Abstract:
An orthodontic flosser comprising an elongated handle and a head coupled to the handle at a vertical angle is disclosed. A first and second projection extend from the head for suspending floss, the first projection is sized for insertion of floss between a wire affixed to a tooth and the tooth. A source spool of fresh floss is configured to feed fresh floss incrementally into suspension between the first and second projections while a take-up bobbin is configured for taking up used floss and applying tension to the suspended floss. A button may be used for releasing the source spool to rotate, and for holding the source spool against rotation. The source spool and take-up bobbin may be disposed in separated chambers to reduce cross contamination.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/904,058, filed on Oct. 13, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,629 which in turn claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/251,609 filed on Oct. 14, 2009 titled “ORTHODONTIC FLOSSER,” and is related to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/241,281, filed on Sep. 10, 2009 and titled “ANTI-MICROBIAL ORTHODONTIC FLOSS.” All of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the application 
     The present application relates generally to a flossing apparatus, and more particularly to an orthodontic flosser. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Flossing is particularly important for people who have braces. Braces typically include brackets bonded to the surfaces of two or more teeth and a wire or archwire affixed to the brackets. Flossing around braces may be accomplished by threading the floss between the braces and the teeth and then maneuvering a length of the floss into contacts between adjacent teeth. Upon flossing around a pair of teeth and braces, the floss is generally pulled out and then threaded into another position for the next pair of teeth. Unfortunately, threading, inserting, manipulating the floss around the braces, and removing the floss for each pair of teeth can be difficult and time consuming. Maintaining tension on the floss while manipulating the floss between teeth and around braces involves a degree of dexterity and skill that is often beyond the ability of many children and even adults. Frustration due to the difficulty of acquiring skills, manipulating the floss, and the extra time involved in threading and removing the floss can discourage flossing. The purpose of flossing is to remove debris and contamination from contacts between teeth and surfaces around braces to prevent interproximal tooth decay and gum disease. Debris includes particulate matter, dental plaque, and bio films. Contamination includes bacteria. Dental plaque tends to adhere to surfaces such as teeth and wires. Floss generally picks up debris and contamination from surfaces of the teeth and the braces in the removal process. Unfortunately, the floss can then redistribute the debris and bacteria to other teeth interproximal spaces and braces around the mouth, thus, causing further spreading of tooth decay and gum disease. 
     SUMMARY 
     A flosser for cleaning contacts between two teeth attached to a wire brace includes a handle coupled to a head at an upward angle with respect to the handle. A pair of projections are configured for feeding fresh floss into suspension and supporting the fresh floss under tension. A source spool for dispensing fresh floss may be coupled to the handle, and a take-up bobbin for accumulating used floss and advancing the floss through the flosser may also be coupled to the handle. The source spool and the take-up bobbin cooperate to apply tension to the floss. A button may be configured to release the source spool to rotate when pressed for dispensing the floss. The button is also configured to prevent rotation of the source spool for applying tension to the floss when not pressed. A source chamber for enclosing the source spool may reduce exposure of fresh floss to dirty debris and contamination such as bacteria. A take-up chamber for enclosing used floss on the take-up bobbin may contain contamination and debris on the used floss and further reduce exposure of the fresh floss to contamination and debris. The source chamber and the take-up chamber may be separated by a portion or all of the handle to reduce cross contamination. Grooves and/or channels may be disposed along the handle, the head, and the source chamber to permit handling of the flosser without touching the floss or interfering with motion of the floss through the flosser, thus, further reducing cross-contamination. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include a flosser having a floss support having an aperture configured for slidably supporting floss and sized for insertion of the aperture between a wire mounted on a pair of adjacent teeth and an interproximal space between the teeth and a floss guide about parallel to the floss support and configured for slidably supporting floss in suspension between the aperture and the floss guide The flosser further includes a head for supporting the floss support and the floss guide and a a source spool configured for rotatably dispensing floss to the floss support. The floss support may be longer than the floss guide. A button assembly may be configured to release the source spool for rotation when a button of the button assembly is pressed and to prevent rotation of the source spool when the button is not pressed. A source chamber may be configured to enclose the spool to prevent contamination of floss on the source spool. The flosser further includes a receiving spool configured for rotatably receiving floss after use, the receiving spool including a ratchet configured for unidirectional rotation of the receiving spool and to hold tension on the floss when the button is not pressed. A pawl may be configured to engage a face of a ratchet tooth about normal to the engaged face. A receiving chamber separated from the source chamber may be configured to enclose the receiving spool to contain contamination on the received floss. The flosser also includes a handle coupled to the head and configured to support the source chamber and the receiving chamber, the handle forming an angle with respect the head, a plane defined by the angle between the head and the handle about parallel to the floss support and the floss guide. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include an apparatus for cleaning teeth, the apparatus having an elongated handle configured for dispensing fresh floss, a head coupled to the handle at an upward angle and a pair of projections depending in the plane of the upward angle downward from the head and configured to slidably suspend fresh floss under tension. The apparatus further includes a first spool supported on the elongated handle and configured to provide fresh floss to the pair of projections and to maintain resistance to tension on the fresh floss during use of the fresh floss for cleaning teeth and a second spool supported on the elongated handle and configured to apply tension to the fresh floss when resistance to tension is maintained at the first spool and to receive used floss from the pair of projections when resistance to tension is released at the first spool. The apparatus also has a button assembly configured to release resistance to tension at the first spool. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include a flosser for cleaning a contact between two teeth attached to a wire brace. The flosser includes a handle and a head coupled to the handle, the head and the handle forming an upward angle. The handle may be coupled to a source spool for dispensing floss to the head and a button configured to release the source spool to rotate when pressed for dispensing the floss, the button may further configured to prevent rotation of the source spool when not pressed for applying tension to the floss. A first floss support may be coupled to the head and extend downward from the head in a plane formed by the angle between the head and the handle. A second floss support may extend from the head about parallel to the first floss support and include an aperture sized for feeding the floss from the source spool into suspension between the first and second floss support. The second floss support is shaped for insertion of the aperture into a space between the wire brace and the two teeth for cleaning the contact between the two teeth using suspended floss. The flosser further includes a take-up bobbin coupled to the handle for receiving floss from the first floss support after use and for pulling unused floss through the aperture, the take-up bobbin and the source spool configured to apply tension to the suspended floss and to hold the tension when the button is not pressed. The second floss support may be longer than the first floss support. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flosser, in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating exemplary internal components the flosser of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged front elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged rear elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective cross section of the handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1  taken along line a-a. 
         FIG. 9  is a side cross section of the flosser of  FIG. 1  along line b-b of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation of internal parts of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the head of the flosser. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the source chamber and portions of the head and handle. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the take-up spool and handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the take-up chamber, pawl, and handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation of the take-up bobbin of  FIG. 15 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of a take-up bobbin of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the source spool of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  is a left side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a flosser, in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a rear elevation view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevation view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 25  is a bottom perspective view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 26  is a right side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 27  is a left side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flosser  100 , in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 2  is a side elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . The flosser  100  includes a handle  102 , a head  110 , a source assembly  120  for dispensing floss  106  to the head  110  before use (fresh floss), and a receiving assembly or take-up assembly  130  for collecting floss  106  from the head  110  after it has been used (used floss). The handle  102  is configured to support the source assembly  120 , the take-up assembly  130 , and the head  110 . The head  110  of  FIG. 1  extends from the source assembly  120  and includes a support or projection  112  and a support, feed guide, or guide  114 . Floss  106  may be supported and suspended between projection  112  and the guide  114  (suspended floss). In various embodiments, the head  110  is coupled to the handle, the take-up assembly  130  and/or the source assembly  120 . The guide  114  of  FIG. 1  is in the shape of a tube. However, other shapes include a trough, a channel, aperture on a projection, etc. The source assembly  120  is illustrated as being disposed at an end of the handle  102  adjacent the head  110 . However, the source assembly  120  may be disposed at various locations along the handle  102 . Similarly, the take-up assembly  130  may be disposed at various locations along the handle  102 . In some embodiments, the positions of the source assembly  120  and the take-up assembly  130  may be reversed with respect to those illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The head  110  may be disposed at upward angle A from the handle  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . A dotted line represents an axis of the handle  102  and another dotted represents an axis of the head  110  in  FIG. 2 . The dotted lines are for assisting in visualization of the angle A and are not part of the flosser  100 . The upward angle A between the handle  102  and the head  110  may promote ergonomics and use of the flosser  100 . For example, the angle may improve visibility of the floss  106  under the handle  102  during use. In various embodiments, the angle A is about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25 or more degrees. The projection  112  and the guide  114  may depend downward from the head in about the plane of the angle A between the head  110  and the handle  102 . The projection  112  and the guide  114  may be about normal to the head  110  and about parallel to each other. The projection  112  of  FIG. 2  is longer than the feed guide  114 . This may also promote ergonomics and use of the flosser  100 . For example, a shorter feed guide  114  may reduce interference with a tongue and/or the roof of the mouth of a user and increase range of motion of the projection  112 . In various embodiments, the projection  112  is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more millimeters longer than the feed guide  114 . 
