Abstract:
An orthodontic flosser comprising an elongated handle and a head coupled to the handle is disclosed. A projection extend for suspending floss is sized for insertion of floss between a wire affixed to a tooth and the tooth. A source spool of fresh floss is configured to feed fresh floss incrementally into suspension from the projection while a take-up bobbin is configured for taking up used floss and applying tension to the suspended floss. A button may be used for releasing the source spool to rotate, and for holding the source spool against rotation. The source spool and take-up bobbin may be disposed in separated chambers to reduce cross contamination. A retie flange in the take-up bobbin and a retie slot in a take-up chamber are configured for retiying broken floss around a spindle of the take-up bobbin.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation in part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/196,302, filed on Aug. 2, 2011 titled “ORTHODONTIC FLOSSER,” which in turn is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/904,058, filed on Oct. 13, 2010 titled “ORTHODONTIC FLOSSER” (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,629, issued Mar. 5, 2013), which in turn claims priority and benefit to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/251,609 filed on Oct. 14, 2009 titled “ORTHODONTIC FLOSSER,” and is related to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/241,281, filed on Sep. 10, 2009 and titled “ANTI-MICROBIAL ORTHODONTIC FLOSS.” All of the above applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Application 
     The present application relates generally to a flossing apparatus, and more particularly to an orthodontic flosser. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Flossing is particularly important for people who have braces. Braces typically include brackets bonded to the surfaces of two or more teeth and a wire or archwire affixed to the brackets. Flossing around braces may be accomplished by threading the floss between the braces and the teeth and then maneuvering a length of the floss into contacts between adjacent teeth. Upon flossing around a pair of teeth and braces, the floss is generally pulled out and then threaded into another position for the next pair of teeth. Unfortunately, threading, inserting, manipulating the floss around the braces, and removing the floss for each pair of teeth can be difficult and time consuming. Maintaining tension on the floss while manipulating the floss between teeth and around braces involves a degree of dexterity and skill that is often beyond the ability of many children and even adults. Frustration due to the difficulty of acquiring skills, manipulating the floss, and the extra time involved in threading and removing the floss can discourage flossing. The purpose of flossing is to remove debris and contamination from contacts between teeth and surfaces around braces to prevent interproximal tooth decay and gum disease. Debris includes particulate matter, dental plaque, and bio films. Contamination includes bacteria and nutrients for the bacteria. Dental plaque tends to adhere to surfaces such as teeth and wires. Floss generally picks up debris and contamination from surfaces of the teeth and the braces in the removal process. Unfortunately, the floss can then redistribute the debris and bacteria to other teeth, interproximal spaces, and braces around the mouth, thus, causing further spreading of tooth decay and gum disease. 
     SUMMARY 
     A flosser is described. The flosser includes a handle and a head including a first and second floss support for suspending floss there between, the second floss support including an aperture sized for feeding the floss into suspension between the first and second floss support, the second floss support shaped for insertion of the aperture into a space between the wire brace and the two teeth for cleaning the contact between the two teeth using suspended floss. A source chamber may be coupled to a first end of the handle and configured to support the head, the source chamber may enclose a source spool for dispensing floss to the aperture in the second floss support. A button may be configured to release tension on the floss. A take-up chamber may be coupled to a second end of the handle opposite the source chamber, the take-up chamber and the source chamber being external to the handle, the take-up chamber having a retie slot proximate the handle, the retie slot including a capture fence extending above a rim of the take-up chamber and a guide edge configured to bias floss into the retie slot. A take-up bobbin for receiving used floss may be disposed in the take-up chamber, the take-up bobbin including a retie flange extending at an angle above the rim of the take-up chamber, the retie flange and the guide edge configured to trap the floss and to urge the floss into the retie slot while rotating the take-up bobbin. The take-up bobbin may include a grip disposed on the take-up bobbin, the grip configured for wrapping a broken end of the floss around the grip. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include a method for retying broken floss on a flosser including a pair of projections for suspending floss. The method includes rotating a take-up bobbin including a retie channel disposed in an upper flange to align the retie channel with a retie slot disposed in a take-up chamber, the retie channel adjacent a retie flange extending upward from and above the upper flange and wrapping an end of the broken floss around a grip of a take-up bobbin. The method further includes pressing a button to release source spool to rotate freely while rotating the take-up bobbin to position a portion of the retie flange above the floss after wrapping the end of the broken floss around the grip and then further rotating the take-up bobbin to urge the floss against a guide edge of the retie slot, and then still further rotating the take-up bobbin to close the top of the retie slot using the upper flange to trap floss in a space between the upper flange and a lower flange. After closing the top of the retie slot, the method further includes rotating the take-up bobbin at least two complete turns to draw floss into the space between the upper flange and the lower flange, and to wrap the floss around a spindle of the take-up bobbin until the floss is secured to the spindle while still pressing the button. The method then includes releasing the button, and rotating the take-up bobbin to apply tension to the floss suspended between the pair of projections. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include an apparatus for cleaning teeth, the apparatus having an elongated handle configured for dispensing fresh floss, a head coupled to the handle at an upward angle and a pair of projections depending in the plane of the upward angle downward from the head and configured to slidably suspend fresh floss under tension. The apparatus further includes a first spool supported on the elongated handle and configured to provide fresh floss to the pair of projections and to maintain resistance to tension on the fresh floss during use of the fresh floss for cleaning teeth and a second spool supported on the elongated handle and configured to apply tension to the fresh floss when resistance to tension is maintained at the first spool and to receive used floss from the pair of projections when resistance to tension is released at the first spool. The second spool and take-up chamber including a slot and flange configured for retying broken floss without removing the second spool from the take-up chamber. The apparatus also has a button assembly configured to release resistance to tension at the first spool. 
