Patent Publication Number: US-11660826-B2

Title: Hybrid dental tool with detachable picks

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/922,971, entitled “HYBRID DENTAL TOOL WITH DETACHABLE PICKS,” and filed on Oct. 26, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/546,901, entitled “HYBRID DENTAL TOOL WITH DETACHABLE PICKS,” and filed on Nov. 18, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/036,028 entitled “HYBRID DENTAL TOOL WITH DETACHABLE PICKS,” and filed on Aug. 11, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates, generally, to dental devices, and more particularly to dental hygiene devices. 
     While dental hygiene has long been important in American and other cultures for maintaining a desirable physical appearance, recent discoveries have increased the urgency with which dental hygiene is maintained. These recent discoveries have linked oral bacteria to other, more serious disease such as, for example, heart disease. In light of the increased importance of dental hygiene, new devices are desired to improve dental hygiene. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hybrid dental device. The hybrid dental device includes a flossing head having a first arm extending in a first direction, a second arm extending in the first direction, and a third arm extending in the first direction. The flossing head can include a first filament extending from the first arm to the second arm, and a second filament extending form the second arm to the third arm. In some embodiments, the first and second filament are separately connected to the second arm. 
     In some embodiments, the first, second, and third arms extend in the first direction in that a directional component of each of the first, second, and third arms extends in the same direction. In some embodiments, the first filament can be a first lubricious fiber and the second filament can be a second lubricious fiber. In some embodiments, the first lubricious fiber and the second lubricious fiber are the same material, and in some embodiments, the first lubricious fiber and the second lubricious fiber are different materials. 
     In some embodiments, the flossing head further includes a link arm extending from the first arm to the second arm and extending from the second arm to the third arm. IN some embodiments, a first distance from a first point of extension of the first filament from the first arm to the link arm is the same as a second distance from a second point of extension of the second filament from the third arm to the link arm. In some embodiments, the first filament and the second filament are parallel. 
     In some embodiments, the link arm includes a first portion extending between the first arm and the second arm, a second portion extending between the second arm and the third arm, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion are located in a common, first plane, and in some embodiments, the third portion is located in a second plane. In some embodiments, a shortest third distance between a line along a longitudinal axis of one of the first and second filaments and the first portion and a shortest fourth distance between the line along the longitudinal axis of one of the first and second filaments and the second portion are shorter than a shortest fifth distance between the line along the longitudinal axis of one of the first and second filaments and the third portion. 
     One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a hybrid dental device. The method includes forming a flossing head around a single filament. In some embodiments, the flossing head includes a first arm extending in a first direction, a second arm extending in the first direction, and a third arm extending in the first direction. In some embodiments, the single filament extends from the first arm to the second arm, and from the second arm to the third arm. The method can include severing the single filament to form an independent first filament extending form the first arm to the second arm and an independent second filament extending from the second arm to the third arm. 
     In some embodiments, the single filament is severed by a heated cutting implement. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third arms extend in the first direction in that a directional component of each of the first, second, and third arms extends in the same direction. In some embodiments, the second arm includes a first portion connecting to the first filament and a second portion connecting to the second filament. In some embodiments, the first and second portions are unconnected along the entirety of their length. In some embodiments, the single filament comprises a lubricious fiber. 
     In some embodiments, the flossing head further includes a link arm extending from the first arm to the second arm and extending from the second arm to the third arm. In some embodiments, a first distance from a first point of extension of the first filament from the first arm to the link arm is the same as a second distance from a second point of extension of the second filament from the third arm to the link arm. 
     In some embodiments, the link arm includes a first portion extending between the first arm and the second arm, a second portion extending between the second arm and the third arm, and a third portion located between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, a shortest third distance between a line along a longitudinal axis of one of the first and second filaments and the first portion and a shortest fourth distance between the line along the longitudinal axis of one of the first and second filaments and the second portion are shorter than a shortest fifth distance between the line along the longitudinal axis of one of the first and second filaments and the third portion. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating various embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a disassembled hybrid dental tool. 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of one embodiment of a flosser that is part of a hybrid dental tool. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pick that is a part of a hybrid dental tool. 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of one embodiment of an assembled hybrid dental tool. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool that retains a pick with a retention insert. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool that completely retains a pick within a pick receptacle. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool that retains a pick with latches. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool that retains a pick with a securement insert. 
