Abstract:
An electric flossing apparatus comprising a flossing head which is detachably connected to a handle containing a reciprocating drive unit, a non-powered second handle to allow for the increased controllability of two-handed powered flossing and a disposable floss assembly that can be easily be attached to or released from the flossing head and handle. The floss is releasably attached to the flossing head in a manner that allows reciprocating motion to be imparted along the length of the floss no matter which direction that the floss exits the end of the flossing head or the shape of the path it takes. By using both hands for flossing the floss may be pulled straight and tensioned to facilitate insertion between tightly spaced teeth and then wrapped around a tooth to facilitate cleaning of the front, sides, and back of each tooth above, near, or just below the gum line. The reciprocating motion is imparted to the floss whenever the floss is tensioned. The intensity of the motion is then controlled by the amount of tension and the “rigidity” of the users grip on the two handles. The drive unit handle assembly may be from an inexpensive commercially available electric toothbrush such as a Crest Spinbrush™.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/582,773, that is entitled “FLOSSING APPARATUS”, that was filed on Jun. 25, 2004, and the entire disclosure of which is being incorporated by reference herein. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to electric tooth flossing devices. More particularly, it relates to an improved two-handed powered flossing device which detachably connects to a drive unit which can also be used to power an electric toothbrush. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The dental profession has long recommended cleaning one&#39;s teeth with dental floss as a necessary part of daily dental hygiene. It is widely recognized that the proper use of dental floss is an effective means for preventing the buildup of plaque, gum disease and tooth decay. 
   Dental hygienists typically recommend wrapping a short length dental floss around the forefinger of each hand and holding this in place with the thumbs. The floss is then pulled tight and inserted into the gaps between each pair of teeth and moved up and down while wrapping the floss around the sides of the teeth as much as possible. The purpose of this wrapping action is to disturb the plaque and clean at the gum line not only between the teeth, but also around the corners and along the sides of the teeth. 
   This flossing operation, while necessary for dental health, is often neglected in practice because of the difficulty of holding onto the wet saliva-coated floss, the difficulty and clumsiness of inserting a major portion of both hands into the back of the mouth and finally, the difficulty of pulling the floss between tightly spaced teeth. 
   Both non-powered and powered flossing devices have attempted to alleviate these problems. Generally, there are one-handed units which incorporate a “V” shaped floss holder designed to eliminate the difficulty of holding the floss by the finger and thumb method. Although these one-handed devices appear to be a simple solution, they, in fact, greatly restrict the ability to wrap the floss around and clean the sides of the teeth. Many of these one-handed devices also incorporate rather complicated methods for attaching, replacing or advancing used floss across the “V” of the flossing device. At least some powered units generally incorporate the “V” shaped floss holder with all of its drawbacks, while adding vibratory motion to aid in plaque disruption and cleaning. The difficulty with this motion is that if the floss is loose enough to wrap around the teeth for proper cleaning, then the vibratory motion of the yoke may not be oriented such that it is able to induce to desired reciprocating motion of the floss along its length. 
   The prior art contains many patents similar to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,279,414 and 5,267,579 which have these “V” shaped yokes for tightly holding a short length of floss and imparting a vibratory or oscillating motion to it. The floss is either tied onto the yoke as in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,579, or the yoke with a short length of floss is made to be detachable and disposable. The problem with flossers of this type is that the floss must be installed tightly across the open end of the “V” shaped yoke and so the floss cannot be wrapped around the tooth for proper cleaning. If the floss is installed loosely across the “V” shaped yoke, then, during floss insertion, the yoke will contact the teeth before the floss becomes tight. This contact between the yoke and teeth will make it difficult if not impossible to insert the floss between the teeth and no useful motion will be imparted to the floss. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,109 presents a non-powered, two handed flosser with floss wrapped around the ends of the two flossing handles. During flossing, the floss is unwrapped from one handle and wrapped onto the other. The problem with this device is that it is very difficult to insert the floss between teeth and to thoroughly clean them without the assistance of rapid powered floss motion. Also, since the floss is just wrapped around the ends of the handles, any attempt to pull the floss tight while wrapping the floss in a “U” shape around a tooth is likely to pull the floss off of the end of the coil of floss. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,257 is a powered flosser with a removable arm or handle that can be used for two handed flossing. This device has at least three problems. First, the floss is not easily replaceable. Second, the floss is in a V-shape between the powered and non-powered handles, making it awkward if not impossible to wrap the floss around the teeth. Third, the powered handle imparts a lateral vibratory motion to the floss “arm,” so that even if the floss could be wrapped in a “U” shape around a tooth, it would be essentially parallel to the flosser “arm” at its attachment point, and so almost no reciprocating motion could be imparted to the floss when it is most needed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,711 presents a device used to convert an electric toothbrush into a power-driven flossing device. This flossing device also uses a “V” shaped yoke to hold the floss, and in addition, the yoke has conical apertures at the tip of each leg of the “V” that accept and hold a length of floss with a bead at each end. The floss is attached by pressing the legs of the “V” shaped yoke towards each other enough to allow insertion of a bead into each aperture. When the yoke is released the legs of the “V” pull the floss tight across the yoke. Here again, the floss must remain tight across the yoke in order to remain attached to the flossing device. 
   Accordingly it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved electric flossing device which would overcome the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A general object of the present invention is to provide an electric dental flosser that is easy to use, safe, and overcomes the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art. 
   A specific object of the present invention is to provide an electric dental flosser with inexpensive disposable floss assemblies for sanitation purposes and ease of attachment and replacement. 
   Another specific object of the present invention is to provide a simple dental flossing head that is easily attached to the power unit of an inexpensive electric toothbrush. 
   Yet another specific object of the present invention is to provide a two-handed electric dental flossing apparatus that allows the floss to not only be easily inserted between the teeth when pulled taught, but also to be easily wrapped around the corners and sides of the teeth and tensioned. 
   Still another specific object of the present invention is to provide a two-handed electric dental flossing apparatus that generates reciprocating motion of the floss regardless of the orientation or angle that the floss exits the tip of the flossing head or the shape of the path that the floss takes along its length. 
   Yet one more specific object of the present invention is to provide a two-handed electric dental flossing apparatus that allows the strength of the reciprocating motion of the floss to be easily controlled by the tension applied to the floss and the rigidity of the grip on the flossing handles. 
   Yet another specific object of the present invention is to provide a two-handed electric dental flossing apparatus that allows the floss to not only be easily inserted between the teeth when pulled taught, but also to be easily wrapped around the corners and sides of the teeth while maintaining the reciprocating motion along the length of the floss. 
