Patent Publication Number: US-2017348079-A1

Title: Reusable floss handle with a replacement floss member

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Generally, the present disclosure relates to flossing devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a flossing wand having a handle with a removable floss frame. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a flossing device including a handle and a floss frame selectively lockable with the handle with an improved locking assembly and orientation of the floss string in the locked position. 
     Background Information 
     Dental floss is a thin filament or wire ordinarily used to remove food or dental plaque from between teeth, typically in areas where a toothbrush is unable to reach. Dentists suggest that a significant amount of dental plaque may be removed through the act of flossing and the removal of the dental plaque is essential to prevent dental diseases such as gingivitis. 
     Floss ordinarily comes on a spool configured to be unwound and cut by the user when the act of flossing is about to occur. Others have recognized that unwinding floss from a spool and using hands to maneuver the floss through the teeth may be unwieldly in some instances. 
     As such, others have developed handheld tools which are commonly referred to as floss wands to assist a user in flossing their teeth. These floss wands ordinarily have a handle and a short piece of floss string supported by a U-shaped frame. In some instances, the floss carrying frame may be removable relative to the handle. 
     Some exemplary floss wands including a handle and a removable frame are depicted in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0169299; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0041412; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0044815; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,971. 
     SUMMARY 
     The aforementioned references generally disclose floss wands having a handle and a removable floss frame. However, these references are not without their drawbacks. Particularly, they include handles that are elongated similar to that of a toothbrush which can be difficult to maneuver in the small confines within a user&#39;s mouth. Additionally, some of the locking features utilized to attach the removable floss frame to the handle may lack integrity when subjected to forceful pressure by the operator attempting to maneuver the floss between the teeth. As such, issues continue to exist with flossing wands having removable floss heads or removable floss frames and therefore a need continues to exist to cure these drawbacks. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues. 
     In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a flossing device comprising: a handle extending from a first end to a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween; a first arm on the handle and a second arm on the handle offset from the first arm, and the first and second arms define a space therebetween; a locking assembly on the handle adjacent the first and second arms; a slot formed in the first and second arms, wherein the slot is lengthwise aligned in the longitudinal direction; a floss frame member carrying taught floss and a portion of the floss frame member shaped complementary to the slot for slidable engagement therewith; wherein the locking assembly selectively locks the floss frame to the handle when the floss frame is in the slot. 
     In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method of comprising the steps of: providing a handle including a first end opposite a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween and a first side opposite a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween; 
     aligning taught floss carried by a floss frame lengthwise in the longitudinal direction; moving the floss frame in the transverse direction into a slot defined adjacent the first end of the handle; and locking the floss frame to the handle with a locking assembly. 
     In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a flossing device including a handle and a selectively lockable floss frame carrying a taught floss string. The flossing device locks the floss frame to the handle to position the taught floss lengthwise parallel to the longitudinal axis associated with the handle. A locking assembly effectuates the selective locking engagement of the floss frame to the handle. The locking assembly may be positioned adjacent two arms formed in the handle defining a slot configured to slidably receive the floss frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a first side perspective view of a flossing device in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a second side perspective view of a flossing device; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded first side perspective view of the flossing device; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded second side view of the flossing device; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged second side perspective view of the region labeled “See  FIG. 5 ” in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded elevation view of the flossing device; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded cross section view taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation view of the assembled flossing device; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross section view of the assembled flossing device taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A flossing device is depicted in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure throughout the figures and is generally indicated at  10 . Flossing device  10  provides an operator the ability to floss and clean the spaces between their teeth and gums in their mouth. Flossing device  10  includes one exemplary advantage of providing a reusable member in combination with a disposable floss member which clearly is beneficial in reducing waste. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , flossing device  10  includes a first end  12  opposite a second end  14  defining a longitudinal direction therebetween. Additionally, flossing device  10  includes a first side  16  spaced opposite a second side  18  defining a transverse direction therebetween. 
     Flossing device  10  further includes a handle member  20  and a replaceable and interchangeable frame  22  supporting a taught floss string  24 . 
