Dental floss scaler with dental floss tensioner

Abstract

A floss scaler includes a handle, a floss support coupled to the handle, a floss dispensing spool coupled to the handle, a floss collecting spool coupled to the handle, a thumb wheel coupled to the handle, and a spool brake coupled to the handle. The spool brake is configured to move between a first position, in which the spool brake prevents rotation of the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collecting spool, and a second position, in which the spool brake allows rotation of the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collecting spool. The spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the floss scaler and configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to dental flossing devices, and more particularly to dental flossers having floss tensioning and used floss take-up features, and related methods of making and using such dental flossers. Background Art

[0002] Flossing is an important part of daily maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. In its simplest form, dental floss is dispensed from a container and each end of a strand of dental floss is wrapped around the fingers of each of the user's two hands. The dental floss is introduced into the mouth for use with a two-handed motion. This can be an embarrassing procedure in the best of circumstances. It is particularly embarrassing for people with limited mobility or in situations where one person is flossing another's teeth, such as dental technicians or people assisting disabled people or children. Therefore, various attempts have been made to develop appliances for simplifying the flossing procedure.

[0003] Flossing devices typically have a bifurcated or forked head portion with two prongs used to hold a piece of dental floss therebetween. This head portion replaces the fingers used in manual flossing procedures and is the portion of the device that is introduced into the mouth for the actual flossing to take place. The dental floss must be secured between the two ends of the prongs to provide the user with a solid piece of dental floss to work between their teeth.

[0004] The dental flossing device also typically has a handle portion that the user can grasp with one hand. While holding the handle, the user can move the forked floss holding end of the device into position to perform flossing. There may also be a neck connecting the forked head portion to the handle portion. The neck allows for greater mobility of the device when the forked head portion is inserted into the oral cavity, particularly for reaching the back teeth.

[0005] While the designs differ significantly in the shape and orientation of the handles and forked head portions, there is greater variation in the handling of the dental floss itself in the devices. For example, the dental floss may be fixedly attached to the head portion, so that the entire head portion must be replaced to reposition a piece of dental floss for use. This arrangement is particularly unsatisfactory because the dental floss may need to be replaced very frequently, which would make the necessary replacement of the entire head portion inconvenient and costly.

[0006] Therefore, several designs of dental flossing devices have included a dispensing spool within the device to supply a source of new dental floss, replenishing the portion of dental floss that is in place for use. These devices have a member for cutting off the used dental floss once the new dental floss has been delivered across the head of the device for use. A tether portion is provided for securely holding the dental floss against the tension created when flossing. These designs are not optimal because the used portion of the dental floss must be handled by the user to advance the new dental floss into place for use and to remove the old dental floss. This is unpleasant when the user is flossing their own teeth and unhygienic when the user is flossing another person's teeth. In addition, the procedure is time consuming.

[0007] To address the problems associated with disposing of used dental floss, several designs have incorporated a specific purpose spool for taking up used dental floss. These designs have varying degrees of complexity. Previous designs for dental flossing devices have not provided a mechanism whereby a user can easily advance the dental floss with one hand with minimal effort while keeping the dental floss under sufficient tension to allow flossing, particularly when using a relatively inexpensive, lightweight, manual device (e.g., a disposable device or a device in which the dispensing and collection spools are maintained in a replaceable cartridge), and the mechanism can maintain tension along the dental floss while the user is advancing the dental floss with no more effort than the advancement knob.

[0008] For these and other reasons, there is a need to provide improved dental flossers. Summary of the invention

[0009]

[0013] The dental flossers and associated methods of operating the dental flossers as disclosed herein provide numerous advantages related to the management of unused and used dental floss and maintaining tension in the dental floss during use.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dental flosser having a handle, a dental floss support, a dental floss dispensing spool, a dental floss collection spool, a thumb wheel, and a spool brake. The dental floss support is mounted to the handle and includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each of which defines a tip. The dental floss dispensing spool and the dental floss collection spool are mounted to the handle. The thumb wheel is operable to rotate the collection spool so that the dental floss is wound from the dispensing spool across the tips of the first protrusion and the second protrusion onto the collection spool. The spool brake member is mounted to the handle and is operable to fix the rotational position of the dispensing spool and the collection spool, and automatically releases the dispensing spool to rotate after the thumb wheel is operated.

[0011] The thumb wheel may protrude from the handle, and the rotation of the thumb wheel may initiate the rotation of the collection spool. The thumb wheel may protrude from the opposite side of the handle. The dental flosser may also include a distribution gear coaxially mounted to the housing with the distribution spool, and a collection gear coaxially mounted to the housing with the collection spool, and the spool brake member may be operable to engage the distribution gear and the collection gear to control the rotation of the distribution spool and the collection spool. The distribution gear may include gear teeth having a different size from the gear teeth of the collection gear. The gear teeth of the distribution collection gear may be larger than the gear teeth of the collection distribution gear. The diameter of the distribution collection gear may be larger than the diameter of the collection distribution gear. The thumb wheel may define the distribution collection gear.

[0012] The dental flosser may also include at least one dental floss tensioner positioned in the housing and operable to contact the dental floss to provide resistance to the take-up dispensing of the dental floss. The dental flosser may also include a spool tensioner operable to apply a compressive force on the rotating spindle of the collection distribution spool when the spool brake fixes the rotational position of the distribution spool and the collection spool.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dental flosser, the dental flosser comprising: a handle; a dental floss support member mounted to the handle and having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion defining a tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle, the dental floss dispensing spindle rotatably mounted to the handle; and a dental floss collecting spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle rotatably mounted to the handle. The dental flosser also includes a thumb wheel mounted to the collecting spindle to rotate the collecting spindle so that the dental floss is wound from the dispensing spindle across the tips of the first and second protrusions onto the collecting spindle. The thumb wheel has a plurality of gear teeth. The dental flosser further includes: a dispensing gear mounted coaxially with the dispensing spindle, the dispensing gear having a plurality of gear teeth; and a brake member mounted to the handle and operable to engage the gear teeth of the thumb wheel and the dispensing gear to fix the rotational position of the dispensing spindle and the collecting spindle, and automatically release the dispensing spindle to rotate after the thumb wheel is operated.

[0014] The dispensing gear may be integrally formed with the dispensing spindle. The dental flosser may further include a collection gear mounted coaxially with the collection spindle, and the thumb wheel is mounted to the collection gear. The collection gear may be integrally formed with the collection spindle. The brake member may include a first arm arranged to engage the gear teeth of the thumb wheel, and a second arm arranged to engage the gear teeth of the dispensing gear.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of operating a dental flosser. The method includes providing a dental flosser having a handle, a dental floss support defining a first tip and a second tip, a dental floss dispensing spool, a dental floss collection spool, a thumb wheel, and a spool brake; rotating the collection spool with the thumb wheel to wind the dental floss from the dispensing spool across the first tip and the second tip onto the collection spool; and fixing the rotational position of the dispensing spool and the collection spool using the spool brake when the thumb wheel is stationary. The spool brake automatically releases the dispensing spool to rotate after the thumb wheel is rotated.

[0016] The spool brake may include a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being arranged to engage the collection spool and the distribution spool, respectively, to fix the rotational position. The thumb wheel may be arranged coaxially with the collection spool, the thumb wheel may include a plurality of gear teeth for engaging by the first arm of the spool brake, and the dental flosser may further include a distribution gear, the distribution gear is arranged coaxially with the distribution spool and includes a plurality of gear teeth for engaging by the second arm of the spool brake. Applying tension to the dental floss may increase the contact force between the spool brake and the distribution spool and the collection spool. The housing may include a base and a cover, the cover may be pivotally connected to the rear end of the housing at a position opposite to the front end where the first tip and the second tip are located, and the cover may be releasably retained in a closed position by at least one snap feature positioned between the rear end and the front end (e.g., at the front end of the cover) along one side of the base.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dental flosser spool, comprising a base and a hub mounted to the base. The dental flosser spool is configured to be releasably mounted to a dental flosser, and the hub receives a length of dental floss to be wound thereon, the length of dental floss being used dental floss collected during use of the dental flosser or unused dental floss wound on the hub prior to use of the dental flosser.

[0018] The flosser spool may be reversibly mounted in the flosser in a first orientation when the floss is wound on the hub and in a second orientation when the floss is not wound on the hub. The flosser spool may be releasably mounted in the flosser in a first position for mounting the floss on the hub and in a second position when the floss is not mounted on the hub. The base may include at least one slit formed therein, the at least one slit providing a connection point for the floss or the floss to the flosser spool. The base may have a flat disc shape, and the hub may have an elongated cylindrical shape. The flosser spool may include a keyway configured to receive a spool mounting key of the flosser. The flosser spool may include a through hole configured to receive a spool mounting member of the flosser.

[0019] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of examples according to the present disclosure so that the following specific embodiments may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The disclosed concepts and specific examples may be easily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for performing the same purpose of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the features that are considered to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, together with the associated advantages, regarding the organization and method of operation of the present invention will be better understood from the following description. Each of the figures in the accompanying drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not provided as a definition of the limitations of the claims.

[0020] In some embodiments, a dental flosser comprises: a handle; a dental floss support coupled to the handle, the dental floss support comprising a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spool coupled to the handle; a dental floss collection spool coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel coupled to the handle, the thumb wheel being configured to rotate the dental floss collection spool and move dental floss from the dental floss dispensing spool across the first tip and the second tip to the dental floss collection spool. a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the spool brake prevents the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collection spool from rotating, and wherein the spool brake allows the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collection spool to rotate; wherein the spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the flosser, the release arm being configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the thumb wheel is accessible from the outside of the handle. In some embodiments, the thumb wheel is accessible from the opposite side of the outside of the handle. In some embodiments, the thumb wheel and release arm extend through a single opening in the handle (i.e., the same opening). In some embodiments, the thumb wheel and release arm extend through separate openings in the handle.

[0022] In some embodiments, the spool brake includes a brake pad positioned to prevent the floss dispensing spool from rotating. In some embodiments, the dental flosser includes a dispensing spindle coupled to the handle, wherein the brake pad is configured to apply a compressive force on the dispensing spindle when the spool brake is in the first position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the dental flosser includes a dispensing gear coaxially coupled to the handle with the dental floss dispensing spool and a collection gear coaxially coupled to the handle with the dental floss collection spool, wherein the spool brake is configured to engage at least one of the dispensing gear or the collection gear when the spool brake is in a first position. In some embodiments, the spool brake is configured to engage both the dispensing gear and the collection gear when the spool brake is in the first position. In some embodiments, the dispensing gear includes gear teeth of a different size than the gear teeth of the collection gear. In some embodiments, the diameter of the collection gear is greater than the diameter of the dispensing gear. In some embodiments, the thumb wheel includes the collection gear.

[0024] In some embodiments, the dental flosser includes at least one floss tensioner positioned in the handle, the at least one floss tensioner configured to contact the dental floss and prevent the dental floss from moving from the floss dispensing spool to the floss collection spool.

[0025] In some embodiments, a dental flosser comprises: a handle; a dental floss support coupled to the handle, the dental floss support comprising a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle rotatably coupled to the handle; a dental floss collecting spindle rotatably coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel coupled to the dental floss collecting spindle, the thumb wheel being configured to rotate the dental floss collecting spindle and move the dental floss from the dental floss dispensing spindle across the first tip and the second tip to the desired position. The dental floss collection spindle; and a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the spool brake prevents the dental floss dispensing spindle and / or the dental floss collection spindle from rotating, and wherein the spool brake allows the dental floss dispensing spindle and / or the dental floss collection spindle to rotate; wherein the spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the dental flosser, the release arm being configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the dental flosser includes a dispensing gear coaxially positioned with the dental floss dispensing spindle. In some embodiments, the dispensing gear is an integral part of the dental floss dispensing spindle. In some embodiments, the dental flosser includes a collection gear coaxially positioned with the dental floss collection spindle, and the thumb wheel is coupled to the collection gear.