         FIG.  8    is a section view of the embodiment of the hybrid dental tool of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool that retains a pick with a front wall and a back wall. 
         FIG.  10    is a section view of the embodiment of the hybrid dental tool of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a front view of the embodiment of the hybrid dental tool of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool with a handle including a pick receptacle. 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool with a handle including a pick receptacle. 
         FIG.  14    is a close-up perspective view of the connecting features of the hybrid dental tool of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is a front view of one embodiment of the hybrid dental tool having a single filament. 
         FIG.  16    is a front view of one embodiment of the hybrid dental tool having a severed single filament. 
     
    
    
     In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Where the reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same reference label. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a hybrid dental device and/or hybrid dental tool. In some embodiments, the hybrid dental tool can integrate multiple oral or personal care devices into a single device. In some embodiments, the hybrid dental tool can include a flosser and one or several picks. In some embodiments, the one or several picks can be integrated into the flosser, and/or retained by the flosser. In one embodiment, the one or several picks can include a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second ends of the pick can be a dental hygiene tool, such as a tooth pick, that can, in some embodiments, be sized and shaped to allow insertion into the interproximal space between human teeth. In one particular embodiment, the one or several picks can be received in a pick receptacle. In some embodiments, the pick receptacle can be sized and shaped such that when the one or several picks are in the pick receptacle, the first and second ends of the pick are protected in that they are contained within the pick receptacle so as to be snag free. 
     For the purposes of explanation, the ensuing details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that various embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, various features may be shown as components of some specific embodiments. In other instances, previously known features may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the inventive features of the described embodiments. 
     Embodiments provided herein are examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  1   , a perspective view of one embodiment of hybrid dental tool  100  is shown. The hybrid dental tool  100  can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the hybrid dental tool  100  can be sized so as to be easily held in a hand and to be used within a mouth. The hybrid dental tool  100  can be made from a variety materials. In some embodiments, the hybrid dental tool  100  can be made from one or several plastics, metals, composites, polymers, or the like. In some embodiments, the materials for the hybrid dental tool  100  are selected based on desired properties of a hybrid dental tool and/or of the specific portion of the hybrid dental tool. 
     The hybrid dental tool  100  can include a flosser  101 . The flosser  101  can include a flossing head  102 , also referred to herein as a flossing portion. The flossing head  102  can include features configured to allow use of the hybrid dental tool  100  in flossing the teeth. The flossing head  102  can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and in some embodiments, can be sized and shaped so as to allow a user to access all of the teeth in the user&#39;s mouth, and particularly the teeth located in the rear of the mouth. 
     The flossing head  102  can include a first arm  104 , also referred to herein as a leading arm, and a second arm  106 , also referred to herein as a trailing arm. In some embodiments, the first arm  104  can be located at the front of the flossing head  102  and/or of the flosser  101  and the trailing arm  106  can be relatively more centrally located in the flosser  101 . In some embodiments, the leading arm  104  and the trailing arm  106  are parallel, and in some embodiments, the leading arm  104  and the trailing arm  106  are nonparallel. In some embodiments, the first and second arms  104 ,  106  can extend in the same direction. In some embodiments, the first and second arms  104 ,  106  extend in the same direction if they are parallel, and in some embodiments, the first and second arms  104 ,  106  extend in the same direction if a component of the extension of the first and second arms  104 ,  106  is parallel. 