     Handle  20  includes a first arm  26  defining the first end  12  extending transversely outward from a rounded connection with a longitudinally extending body member  28 . A second arm  30  is offset from first arm  26  closer to second end  14  and extends transversely in the same direction as first arm  26  from a rigid connection with body member  28 . The first arm  26  and the second arm  30  define a space  32  therebetween. Collectively, the first arm  26 , a portion of the body member  28 , and the second arm  30  are generally arranged in a U-shaped configuration when viewed from above. The space  32  defined between first arm  26  and second arm  30  is configured and adapted to receive portions of teeth therebetween during the flossing process when the flossing device  10  is maneuvered by the operator. 
     A portion of the body member  28  extends longitudinally towards the second end  14  from the rigid connection with second arm  30 . In one implementation, the body member  28  extends arcuately outward to an apex region  34  having a maximum transverse width across the apex and then tapering down to a point  36  which defines the second end  14 . Intermediate the apex portions  34  may be a recessed region  38 . The recessed region  38  may define a plurality of channels  40  arranged in a manner to provide the dual function of an aesthetically pleasing look to increase the commercial viability of flossing device  10  as well as to provide gripping functions to enable the operator to increase their tactile maneuverability of flossing device  10  during the flossing operation. Furthermore, as indicated in both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a complementary, or otherwise mirrored, recessed region  38  may be formed in both surfaces of handle  20 . Similar reference numerals are identified on each side as referring to similar elements on each lateral side of flossing device  10 . 
     The channels  40  may be formed in a geometric configuration or other commonly known organic or inorganic configurations to simulate the look and feel of a commonly appreciated item for an operator. For example, a geometric pattern may be established with channels  40  in the shape of a leaf wherein the channels form the veins of the leaf or the channels  40  may be arranged in a geometric pattern such as one similar to that of a beehive. Clearly, other patterns are entirely possible and the pattern shown in the figures is not intended to be limiting. 
     With continued reference to the recessed region  38 , the region  38  may be offset entirely towards second end  14  relative to second arm  30 . However, other implementations, such as the one shown in  FIG. 1 , may have a small tail portion of the recessed region  38  which extends towards the first end  12  beyond the connection of second arm  30  to body member  28 . 
     Handle  20  has a longitudinal length between two inches and three inches measured from first end  12  to second end  14 . This is considerably shorter than a traditional toothbrush handle, or a prior art floss wand handle found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0169299; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0041412; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0044815; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,971 which are in a range from about six inches to about eight inches. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the handle  20  defines a slot  42  in the first arm  26  and the second arm  30  and the slot  42  receives floss frame  22  therein. More particularly, slot  42  extends transversely and is formed in second arm  30  and faces gap  32 . The slot  42  continues in a longitudinal direction and is formed in the body member  28  facing gap  32 . The slot  42  then continues to be formed by first arm  26  extending transversely a distance similar to that of second arm  30 . Slot  42  is generally U-shaped in cross section and sized to receive a portion of floss frame  22  therein and establish a nesting fit. A majority of slot  42  is coplanar with handle  20 . Stated otherwise, slot  42  is oriented lengthwise in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, slot  42  permits sliding movement of the floss frame  22  in the transverse direction into and out of engagement with slot  42  while simultaneously and substantially precluding movement of frame  22  in the longitudinal direction between first end  12  and second end  14 . Immediately adjacent the slot  42  may be an angled transitional wall  44  extending between slot  42  and the outer surface of handle  20 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the floss frame  22  may be a substantially rigid member including a first end  46  and a second end  48 . A generally arcuate intermediate member  50  extends between first end  46  and second  48 . Intermediate member  50  has a cross section configuration complementary to that of slot  42  inasmuch as intermediate member  50  is configured to be substantially received in slot  42  when the floss frame  22  is attached to handle  20 . Adjacent the apex of intermediate member  50  is a laterally extending aperture  52 . As will be described in greater detail below, aperture  52  is configured to align with a laterally aligned aperture  53  formed in body member  28  intermediate first arm  26  and second arm  30 . 
