Abstract:
Flossing toys or devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using flossing toys or devices are also disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to flossing toys or devices. The present invention further relates to methods of making and using flossing toys or devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Numerous flossing products exist. However, known flossing products lack one or more desirable features. For example, known flossing products fail to provide one or more of the following features: (1) a disposable flossing device that fits onto a user&#39;s finger and maintains a substantially constant tension in a piece of floss during use (e.g., during positioning onto the user&#39;s finger, flossing, etc.); (2) a disposable flossing device that fits onto a user&#39;s finger and utilizes a fixed length of floss; (3) a disposable flossing device that fits onto a user&#39;s finger and is integrally formed as a single continuous flossing device; and (4) a disposable flossing device that has kid-appeal (i.e., a child is somewhat drawn to and wants to use the flossing device). 
         [0003]    There is a need in the art for flossing products that provide one or more of the following features: (1) a disposable flossing device that fits onto a user&#39;s finger and maintains a substantially constant tension in a piece of floss during use (e.g., during positioning onto the user&#39;s finger, flossing, etc.); (2) a disposable flossing device that fits onto a user&#39;s finger and utilizes a fixed length of floss; (3) a disposable flossing device that fits onto a user&#39;s finger and is integrally formed as a single continuous flossing device; and (4) a disposable flossing device that has kid-appeal (i.e., a child is somewhat drawn to and wants to use the flossing device). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is directed to flossing products that address one or more of the above-noted problems in the art of flossing tools. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flossing product comprises a flossing toy comprising (i) a central base portion, (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion, (iii) a fixed length of floss extending between and connected to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members, and (iv) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion, wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from the fixed length of floss, the open loop being sized to adjustably extend over and grasp a finger positioned therein. 
         [0005]    In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flossing product comprises a flossing toy comprising (i) a central base portion, (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion, (iii) a fixed length of floss extending between and connected to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members, and (iv) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion, wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from the fixed length of floss, the open loop being sized to adjustably extend over and grasp a finger positioned therein, and wherein (I) (i) the central base portion, (ii) the two, spaced floss-supporting members, and (iii) the two finger-engaging members form an integrally connected flossing member, and (II) the central base portion has an outer perimeter that extends horizontally beyond at least one outer edge of at least one of the two, spaced floss-supporting members. 
         [0006]    In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the flossing product comprises a flossing toy comprising (i) a central base portion, (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion, (iii) a fixed length of floss extending between and connected to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members, wherein opposite ends of the fixed length of floss are embedded within end portions of the two, spaced floss-supporting members, and (iv) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion, wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from the fixed length of floss, the open loop being sized to adjustably extend over and grasp a finger positioned therein. 
         [0007]    The present invention is also directed to methods of making flossing products. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method of making a flossing product comprises the step of forming at least one molded part comprising (i) a central base portion, (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion, and (iii) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion, wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from a fixed length of floss extending between the two, spaced floss-supporting members. The method of making a flossing product may further comprise one or more additional steps including, but not limited to, combining one or more molded parts to one another; cutting a fixed length of floss from a longer length of floss; connecting the fixed length of floss to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members; printing and/or adhering an image onto an outer surface of the at least one molded part; and packaging the flossing product. 
         [0008]    The present invention is further directed to methods of using flossing products. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises a method of flossing, wherein the method comprises positioning a flossing toy or device over a finger, the flossing toy or device comprising (i) a central base portion, (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion, (iii) a fixed length of floss extending between and connected to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members, and (iv) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion, wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from the fixed length of floss, the open loop being sized to adjustably extend over and grasp a finger positioned therein; and pushing down on the flossing toy or device so that the fixed length of floss passes between two adjacent teeth. 