   In accordance with the present invention, an electric dental flosser is powered by a drive unit which includes an electric motor energized by a replaceable or rechargeable battery power source. A conventional spur gear reduction gearbox coupled to a scotch yoke mechanism reduces the speed of the motor and produces the desired reciprocating motion required to drive the flossing head. The motor is connected to the battery through a waterproof switch. 
   Removable flossing head units attach to the drive unit, which also serves as a handle for the assembled flosser. The flossing head attaches to the drive unit by the use of protrusions which fit into L-shaped slots in the drive unit. The reciprocating output shaft of the drive unit simultaneously attaches to the flossing head drive shaft in a similar fashion. 
   The flossing head has an inner stationary portion which attaches to the drive unit housing and an inner moving portion which attaches to the drive unit output shaft. The flossing head also has an outer moving portion which facilitates attachment of the disposable floss. The inner moving portion links the reciprocating motion of the drive unit&#39;s output shaft to the floss connection fitting. 
   The floss connection fitting is exposed by retracting the external moving portion of the flossing head axially towards the drive unit against the force of a spring. The spring normally holds the external portion of the flossing head away from the drive unit against a stop. With the flossing head retracted, the floss connection fitting is exposed so that the floss assembly can be attached. 
   The floss assembly consists of a short length of floss with small end fittings tied or otherwise attached to each end of the floss. 
   After the floss assembly end fitting is engaged with the floss connection fitting, the internal spring is again allowed to push the outer moving portion of the flossing head away form the drive unit, and in so doing trap the floss end fitting inside the tip of the flossing head. Release of the floss assembly is simply the reverse of the attachment process. 
   The non-powered handle which completes the flossing apparatus can be either reusable of disposable. In the case of the reusable non-powered handle, the internal mechanism may be identical to that of the flossing head, except that the drive shaft is identical to that of the powered flossing head. In the case of the disposable non-powered handle, the floss assembly is permanently attached to the disposable handle, thus eliminating the internal linkage and attachment fitting. 
   When operating the dental flosser, the user moves the power switch to the “on” position and inserts the floss assembly between two teeth using both the powered flossing head and the non-powered handle similar to the manual method, but without having to insert the hands into the mouth. By pulling the floss tight between the tips of the two units and adjusting the tension applied, the desired magnitude of floss reciprocation can be controlled. This reciprocation greatly reduces the force required to insert the floss between tightly spaced teeth and so reduces the chance that the floss will “snap” down between the teeth and damage the gums. 
   Once the floss is inserted between the teeth, it can be moved up and down to clean between the teeth and disturb any plaque which is trying to attach to the teeth surfaces. 
   Next, due to the added flexibility and controllability of a two handed flossing device, the floss may be wrapped around the corners and sides of the teeth as well as moved up and down. With the floss pulled tight while wrapped around the tooth, the user can again control the vigor of the reciprocating motion of the floss, which greatly adds to the cleaning action of the up and down motion of the floss applied manually. 
   A number of additional aspects of the invention will now be described. Each of these aspects is believed to be a new and non-obvious combination of features in the flossing art. Although each of these aspects is described with the dental floss as being part thereof, it should be appreciated that each of these aspects may be presented without positively requiring the dental floss, and instead merely using the dental floss to describe the various features of a flosser. 
   A first aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a flossing device. This flossing device includes dental floss, as well as first and second handles that are independently maneuverable by a user when flossing. The first handle is “powered” in that it includes a drive and a drive shaft. The drive shaft is interconnected with the drive such that it axially reciprocates during operation of the drive. The dental floss is appropriately interconnected with the second handle, and is also appropriately interconnected with the drive shaft of the first handle. A portion of the dental floss extends between the first and second handles and may be disposed between a pair of adjacent teeth when the user is flossing. 
   Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the first aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The first and second handles each may be of any appropriate configuration. However, it may be desirable for each handle to have a tip that is angled relative to its main body section in a single dimension or reference plane. In one embodiment, the first handle is in the form of a power unit having a drive of any appropriate size/shape/configuration, as well as a flossing head that is detachably interconnected with the power unit. This “power unit” may be from a commercially available powered toothbrush, where the flossing head attachment associated with the first aspect would simply replace the toothbrush attachment of this powered toothbrush. Although the second handle could be of the same configuration as the first handle, such need not be the case. For instance, the second handle may be non-powered. 
   The first handle may include a first aperture that has a closed perimeter (e.g., in the form of an eyelet). The dental floss may extend through this first aperture in order to interconnect with the drive shaft. Generally, this allows the first handle to be disposed in virtually any position and yet still have the dental floss be moved in a desired manner by the axially reciprocating drive shaft. The second handle similarly may include a second aperture that has a closed perimeter, and the dental floss may extend through this second aperture in order to interconnect with the second handle. In one embodiment, the noted apertures are included on the distal ends of the first and second handles, and are defined by a bore that extends within the respective handle (i.e., the “closed perimeter” would coincide with the bore sidewall). 
   A number of characterizations may be made in relation to the interconnection of the dental floss with the first and second handles. One is that the dental floss may be detachably coupled with both the second handle and the drive shaft of the first handle. Another is that the “point of interconnection” of the dental floss with each of the first and second handles may remain within the interior of the first and second handles during operation of the flossing device (e.g., recessed within the handles). In one embodiment, the dental floss includes a pair of fittings, and each of the first and second handles includes a fitting. The fitting of the first handle is interconnected with its drive shaft and is detachably coupled with one of the dental floss fittings, while the fitting of the second handle is detachably coupled with the other dental floss fitting. The axial reciprocation of the drive shaft may move the dental floss fitting (e.g., axially) that is detachably coupled with the fitting of the first handle to move the dental floss in a desired manner for flossing operations. In another embodiment, the dental floss includes a fitting for detachably coupling with the first handle, but is fixed to the second handle (e.g., where the second handle and the fixed dental floss are a disposable unit). 
   In accordance with the foregoing, any pair of the above-noted detachably coupled fittings may remain recessed within the interior of their respective handle during operation of the flossing device. The first and second handles may be configured such that their fittings can also be exposed to allow for a dental floss fitting to be coupled or decoupled from this handle fitting. In one embodiment, each of the first and second handles includes a pair of sections that are movably interconnected in any appropriate manner. The handle fitting may remain in a fixed position relative to one of these sections of a given handle at least when coupling or decoupling the dental floss from this handle. Providing relative movement between these two sections of a given handle will then expose the corresponding handle fitting. A subsequent relative movement between these same two sections in the opposite direction could then be used to retract the handle fitting, along with any coupled dental floss fitting, back within the handle. It should be appreciated that the first handle may include a pair of the noted movable sections, regardless of the configuration of the second handle (e.g., the first handle may be of the noted configuration, with the dental floss and the second handle being a disposable unit). 