     Various embodiments of the technology include a retieble flosser. The flosser includes a head, a source chamber supporting the head, a handle coupled to the source chamber, a take-up chamber coupled to the handle, and a bobbin rotatably disposed in the take-up chamber, the bobbin including an upper flange, a lower flange, a spindle for winding floss between the upper and lower flanges, and a grip for rotating the bobbin. A retie slot may be disposed in the take-up chamber, the retie slot including a capture fence extending above a rim of the take-up chamber, the capture fence configured to constrain floss above the retie slot while wrapping floss around the grip, and a guide edge disposed along one side of the retie slot, the guide edge forming an acute angle configured for forcing floss into the take-up chamber while rotating the bobbin. A retie channel and a retie flange may be disposed in the upper flange; the retie flange forming one edge of the retie channel, the retie flange extending above a plane of the upper flange and above a rim of the take-up chamber, the retie flange configured for forcing floss against the guide edge and into the retie slot while rotating the bobbin using the grip, the grip further configured for receiving at least two wraps of floss around the grip and holding wraps of floss adjacent the upper flange while rotating the bobbin. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flosser, in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating exemplary internal components the flosser of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged front elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged rear elevation of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective cross section of the handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1  taken along line a-a. 
         FIG. 9  is a side cross section of the flosser of  FIG. 1  along line b-b of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation of internal parts of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the head of the flosser. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the source chamber and portions of the head and handle. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the take-up spool and handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the take-up chamber, pawl, and handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation of the take-up bobbin of  FIG. 15 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of a take-up bobbin of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 17  is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the source spool of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a flosser, illustrating exemplary internal components, in accordance with aspects of the technology. 
         FIG. 19A  is a left front perspective view of an exploded diagram of a bobbin and take-up chamber of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 19B  is a right rear perspective view of the take-up chamber and the bobbin of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20A  is a left rear perspective view of an exploded diagram of the bobbin and the take-up chamber of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20B  is a left rear perspective view showing the bobbin disposed within the take-up chamber of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21A  is a right front perspective view of an exploded diagram of the bobbin and the take-up chamber of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21B  is a right front perspective view showing the bobbin disposed within the take-up chamber of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 22A  is a top plan view of the bobbin of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 22B  is a side elevation view of the bobbin of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 22C  is a front elevation view of the bobbin of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 22D  is a bottom perspective view of the bobbin of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIGS. 23A-23D  are front perspective views illustrating application of a rotation to the bobbin for retying floss on the flosser of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIGS. 24A-24D  are top plan views of the corresponding positions of the bobbin of  FIGS. 23A-23D , respectively, for illustrating the application of the rotation to the bobbin for retying floss on the flosser of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 25A  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 19A . 
         FIG. 25B  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 23A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flosser  100 , in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 2  is a side elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . The flosser  100  includes a handle  102 , a head  110 , a source assembly  120  for dispensing floss  106  to the head  110  before use (fresh floss), and a receiving assembly or take-up assembly  130  for collecting floss  106  from the head  110  after it has been used (used floss). The handle  102  is configured to support the source assembly  120 , the take-up assembly  130 , and the head  110 . The head  110  of  FIG. 1  extends from the source assembly  120  and includes a support or projection  112  and a support, feed guide, or guide  114 . Floss  106  may be supported and suspended between projection  112  and the guide  114  (suspended floss). In various embodiments, the head  110  is coupled to the handle, the take-up assembly  130  and/or the source assembly  120 . The guide  114  of  FIG. 1  is in the shape of a tube. However, other shapes include a trough, a channel, aperture on a projection, etc. The source assembly  120  is illustrated as being disposed at an end of the handle  102  adjacent the head  110 . However, the source assembly  120  may be disposed at various locations along the handle  102 . Similarly, the take-up assembly  130  may be disposed at various locations along the handle  102 . In some embodiments, the positions of the source assembly  120  and the take-up assembly  130  may be reversed with respect to those illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The head  110  may be disposed at upward angle A from the handle  102 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . A dotted line represents an axis of the handle  102  and another dotted represents an axis of the head  110  in  FIG. 2 . The dotted lines are for assisting in visualization of the angle A and are not part of the flosser  100 . The upward angle A between the handle  102  and the head  110  may promote ergonomics and use of the flosser  100 . For example, the angle may improve visibility of the floss  106  under the handle  102  during use. In various embodiments, the angle A is about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 25 or more degrees. The projection  112  and the guide  114  may depend downward from the head in about the plane of the angle A between the head  110  and the handle  102 . The projection  112  and the guide  114  may be about normal to the head  110  and about parallel to each other. The projection  112  of  FIG. 2  is longer than the feed guide  114 . This may also promote ergonomics and use of the flosser  100 . For example, a shorter feed guide  114  may reduce interference with a tongue and/or the roof of the mouth of a user and increase range of motion of the projection  112 . In various embodiments, the projection  112  is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more millimeters longer than the feed guide  114 . 
     A support aperture or projection aperture  116  may be disposed near a tip of the projection  112  and configured to support floss  106 . Floss  106  may be suspended between the tube of the feed guide  114  and the support aperture  116 . The support aperture  116  is configured to support the floss  106  near the tip of the projection  112 . The support aperture  116  may be sized for floss  106  to slide through freely or with a desired resistance. The flosser  100  further includes a button assembly  104  disposed on the handle  102 . The button assembly  104  engage and disengaged a spool in the source assembly  120  as described more fully elsewhere herein. 