         [0009]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a review of the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]    The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figures, wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts a side view of an exemplary flossing toy of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  depicts an end view of an exemplary profile of the exemplary flossing toy shown in  FIG. 1  as viewed along direction A shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  depict an end view of another profile of the exemplary flossing toy shown in  FIG. 1  as viewed along direction A shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3A-3B  depict top views respectively of the exemplary profiles shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B ; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4A-4B  depict bottom views respectively of the exemplary profiles shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B ; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A-5B  depict top and bottom views respectively of an exemplary flossing toy having a tooth shape; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A-6B  depict top and bottom views respectively of another exemplary flossing toy having a tooth shape and an exemplary brush extension; and 
           [0018]      FIGS. 7A-7B  depict top and bottom views respectively of another exemplary flossing toy having a heart shape. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The present invention is directed to flossing devices. The present invention is further directed to methods of making, as well as methods of using flossing devices. An exemplary flossing device of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , exemplary flossing device  10 / 100  comprises a central base portion  20 , two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  extending downward from central base portion  20 , a fixed length of floss  12  extending between and connected to each of spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14 , and two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  extending upward from central base portion  20 . In exemplary flossing device  10 / 100 , the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  combine with one another to form an open loop  19  having a slot  18  therein, with slot  18  being positioned a distance (d 1 ) from central base portion  20  and a further distance (d 2 ) from fixed length of floss  12 . Further, in exemplary flossing device  10 , open loop  19  is sized to adjustably extend over and grasp a finger (not shown) positioned therein. 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the flossing devices of the present invention may comprise a number of components. A description of individual components and combinations of individual components is provided below. 
       I. Device Components 
       [0021]    The flossing devices of the present invention may comprise one or more of the following components. 
         [0022]    A. Central Base Component 
         [0023]    The flossing devices of the present invention comprise a central base portion such as exemplary central base portion  20  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B , exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  10 / 100  may have various profiles. For example, in  FIG. 2A , exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  10  has a width equal to or less than an overall width of exemplary flossing device  10 . In this exemplary embodiment, exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  10  desirably has a width that is substantially equal to an overall width of exemplary flossing device  10 , a width of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  extending downward from central base portion  20 , and the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  extending upward from central base portion  20 . 
         [0024]    In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  100  has a width greater than (i) a width of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  extending downward from central base portion  20 , and (ii) a width of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  extending upward from central base portion  20 . In this exemplary embodiment, exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  100  represents an overall width of exemplary flossing device  100 . 
         [0025]      FIGS. 3A-3B  provide top views respectively of the exemplary profiles of exemplary devices  10  and  100 , respectively, shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B .  FIGS. 4A-4B  provide bottom views, respectively, of the exemplary profiles of exemplary devices  10  and  100  shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIGS. 5A-6B , the flossing toy or device of the present invention may have a variety of overall shapes. For example,  FIGS. 5A-5B  provide top and bottom views respectively of an exemplary flossing toy  200  having a tooth shape. In addition,  FIGS. 6A-6B  provide top and bottom views respectively of another exemplary flossing toy  300  having a tooth shape and an exemplary brush extension. 
         [0027]    As shown in the figures, some flossing toys or devices of the present invention comprise a central base portion, such as exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  100 , wherein the central base portion has an outer perimeter  24  that extends horizontally beyond at least one outer edge of at least one of the two, spaced floss-supporting members. See, for example, how outer perimeter  24  of exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  100  extends horizontally beyond outer edges  131  and  132  of spaced floss-supporting member  13  as shown in  FIGS. 2B and 4B . 
