Abstract:
The dental flossing device has an elongate handle with a removable and disposable floss holder at its distal end. A slide is installed along the handle, with the slide reciprocating axially along the handle when manipulated by a user of the device. The slide operates a flexible cable that in turn reciprocates the floss holder orthogonally relative to the elongate axis of the handle. Upper and lower bite pads are installed upon the distal end of the handle, with the user of the device gripping the pads, and thus the distal end of the device, between the teeth. The floss extending across the floss holder is then reciprocated between adjacent teeth by operating the slide on the handle. The device can also include a timer and alarm to notify the user of the appropriate time to be spent flossing, and to remind the user to floss daily.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to dental hygiene, and particularly to a dental flossing device having a reciprocating, disposable floss holder. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Nearly all people are well aware of the need for regular tooth brushing in order to remove food deposits that can lead to bacterial buildup and resulting dental problems, e.g., caries (cavities), gingivitis, periodontitis, etc. However, brushing the teeth is not likely to remove all, or nearly all, of the residual food deposits and plaque that can accumulate in the mouth, particularly between the teeth. Accordingly, nearly all dentists and oral hygiene specialists also recommend regular flossing between the teeth in order to remove deposits that typically cannot be removed by brushing. 
     While most people probably recognize the value of regular flossing, the actual act of flossing between the teeth is often relatively more difficult than brushing. This can be particularly true of individuals with closely spaced teeth, where it can be difficult to work a strand of dental floss between the teeth. Even in the case of individuals having normally spaced teeth, it can likewise be difficult for many individuals to manipulate dental floss, particularly if they are arthritic or have some other infirmity that affects their dexterity. 
     In addition to the above considerations, many people who floss regularly may do so incorrectly. Proper flossing technique typically requires the floss to be drawn down between the teeth, and then lifted back up between the teeth while being drawn upward along the surfaces of the teeth. Use of an improper technique of drawing the floss back and forth laterally across the bases of the teeth has been known to actually cut grooves across the bases of the teeth after prolonged and continuous use of this procedure, thus doing much more harm than good. 
     Thus, a dental flossing device addressing the aforementioned problems is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of a dental flossing device include an elongate handle having a handgrip portion and an opposite distal end portion. The distal end portion is adapted for the removable installation of a disposable floss holder thereon. A slide is installed atop the handle, the slide adapted to reciprocate longitudinally in the handle, such as by manipulation by a user of the device. The slide operates a flexible elongate member, such as a flexible cable or the like, with the flexible elongate member, such as the flexible cable, having a distal end within the distal end portion of the handle. 
     Movement of the flexible elongate member within the handle by operation of the slide results in movement of the distal end of the flexible elongate member, such as in a direction substantially orthogonal to the handle. By movement of the flexible elongate member, the distal end of the flexible elongate member in turn reciprocates the floss holder including dental floss in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to a direction of the main body of the handle. A return spring is provided in communication with the slide to automatically return the slide to an initial position after a longitudinal movement of the slide, such as at the end of each stroke. The length of the stroke of the slide, and therefore the stroke length of the floss holder, can be adjusted by moving the slide to a corresponding position within its channel in the handle. 
     Embodiments of a dental flossing device include opposed upper and lower bite pads provided on the distal end portion of the handle, the upper bite pad being generally positioned opposite the floss holder and a lower bite pad being generally positioned adjacent to the floss holder. The upper bite pad and the lower bite pad are adapted to respectively engage with teeth of a user of the device. The opposed bite pads are adapted to engage a user&#39;s teeth so as to position the distal end of the device between the user&#39;s teeth. The slide is then manipulated to move the dental floss and the floss holder downward between two adjacent teeth, with the return spring retracting the dental floss at least partially back up between the teeth via the flexible elongate member, such as a flexible cable. 
     The floss holder including the dental floss is desirably removably installed upon the distal end of the handle, and is adapted to be disposable for single use operation. A portion of the upper bite pad is desirably selectively removable, as well, to provide a selectively removable retainer for the floss holder. 
     Embodiments of a dental flossing device can further include a timer and alarm to indicate to the user a proper flossing time span. The alarm can also be actuated, such as once per day, to remind the user to use the dental flossing device. 