     In some embodiments, the leading arm  104  and the trailing arm  106  both extend from a link arm  110  and can be connected by a first filament  108 , which first filament  108  can extend from the first arm  104  at a first point of extension  109 . In some embodiments, the first point of extension  109  can be separated from the link arm  110  by a first distance  117 . In some embodiments, this first distance  117  can be the shortest distance between the first extension point  109  and the link arm  110 . This connection of the leading arm  104 , the trailing arm  106 , and the link arm  110  can create a U-shaped portion of the flossing head  102 . In some embodiments, the connection of the leading arm  104 , the trailing arm  106 , and link arm  110  can create other shapes such as, for example, a C-shape, a trapezoidal shape, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the first filament  108  can be a thin single fiber and/or group of fibers that is/are sized, shaped, and configured for insertion between the patient&#39;s teeth into, for example, the interproximal space. This first filament  108  can comprise any lubricious fiber sufficiently strong and thin to be used for dental hygiene. In some embodiments, the first filament  108  can comprise any dental floss including, for example, a waxed fiber such as a nylon or cotton fiber, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMPE) fiber, or any other fiber. In some embodiments, the first filament  108  can comprise dental floss. 
     In some embodiments, the flosser  101  can comprise a single flosser, and in some embodiments, the flosser  101  can comprise a multiple flosser. In the embodiment, depicted in  FIG.  1   , the flosser  101  is a double flosser, also referred to herein as a twin flosser. In such a double flosser configuration, the flosser  101  includes a third arm  112  and a second filament  114  that extends between the third arm  112  and the second arm  106 . The second filament  114  can extend from the third arm  112  at a second point of extension  115 . In some embodiments, the second point of extension  115  can be separated from the link arm  110  by a second distance  119 . In some embodiments, this second distance  119  can be the shortest distance between the second extension point  115  and the link arm  110 . In some embodiments, the first distance  117  can be the same as the second distance  119 , and in some embodiments, the first and second distances  117 ,  119  can be different. 
     In some embodiments, the second arm  106  can include a first portion  116  to which the first filament  108  connects, and a second portion  118  to which the second filament  114  connects. In some embodiments, the first and second portions  116 ,  118  of the second arm  106  can extend in the same direction away from the link arm  110 , and in some embodiments, the first and second portions  116 ,  118  of the second arm  106  can extend in different directions away from the link arm  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the second filament  114  can be a thin single fiber and/or group of fibers that is/are sized, shaped, and configured for insertion between the patient&#39;s teeth into, for example, the interproximal space. This second filament  114  can comprise any lubricious fiber sufficiently strong and thin to be used for dental hygiene. In some embodiments, second filament  114  can comprise any dental floss including, for example, a waxed fiber such as a nylon or cotton fiber, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber, or any other fiber. In some embodiments, the second filament  114  can comprise dental floss. 
     In some embodiments, the first filament  108  and the second filament  114  can comprise a single filament that extends from the first arm  104  to the third arm  112 , and in some embodiments, the first filament  108  can be separate from the second filament  114 . In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114  can comprise a plurality of filaments such as, for example, two, three, four, five and/or any other or intermediate number of filaments. In some embodiments, the filaments of the plurality of filaments can be made from the same material, and in some embodiments, the filaments of the plurality of filaments can be made from different materials. 
     In some embodiments in which one or both of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114  comprises a plurality of filaments, the filaments of the plurality of filaments can be positioned adjacent to each other such that the plurality of filaments can simultaneously clean a single interproximal space. In one specific embodiment, both the first and second filaments  108 ,  114  can comprise a plurality of filaments, the first filament  108  can comprise a plurality of filaments, the second filament  114  can comprise a plurality of filaments, or neither the first nor second filaments  108 ,  114  can comprise a plurality of filaments. 
     As seen in  FIG.  1   , the flosser  101  includes a pick receptacle  120  along the top  122  of the link arm  110  between the first arm  104  and the third arm  112 . The pick receptacle  120  can be configured to receive and/or retain a pick  124 . The pick  124  can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the pick  124  can be made from the same material as the flosser  101 , and in some embodiments, the pick  124  can be made from a different material than the flosser  101 . In some embodiments, for example, the pick  124  can be made from the same material, including, for example, the same polymer, having the same material properties as the flosser  101 , and in some embodiments, the pick  124  can be made from a different material, including, for example a different polymer having different material properties than the flosser  101 . 