     A support aperture or projection aperture  116  may be disposed near a tip of the projection  112  and configured to support floss  106 . Floss  106  may be suspended between the tube of the feed guide  114  and the support aperture  116 . The support aperture  116  is configured to support the floss  106  near the tip of the projection  112 . The support aperture  116  may be sized for floss  106  to slide through freely or with a desired resistance. The flosser  100  further includes a button assembly  104  disposed on the handle  102 . The button assembly  104  engage and disengaged a spool in the source assembly  120  as described more fully elsewhere herein. 
     The source assembly  120  is configured to enclose and floss  106  from contamination and debris before use. The source assembly  120  is further configured to pay out floss  106  to the projection  112  while the button assembly  104  is disengaged. The source assembly  120  includes a source chamber  122 , a lid  124 , and a spool (illustrated elsewhere herein). The source chamber  122  and the lid  124  may enclose floss  600  and prevent contamination and debris from splashing and falling on enclosed floss  600 . The take-up assembly  130  is configured to receive and accumulate the floss  106  after use. The take-up assembly  130  includes a take-up chamber  132 , and take-up (or receiving) bobbin (or spool)  134 . The bobbin  134  includes a bobbin grip  136  configured for use in rotating the bobbin  134  to wind the floss  106  around the bobbin  134  after use and draw the floss  106  through the flosser  100  while the button assembly  104  is actuated. Winding the floss  106  around a spindle of the bobbin  134  using the grip  136  may further serve to apply tension to the floss  106  while the button assembly  104  is engaged. The bobbin  134  and take-up chamber  132  are configured to enclose floss  106  to contain contamination and debris disposed on the floss  106  during use. The source chamber  122  and take-up chamber  132  may be physically separated structures disposed along the handle  102  to reduce cross contamination of debris and bacteria from the take-up chamber  132  to the source chamber  122 . The source chamber  122  and take-up chamber  132  may disposed at opposite ends of the handle  102  or separated by a portion of the handle  102 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a pawl  402  and a pawl mount  404 . The pawl  402  is configured to engage a sprocket disposed on the bobbin  134  to provide for one-way rotation of the bobbin  134 . The pawl mount  404  illustrated in  FIG. 4  (also  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) may secure the pawl  402  to the handle  102 . A bobbin lock  406  may secure the bobbin  134  within the take-up chamber  132 . A button socket  310  may secure the button assembly  104  rotatably to the handle  102 . A groove  408  may provide a path for slidable movement of floss  106  between the head  110  and the handle  102  after use. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating exemplary internal components the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 6  is an enlarged front elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7  is an enlarged rear elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . A body  500  comprises the handle  102 , the source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , and the head  110 . The body  500  of  FIG. 5  is illustrated as having been fabricated from a single piece of material, for example using injection molding processes. However, the body may be fabricated using multiple connected pieces. 
     The source assembly  120  of  FIG. 5  further includes a source spool  501 . The source spool  501  includes a spindle  504  upon which floss  106  may be wound for dispensing and use. In some embodiments, the floss is wound before assembly of the source spool  501  into the source chamber  122 . In various embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 20, or more meters of floss may be wound on the source spool  501 . A cog  502  is configured to control unwinding of floss from the spindle  504  for the source spool. The cog  502  is further configured to rotate on a bearing  506 . The lid  124  includes locator projections  508  configured to position the lid  124  and engage corners of the source chamber  122 . An optional detent  510  disposed on the locator projections  508  may engage a groove within the corners (not illustrated) to secure the lid to the source chamber  122 . 