   A second aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a flossing device. This flossing device includes dental floss, as well as first and second handles that are independently maneuverable by a user when flossing. The dental floss is appropriately interconnected with the first and second handles such that a portion of the dental floss extends between the first and second handles for disposition between a pair of adjacent teeth when the user is flossing. The dental floss includes at least one fitting, and at least the first handle includes a fitting. The fitting of the first handle is disposable in each of a coupling/decoupling position where the fitting is exposed for coupling or decoupling with a dental floss fitting, as well as in an operating position where a coupled handle fitting and dental floss fitting remain recessed within the respective handle during flossing operations. 
   Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the second aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the second aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The first and second handles each may be of any appropriate configuration. However, it may be desirable for each handle to have a tip that is angled relative to its main body section in a single dimension or reference plane. Although the second handle could be of the same configuration as the first handle, such need not be the case. For instance, the first handle may be powered, while the second handle may be non-powered. In one embodiment, the dental floss includes another fitting for detachably coupling with a fitting of the second handle in the same manner as the first handle. In another embodiment, the dental floss is fixed to the second handle (e.g., where the second handle and the fixed dental floss are a disposable unit). 
   The first handle may be “powered” in that it may include a drive and a drive shaft. The drive shaft may be interconnected with the drive such that it axially reciprocates during operation of the drive. The fitting of the first handle that detachably couples with a dental floss fitting may be interconnected with this drive shaft such that this fitting moves (e.g., axially) along with the drive shaft to impart a desired motion to the dental floss. More generally, the fitting of the first handle may be interconnected with a drive that moves this fitting relative to an end of the first handle that is disposed within the user&#39;s mouth when flossing, to in turn move the dental floss. In one embodiment, the first handle is in the form of a power unit having a drive of any appropriate size/shape/configuration, as well as a flossing head that is detachably interconnected with the power unit. This “power unit” may be from a commercially available powered toothbrush, where the flossing head attachment associated with the second aspect would simply replace the toothbrush attachment of this powered toothbrush. 
   The first handle may include a first aperture that has a closed perimeter (e.g., in the form of an eyelet). The dental floss may extend through this first aperture such that one of its fittings is detachably coupled with the fitting of the first handle at an interior location. When the first handle is powered, this allows the first handle to be disposed in virtually any position and yet still have the dental floss be moved in a desired manner. The second handle similarly may include a second aperture that has a closed perimeter, and the dental floss may extend through this second aperture for interconnection with the second handle at an interior location. In one embodiment, the noted apertures are included on the distal ends of the first and second handles, and are defined by a bore that extends within the respective handle (i.e., the “closed perimeter” would coincide with the bore sidewall). 
   A number of characterizations may be made in relation to the interconnection of the dental floss with the first and second handles. One is that the dental floss may be detachably coupled with each of the first and second handles. Another is that the “point of interconnection” of the dental floss with each of the first and second handles may remain within the interior of the first and second handles during operation of the flossing device (e.g., recessed within the handles). In accordance with the foregoing, any pair of the above-noted detachably coupled fittings may remain recessed within the interior of their respective handle during operation of the flossing device. The first and second handles may be configured with fittings that can also be exposed to allow for a dental floss fitting to be coupled or decoupled from this handle fitting. In one embodiment, each of the first and second handles includes a pair of sections that are movably interconnected in any appropriate manner. The handle fitting may remain in a fixed position relative to one of these sections of a given handle at least when coupling or decoupling the dental floss from this handle. Providing relative movement between these two sections of a given handle will then expose the corresponding handle fitting. It should be appreciated that the first handle may include a pair of the noted movable sections, regardless of the configuration of the second handle (e.g., the first handle may be of the noted configuration, with the dental floss and the second handle being a disposable unit). 
   A third aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a flossing device. This flossing device includes dental floss, as well as first and second handles that are independently maneuverable by a user when flossing. The dental floss is appropriately interconnected with the first and second handles such that a portion of the dental floss extends between the first and second handles for disposition between a pair of adjacent teeth when the user is flossing. In this regard, the dental floss includes a pair of fittings, and each of the first and second handles includes a fitting. 
   The first handle of the third aspect further includes a drive, as well as a first aperture having a closed perimeter. The fitting of the first handle is extendable through this first aperture to allow it to be coupled or decoupled with one of the dental floss fittings. This first pair of coupled fittings may be directed back through the first aperture and into the interior of the first handle, where this first pair will remain during flossing operations. Similarly, the second handle of the third aspect also may include a second aperture having a closed perimeter. The fitting of the second handle is extendable through this second aperture to allow it to be coupled or decoupled with the other of the dental floss fittings. This second pair of coupled fittings may be directed back through the second aperture and into the interior of the second handle, where this second pair will remain during flossing operations. 
   Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the third aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the third aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The first and second handles each may be of any appropriate configuration. However, it may be desirable for each handle to have a tip that is angled relative to its main body section in a single dimension or reference plane. Although the second handle could be of the same configuration as the first handle, such need not be the case. For instance, the second handle may be powered or non-powered. 
   The first handle is “powered” and may include a drive shaft. The drive shaft may be interconnected with the drive such that it axially reciprocates during operation of the drive. The fitting of the first handle that detachably couples with a dental floss fitting may be interconnected with this drive shaft such that it moves (e.g., axially) along with the drive shaft to impart a desired motion to the dental floss. More generally, the fitting of the first handle may be interconnected with a drive that moves this fitting relative to an end of the first handle that is disposed within the user&#39;s mouth when flossing, to in turn move the dental floss. In one embodiment, the first handle is in the form of a power unit having a drive of any appropriate size/shape/configuration, as well as a flossing head that is detachably interconnected with the power unit. This “power unit” may be from a commercially available powered toothbrush, where the flossing head attachment associated with the third aspect would simply replace the toothbrush attachment of this powered toothbrush. 
   With the first handle being powered and with the dental floss passing through the first aperture of the first handle having the closed perimeter for interconnection with the drive, the first handle may be disposed in virtually any position and yet still have the dental floss be moved in a desired manner. In one embodiment, the noted apertures are included on the distal ends of the first and second handles, and are defined by a bore that extends within the respective handle (i.e., the “closed perimeter” would coincide with the bore sidewall). 