[0027] In some embodiments, the collection gear is an integral part of the dental floss collection spindle. In some embodiments, the thumb wheel and release arm extend through a single opening in the handle. In some embodiments, the spool brake includes a brake pad positioned to contact the dental floss dispensing spindle and prevent the dental floss dispensing spindle from rotating. In some embodiments, the brake pad is configured to apply a compressive force to the dental floss dispensing spindle when the spool brake is in the first position.

[0028] The general description is provided to provide a general introduction to the subject matter described and to briefly describe some of the technical improvements and / or advantages it provides. The general description and background technology are not intended to identify essential aspects of the subject matter described, nor should they be used to restrict or limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whether the listed subject matter includes any or all aspects described in the general description and / or solves any problems described in the background technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Preferred embodiments and other embodiments are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a dental flosser is shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the dental flosser shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 4 It is taken along the cross-section indicator 4-4 Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a dental flosser is shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the dental flosser shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 5A is used in Figure 1 A perspective view of an alternative thumb wheel in a dental flosser is shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 6 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig.10 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.11 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig.12 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.13 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.14 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.15 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.16 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.17 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.18 is a top view of a portion of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.19 is a rear perspective view of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 20 is a rear perspective view of another example dental flosser according to the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.21 is a top view of another example brake for use in the dental flosser disclosed herein.

[0052] Fig. 22 is a top view of another example barrier member for use in the dental flosser disclosed herein, the barrier member having friction features.

[0053] Fig.23 Is has Fig. 22A perspective cross-sectional view of a barrier member of a dental flosser.

[0054] Fig.24 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a handle of a dental flosser having friction features integrated into a spindle mount that receives a spindle for an unwinding spool of the dental flosser.

[0055] Fig.25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a dental flosser handle having friction features integrated into a bushing disposed in a spindle mount of the handle, the bushing and spindle mount being used to receive a spindle for an unwinding spool of the dental flosser.

[0056] Fig.26 Is has Fig.25 Top view of the bushing showing the friction features shown in FIG.

[0057] Fig. 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a handle of a dental flosser having a brake mounted therein, the brake having a friction feature engaging a spindle of an unwind spool for the dental flosser.

[0058] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Top view of the brake shown in .

[0059] Fig.29 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of an example method according to the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 30-31 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an assembled dental flosser.

[0061] Fig.32 yes Figure 30-31 Cross-sectional view of a dental flosser in.

[0062] Fig.33 yes Figure 30-31 An exploded perspective view of a dental flosser.

[0063] Figure 34-35 is an exploded perspective view of the front and rear portions of another embodiment of a dental flosser.

[0064] Fig.36 is with Figure 34-35 A perspective view of one embodiment of a barrier member for use with a dental flosser.

[0065] Fig.37 is with Figure 34-35 A perspective view of one embodiment of a brake for use with a dental flosser.

[0066] Fig.38 Is from Figure 34-35 A perspective view of a floss support of a dental flosser shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The present disclosure relates generally to dental flossing devices, and more particularly to dental flossers having floss tensioning, dispensing, and take-up features, and related methods for making and using such dental flossers.

[0068] The present disclosure also relates to an improved dental flosser for holding and dispensing dental floss in a more efficient manner for the purpose of flossing. The dental flosser allows the user to push new dental floss into a standby position without touching the dental floss, which can improve hygiene and reduce the use of dental floss. The dental floss advancement mechanism allows the user to advance the dental floss while holding the handle and rotating the thumb wheel from both sides or either side of the handle with one finger or several fingers (and / or thumb). New dental floss is dispensed from a spool in the handle, and the used dental floss is collected on a separate spool. Both spools are locked during flossing. The improved spool locking technology on the two main shafts ensures that the newly dispensed dental floss is at the appropriate tension for use. Additionally, friction is applied along the path of the dental floss to supply tension to the dental floss as the dental floss is advanced. Broken dental floss can be easily reattached to the collection spool. In one example, an empty spool containing dispensed dental floss can be flipped and installed to become a used dental floss take-up spool.

[0069] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an example dental flosser or dental flossing device 10 according to the present disclosure. The dental flosser 10 includes a handle 12 having a cover 22 pivotally connected thereto (the handle and cover forming a housing). The cover 22 is Figure 1 When the cover 22 is in the closed position relative to the handle 12, the dental floss support 14, the dispensing spool 16, the collection spool 18, the thumb wheel 20, the spool brake 26, the dental floss 24, the dispensing spindle or unwinding spindle 28 and the collection spindle 30 are positioned and enclosed within the handle 12. Figure 2 Perspective drawing, Figure 3 Top view and Figure 4 At least some of these features are additionally shown in the partial perspective view of FIG.

[0070] Reference Figure 5 1, the handle 12 includes a cavity 32, a cover attachment recess 34, a plurality of latch grooves 36, a floss guide 38, a wheel groove 40 (see also Figure 2) and a brake recess 42. A floss guide 38 may be positioned in the cavity 32 and adjacent to the collection spool 18. The floss guide 38 may have any of a variety of shapes and sizes. The floss guide 38 may be positioned to extend parallel to the sidewalls of the handle 12 and may be positioned adjacent to the collection spool 18. The floss guide 38 may provide additional friction to help maintain tension in the floss 24.

[0071] A wheel slot 40 may be formed in the handle 12 adjacent the thumb wheel 20. The wheel slot 40 may be formed along opposite sides of the handle 12. The wheel slot 40 may be sized to permit the thumb wheel 20 to be inserted laterally into the cavity 32. Once the thumb wheel 20 is inserted through the wheel slot 40, the collection spindle 30 and the collection spool 18 may be mounted to the thumb wheel 20. The brake recess 42 may be sized to receive a portion of the brake 26 for the purpose of mounting the brake 26 to the handle 12. The brake recess 42 may be located along one of the sidewalls of the handle 12, such as along a sidewall adjacent to the dispensing spool 16, such as Figure 2 The brake recess 42 can be positioned at any desired position relative to the handle 12 and the dispensing spindle 28 and the collection spindle 30.

[0072] The handle 12 is designed to be easily held by a user with one hand. The size and shape of the handle 12 permits the user to grasp it with one hand while orienting the user's thumb, finger, multiple fingers, both thumb and finger, or palm along opposite sides of the handle for the purpose of grasping the handle 12 and / or operating the thumb wheel 20. The dental flosser 10 may have a portion of reduced thickness at the intersection between the handle 12 and the dental floss support 14, which may improve the maneuverability and grip of the dental flosser 10 during use.

[0073] The floss support 14 includes a first arm 44 and a second arm 46 having a first tip 48 and a second tip 50, respectively. The first arm 44 and the second arm 46 are mounted to the handle 12 at one end and have the first tip 48 and the second tip 50 positioned at opposite ends spaced from the handle 12. A plurality of floss tracks 52 extend from the cavity 32 of the handle 12 to the first tip 48 and the second tip 50. The tracks 52 are arranged to guide the floss 24 from the dispensing spool 16 to the tips 48, 50, and back to the collection spool 18. The tracks 52 may also provide resistance to the floss 24, which improves the tension in the floss 24 during use.

[0074] The first arm 44 and the second arm 46 may have a wavy shape that facilitates the first tip 48 and the second tip 50 (wherein the dental floss 24 extends between them) to be positioned in the user's mouth adjacent to the teeth. The arms 44, 46 may diverge from each other along their lengths toward the tips 48, 50. The arms 44, 46 may define a generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped structure. The track 52 may extend along the full length of the arms 44, 46. The tips 48, 50 may optionally have a hole (not shown) or a notch (not shown) to help hold the dental floss 24 on the tips 48, 50 during use. The track 52 may be partially or completely covered to provide a more aesthetically pleasing dental flosser 10. The track 52 may be covered to help reduce exposure of the dental floss 24 (i.e., the clean unused portion of the dental floss 24 or the contaminated used portion).

[0075] The dispensing spool 16 includes a hub 54, a base 56, a plurality of slots 58, and a keyway 60. The dispensing spool 16 is configured to have the dental floss 24 wound thereon. The free end of the dental floss 24 can be inserted into one or more of the slots 58 to hold the dental floss 24 in place when the dental floss is wound around the hub 54. The hub 54 includes a through hole, and the keyway 60 is exposed along the hole. The hole is configured to receive a portion of the dispensing spindle 28, as will be described in further detail below. The keyway 60 can be configured to receive a key or key member 108 of the dispensing spindle 28 to provide a stronger connection therebetween to transfer torque.

[0076] The dispensing spool 16 may include a base 56 on one end of the hub 54 or on both ends of the hub 54. The base 56 may be free of slits 58, or may have only a single slit 58. In some embodiments, slits or other floss connection features are formed in the hub 54. Typically, the dental floss 24 is wrapped around the hub 54 and then slides into one or more of the slits 58 to help lock the dental floss in place on the dispensing spool 16 so that the dental floss will not slip when the dispensing spool 16 is rotated to take up the dental floss during operation of the dental flosser 10. In some embodiments, for example, if the dispensing spool 16 does not include slits 58 or other floss securing features, it is possible to secure the dental floss 24 to the dispensing spool 16 without engaging the dental floss in one of the slits 58. For example, it is possible to wrap enough dental floss around the hub 54 and / or have enough tension on the hub 54 so that the dental floss will lock or otherwise prevent itself from slipping relative to the hub 54. In some cases, more floss and / or more coils of floss may be required around the hub 54 to retain the floss in this manner as compared to using a slit 58 or other attachment feature that provides a more rigid connection between the floss 24 and the dispensing spool 16 .

[0077] The collection spool 18 may also include a hub 62, a base 64, a slit 66 and a keyway 68. The collection spool 18 is configured to have a used dental floss 24 wound thereon. The free end of the used dental floss 24 may be inserted into one or more of the slits 66 to hold the dental floss 24 in place while the dental floss 24 is wound around the hub. The hub 62 may include a through hole, and the keyway 68 is exposed along the through hole. The through hole is sized to receive a portion of the collection spindle 30, as will be described in further detail below. In at least some arrangements, the collection spool 18 has the same or similar size, shape and configuration as the distribution spool 16. In some instances, after removing the dental floss 24 from the distribution spool 16, the distribution spool may be inserted into the collection spindle 30 and used as the collection spool 18. The distribution spool 16 and the collection spool 18 are interchangeable with each other. In at least one arrangement, the distribution spool 16 may be positioned with the base 56 disposed downwardly along the base of the distribution spindle 28, and the collection spool 18 having the base 64 disposed upwardly along the upper end of the collection spindle 30 (see Figure 1 ).

[0078] The thumb wheel 20 may have a generally disc-shaped configuration. A plurality of gear teeth 70 may be formed around the peripheral edge of the thumb wheel 20. The gear teeth 70 may have a dual function: as gear teeth for engaging with the brake 26 to help control the rotation of the thumb wheel 20; and as a gripping structure to provide an improved grip for the purpose of rotating the thumb wheel 20 with the user's thumb and / or fingers.