     The source assembly  120  is configured to enclose and floss  106  from contamination and debris before use. The source assembly  120  is further configured to pay out floss  106  to the projection  112  while the button assembly  104  is disengaged. The source assembly  120  includes a source chamber  122 , a lid  124 , and a spool (illustrated elsewhere herein). The source chamber  122  and the lid  124  may enclose the floss  106  and prevent contamination and debris from splashing and falling on enclosed floss  106 . The take-up assembly  130  is configured to receive and accumulate the floss  106  after use. The take-up assembly  130  includes a take-up chamber  132 , and take-up (or receiving) bobbin (or spool)  134 . The bobbin  134  includes a bobbin grip  136  configured for use in rotating the bobbin  134  to wind the floss  106  around the bobbin  134  after use and draw the floss  106  through the flosser  100  while the button assembly  104  is actuated. Winding the floss  106  around a spindle of the bobbin  134  using the grip  136  may further serve to apply tension to the floss  106  while the button assembly  104  is engaged. The bobbin  134  and take-up chamber  132  are configured to enclose floss  106  to contain contamination and debris disposed on the floss  106  during use. The source chamber  122  and take-up chamber  132  may be physically separated structures disposed along the handle  102  to reduce cross contamination of debris and bacteria from the take-up chamber  132  to the source chamber  122 . The source chamber  122  and take-up chamber  132  may disposed at opposite ends of the handle  102  or separated by a portion of the handle  102 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a pawl  402  and a pawl mount  404 . The pawl  402  is configured to engage a sprocket disposed on the bobbin  134  to provide for one-way rotation of the bobbin  134 . The pawl mount  404  illustrated in  FIG. 4  (also  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) may secure the pawl  402  to the handle  102 . A bobbin lock  306  may secure the bobbin  134  within the take-up chamber  132 . A button socket  310  may secure the button assembly  104  rotatably to the handle  102 . A groove  408  may provide a path for slidable movement of floss  106  between the head  110  and the handle  102  after use. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating exemplary internal components the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 6  is an enlarged front elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7  is an enlarged rear elevation of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . A body  500  comprises the handle  102 , the source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , and the head  110 . The body  500  of  FIG. 5  is illustrated as having been fabricated from a single piece of material, for example using injection molding processes. However, the body may be fabricated using multiple connected pieces. 
     The source assembly  120  of  FIG. 5  further includes a source spool  501 . The source spool  501  includes a spindle  504  upon which floss  106  may be wound for dispensing and use. In some embodiments, the floss is wound before assembly of the source spool  501  into the source chamber  122 . In various embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 20, or more meters of floss may be wound on the source spool  501 . A cog  502  is configured to control unwinding of floss from the spindle  504  for the source spool. The cog  502  is further configured to rotate on a bearing  506 . The lid  124  includes locator projections  508  configured to position the lid  124  and engage corners of the source chamber  122 . An optional detent  510  disposed on the locator projections  508  may engage a groove within the corners (not illustrated) to secure the lid to the source chamber  122 . 
     A slot or first aperture  540  in the source chamber  122  is configured to feed floss  106  dispensed from the source spool  501  into a channel  542 . The channel  542  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the first aperture  540  to a second aperture  544 . The second aperture  544  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  between the upper surface of the head  110  and the projection aperture  116 . The projection  112  of  FIG. 1  is a separate component and is configured for insertion into an aperture  556  in the head  110 . An optional slot  512  may provide additional flexibility during insertion. An optional detent  514  may secure the projection  112  within the aperture  556 . In various embodiments, the projections  112  is secured in the aperture  556  using an interference fit, adhesive, a fastener, a sonic weld, a heat weld, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the head  110  and the projection  112  are fabricated as a single piece. 
     A channel  546  may provide a path for floss  106  from the feed guide  114  to a third aperture  548 . The third aperture  548  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the upper surface of the head  110  to the groove  408 . The groove  408  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the third aperture  548  to the fourth aperture  550  (illustrated in  FIG. 12 ). The fourth aperture  550  is configured to provide a path for floss  106  from the groove  408  to a handle channel  552 . The handle channel  552  may be disposed as a longitudinal channel extending the length or a portion of the length of the handle  102 .  FIG. 8  is a perspective cross section of the handle of the flosser of  FIG. 1  taken along line a-a, illustrating the handle channel  552 . The handle channel  552  of  FIG. 5  is configured to extend longitudinally along the handle  102  from the fourth aperture  550  to a fifth aperture  554 , and provide a path for sliding floss  106 . The handle channel  552  may permit the handle  102  to be gripped without touching or interfering with floss  106 , thus, permitting free movement or sliding of the floss  106  along the handle  102  through the channel  552 . The fifth aperture  554  provides a path through a side of the take-up chamber, from the handle channel  552  to the bobbin  134 . Rotation of the bobbin  134  may draw floss  106  from the source spool  501  in a sliding motion through the various apertures ( 540 ,  544 ,  116 ,  548 ,  550 , and  554 ), the various channels ( 542 ,  546 ,  552 ), the groove  408 , and the feed guide  114  while the source spool pays out additional floss  106 . Edges of the various apertures, channels, grooves, and guides may include a radius for reducing friction between floss  106  and the flosser  100 . 
     The button assembly  104  of  FIG. 5  includes a button  520 , a pivot  522 , an engagement pawl  524 , and a spring  526 . The pivot is configured to rotate within the button socket  310 . The spring  526  may bias the button assembly  104  in the engagement position when the button  520  is not pressed. The engagement pawl  524  is configured to engage the cog  502  and prevent rotation of the source spool  501  when the button  520  is released and the button assembly  104  is in the engagement position. The engagement pawl  524  may hold the source spool  501  against tension on the floss  106 . The button  520  may be pressed to move the button assembly to the disengagement position, thus, releasing the source spool  501  to rotate freely. Tension on the floss  106  may cause the source spool  501  to rotate and dispense floss  106 . Rotation of the take-up bobbin  134  may cause the source spool  501  to rotate and dispense additional floss  106 . Rotation of the take-up bobbin  134  may cause additional tension to be applied to the floss  106  when the engagement pawl  524  is in the engagement position. An illustration of the button assembly  104  in the engaged position is shown in  FIG. 9 , as discussed elsewhere herein. An illustration of the button assembly  104  in the disengaged position is shown in  FIG. 10 , as discussed elsewhere herein. 