     A slot  540  in the source chamber  122  is configured to feed floss  106  dispensed from the source spool  501  into a channel  542 . The channel  542  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the first aperture  540  to a second aperture  544 . The second aperture  544  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  between the upper surface of the head  110  and the projection aperture  116 . The projection  112  of  FIG. 1  is a separate component and is configured for insertion into an aperture  556  in the head  110 . An optional slot  512  may provide additional flexibility during insertion. An optional detent  514  may secure the projection within the aperture  556 . In various embodiments, the projections  112  is secured in the aperture  556  using an interference fit, adhesive, a fastener, a sonic weld, a heat weld, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the head  110  and the projection  112  are fabricated as a single piece. 
     A channel  546  may provide a path for floss  106  from the feed guide  114  to a third aperture  548 . The third aperture  548  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the upper surface of the head  110  to the groove  408 . The groove  408  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the third aperture  548  to the fourth aperture  550  (illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). The fourth aperture  550  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the groove  408  to a handle channel  552 . The handle channel  552  may be disposed as a longitudinal channel extending the length or a portion of the length of the handle  102 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective cross section of the handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1  taken along line a-a, illustrating the handle channel  552 . The handle channel  552  of  FIG. 5  is configured to extend longitudinally along the handle  102  from the fourth aperture  550  to a fifth aperture  554 , and provide a path for sliding floss  106 . The handle channel  552  may permit the handle  102  to be gripped without touching or interfering with floss  106 , thus, permitting free movement or sliding of the floss  106  along the handle  102  through the channel  552 . The fourth aperture  554  provides a path through a side of the take-up chamber, from the handle channel  552  to the bobbin  134 . Rotation of the bobbin  134  may draw floss  106  from the source spool  501  in a sliding motion through the various apertures ( 540 ,  544 ,  116 ,  548 ,  550 , and  554 ), the various channels ( 542 ,  546 ,  552 ), the groove  408 , and the feed guide  114  while the source spool pays out additional floss  106 . Edges of the various apertures, channels, grooves, and guides may include a radius for reducing friction between floss  106  and the flosser  100 . 
     The button assembly  104  of  FIG. 5  includes a button  520 , a pivot  522 , an engagement pawl  524 , and a spring  526 . The pivot is configured to rotate within the button socket  310 . The spring  526  may bias the button assembly  104  in the engagement position when the button  520  is not pressed. The engagement pawl  524  is configured to engage the cog  502  and prevent rotation of the source spool  501  when the button  520  is released and the button assembly  104  is in the engagement position. The engagement pawl  524  may hold the source spool  501  against tension on the floss  106 . The button  520  may be pressed to move the button assembly to the disengagement position, thus, releasing the source spool  501  to rotate freely. Tension on the floss  106  may cause the source spool  501  to rotate and dispense floss  106 . Rotation of the take-up bobbin  134  may cause the source spool  501  to rotate and dispense additional floss  106 . Rotation of the take-up bobbin  134  may cause additional tension to be applied to the floss  106  when the engagement pawl  524  is in the engagement position. An illustration of the button assembly  104  in the engaged position is shown in  FIG. 9 , as discussed elsewhere herein. An illustration of the button assembly  104  in the disengaged position is shown in  FIG. 10 , as discussed elsewhere herein. 
       FIG. 9  is a side cross section of the flosser of  FIG. 1  along line b-b of  FIG. 3 . The bobbin  134  includes an upper flange  900  supporting the grip  136 , a lower flange  902  supporting a ratchet  530  and a spindle  906 . An optional spindle aperture  904  is disposed in the spindle  906 . In some embodiments, the bobbin  134 , the upper flange  900 , the lower flange  902 , the spindle  906 , the grip  136  and/or the ratchet  530  are fabricated from a single piece of material, for example, using an injection molding process. The ratchet  530  is configured to engage the pawl  402  for holding the bobbin  134  against rotation while the floss  106  is under tension for constraining the spool against turning in a first direction and permitting the bobbin  134  to turn in a second direction. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the pawl  402  permits clockwise rotation of the bobbin  134  (in the direction of arrows  558  disposed on the spool) while preventing counter-clockwise rotation of the bobbin  134 , e.g., while the floss  106  is under tension. 