[0079] The thumb wheel 20 may further include a toothed through hole 72. The toothed hole 72 may be configured to receive a portion of the collection spindle 30, as will be described in further detail below. The toothed hole 72 may provide a fixed interface between the thumb wheel 20 and the collection spindle 30 to convert a rotational force applied to the thumb wheel 20 into a rotational force applied to the collection spindle 30.

[0080] In some arrangements (such as Figure 5A ), the thumb wheel 20 may include a comfort ring 74. The comfort ring 74 may be positioned around the peripheral edge of the thumb wheel 20, adjacent the gear teeth 70. The comfort ring 74 may be positioned along its top and / or bottom surface to permit interaction between the gear teeth 70 and the brake 26, while also providing improved comfort for a user engaging the thumb wheel along the peripheral edge of the thumb wheel 20. In some arrangements, separate comfort rings 74 are positioned on opposing top and bottom sides of the thumb wheel 20.

[0081] The brake 26 includes a handle connector 76, a thumb wheel arm 78 having a tip 80, a dispensing spool arm 82 having a tip 84, a hinge 86, a brake pad arm 88, and a brake pad 90 having a spindle surface 92. The handle connector 76 is arranged and sized to fit within the brake recess 42 of the handle 12. The handle connector 76 may be removably inserted into the brake recess 42.

[0082] The thumb wheel arm 78 is arranged to engage the gear teeth 70 of the thumb wheel 20. Rotating the thumb wheel 20 in the rotational direction for winding the dental floss onto the collection spool 18 moves the tip 80 away from the gear teeth 70, and releasing the rotational force applied to the thumb wheel 20 permits the tip 80 to be reinserted into one of the gear teeth 70, thus locking the thumb wheel 20 in a fixed position.

[0083] The dispensing spool arm 82 can extend at an angle relative to the thumb wheel arm 78. In one example, the dispensing spool arm 82 is arranged at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the thumb wheel arm 78. In other examples, the dispensing spool arm 82 is arranged at an angle in the range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the thumb wheel arm 78. The dispensing spool arm 82 is arranged adjacent to the dispensing spindle 28 with the tip 84 so as to engage the tip 84 in the gear teeth 106 of the gear 104 of the dispensing spindle 28. When the tip 84 is engaged with the gear teeth 106, the brake 26 locks the dispensing spindle 28 in a fixed rotational position. When the tip 84 is moved to disengage from the gear teeth 106, the dispensing spindle 28 is free to rotate, thereby permitting the dental floss 24 to be untied or dispensed from the dispensing spool 16.

[0084] Because the thumb wheel arm 78 and the dispensing spool arm 82 are formed as a single, unified part, rotating the thumb wheel 20 moves the tip 80 out of engagement with the gear teeth 70 of the thumb wheel 20 and simultaneously moves the tip 84 out of engagement with the gear teeth 106 of the dispensing spindle 28. Thus, rotating the thumb wheel 20 simultaneously winds the used dental floss 24 around the collection spool 18 and releases the unused dental floss 24 for dispensing from the dispensing spool 16.

[0085] Hinge 86, brake pad arm 88 and brake pad 90 provide additional functionality of brake 26 in addition to positioning tips 80, 84 to engage and disengage the gear teeth of thumb wheel 20 and dispensing spindle 28. Hinge 86 can be integrally formed as a single part with the remainder of brake 26 (i.e., handle connector 76). Hinge 86 is connected to brake pad arm 88 that carries brake pad 90. Brake pad arm 88 can have any desired shape or size to provide different degrees of flexibility and / or hardness to apply a braking function on dispensing spindle 28. Brake pad arm 88 is shown as having a generally V-shaped configuration with an arm or hinge point. Other configurations with different shapes and sizes are possible.

[0086] The brake pad 90 has a generally arcuate shape, or at least defines a spindle surface 92 having a generally arcuate shape that is sized to engage the adjoining arcuate surface of the dispensing spindle 28. In operation, when the tips 80, 84 engage the corresponding gear teeth of the thumb wheel 20 and the collection spindle 30, the spindle surface 92 of the brake pad 90 is pressed against the dispensing spindle 28, thereby causing friction that resists rotation of the dispensing spindle 28. This friction and resistance to rotation of the dispensing spindle 28 can help maintain tension in the dental floss 24 across the first tip 48 and the second tip 50.

[0087] The brake pad 90 may have any desired shape and size to interface with the dispensing spindle 28 to provide a desired resistance to rotation of the dispensing spindle 28. In other arrangements, the hinge 86, brake pad arm 88, and brake pad 90 may be formed as separate parts from the rest of the brake 26 and mounted separately to the handle 12. In further embodiments, all features of the brake 26 may be integrally formed as a single part and mounted together as an assembly to the handle 12 (i.e., via the brake recess 42). In other arrangements, as described below with reference to Figure 6-18 As described, the brake 26 can have a variety of different shapes, sizes, and interfaces with other features of the dental flosser to provide the desired brake function for one or more of the dispensing spool 16 and the collection spool 18 .

[0088] Open Figure 1-5 One advantage of the brake 26 shown and described is that, when the brake 26 is engaged with the thumb wheel 20 and the dispensing spindle 28, applying tension to the dental floss 24 tends to more tightly lock the dispensing spool 16 and the collection spool 18 in a fixed rotational position without loosening one or both of the dispensing spool 16 and the collection spool 18. Thus, the brake 26 is designed to maintain tension in the dental floss 24 during dispensing and take-up of the dental floss 24 and during use of the dental floss 24 to clean the teeth of a user.

[0089] The brake thumb wheel arm 78 and the brake dispensing spool arm 82 are arranged so that the thumb wheel 20 can only rotate in one direction. Attempting to rotate the thumb wheel 20 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the dental floss would otherwise be wound around the collection spool 18 will lock the thumb wheel 20 with the brake 26 in the relative rotational direction. The dispensing spool arm 82 is similarly arranged and configured to prevent the dispensing spool 16 and the dispensing spindle 28 from rotating in a direction opposite to the direction required to release the dental floss 24 from the dispensing spool 16. Referring now to Figure 1 and 5, shows a cover 22, which includes a hinge member 94, a plurality of latch members 96, a floss height guide 98, and one or more lifting bosses 100. The hinge member 94 is sized and configured to engage with the cover attachment recess 34 of the handle 12 to provide a connection therebetween. The hinge member 94 can provide a pivotal connection between the handle 12 and the cover 22. The latch member 96 can releasably engage with the latch groove 36 of the handle 12. The latch member 96 can be positioned along the inner edge or side of the cover 22 to remain in the cavity 32 of the handle 12 when the cover 22 is in the closed position. In other embodiments, the latch member 96 can be positioned at any desired position on the cover 22 to provide a desired releasable latch connection with the handle 12. In at least some embodiments, the latch member 96 can have a deflectable or deformable configuration to provide a snap-fit ​​connection between the cover 22 and the handle 12.

[0090] The floss height guide 98 may extend from the interior of the cover 22 toward the dental floss 24 as it extends from the dispensing spool 16 toward the floss support 14. The floss height guide 98 may apply a contact force to the dental floss 24 to hold the dental floss in a desired vertical position within the handle 12 (i.e., the vertical position is in a direction from the thumb wheel 20 toward the cover 22). The lifting boss 100 may be located along the end or side of the cover 22 for a user to grasp to apply a force to disconnect the latch member 96 from the latch recess 36. The lifting boss 100 may have any desired shape and size and be located at a location along the peripheral edge of the cover 22.

[0091] The dispensing spindle 28 may include a hub 102, a gear or spindle gear 104, gear teeth or spindle teeth 106, and a key 108. The collection spindle 30 may include a hub 110, a gear 112 having gear teeth 114, and a key 116 extending along the length of the hub 110. The hub 102 with the key 108 is sized to receive the dispensing spool 16 to provide a connection therebetween. The key 108 ensures that the dispensing spool 16 rotates simultaneously with the dispensing spindle 28. The gear teeth 106 are arranged to be contacted by the tip 84 of the dispensing spool arm 82 of the brake 26. The gear teeth 106 may have a different size and shape than the gear teeth 70 of the thumb wheel 20. In this way, the brake 26 provides increased control of rotation (i.e., finer control due to smaller teeth) to dispense the dental floss 24 from the dispensing spool 16. The different sized gear teeth 106 relative to the gear teeth 70 may also affect the selection of the size and shape of the tips 84, 80 that interface with those gear teeth. For example, the tip 80 has a larger size and a slightly different shape than the tip 84 (e.g., at least in Figure 5) to better interface with the larger sized gear teeth 70. Having smaller teeth on the dispensing spindle 28 allows the brake 26 to interact with the dispensing spindle 28 when the spindle has a smaller rotation angle, and thus achieve a more finely controlled rotation of the dispensing spindle 28. Therefore, the dispensing spool arm 82 can rotate a smaller degree and lock the dispensing spindle 28 at a higher tension. With the smaller teeth, less unwinding rotation is required to allow the dispensing spool arm 82 to be placed into the proper position in the gear teeth 106, thus creating a higher tension in the dental floss.

[0092] The hub 110 and key 116 of the collection spindle 30 are sized to receive the hub 62 of the collection spool 18. The key 116 ensures that the collection spool 18 rotates simultaneously with the collection spindle 30 and can provide a more secure connection therebetween.

[0093] The gear 112 with gear teeth 114 is sized to mate with the toothed hole 72 of the thumb wheel 20. The connection between the gear 112 and the toothed hole 72 ensures that the rotation of the thumb wheel 20 is directly converted into the rotation of the collection spindle 30. Separating the thumb wheel 20 from the collection spindle 30 can improve the ease of assembling the dental flosser 10. Providing the thumb wheel 20 as a separate part makes it possible to insert the thumb wheel 20 into the cavity 32 of the handle 12 through the wheel slot 40, and thereafter the gear 112 of the collection spindle 30 can be engaged in the toothed hole 72 to provide an assembly. This multi-piece assembly can make it possible for the dental flosser 10 to have a more compact size and be easier to assemble.

[0094] The dental flosser device 10 may also include a barrier member 120, such as Figure 1 and 5 As shown. The barrier member 120 can be positioned within the handle 12, between the dispensing spool 16 and the collection spool 18 and the area where the thumb wheel 20, the gear 104 and the gear 112 are located in the handle 12. The barrier member 120 may include openings 122, 124, through which the hubs 102, 110 extend, respectively. The barrier member 120 can be fixed to the handle 12 by a snap-fit ​​connection, an adhesive, a fastener, or other connection features.

[0095] In addition to the features of applying tension to the dental floss 24 discussed above or friction along its length, the tension of the dental floss 24 can also be provided by applying other types of friction along its path. For example, the dental flosser 10 may include other structures or devices that the dental floss 24 must pass along its path. The appropriate amount of tension can be designed into the dental floss 24 path. Similarly, the deflection of one or both of the thumb wheel arm 78 and the distribution line shaft arm 82 can be achieved by using a separate spring, tensioning arm, etc., rather than relying on the natural elasticity of the material containing the arm 78, 82. And, different arrangements of gears can be used to convert the movement of the user's finger / thumb into the rotation of the collection line shaft 18. The features of the dental flosser 10 that help maintain the tension of the dental flosser 10 before, during, and after the dental floss 24 has been wound onto the collection line shaft 18 allow the user to immediately use the dental flosser 10 in the case of limited additional interaction with the dental flosser 10 so as to achieve the appropriate tension along the dental floss 24. In this way, the user can more easily and quickly place new dental floss in a position to be used without having to handle used dental floss. If the dental floss 24 breaks, the user can manually advance enough dental floss, twist the dental floss 24 along the track 52 and the arms 44, 46 toward the tips 48, 50, and reattach the dental floss 24 to the collection spool 18 by placing the dental floss 24 in one of the slits 66. In short, the user's contact with the dental floss 24 is minimized. In addition, the dental flosser 10 can be operated in a relatively simple manner to add or remove one or both of the dispensing spool 16 and the collection spool 18, and the operating device 10 provides relatively taut dental floss 24 for use when flossing the user's teeth.

