Patent ID: 6447293
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: A61C

Abstract:
A drive mechanism for an interproximal flosser having an electric motor with a rotating drive shaft, the drive mechanism comprising:a link member having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion having a first end for attachment to said drive shaft in an off-center manner, and a second portion having a second end for receiving a tip member; a laterally-extending pivot axis formed on said link member; and a flexible hinge portion having a vertical bending axis formed on said link member; wherein when the drive shaft rotates, said first end of said link member is rotated off-center from said drive shaft, creating vertical, lateral, and a combination of vertical and lateral movement, and said flexible hinge portion isolating said lateral movement from said tip member while transmitting to said tip member said vertical movement through said pivot axis, so that said tip member moves through a vertical arc; and wherein said flexible hinge portion resiliently twists about its axial axis to isolate said lateral movement from said tip member motion.