     A bobbin lock  306  may secure the bobbin  134  within the take-up chamber  132  using snap projections  516  engaging the lower flange  902 . Moreover, the snap projections  516  may be inserted into the spindle aperture  904 , rendering them inaccessible once engaging the lower flange  902 , thus, preventing inadvertent removal of the bobbin  134  after assembly. Two snap projections  516  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , however, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more snap projections  518  may be used. The take-up chamber  132  optionally includes indicia  532  configured to indicate an angular position of the bobbin grip  136 . In various embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, or more indicia  532  may be disposed about the upper surface of the take-up chamber  132 . An image of an arrow may be disposed on the grip  136  for indicating an angular position of the grip  136 . 
     In various embodiments, the pawl mount  404  is secured to the handle and/or the take-up chamber  132  using adhesives, welds, fasteners, and/or the like. A pawl lock  108  illustrated in  FIG. 5  (and  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) is an example of a fastener used for securing the pawl mount  404  to the handle  102 . The pawl lock  108  includes snap projections  518  for engaging an inner surface of the pawl mount  404  and securing the pawl  402 . Four snap projections  518  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , however, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more snap projections  518  may be used. Various components are illustrated as being fabricated as a single piece, including the source spool  501 ; the lid  124 ; the bobbin  134 ; the pawl lock  108 ; the pawl mount  404  and pawl  402 ; the projection  112 , button assembly  104 , and the body  500 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation of internal parts of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . The various components of  FIG. 9  (e.g., the handle, the source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , the head  110  the bobbin  134 , the bobbin lock  306 , the pawl  402  and pawl mount  404 , the pawl lock  108 , the button assembly  104 , the lid  124 , the spool  501 , and the projection  112 ) are shown in their relative assembled positions. In some embodiments, the handle, the source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , and the head  110  are fabricated from a single piece of material, for example using injection molding processes. 
     In  FIG. 10 . the handle, the source chamber  122 , the take-up chamber  132 , and the head  110  are omitted for clarity. For illustration purposes, the remaining components in  FIG. 10 , including the bobbin  134 , the bobbin lock  306 , the pawl  402  and pawl mount  404 , the pawl lock  108 , the button assembly  104 , the lid  124 , the spool  501 , and the projection  112  are shown in their assembled positions relative to the omitted parts (handle, source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , and head  110 ) and to each other. The floss  106  is also shown and labeled in subsections for illustrating an exemplary path. 
       FIG. 9  differs from  FIG. 10  in that the body  500  is omitted from  FIG. 10  and the internal parts are shown in elevation instead of cross section.  FIG. 9  further differs from  FIG. 10  in that  FIG. 9  illustrates the button assembly  104  in the engagement position, discussed elsewhere herein.  FIG. 10  illustrates the button assembly  104  in the disengagement position, discussed elsewhere herein. The Button assembly  104  is configured to rotate about the pivot  522  to move the engagement pawl  524  (double arrow) between a position of engagement with the cog  502  ( FIG. 9 ) and disengagement with the cog  502  ( FIG. 10 ). The spring  526  may bias the button assembly  104  in a position for engaging the cog  502 . 
       FIG. 10  further illustrates a path for routing floss  106  from the source spool  501  along the head  110  into suspension between the projection  112  and the feed guide,  114 , through the feed guide  114 , around the source assembly  120 , along the handle  102  and to the take-up bobbin  134 . The path is illustrated in  FIG. 10  as path segments  106   a - 106   m.    
     Before use, floss  106  is wrapped around the spindle  504  of the source spool  501  at path segment  106   a . Along path segment  106   b , floss may pass through the first aperture  540  and along channel  542  to the second aperture  544 . At path segment  106   c , floss  106  may pass through the second aperture from the upper to the lower of the head  110 . At path segment  106   d , floss is suspended between the second aperture  544  and the projection aperture  116 . At path segment  106   e , floss may be suspended between the projection aperture  116  and the feed guide  114 . 
