Patent Publication Number: US-2018049852-A1

Title: Flossing instrument

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 14/688,284 filed Apr. 16, 2015 the contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to flossing instruments, and more particularly, to an instrument which supports more than one flossing filament. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Flossing is an effective way of promoting dental health. Some people support a flossing filament in their fingers while flossing. For convenience, flossing instruments having a handle and a frame on which is supported a single flossing filament have been provided. However, tooth contours and tooth spacing vary, even within a single mouth. Gaps between teeth may vary such that no one thickness or diameter of flossing filament meets all needs. A flossing instrument may provide a compact way of holding a flossing filament taut deep within the mouth, where free or open space is minimal. However, the angle of the flossing filament to the handle of the flossing instrument may not be conducive to effective flossing. There exists room in the art for improved flossing instruments. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed concepts address the above stated situation by providing flossing instruments offering greater versatility than known types. To this end, there is disclosed a flossing instrument supporting more than one flossing filament. The flossing instrument may support two, three, or even more flossing filaments. The tool comprises a plurality of arms joined to one another. The arms may be joined at a common point, or alternatively, may join a common post. Each arm may support one or more ends of one or more flossing filaments. Flossing filaments may vary in length and in diameter from one another. The arms may have a dedicated handle, or alternatively, for compactness, may be without a handle. 
     It is an object to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     These and other objects will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the disclosed concepts will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 1A  is a plan view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to at least one further aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a plan view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to an additional aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to still at least one additional aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to still another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to a further aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective detail view of an alternative construction of the upper right of  FIG. 6 , according to still another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is an end detail view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to yet another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an end detail view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to a further aspect of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is an end detail view of a multi-filament flossing instrument, according to yet another aspect of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , according to at least one aspect of the disclosure, there is shown a multi-filament flossing instrument  100 , comprising a support frame  102  including a first arm  104 , a second arm  106 , and a third arm  108 . A first filament  110  is fixed at one end  112  to first arm  104  and at an opposed end  114  to second arm  106 . A second filament  116  is fixed at one end  118  to one of first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and at an opposed end  120  to another one of first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108 . A third filament  122  is fixed at one end  124  to one of first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and at an opposed end  126  to another one of first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108 . Support frame  102  will be understood to comprise arms  104 ,  106  and  108 . 
     Provision of three filaments  110 ,  116 ,  122  gives the user a choice of filaments  110 ,  116 , or  122 . For any given surface portion of any given tooth being flossed, because filaments  110 ,  116  are differently oriented on support frame  102 , one of filaments  110 ,  116 ,  122  may be more effective in reaching and scraping that surface portion. Filaments  110 ,  116 ,  122  may be embedded within first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108 , may be fusion bonded thereto, may be held by entrapment or interference, or may retained in any other suitable way. 
     Each filament  110 ,  116 , or  122  is oriented so as to present at least a slightly different orientation to any one given tooth, compared to any other filament of any one multi-filament flossing instrument of the claims. This holds true for all implementations of all multi-filament flossing instruments disclosed herein. 
     Filaments  110 ,  116 ,  122  are of equal or identical diameters, and may be provided as three separate filaments, two separate filaments, or one continuous filament. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first”, “second”, etc., are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the times to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not either require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item. 
     Throughout this specification, and applying to all described and claimed implementations of the disclosure, because the disclosed multi-filament flossing instruments (e.g., multi-filament flossing instrument  100 ) are for flossing, filaments (e.g., filaments  110 ,  116 ) will be understood to comprise constituent material suitable for flossing. Also, because of the intended use as a flossing instrument, all multi-filament flossing instruments described or shown herein are dimensioned and configured to fit inside a human mouth. For example, In  FIG. 1 , in every one of the disclosed multi-filament flossing instruments described or shown herein, first and second arms  104 ,  106  are no greater in length than three quarters of an inch. 