       FIG. 9  is a side cross section of the flosser of  FIG. 1  along line b-b of  FIG. 3 . The bobbin  134  includes an upper flange  900  supporting the grip  136 , a lower flange  902  supporting a ratchet  530  and a spindle  906 . An optional spindle aperture  904  is disposed in the spindle  906 . In some embodiments, the bobbin  134 , the upper flange  900 , the lower flange  902 , the spindle  906 , the grip  136  and/or the ratchet  530  are fabricated from a single piece of material, for example, using an injection molding process. The ratchet  530  is configured to engage the pawl  402  for holding the bobbin  134  against rotation while the floss  106  is under tension for constraining the spool against turning in a first direction and permitting the bobbin  134  to turn in a second direction. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the pawl  402  permits clockwise rotation of the bobbin  134  (in the direction of arrows  558  disposed on the spool) while preventing counter-clockwise rotation of the bobbin  134 , e.g., while the floss  106  is under tension. 
     The bobbin lock  306  may secure the bobbin  134  within the take-up chamber  132  using snap projections  516  engaging the lower flange  902 . Moreover, the snap projections  516  may be inserted into the spindle aperture  904 , rendering them inaccessible once engaging the lower flange  902 , thus, preventing inadvertent removal of the bobbin  134  after assembly. Two snap projections  516  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , however, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more snap projections  518  may be used. The take-up chamber  132  optionally includes indicia  532  configured to indicate an angular position of the bobbin grip  136 . In various embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, or more indicia  532  may be disposed about the upper surface of the take-up chamber  132 . An image of an arrow may be disposed on the grip  136  for indicating an angular position of the grip  136 . 
     In various embodiments, the pawl mount  404  is secured to the handle and/or the take-up chamber  132  using adhesives, welds, fasteners, and/or the like. A pawl lock  108  illustrated in  FIG. 5  (and  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) is an example of a fastener used for securing the pawl mount  404  to the handle  102 . The pawl lock  108  includes snap projections  518  for engaging an inner surface of the pawl mount  404  and securing the pawl  402 . Four snap projections  518  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , however, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more snap projections  518  may be used. Various components are illustrated as being fabricated as a single piece, including the source spool  501 ; the lid  124 ; the bobbin  134 ; the pawl lock  108 ; the pawl mount  404  and pawl  402 ; the projection  112 , button assembly  104 , and the body  500 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation of internal parts of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . The various components of  FIG. 9  (e.g., the handle, the source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , the head  110  the bobbin  134 , the bobbin lock  306 , the pawl  402  and pawl mount  404 , the pawl lock  108 , the button assembly  104 , the lid  124 , the spool  501 , and the projection  112 ) are shown in their relative assembled positions. In some embodiments, the handle, the source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , and the head  110  are fabricated from a single piece of material, for example using injection molding processes. 
     In  FIG. 10 . the handle, the source chamber  122 , the take-up chamber  132 , and the head  110  have been omitted for clarity. For illustration purposes, the remaining components in  FIG. 10 , including the bobbin  134 , the bobbin lock  306 , the pawl  402  and pawl mount  404 , the pawl lock  108 , the button assembly  104 , the lid  124 , the spool  501 , and the projection  112  are shown in their assembled positions relative to the omitted parts (handle, source chamber  122 , take-up chamber  132 , and head  110 ) and to each other. The floss  106  is also shown and labeled in subsections for illustrating an exemplary path. 
       FIG. 9  differs from  FIG. 10  in that the body  500  is omitted from  FIG. 10  and the internal parts are shown in elevation instead of cross section.  FIG. 9  further differs from  FIG. 10  in that  FIG. 9  illustrates the button assembly  104  in the engagement position, discussed elsewhere herein.  FIG. 10  illustrates the button assembly  104  in the disengagement position, discussed elsewhere herein. The Button assembly  104  is configured to rotate about the pivot  522  to move the engagement pawl  524  (double arrow) between a position of engagement with the cog  502  ( FIG. 9 ) and disengagement with the cog  502  ( FIG. 10 ). The spring  526  may bias the button assembly  104  in a position for engaging the cog  502 . 
       FIG. 10  further illustrates a path for routing floss  106  from the source spool  501  along the head  110  into suspension between the projection  112  and the feed guide  114 , through the feed guide  114 , around the source assembly  120 , along the handle  102  and to the take-up bobbin  134 . The path is illustrated in  FIG. 10  as path segments  106   a - 106   m.    
     Before use, floss  106  is wrapped around the spindle  504  of the source spool  501  at path segment  106   a . Along path segment  106   b , floss may pass through the first aperture  540  and along channel  542  to the second aperture  544 . At path segment  106   c , floss  106  may pass through the second aperture from the upper to the lower of the head  110 . At path segment  106   d , floss is suspended between the second aperture  544  and the projection aperture  116 . At path segment  106   e , floss may be suspended between the projection aperture  116  and the feed guide  114 . 
     During use, floss  106  that is suspended between the projection aperture  116  and the feed guide  114 , the projection  112  may be inserted between a brace wire or arch wire and interproximal space or contacts between a pair of adjacent teeth. Insertion of the projection  112  inserts the projection aperture  116 , thus, the floss  106  below the brace wire. Thus, the floss  106  may be used for cleaning the interproximal spaces between the teeth including below the brace wire. 
     After use, floss  106  may traverse from the lower to the upper side of the head  110  along path segment  106   f  through the feed guide  114 . Along path segment  106   g , floss  106  may move along channel  546  from the upper end of the feed guide  114  to the third aperture  548 . At path segment  106   h , floss  106  may traverse from the upper side of the head  110  to the groove  408  around the source chamber  122 . Groove  408  may allow gripping the source chamber  122  and manipulation of the flosser  100  without touching floss  106  as it travels around the source chamber along path segment  106   i  from the third aperture  548  to the fourth aperture  550 . At path segment  106   j , floss  106  may traverse through the fourth aperture  550  from the lower to upper side of the handle  102 . Along path segment  106   k , floss  106  may travel along the handle channel  552  from the source assembly  120  to the take-up assembly  130 . The handle channel  552  may allow gripping the handle  102  and manipulating the flosser  100  without touching floss  106  that may have contamination and debris as the floss  106  travels the length of the handle  102  along path segment  106   k  from the fourth aperture  550  to the fifth aperture  554 . At the path segment  106   m , floss  106  passes through aperture  554  into the take-up chamber  132 . After use, floss  106  may be wrapped around the spindle  906  of the take-up bobbin  134  at path segment  106   a . The path including path segments  106   a - 106   m  is an example of a routing of floss  106  from a source spool to a take-up bobbin. Alternative routing of floss  106  may be used in various embodiments of the flosser  100 . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the head  110  of the flosser  100 .  FIG. 11  illustrates details of the first aperture  540 , the channel  542  the second aperture  544 , the upper end of the feed guide  114 , channel  546 , and the third aperture  548 . Additional details of the projection  112  are also illustrated. 
       FIG. 12  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the source chamber  122  and portions of the head  110  and handle  102 .  FIG. 12  illustrates details of the second aperture  544 , the third aperture  548 , the fourth aperture  550 , and groove  408 . Additional details of the engagement pawl  524 , the button socket  310  and the pivot  522  are also illustrated. 
       FIG. 13  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 3  showing details of the take-up bobbin  134  and handle  102  of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 13  illustrates details of a portion of the handle channel  552  and the fifth aperture  554 . 
       FIG. 14  is an enlargement of a portion of  FIG. 4  showing details of the take-up chamber  132 , pawl  402 , and handle  102  of the flosser  100  of  FIG. 1 . Details of an engagement between the ratchet  530  and the pawl are illustrated. In some embodiments, the pawl is about normal to a face  534  of the ratchet. The face  534  may also be about normal to an adjacent face. For purposes of the face  534  of the ratchet, about normal is an angle less than about 12 degrees. An engagement at about a right angle minimizes backlash of the ratchet. When the face  534  of the ratchet tooth is essentially tangent to an arc described by the end of the pawl, the ratchet  530  has minimal retrograde movement as the pawl moves from the point of the ratchet tooth to the face  534 . Moreover, force applied by the face  534  to the pawl is in the axis of the pawl, thus, there is minimal or no side load on the pawl. This reduces stress where the pawl  402  joins the pawl mount  404 .  FIG. 14  further illustrates details of engagement of the snap projections  518  in the pawl mount  404 . 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevation of the take-up bobbin  134  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects of the technology.  FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of a take-up bobbin  134  of  FIG. 15 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. The take-up bobbin  134  of  FIGS. 15 and 16  includes the spindle  906  and the spindle aperture  904 . The spindle  906  and an outline of the spindle aperture  904  are shown in dotted line in  FIG. 16  to indicate that they are not visible from the bottom plan view. Floss  106  may be threaded through the spindle aperture  904  and secured to the spindle  906 , e.g., using a knot. Upon rotating the take-up bobbin  134 , floss may wrap around the spindle  906 . The take-up bobbin  134  may further include an upper flange  900  and a lower flange  902 . The upper flange  900  is configured to contain debris and contamination within the take-up chamber  132 . The lower flange  902  is configured to support the ratchet  530  and prevent floss  106  from tangling about the ratchet  530  and the pawl  402 . 
     In some embodiments, antimicrobial agents are infused into the floss  106  for inhibiting transfer of bacteria between surfaces of teeth, braces, and from one contact to another. For example, floss  106  may be permeated with chlorhexidine gluconate to inhibit survival of bacterial and other microbes in the floss  106  during use and to inhibit deposition of microbes on the surfaces of teeth, contacts, and/or braces. Various antimicrobial agents include chlorhexidine gluconate, Triclosan, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents may be used, including an extract of magnolia bark, xylitol (a sugar alcohol that is naturally occurring in Birch and fruits), and antimicrobial peptides, which are compounds that are found throughout the animal and plant kingdom such as HNP (human neutrophil proteins). The floss  106  may also be infused with anti-cavity agents such as florides, e.g., sodium fluoride, hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na2SiF6), and/or the like. The floss  106  may also be used for depositing the antimicrobial and/or anti-cavity agents on the surfaces of teeth and/or braces. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent may be applied to the floss  106  as the floss  106  is dispensed from the source spool  501  during use. For example, the floss  106  may be routed through a reservoir of antimicrobial agent (not illustrated) disposed on the handle  102 , the head  110 , on the source chamber  122 , and/or within the source chamber  122 . The reservoir may be configured to apply the antimicrobial agent to the floss  106  during transit. The above antimicrobial and anti-cavity agents may be used individually or in various combinations and mixtures. 
       FIG. 17  is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the source spool of  FIG. 5 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. The source spool  1700  differs from the source spool  501  of  FIG. 5  in that the source spool  1700  includes a lower flange  1706  and an upper flange  1708 . The source spool  1700  includes a spindle  1702  and a cog  1704 , similar to the spindle  504  and the cog  502 , respectively, of the source spool  501 . The lower flange  1706  and upper flange  1708  are configured to prevent tangling of floss  106  during winding onto the source spool  1700 . Some types of automated winding equipment fail to sense a transition between the spindle the cog  1704  resulting in an attempt to wind floss  106  too close to, or even onto, the cog  1704  with undesirable results. The lower flange  1706  reduces winding of floss  106  on the spindle  1702  too close or onto the cog  1704 . The upper flange  1708  serves to prevent floss  106  from slipping off of the spindle  1702  during winding. 
     In some embodiments, the floss  106  is impregnated with an anti-microbial agent. Examples of anti-microbial agents include 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol (Triclosan), chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and cetylpyridinium chloride. Environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents may be used, including an extract of magnolia bark, xylitol (a sugar alcohol that is naturally occurring in Birch and fruits), and antimicrobial peptides, which are compounds that are found throughout the animal and plant kingdom such as HNP (human neutrophil proteins). The floss  106  may also be infused with anti-cavity agents such as florides, e.g., sodium fluoride, hexafluorosilicic acid (H 2 SiF 6 ) and its salt sodium hexafluorosilicate (Na 2 SiF 6 ), and/or the like. The floss  106  may also be used for depositing the antimicrobial and/or anti-cavity agents on the surfaces of teeth and/or braces. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent may be applied to the floss  106  as the floss  106  is dispensed from the source spool  501  during use. For example, the floss  106  may be routed before use through a reservoir (not illustrated) of antimicrobial agent disposed on the handle  102 , in the source chamber  122 , or external to the source chamber  122 . The reservoir may be configured to apply the antimicrobial agent to the floss  106  during transit. The above antimicrobial and anti-cavity agents may be used individually or in various combinations and mixtures. 
     An unexpected problem in using the flosser  100  described above is that in some instances the floss breaks. This can happen due to a variety of causes. For example, fillings may have sharp edges resulting in abrasion or cutting the floss. In another example, a strand floss may wear out after repeated uses. Typically after flossing contacts between four different pairs of teeth, the floss segment  106   e  suspended between the projection  112  and the feed guide  114  may become frayed and weakened. Continuing to floss becomes more and more likely to cause the floss to break at path segment  106   e . In some instances, the floss has a weak section, for example, due to a splice used by the factory to join two different rolls of floss. In some instances, the floss can catch on braces. A solution is to retie the floss to the bobbin  134 . This can be done by wrapping multiple turns of an end of the broken floss  106  around the spindle  906  of the bobbin  134  at segment  106   m . However, another problem then arises in that the bobbin  134  may be difficult to remove from the take-up chamber  132  for retying or rewrapping, and then may be difficult to reinstall into the take-up chamber  132 . Providing for simple removal and retaliation of the bobbin creates a risk of small parts that can be dropped and/or lost. 
     Another solution to retying broken floss is to provide structures in the take-up chamber and/or take-up bobbin for retying floss to the bobbin without out removing the bobbin from the take-up chamber. In an alternative embodiment, a retie flange may be fabricated along or adjacent a horizontal channel in the upper flange of the bobbin. The aperture  554  adjacent the channel  552  may be extended into a vertical retie slot that may also be fabricated in the take-up chamber. The retie flange may be a flap cut out of the upper flange. The flap may be bent at a slight upward angle from the upper flange to extend above the upper surface of the upper flange. The retie flange may form an opening or channel in the upper flange and the angle of the flap may also serve as a ramp adjacent the opening. 
     Floss can be run along the opening to the grip of the bobbin, and then wrapped around the grip. Inverted bevels or undercuts on the ends of the grip may prevent the wrappings of floss from slipping off the grip. The button  520  may release the source spool for allowing the floss to play out freely as the bobbin is rotated by a user. 
     As the bobbin is rotated, the floss may enter the opening of the retie flange to be captured under the ramp portion of the retie flange. The ramp portion of the retie flange may then force the floss down into the retie slot in the take-up chamber. Inside the take-up chamber, the floss may wrap around the spindle of the bobbin as the bobbin is further rotated by the user. After several complete rotations of the bobbin, the wrapped floss may grip the spindle. Once the floss grips the spindle, the button may be released and tension applied to the floss by further rotation of the bobbin. Optionally, the end of the floss wrapped around the grip may be snipped off and discarded.  FIGS. 18-25  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a flosser for retying broken floss, and retying the floss without removing a take-up bobbin from a take-up chamber of the flosser. 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a flosser  1800 , illustrating exemplary internal components for retying floss  106 , in accordance with aspects of the technology. The flosser  1800  of  FIG. 18  differs from the flosser  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-17  in that flosser  1800  includes a take-up bobbin  1834  and a take-up chamber  1812  are configured for retying broken floss without removing the bobbin  1834  from the take-up chamber  1812 . 
     The bobbin  1834  differs from the bobbin  134  in that the bobbin  1834  includes a grip  1836  and an upper flange  1840  configured for retying floss  106 . The upper flange  1840  of bobbin  1834  differs from the upper flange  900  of bobbin  134  in that the a retie flange  1832  and a channel  1830  are disposed in the upper flange  1840 . The retie flange  1832  extends upward from the upper flange  1840  and may be bent to extend at an angle above the upper flange  1840 . In various embodiments the angle between the upper flange  1840  and the retie flange is about 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 30 degrees. The retie flange  1832  may also extend above the rim of the take-up chamber  1812 . The retie flange  1832  is configured for capturing floss while the bobbin  1834  is being rotated. The retie flange  1832  is further configured for urging the floss  106  down into a winding position around the spindle  906 , as the bobbin  1834  is being rotated. The channel  1830  is configured to admit the floss into a space between the upper flange  1840  and the lower flange  902  for winding around the spindle  906 . 
       FIG. 19A  is a left front perspective view of an exploded diagram of the bobbin  1834  and the take-up chamber  1812  of  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 19B  is a right rear perspective view of the bobbin  1834  positioned within the take-up chamber  1812  of  FIG. 18 . Portions of the flosser  1800  have been omitted for clarity. The take-up chamber  1812  of  FIG. 19A  differs from the take-up chamber  132  of  FIGS. 1-17  in that the take-up chamber  1812  includes a retie slot  1806 . The retie slot  1806  includes a capture fence  1802  extending above a rim of the take-up chamber  1812  The capture fence  1802  is configured for capturing floss  106  while rotating the bobbin  1834 . The retie slot  1806  further includes a guide edge  1804  configured for urging the floss down into the retie slot  1806 . 
     The grip  1836  of the bobbin  1834  differs from the grip  136  of the bobbin  134 , in that the grip  1836  includes reverse or inverted bevels, or undercuts that form ears or horns  1838  at either end of the grip  1836 . The grip  1836  may resemble a cleat used for boats and the undercuts may form triangular structures similar to horns on cleats. The horns  1838  serve to facilitate winding of the floss  106  around the grip  1836  during retying (illustrated elsewhere herein) to secure the floss  106  to the grip  1836 . The horns  1838  may hold windings of the floss  106  on the grip  1836  in a manner similar to cleats. The horns  1838  may prevent the floss  106  from slipping off the grip  1836  while turning the bobbin  1834 , e.g., using the grip  1836 . The horns  1838  may further serve to hold a length of the floss  106  adjacent a plane of the upper flange  1840 . 
       FIG. 20A  is a left rear perspective view of an exploded diagram of the bobbin  1834  and take-up chamber  1812  of  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 20B  is a left rear perspective view of the take-up chamber  1812  showing the bobbin  1834  disposed within the take-up chamber. Portions of the flosser  1800  have been omitted for clarity.  FIG. 20B  differs from  FIG. 19B  in that the retie channel  1830  in  FIG. 20B , is in alignment with the retie slot  1806 . 
       FIG. 21A  is a right front perspective view of an exploded diagram of the bobbin  1834  and the take-up chamber  1812  of  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 21B  is a right front perspective view showing the bobbin  1834  disposed within the take-up chamber  1812  of  FIG. 18 . Portions of the flosser  1800  have been omitted for clarity. The channel  1830  in  FIG. 21B  also is aligned with the retie slot  1806 . 
       FIGS. 22A-22D  illustrate views of the bobbin  1834  from various angles.  FIG. 22A  is a top plan view of the bobbin  1834  of  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 22B  is a side elevation view of the bobbin  1834  of  FIG. 18 . The horns  1838  in the grip  1836  are illustrated in  FIG. 22B  as having an undercut of about 45 degrees. However, in various embodiments, the undercut of the horns  1838  may be a range of about 5 to 80 degrees.  FIG. 22C  is a front elevation view of the bobbin  1834  of  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 22D  is a bottom perspective view of the bobbin  1834  of  FIG. 18 . In some embodiments, the grip  1836 , horns  1838 , upper flange  1840 , lower flange  902 , spindle  906 , ratchet  530 , retie flange  1832 , and retie channel  1830  are fabricated as one single entire unitary piece. 
       FIGS. 23A-23D  are front perspective views illustrating application of a rotation to the bobbin  1834  for retying floss  106  on the flosser  1800  of  FIG. 18 .  FIGS. 24A-24D  are top plan views of the corresponding positions of the bobbin  1834  of  FIGS. 23A-23D , respectively, for illustrating the application of the rotation to the bobbin  1834  for retying floss  106  on the flosser  1800  of  FIG. 18 . Portions of the flosser  1800  have been omitted for clarity. 
       FIG. 23A  is a right front perspective view illustrating an initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  with respect to the take-up chamber  1812  for wrapping floss  106  around the grip  1836 . Descriptions of  FIG. 23A  may be considered with reference to  FIG. 25B , which is an enlargement of portions of  FIG. 23A .  FIG. 24A  is a top plan view illustrating an initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  with respect to the take-up chamber  1812  for wrapping floss  106  around the grip  1836 . In  FIGS. 23A and 24A , the floss  106  is illustrated as being wrapped around the grip  1836  about one and a half times for simplicity. However, the floss  106  may be wrapped two or three turns (or more around the grip  1836 . Tension may be applied to the floss  106  during wrapping. The horns  1838  may capture and hold the floss on the grip  1836 . The floss  106  may be arranged to traverse the retie slot  1806  about adjacent the capture fence  1802  for wrapping. The free end of the floss is illustrated as being loose. However, the free end of the floss  106  may be held against the grip  1836  (e.g., by hand) during rotation of the bobbin  1834 . The floss  106  is illustrated using a dotted line for clarity. The horns  1838  may extend to the surface of the upper flange  1840 . Tension applied to the floss  106  during wrapping may serve to urge the floss  106  downward to an intersection of the grip  1836  and the surface of the upper flange  1840  as the floss  106  is wrapped around the grip  1836 . Thus, the horns  1838  may position floss  106  proximate the upper surface of the upper flange  1840  and in suspension between the guide edge  1804  and the retie flange  1832 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23A , the retie flange  1832  may be seen to extend above the upper surface of the upper flange  1840  and, thus, above the floss  106 . 
     From the initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  illustrated in  FIGS. 23A and 24A , the bobbin  1834  may be rotated a few degrees to capture the floss  106  between the retie flange  1832  and the guide edge  1804 . The button  520  may be pressed and held during rotation of the bobbin  1834 . As the bobbin  1834  is rotated, the capture fence  1802  may maintain the floss  106  proximate the retie slot  1806  and in alignment with the channel  1830  until the retie flange  1832  captures the floss  106 . The retie flange  1832  may then act as a ramp to apply a force on the floss downward into the retie slot  1806 , as well as sideways against the capture fence  1802 . As the bobbin  1834  continues to rotate the retie flange  1832  may progressively force the floss  106  downward along guide edge  1804 . 
     The guide edge  1804  may include an angle configured to bias movement of the floss  106  in a downward direction into the retie slot  1806 . The angle of the guide edge  1804  may also serve to prevent the floss from exiting back up and out of the retie slot  1806  over the capture fence  1802 . That is, the angle of the guide edge  1804  may apply additional force on the floss  106  in a downward direction into the retie slot  1806 . In various embodiments of the flosser  1800 , the guide edge  1804  is about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or more degrees. Thus, the retie flange  1832  may urge the floss  106  against the guide edge  1804 , such that both the retie flange  1832  and the guide edge  1804  form a scissors-like action to push the floss downward into the retie slot  1806 . In some embodiments, the guide edge  1804  also includes a curve. The curve of the guide edge  1804  may be convex or concave. 
     In the initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  for wrapping floss  106  around the grip  1836  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 23A, 24A, and 25B ) the channel  1830  is approximately aligned with the retie slot  1806 . However, the initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  within the take-up chamber  1812  may be at any angle with respect to the retie slot  1806 . Other orientations may result in a larger angle through which the bobbin  1834  will be rotated in order to capture the floss  106  between the retie flange  1832  and the capture fence  1802  or guide edge  1804 . For example,  FIG. 25A  is an enlargement of  FIG. 19A  illustrating an alternative initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  for wrapping floss  106  around the grip  1836 . The bobbin  1834  may be rotated clockwise an additional number of degrees to reach the initial position illustrated in  FIGS. 23A and 24A . In some orientations of the bobbin  1834 , the capture fence  1802  may be used to constrain the floss in a position proximate the retie slot  1806  while wrapping the floss  106  around the grip  1836 . Examples of such orientations include angles between the channel  1830  and the retie slot  1806  that are greater than 10 degrees and less than 170 degrees. 
       FIG. 23B  and  FIG. 24B  are a right front perspective view and a top plan view, respectively, illustrating an orientation of the bobbin  1834  after rotation of the bobbin  1834  about ninety degrees clockwise (about a quarter of a turn) from alignment of the channel  1830  with the retie slot  1806 . In the orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 23B and 24B , the floss  106  is beginning to wrap around the spindle  906  (not visible in these views). The arrow A indicates the direction of advance of the floss  106  as wrapping of the floss  106  around the spindle  906  draws the floss  106  into the take-up chamber  1812 . In the orientation of  FIGS. 23B and 24B , the upper flange  1840  closes off the upper end of the retie slot  1806  such that the floss  106  is constrained within the retie slot  1806 . Effectively, the retie slot  1806  has become an aperture through which the floss has been threaded by the rotation of the bobbin  1834  and action of the retie flange  1832 . Once the floss  106  is thus threaded, the floss  106  may engage the spindle  906  of the bobbin  1834 . The button  520  may continue to be pressed and held during rotation of the bobbin  1834 . 
       FIG. 23C  and  FIG. 24C  are a right front perspective view and a top plan view, respectively, illustrating an orientation of the bobbin  1834  after rotation of the bobbin  1834  about one hundred eighty degrees clockwise (about half a turn) from initial alignment of the channel  1830  with the retie slot  1806 . In the orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 23C and 24C , the floss  106  continues wrapping around the spindle  906 . The arrow A indicates the direction of continued advance of the floss  106  as wrapping of the floss  106  around the spindle  906  draws the floss  106  into the take-up chamber  1812 . The upper flange  1840  continues to close off the upper end of the retie slot  1806  turning the retie slot  1806  into an aperture through which the floss is threaded to engage the spindle  906  of the bobbin  1834 . 
       FIG. 23D  and  FIG. 24D  are a right front perspective view and a top plan view, respectively, illustrating an orientation of the bobbin  1834  after rotation of the bobbin  1834  about two hundred seventy degrees clockwise (about three-quarters of a turn) from initial alignment of the channel  1830  with the retie slot  1806 . In the orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 23D and 24D , the floss  106  continues wrapping around the spindle  906 . The upper flange  1840  continues to close off the upper end of the retie slot  1806  turning the retie slot  1806  into an aperture through which the floss is threaded to engage the spindle  906  of the bobbin  1834 . The arrow A indicates the direction of continued advance of the floss  106  as wrapping of the floss  106  around the spindle  906  draws the floss  106  into the take-up chamber  1812 . 
     Once wrapping of the floss  106  around the spindle  906  has been initiated and the floss is feeding freely through the retie slot  1806 , the bobbin  1834  may continue to be rotated through several complete turns. Additional complete turns may be applied to provide subsequent layers of floss  106  that are wound on top of the initial layers. The button  520  may continue to be pressed and held during rotation of the bobbin  1834  through these multiple complete turns. 
     The subsequent top layers of floss  106  may bind the initial lower layers of floss  106  to the spindle  906 . The arrow A indicates the direction of continued advance of the floss  106  as wrapping of the floss  106  through multiple turns around the spindle  906  draws the floss  106  into the take-up chamber  1812 . Typically 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 complete turns may be applied to provide subsequent layers of floss  106  wound on top of the initial layers that are sufficient to secure the floss  106  to the spindle  906 . Once the number of turns of the bobbin  1834  is sufficient to secured the floss  106 , the spindle  906 , the button  520  may be released. Tension may then be applied to the floss  106  by rotating the bobbin  1834  to test how strongly the floss  106  grips the spindle  906 . If slip is detected, the button  520  may be pressed and held while additional turns of the bobbin  1834  wrap additional layers of floss  106  onto the spindle  906 . The button  520  may again be released to test for slip. If slip is still detected, the process may be repeated until the floss is firmly secured to the bobbin  1834  and no slip is detected. Optionally, the excess floss  106  wrapped around the grip  1836  is off and discarded. 
       FIG. 25A  is an enlargement of  FIG. 19A  illustrating an alternative initial orientation of the bobbin  1834  for wrapping floss  106  around the grip  1836 . Portions of the flosser  1800  have been omitted for clarity. In the enlargement of  FIG. 25A , a gap may be seen where the retie flange extends above a rim of the take-up chamber  1812 . 
       FIG. 25B  is an enlargement of  FIG. 23A  illustrating the channel  1830  in a position for wrapping floss  106  around the grip  1836 . Portions of the flosser  1800  have been omitted for clarity. The enlargement illustrates the retie flange  1832  about to ride over the floss  106  and force the floss  106  down into the retie slot  1806 . 
     The embodiments discussed herein are illustrative. As these embodiments are described with reference to illustrations, various modifications or adaptations of the methods and/or specific structures described may become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Various features and aspects of the above described technology may be used individually or jointly. Features in each of the various illustrations may be combined with features in other illustrations or used individually for illustrating the present technology. All such modifications, adaptations, or variations that rely upon the teachings of the embodiments, and through which these teachings have advanced the art, are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present application. Hence, these descriptions and drawings should not be considered in a limiting sense, as it is understood that the present application is in no way limited to only the embodiments illustrated.