         [0028]    In some exemplary embodiments, outer perimeter  24  extends horizontally beyond at least two outer edges of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members. See again, for example, how outer perimeter  24  of exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  100  extends horizontally beyond (i) outer edges  131  and  132  of spaced floss-supporting member  13  and (ii) outer edges  141  and  142  of spaced floss-supporting member  14  as shown in  FIG. 4B . In other exemplary embodiments, outer perimeter  24  extends horizontally beyond all outer edges of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members. See, for example, how outer perimeter  24  of exemplary central base portion  20  of exemplary flossing device  400  extends horizontally beyond (i) outer edges  131 ,  132  and  133  of spaced floss-supporting member  13  and (ii) outer edges  141 ,  142  and  143  of spaced floss-supporting member  14  as shown in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0029]    In any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, an upper surface  23  of central base portion  20 , a lower surface  16  of central base portion  20 , or both upper and lower surfaces  23  and  16 , respectively, of central base portion  20  may have (i) surface undulations, (ii) printed material, or (iii) both (i) and (ii) thereon (not shown). For example, surface undulations may be formed in upper surface  23  and/or lower surface  16  of central base portion  20  during a thermoforming step (e.g., molding step) while forming central base portion  20 . Alternatively, surface undulations may be formed in upper surface  23  and/or lower surface  16  of central base portion  20  following a thermoforming step (e.g., molding step) used to form central base portion  20 . Printed material may be incorporated into central base portion  20  during formation (e.g., during a thermoforming step) or following formation of central base portion  20  (e.g., via a printing step or an adhering step wherein printed material on an adhesive backing is adhered to upper surface  23  and/or lower surface  16  of central base portion  20 ). 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , central base portion  20  may further comprise one or more integrally connected tool members extending therefrom. In this exemplary embodiment, central base portion  20  comprises an integrally connected brush  21  with brush stem  51  and optional bendable brush stem section  52  positioned along brush stem  51  between central base portion  20  and brush  21 . In other exemplary embodiments, the one or more integrally connected tool members may comprise a tool including, but not limited to, a toothpick, and a rubber/plastic wedge for gum stimulation. 
         [0031]    Central base portion  20  may be formed from any desired material. Typically, central base portion  20  comprises a thermoformable material such as a polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials for forming central base portion  20  include, but are not limited to, a polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, copolymers of ethylene and propylene), a polyester (e.g., PET), polyvinyl chloride, a polyacrylate (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate), or any other thermoformable polymer. Although polymeric material id typically used to form central base portion  20 , other suitable materials for forming central base portion  20  include, but are not limited to, a metallic material (e.g., aluminum), a cellulosic material (e.g., wood), and a ceramic material. 
         [0032]    In some exemplary embodiments, the material used to form central base portion  20  may further comprise one or more additives including, but not limited to, (1) a fluoride-containing component (i.e., similar to fluoride-containing components typically found in toothpastes); (2) an anti-bacterial component; (3) a colorant; (4) a flavor (e.g., strawberry); (5) a scent (e.g., vanilla, strawberry, etc.); and (6) any combination of (1) to (5). For example, when central base portion  20  comprises one or more of the above-described integrally connected tool members, it may be desirable to incorporate one or more of the above-mentioned additives into the material used to form central base portion  20 . 
         [0033]    B. Floss-Supporting Members 
         [0034]    The devices of the present invention further comprise two, spaced floss-supporting members such as exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . Exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  may have any dimensions (e.g., length, cross-sectional width, etc.) and shape (e.g., square cross-sectional shape, circular cross-sectional shape, etc.), as long as exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  are structurally capable of (i) supporting a fixed length of floss (e.g., exemplary fixed length of floss  12 ), and (ii) withstanding an amount of force thereon during a flossing step. 
         [0035]    Although exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  may be separate pieces that are connected to exemplary central base portion  20 , typically, exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  are integrally connected to exemplary central base portion  20 , and extend downward from exemplary central base portion  20  as shown in the figures. 
         [0036]    Like exemplary central base portion  20 , exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  may be formed from any desired material. Any of the above-mentioned polymeric materials, metallic materials (e.g., aluminum), cellulosic materials (e.g., wood), and/or ceramic materials for forming central base portion  20  may be used to form exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 . Typically, exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  each independently comprise a thermoformable material such as one of the above-mentioned polymeric materials (i.e., for forming exemplary central base portion  20 ) with or without one or more of the above-mentioned additives. 
         [0037]    C. Floss 
         [0038]    The devices of the present invention further comprise a fixed length of floss such as exemplary fixed length of floss  12  shown in  FIG. 1 . As used herein, the term “fixed length of floss” refers to a length of floss extending between exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 , wherein the length of floss extending between exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  remains substantially constant throughout the life of the flossing toy or device. 
         [0039]    In some exemplary embodiments, fixed length of floss  12  is substantially equal to or less than an overall width of the flossing toy (e.g., less than a distance between first outer edge  25  and second outer edge  26  in the exemplary flossing devices shown in FIGS.  1  and  3 A- 7 B). As used herein, the term “substantially equal” means up to about 1.2× (or about 1.15×, or about 1.1×, or about 1.05×) the overall width of the flossing toy (e.g., the distance between first outer edge  25  and second outer edge  26  in the exemplary flossing devices shown in FIGS.  1  and  3 A- 7 B). 
         [0040]    Typically, fixed length of floss  12  is substantially equal to or less than a distance between outermost opposite edges of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 , for example, up to about 1.2× (or about 1.15×, or about 1.1×, or about 1.05×) of the distance between outermost opposite edges  133  and  143  of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (or less than 1.0× the distance between outermost opposite edges  133  and  143  of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ). 
         [0041]    In some exemplary embodiments, opposite ends of fixed length of floss  13  are embedded within end portions of the two, spaced floss-supporting members (i.e., end portions of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ). In this embodiment, fixed length of floss  12  has a length substantially equal to or between (i) a first distance between outermost opposite edges of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 , for example, the distance between outermost opposite edges  133  and  143  of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (as shown in  FIG. 7B ) and (ii) a second distance between innermost opposite edges of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 , for example, the distance between innermost opposite edges  134  and  144  of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (as shown in  FIG. 7B ). 
         [0042]    The floss may comprise any commercially available floss material. In some exemplary embodiments, the floss material may further comprise one or more of the above-mentioned optional additives, namely, (1) a fluoride-containing component (i.e., similar to fluoride-containing components typically found in toothpastes); (2) an anti-bacterial component; (3) a colorant; (4) a flavor (e.g., strawberry); (5) a scent (e.g., vanilla, strawberry, etc.); and (6) any combination of (1) to (5). 
         [0043]    D. Finger-Engaging Members 
         [0044]    The devices of the present invention further comprise finger-engaging members such as exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  shown in  FIG. 1 . Exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  may have any dimensions (e.g., length, cross-sectional width, etc.) and shape (e.g., square cross-sectional shape, circular cross-sectional shape, both, etc.), as long as exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  are structurally capable of (i) extending over and around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of a user&#39;s finger, (ii) withstanding an amount of loop-opening force exerted thereon during a loop-opening step as exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  are extended over and onto a user&#39;s finger, and (iii) withstanding an amount of flossing force exerted thereon during a flossing step. 
         [0045]    Although exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  may be separate pieces that are connected to exemplary central base portion  20 , typically, exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  are integrally connected to exemplary central base portion  20 , and extend upward from exemplary central base portion  20  as shown in the figures. 
         [0046]    Like exemplary central base portion  20  and exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 , exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  may be formed from any desired material. Any of the above-mentioned polymeric materials, metallic materials (e.g., aluminum), cellulosic materials (e.g., wood), and/or ceramic materials for forming central base portion  20  and exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14  may be used to form exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44 . Typically, exemplary finger-engaging members  43  and  44  each independently comprise a thermoformable material such as one of the above-mentioned polymeric materials (i.e., for forming exemplary central base portion  20  and exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ) with or without one or more of the above-mentioned additives. 
         [0047]    As shown in the figures, each of exemplary flossing devices  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  and  400  comprises exemplary two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 , which combine with one another to form an open loop  19  having a slot  18  therein. Slot  18  may be positioned along any portion of open loop  19 . Slot  18  is positioned a distance (d 1 ) from central base portion  20  and a further distance (d 2 ) from fixed length of floss  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some exemplary embodiments, slot  18  is positioned a maximum distance (i.e., maximum distance (d 2max ) from fixed length of floss  12  (such as is shown in exemplary flossing device  10 / 100  shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0048]    Open loop  19  may have any desired shape as long as open loop  19  fits on to and secures the flossing device (i.e., exemplary flossing device  10 / 100 ) to a user&#39;s finger (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments, open loop  19  has an oblong shape as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0049]    In some exemplary embodiments, the two finger-engaging members (e.g., exemplary two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 ) are parallel with fixed length of floss (e.g., exemplary fixed length of floss  12 ). Such embodiments are shown in the figures. 
       II. Methods of Making Flossing Devices 
       [0050]    The present invention is further directed to methods of making the above-described flossing devices. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method of making a flossing product comprises the step of forming at least one molded part comprising (i) a central base portion (e.g., exemplary central base portion  20 ), (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ), and (iii) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 ), wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from a fixed length of floss extending between the two, spaced floss-supporting members. 
         [0051]    The method of making a flossing product may further comprise one or more additional steps including, but not limited to, combining one or more molded parts to one another; cutting a fixed length of floss from a longer length of floss; connecting the fixed length of floss to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members; printing and/or adhering an image onto an outer surface of the at least one molded part; coating one or more molded parts or incorporating therein one or more of the following optional additive materials: (1) a fluoride-containing component (i.e., similar to fluoride-containing components typically found in toothpastes), (2) an anti-bacterial component, (3) a colorant, (4) a flavor (e.g., strawberry), (5) a scent (e.g., vanilla, strawberry, etc.), and (6) any combination of (1) to (5); and packaging the flossing product. 
         [0052]    In some exemplary embodiments, the method of making a flossing product comprises the step of forming an integrally connected flossing member comprising (i) the central base portion (e.g., exemplary central base portion  20 ), (ii) the two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ), and (iii) the two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 ). Typically, the integrally connected flossing member is formed via a single thermoforming step, such as a single injection molding step. 
         [0053]    In some exemplary embodiments, the method of making a flossing product comprises the step of forming a flossing member consists essentially of (i) the central base portion (e.g., exemplary central base portion  20 ), (ii) the two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ), (iii) the fixed length of floss (e.g., fixed length of floss  12 ), and (iv) the two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 ). The forming step may comprise (or consist essentially of or consist of) one or more thermoforming steps, and desirably comprises (or consists essentially of or consists of) a single thermoforming step wherein opposite ends of the fixed length of floss (e.g., opposite ends of fixed length of floss  12 ) are embedded within end portions of the two, spaced floss-supporting members (e.g., within end portions of exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ). 
         [0054]    In some exemplary embodiments, the method of making a flossing product comprises (or consists essentially of or consists of) the step of forming a flossing member consisting of (i) the central base portion (e.g., exemplary central base portion  20 ), (ii) the two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ), (iii) the fixed length of floss (e.g., fixed length of floss  12 ), (iv) the two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion (e.g., exemplary two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 ), (v) one or more of the optional additive materials incorporated or coating onto any of components (i) to (iv), and (vi) optional printed material along a surface of the flossing toy (e.g., along any surface of any of exemplary flossing devices  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  and  400 , such as upper surface  23  and/or lower surface  16  of central base portion  20  in any of exemplary flossing devices  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300  and  400 ). 
       III. Methods of Using Flossing Devices 
       [0055]    The present invention is even further directed to methods of using the above-described flossing devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises a method of flossing, wherein the method comprises positioning a flossing toy or device over a finger, the flossing toy or device comprising (i) a central base portion, (ii) two, spaced floss-supporting members extending downward from the central base portion, (iii) a fixed length of floss extending between and connected to each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members, and (iv) two finger-engaging members extending upward from the central base portion, wherein the two finger-engaging members combine with one another to form an open loop having a slot therein, the slot being positioned a distance from the central base portion and a further distance from the fixed length of floss, the open loop being sized to adjustably extend over and grasp a finger positioned therein; and exerting a flossing force on the flossing toy or device so that the fixed length of floss passes between two adjacent teeth. 
         [0056]    Methods of flossing may further comprises one or more additional steps including, but not limited to, exerting a removal force on the flossing toy or device so as to remove the fixed length of floss from between two adjacent teeth; removing the flossing toy or device from a packaging material; using one or more optional tools on the flossing toy or device (e.g., using an integrally connected brush (e.g., brush  53  shown in  FIG. 6A-6B ); cleaning the flossing toy or device; removing debris from the fixed length of floss; and disposing of the flossing toy or device after a desired number of uses (e.g., from a single use to any number of uses). 
         [0057]    Desirably, in some embodiments, central base portion (e.g. exemplary central base portion  20 ) and the two, spaced floss-supporting members (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ) have a threshold degree of rigidity such that the central base portion and the two, spaced floss-supporting members do not bend during a flossing step (i.e., the flossing force exerted on the flossing toy is less than a threshold force necessary to bend the central base portion and the two, spaced floss-supporting members). 
         [0058]    Desirably, in other embodiments, the two, spaced floss-supporting members (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ) have a threshold amount of rigidity such that the two, spaced floss-supporting members (e.g., exemplary floss-supporting members  13  and  14 ) resiliently bend up to about 15° (i.e., angle θ is less than about 15°, see  FIG. 1 ) during a flossing step (i.e., the flossing force exerted on the flossing toy is slightly greater than or less than a threshold force necessary to bend the two, spaced floss-supporting members). 
         [0059]    The present invention is described above and further illustrated below by way of examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope of the invention. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims. 
       Example 1 
     Preparation of a Flossing Device 
       [0060]    An exemplary flossing toy  10  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A,  3 A and  4 A was prepared as follows. A single injection molding step was utilized to form central base portion  20 , two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  extending downward from central base portion  20 , and two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  extending upward from central base portion  20 . A fixed length of floss  12  was positioned in a stationary position within the mold prior to the injection molding step so that opposite ends of fixed length of floss  12  were embedded within end portions of two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14 . 
         [0061]    The resulting floss toy had the following dimensions: 
         [0062]    overall width (distance between outer edges  25  and  26  shown in FIG.  4 A)—19 mm; 
         [0063]    overall length (distance between outer edges  21  and  22  shown in FIG.  4 A)—2 mm; 
         [0064]    overall height (distance between upper end  15  and lower end  17  shown in FIG.  1 )—22 mm; 
         [0065]    length of fixed length of floss  12 —19 mm; 
         [0066]    length of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (distance between lower surface  16  and lower end  17  shown in FIG.  1 )—10 mm; 
         [0067]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  at lower end  17  (shown in FIG.  1 )—2 mm; 
         [0068]    height of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —10 mm; 
         [0069]    width of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —15 mm; 
         [0070]    width of slot  18 —2 mm; 
         [0071]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  proximate end  15  (shown in FIG.  4 A)—2 mm; 
         [0072]    distance d 1  from upper surface  23  of central base portion  20  to end  15 —12 mm; and 
         [0073]    distance d 2  from fixed length of floss  12  to end  15 —21 mm. 
         [0074]    The resulting floss toy had the above-mentioned dimensions, which made the resulting floss toy suitable for use by an adult. 
       Example 2 
     Preparation of a Flossing Device 
       [0075]    An exemplary flossing toy  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 B,  3 B and  4 B was prepared using the method as described in Example 1. 
         [0076]    overall width (distance between outer edges  25  and  26  shown in FIG.  4 B)—14 mm; 
         [0077]    overall length (distance between outer edges  21  and  22  shown in FIG.  4 B)—8 mm; 
         [0078]    overall height (distance between upper end  15  and lower end  17  shown in FIG.  1 )—18 mm; 
         [0079]    length of fixed length of floss  12 —14 mm; 
         [0080]    length of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (distance between lower surface  16  and lower end  17  shown in FIG.  1 )—8 mm; 
         [0081]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  at lower end  17  (shown in FIG.  1 )—2 mm; 
         [0082]    height of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —7 mm; 
         [0083]    width of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —10 mm; 
         [0084]    width of slot  18 —1 mm; 
         [0085]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  proximate end  15  (shown in FIG.  4 B)—2 mm; 
         [0086]    distance d 1  from upper surface  23  of central base portion  20  to end  15 —9 mm; and 
         [0087]    distance d 2  from fixed length of floss  12  to end  15 —17 mm. 