     The pick  124  can comprise a first end  126 , a second end  128 , and a longitudinal axis  130  extending therebetween. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  of the pick  124  can comprise a tool, including a dental hygiene tool such as, for example, a tooth pick, tongue scraper/cleaner, a scalar, a pick, a brush, a mirror, or the like. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  of the pick  124  can be configured for cleaning between a human&#39;s teeth, and in some embodiments, can be sized and shaped to allow insertion into the interproximal space between human teeth. 
     The pick  124  can include a grip portion  132 . The grip portion  132  can comprise a variety of shapes, sizes, and features. In some embodiments, the grip portion  132  can be sized and shaped to facilitate the gripping and manipulation of the pick  124 . In some embodiments, the grip portion  132  can be located at a midpoint of the pick  124  such that the distance between the grip portion  132  and both the first and second ends  126 ,  128  is the same, and in some embodiments, the grip portion  132  can be located at a position other than the midpoint of the pick  124  such that the distance between the grip portion and the first and second ends  126 ,  128  is unequal. In some embodiments, the grip portion  132  can be located at one or both of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  of the pick  124 . 
     In some embodiments, the pick  124  can include one or several mating features  134 . The one or several mating features  134  can be configured to matingly engage with one or several features of the flosser  101 . In the embodiment of the pick  124  depicted in  FIG.  1   , the one or several mating features  134  comprise insert  136 . 
     Returning again to the pick receptacle  120  of the flosser  101 , in some embodiments, the pick receptacle  120  can be sized to receive the pick  124 , and specifically can have one or several dimensions larger than one or several corresponding dimensions of the pick  124  so as to thereby allow portions of the pick  124  to be received within the pick receptacle  120 . In some embodiments, the pick receptacle  120  can be a depression in the flosser head  102 , and specifically in the link arm  110  of the flosser head  102 , and in some embodiments, the pick receptacle  120  can be, for example, located in a handle of the flosser  101 . 
     In some embodiments, the pick receptacle  120  can include an end receptacle  138  that is bounded by a first end receptacle wall  140  and a second end receptacle wall  142 . In some embodiments, the end receptacle  138  can be sized and shaped to receive at least one or both of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  of the pick  124 , and can be particularly sized and shaped such that when the first and second ends  126 ,  128  are received within the end receptacle  138 , the first and second ends  126 ,  128  are protected in that they are not exposed to snags. In some embodiments, the protected state of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  includes the receiving of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  such that all or portions of the first and second ends  126 ,  128  do not extend outside of the volume of the end receptacle  138  and/or of the pick receptacle  120 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  2   , a top view of one embodiment of flosser  101  is shown. The flosser  101  includes the flossing head  102  including the first arm  104  and the third arm  112  that are connected by the link arm  110 . At the top  122  of the link arm  110  is the pick receptacle  120  that includes the end receptacle  138  defined by the first end receptacle wall  140  and the second end receptacle wall  142 . 
     The pick receptacle  120  includes connection features  144 , also referred to herein as connecting features  144  and/or capture features  144  that are configured to matingly engage with the mating features  134  of the pick  124  to releasably secure the pick  124  within the pick receptacle  120 . In some embodiments, the mating engagement of the mating features  134  and the connecting features  144  can allow the repeatable securement of the pick  124  within the pick receptacle  120 , and in some embodiments, the mating engagement of the mating features  134  and the connecting features  144  may not allow the repeatable securement of the pick  124  within the pick receptacle  120 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the connecting features comprise a first connection wall  146 , also referred to herein as the first wall, a second connection wall  148 , also referred to herein as the second wall, and a connection bottom  150  connecting the first and second walls  146 ,  148 . In some embodiments, a plane can be located between, and defined by the first and second walls  146 ,  148 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , a midline plane  154  is located midway between the first and second walls  146 ,  148 . 
