Patent ID: 7156110
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
1. A device for dispensing and tensioning dental floss, the device comprising: a) a handle portion having an interior and an exterior; b) a flossing portion attached to the handle portion, the flossing portion bearing first and second arms for supporting a length of dental floss between them; c) a gear assembly supported by and partially contained within the interior of the handle portion, the gear assembly comprising an axle supported by the handle portion, the axle bearing a thumbwheel for turning the axle, a used-floss collection spool, and an axle gear, at least the axle gear being contained within the interior of the handle portion; and d) a clutch spool assembly supported and contained within the interior of the handle portion, the clutch spool assembly comprising a clutch spool having a clutch gear attached to one side thereof; wherein when a length of floss is threaded from a spool of floss contained within the interior of the handle portion to the clutch spool, then from the clutch spool out of the device to the tip of the first arm, then from the first arm to the second arm, and then from the second arm to the used-floss collection spool, the gear assembly is manipulable by manipulating said thumbwheel into a first position wherein the axle gear of the gear assembly is engaged with the clutch gear of the clutch spool assembly, thereby tensioning the floss between the arms of the flossing portion by causing the collection spool and the clutch spool to turn in opposite directions when the thumbwheel is turned in a first direction.