     Furthermore, in all implementations of this disclosure, the term “support frame” (e.g., support frame  102  in  FIG. 1 ) will refer to those arms shown and described for each implementation (e.g., arms  104 ,  106 ,  108  in  FIG. 1 ). 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108  join to one another at a common point  128  on support frame  102 . Common point  128  is the intersection of first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108 . 
     At least two of first, second, and third arms  104 ,  106 ,  108  are of different lengths. As illustrated, third arm  108  is longer than first and second arms  104 ,  106 . Arm  108  is sufficiently long to serve as a handle for finger grasp and manipulation of multi-filament flossing instrument  100 . 
       FIG. 1A  shows a multi-filament flossing instrument  150  which is generally similar to multi-filament flossing instrument  100 , except that first, second, and third arms  154 ,  156 ,  158  of frame  152 , and first, second, and third filaments  160 ,  166 ,  172  are all generally coplanar. That is, longitudinal centerlines  162 ,  164 ,  168  of first, second, and third arms  154 ,  156 ,  158  are coplanar. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a multi-filament flossing instrument  200  has first, second, and third arms  203 ,  204 ,  206  of equal length. First, second and third filaments  208 ,  210 ,  212  are each fixed at opposed ends to two of free ends  214 ,  216 ,  218  of first, second, and third arms  203 ,  204 ,  206 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , first, second, and third arms  203 ,  204 ,  206  join to one another at a common point  228  on support frame  202 .  10 . In multi-filament flossing instrument  200 , the first and second filaments  208 ,  210  are of equal length. However, in multi-filament flossing instrument  200 , the first and second filaments  208 ,  210  are of different diameters. Third filament  212  may be of still another diameter if desired, or may be the same as one of first and second filaments  208 ,  210 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows a multi-filament flossing instrument  250  which corresponds to multi-filament flossing instrument  150 , except that in the former, first, second, and third arms  253 ,  254 ,  256  are of equal length. First, second, and third arms  253 ,  254 ,  256  of frame  252  are coplanar, as are first, second, and third filaments  258 ,  260 ,  262 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a multi-filament flossing instrument  300  includes a frame  302  comprising first, second, and third arms  304 ,  306 , and  308 . First, second, and third filaments  310 ,  316 ,  322  are fixed to first, second, and third arms  304 ,  306 ,  308 . The first and second arms  304 ,  306  join to the third arm  308  at points  328 ,  330  spaced apart from one another along the third arm  308 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , a multi-filament flossing instrument  400  includes first, second, and third arms  404 ,  406 ,  408  joined together to form a frame  402 . First, second, and third arms  404 ,  406 ,  408  support first, second, and third filaments  410 ,  412 ,  414  in a manner similar to that of multi-filament flossing instruments  100 ,  200 , and  300  of  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 . Longitudinal center lines  416 ,  418 ,  420  of respective first, second, and third arms  404 ,  406 ,  408  are coplanar. By contrast with multi-filament flossing instrument  400 , center lines of the first, second, and third arms are distributed throughout three dimensions. For example, in  FIG. 2 , center lines  220 ,  222 , and  224  of first, second, and third arms  203 ,  204 , and  206  are distributed throughout, or occupy, three dimensions. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a multi-filament flossing instrument  500  comprises a frame  502  including a first arm  504 , a second arm  506 , and third arm  508 , and a fourth arm  510 . Center line  512  of the fourth arm  510  is not aligned with the center lines  514 ,  516 ,  518  of any of the first, second, and third arms  504 ,  506 ,  508 . First, second, and third filaments  520 ,  522 ,  524  are fixed to first, second, and third arms  504 ,  506 ,  508 . The first and second filaments  520 ,  522  are of different lengths. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a multi-filament flossing instrument  600 , comprising an elongated handle  602  having a proximal end  604  and a distal end  606 , a first support frame  608  fixed to proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 . First support frame  608  includes at least a first arm  610  projecting from first support frame  608  proximate proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 , and at least a second arm  612  projecting from elongated handle  602  proximate first arm  610 , a first filament  614  fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to second arm  612 , and a second filament  616  fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to another arm (e.g., second arm  612 , although in other embodiments such as those of  FIGS. 1-5 , to a third arm). As employed herein, a support frame refers to any pair arms (e.g., arms  610  and  612 ) spaced apart from one another and capable of holding one or more filaments taut between them. 