     In the embodiment seen in  FIG.  2   , the first and second walls  146 ,  148  extend from proximate the top  122  of the flossing head  102  towards the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 , and in connection with the connection bottom  150 , create a connection receptacle  152 . The connection receptacle  152  can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the connection receptacle  152  can be sized to receive the mating features  134  of the pick  124 , and specifically to receive the insert  136  of the pick  124 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , a first tab  156  extends from the first wall  146  and towards the midline plane  154 , and a second tab  158  extends from the second wall  148  and towards the midline place  154 . In some embodiments, and additionally or alternatively, both the first and second tabs  156 ,  158  can extend from the connection bottom  150  towards the top  122  of the flossing head  102 . These first and second tabs  156 ,  158  can be configured to matingly engage with the insert  136  of the pick  124  to releasably capture the pick  124  within the pick receptacle  120 . 
     In some embodiments, the first tab  156  and the second tab  158  can extend in the same plane, and in some embodiments, and as depicted in  FIG.  2   , the first tab  156  and the second tab  158  can extend in different planes. In some embodiments, the first and second tabs  156 ,  158  can extend through a common plane that is parallel with the midline plane  144  or that is the midline plane  144 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , however, the first and second tabs  156 ,  158  do not extend through a common plane that is parallel with the midline plane  144  or that is the midline plane  144 . Rather, in some embodiments, the first and second tabs  156 ,  158  can be separated by a space  160  that can be any desired shape and/or size. In some embodiments, this space  160  can facilitate the mating engagement of the first and second tabs  156 ,  158  with the insert  136 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  2 A , a perspective view of one embodiment of the pick  124  is shown. The pick  124  includes a first end  126 , a second end  128 , and a grip portion  132 . The pick  124  additionally includes the mating feature  134 , and specifically, the insert  136 . The insert  136  is a stepped insert having a first planar portion  162  proximate to the first end  126 , a second planar portion  164  proximate to the second end  128 , and a step  166  connecting the first and second planar portions  162 ,  164 . In some embodiments, the first and second planar portions  162 ,  164  can be sized, shaped, and/or positioned to engage with the first and second tabs  156 ,  158 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the step  166  can be sized, shaped, and/or positioned to fit within the space  160 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  3   , a front view of one embodiment of the hybrid dental tool  100  is shown. As seen, the hybrid dental tool  100  includes the flossing head  102  having the first arm  104  connected to the second arm  106  by the first filament  108  and the link arm  110 , and the second arm  106  connected to the third arm  112  by the second filament  114  and the link arm  110 . At the top  122  of the flossing head  102  is the pick receptacle  120 . As seen in  FIG.  3   , the pick receptacle  120  receives portions of the pick  124 , and specifically receives the first and second ends  126 ,  128  of the pick  124  such that the first and second ends  126 ,  128  are below the top  122  of the flossing head  102 , and are thus within the volume of the pick receptacle  120 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  4   , a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  200  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  200  includes the same features as the hybrid dental tool  100  with the exception of the pick receptacle  120 , the connection features  144 , and the mating features  134 . The hybrid dental tool  200  includes the flossing head  102  having a top  122  and a pick receptacle  120 . The pick receptacle  120  includes an end receptacle  138  that receives the first and second ends  126 ,  128  of the pick  124 . The pick receptacle  120  additionally includes the first and second walls  146 ,  148 , and the connection bottom  150 , that together define the connection receptacle  152 . 
     In contrast to the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , the hybrid dental tool  200  includes a back wall  202  that defines a boundary of the connection receptacle  152  that is perpendicular to one or both of the midline plane (not shown in  FIG.  4   ) and the top  122 . The back wall  202  can, in some embodiments, include a retention insert  204  that can be received by a mating receptacle  206  of the pick  124  to retain the pick  124  in the pick receptacle  120 . The retention insert  204 , and the mating receptacle  206 , can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, the retention insert  204  can comprise a cylindrical protrusion, and the mating receptacle  206  can comprise a hole in the insert  136  of the pick  124 . 