   A number of characterizations may be made in relation to the interconnection of the dental floss with the first and second handles. One is that the dental floss may be detachably coupled with each of the first and second handles. Another is that the “point of interconnection” of the dental floss with each of the first and second handles may remain within the interior of the first and second handles during operation of the flossing device (e.g., recessed within the handles). In accordance with the foregoing, each pair of the above-noted detachably coupled fittings may remain recessed within the interior of their respective handle during operation of the flossing device. The first and second handles may be configured such that their fittings can also be exposed to allow for a dental floss fitting to be coupled or decoupled from this handle fitting. In one embodiment, each of the first and second handles includes a pair of sections that are movably interconnected in any appropriate manner. The handle fitting may remain in a fixed position relative to one of these sections of a given handle at least when coupling or decoupling the dental floss from this handle. Providing relative movement between these two sections of a given handle will then expose the corresponding handle fitting. A subsequent relative movement between these same two sections in the opposite direction could then be used to retract the handle fitting, along with any coupled dental floss fitting, back within the handle. 
   A fourth aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a flossing device. This flossing device includes dental floss, as well as first and second handles that are independently maneuverable by a user when flossing. The dental floss is appropriately interconnected with the first and second handles such that a portion of the dental floss extends between the first and second handles for disposition between a pair of adjacent teeth when the user is flossing. In this regard, the dental floss includes at least one fitting, and at least the first handle includes a fitting. At least the first handle includes a pair of sections that are movably interconnected in any appropriate manner. The fitting of the first handle may remain in a fixed position relative to one of these sections at least when coupling or decoupling the dental floss from this fitting. Providing relative movement between these two sections of the first handle will then expose the corresponding handle fitting. At this time, a dental floss fitting may be coupled with or decoupled from the fitting of the first handle. A subsequent relative movement between these same two sections in the opposite direction could then be used to retract the fitting of the first handle, along with any coupled dental floss fitting, back within the first handle. 
   Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the fourth aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the fourth aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The first and second handles each may be of any appropriate configuration. However, it may be desirable for each handle to have a tip that is angled relative to its main body section in a single dimension or reference plane. Although the second handle could be of the same configuration as the first handle, such need not be the case. For instance, the second handle may be powered or non-powered. In one embodiment, the dental floss includes another fitting for detachably coupling with a fitting of the second handle in the same manner as the first handle. In another embodiment, the dental floss is fixed to the second handle (e.g., where the second handle and the fixed dental floss are a disposable unit). 
   The first handle may be “powered” in that it may include a drive and a drive shaft. The drive shaft may be interconnected with the drive such that it axially reciprocates during operation of the drive. The fitting of the first handle that detachably couples with a dental floss fitting may be interconnected with this drive shaft such that it moves (e.g., axially) along with the drive shaft to impart a desired motion to the dental floss. More generally, the fitting of the first handle may be interconnected with a drive that moves the fitting relative to an end of the first handle that is disposed within the user&#39;s mouth when flossing, to in turn move the dental floss. In one embodiment, the first handle is in the form of a power unit having a drive of any appropriate size/shape/configuration, as well as a flossing head that is detachably coupled with the power unit. This “power unit” may be from a commercially available powered toothbrush, where the flossing head attachment associated with the fourth aspect would simply replace the toothbrush attachment of this powered toothbrush. 
   The first handle may include a first aperture that has a closed perimeter (e.g., in the form of an eyelet). The dental floss may extend through this first aperture such that one of its fittings is detachably coupled with the fitting of the first handle at an interior location. When the first handle is powered, this allows the first handle to be disposed in virtually any position and yet still have the dental floss be moved in a desired manner. The second handle similarly may include a second aperture that has a closed perimeter, and the dental floss may extend through this second aperture for interconnection with the second handle at an interior location. In one embodiment, the noted apertures are included on the distal ends of the first and second handles, and are defined by a bore that extends within the respective handle (i.e., the “closed perimeter” would coincide with the bore sidewall). 
   A number of characterizations may be made in relation to the interconnection of the dental floss with the first and second handles. One is that the dental floss may be detachably coupled with each of the first and second handles. Another is that the “point of interconnection” of the dental floss with each of the first and second handles may remain within the interior of the first and second handles during operation of the flossing device (e.g., recessed within the handles). In accordance with the foregoing, any pair of the above-noted detachably coupled fittings may remain recessed within the interior of their respective handle during operation of the flossing device. 
   A fifth aspect of the present invention is generally directed to a flossing device. This flossing device includes dental floss, as well as first and second handles that are independently maneuverable by a user when flossing. The dental floss is appropriately interconnected with the first and second handles such that a portion of the dental floss extends between the first and second handles for disposition between a pair of adjacent teeth when the user is flossing. In this regard, the dental floss includes at least one fitting, and at least the first handle includes a fitting. The first handle includes a drive, and its fitting is interconnected with and movable by this drive. Coupling one of the dental floss fittings with the fitting of the first handle will thereby move the dental floss. 
   Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the fifth aspect of the present invention. Further features may also be incorporated in the fifth aspect of the present invention as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. The first and second handles each may be of any appropriate configuration. However, it may be desirable for each handle to have a tip that is angled relative to its main body section in a single dimension or reference plane. Although the second handle could be of the same configuration as the first handle, such need not be the case. For instance, the second handle may be powered or non-powered. In one embodiment, the dental floss includes another fitting for detachably coupling with a fitting of the second handle in the same manner as the first handle. In another embodiment, the dental floss is fixed to the second handle (e.g., where the second handle and the fixed dental floss are a disposable unit). 
   The first handle is “powered” and may include a drive shaft. The drive shaft may be interconnected with the drive such that it axially reciprocates during operation of the drive. The fitting of the first handle that detachably couples with a dental floss fitting may be interconnected with this drive shaft such that it moves (e.g., axially) along with the drive shaft to impart a desired motion to the dental floss. More generally, the fitting of the first handle may be interconnected with a drive that moves this fitting relative to an end of the first handle that is disposed within the user&#39;s mouth when flossing, to in turn move the dental floss. In one embodiment, the first handle is in the form of a power unit having a drive of any appropriate size/shape/configuration, as well as a flossing head that is detachably interconnected with the power unit. This “power unit” may be from a commercially available powered toothbrush, where the flossing head attachment associated with the fifth aspect would simply replace the toothbrush attachment of this powered toothbrush. 