         [0088]    The resulting floss toy had the above-mentioned dimensions, which made the resulting floss toy suitable for use by a child. 
       Example 3 
     Preparation of a Flossing Device 
       [0089]    An exemplary flossing toy  200  as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B  was prepared as described in Example 1. 
         [0090]    The resulting floss toy had the following dimensions: 
         [0091]    overall width (distance between outer edges  25  and  26  shown in FIG.  5 A)—13 mm; 
         [0092]    overall length (distance between outer edges  21  and  22  shown in FIG.  5 A)—20 mm; 
         [0093]    overall height (distance between upper end  15  and lower end  17 )—18 mm; 
         [0094]    length of fixed length of floss  12 —13 mm; 
         [0095]    length of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (distance between lower surface  16  and lower end  17 )—8 mm; 
         [0096]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  at lower end  17 —1.5 mm; 
         [0097]    height of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —7 mm; 
         [0098]    width of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —10 mm; 
         [0099]    width of slot  18 —1 mm; 
         [0100]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  proximate end  15  (shown in FIG.  5 B)—1.0 mm; 
         [0101]    distance d 1  from upper surface  23  of central base portion  20  to end  15 —8.5 mm; and 
         [0102]    distance d 2  from fixed length of floss  12  to end  15 —17 mm. 
         [0103]    The resulting floss toy had the above-mentioned dimensions, which made the resulting floss toy suitable for use by a child. 
       Example 4 
     Preparation of a Flossing Device 
       [0104]    An exemplary flossing toy  300  as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B  was prepared as described in Example 1. 
         [0105]    The resulting floss toy had the following dimensions: 
         [0106]    overall width (distance between outer edges  25  and  26  shown in FIG.  6 A)—18 mm; 
         [0107]    overall length (distance between outer edges  21  and  22  shown in FIG.  6 A)—42 mm; 
         [0108]    overall height (distance between upper end  15  and lower end  17 )—22 mm; 
         [0109]    length of fixed length of floss  12 —18 mm; 
         [0110]    length of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  (distance between lower surface  16  and lower end  17 )—10 mm; 
         [0111]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  at lower end  17 —1.5 mm; 
         [0112]    height of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —10 mm; 
         [0113]    width of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —15 mm; 
         [0114]    width of slot  18 —2 mm; 
         [0115]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  proximate end  15  (shown in FIG.  6 B)—1.0 mm; 
         [0116]    distance d 1  from upper surface  23  of central base portion  20  to end  15 —12 mm; and 
         [0117]    distance d 2  from fixed length of floss  12  to end  15 —21 mm. 
         [0118]    The resulting floss toy had the above-mentioned dimensions, which made the resulting floss toy suitable for use by an adult. 
       Example 5 
     Preparation of a Flossing Device 
       [0119]    An exemplary flossing toy  400  as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B  was prepared as described in Example 1. 
         [0120]    The resulting floss toy had the following dimensions: 
         [0121]    overall width (distance between outer edges  25  and  26  shown in FIG.  7 A)—26 mm; 
         [0122]    overall length (distance between outer edges  21  and  22  shown in FIG.  7 A)—28 mm; 
         [0123]    overall height (distance between upper end  15  and lower end  17 )—22 mm; 
         [0124]    length of fixed length of floss  12 —18 mm; 
         [0125]    length of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14 —10 mm; 
         [0126]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two, spaced floss-supporting members  13  and  14  at lower end  17 —1.5 mm; 
         [0127]    height of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —10 mm; 
         [0128]    width of the inner diameter of the split ring portion formed by each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44 —15 mm; 
         [0129]    width of slot  18 —2 mm; 
         [0130]    smallest cross-sectional dimension of each of the two finger-engaging members  43  and  44  proximate end  15 —1.0 mm; 
         [0131]    distance d 1  from upper surface  23  of central base portion  20  to end  15 —12 mm; and 
         [0132]    distance d 2  from fixed length of floss  12  to end  15 —21 mm. 
         [0133]    The resulting floss toy had the above-mentioned dimensions, which made the resulting floss toy suitable for use by an adult. 
         [0134]    While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.