Flossing device with internal floss feed

Abstract

A flossing device has an internal floss feed in which floss is advanced from a storage chamber in the handle of the device, through feed gears, to a pair of spaced apart tines. The tines are configured to fit into the mouth such that the floss may be easily worked between the teeth. Spent floss is returned through the return gears, the return gears having a greater diameter than the feed gear, thus ensuring the floss remains taut between the tines, to an integral cutter whereby it may be cut off and discarded. In a second embodiment, the flossing head has a vibratory device to aid in the flossing action.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to dental hygiene products. More particularly, the invention comprises a flossing device with internal storage of floss and an internal feed mechanism for progressing fresh floss through the flossing head [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Numerous flossing devices have been disclosed over the years, many with internal storage for the floss, and many of those with feed mechanisms for advancing the floss through the flossing tines. [0005] Of particular note are U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,994 to Santoro on Mar. 4, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,207 to Bushman on Oct. 20, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,133 to Kossak, et al., on Sep. 7, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,271 to Uros on Oct. 6, 1998; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,331 to Tanriverdi on Dec. 14, 1993. [0006] In each case cited above, floss is fed from a supply spool, through the tines and back to a take up spool, with all motivational forces being ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Dentists recommend regular flossing as one of the best ways to maintain dental hygiene and health. Many people, however, find the act of flossing clumsy and difficult. Flossing by hand requires stretching floss between the fingers of both hands and then working the fingers into the mouth, flossing a given area of the mouth, advancing the floss through the fingers and then flossing another area of the mouth. The advancing of the floss is important in order to prevent the spreading of germs an debris from one area of the mouth to another. By means of the internal mechanism provided by the present invention, the floss is easily refreshed by rotating the floss advance wheel.

[0009] The present invention provides a flossing device which has a chamber within its hollow handle in which a spool of floss is stored. The free end of the floss is threaded through an array of feed gears to a pair of tines at the head of the device and back to the take up gears for take up. The floss is maintained taut between the tines of the head for effective flossing. In an alternate embodiment, an electrically operated vibrator is housed in the flossing head to aid in stimulating the gums and removal of dental debris.

[0010] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a flossing device which is easy to use.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a flossing device which can easily provide fresh floss for each tooth to be flossed.

[0016] A further object of the invention is to provide a flossing device which can easily be washed and cleaned after use without making the floss in the storage chamber wet or contaminated.

[0018] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

Problems solved by technology

Many people, however, find the act of flossing clumsy and difficult.

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