     Frame  22  may further include a first enlarged member  54  which defines first end  46  and a second enlarged member  56  which defines second end  48 . The first and second enlarged members  54 ,  56  include an outer width that is substantially similar to first arm  26  and second arm  30  respectively and greater than the width of intermediate member  50 . Floss string  24  extends longitudinally between a substantially fixed connection with first enlarged member  54  and second enlarged member  56  on frame  22 . 
     The intermediate member  50  includes a first leg  58  and a second leg  60  with the apex portion defining aperture  52  positioned therebetween. Leg  58  and leg  60  define a gap  62  therebetween. Gap  62  is similarly shaped to gap  32  defined in handle  20 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , flossing device  10  may further comprise a locking assembly  64  provided adjacent the first end  12  of handle  20  in order to selectively lock a single floss frame  22  to handle  20  at a single time. Locking assembly  64  is selectively lockable and unlockable to effectuate the removal and replacement of the interchangeable and disposable floss frames  22 . 
     Locking assembly  64  may include a plate  66  pivotally connected to body member  28  of handle  20  and is configured to move between a first unlocked position ( FIG. 5 ) and a second locked position ( FIG. 6 ) about pivot axis  68 . The pivot connection between plate  66  and body member  28  of handle  20  is positioned closer to second side  18  such that plate  66  rotates towards second side  18  when moving from the second locked position to the first unlocked position and the plate  66  moves toward first side  16  when pivoting from the first unlocked position to the second locked position. 
     A lock arm  70  may extend from a rigid connection with plate  66  and is configured to extend through the aligned aperture  53  on body member  28  and aperture  52  on floss frame  22  when the floss frame  22  is fully inserted within slot  42 . Further, the lock arm  70  may include a hooked end  76  configured to extend fully through aperture  52  on frame  22  to thereby ensure a rigid releasable connection of frame  22  to handle  20 . This ensures that when frame  22  is secured and selectively locked, the frame is substantially precluded from moving in the transverse direction which is beneficial during the flossing operation. Particularly, an operator does not want floss frame member  22  to move relative to handle  20  as the floss string  24  is maneuvered between teeth and around the operator&#39;s gums. 
     Locking assembly  64  may further include one or more protrusions  72  extending outwardly from a portion of locking assembly  64  configured to engage a recessed portion of the body member  28  that defines aperture  53 . In one embodiment, protrusions  72  engaged with the recess adjacent aperture  53  act as one or more detents to assist with the arrest of the rotational movement of plate  66  about pivot axis  68  in the locked position. 
     While the locking assembly  64  is shown intermediate first arm  26  and second arm  30  on handle  20 , it should be clearly understood and foreseen to one having ordinary skill in the art that the locking assembly  64  may be positioned at other locations relative to handle  20  in order to releasably and rigidly secure floss frame  22  carrying floss string  24  to handle  20 . Additionally, locking assembly  64  locks frame  22  in longitudinal coplanar alignment with handle  20 . While the embodiments shown herein provide a floss string  24  that is lengthwise longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of handle  20 , there may be some implementations where a handle  20  could be provided with a slot and a locking assembly that locks a repeatably interchangeable and disposable floss frame member  22  in an arrangement such that the floss string  24  is lengthwise arranged orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis associated with handle  20 . 
     In accordance with one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, flossing device  10  provides the advantages of a removable and interchangeable floss frame  22  carrying a flossing string  24  that may be releasably attached via locking mechanism  64  to the handle  20 . Device  10  enables the handle  20  be reused and recycled rather than conventional disposable single-use floss members that are a unibody design having a handle and a string carrying frame formed as a single unit wherein the entire unit is disposed after the flossing operation. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, flossing device  10  may be sold as part of a kit which includes one or more handles  20  sold in a package with a plurality of string frames  22  carrying single use flossing strings  24 . The kit may be provided as an entire package to provide an operator with a sufficient supply of handles and interchangeable and disposable floss frames  22  for a given period of time. For example, inasmuch as frames  22  are intended to be single use frames, the kit may be sold with one handle and seven frames  22  to represent a kit that should last one week. Alternatively, other numerical arrangements may be provided as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand, such as fifteen frames  22  which would approximately correspond to a half-month supply. A second kit may also be provided as a supplemental package to the original kit which may solely include a plurality of frames  22  which may be purchased by a consumer after acquiring/purchasing the original handle  20 . 