     As further seen in  FIG.  4   , the pick  124  includes an abutment face  208  that can be configured to abut with the top  122  of the back wall  202 . In some embodiments, this abutment face  208  can stabilize the pick  124  when the pick  124  is in the pick receptacle  120 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  5   , a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  300  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  300  includes the same features as the hybrid dental tool  100  with the exception of the pick receptacle  120 . The hybrid dental tool  300  includes the flossing head  102  having a top  122  and a pick receptacle  120 . The pick receptacle  120  shown in  FIG.  5    is sized and shaped to receive the entire pick  124 , and includes a back wall  202  that defines an access opening  302 . In this embodiment, the pick  124  fits completely within the pick receptacle  120 , and is removed from the pick receptacle  120  by the application of a force to the pick  124  through the access opening  302 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  6   , a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  400  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  400  includes the same features as the hybrid dental tool  100  with the exception of the connection features  144  and the mating features  134 . The hybrid dental tool  400  includes the flossing head  102  having a top  122  and a pick receptacle  120 . The pick receptacle  120  shown in  FIG.  6    includes a plurality of latches  402 , which latches  402  can be, for example, compliant. In the embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the latches  402  are located on the bottom  150  of the pick receptacle  120 , but in some embodiments, the latches  402  can be located on any features and/or component of the pick receptacle  120 . The latches  402  of the flossing head  102  are configured to engage with the mating features  134  of the pick  124 , and specifically to engage with a lip  404  located along all or portions of the insert  136 . 
     As further seen in  FIG.  6   , the link arm  110  can, in some embodiments, include a plurality of portions  180 ,  182 ,  184  located at or along the top  122  of the link arm  110 . In some embodiments, these can include, for example, a first portion  180  that can be relatively more proximate to the first arm  104  than the third arm  112 , a second portion  182  relatively more proximate to the third arm  112  than to the first arm  104 , and a third portion  184  located between the first and second portions  180 ,  182 . In some embodiments, the first portion  180  extends between the first arm  104  and the second arm  106 , and the second portion  182  extends from the second arm  106  to the third arm  112 . 
     In some embodiments, two or more of the first portion  180 ; the second portion  182 ; and the third portion  184 , can be located in the same plane or in different planes. In one embodiment, for example, the first and second portions  180 ,  182  can be located in a first plane that is defined by the points of the first and second portions  180 ,  182  equidistant from a line along a longitudinal axis  186  of one or both of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 . In some embodiments, the third portion  184  can be located in a second plane defined by points of the third portion located equidistant from the line along the longitudinal axis  186  of one or both of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the first, second, and third portions  180 ,  182 ,  184  can be positioned at a shortest distances from the line along the longitudinal axis  186  of one of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 . In one embodiment, the first portion  180  can be located at a shortest, third distance  188  from the line along the longitudinal axis  186  of one of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 , the second portion  182  can be located at a shortest, fourth distance  190  from the line along the longitudinal axis  186  of the one of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 , and the third portion  184  can be located at a shortest, fifth distance  192  from the line along the longitudinal axis  186  of the one of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 . These distances  188 ,  190 ,  192  can, in some embodiments, be the same, and can, in some embodiments, be different. In some embodiments, for example, the firth distance  192  can be shorter than one or both of the third and fourth distances  188 ,  190 , which third and fourth distances  188 ,  190  can be equal or unequal. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  7   , a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  500  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  500  includes the same features as the hybrid dental tool  100  with the exception of the connection features  144  and the mating features  134 . The hybrid dental tool  500  includes the flossing head  102  having a top  122  and a pick receptacle  120 . The pick receptacle  120  shown in  FIG.  7    is sized and shaped to receive the entire pick  124 , and includes a back wall  202  that defines an opening  502 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  8   , a section view of the hybrid dental device  500  is shown, which section is taken along plane A-A shown in  FIG.  7   . As seen in  FIG.  8   , the pick  124 , which includes a securement insert  700 , fits within the pick receptacle  120  and the securement insert  700  extends through opening  502  to thereby secure the pick within the pick receptacle  120  and to allow the separation of the pick  124  from the flossing head  102 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  9   , a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  600  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  600  includes the flossing head  102  having a top  122  and a pick receptacle  120 . The pick receptacle  120  shown in  FIG.  7    is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the pick  124 , and includes a back wall  202  and front wall  900 . The pick  124  shown in  FIG.  9    includes the grip portion  132 , the insert  136 , and the abutment face  208  that is positioned on the pick  124  to abut top  122  of the flossing head  102  when the pick  124  is received within the pick receptacle  120 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  10   , a section view of the hybrid dental device  600  is shown, which section is taken along plane B-B shown in  FIG.  9   . As seen in  FIG.  10   , the pick  124 , includes a step  902 . Because of the step  902 , the pick  124  fits within the pick receptacle  120  with the grip portion  132  adjacent to the back wall  202  and the insert  136  adjacent to the front wall  900 . As further seen in  FIG.  10   , when the pick  124  is in the pick receptacle  120 , the abutment surface  208  abuts the top  122  of the flossing head  102 . This is further seen in  FIG.  11   . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  12   , a perspective view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  1200  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  1200  includes the flossing head  102  having the first arm  104  and the second arm  106  connected by the first filament  108  and the link arm  110 . 