   The first handle may include a first aperture that has a closed perimeter (e.g., in the form of an eyelet). The dental floss may extend through this first aperture in order to interconnect with the drive. Generally, this allows the first handle to be disposed in virtually any position and yet still have the dental floss be moved in a desired manner by the drive. The second handle similarly may include a second aperture that has a closed perimeter, and the dental floss may extend through this second aperture in order to interconnect with the second handle. In one embodiment, the noted apertures are included on the distal ends of the first and second handles, and are defined by a bore that extends within the respective handle (i.e., the “closed perimeter” would coincide with the bore sidewall). 
   A number of characterizations may be made in relation to the interconnection of the dental floss with the first and second handles. One is that the dental floss may be detachably coupled with both the second handle and the drive of the first handle. Another is that the “point of interconnection” of the dental floss with each of the first and second handles may remain within the interior of the first and second handles during operation of the flossing device (e.g., recessed within the handles). In accordance with the foregoing, any pair of the above-noted detachably coupled fittings may remain recessed within the interior of their respective handle during operation of the flossing device. The first and second handles may be configured with fittings that can also be exposed to allow for a dental floss fitting to be coupled or de-coupled from this handle fitting. In one embodiment, each of the first and second handles includes a pair of sections that are movably interconnected in any appropriate manner. The handle fitting may remain in a fixed position relative to one of these sections of a given handle at least when coupling or decoupling the dental floss from this fitting. Providing relative movement between these two sections of a given handle will then expose the corresponding handle fitting. A subsequent relative movement between these same two sections in the opposite direction could then be used to retract the handle fitting, along with any coupled dental floss fitting, back within the handle. It should be appreciated that the first handle may include a pair of the noted movable sections, regardless of the configuration of the second handle (e.g., the first handle may be of the noted configuration, with the dental floss and second handle being a disposable unit). 
   These and other objects, aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the electric flossing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  is a plan view of the drive unit and flossing head in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1C  is an elevation view of the drive unit and flossing head in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2A  is a fragmentary perspective view showing the flossing head and drive unit prior to connection. 
       FIG. 2B  is a fragmentary perspective view showing the flossing head and drive unit after connection. 
       FIG. 2C  is a fragmentary perspective view showing the connecting features of the flossing head. 
       FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the drive unit taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 3B  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective view of the drive unit taken along line B-B in  FIG. 1C . 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the floss assembly. 
       FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the floss assembly. 
       FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the floss assembly. 
       FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the floss assembly. 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head. 
       FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . This figure shows the first embodiment of the drive linkage in the latched position. 
       FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . This figure shows the first embodiment of the drive linkage in the unlatched position with a first embodiment of the floss assembly prior to attachment. 
       FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . This figure shows the first embodiment of the drive linkage in the unlatched position and with a first embodiment of the floss assembly being attached. 
       FIG. 5E  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . This figure shows the first embodiment of the drive linkage in the latched position and with a first embodiment of the floss assembly fully attached. 
       FIG. 6A  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of the flossing head showing the motion imparted to the floss. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 6B  is a fragmentary end view of an embodiment of the flossing head tip showing the exit of the floss from the flossing head. The view is taken along line C-C of  FIG. 1C . 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 7B  is a fragmentary partial cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the non-powered floss handle with the first embodiment of the floss connection link and the first embodiment of the floss assembly attached. 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 8B  is a fragmentary partial cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the non-powered floss handle designed for use with the first embodiment of the floss assembly. 
       FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the electric flossing apparatus of  FIG. 1A  with the floss pulled tight for insertion between two teeth. 
       FIG. 9B  is a fragmentary perspective view of the electric flossing apparatus of  FIG. 1A  with the floss wrapping around the front and sides of a tooth. 
       FIG. 9C  is a fragmentary perspective view of the electric flossing apparatus of  FIG. 1A  with the floss wrapping around the back and sides of a tooth. 
       FIG. 10A  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the flossing head floss connection link in the unlatched position prior to the attachment of the second embodiment of the floss assembly. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 10B  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the flossing head floss connection link in the unlatched position with the second embodiment of the floss assembly in the attachment socket. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 10C  is a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation view of the third embodiment of the flossing head magnetic floss connection link, showing the attachment of the third embodiment of the floss assembly. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 10D  is a fragmentary cross-sectional elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the flossing head floss connection link, showing the attachment of the fourth embodiment of the floss assembly. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head assembly with the second embodiment of the drive linkage in the unlatched position. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first embodiment of the flossing head assembly with the second embodiment of the drive linkage in the latched position. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the flossing head in the latched position. 
       FIG. 12B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the flossing head in the unlatched position. 
       FIG. 12C  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second embodiment of the flossing head in the unlatched and locked position with the first embodiment of the floss assembly attached. 
       FIG. 13A  is a perspective of a first embodiment of a disposable angled non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 13B  is a fragmentary perspective of a second embodiment of a disposable angled non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 13C  is a fragmentary perspective of a third embodiment of a disposable angled non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 13D  is a fragmentary perspective of a fourth embodiment of a disposable angled non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 14A  is a perspective of a first embodiment of a disposable straight non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 14B  is a fragmentary perspective of a second embodiment of a disposable straight non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 14C  is a fragmentary perspective of a third embodiment of a disposable straight non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 14D  is a fragmentary perspective of a fourth embodiment of a disposable straight non-powered floss handle. 
       FIG. 15A  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective of a fifth embodiment of the flossing head floss connection link showing the third embodiment of the floss assembly attached. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 15B  is a fragmentary cross-sectional perspective of a fifth embodiment of the flossing head floss connection link showing attachment of the third embodiment of the floss assembly. The view is taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1B . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein the drawings are for the purposes of illustrating various embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same. 