[0096] Reference now Figure 6-18 , showing additional example dental flossers having a variety of different configurations for brakes and other features to control the rotation of the dispensing spool and the collection spool. Figure 6A dental flosser 200 having a handle 212, a floss support 214, a thumb wheel 220, a brake 226, and a distribution spindle 228 and a collection spindle 230 is shown. The thumb wheel 220 includes a gear tooth 270. The brake 226 includes a thumb wheel arm 278 and a distribution line shaft arm 282. The distribution spindle 228 includes a gear tooth 206. The brake 226 is mounted to the handle 212 using a brake pivot member 227, rather than being mounted along the peripheral edge of the handle 212. The thumb wheel 220 and the distribution line shaft arms 278, 282 contact the gear teeth 270, 206 at different positions around the perimeter of the thumb wheel 220 and the distribution spindle 228, respectively. The brake 226 has a size, shape, and mounting position that are significantly different from other embodiments. The brake 226 is held in engagement with the gear teeth 270, 206 by the biasing force applied by the spring 205. The spring 205 may be interposed between the handle 212 and a portion of the brake 226. Rotating the thumb wheel 220 to take up the used dental floss rotates the brake 226 against the bias of the spring 205. After the thumb wheel 220 stops rotating, the spring 205 forces the thumb wheel 220 and the dispensing spool arms 278, 282 back into engagement with the gear teeth 270, 206, respectively.

[0097] Figure 7 Another example of a dental flosser 300 is shown, which includes a handle 312, a dental floss support 314, a thumb wheel 320, a distribution spindle 328, a collection spindle 330, and an intermediate gear 301. The thumb wheel 320 has a plurality of gear teeth 370. The distribution spindle 328 has a plurality of gear teeth 306. The intermediate gear 301 includes a plurality of gear teeth 303 that mesh with the gear teeth 370, 306. The friction member 331 applies a friction force to the collection spindle 330, which prevents the rotation of the thumb wheel 320 unless sufficient rotational force is applied. The intermediate gear 301 directly transfers the rotational force from the thumb wheel 320 to the distribution spindle 328. The friction member 331 can have a variety of different configurations and include different types of materials. For example, the friction member 331 can include a rubber material pressed against the hub of the collection spindle 330.

[0098] Figure 8Another example of a dental flosser 400 is shown, which includes a handle 412, a dental floss support 414, a thumb wheel 420, a brake 426, a dispensing spindle 428, a collection spindle 430, an intermediate gear 401, and a spring 405, which biases the brake 426 into a position that engages the thumb wheel 420 and the intermediate gear 401. The thumb wheel 420 includes a plurality of gear teeth 470. The dispensing spindle 428 includes a plurality of gear teeth 406. The intermediate gear 401 includes a plurality of gear teeth 403 that engage the gear teeth 406. The brake 426 includes a thumb wheel arm 478 that engages the gear teeth 470 of the thumb wheel 420, and a dispensing spindle arm 482 that engages the gear teeth 403 of the intermediate gear 401. Applying a rotational force to the thumb wheel 420 releases the thumb wheel arm 478 from the gear teeth 470 and the dispensing spool arm 482 from the gear teeth 403 of the intermediate gear 401 to allow the dispensing spindle 428 to rotate. Once the rotational force is released from the thumb wheel 420, the spring 405 biases the thumb wheel arm 478 and the dispensing spool arm 482 into engagement with the corresponding gear teeth 470, 403.

[0099] Fig. 9 Another example of a dental flosser 500 is shown, which includes a handle 512, a dental floss support 514, a thumb wheel 520 having gear teeth 570, a first brake 526 having a thumb wheel arm 578 and a first brake arm 507, a second brake member 509 having a collection spool arm 511 and a second brake arm 513, and a dispensing spindle 528 and a collection spindle 530. The dispensing spindle 528 includes a plurality of gear teeth 506. The spring 505 biases the first brake 526 to engage with the gear teeth 570 and the second brake arm 513, thereby biasing the collection spool arm 511 to engage with the gear teeth 506. When a rotational force is applied to the thumb wheel 520 to take up the used dental floss, the thumb wheel arm 578 moves out of engagement with the gear teeth 570, and the second brake member 509 rotates to move the collection spool arm 511 out of engagement with the gear teeth 506, so that the dispensing spindle 528 can be rotated to release the unused dental floss. Releasing the rotational force to the thumb wheel 520 allows the spring 505 to apply a biasing force that re-engages the arms 578, 511 with the corresponding gear teeth 570, 506 of the thumb wheel 520 and the dispensing spindle 528.

[0100] The interface between the first brake arm 507 and the second brake arm 513 can be a cam surface interface that provides a variable amount of rotation of the second brake member 509 relative to the rotation of the first brake 526. Other types of interfaces may exist between the arms 507, 513. In addition, a second spring or other biasing member may be operable to hold the second brake member 509 in a rest position in which the collection spool arm 511 engages the gear teeth 506.

[0101] Fig.10 Another example of a dental flosser 600 is shown, which includes a handle 612, a dental floss support 614, a thumb wheel 620, a first brake 626 and a second brake 609, a distribution spindle 628 and a collection spindle 630, and a spring 605. The thumb wheel 620 includes a gear tooth 670. The distribution spindle 628 includes a gear tooth 606. The first brake 626 includes a thumb wheel arm 678 and a first arm 607. The second brake 609 includes a collection spool arm 611, a second arm 613 and a third arm 615. The first arm 607 and the second arm 613 can be engaged with a cam surface interface. The third arm 615 can act as a biasing member that biases the second brake 609 to a position in which the collection spool arm 611 engages the gear tooth 606. Rotating the thumb wheel 620 can move the thumb wheel arm 678 out of engagement with the gear teeth 670 and rotate the second brake 609 to move the collection spool arm 611 out of engagement with the gear teeth 606. Releasing the rotational force on the thumb wheel 620 permits the spring 605 to bias the brake 626, causing the thumb wheel arm 678 to re-engage with the gear teeth 670 and permitting the collection spool arm 611 to re-engage with the gear teeth 606.

[0102] Fig.11 A dental flosser 700 is shown, which includes a handle 712, a dental floss support 714, a thumb wheel 720, a brake 726, a dispensing spindle 728 and a collection spindle 730, and an intermediate gear 701. The thumb wheel 720 includes gear teeth 770. The dispensing spindle 728 includes gear teeth 706. The intermediate gear 701 includes gear teeth 703. The brake 726 includes a thumb wheel arm 778 and a second arm 711. Applying a rotational force to the thumb wheel 720 moves the thumb wheel arm 778 out of engagement with the gear teeth 770 and moves the second arm 711 out of engagement with the gear teeth 703 of the intermediate gear 701, thereby permitting the dispensing spindle 728 to rotate freely. The brake 726 may include an additional arm 713, which acts as a biasing member to hold the brake 726 in a rotational position in which the thumb wheel arm 778 is engaged with the gear teeth 770. The arm 713 may interface with a side wall or other feature of the handle 712 and may be sized and shaped to provide a desired biasing force.

[0103] Fig.12A dental flosser 800 is shown, which includes a handle 812, a dental floss support 814, a thumb wheel 820, a brake 826, a dispensing spindle 828 and a collection spindle 830, and an intermediate gear 801. The thumb wheel 820 includes gear teeth 870. The dispensing spindle 828 includes gear teeth 806. The intermediate gear 801 includes gear teeth 803. The brake 826 includes a thumb wheel arm 878, a first arm 811, and a second arm 813. The thumb wheel arm 878 is engaged with the gear teeth 870. The first arm 811 is engaged with the gear teeth 803 at the intermediate gear 801. The second arm 813 engages a portion of the handle 812 to apply a biasing force that rotates the brake 826 to engage the thumb wheel arm 878 with the gear teeth 870. Applying a rotational force to thumb wheel 820 removes thumb wheel arm 878 from gear teeth 870 and removes first arm 811 from gear teeth 803, thereby permitting intermediate gear 801 and dispensing spindle 828 to rotate freely. Fig.12 An arrangement is shown in which the intermediate gear 801 and the brake 826 are on opposite sides of a centerline passing through the rotational axes of the distribution spindle 828 and the collection spindle 830. Fig.11 An opposing arrangement is shown in which the intermediate gear 701 and the brake 726 are positioned on opposite sides of the same center line.

[0104] Fig.13 A dental flosser 900 is shown, which includes a handle 912, a dental floss support 914, a thumb wheel 920, a brake 926, a dispensing spindle 928 and a collection spindle 930, and an intermediate gear 901. The thumb wheel 920 includes gear teeth 970. The dispensing spindle 928 includes gear teeth 906. The intermediate gear 901 includes gear teeth 903 that engage the gear teeth 906 on the dispensing spindle 928. The brake 926 includes a thumb wheel arm 978 and a first arm 911, and a handle connector 976 that connects the brake 926 to the handle 912. The thumb wheel arm 978 engages the gear teeth 970, and the first arm 911 engages the gear teeth 903 of the intermediate gear 901. The brake 926 has a certain construction in which a biasing force is built into the construction (i.e., shape, size, and material) of the brake 926, which is between the handle connector 976 and the arms 978, 911. Applying a rotational force to the thumb wheel 920 moves the thumb wheel arm 978 out of engagement with the gear teeth 970 and moves the first arm 911 out of engagement with the gear teeth 903, thereby permitting the intermediate gear 901 and the dispensing spindle 928 to rotate freely. Removing the rotational force to the thumb wheel 920 permits the brake 926 to bias itself back into engagement with the gear teeth 970, 903. The brake 926 is mounted solely by its connection to the handle 912 through the handle connector 976, rather than using a brake pivot member (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 1 ) in a second position. Figure 6Pivot member 227 described).

[0105] Fig.14 A dental flosser 1000 is shown that includes a handle 1012, a floss support 1014, a thumb wheel 1020, a brake 1026, a dispensing spindle 1028, and a collection spindle 1030, and an intermediate gear 1001. The thumb wheel 1020 includes gear teeth 1070. The intermediate gear 1001 includes gear teeth 1003. The brake 1026 includes a thumb wheel arm 1078 and a first arm 1011, and a handle connector 1076 mounted to the handle 1012. The brake pad arm 1088 and the associated brake pad 1090 can be provided as separate parts, or alternatively can be formed as a single unified part with the rest of the brake 1026. The brake pad 1090 can apply a friction force to the dispensing spindle 1028 to resist the rotation of the dispensing spindle 1028, thereby improving the tension in the dental floss 24 during the winding of the used dental floss around the collection spindle 1030. Applying a rotational force to thumb wheel 1020 removes thumb wheel arm 1078 from meshing with gear teeth 1070 and removes first arm 1011 from gear teeth 1003 of intermediate gear 1001. Although not shown, dispensing spindle 1028 may also include a gear having a plurality of gear teeth 1006 that mesh with gear teeth 1003. Thus, when intermediate gear 1001 is free to rotate, dispensing spindle 1028 is also free to rotate. Fig.14 The gears of the dispensing spindle 1028 are removed to show the shape, size and arrangement of the brake pad arms 1088 and brake pads 1090 about the hub of the dispensing spindle 1028. Releasing the rotational force applied to the thumb wheel 1020 permits the brake 1026 to bias itself back into engagement with the gear teeth 1070, 1003, thereby locking the rotation of the dispensing spindle 1028 and the collection spindle 1030.