     Extending from the flossing head is handle  1202 . The handle  1202  can be sized and shaped so as to allow a user to hold the handle  1202  to control operation of the hybrid dental device  1200 . In some embodiments, the handle  1202  can be made of the same material as the flossing head  102 , and in some embodiments, the handle  1202  can be made of a different material than the flossing head  102 . The handle  1202  can include a connecting end  1204  that connects to the flossing head  102 , and specifically can connect to one or more of the link arm  110  and the second arm  106 . The handle  1202  can further include a free end  1206 . In some embodiments, the free end  1206  is located opposite the connecting end  1204 , and does not directly connect to the flossing head  102 , but rather connects to the flossing head  102  via the connecting end  1204 . 
     The handle  1202  can include the pick receptacle  120 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  12   , the pick receptacle  120  extends from the free end  1206  of the handle  1202  towards the connecting end  1204  of the handle. The pick receptacle  120  can be shaped such that the first end  126  of the pick  124  is relatively more proximate to the connecting end  1204  of the handle  1202 , and the second end  128  of the pick  124  is relatively more proximate to the free end  1206  of the handle  1202 . In some embodiments, the pick receptacle  120  can be sized to be smaller than the pick  124  and/or so that one or several dimensions of the pick receptacle  120  are smaller than the corresponding one or several dimensions of the pick  124  to thereby create a friction fit and/or interference fit. In some embodiments, this interference fit can result in deformations to some or all of the pick receptacle  120  and/or the pick  124 , which deformations can retain the pick  124  within the pick receptacle  120 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  13   , a front view of an embodiment of a hybrid dental tool  1300  is shown. This hybrid dental tool  1300  includes the flossing head  102  having the first arm  104  and the second arm  106  connected by the first filament  108  and the link arm  110 . 
     Extending from the flossing head is handle  1302 . The handle  1302  can be sized and shaped so as to allow a user to hold the handle  1302  to control operation of the hybrid dental device  1300 . In some embodiments, the handle  1302  can be made of the same material as the flossing head  102 , and in some embodiments, the handle  1302  can be made of a different material than the flossing head  102 . The handle  1302  can include a connecting end  1304  that connects to the flossing head  102 , and specifically can connect to one or more of the link arm  110  and the second arm  106 . The handle  1302  can further include a free end  1306 . In some embodiments, the free end  1306  is located opposite the connecting end  1304 , and does not directly connect to the flossing head  102 , but rather connects to the flossing head  102  via the connecting end  1304 . 
     The handle  1302  can include the pick receptacle  120  and the connecting features  144 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  13   , the pick receptacle  120  extends from the free end  1306  of the handle  1302  towards the connecting end  1304  of the handle. The pick receptacle  120  can be shaped such that the first end  126  of the pick  124  is relatively more proximate to the connecting end  1304  of the handle  1302 , and the second end  128  of the pick  124  is relatively more proximate to the free end  1306  of the handle  1302 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  14   , a close-up perspective view of the connecting features  144  and the mating features  134  is shown. The connecting features  144  include a male insert  1318  having a front portion  1320  and a back portion  1322  that are partially separated by a void  1324 . The male insert  1318  further includes a first end  1326  and an opposing second end  1328 . The first end  1326  and the second end  1328  are separated by a distance L 1 . 