     In  FIGS. 6-10 , extensions of filaments (e.g., first and second filaments  614 ,  616 ) are depicted as small circles. This is intended as a visual aid enabling an observer to better picture orientation of the filament relative to its respective support frame. It should not be inferred that filaments actually fully penetrate their associated arms (e.g., arms  610 ,  612 ). 
     In the example of  FIG. 6 , first filament  614  and second filament  616  are each fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to second arm  612 . In  FIG. 6 , first filament  614  and second filament  616  are not equidistant from elongated handle  602 . Alternatively stated, one is above the other as viewed in  FIG. 6 . This increases the number of passes of a filament against a particular tooth (not shown) in one stroke of multi-filament flossing instrument  100  when flossing. However, this is not the only possible configuration. Referring to  FIG. 7 , first filament  614  and second filament  616  are equidistant from elongated handle  602 . This enables one of filaments  614  and  616  to bear against a tooth without obliging first and second arms  610 ,  612  to be pressed against or interfere with teeth. Although only one arm  610  or  612  could be provided, providing both promotes ready contact with teeth from either of two opposed sides of the tooth, or alternatively, facilitates right and left handed usage of multi-filament flossing instrument  100 . 
     In addition, provision of more than one filament on any one support frame assures that if one filament breaks, multi-filament flossing instrument  100  will still be immediately usable. 
     Again referring specifically to  FIG. 6 , multi-filament flossing instrument  100  may further comprise a second support frame  618  fixed to distal end  606  of elongated handle  602 . Second support frame  618  may include at least a third arm  620  projecting from second support frame  618  proximate distal end  606  of elongated handle  602 , at least a fourth arm  622  projecting from elongated handle  602  proximate third arm  620 , and at least a third filament  624  fixed at one end to third arm  620  and at an opposed end to fourth arm  622 . At least one of first filament  614  and second filament  616  has a first diameter  626 , and third filament  624  has a second diameter  628  different from first diameter  626 . Providing filaments of different diameters may promote more effective flossing by for example, varying conformity of the filament to any given tooth at a particular level of manual pressure imposed on multi-filament flossing instrument  100 . Illustratively, a smaller diameter filament may conform better to a tooth, thereby wrapping around more of the circumference of that tooth and effectively scraping more tooth area for each stroke of multi-filament flossing instrument  100 . Conversely, a relatively thick filament may avoid hanging up in crevices or other irregularities of the surface of the tooth. Also, smaller diameter filaments may better penetrate more tightly spaced teeth. Larger diameter filaments may be more resistant to breakage. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , which shows multi-filament flossing instrument  100  in end view, first arm  610 , second arm  612 , third arm  620 , fourth arm  622 , and handle  602  may all be coplanar, occupying plane  630 . Seen in the end view of  FIG. 8 , plane  630  is a line. This enables a user to intuitively grasp orientation of multi-filament flossing instrument  100  relative to the teeth after switching which support frame  608  or  618  contacts the teeth. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate other possible variations. In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , first arm  610  and second arm  612  are coplanar, and third arm  620  and fourth arm  622  are offset from plane  632  occupied by first arm  610  and second arm  612 . Third and fourth arms  620 ,  622  occupy  630 . 
     In  FIGS. 6 and 8 , first arm  610  and second arm  612  are coplanar with elongated handle  602 , occupying plane  630 . 
     In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , first arm  610  and second arm  612  are not coplanar with elongated handle  602 . First and second arms  610 ,  612  occupy  632  in each of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     Specifically in  FIG. 10 , first arm  610  and second arm  612  are not coplanar with elongated handle  602 , and third arm  620  and fourth arm  622  are not coplanar with either elongated handle  602  or with first arm  610  and second arm  612 . Third and fourth arms  620 ,  622  occupy a plane  634  in  FIG. 10 . 