[0106] Fig.15A dental flosser 1100 is shown, which has a handle 1112, a dental floss support 1114, a thumb wheel 1120, a brake 1126, a distribution spindle 1128 and a collection spindle 1130, and an intermediate gear 1101 with gear teeth 1103. The thumb wheel 1120 includes gear teeth 1170. The distribution spindle 1128 includes gear teeth 1106. The brake 1126 includes a thumb wheel arm 1178, a first arm 1111 and a handle connector 1176. The brake 1126 may also include a brake pad arm 1188 and a brake pad (not shown). The thumb wheel 1120 and the collection spindle 1130 may be constructed as a sun and planetary gear arrangement. A plurality of planetary gears 1117, 1119 may interface with the collection spindle 1130 and the additional gear 1121. The sun and planetary arrangement can provide different gear ratios between the rotation of the collection spindle 1130 and the gear teeth 1170 of the thumb wheel 1120. By using a planetary gear arrangement, less rotational force is required to move the collection spindle 1130 and advance new dental floss. Other features and functionality provided by the dental flosser 1100 can be similar to the dental flosser 1000. Fig.15 Demonstrated Fig.14 The gear teeth 1106 of the distribution main shaft 1128, not shown, are gears as described above.

[0107] Fig.16 A dental flosser 1200 is shown, which includes a handle 1212, a dental floss support 1214, a thumb wheel 1220, a brake 1226, and a dispensing spindle 1228 and a collection spindle 1230. The thumb wheel 1220 includes gear teeth 1270. The dispensing spindle 1228 includes gear teeth 1206. The brake 1226 includes a thumb wheel arm 1278, a dispensing spool arm 1282, and a handle connector 1276. The handle connector 1276 is connected to the handle 1212 at its end adjacent to a hinge point such as a cover. Applying a rotational force to the thumb wheel 1220 moves the thumb wheel arm 1278 out of engagement with the gear teeth 1270 and moves the dispensing spool arm 1282 out of engagement with the gear teeth 1206. The brake 1226 has an inherent bias disposed therein due in part to its length, shape, and size such that removal of the rotational force to the thumb wheel 1220 causes the thumb wheel arm 1278 to re-engage the gear teeth 1270 and the dispensing spool arm 1282 to re-engage the gear teeth 1206. In some arrangements, the brake 1226 may include multiple dispensing spool arms 1282, or multiple features that engage the gear teeth 1206 at least around the perimeter of the gear of the dispensing spindle 1228.

[0108] Fig.17A dental flosser 1300 is shown that includes a handle 1312, a dental floss support 1314, a thumb wheel 1320, a brake 1326, and a dispensing spindle 1328 and a collection spindle 1330. The thumb wheel 1320 includes gear teeth 1370. The dispensing spindle 1328 includes gear teeth 1306. The brake 1326 includes thumb wheel and dispensing spindle arms 1378, 1382, and a handle connector 1376. The shape of the brake 1326 clearly defines the arms 1378, 1382 and positions its connection points with the corresponding gear teeth 1370, 1306 at a relative rotation angle relative to each other in the range of about 40 to about 80 degrees. The handle connector 1376 is connected to the handle 1312 at a position at the rear end of the handle 1312 so that the brake 1326 extends around the perimeter of the gear 1306 of the dispensing spindle 1328. The shape, size and configuration of the brake 1326 provides a biasing force that automatically moves the arms 1378, 1382 back into meshing with the corresponding gear teeth upon release of the rotational force to the thumb wheel 1320 during take-up of the dental floss 24.

[0109] Fig.18 A dental flosser 1400 is shown, which includes a handle 1412, a dental floss support 1414, a thumb wheel 1420, a brake 1426, and a dispensing spindle 1428 and a collection spindle 1430. The thumb wheel 1420 includes gear teeth 1470. The dispensing spindle 1428 includes gear teeth 1406. The brake 1426 includes a thumb wheel and dispensing spool arms 1478, 1482, and a handle connector 1476. The handle connector 1476 is mounted to the handle 1412 along one side thereof spaced from the end of the handle 1412. The brake 1426 is configured so that a portion thereof extends around the perimeter of the gear of the dispensing spindle 1428. The brake 1426 includes a unique thumb wheel and dispensing spool arms 1478, 1482 that engage respective gear teeth 1470, 1406 at a relative angle to each other in the range of about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees. The brake 1426 is sized to provide a biasing force that moves the thumb wheel and dispensing spool arms 1478, 1482 into engagement with the corresponding gear teeth 1470, 1406 after the rotational force to the thumb wheel 1420 is removed during take-up of the used dental floss.

[0110] Fig.19A dental flosser 1500 is shown that includes a handle 1512, a floss support 1514, and a cover 1522. The cover 1522 is pivotally connected to the handle 1512 at an interface between a cover attachment recess 1534 of the handle 1512 and a hinge member 1594 of the cover 1522. The hinge member 1594 is primarily disposed on the outside of the handle 1512 and / or is exposed along the outer surface of the handle 1512. The cover attachment recess 1534 may include a first cover attachment recess and a second cover attachment recess 1534 positioned on opposite sides of the handle 1512, with a cover attachment member 1535 defined therebetween. One of the cover attachment member 1535 and the hinge member 1594 may include one or more connecting features that provide pivotal movement therebetween, thereby permitting the cover 1522 to be moved between the handle 1512 and the hinge member 1594. Fig.19 and a closed position (not shown).

[0111] The handle 1512 further includes one or more latch grooves 1536 that are sized and arranged to interface with one or more latch members 1596 of the cover 1522. Figure 1-5 In contrast to the inner surface positioning included in the handle 1512 described above, the latch recess 1536 is exposed along the outer surface of the handle 1512. The latch member 1596 can provide a snap-lock connection between the handle 1512 and the cover 1522.

[0112] Fig. 20 Another example of a dental flosser 1600 is shown, which includes a handle 1612, a dental floss support 1614, and a cover 1622. The handle 1612 includes a cover attachment recess 1634 that receives a hinge member 1694 of the cover 1622. The interface between the cover attachment recess 1634 and the hinge member 1694 provides a pivotal connection that allows the cover 1622 to be moved in a Fig. 20 and a closed position (not shown).

[0113] The handle 1612 may also include one or more latching grooves 1636 that receive one or more latching members 1696 of the cover 1622. The latching groove 1636 is centrally located along the centerline of the dental flosser 1600 and may be aligned with the hinge member 1694. The latching members 1696 may provide a snap-fit ​​connection between the handle 1612 and the cover 1622.

[0114] Fig.19 and 20Several configurations of many different configurations of the cover that may be used to connect the handle of the dental flosser to the dental flosser using a pivoted and releasable closure device (e.g., a snap-fit ​​connection) are shown. Many other configurations are possible, including configurations in which the cover can be fully separated from the handle rather than pivoted to improve access to the inner cavity of the dental flosser and related internal components. In other examples, the cover can be permanently connected to the handle. The cover can have a configuration that is intended for disposable use, such as a configuration in which it is impossible to replace the distribution spool or rewind the spool with other dental floss in the event of a dental floss break. Examples of permanent connections relate to, for example, adhesive bonding, heat welding, and non-releasable snap-fit ​​connections.

[0115] Fig.21 Another example brake 1726 for use in a dental flosser disclosed herein is shown. The brake 1726 includes a handle connector 1776, a thumb wheel arm 1778 having a tip 1780, a dispensing spool arm 1782 having a tip 1784, a hinge 1786, a brake pad arm 1788, and a brake pad 1790 having a spindle surface 1792. The handle connector 1776 is arranged and sized to fit in a brake recess of a handle of a dental flosser (e.g., handle 12 of the dental flosser 10). The brake pad 1790 may have a second brake pad arm 1789 to contact or connect to the opposite side of the handle (e.g., handle 12 of the dental flosser 10). The second brake pad arm 1789 may improve the stability of the brake pad 1790 and reduce the movement of the brake pad during use. It may also be used to provide a preset amount of friction or resistance to the rotation of the dispensing spool 28. In at least some examples, second brake pad arm 1789 can extend away from the housing and be arranged to be manually contacted by a user to apply a braking force to the spindle.

[0116] Fig. 22 An alternative barrier member 1820 (also referred to as the bottom surface or plate of the dental flosser) is shown. The barrier member 1820 can be positioned on the housing (e.g., Fig.23 1700) within the handle 1712 and cover of the dental flosser 1700 shown in FIG. 1702, the housing being between the dispensing and collection spools and the area where the thumb wheel and gear in the housing are located. The barrier member 1820 may include openings 1822, 1824 through which the hubs 1702, 1710 extend. See FIG. Fig.23 The barrier member 1820 may include a friction member 1826 exposed within one or both openings 1822 , 1824 . Fig. 22 and 23The friction members 1826 shown in the figure are configured as teeth extending into the opening 1822. The friction members 1826 can be rigid or flexible. The friction members 1826 can be directed in one circumferential direction, such as a direction that will provide increased friction for the rotation of the hub 1710 in a particular direction, such as a direction that will permit undesired unwinding of the dispensing and unwinding spools attached to the hub 1710. The amount of friction can be controlled by changing, for example, the number, size, orientation, material, shape and / or other characteristics of the friction members 1826.

[0117] Fig.24 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a handle 1912 of a dental flosser 1900. The handle 1912 has at least one friction member 2032 (e.g., a plurality of friction members 2032) integrated into a spindle base 2030. The spindle base 2030 receives a spindle for a dispensing spool of the dental flosser 1900. The friction member 2032 may be rotatable with the spindle base 2030. Fig. 22 and 23 The same or similar to the friction member 1826 described in .

[0118] Fig.25 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a handle 2112 of a dental flosser 2100. The handle 2112 has a bushing 2234 mounted within a spindle base 2230. The bushing 2234 includes at least one friction member 2232 (e.g., a plurality of friction members 2232). The bushing 2234 receives a spindle for a dispensing spool of the dental flosser 2100. The friction member 2232 may be similar to the spindle described above with reference to Figure 22-24 The friction members 1826, 2032 described are the same or similar. Fig.26 is a top view of the bushing 2234 having the friction member 2232 .

[0119] Fig. 27 23 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a handle 2312 of a flosser 2300 having a brake 2326 mounted therein. The brake 2326 has at least one friction member 2440 that engages a spindle of a dispensing spool for the flosser 2300. The friction member 2440 can be disposed on a spindle surface 2392 of a brake pad 2390 of the brake 2326. The friction member 2440 can be the same or similar to the friction members 1826, 2032, 2232 described above. Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 Top view of the brake shown in .

[0120] Fig.292 is a flow chart showing an example method 2500 for operating a dental flosser according to the present disclosure. The method 2500 may be applied to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The method 2500 includes providing a dental flosser at frame 2502, the dental flosser having a handle, a dental floss support defining a first top and a second top, a dental floss dispensing spool, a dental floss collection spool, a thumb wheel, and a spool brake. Frame 2504 includes rotating the collection spool with the thumb wheel to wind the dental floss from the dispensing spool across the first tip and the second tip onto the collection spool. Frame 2506 includes fixing the rotational position of the dispensing spool and the collection spool with a spool brake when the collection spool is not rotating, and the spool brake automatically releases the dispensing spool and the collection spool to rotate when the thumb wheel is operated.