     The mating features  134  include a female receptacle  1330  that is sized and shaped to receive the male insert  1318 . The female receptacle  1330  has a first end  1331  and a second end  1333 . A retention tab  1332  is located at the first end  1331  of the female receptacle  1330 . The retention tab  1332  is sized and shaped to be, at least partially, received within the void  1324  of the connecting features  144 . As depicted in  FIG.  14   , the distance between the retention tab  1332  and the second end  1333  of the female receptacle  1330  is defined by a distance L 2 . In some embodiments, distance L 2  can be greater than and/or equal to distance L 1  to thereby allow the male insert  1318  to be received within the female receptacle  1330 . In such an embodiment, after the male insert  1318  has been received in the female receptacle  1330 , the male insert  1318 , and the thereto connected pick  124 , can be slid relatively towards the retention tab  1332  and/or the first end  1331  of the female receptacle  1330 . This motion of the male insert  1318  with respect to the female receptacle  1330  can result in the retention tab  1332  being at least partially received within the void  1324  such that the front portion  1320  is on one side of the retention tab  1332  and the back portion  1322  is on the other, opposite side of the retention tab  1332 . This positioning secures the male insert  1318 , and thereby the pick  124 , with respect to the flosser  101 . 
     With reference now to  FIG.  15   , a front view of one embodiment of the hybrid dental tool  100  is shown. As seen in  FIG.  15   , the hybrid dental tool  100  includes the flossing head  102  having the first arm  104 , the second arm  106  including the first portion  116  and the second portion  118 , and the third arm  112 . As depicted in  FIG.  15   , the first portion  116  includes a proximal end  1500  connecting to the link arm  110 , and a distal end  1502 . Similarly, the second portion includes a proximal end  1504  connecting to the link arm  110 , and a distal end  1506 . 
     In some embodiments, the distance between the first arm  104  and the first portion  116  of the second arm  106  can be the same as the distance between the second portion  118  of the second arm  106  and the third arm  112 . In some embodiments, the distance between the first arm  104  and the first portion  116  of the second arm  106  can be the different than the distance between the second portion  118  of the second arm  106  and the third arm  112 . In some embodiments, different distances between the first arm  104  and the first portion  116  of the second arm  106  and between the second portion  118  of the second arm  106  and the third arm  112  can allow a user to better use the hybrid dental tool  100  to clean between teeth located in both the front of the user&#39;s mouth and in the back of the user&#39;s mouth. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second portions  116 ,  118  of the second arm  106  can be connected to each other along the entirety of their length as shown in  FIG.  1   , and in some embodiments, the first and second portions  116 ,  118  can only connect to the link arm  110 , and thus to each other at their proximal ends  1500 ,  1504 . 
     As further seen in  FIG.  15   , a single filament  196  extends from the first arm  104  to the third arm  112 . This single filament  196  forms the first filament  108  and the second filament  114 , and also forms a third filament  1508  extending from the first portion  116  to the second portion  118 . In some embodiments, for example, the hybrid dental device shown in  FIG.  15    can be created by tensioning the single filament  196  across a mold (not shown), closing the mold, and molding the flossing head  102  in the mold and around portion of the first filament  196 . After the material of the flossing head  102  has solidified, the mold can be opened and the flossing head  102  and the connected single filament  196  can be removed from the mold. 
     In some embodiments, the single filament  196  can be severed such that the first and second filaments  108 ,  114  are independent of each other. In some embodiments, this severing can facilitate maintenance of higher tensioning in one or both of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 , and can specifically prevent the loss of tension in one of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114  from affecting the tension in the other of the first and second filaments  108 ,  114 . In some embodiments, the single filament  196  can be severed by a cutting implement that can be, for example, a heated cutting implement including, for example, hot air, a flame, a wire cutter, a heated piece of metal, or the like. In some embodiments, the cutting implement can sever the single filament  196 , and in some embodiments, the cutting implement can likewise sever portions of the second arm  106  such that the first and second portions  116 ,  118  are only connected via their proximal ends  1500 ,  1504 . One embodiment of the hybrid dental device  100  having the severed single filament  196  is shown in  FIG.  16   . 
     While various embodiments of present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited to the described embodiments.