     These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental, side elevation view of an embodiment of a dental flossing device according to the present invention, showing its exemplary use and operation. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded top perspective view of an embodiment of the dental flossing device of  FIG. 1  according to the present invention, showing various components thereof and their relationships. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view in partial section of an embodiment of the dental flossing device of  FIG. 1  according to the present invention, showing the internal placement of various components thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the dental flossing device of  FIG. 1  according to the present invention, showing various removably attached components thereof. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed elevation view in section showing components of an internal mechanism of an embodiment of a slide component an embodiment of a dental flossing device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a generalized control system, including a controller/processor, a memory and an interface, as can be used for implementing a timer system and an alarm system in embodiments of a dental flossing device according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated, similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of a dental flossing device greatly facilitate the act of flossing a user&#39;s teeth, due to the reciprocating action of the floss holder and its dental floss as controlled by a manually actuated reciprocating slide on the handle of the dental flossing device.  FIG. 1  provides an environmental side elevation view showing an embodiment of a dental flossing device  10  in use, with  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrating an actuator mechanism and components of the dental flossing device  10 . The dental flossing device  10  has an elongate handle  12  having a main body  11 , a handgrip end  14  and an opposite floss holder end  16 , with an elongate flexible member, such as a flexible cable  18 , installed in conjunction with the handle  12 , such as within the handle  12 , and extending through an axial passage  20  in the main body  11  to the floss holder end  16  thereof, as shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings. 
     The axial passage  20  is relatively narrow, having a diameter only slightly greater than that of the flexible member, such as that of the flexible cable  18 . This can assist in preventing the flexible cable  18  from bending significantly when actuated and placed in a compression state, such as during flossing, the axial passage  20  guiding the flexible cable  18  along its intended path of travel. The dental flossing device  10  and components thereof can be made of various suitable materials, or combinations thereof, such as suitable plastic and metallic materials, as can depend on the use or application, and should not be construed in a limiting sense. 
     The flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , has an actuator portion  22  disposed generally through the central portion of the handle  12 , an actuator end  24  that connects to an actuator mechanism  29 , a relatively short distal portion  26  opposite the actuator portion  22  and substantially orthogonal thereto, and a distal end  28  that connects removably to a floss holder  44  of the dental flossing device  10 . The actuator mechanism  29  includes a slide  30  that is attached to the actuator end  24  of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , with the slide  30  residing in a slide receptacle  32  in the handle  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings. 
     The length or degree of travel of the slide  30 , and corresponding travel of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , can be selected by the user of the dental flossing device  10 . The slide receptacle  32  has opposed, inwardly disposed first and second lateral shoulders, respectively  34   a  and  34   b , therealong. Each pair of shoulders  34   a  and  34   b  are separated from one another and define corresponding laterally opposed slide pin receptacles  36  therebetween. The slide pin receptacles  36  and the first and second lateral shoulders  34   a  and  34   b  define slide limit stops to limit a range of movement or travel of the slide  30 . The slide  30  includes opposed lateral pins  38  selectively extending therefrom, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5  of the drawings. Retraction of the opposed lateral pins  38  is controlled by corresponding laterally opposed buttons  40  on opposing sides of the slide  30 . 
     The buttons  40  are in communicating relation with two internal arms  42  positioned within the slide  30 . Depressing the buttons  40  cause the two internal arms  42  to flex inward to retract the opposed lateral pins  38  that extend laterally from the distal ends of the internal arms  42 , generally as shown in broken lines in  FIG. 5  of the drawings. Releasing the buttons  40  allows the pins  38  to spring back to their extended positions, as shown in solid lines in  FIG. 5 . When the opposed lateral pins  38  are extended, they respectively contact the shoulders  34   a  and  34   b  to limit the travel of the slide  30  to only the distance between the shoulders  34   a  and  34   b . Depressing the buttons  40  on the slide  30  retracts the pins  38 , thereby allowing the slide  30  to travel the complete length of the slide receptacle  32 . 
     The floss holder  44  is a relatively simple, desirably plastic, component that is economically manufactured and intended for disposal desirably after a single use, and the floss holder can be made of any of various suitable materials, such as various metallic or plastic materials, or combinations thereof, for example.  FIGS. 2 and 4  provide clear illustrations of the floss holder  44 . The floss holder  44  includes a lateral bar  46  with two laterally opposed arms  48  depending from the ends thereof. The floss holder  44  is adapted to have a short strand of dental floss  50  that is positioned in association with the floss holder  44 , such as being positioned in extending relation between the arms  48 . One or more of the floss holder  44  and the dental floss  50  is disposable after use, desirably after a single use of the floss holder  44  and the associated dental floss  50 . The dental floss  50  desirably can be formed of any of various suitable materials for flossing, as is known in the art. 
     The lateral bar  46  has an upwardly oriented receptacle  52  in the center thereof, with the receptacle  52  removably engaging a catch  54  on the distal end  28  of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 . A floss holder retainer assembly  61  positioned at the distal end  16  of the handle  12  includes two laterally opposed floss holder guides  60  having corresponding channels  58 . Two laterally opposed tabs  56  extend from the ends of the bar  46  and slide within corresponding channels  58  (see  FIG. 4 ) formed within two laterally opposed floss holder guides  60  that depend from the distal end  16  of the handle  12 . 
     When the receptacle  52  is in engaging relation with the catch  54  on the distal end  28  of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , pushing the slide  30  in a forward direction toward the distal or floss holder end  16  of the handle  12  results in corresponding movement of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , in the axial passage  20 . The forward movement of the slide  30  toward the distal end  16  of the handle  12  enables the distal end portion  26  of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , to move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the main body  11  of the handle  12 , by the flexible cable  18  curving around in a downward direction in a portion of the axial passage  20  in the distal end portion  16  of the handle  12 . Such forward movement of the slide  30  drives the floss holder  44  including the dental floss  50  from an initial position in a downward direction generally orthogonally relative to the length of the handle  12 , i.e., in a direction away from the distal end  16  of the handle  12 , generally as shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, such as indicated by a double arrowed line  13 . 
     Movement of the slide  30  in a reverse direction toward the handgrip end  14  of the handle  12  causes the floss holder  44  including the dental floss  50  to move in an upward direction generally orthogonally relative to the length of the handle  12  toward and to the initial position of the floss holder  44 . The movement of the slide  30  in the reverse direction is accomplished by releasing the slide  30 , with a compression spring  31  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) pushing the slide  30  in the reverse direction back toward the handgrip end  14  of the handle  12  to draw the floss holder  44  including the dental floss  50  back toward the distal end  16  of the handle  12  by a return movement of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , that is in communication with the floss holder  44 . 
     The reciprocal type action of selectively moving the floss holder  44  in a downward direction and in an upward direction relative to the distal end  16  of the handle  14  is illustrated by the double arrowed line  13  and can be repeated as desired, to perform a flossing action on one or more teeth of a user of the dental flossing device  10 . The reciprocal movement of the slide  30  in the forward direction toward the distal end  16  of the handle  12  and in the reverse direction toward the handgrip end  14  of the handle  12  is illustrated by a double arrowed line  27 . 
     When flossing is completed, the floss holder  44  can be unclipped from the catch  54  on the distal end  28  of the flexible member, such as the flexible cable  18 , and the two tabs  56  slid from the channels  58  in the floss holder guides  60  depending from the distal end  16  of the handle  12  for convenient disposal, and a new floss holder  44  including the dental floss  50  can then be installed in the laterally opposed floss holder guides  60  that depend from the distal end  16  of the handle  12 . 
     The distal end  16  of handle  12  of the dental flossing device  10  is desirably intended to be gripped between upper teeth UT and lower teeth LT during flossing, generally as shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. When flossing one or more of the LT, the dental flossing device  10  is generally positioned as illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the floss holder  44  including the dental floss  50  positioned in facing relation to the LT. Similarly, when flossing one or more of the UT, the dental flossing device  10  is generally positioned with the floss holder  44  including the dental floss  50  positioned in facing relation to the UT. Accordingly, a resilient upper bite pad  68  and a resilient lower bite pad  70  are respectively installed upon the corresponding upper and lower surfaces  62  and  64  at the distal end portion  16  of the handle  12 . 
     The upper bite pad  68  typically can include two portions, a removable floss holder lock portion  66  and a fixed bite pad portion  67 . The removable floss holder lock portion  66  of the upper bite pad  68  is positioned above and in overlying relation to the floss holder  44  when the removable floss holder lock portion  66  is installed on the distal end portion  16  of the handle  12 . The removable floss holder lock portion  66  includes a locking tab  66   a  that, when the removable floss holder lock portion  66  is installed in overlying relation to the floss holder  44 , the a locking tab  66   a  engages with a corresponding locking slot  61   a  on the floss holder retainer assembly  61  serving to lock or retain the floss holder  44  in its operable position. The engaging of the locking tab  66   a  with the corresponding locking slot  61   a  can assist in retaining the floss holder  44  in an operable position during use of the dental flossing device  10 , such as when the upper and lower bite pads  68  and  70  are respectively positioned in engaging relation with one or more teeth of the UT and the LT during use, for example. 
     The fixed or permanently installed upper bite pad portion  67  is located immediately adjacent to the removable floss holder lock portion  66 , but closer in relation to the handgrip end  14  of the handle  12 . The fixed lower bite pad  70  is installed upon the lower surface  64  at the distal end  16  of the handle  12  or, more specifically, installed on an extension  72  depending from the lower surface  64  of the handle  12  in order to assist in providing relatively proper spacing for the floss holder  44  during actuation and use of the floss holder  44 . 