[0121] Method 2500 may also include providing a spool brake with a first arm and a second arm arranged to respectively engage the collection spool and the distribution spool to fix the rotational position. The thumb wheel may be arranged coaxially with the collection spool, the thumb wheel may include a plurality of gear teeth for engaging by the first arm of the spool brake, and the dental flosser may further include a distribution gear, the distribution gear is arranged coaxially with the distribution spool and has a plurality of gear teeth for engaging by the second arm of the spool brake. Applying tension to the dental floss may increase the contact force between the spool brake and the distribution spool and the collection spool. The housing may include a base and a cover, the cover may be pivotally connected to the rear end of the housing at a position opposite to the front end where the first tip and the second tip are located, and the cover may be releasably retained in a closed position by at least one snap feature positioned between the rear end and the front end along one side of the base.

[0122] Figure 30-33 Another embodiment of a flosser 2600 is shown that includes a handle 2612 with a cover 2622 pivotally coupled to the handle 2612. The combination of the handle 2612 and the cover 2622 form the housing of the flosser 2600. Figure 30-31 is a perspective view of the dental flosser 2600 in an assembled state. Fig.32 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled dental flosser 2600 illustrating the operation of certain internal components as described below. Fig.33 is an exploded view of the dental flosser 2600.

[0123] like Fig.33As shown, dental flosser 2600 includes a dental floss support 2614, a dispensing spool 2616, a collection spool 2618, a thumb wheel 2620, a brake 2626, a dispensing spindle 2628, and a collection spindle 2630. Thumb wheel 2620 includes gear teeth 2670, and dispensing spindle 2628 includes gear teeth 2006. Brake 2626 includes a handle connector 2676, a thumb wheel arm 2678, a dispensing spindle arm 2682, a hinge 2686, and a brake pad having brake pad arms 2688, 2690 and a spindle surface 2692. Handle connector 2676 is arranged and sized to fit in brake recess 2642 in handle 2612. Brake 2626 and Fig.21 The brake 1726 shown in and other embodiments of the brake share many similarities. It should be understood that the description of any corresponding structure is also applicable to the brake 2626, such as the configuration and operation of the brake pad 1790.

[0124] The brake 2626 also includes a release arm 2689 (alternatively referred to as a handle arm or actuator arm) that extends out of the housing formed by the handle 2612 and the cover 2622 and is arranged to be manually contacted by a user to move the brake 2626 between an engaged position and a disengaged position. There are many reasons why it may be desirable to manually engage and disengage the brake 2626. For example, dental floss may become stuck on the user's teeth, and the user may need to disengage the brake 2626 to remove the dental floss or even cut the dental floss.

[0125] It should be understood that the release arm 2689 can have a variety of configurations that allow the user to manually move the brake 2626 as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the release arm 2689 can extend through a portion of the same slot or opening 2640 through which the thumb wheel 2620 extends. In this embodiment, the slot 2640 is enlarged to allow the release arm 2689 to extend out of the space adjacent to the housing of the thumb wheel 2620. One advantage of this configuration is that the user can operate the thumb wheel 2620 and the release arm 2689 with the same thumb or finger. In another embodiment, the release arm 2689 can extend through a slot or opening that is separate from the slot 2640.

[0126] The operation of the brake 2626 is as follows Fig.32. The release arm 2689 is movable between a first position, in which the spindles 2628, 2630 are locked in place, and a second position, in which the spindles 2628, 2630 can be rotated to allow the dental floss 24 to be advanced through the dental flosser 2600. In the first position, the thumb wheel arm 2678 and the dispensing spindle arm 2682 engage the gear teeth 2670 on the thumb wheel 2620 and the gear teeth 2606 on the dispensing spindle 2628, respectively. In this position, the brake 2626 prevents movement of the thumb wheel 2620 and the dispensing spindle 2628, thereby keeping the dental floss 24 fixed in the dental floss support 2614. The user can manually move the release arm 2689 to the second position by pushing the release arm 2689 toward the thumb wheel 2620. This moves the thumb wheel arm 2678 and the dispensing spool arm 2682 out of engagement with the gear teeth 2670 , 2606 , thereby allowing the spindles 2628 , 2630 to rotate and allowing the dental floss 24 to be advanced through the dental floss support 2614 .

[0127] The dental flosser 2600 includes a barrier member 2621 configured to interface with a hinge member 2694 that provides a pivotal connection between the handle 2612 and the cover 2622. The barrier member 2621 and the handle 2612 include an attachment recess 2634 that is sized and positioned to receive the hinge member 2694. In this way, the barrier member 2621 can be used to securely hold the handle 2612 and the cover 2622 together. The barrier member 2621 can also include a graphical indicator 2695 that shows the correct orientation of the dispensing spool 2616. For example, the graphical indicator 2695 can be an arrow that shows the direction in which the dental floss 24 should be wound around the dispensing spool 2616.

[0128] The barrier member 2621 also includes a floss guide 2638 extending upwardly into the cavity. The floss guide 2638 can be used to separate the floss 24 on the dispensing spool 2616 and the floss 24 on the collection spool 2618 as they move through the flosser 2600. The floss guide 2638 can also be configured to provide additional tension to the floss 24 by compressing the floss 24 between the floss guide 2638 and the handle 2612.

[0129] The dental flosser 2600 may also include a cover 2697 that is configured to fit over all or a portion of the dental floss support 2614 and protect the dental floss 24 when the dental flosser 2600 is not in use. In one embodiment, the cover 2697 includes a top portion 2667 pivotally coupled to a bottom portion 2669 by a hinge 2671. The hinge 2671 may be formed by any suitable material or device. In some embodiments, the hinge 2671 may be a movable hinge formed by a flexible polymeric material such as a polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene). In other embodiments, the hinge 2671 may be a mechanical hinge formed by concentric rings pivoting around a central axis.

[0130] In some embodiments, the cover 2697 can have a clamshell design that allows the top portion 2667 and the bottom portion 2669 to enclose the tip of the floss support 2614 and prevent contact with the floss 24. The cover 2697 can be coupled to the floss support 2614 using a latch member 2696 on the top portion 2667. The latch member 2696 fits over the floss support 2614 and secures the cover 2697 to the handle 2612.

[0131] Figure 34-35 Shown are front and rear perspective views of another embodiment of a flosser 3622. Flosser 3622 is similar in many respects to flosser 2622. Therefore, the description of flosser 2622 is equally applicable to flosser 3622 unless otherwise noted below.

[0132] The dental flosser 3622 includes a collection spool 3618, a collection spindle 3630, and a thumb wheel 3620, which are different from the corresponding components of the dental flosser 2622. For example, the thumb wheel 3620 and the collection spindle 3630 are rotatably connected using a hexagonal gear and hole arrangement. The hexagonal gear 3112 on the collection spindle 3630 is sized to be received by a correspondingly shaped hexagonal hole 3114 in the thumb wheel 3620. It should be understood that the gears and holes can have any suitable geometric shape (triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, etc.) as long as it can rotatably connect the components together.

[0133] The flosser 3622 also includes a collection spool 3618 having a hub 3662 and upper and lower edges or bases 3664. This configuration is advantageous because it prevents the dental floss from coming off the collection spool 3618 when it is wound on the collection spool 3618. For example, when the dental floss is wound on the collection spool 18, the collection spool 18 may allow the dental floss to wedge between the bottom of the hub 62 and the barrier member 120. The dental floss may be pushed upward on the collection spool 18 and may cause problems with the operation of the flosser. The configuration of the collection spool 3618 addresses this problem and prevents this from happening by preventing the dental floss from coming off the bottom of the collection spool 3618.

[0134] The dental flosser 3622 also includes a barrier member 3621 having a floss guide 3638 that includes a hook or channel 3639 that prevents the floss from rising too high on the floss guide 3638. If the floss rises too high on the floss guide 3638, the floss guide enters the recess or channel formed by the hook 3639, which prevents it from going over the top of the floss guide 3638. The configuration of the barrier member 3621 and the floss guide 3638 is Fig.36 is shown in more detail in .

[0135] See also Fig.37 , the flosser 3622 includes a brake 3626 that is slightly different from the brake 2626 described in conjunction with the flosser 2622. It should be understood that the brake 3626 includes a brake pad having brake pad arms 2688, 2690 and a spindle surface 2692. Again, in both designs, the brake pad arm 2688 is secured to the handle connector 2676, and the brake pad arm 2690 contacts the interior of the housing of the flosser 2622, 3622 (e.g., the brake pad arm 2690 may be received by a recess in the housing) to provide a preset amount of friction on the dispensing spindle 2628 and thereby prevent rotation of the dispensing spindle 2628. In this way, the correct amount of tension is applied to the hub of the dispensing spindle 2628 without any user interaction.

[0136] Brake 3626 differs from brake 2626 in that brake 3626 includes a plurality of dispensing spool arms 3682. Dispensing spool arms 3682 operate in a similar manner to dispensing spool arms 2682 in that they engage the gear teeth 2606 on the dispensing spindle 2628.

[0137] See also Fig.38, the dental flosser 3622 includes a dental floss support 3614 having first and second arms 3644, 3648 and first and second tips 3648, 3650, respectively. The arms 3644, 3648 include a track or channel 3652 extending longitudinally relative to the arms 3644, 3648 and sized to receive and hold the dental floss in place. The dental floss also extends through slots 3652, 3654 in the ends of the tips 3648, 3650. The size, position, and shape of the track 3652 and slots 3652, 3654 help hold the dental floss in place at the ends of the dental floss support 3614 as the user moves the dental floss up and down between the teeth. Illustrative Embodiments

[0138] The following is a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Each embodiment may include one or more of the various features, characteristics, or advantages of the disclosed subject matter. The embodiments are intended to illustrate several aspects of the disclosed subject matter and should not be considered as a comprehensive or exhaustive description of all possible embodiments.

[0139] P1. A dental floss cleaner, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, which is mounted to the handle and has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion defining a tip; a dental floss dispensing spool, which is mounted to the handle; a dental floss collection spool, which is mounted to the handle; a thumb wheel, which is operable to rotate the collection spool and cause the dental floss to be wound from the dispensing spool across the tips of the first protrusion and the second protrusion onto the collection spindle; and a spool brake component, which is mounted to the handle and is operable to fix the rotational position of the dispensing spool and the collection spool, and automatically releases the dispensing spool to rotate after the thumb wheel is operated.

[0140] P2. The dental flosser of paragraph P1, wherein the thumb wheel protrudes from the handle, and rotation of the thumb wheel initiates rotation of the collection spool.

[0141] P3. The dental flosser of paragraph P2, wherein the thumb wheel protrudes from opposite sides of the handle.

[0142] P4. A dental flosser according to any one of paragraphs P1 to P3, further comprising a dispensing gear mounted to the housing coaxially with the dispensing shaft, and a collecting gear mounted to the housing coaxially with the collecting shaft, wherein the shaft brake assembly is operable to engage the dispensing gear and the collecting gear to control the rotation of the dispensing shaft and the collecting shaft.

[0143] P5. The dental flosser of paragraph P4, wherein the dispensing gear includes gear teeth having a different size than the gear teeth of the collection gear.

[0144] P6. The dental flosser of paragraph P5, wherein the gear teeth of the collection gear are larger than the gear teeth of the distribution gear.

[0145] P7. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P5-P6, wherein the collection gear has a diameter greater than a diameter of the distribution gear.

[0146] P8. The dental flosser of paragraph P7, wherein the thumb wheel defines the collection gear.

[0147] P9. The dental flosser of any one of paragraphs P1 to P8, further comprising at least one dental floss tensioner positioned in the housing and operable to contact the dental floss to provide resistance to dispensing of the dental floss.