   A preferred embodiment of the electric dental flosser of the present invention is shown generally as  10  in  FIG. 1A . The flosser  10  generally includes a powered unit  100  (e.g., a first handle), a non-powered unit  700  (e.g., a second handle), and a disposable floss assembly  600 . Further, the powered unit  100  is comprised of a power or drive unit  200  and a flossing head  300 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C the electric flosser  10  includes a drive unit  200  which is detachably connected to the flossing head  300 . The drive unit  200  may be in the form of that which is used with a commercially available powered toothbrush. The flossing head  300  would simply replace the toothbrush attachment in this case. In any case, to connect the flossing head  300  to the drive unit  200 , the user aligns cylindrical feature  309  with bore  292  in drive unit  200 , while simultaneously aligning the small projections  305  with the top of the L-shaped grooves  290  in the drive unit  200  (best seen in  FIG. 3B ). The user pushes or presses the head  300  down so that the small projections  305  contact a bottom surface  291  of the L-shaped grooves  290 . When the small projections  305  have contacted the bottom surface  291 , the user then turns the head  300  approximately 90 degrees with respect to the drive unit  200  to lock the flossing head  300  into place. During this longitudinal translation and approximate 90 degree rotation, L-shaped slots  307  in drive shaft  306  additionally detachably connect drive shaft  306  of flossing head  300  to the output shaft  212  of drive unit  200 . Any way of detachably interconnecting the drive unit  200  and flossing head  300  may be utilized. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3A , the drive unit  200  includes a hollow structure  210  that a user may grasp to manipulate the flossing head  300 . Structure  210  houses a drive motor  230  and a battery unit  220 . The battery unit  220  is electrically connected to the motor  230 . This electrical connection includes on-off switch  240 . Referring to  FIG. 3B , the embodiment further includes a first gear  250  which is operatively connected to and powered by the motor  230 . The first gear  250  rotates about the longitudinal axis  252 . A second crown gear  260  is operably connected to the first gear  250 . The second gear  260  rotates about an axis approximately normal to axis  252  of gear  250 . Teeth  251  of the first gear  250  mesh with teeth  261  of the second gear  260 , thus causing second gear  260  to rotate when first gear  250  rotates. Third gear  265  is fixably connected to second gear  260  and rotates with second gear  260  about the same axis as gear  260 . A fourth gear  270  is operably connected to third gear  265 . Teeth  266  of gear  265  mesh with teeth  271  of gear  270 , so causing fourth gear  270  to rotate when third gear  265  rotates. Thus, fourth gear  270  rotates when the motor  230  is connected to battery unit  220  thru switch  240 . 
   Cylindrical feature  274  is fixably connected to gear  270 . The axis of eccentric cylindrical feature  274  is aligned parallel to the rotational axis of fourth gear  270  and is offset radially by a distance denoted by the letter E. Cylindrical feature  274  is operably connected to scotch yoke  280  thru the action of slot  282 . Output shaft  212  is fixably connected to scotch yoke  280  and is supported by cylindrical guide bearing  284 , which allows shaft  212  and scotch yoke  280  to axially reciprocate in the direction of the double headed arrow by a distance equal to twice the eccentricity E. Pin  286  is fixably attached to the end of the output shaft  284 , and in conjunction with L-shaped groove  290  is used to connect the drive unit  200  to the flossing head  300 . The clocking of output shaft  284  as well as pin  286  with respect to the L-shaped groove  290  is maintained by the close clearance between the mating faces of the scotch yoke  280  and fourth gear  270 . Finally, it should be noted that the eccentricity E as well as the gear teeth ratios between gears  250  and  260 , and between gears  265  and  270  may be adjusted to optimize the maximum force imparted to the floss assembly  600 , as well as the stroke and reciprocation frequency of the floss assembly  600 . This optimization would be based on ease of use, safety of use, and cleaning efficiency. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4A , the first embodiment of the floss assembly  600  consists of a short length of dental floss  602  approximately 0.75 to 1.5 inch long in one embodiment. Attached at each end of floss  602  is a small plastic bead  604  with a central thru hole  606 . The bead  604  is approximately 0.050 to 0.125 inch in diameter in one embodiment. The dental floss  602  may be simply tied to the beads  604  or the beads  604  may be injection molded onto the floss  602  with suitable measures to insure a strong connection, such as molding the bead  606  around a knot or loop of floss  602  tied into the ends of the floss  602 .  FIGS. 4B ,  4 C and  4 D present second third and fourth embodiments of the floss assembly  600  which will be more fully described later. 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B  present a perspective view and cross-section perspective view of a first embodiment of angled flossing head  300 . The stationary portion  304  of flossing head  300  attaches to drive unit  200  thru use of latching projections  305  and cylindrical feature  309  previously described. Stationary portion  304  has a central bearing surface  335  along longitudinal axis  311  which serves as a support and linear guide for drive shaft  306  that axially reciprocates during operation of motor  230 . L-shaped slots  307  (best seen in  FIG. 2C ) in the end of drive shaft  306  engage with pin  286  of drive unit  200  to detachably interconnect flossing head  300  with drive unit  200 . Spring  326  in bore  327  of stationary portion  304  pushes against flange  328  of drive shaft  306 . Thus, spring  326  urges drive shaft  306  towards end  303  of stationary portion  304 . Drive shaft  306  is prevented from traveling further towards end  303  by pin  324  coming into contact with end  337  of slot  336  in drive shaft  306 . A second function of pin  324  is to prevent rotation about longitudinal axis  311  of drive shaft  306  with respect to stationary portion  304 . During attachment of flossing head  300  to drive unit  200 , pin  324  guarantees that the L-shaped slots  307  in drive shaft  306  remain aligned with pins  305 . This in turn insures that, as pins  305  enter the L-shaped groove  290  in drive unit  200 , the pin  286  in output shaft  284  enters the L-shaped slots  307  in the drive shaft  306  of the flossing head  300 . The purpose of spring  308  is to guarantee that the bottom  313  (shown in  FIG. 2C ) of L-shaped slots  307  bottom out against pin  284  prior to projections  305  contacting the bottom surface  291  of groove  290 . After projections  305  reach the surface  291 , the user rotates flossing head  300  approximately 90 degrees to lock the head  300  in place. During this approximately 90 degree rotation, the pin  284  also locks into the L-shaped slots  307  in the drive shaft  306 , thus simultaneously connecting the output shaft  284  of the drive unit  200  to the drive shaft  306  of the flossing head  300 . When this connection is complete, the flossing head drive shaft  306  will axially reciprocate whenever the drive unit output shaft  284  axially reciprocates. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, that alternate means of simultaneously connecting the output shaft  284  of drive unit  200  to the drive shaft  306  of flossing head  300  are possible. Any appropriate way of interconnecting drive unit output shaft  284  with flossing head drive shaft  306  to axially reciprocate the drive shaft  306  during operation of motor  230  may be utilized. 