     During use, floss  106  that is suspended between the projection aperture  116  and the feed guide  114 , the projection  112  may be inserted between a brace wire or arch wire and interproximal space or contacts between a pair of adjacent teeth. Insertion of the projection  112  inserts the projection aperture  116 , thus, the floss  106  below the brace wire. Thus, the floss  106  may be used for cleaning the interproximal spaces between the teeth including below the brace wire. 
     After use, floss  106  may traverse from the lower to the upper side of the head  110  along path segment  106   f  through the feed guide  114 . Along path segment  106   g , floss  106  may move along channel  546  from the upper end of the feed guide  114  to the third aperture  548 . At path segment  106   h , floss  106  may traverse from the upper side of the head  110  to the groove  408  around the source chamber  122 . Groove  408  may allow gripping the source chamber  122  and manipulation of the flosser  100  without touching floss  106  as it travels around the source chamber along path segment  106   i  from the third aperture  548  to the fourth aperture  550 . At path segment  106   j , floss  106  may traverse through the fourth aperture  550  from the lower to upper side of the handle  102 . Along path segment  106   k , floss  106  may travel along the handle channel  552  from the source assembly  120  to the take-up assembly  130 . The handle channel  552  may allow gripping the handle  102  and manipulating the flosser  100  without touching floss  106  that may have contamination and debris as the floss  106  travels the length of the handle  102  along path segment  106   k  from the fourth aperture  550  to the fifth aperture  554 . At the path segment  106   m , floss  106  passes through aperture  554  into the take-up chamber  132 . After use, floss  106  may be wrapped around the spindle  906  of the take-up bobbin  134  at path segment  106   a . The path including path segments  106   a - 106   m  is an example of a routing of floss  106  from a source spool to a take-up bobbin. Alternative routing of floss  106  may be used in various embodiments of the flosser  100 . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the head  110  of the flosser  100 .  FIG. 11  illustrates details of the first aperture  540 , the channel  542  the second aperture  544 , the upper end of the feed guide  114 , channel  546 , and the third aperture  548 . Additional details of the projection  112  are also illustrated. 
       FIG. 12  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the source chamber  122  and portions of the head  110  and handle  102 .  FIG. 12  illustrates details of the second aperture  544 , the third aperture  548 , the fourth aperture  550 , and groove  408 . Additional details of the engagement pawl  524 , the button socket  310  and the pivot  522  are also illustrated. 
       FIG. 13  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the take-up bobbin  134  and handle  102  of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 13  illustrates details of a portion of the handle channel  552  and the fifth aperture  554 . 
       FIG. 14  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the take-up chamber  132 , pawl  402 , and handle  102  of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . Details of an engagement between the ratchet  530  and the pawl are illustrated. In some embodiments, the pawl is about normal to a face  534  of the ratchet. The face  534  may also be about normal to an adjacent face. For purposes of the face  534  of the ratchet, about normal is an angle less than about 12 degrees. An engagement at about a right angle minimizes backlash of the ratchet. When the face  534  of the ratchet tooth is essentially tangent to an arc described by the end of the pawl, the ratchet  530  has minimal retrograde movement as the pawl moves from the point of the ratchet tooth to the face  534 . Moreover, force applied by the face  534  to the pawl is in the axis of the pawl, thus, there is minimal or no side load on the pawl. This reduces stress where the pawl  402  joins the pawl mount  404 .  FIG. 14  further illustrates details of engagement of the snap projections  518  in the pawl mount  404 . 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation of the take-up bobbin  134  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of a take-up bobbin  134  of  FIG. 15 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. The take-up bobbin  134  of FIGS.  15  and  16  includes the spindle  906  and the spindle aperture  904 . The spindle  906  and an outline of the spindle aperture  904  are shown in dotted line in  FIG. 16  to indicate that they are not visible from the bottom plan view. Floss  106  may be threaded through the spindle aperture  904  and secured to the spindle  906 , e.g., using a knot. Upon rotating the take-up bobbin  134 , floss may wrap around the spindle  906 . The take-up bobbin  134  may further include an upper flange  900  and a lower flange  902 . The upper flange  900  is configured to contain debris and contamination within the take-up chamber  132 . The lower flange  902  is configured to support the ratchet  530  and prevent floss  106  from tangling about the ratchet  530  and the pawl  402 . 
