within the accumulating member (14) can be rotated by a coil spring (32) that can be rewound. The apertures in the rings can be varied. A floss retaining member (12,14,250) can alternatively be retained by a ring (260), an opposed hook arrangement (268), or any other arrangement coupled to the dispensing member (12). Dental floss can be dispensed from a distal end of a post (266). The dental hygiene apparatus (10) can further include as part of a unified system a finger shield arrangement (150), which can comprise first and second tubular members (152,154).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to dentistry. More specifically, the present application discloses and protects devices for flossing in a faster, more efficient, convenient and hygienic manner. Background technique [0002] Flossing has been recognized as an important aspect of oral hygiene for over a century. However, currently in the United States, only about 65% of the population purchases dental floss annually, and only 10%-20% of the population use dental floss on a regular basis. Although most people know they should floss, many do not for a number of reasons, including the time involved, discomfort, and overall hassle. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a number of inventors have attempted to make flossing easier, simpler and more flexible to handle. Unfortunately, even a combination of existing technologies has failed to provide satisfactory solutions to current practical problems. A further contributor to the failure of pr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Still further, it must be noted that, especially when the floss is wet, the floss is difficult to grip or otherwise hold relative to the user's fingers, resulting in slipping, missing floss and low effective flossing

Because of these and further disadvantages, it is apparent that flossing with bare fingers is a cumbersome, unsanitary, uncomfortable, and time-consuming practice, thereby reinforcing the barriers to flossing.

Images