     In operation and with reference to  FIG. 6  through  FIG. 9 , the flossing device  10  enables an operator to reuse handle  20  multiple times while interchanging floss frame  22  carrying floss string  24  for each use or a number of uses until floss string  24  has exhausted its useful life (typically one flossing session). 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , a first floss frame  22 A is shown in a disconnected position from handle  20 . The unattached and disconnected position enables the first floss frame  22 A to be aligned with handle  20  as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . When the disconnected and aligned first floss member  22 A is moved into position for attachment with handle  20 , the first floss frame  22 A is preferably below the downwardly facing slot  42 . First floss frame  22 A may be moved upwardly in the transverse direction, shown generally as Arrow A, while simultaneously being centered between first arm  26  and second arm  30 . As first floss frame  22 A is advanced into an engaged position with handle  20 , the first leg  58  on floss frame  22 A nests within the portion of slot  42  defined by first leg  26 . Simultaneously, the second leg  60  on floss frame  22 A nests within the portion of slot  42  formed in second arm  30  on handle  20 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts the locking assembly  64  in an open position wherein the plate  66  has been pivoted about axis  68  in the direction of arrow B such that lock arm  70  is not extending through aperture  53 . Rather, lock arm  70  is disposed entirely to one lateral side of handle  20 . 
       FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  depict the first floss frame  22 A engaged with handle  20  with the locking assembly  64  shown in its locked position. Leg  58  and leg  60  on floss first frame  22 A nest entirely within slot  42 . The enlarged members  54 ,  56  extend downwardly below the terminal ends of slot  42 . When first floss frame  22 A is engaged with handle  20 , a substantial portion of first floss frame  22 A is coplanar with the longitudinal portions of handle  20 . Specifically, first floss frame  22 A is aligned coplanar with handle  20  along longitudinal plane  74 . 
     Once first floss frame  22 A has been fully inserted into slot  42 , the locking assembly  64  may be rotated about pivot axis  68  in the direction of arrow B such that the locking arm  70  extends through the aligned apertures  52 ,  53 . The locking arm  70  includes an upwardly extending protruding and hooked terminal end  76  which extends in a vertical direction beyond the uppermost edge of aperture  52  formed in an apex region of member  50  intermediate of leg  58  and leg  60 . 
     When the locking assembly  64  is locked and the frame  22  is held securely in slot  42 , a terminal end of plate  66  may be positioned offset from the body member  28 . The terminal end of plate  66  opposite the pivot connection at axis  68  is disposed within gap  32 . The purposeful elongation of plate  66  into gap  32  in the locked position provides the user/operator an effective gripping means to unlocked the locking assembly from the locked position in order to remove frame  22  from slot  42 . Effectively, the advanced terminal end of plate  66  provides a pull tab for the operator to grip and rotate plate  66  back to the unlocked position. Furthermore, while the locking assembly is shown as being part of the handle  20  (and distinct from the floss frame  22 ), there may be alternative embodiments which provide a locking assembly integrally formed with or carried by the floss frame for securing the frame to the handle. 
     With the first floss frame member  22 A locked to handle  20 , the operator may then use floss string  24  to floss between their teeth while handle  20  guides and maneuvers said string  24  in a desired path to perform a teeth or other oral cleaning function. After the oral care has been performed, the operator may unlock the locking assembly  64  by rotating locking plate  66  in an opposite direction about pivot axis  68 . When the locking assembly  64  is unlocked, a user may removably slide the first floss frame  22 A downwardly in the transverse direction towards the first side  16  and replace the first floss frame  22 A with a second floss frame for later use. 
     As used herein, the term “flossing device” refers to a reusable floss handle with a replacement floss member. 
     In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
     Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure are an example and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.