[0148] P10. The dental flosser of any one of paragraphs P1 to P9, further comprising a spool tensioner operable to apply a compressive force on the rotating spindle of the dispensing spool when a spool brake fixes the rotational position of the dispensing spool and the collection spool.

[0149] P11. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P1 to P10, further comprising a friction member in contact with the dispensing spool to prevent rotation of the dispensing spool, the friction member comprising at least one tooth member.

[0150] P12. A dental floss cleaner, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, which is mounted to the handle and has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each protrusion defining a tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle, which is rotatably mounted to the handle; a dental floss collecting spindle, which is rotatably mounted to the handle; a thumb wheel, which is mounted to the collecting spindle to rotate the collecting spindle so that the dental floss is wound from the dispensing spindle across the tips of the first protrusion and the second protrusion onto the collecting spindle, the thumb wheel having a plurality of gear teeth; a dispensing gear, which is coaxially mounted with the dispensing spindle, the dispensing gear having a plurality of gear teeth; and a brake member, which is mounted to the handle and is operable to engage the gear teeth of the thumb wheel and the dispensing gear to fix the rotational position of the dispensing spindle and the collecting spindle, and automatically release the dispensing spindle to rotate after the thumb wheel is rotated.

[0151] P13. The dental flosser of paragraph P12, wherein the dispensing gear is integrally formed with the dispensing spindle.

[0152] P14. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P12 to P13, further comprising a collection gear mounted coaxially with the collection spindle, the thumb wheel being mounted to the collection gear.

[0153] P15. The dental flosser of paragraph P14, wherein the collection gear is integrally formed with the collection spindle.

[0154] P16. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P12 to P15, wherein the brake member comprises a first arm arranged to engage the gear teeth of the thumb wheel, and a second arm arranged to engage the gear teeth of the dispensing gear.

[0155] P17. A method for operating a dental flosser, the method comprising: providing a dental flosser having a handle, a dental floss support defining a first tip and a second tip, a dental floss dispensing spool, a dental floss collecting spool, a thumb wheel and a spool brake; rotating the collecting spool with the thumb wheel so that the dental floss is wound from the dispensing spool across the first tip and the second tip onto the collecting spool; and fixing the rotational position of the dispensing spool and the collecting spool using the spool brake when the thumb wheel is stationary, the spool brake automatically releasing the dispensing spool to rotate after the thumb wheel is rotated.

[0156] P18. The method of paragraph P17, wherein the spool brake comprises a first arm and a second arm arranged to respectively engage the collection spool and the distribution spool to fix the rotational position.

[0157] P19. A method according to paragraph P18, wherein the thumb wheel is arranged coaxially with the collection spool, the thumb wheel includes a plurality of gear teeth for engaging with the first arm of the spool brake, and the dental flosser further includes a dispensing gear, the dispensing gear is arranged coaxially with the dispensing spool and includes a plurality of gear teeth for engaging with the second arm of the spool brake.

[0158] P20. The method of any of paragraphs P17 to P19, wherein applying tension to the dental floss increases the contact force between the spool brake and the dispensing spool and the collection spool.

[0159] P21. A method according to any one of paragraphs P17 to P19, wherein the shell includes a base and a cover, the cover being pivotally connected to the rear end of the shell at a position opposite to the front end where the first tip and the second tip are located, and the cover being releasably held in a closed position by at least one snap-fit ​​feature positioned between the rear end and the front end along one side of the base.

[0160] P22. A dental flosser spool comprising a base; and a hub mounted to the base; wherein the dental flosser spool is configured to be releasably mounted to a dental flosser, and the hub receives a length of dental floss to be wound thereon, the length of dental floss being used dental floss collected during use of the dental flosser or unused dental floss wound on the hub before use of the dental flosser.

[0161] P23. The flosser spool of paragraph P22, wherein the flosser spool is configured to be reversibly mounted in the flosser in a first orientation when floss is wound around the hub and in a second orientation when no floss is wound around the hub.

[0162] P24. A dental flosser spool as described in any of paragraphs P22 to P23, wherein the dental flosser spool is configured to be releasably mounted in the dental flosser in a first position when used dental floss is mounted on the hub and in a second position when unused dental floss is mounted on the hub.

[0163] P25. The dental floss spool of any one of paragraphs P22 to P24, wherein the base includes at least one slit formed therein, the at least one slit providing a connection point for the used dental floss or the unused dental floss to the dental floss spool.

[0164] P26. The dental flosser spool of any of paragraphs P22 to P25, wherein the base has a flat disc shape and the hub has an elongated cylindrical shape.

[0165] P27. The dental flosser spool of any one of paragraphs P22 to P26, further comprising at least one of a keyway configured to receive a spool mounting key of the dental flosser and a through hole configured to receive a spool mounting member of the dental flosser.

[0166] P28. A dental flosser, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, the dental floss support is coupled to the handle, the dental floss support includes a first protrusion with a first tip and a second protrusion with a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spool, the dental floss dispensing spool is coupled to the handle; a dental floss collection spool, the dental floss collection spool is coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel, the thumb wheel is coupled to the handle, the thumb wheel is configured to rotate the dental floss collection spool and move dental floss from the dental floss dispensing spool across the first tip and the second tip to the dental floss collection spool ; and a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the spool brake prevents the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collection spool from rotating, and wherein the spool brake allows the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collection spool to rotate; wherein the spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the flosser, the release arm being configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

[0167] P29. The dental flosser of paragraph P28, wherein the thumb wheel is accessible from the outside of the handle.

[0168] P30. The dental flosser of paragraph P29, wherein the thumb wheel is accessible from an opposite side of the exterior of the handle.

[0169] P31. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P29-P30, wherein the thumb wheel and the release arm extend through a single opening in the handle.

[0170] P32. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P28 to P31, wherein the spool brake comprises a brake pad positioned to prevent rotation of the floss dispensing spool.

[0171] P33. The dental flosser of paragraph P32, comprising a dispensing spindle coupled to the handle, wherein the brake pad is configured to apply a compressive force on the dispensing spindle when the spool brake is in the first position.

[0172] P34. A dental flosser according to any one of paragraphs P28 to P33, comprising a dispensing gear coaxially coupled to the handle with the dental floss dispensing spool and a collection gear coaxially coupled to the handle with the dental floss collection spool, wherein the spool brake is configured to engage at least one of the dispensing gear or the collection gear when the spool brake is in the first position.

[0173] P35. The dental flosser of paragraph P34, wherein the spool brake is configured to engage both the dispensing gear and the collection gear when the spool brake is in a first position.

[0174] P36. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P34-P35, wherein the dispensing gear includes gear teeth of a different size than the gear teeth of the collection gear.

[0175] P37. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P34 to P36, wherein the diameter of the collection gear is greater than the diameter of the distribution gear.

[0176] P38. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P34 to P37, wherein the thumb wheel comprises the collection gear.

[0177] P39. A dental flosser, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, the dental floss support being coupled to the handle, the dental floss support comprising a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle being rotationally coupled to the handle; a dental floss collecting spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle being rotationally coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel, the thumb wheel being coupled to the dental floss collecting spindle, the thumb wheel being configured to rotate the dental floss collecting spindle and move the dental floss from the dental floss dispensing spindle across the first tip and the second tip to the dental floss collecting spindle a floss collection spindle; and a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the spool brake prevents the floss dispensing spindle and / or the floss collection spindle from rotating, and wherein the spool brake allows the floss dispensing spindle and / or the floss collection spindle to rotate; wherein the spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the flosser, the release arm being configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

[0178] P40. The dental flosser of paragraph P39, comprising a dispensing gear positioned coaxially with the dental floss dispensing spindle.

[0179] P41. A dental flosser according to paragraph P40, wherein the dispensing gear is an integral part of the dental floss dispensing shaft.

[0180] P42. The dental flosser of any one of paragraphs P39 to P41, comprising a collection gear positioned coaxially with the dental floss collection spindle, the thumb wheel being coupled to the collection gear.

[0181] P43. A dental flosser according to paragraph P42, wherein the collection gear is an integral part of the dental floss collection spindle.

[0182] P44. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P39 to P43, wherein the thumb wheel and the release arm extend through a single opening in the handle.

[0183] P45. The dental flosser of any of paragraphs P39 to P44, wherein the spool brake comprises a brake pad positioned to contact the floss dispensing spindle and prevent rotation of the floss dispensing spindle.

[0184] P46. The dental flosser of paragraph P45, wherein the brake pad is configured to apply a compressive force to the dental floss dispensing spindle when the spool brake is in the first position.

[0185] P47. A dental flosser, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, the dental floss support being coupled to the handle, the dental floss support comprising a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle being coupled to the handle; a dental floss collecting spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle being coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel, the thumb wheel being coupled to the handle, the thumb wheel being configured to rotate the dental floss collecting spindle and move dental floss from the dental floss dispensing spindle across the first tip and the second tip to the dental floss collecting spindle; and a spool brake, the spool brake being coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to lock the rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle and the dental floss collecting spindle, and automatically release the rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle when the thumb wheel is rotated; wherein the spool brake comprises a brake pad, the brake pad being positioned to prevent the rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle by applying a compressive force to the dental floss dispensing spindle.

[0186] P48. A dental flosser, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, the dental floss support being coupled to the handle, the dental floss support comprising a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle being coupled to the handle; a dental floss collecting spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle being coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel, the thumb wheel being coupled to the handle, the thumb wheel being configured to rotate the dental floss collecting spindle and move dental floss from the dental floss dispensing spindle across the first tip and the second tip to the dental floss collecting spindle; and a spool brake, the spool brake being coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to lock the rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle and the dental floss collecting spindle, and automatically release the rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle when the thumb wheel is rotated; wherein the spool brake comprises a brake pad, the brake pad being positioned to apply a constant amount of force to prevent the rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle.

[0187] P49. A dental flosser, comprising: a handle; a dental floss support, the dental floss support is coupled to the handle, the dental floss support includes a first protrusion with a first tip and a second protrusion with a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle, the dental floss dispensing spindle is coupled to the handle; a dental floss collecting spindle, the dental floss collecting spindle is coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel, the thumb wheel is coupled to the handle, the thumb wheel is configured to rotate the dental floss collecting spindle and move the dental floss from the first tip and the second tip of the dental floss dispensing spindle to the desired position. and a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake being configured to lock the rotation of the floss dispensing spindle and the floss collection spindle and automatically release the rotation of the floss dispensing spindle when the thumb wheel is rotated; wherein the spool brake includes a brake pad positioned to prevent the rotation of the floss dispensing spindle; and wherein the spool brake includes at least one tip that engages a corresponding tooth to lock the rotation of the floss dispensing spindle and the floss collection spindle.

[0188] P50. The dental flosser of paragraph P49, wherein the brake pad is positioned to prevent rotation of the dental floss dispensing spindle without engaging the teeth.

[0189] P51. A dental flosser according to any one of paragraphs P49 to P50, wherein when the thumb wheel rotates the dental floss collection spindle, at least one tip of the dental floss shaft brake disengages from the teeth.

[0190] P52. The dental flosser of paragraph P51, wherein the spool brake prevents rotation of the floss dispensing spindle when the thumb wheel rotates the floss collection spindle. Common terms and explanatory conventions

[0191] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any method described in the claims or specification should not be construed as requiring that the steps be performed in a specific order. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, the method should be construed as providing support for performing the above steps in any order.

[0192] Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although the features above may be described in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features of the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may refer to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0193] The example configurations described in this document do not represent all examples that may be implemented or within the scope of the claims. The term "example" should be interpreted to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples."