     The act of flossing teeth must be relatively thoroughly done, if it is to be relatively effective in removing residual food deposits that can lead to bacterial buildup that can result dental problems. A very quick and/or superficial job of flossing the teeth does little good. Accordingly, the dental flossing device  10  includes timer and alarm systems as well, with the time being displayed on a display, such as on a display  74 , disposed in the handgrip end  14  of the handle  12  and the timer and alarm systems being actuated by a series of control buttons  76 ,  78  and  80 , for example, adjacent to the display  74  in conjunction with a control system, such as a generalized control system  100  of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the generalized control system  100  for implementing a timer system and an alarm system in the dental flossing device  10 . The control system  100  includes a controller/processor  102 , a memory  104 , a display  106  and an interface  108 , as well as including or being associated with a timer  103  for the timer system and an alarm  105  for the alarm system. 
     Data or control signals, such as to selectively activate or program the alarm  105  or to selectively set or program the timer  103  can be entered into the system  100  by a suitable type of interface  108 , the interface  108  being in conjunction with the control buttons  76 ,  78  and  80  and the display  74 , as a part of the display  106 , to set, activate or deactivate the timer  103  and the alarm  105 . Information and data related to the timer and alarm systems can be stored in computer readable memory  104 , which can be any suitable type of computer readable and programmable memory, such as a semiconductor memory (for example, RAM, ROM, etc.). 
     Calculations and determinations for the timer and alarm systems are performed by the controller/processor  102 , as can be incorporated on an integrated circuit (IC) chip, as can be any suitable type of computer processor, such as can include a programmable logic controller (PLC) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), for example. The activation and deactivation of the alarm  103  and time count(s) from the timer  103  can be displayed to the user of the dental flossing device  10  on the display  74 , which can be any suitable type of display such as a light emitting diode (LED) type display, for example. 
     The timer  103  can be any suitable type of timer and can be incorporated with the controller/processor  102 . The alarm  105  can be any suitable type of alarm as can be incorporated with the controller/processor  102 , the alarm providing a sound, a message, a light or vibration type alert, or a combination thereof, for example. The controller/processor  102 , the timer  103 , the memory  104 , the alarm  105 , the display  106  and the interface  108  are in communication with one another, such as by any suitable type of data bus, as is well known in the art. 
     The display  74  can display either an elapsed time between uses of the dental flossing device  10  or the duration of the flossing activity, depending upon the function selected by the control buttons, such as determined by pressing one or more of the control buttons  76 ,  78  and  80  or predetermined combinations thereof, for example. A timer control button  76  serves as an on/off switch for the timer  103 , with the timer control button  76  acting as a toggle type switch or alternating between on and off functions or states for the timer  103 , to selectively activate and deactivate the timer  103 , with each press of the timer control button  76 . 
     Turning the timer  103  on with the on/off timer control button  76  actuates a short timer, e.g., three to four minutes, such as a time period for a flossing operation to floss a substantial portion of the UT and the LT, although other time durations can be programmed, as desired. Pressing the on/off timer control button  76  can stop and can reset the timer  103  for a next use of the timer  103 . The time information, such as time duration for a flossing operation, or a remaining time for a flossing operation, can be displayed on the display  74 . The timer  103  can be reset to a predetermined time or an initial time at any time desired, such as by pressing the reset control button  78 . 
     When the daily flossing operation has been completed the user can press an alarm control button  80 , which selectively activates or deactivates the timer  103  to count a long timer, such as a 24 hour time period, or other suitable time period, as well as the alarm control button  80  can selectively deactivate the timer  103  and deactivate operation of the alarm  105 . The alarm  105  can provide a visual alarm, such as on the display  74 , or an audible alarm, such as a sound generated by a sound generator associated with the alarm  105 , such as a speaker or buzzer. The alarm control button  80  similarly acts as a toggle type switch or alternating between on and off functions or states for the timer  103  and the alarm  105 , to selectively activate and deactivate the timer  103  as a long timer and to selectively activate or deactivate operation of the alarm  105  including deactivating an alarm generated by the alarm  105 , with each press of the alarm control button  80 . 
     The timer  103  counts for 24 hours, or other suitable time period, and at the end of the 24 hour period, or other suitable time period, the timer  103  communicates with the controller/processor  102  to selectively activate the alarm  105 , such as an audible alarm, e.g., conventional piezoelectric buzzer or other suitable device associated with the alarm  105  as can be contained within or adjacent to the handgrip portion  14  of the handle  12 , as well as can flash alarm information, such as a visible alert or an alert message on the display  74 , for example. 
     Actuating the on/off switch timer control button  76 , before the 24 hour period has elapsed can reset the time between uses of the dental flossing device  10 , such as resetting an elapsed time or a remaining time of a long timer to an initial time for a new long timer period, such as a new 24 hour period, or other suitable timer period, at that point, such new long timer period, when reset, commencing upon activation of the alarm control button  80 , for example. The conventional electronics of the systems controlled by the various control buttons  76 ,  78  and  80  and the time or message alert displayed in the display  74  are powered by a small electrical storage cell or cells contained within the handle  12 , such as one or more batteries, with access for removal and replacement being provided by a door or cover  82  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.