     In some embodiments, antimicrobial agents are infused into the floss  106  for inhibiting transfer of bacteria between surfaces of teeth, braces, and from one contact to another. For example, floss  106  may be permeated with chlorhexidine gluconate to inhibit survival of bacterial and other microbes in the floss  106  during use and to inhibit deposition of microbes on the surfaces of teeth, contacts, and/or braces. Various antimicrobial agents include chlorhexidine gluconate, Triclosan, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents may be used, including an extract of magnolia bark, xylitol (a sugar alcohol that is naturally occurring in Birch and fruits), and antimicrobial peptides, which are compounds that are found throughout the animal and plant kingdom such as HNP (human neutrophil proteins). The floss  106  may also be infused with anti-cavity agents such as fluorides, e.g., sodium fluoride, hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6), and/or the like. The floss  106  may also be used for depositing the antimicrobial and/or anti-cavity agents on the surfaces of teeth and/or braces. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent may be applied to the floss  106  as the floss  106  is dispensed from the source spool  501  during use. For example, the floss  106  may be routed through a reservoir of antimicrobial agent (not illustrated) disposed on the handle  102 , the head  110 , on the source chamber  122 , and/or within the source chamber  122 . The reservoir may be configured to apply the antimicrobial agent to the floss  106  during transit. The above antimicrobial and anti-cavity agents may be used individually or in various combinations and mixtures. 
       FIG. 17  is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the source spool of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. The source spool  1700  differs from the source spool  501  of  FIG. 5  in that the source spool  1700  includes a flange  1706 . The source spool  1700  includes a spindle  1702  and a cog  1704 , similar to the spindle  504  and the cog  502 , respectively, of the source spool  501 . The flange  1706  is configured to prevent tangling of floss  106  during winding onto the source spool  1700 . Some types of automated winding equipment fail to sense a transition between the spindle the cog  1704  resulting in an attempt to wind floss  106  too close to, or even onto, the cog  1704  with undesirable results. The flange  1706  reduces winding of floss  106  on the spindle  1702  too close or onto the cog  1704 . 
     In some embodiments, the floss  106  is impregnated with an anti-microbial agent. Examples of anti-microbial agents include 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol (Triclosan), chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents may be used, including an extract of magnolia bark, xylitol (a sugar alcohol that is naturally occurring in Birch and fruits), and antimicrobial peptides, which are compounds that are found throughout the animal and plant kingdom such as HNP (human neutrophil proteins). The floss  106  may also be infused with anti-cavity agents such as fluorides, e.g., sodium fluoride, hexafluorosilicic acid (H 2 SiF 6 ) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na 2 SiF 6 ), and/or the like. The floss  106  may also be used for depositing the antimicrobial and/or anti-cavity agents on the surfaces of teeth and/or braces. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent may be applied to the floss  106  as the floss  106  is dispensed from the source spool  501  during use. For example, the floss  106  may be routed before use through a reservoir (not illustrated) of antimicrobial agent disposed on the handle  102 , in the source chamber  122 , or external to the source chamber  122 . The reservoir may be configured to apply the antimicrobial agent to the floss  106  during transit. The above antimicrobial and anti-cavity agents may be used individually or in various combinations and mixtures. 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 19  is a left side elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 18-19  are provided to provide additional views of the flosser  100 . 
       FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a flosser, in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 22  is a bottom plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 23  is a rear elevation view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 24  is a front elevation view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 25  is a bottom perspective view of the flosser of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 26  is a right side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 20 .  FIG. 27  is a left side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 20 . 
     The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative. As these embodiments are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and/or specific structures described may become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Various features and aspects of the above described technology may be used individually or jointly. Features in each of the various illustrations may be combined with features in other illustrations or used individually for illustrating the present technology. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the embodiments, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present application. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present application is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.