[0194] Articles such as "the", "a / an" may refer to the singular or the plural. Also, when the word "or" is used, if it is not preceded by "either" (or other similar language indicating that "or" clearly means exclusive - for example, only one of x or y, etc.), it should be interpreted as inclusive (for example, "x or y" means one or both of x or y).

[0195] The term "and / or" should also be interpreted as being inclusive (e.g., "x and / or y" means one or both of x or y). Where "and / or" or "or" is used as a conjunction of a group of three or more items, the group should be interpreted to include a single item, all items, or any combination or quantity of items.

[0196] Unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., based only on given conditions), the phrase "based on" should be interpreted as referring to a set of disclosed conditions. For example, a step described as based on given conditions may be based on the listed conditions and one or more unlisted conditions.

[0197] The terms "have", "having", "contain", "containing", "include", "including" are characterized as being interpreted as synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising, i.e., the terms are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited subject matter. The use of these terms should also be understood to disclose and provide support for narrower alternative embodiments in which these terms are replaced by "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of".

[0198] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions used in the specification (except claims), such as numbers or expressions indicating dimensions, physical properties, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term "approximately". At a minimum, and without attempting to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter listed in the specification or claims modified by the term "approximately" should be interpreted in light of the number of significant digits listed and / or by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0199] All disclosed ranges should be understood to encompass and provide support for claims listing any subranges or any individual values ​​contained within each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims listing any subranges or individual values ​​between and / or including a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges starting with a minimum value of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any value from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.), which can be expressed individually or as a minimum value (e.g., at least 5.8) or a maximum value (e.g., not more than 9.9994).

[0200] All disclosed values ​​should be understood to vary from 0-100% in either direction, and thus provide support for claims reciting such values ​​(either alone or as a minimum or maximum value - e.g., at least <value> or no more than <value>) or any range or subrange that may be formed from such values. For example, the stated value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction), and provide support for claims reciting the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5), or any individual value expressed individually within the range (e.g., 15.2), as a minimum value (e.g., at least 4.3) or as a maximum value (e.g., no more than 12.4).

[0201] The terms recited in the claims shall have their ordinary and customary meanings determined from relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and / or dictionaries of relevant technology, the ordinary meanings understood in the technical dictionary, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning given by any one or combination of these sources shall apply to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries shall be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of the entries, etc.), except that: (a) if a term is used in a manner beyond its ordinary and customary meaning, the term shall be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus an additional extended meaning, or (b) if a term has been expressly defined to have a different meaning, the term shall be recited followed by the phrase "as used in this document" or similar language (e.g., "this term means," "this term is defined," "for purposes of this disclosure, this term shall mean," etc.). Reference to specific examples, use of "such as," use of the word "the present invention," etc. is not intended to invoke exception (b) or otherwise limit the scope of the recited claim terms. Except where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document shall be deemed a disclaimer or denial of the scope of the claims.

[0202] Any limitations in the claims should not be construed as invoking 35 USC 112(f) unless a claim explicitly recites the words "means" or "step."

[0203] Unless expressly stated otherwise or apparent from the context, terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," and "displaying" refer to the actions and processes of an electronic computing device including a processor and memory.

[0204] The subject matter recited in the claims is not intended to be, and should not be construed to be, mutually exclusive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment or combination of features is shown and described. Terms and interpretation conventions for joining or fastening

[0205] The term "coupled" means that two components are joined directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed in nature or removable in nature. Such joining may be achieved by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another, or by the two components, or the two components and any additional intermediate components, being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0206] The term "coupled" includes a permanent essentially or a releasable and / or removable essentially joint. A permanent joint refers to a joining of components together in a manner that cannot be reversed or restored to an original state. A releasable joint refers to a joining of components together in a manner that can be reversed or restored to an original state.

[0207] Releasable engagements can be further classified based on the difficulty of releasing the component and / or whether the component is released as part of its normal operation and / or use. An easily or easily releasable engagement refers to an engagement that can be easily, easily and / or quickly released with little or no difficulty or effort. A difficult or hard-to-release engagement refers to an engagement that is difficult, difficult or laborious to release and / or requires great effort to release. The engagement may be released or intended to be released as part of the normal operation and / or use of the component, or may be released only under special circumstances and / or environments. In the latter case, the engagement may remain engaged for a long, indefinite period of time until special circumstances arise.

[0208] It should be understood that any type of fastening method and / or fastener may be used to join components together. A fastening method refers to the manner in which components are joined. A fastener is typically a separate component used in a mechanical fastening method to mechanically join components together. A list of examples of fastening methods and / or fasteners is provided below. The list is divided according to whether the fastening method and / or fastener is typically permanent, easily releasable, or difficult to releasable.

[0209] Examples of permanent fastening methods include welding, soldering, brazing, crimping, riveting, stapling, sewing, some types of stapling, some types of bonding, and some types of adhesive bonding. Examples of permanent fasteners include some types of nails, some types of dowel pins, most types of rivets, most types of rivets, sutures, most types of structural sleepers, and tie bolts.

[0210] Examples of easily releasable fastening methods include clamping, pinning, clipping, latching, clasping, snapping, zipping, fastening, and tying. Examples of easily releasable fasteners include hook and loop fasteners, retaining rings, circlips, split pins, pawls, R-pins, clevis fasteners, toothed pins, latches, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO), hook and eye fasteners, thumbtacks, clips, clasps, clamps, zip ties, zippers, buttons, buckles, split pin fasteners, and / or furniture fasteners.

[0211] Examples of fastening methods that are difficult to release include bolting, threading, most types of threaded fastenings, and some types of nailing. Examples of fasteners that are difficult to release include bolts, screws, most types of threaded fasteners, some types of nails, some types of dowel pins, several types of rivets, and several types of structural sleepers.

[0212] It should be understood that the fastening methods and fasteners are categorized above based on their most common configurations and / or applications. Fastening methods and fasteners may fall into other categories or multiple categories depending on their specific configurations and / or applications. For example, ropes, strings, wires, cables, chains, etc. may be permanent, easily releasable, or difficult to releasable, depending on the application. Terminology and interpretative conventions related to the drawings

[0213] Reference numerals in the drawings and corresponding description refer to the same or similar elements, even though such numerals may be referenced in the context of different embodiments.

[0214] The drawings are intended to show embodiments that are drawn to scale and / or not drawn to scale. This means that the drawings may be interpreted as showing, for example, (a) everything drawn to scale, (b) nothing drawn to scale, or (c) one or more features drawn to scale and one or more features drawn to scale. Thus, the drawings may be used to provide support for describing the size, proportions, and / or other dimensions of any of the features shown individually or relative to each other. Furthermore, all such sizes, proportions, and / or other dimensions are understood to vary from 0% to 100% in either direction and, therefore, provide support for claims that recite such values ​​or any ranges or sub-ranges that may be formed from such values.

[0215] Spatial or directional terms, such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., refer to subject matter as shown in the drawings and / or how subject matter is typically oriented during manufacture, use, etc. However, it should be understood that the described subject matter can assume various alternative orientations and, therefore, such terms should not be considered limiting. Incorporated by Reference

[0216] The entire contents of each of the documents listed below are incorporated into this document by reference (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Incorporated Documents"). If the same term is used in both this document and one or more of the incorporated documents, the term should be interpreted as the broadest meaning given by any one or combination of these sources, unless the term is expressly defined in this document to have a different meaning. In the event of an inconsistency between any incorporated document and this document, this document controls. The incorporated subject matter should not be used to limit or narrow the scope of the subject matter explicitly listed or described. Priority Patent Documents Incorporated by Reference: - U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 364,356, titled “Dental Flosser with Floss Tensioner,” filed on May 9, 2022. Patent Documents Incorporated by Reference: - U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0259816 (Application No. 17 / 184,416), entitled "Dental Flosser with Floss Tensioner," was filed on February 24, 2021 and published on August 26, 2021. - U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 980,561, entitled “Dental Flosser with Floss Tensioner,” filed on February 24, 2020.

Claims

1. A dental floss cleaner, comprising: handle; a dental floss support coupled to the handle, the dental floss support including a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spool coupled to the handle; a dental floss collection spool coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel coupled to the handle, the thumb wheel configured to rotate the floss collection spool and move floss from the floss dispensing spool across the first tip and the second tip onto the floss collection spool; as well as a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake configured to move between a first position in which the spool brake prevents the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collection spool from rotating and a second position in which the spool brake allows the floss dispensing spool and / or the floss collection spool to rotate; Wherein the spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the dental flosser, the release arm being configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

2. The dental flosser of claim 1, wherein the thumb wheel is accessible from an exterior of the handle.

3. The dental flosser of claim 2, wherein the thumb wheel is accessible from opposite sides of the exterior of the handle.

4. The dental flosser of claim 2, wherein the thumb wheel and the release arm extend through a single opening in the handle.

5. The dental flosser of claim 1, wherein the spool brake comprises a brake pad positioned to prevent rotation of the floss dispensing spool.

6. The dental flosser of claim 5, comprising a dispensing spindle coupled to the handle, wherein the brake pad is configured to apply a compressive force on the dispensing spindle when the spool brake is in the first position.

7. The dental flosser of claim 1 , comprising a dispensing gear coaxially coupled to the handle with the dental floss dispensing spool and a collection gear coaxially coupled to the handle with the dental floss collection spool, wherein the spool brake is configured to engage at least one of the dispensing gear or the collection gear when the spool brake is in the first position.

8. The dental flosser of claim 7, wherein the spool brake is configured to engage both the dispensing gear and the collection gear when the spool brake is in the first position.

9. The dental flosser of claim 7, wherein the dispensing gear includes gear teeth of a different size than the gear teeth of the collection gear.

10. The dental flosser of claim 7, wherein the collection gear has a diameter greater than a diameter of the distribution gear.

11. The dental flosser of claim 7, wherein the thumb wheel comprises the collection gear.

12. A dental floss cleaner, comprising: handle; a dental floss support coupled to the handle, the dental floss support including a first protrusion having a first tip and a second protrusion having a second tip; a dental floss dispensing spindle rotatably coupled to the handle; a dental floss collection spindle rotatably coupled to the handle; a thumb wheel coupled to the floss collection spindle, the thumb wheel configured to rotate the floss collection spindle and move floss from the floss dispensing spindle across the first tip and the second tip to the floss collection spindle; as well as a spool brake coupled to the handle, the spool brake configured to move between a first position in which the spool brake prevents the floss dispensing spindle and / or the floss collection spindle from rotating and a second position in which the spool brake allows the floss dispensing spindle and / or the floss collection spindle to rotate; Wherein the spool brake includes a release arm accessible from an exterior of the dental flosser, the release arm being configured to move the spool brake between the first position and the second position.

13. The dental flosser of claim 12, comprising a dispensing gear positioned coaxially with the floss dispensing spindle.

14. The dental flosser of claim 13, wherein the dispensing gear is an integral part of the dental floss dispensing spindle.

15. The dental flosser of claim 12, comprising a collection gear positioned coaxially with the floss collection spindle, the thumb wheel being coupled to the collection gear.

16. The dental flosser of claim 15, wherein the collection gear is an integral part of the dental floss collection spindle.

17. The dental flosser of claim 12, wherein the thumb wheel and the release arm extend through a single opening in the handle.

18. The dental flosser of claim 12, wherein the spool brake comprises a brake pad positioned to contact the floss dispensing spindle and prevent rotation of the floss dispensing spindle.

19. The dental flosser of claim 18, wherein the brake pad is configured to apply a compressive force to the floss dispensing spindle when the spool brake is in the first position.

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