   Continuing with  FIGS. 5A  and B, the flossing head  300  has an outer moving portion  302 , hereafter called the angled flosser tip  302 . The distal end of flosser tip  302  is angled for ease of use during flossing. This angled portion is within a single dimension or reference plane (e.g., a single reference plane would contain a control axis of the entire flossing head  300  and drive unit  200 ). The angle “X” as shown in  FIG. 1C  can be varied between approximately zero degrees and 90 degrees. In the case of a zero degree tip angle, the drive mechanism is simplified. The zero degree or straight flosser head  500  will be described in a later paragraph. Now, continuing with the description of angled flossing head  300 , the slot ends  331  and  332  of slot  330  ( FIG. 5A ) in conjunction with pin  324  control the axial travel of angled tip  302  with respect to stationary portion  304 . Spring  308 , acting between surface  333  of stationary portion  304  and surface  334  of tip  302 , urges the end  332  of slot  330  against pin  324 . 
   Drive shaft  306  is rotatively connected to link  310  by pin  312 . Link  310  is additionally rotatively connected to floss connection fitting  315  by pin  314 . Floss connection fitting  315  is guided axially by bore  320  in tip  302 . Bore  321  provides clearance for motion of link  310  during axial reciprocation of drive shaft  306  while flossing, as well as during retraction of tip  302  for floss attachment as shown in  FIGS. 5C  thru  5 E. Bore  321 , as well as slot  330 , are closed by sleeve  325  which may be a heat shrink material. Alternately, tip  302  may be fabricated as mirror image halves with the necessary internal guide bores, slots and clearances, but without external openings. These angled tip halves would be fastened together during assembly and would eliminate the need for sleeve  345 . 
   In order to attach floss assembly  600 , as shown by  FIG. 5C , the user retracts tip  302  axially towards end  303  of stationary portion  304 . In so doing, floss attachment hook  318  is axially translated outside of tip  302  (e.g., becomes “exposed”) by action of connecting link  310 . This manual retraction is aided by finger traction grooves  322 . This retraction is opposed by spring  308  which maintains the tip  302  in the latched position when it is manually released by the user. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5C ,  5 D, and  5 E, floss assembly  600  is shown being attached (e.g., detachably coupled) to the flossing head  300  by the insertion of L-shaped hook  318  (a fitting) through hole  606  of bead  604  (another fitting).  FIG. 5E  shows how bead  604  and a portion of the floss  602  are captured in bore  320  of tip  302  after the tip  302  is manually released. The double headed arrows in  FIG. 6A  further show how the axial reciprocating motion of drive shaft  306  is communicated to the floss connection fitting  315  by link  310 . Notably, the attachment hook  318  and its corresponding bead  604  each remain within the tip  302  at this time (e.g., remain within bore  320 ). That is, the detachably coupled attachment hook  318  and bead  604  axially reciprocate within the flossing head  300  during operation of the drive motor  230 . This thereby shields these moving parts from the user&#39;s tissue during flossing operations. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B  further show that, with the floss assembly  600  being stretched tight, the axial reciprocating motion of the drive shaft  306  is imparted to the full length of floss  602 , regardless of the azimuth and elevation angles “A” and “E” which the floss  602  departs from lip  301  of tip  302  of flossing head  300 . The floss  602  extends within the bore  320 , which has a closed perimeter. Therefore, the floss  602  may be supported by the sidewall that defines the bore  320 , regardless of where the floss  602  is contacting the sidewall that defines the bore  320 . 
   A first embodiment of the non-powered flossing unit  700 , as shown in  FIG. 7A , will now be described. It should be noted that non-powered unit  700  is very similar to the first embodiment of the flossing head  300 . The last two digits of the numbering system will reflect this similarity; thus spring  708  performs the same function as spring  308  in flossing head  300 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7B , drive shaft  706  is fixably attached to handle  701 . The flossing unit  700  is non-powered so drive shaft  706  functions more as an anchor in this case, and is not driven by a motor or the like to impart motion to the floss  602 . Drive shaft  706  is rotatively connected to link  710 , which is in turn rotatively connected to connection member  715 . Spring  708  holds the axially movable angled tip  702  in the latched configuration except when manually retracted by the user to install the floss assembly  600 . The attachment of the floss assembly  600  is identical to that of the other end of the floss  602  to the flossing head  300  as shown in  FIGS. 5C ,  5 D, and  5 E. 
     FIG. 9A  shows the assembled flosser  10  being inserted between two teeth by the user. As shown, the two-handed operation allows the user to pull the floss  602  tight for easy insertion between the teeth. The two-headed arrow shows the general reciprocating motion of the floss  602  which not only aids in cleaning, but also helps with the insertion of floss  602  between tightly spaced teeth. This is accomplished by orienting the friction vector opposing floss velocity generally in the direction of the relatively high speed reciprocating motion, as indicated by the two-headed arrow, rather than opposing the much slower velocity of the floss  602  in the direction perpendicular to the two-headed arrow or towards the gum line during insertion between the teeth.  FIGS. 9B and 9C  show how the two-handed operation allows the floss  602  to be alternately wrapped around the fronts and backs, as well as the corners and sides of all teeth during flossing. These figures also show how the reciprocating motion of the floss  602  is maintained regardless of the direction that the floss  602  departs the tip  302  of the flossing head  300  or the shape of the path it takes. 
   Any appropriate way of detachably coupling the floss assembly  600  with each of the non-powered flossing unit  700  and powered unit  100  may be utilized. Representative alternate embodiments  600 A,  600 B and  600 C of floss assembly  600  are shown in  FIGS. 4B ,  4 C and  4 D. These embodiments require modifications to flossing head  300  which are designated as  300 A,  300 B,  300 BB and  300 C and shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C, and  FIGS. 15A and 15B . There are a number of features common to all of these variations, as well as to floss assembly  600 . One is that the coupling of the dental floss assembly to each of the powered unit and non-powered unit of the flosser remains recessed within or within the interior of the respective unit during flossing operations. Another is that the fitting used by both the powered and non-powered unit of the flosser may “move” from this recessed position to an exposed position to allow for the fitting to be coupled with or decoupled from a corresponding fitting of the dental floss assembly. 
   Floss assembly  600 A ( FIG. 4B ) is identical to floss assembly  600 , except that plastic beads  604  are replaced by plastic balls  614 , with no hole extending therethrough. As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , plastic ball  614  of floss assembly  600 A is inserted into socket  323  of floss connection fitting  316 . Socket  323  has a slot  329  which allows the floss  602  to exit the socket  323 . Embodiment  300 A is identical to embodiment  300  of the flossing head, except that floss connection link  315  has been replaced by link  316  which incorporates socket  323  and slot  329 . 
   Floss assembly  600 B ( FIG. 4C ) is identical to floss assembly  600 A, except that plastic beads  614  are replaced by metal balls  614 A, with no hole extending therethrough. The balls  614 A are made of a material such as iron which is subject to magnetic attraction. The balls  614 A would be crimped, tied or otherwise fastened onto the dental floss  602  and covered with a protective coating to prevent corrosion. As shown in  FIG. 10C , metal ball  614 A of floss assembly  600 B is inserted into socket  323 A of floss connection fitting  316 A. Socket  323 A has a slot  329 A which allows the floss  602  to exit the socket  350 A. Embodiment  300 B is identical to embodiment  300 A of the flossing head, except that floss connection link  316  has been replaced by link  316 A which has a central bore to which magnet  342  is fixably attached. Magnet  342  is located in link  316 A such that it forms one end of socket  323 A. The end of magnet  342  may be shaped in either a flat or in a somewhat concave fashion to more naturally form the end of socket  323 A. The purpose of magnet  342  is to aid in attaching floss assembly  600 B by using the magnetic attraction between ball  614 A and magnet  342  to guide the ball  614 A into the socket  323 A and hold it there while the tip  302  is being manually released by the user to capture the floss assembly  600 B. 
     FIGS. 15A and 15B  present an additional embodiment of the flossing head designated as  300 BB. This embodiment also uses magnetic attraction to aid in the attachment of floss assembly  600 B. The essential difference in this embodiment it that it employs a U-shaped jaw  319  to capture and latch floss assembly ball  614 A against magnet  342 A. U-shaped jaw  319  is fixably attached to connection link portion  316 B. U-shaped jaw  319  would be fabricated from a non-magnetic stainless steel wire such that it would not interfere with the attractive force between magnet  342 A and ball  614 A. In this embodiment, link  316 A is split into two link portions  316 B and  316 C. Link portion  316 C has a central socket to which magnet  342 A is fixably attached, as well as two parallel thru holes  340  thru which the legs of U-shaped jaw  319  pass. There is radial clearance in thru holes  340  which allow link component  316 C to translate axially relative to link component  316 B. Link components  316 B and  316 C are biased apart by the force of spring  341 . The purpose of spring  341  is to clamp ball  614 A between spherical socket  343  in the end of magnet  342 A and U-shaped jaw  319 , as best shown in  FIG. 15B .  FIG. 15A  demonstrates how surface  338  in tip  302 A stops the axial travel of link portion  316 C when surface  339  of link component  316 C contacts it as the user manually retracts tip  302 A for floss attachment or release. After travel of link component  316 C is terminated, link component  316 B travels a small additional amount as the user completes the retraction of the movable flosser tip  302 A. This final motion further compresses spring  341 , and increases the distance or opening between the U-shaped jaw  319  and the spherical socket  343  in the end of magnet  342 A a sufficient amount to easily allow the release or insertion of ball  614 A. 
   Floss assembly  600 C ( FIG. 4D ) simply has loops tied into each end of floss  602 . These loops  624  engage with hooks  318 A of floss connection fitting  317  as shown in  FIG. 10D . Embodiment  300 C of the flossing head is identical to embodiment  300 , except that flossing attachment fitting  315  has been replaced with fitting  317  to which J-shaped hook  318 A is fixably attached. 
   Further embodiments of the flossing head  300  are presented in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  12 A,  12 B and  12 C. These embodiments are designated as generally as angled flossing head  400  and straight flossing head  500 . As these embodiments are very similar to embodiment  300 , the last two digits of similar parts will be identical to those of embodiment  300 . The only significant difference between embodiment  300  and embodiment  400  of the flossing head is that link  310  has been replaced by flexible member  450  which is closely guided by curved bore  451  in angled tip  402 . Flexible member  450  may be made from a tough flexible plastic such as nylon or from a small diameter flexible stainless steel wire rope.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  show the connection of floss assembly  600 . Floss assemblies  600 A,  600 B and  600 C may also be used with the suitable modifications to flexible member  450  similar to those shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D. It should also be noted that a similar flexible member could be used in place of link  710  in the non-powered unit  700 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C, embodiment  500  of the flossing head eliminates the angled tip of embodiment  300  and replaces it with the straight tip  502 . This simplification eliminates the need for the link  310  and pins  312  and  314 , and allows the L-shaped hook  518  to be fixably attached directly to the drive shaft  506 . Attachment of floss assembly  600  remains the same. As with the angled flossing head  400 , floss assemblies  600 A,  600 B or  600 C could also be used with the suitable modifications to floss connection L-shaped hook  518  or by adding a slotted socket to the end of shaft  506  similar to those shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D.  FIG. 12C  shows the use of L-shaped slot  526  to lock the straight flossing tip  502  in the unlatched position. This is accomplished by the user manually rotating the tip  502  approximately 30 degrees about the longitudinal axis as indicated by the arrow. This feature is used to simplify floss attachment and can be adapted to any of the embodiments of the straight flossing head or embodiments of the straight non-powered units. It can also be adapted to the angled flossing head  400  with the flexible drive member  450 . 
   A further embodiment of the non-powered flossing unit  700  is designated as unit  800  and shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . This embodiment mimics the difference between embodiments  400  and  500  of the flossing head in that it incorporates a straight tip  802  instead of the angled tip  702  and has a modified attachment of hook  818  to the shaft  806 . 
   Disposable embodiments of the non-powered flossing unit designated as  900 ,  900 A,  900 B and  900 C have angled tips ( FIGS. 13A-13D ) while units designated  1000 ,  1000 A,  1000 B, and  1000 C have straight tips ( FIGS. 14A-14D ). The embodiments  900  and  1000  have a plastic bead  904  or  1004  attached at the free end of the floss  902  or  1002  respectively. The embodiments  900 A and  1000 A have a plastic ball  914  or  1014  attached at the free end of the floss  902  or  1002  respectively. The embodiments  900 B and  1000 B have a metal ball  914 A or  1014 A attached at the free end of the floss  902  or  1002  respectively; and finally, the embodiments  900 C and  1000 C have a loop  924  or  1024  tied into the free end of the floss  902  or  1002  respectively. These embodiments fix (e.g., permanently) one end of the disposable floss assembly to the disposable handle, thus eliminating all internal mechanism in the non-powered unit and so as to reduce the complexity and cost of the units. That is, there is no detachable coupling between the floss assembly and the handle in this case. As used herein, the term “attached” covers both a detachable and fixed interconnection between the two noted components. Each of these various types of disposable floss and handle assemblies would by used in conjunction with the appropriate embodiment of the powered flossing head.