     The variations of  FIGS. 9 and 10  offer slight difference and provide slight versatility in maneuvering multi-filament flossing instrument  100 , which may be preferable to different users when accounting for variations in human physiology of the mouth. According to a further aspect of the disclosure, and referring primarily to  FIG. 6 , multi-filament flossing instrument  100  may comprise elongated handle  602  having proximal end  604  and distal end  606 , and first support frame  608  fixed to proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 . First support frame  608  may include at least first arm  610  projecting from first support frame  608  proximate proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 , and at least second arm  612  projecting from elongated handle  602  proximate first arm  610 , first filament  614  fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to second arm  612 , and second filament  616  fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to another arm, such as arm  612 . However, in other embodiments, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , second filament  616  may span first arm  610  and an arm other than arm  612 . Alternatively stated, first and second filaments  614  and  616  may span support frames each having two arms dedicated to any one filament, or, as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , filaments may span support frames sharing an arm between two abutting support frames. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in multi-filament flossing instrument  100  described immediately above, at least one of first filament  614  and second filament  616  has first diameter  626 , and third filament  624  has a second diameter  628  different from first diameter  626 . 
     Filaments on the same support frame may have different diameters. Still referring to  FIG. 6 , first filament  614  may have first diameter  626 , and second filament  612  may have a third diameter  636  different from first diameter  626 . 
     Placement of filaments of different diameters in different support frames and locations may increase versatility of multi-filament flossing instrument  100 , or suitability of multi-filament flossing instrument  100  for different physiologies. 
     Continuing to refer to primarily to  FIG. 6  but also to  FIGS. 7-10 , where multi-filament flossing instrument  100  may comprise elongated handle  602  having proximal end  604  and distal end  606 , and first support frame  608  fixed to proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 , and where first support frame  608  may include at least first arm  610  projecting from first support frame  608  proximate proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 , and at least second arm  612  projecting from elongated handle  602  proximate first arm  610 , first filament  614  fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to second arm  612 , and second filament  616  fixed at one end to first arm  610  and at an opposed end to another arm, multi-filament flossing instrument  100  may comprise second support frame  618  fixed to distal end  606  of elongated handle  602 . Second support frame  618  may include at least third arm  620  projecting from second support frame  618  proximate proximal end  604  of elongated handle  602 , and fourth arm  622  projecting from second support frame  618  proximate third arm  620 . 
     Alternatively stated, multi-filament flossing instrument  100  may comprise first and second filaments fixed to diverse arms (e.g., first arm  610 , for supporting a filament), the filaments may be fixed to separate support frames each having arms dedicated to one filament, or alternatively, the filaments may be fixed to support arms having shared arms receiving and supporting filaments fixed at their other ends to arms of two different support frames. In an example of the alternate described immediately above, multi-filament flossing instrument  100  may further comprise a further filament  624  fixed at one end to third arm  620  and at an opposed end to fourth arm  622  ( FIG. 6 ), or in alternative embodiments, may comprise filaments  520  or  522  utilizing arms spanning different support frames (e.g., in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
     Flossing filaments may be taut as illustrated, or alternatively, may be somewhat longer than the distance separating their respective attachment points to arms. The latter option allows for a flossing filament to partially wrap around a tooth when being used to floss teeth. 
     As shown herein, arms are straight. However, arms could take other configurations, such as curved and bent. 
     While the disclosed concepts have been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred implementation, it is to be understood that the disclosed concepts are not to be limited to the disclosed arrangements, but are intended to cover various arrangements which are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possible interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible. 
     It should be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(es) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatus(es) disclosed herein in any feasible combination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Many modifications of examples set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. 
     Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific examples presented and that modifications and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in the context of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims.