Patent Description:
To maintain good oral health, it is recommended that teeth are not only brushed but also flossed using dental floss. Dental floss material typically comes in a string form and is generally dispensed from a bobbin contained within a dispenser housing. A cutting device is used to cut a desired length of the string of the dental floss material. A user can then use the cut length of floss string to insert it between the teeth for flossing. However, manually holding dental floss material taut during flossing can be difficult for some users, such as users with teeth spaces that are difficult to reach.

Other variations of dental floss appliances include pre-fabricated picks having a short piece of dental floss material spanning across two supports. These picks generally come in packs and are single use items. That is, once used, the entire pick and used dental floss material are discarded.

There is a need to provide a more efficient and effective way of holding and using of dental floss material to floss teeth.

US Patent Application No. <CIT> discloses a dental floss dispenser that has a case accommodating a thread of dental floss which emerges from the case through an outlet so that its end is accessible from the exterior of the case. The dental floss dispenser has a holding device, by means of which at least a section of the end of the thread of dental floss is held in defined alignment. The case is thereby structured to simplify transfer of a section of dental floss to a grasping and holding member.

According to one aspect, a dental flossing pick may include a body including a first arm and a first jaw, a lever including a second arm and a second jaw, the lever rotatably coupled to the body, and at least one torsion spring coupled to the body and the lever; and a locking mechanism carried along the body, wherein the first arm and the second arm rotatable toward one another, against a resistance force of the at least one torsion spring, from an open state to a closed state to form a handle, and, in the closed state, the first jaw and the second jaw are clamped to one another, collectively forming a fork distal to the handle, the second arm of the lever is releasably securable in the recess in the closed state in which the first arm of the body and the second arm of the lever form the handle, releasable securement of the second arm of the lever in the recess of the body resists rotation of the lever and the body relative to one another under force of the at least one torsion spring, and, the fork includes a first prong and a second prong defining therebetween a gap along which a length of dental floss material supportable in tension, the locking mechanism includes a linear spring and a pin, the linear spring and the pin are supported along the first arm of the body, the linear spring biases the pin into the recess defined by the first arm of the body, and the second arm of the lever defines at least one notch releasably engageable with the pin in the recess.

In some implementations, the first arm of the body may define a longitudinal axis, and the lever may be rotatable relative to the body about a rotational axis skew to the longitudinal axis.

In certain implementations, the first arm of the body may extend proximal to the second arm of the lever when the body and the lever collectively forming the handle.

In some implementations, the first arm of the body may include an actuator in mechanical communication with the pin, and the actuator may be depressible to retract the pin, against the bias of the linear spring, from the at least one notch of the second arm of the lever to release resistance to rotational movement between the lever and the body such that the first arm and the second arm move from the closed state to the open state in which the first jaw and the second jaw are unclamped from one another. As an example, the actuator may be along a portion of the first arm proximal to the second arm of the lever such that the lever is rotatable away from the actuator in response to depression of the actuator.

In certain implementations, the first jaw and the second jaw may include respective traction features interlocking one another with the first jaw and the second jaw clamped to one another in the closed state.

According to another aspect, a dental hygiene system may include a dental flossing pick including a handle and a fork coupled to one another, the fork including a first prong and a second prong, and the fork actuatable to clamp a length of dental floss material in tension in a gap defined by the first prong and the second prong, and a case including a base, a panel, and a dispenser, the panel releasably securable to the base, the panel having a first surface supporting the dispenser, the dispenser including a wall extending away from the first surface, the base defining a cavity extending in a direction opposite the wall of the dispenser, and the dental flossing pick storable along the base with the fork in the cavity and the handle supported on the wall of the dispenser.

In some implementations, the wall of the dispenser defines a dispensing volume, and the handle of the dental flossing pick is supportable on the wall of the dispenser to cover the dispensing volume. The dispenser may, for example, further include a cutting element. The wall may define a slit, and the cutting element may be supported on the wall adjacent to the slit. As an example, the base may define a compartment, and the panel is releasably securable to the base over the compartment. The panel may include, for example, a button section along the first surface, the button section is disposed between the cavity and the dispenser, and the button section is depressible to release the panel from the base to expose the compartment. Further, or instead, the panel may have a second surface opposite the first surface, the panel is releasably securable over the compartment with the second surface facing the compartment, and the panel and the wall of the dispenser collectively define an orifice extending from the second surface of the panel to the dispensing volume. A linear distance between the orifice and the cutting element may be greater than a distance between the first prong and the second prong of the flossing pick. The dental hygiene system may further include a cartridge including a container, a bobbin of dental floss material, and a lid, wherein the container includes a rim, the lid is disposed on the rim of the container such that the container and the lid collectively envelop the bobbin of dental floss material, the container defines a hole away from the lid, an end of the bobbin of dental floss material extends through the hole, and the cartridge is positionable in the compartment defined by the base, and the end of the bobbin of dental floss material is extendible from the compartment to the dispensing volume via the orifice.

In certain implementations, a portion of the wall closest to the cavity includes a lip having a shape conforming to a contour of the handle of the dental flossing pick.

Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term "or" should generally be understood to mean "and/or," and the term "and" should generally be understood to mean "and/or.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words "about," "approximately," or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as including any deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described embodiments. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language ("e.g.," "such as," or the like) is intended merely to elaborate upon the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of those embodiments. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

As used herein, the terms "distal" and "proximal" shall be understood to refer to relative orientation of components of a dental flossing pick with reference to an end user (e.g., a person) whose teeth are flossed using the dental flossing pick. Specifically, unless otherwise specified or made clear from the context, a component that is distal to another component shall be understood to be closer to the teeth of the end user when the dental flossing pick is used in a flossing procedure. Further, unless otherwise specified or made clear from the context, a component that is proximal to another component shall be understood to be farther away from the teeth of the end user when the dental flossing pick is used in a flossing procedure. Thus, as a specific example, a handle of a dental flossing pick shall be understood to be proximal to a fork of the given dental flossing pick. As a corollary, a fork of a dental flossing pick shall be understood to be distal to the handle of the given dental flossing pick.

Referring now to <FIG>, a dental hygiene system <NUM> includes a dental flossing pick <NUM> and a case <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the dental flossing pick <NUM> is actuatable between an open state and a closed state to facilitate selectively grasping and releasing a length of dental floss material. In the closed state, the dental flossing pick <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> and a fork <NUM> coupled to one another, and a length of dental floss material may be held in tension between a first prong <NUM> and a second prong <NUM> of the fork <NUM>. Further, or instead, the case <NUM> stores the dental flossing pick <NUM> with the dental flossing pick <NUM> in the closed state. For example, the case <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a panel <NUM>, and a dispenser <NUM>. The base <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> in which the fork <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be positioned while the handle <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> is supported on a wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> supported on the panel <NUM>. With the dental flossing pick <NUM> so positioned along the base <NUM>, the case <NUM> provides sanitary storage for the dental flossing pick <NUM> and additionally, or alternatively, facilitates transporting the dental flossing pick <NUM>. As an example, the case <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> securable to the base <NUM> to envelope the dental flossing pick <NUM> within the case <NUM>.

In use, as also described in greater detail below, the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be removed from the case <NUM>, and a user may actuate the dental flossing pick <NUM> from an open state to a closed state to clamp an unused length of dental floss material such that the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be reused many times, thus reducing waste compared to single-use picks preloaded with dental floss material. For example, the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be spring-loaded according to any one or more of various techniques, described in greater detail below, to facilitate operating the dental flossing pick <NUM> to grasp the dental floss material reliably and with significant force to hold the dental floss material taut as the dental floss material is passed through spaces in the user's teeth. As also described in greater detail below, the case <NUM> may be reloadable with dental floss material to facilitate making the dental floss material conveniently available to a user before each use of the dental flossing pick <NUM>, such as may be particularly useful for portability during travel or daily carrying.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dental flossing pick <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a lever <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include a first arm <NUM> and a first jaw <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> includes a second arm <NUM> and a second jaw <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> are rotatably coupled to one another along a rotational axis R skew to a longitudinal axis L defined by the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> such that the fork <NUM> may be disposed at an oblique angle relative to the handle <NUM> to facilitate achieving proper orientation and reach of the dental flossing pick <NUM> in a user's mouth. In general, the rotational axis R may be between the first arm <NUM> and the first jaw <NUM> and, similarly, between the second arm <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>.

In general, rotation of the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> relative to one another about the rotational axis R moves the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> between an open state and a closed state. As used herein, it shall be understood that the state of the dental flossing pick <NUM> refers to the position of the first jaw <NUM> of the body and the second jaw <NUM> of the lever <NUM> relative to one another. For example, unless otherwise specified or made clear from the context, reference to an "open state" shall be understood to refer to any one or more of various positions of the first jaw <NUM> of the body <NUM> spaced apart from the second jaw <NUM> of the lever <NUM> such that a dental floss material may be removed from and/or introduced into spacing between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>. As another example, unless otherwise specified or made clear from the context, reference to a "closed state" shall be understood to refer to a position in which the first jaw <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> of the lever <NUM> are in contact with one another. Thus, a length of dental floss material may be positioned between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> in the open state, and the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> may be pressed toward one another such that the resulting rotational motion of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> clamps the length of dental floss material between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>.

In certain implementations, rotation of the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> relative to one another about the rotational axis may advantageously change a form factor of the dental flossing pick <NUM>. For example, in the closed state, the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> collectively form the dental flossing pick <NUM> having a form factor including the handle <NUM> and the fork <NUM>. More specifically, in the closed state, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> collectively form the handle <NUM>. Further, in the closed state, the first jaw <NUM> of the body and the second jaw <NUM> of the lever <NUM> may collectively form the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> of the fork <NUM> such that a length of dental floss material clamped between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> may be held taut along a gap <NUM> defined by the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM>. Stated differently, rotation of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> relative to one another from the open state to the closed state produces a clamping force on a length of dental floss material while advantageously also forming the dental flossing pick <NUM> into a form factor - one with the fork <NUM> coupled and distal to the handle <NUM> - usable for flossing. For example, by partially inserting the dental flossing pick <NUM> into the user's mouth with one of the first prong <NUM> or the second prong <NUM> on the facial side of the user's teeth and the other one of the first prong <NUM> or the second prong <NUM> on the lingual side of the user's teeth the length of dental floss material held taut along the gap <NUM> between the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> may be passed between two individual teeth of the user to carry out a dental flossing process. When flossing process is completed, the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> may be rotated away from one another to move the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> from the closed state to the open state to allow the used length of dental floss material to be replaced for a subsequent flossing process.

In general, the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> may be rotatable relative to one another about the rotational axis R via any one or more of various different hinge arrangements useful for providing reliable rotational movement in both directions, over multiple uses, and in the presence of moisture (e.g., saliva). For example, the body <NUM> may include one or more rods <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> may define one or more receptacles <NUM>. Each instance of the one or more rods <NUM> may be positioned in a respective instance of the one or more receptacles <NUM> to rotatably couple the body <NUM> to one another. That is each instance of the one or more rods <NUM> may be rotatable in the respective instance of the one or more receptacles <NUM> while being restricted with respect to other types of motion. As may be appreciated, in this example, the rotational axis R extends through the one or more rods <NUM>. In some implementations, rotational motion of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> about the rotational axis R may be restricted by one or more features of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> interfering with one another to act as a stopper, restricting rotational motion to within a predetermined range useful for facilitating grasping a length of dental floss material.

In some instances, the dental flossing pick <NUM> includes at least one torsion spring <NUM> coupled to the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM>. The at least one torsion spring <NUM> may, for example, resist rotation of the of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> relative to one another about the rotational axis R. That is, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> are rotatable toward one another, against a resistance force of the at least one torsion spring <NUM>, from an open state to a closed state to form the handle <NUM>. Stated differently, the at least one torsion spring <NUM> may bias the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> away from one another, such as may be useful for reducing the likelihood of unintended pinching and, further or instead, to reduce the amount of fine motor hand movements required to clamp a length of dental floss material between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>. Further, the rotational spring bias provided by the at least one torsion spring <NUM> may facilitate separating the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> from one another in a forceful manner when the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> are locked together according to any one or more of the various locking techniques described herein. Such forceful separation may be useful for, among other things, facilitating separation of the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> from one another when these are wet with saliva.

As an example, the at least one torsion spring <NUM> may be positioned about the rotational axis R in an orientation resisting rotation of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> about the rotational axis R to move the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> from the open position to the closed position. Thus, returning to the example of the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> rotationally coupled to one another through the one or more rods <NUM> rotatable in the one or more receptacles <NUM>, each instance of the at least one torsion spring <NUM> may be disposed about an instance of the one or more rods <NUM> and in contact with the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM>.

In general, the handle <NUM> collectively formed by the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> in the closed state may have any one or more of various different form factors useful for facilitating grasping by a user. For example, the handle <NUM> may have a form factor that may be grasped between a thumb and a forefinger of a user. Further, to facilitate moving the dental flossing pick <NUM> through a variety of positions useful for accommodating variations in teeth spacing, the form factor of the handle <NUM> may facilitate grasping in any one or more of various different orientations of the handle <NUM>.

In some instances, the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> may be flush with one another in the closed state to present the user with a form factor of the handle <NUM> that is substantially uniform along the longitudinal axis L, such as may be useful for facilitating grasping the handle <NUM> at any one or more of various different longitudinal positions. As an example, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> may define a recess <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> may be at least partially positionable in the recess <NUM> in the closed state in which the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> form the handle <NUM>. That is, the recess <NUM> may be useful for decoupling aspects of the shape of the second arm <NUM> of the lever from the overall shape and size of the handle <NUM> formed when the second arm <NUM> is at least partially disposed in the recess <NUM>. In some implementations, the recess <NUM> may have a depth corresponding to a height of the second arm <NUM> such that the handle <NUM> may have a substantially continuous surface when the second arm <NUM> is positioned in the recess <NUM>. In this context, a substantially continuous surface shall be understood to allow for a seam between the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> when the second arm <NUM> is positioned in the recess <NUM>.

While the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> of the lever may have any one or more of various different relative lengths, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> may advantageously extend proximal to the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> when the body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> collectively form the handle <NUM> in some instances. For example, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> extending proximal to the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> may facilitate supporting the first arm <NUM> with a thumb while a forefinger of the same hand of the pinches the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> toward the first arm <NUM> to form the handle <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> extending proximal to the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> may lock the second arm <NUM> to the first arm <NUM> to reduce the likelihood of inadvertently separating the handle <NUM> during use of the dental flossing pick <NUM> during a flossing procedure. That is, in instances in which the at least one torsion spring <NUM> biases rotation of the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> away from one another, releasable securement of the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> in the recess <NUM> of the body <NUM> resists rotation of the lever <NUM> and the body <NUM> relative to one another under the force of the at least one torsion spring <NUM>. By way of example and not limitation, a locking mechanism for securing the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> to one another to form the handle <NUM> may include at least one of the following: a latch, a hook, a key-and-lock arrangement, a spring, a temporary adhesive mechanism, or a hook-and-loop fastener.

As a specific example, the dental flossing pick <NUM> includes a locking mechanism <NUM> carried along the body <NUM>. The locking mechanism <NUM> includes a linear spring <NUM> and a pin <NUM>. The linear spring <NUM> and the pin <NUM> are supported along the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM>, with the linear spring <NUM> biasing the pin <NUM> into the recess <NUM> defined by the first arm <NUM>. Additionally, the second arm <NUM> defines at least one notch <NUM> releasably engageable with the pin <NUM> in the recess <NUM>. That is, as the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is positioned in the recess <NUM>, the linear spring <NUM> biases the pin <NUM> into the recess <NUM>, where the at least one notch <NUM> of the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> may engage the pin <NUM> to hold the lever <NUM> in place in the recess <NUM> until the locking mechanism <NUM> is actuated to release such engagement between the pin <NUM> and the at least one notch <NUM>.

The locking mechanism <NUM> may further, or instead, include a tray <NUM>. The linear spring <NUM> may be positioned within the tray <NUM>. One end of the linear spring <NUM> may push against the pin <NUM> and another end of the linear spring <NUM> may push against and/or be secured to a rear edge <NUM> (or any other stopper) of the tray <NUM>. In certain instances, the tray <NUM> may be secured within the first arm <NUM> using a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may include one or more rails <NUM> that may stabilize the tray <NUM> against inadvertent movement within the first arm <NUM>.

While the locking mechanism <NUM> may be unlockable by pulling one or both of the first arm <NUM> or the second arm <NUM> away from one another, the locking mechanism <NUM> may include an actuator to facilitate releasing the first arm <NUM> from the second arm <NUM> in some instances. For example, the first arm <NUM> of the body <NUM> may include an actuator <NUM> (e.g., a button or a flexible region of material). The actuator <NUM> may be in mechanical communication with the pin <NUM> such that the actuator <NUM> is depressible or otherwise moveable to retract the pin <NUM> out of engagement with the at least one notch <NUM> of the second arm <NUM>. For example, the actuator <NUM> may be in mechanical communication with the pin <NUM> via the tray <NUM>, and depressing the actuator <NUM> may move the tray <NUM> - and, thus, the linear spring <NUM> and the pin <NUM> - such that the pin <NUM> moves out of the recess <NUM> to disengage the one or more notches of the <NUM> of the second arm <NUM>. With the pin <NUM> disengaged from the at least one notch <NUM> of the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM>, the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> may be rotated away from one another. For example, in instances in which the at least one torsion spring <NUM> biases the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> to rotate away from one another, releasing the locking mechanism <NUM> may release resistance to rotational movement between the lever <NUM> and the body <NUM> such that the first arm <NUM> and the second arm <NUM> move from the closed state to the open state in which the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> are unclamped from one another. In certain instances, releasing the locking mechanism <NUM> may result in a rapid change of force on the second arm <NUM>, causing the second arm <NUM> to move rapidly away from the recess <NUM> of the first arm <NUM> under the force of the at least one torsion spring <NUM>. Such rapid movement of the second arm <NUM> away from the first arm <NUM> may be described as the second arm <NUM> "popping" open from the recess <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> may generally be positioned along any portion of the first arm <NUM> as may facilitate reliable actuation by a user. Thus, for example, the actuator <NUM> may be along a portion of the first arm <NUM> proximal to the second arm <NUM> such that the lever <NUM> is rotatable away from the actuator <NUM> in response to actuation (e.g., depression of a button or a flexible section) of the actuator <NUM>. It shall be appreciated that such positioning of the actuator may, among other things, reduce the likelihood that the user's interaction with the actuator <NUM> will interfere with release of the second arm <NUM> of the lever <NUM> away from the recess <NUM> of the first arm <NUM>.

While the locking mechanism <NUM> has been described as having certain features on the body <NUM> and other features on the lever <NUM>, it shall be appreciated that the positioning of components may be reversed unless otherwise specified or made clear from the context.

In general, the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> may have any one or more of various different shapes as may be useful for engagement with one another to clamp a length of dental floss material therebetween. For the sake of clear and efficient explanation, the term "jaw" and variations thereof used herein shall be understood to refer to a half of a clamp producing a clamping force in the closed state of the dental flossing pick <NUM>. Thus, in particular, the first jaw <NUM> shall be understood to include two sections (one along the first prong <NUM> and one along the second prong <NUM>) that are substantially identical, with allowances for manufacturing tolerances. Similarly, the second jaw <NUM> shall be understood to include two sections (one along the first prong <NUM> and one along the second prong <NUM>), again with allowances for manufacturing tolerances.

In some implementations, the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> formed by the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> in the closed state may be spaced a predetermined distance A apart. The predetermined distance A may be based on a size that may be comfortably inserted into the mouth of a user and subsequent ease of flossing by the user. For example, the predetermined distance A may be determined based on an average size of user's mouth (e.g., when the user's mouth is open). The predetermined distance A (as well as other size parameters of the dental flossing pick <NUM>) may vary to accommodate different users (e.g., size parameters may be smaller for children as compared to adult users). In some instances, the predetermined distance A between the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> may be adjustable to allow the user to increase and/or reduce the predetermined distance A.

In general, with the dental flossing pick <NUM> in the closed state, the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> may be disposed at an angle α with respect to the handle <NUM>. The angular positioning of the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> may assist with ease of use and/or comfortable insertion of the dental flossing pick <NUM> into the mouth of the user and flossing by the user. The angle α may be any predetermined angle and may be similarly determined based on an average size of user's mouth. As shall be understood, the angle α may vary to accommodate different users (e.g., the angle α may be smaller for child as compared to adult users). In some implementations, the angle α may additionally, or alternatively, also be adjustable. For example, the user may wish to increase (e.g., make the angle α more obtuse) or decrease the angle (e.g., make it closer to a right angle or an acute angle).

One or both of the first jaw <NUM> or the second jaw <NUM> may include traction features <NUM> useful for gripping a length of dental floss material when the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> are clamped together in the closed state. For example, the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> include respective instances of the traction features <NUM> interlocking one another with the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> clamped to one another in the closed state. The traction features <NUM> may include, for example, include one or more teeth engageable with one another when the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> are in the closed state. Additionally, or alternatively, the traction features <NUM> may include temporary adhesives useful for holding a length of dental floss clamped between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>. Still further or instead, the traction features <NUM> may include one or more hooks securable to the length of dental floss material held between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>.

Having described various features of the dental flossing pick <NUM>, attention is now directed to the case <NUM> in which the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be stored between uses and from which dental floss material may be dispensed in an orientation facilitating clamping by the dental flossing pick <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the case <NUM> generally includes the base <NUM>, the panel <NUM>, and the dispenser <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the dispenser <NUM> includes a wall <NUM> supported on a first surface of the panel <NUM> to facilitate supporting the dental flossing pick <NUM> in a stable orientation while also presenting dental floss in an orientation that facilitates being clamped in the fork <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM>. In certain implementations, the case <NUM> may include the cover <NUM> securable to the base <NUM> to envelop the dental flossing pick <NUM>. For example, the cover <NUM> may be hingedly coupled to the base <NUM> to reduce the likelihood of misplacement of the cover between uses. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover <NUM> may be securable to the base <NUM> via a lock <NUM> (e.g., one or more magnetic sections attractable to one another to hold the cover <NUM> and the base <NUM> together), as may be useful for reducing the likelihood that the dental flossing pick <NUM> may become inadvertently dislodged from the case <NUM> or otherwise exposed to potentially unsanitary conditions.

In general, the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> may extend away from the first surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM> defined by the base <NUM> may extend in a direction opposite the direction of extension of the wall <NUM> away from the first surface <NUM>. That is, the cavity <NUM> may be spaced away from the wall <NUM> and may extend below the first surface <NUM> to facilitate accommodating the angle between the fork <NUM> and the handle <NUM> without deforming or otherwise damaging the dental flossing pick <NUM> supported on the base <NUM>. More specifically, with the handle <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> supported on the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>, the fork <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be disposed in the cavity <NUM> defined by the base <NUM>.

In certain implementations, the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> may define a dispensing volume <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, a length of dental floss material may be stretched across the dispensing volume <NUM>, and the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be at least partially extended into the dispensing volume <NUM> to grasp the length of dental floss material from the dispensing volume <NUM>. Importantly, the handle <NUM> may be shaped to cover the dispensing volume <NUM> when the handle <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> is supported on the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> between uses. That is, the handle <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> may act as a lid that reduces the likelihood that a length of dental floss material stretched across the dispensing volume <NUM> will become contaminated between uses of the dental flossing pick <NUM>. In certain instances, a portion of the wall <NUM> closest to the cavity <NUM> may include a lip <NUM> having a shape conforming to a contour of a portion of the handle <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM> supportable on the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>. It shall be appreciated that the lip <NUM> conforming to the contour of the handle <NUM> may facilitate supporting the handle <NUM> in a stable orientation over the dispensing volume <NUM> and further, or instead, may reduce the likelihood of ingress of debris into the dispensing volume <NUM>.

In certain instances, the dispenser <NUM> may include a cutting element <NUM> disposed proximate to the dispensing volume <NUM> such that the cutting element <NUM> may cut a length of dental floss material extended across the dispensing volume <NUM>. For example, the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> may define a slit <NUM>, and the cutting element <NUM> may be supported on the wall <NUM> adjacent to the slit <NUM>. In use, once a dental floss a length of the dental floss material may be moved into contact with the cutting element <NUM> via the slit <NUM> such that the dental floss material may be cut once the length of the dental floss material is grasped in the fork <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM>. The slit <NUM> may be useful for aligning the dental floss material with the cutting element <NUM>. Further or instead, the slit <NUM> may provide protection against inadvertent contact between a user and the cutting element <NUM>.

The cutting element <NUM> may include, for example, a curved strip <NUM> that may be coupled (e.g., glued, welded, etc.) and/or integrated with the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>. The curvature of the curved strip <NUM> may correspond to curvature of the wall <NUM>. The curved strip <NUM> may include a cutting structure <NUM> that may be positioned adjacent to the slit <NUM>. The cutting structure <NUM> may include cutting prongs 327a,b forming a triangular opening <NUM>. The cutting prongs 327a,b may be sharpened and serve as blades for cutting the dental floss material. The cutting prongs 327a,b may further, or instead, include curved ends <NUM> useful for securing the curved strip <NUM> to the wall <NUM> at one of the sides of the slit <NUM>. The curved strip <NUM> may include any metal, composite materials, plastic, etc. While the cutting element <NUM> has been described as including the cutting prongs 327a,b, it shall be appreciated that the cutting element <NUM> may include any one or more of various different cutting mechanisms. For example, cutting element <NUM> may include one or more blades, scissors, cutters, etc..

In certain instances, the wall <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> may define at least a portion of an orifice <NUM> through which a supply of dental floss material may be moved, as described in greater detail below. For example, a dental floss material <NUM> may be stretched across the dispensing volume <NUM> along a linear distance from the orifice <NUM> and the cutting element <NUM>. This linear distance may be greater than a distance between the first prong <NUM> and the second prong <NUM> of the of the fork <NUM> of the dental flossing pick <NUM>, as may be useful for manipulating the dental flossing pick <NUM> within the dispensing volume <NUM> to grasp a length of dental floss material. Once the length of a dental floss material <NUM> is clamped by the dental flossing pick <NUM>, the user may pull the dental flossing pick <NUM>, in the clamped state, away from the dispenser <NUM>. Pulling of the dental floss pick <NUM> may cause threading of a new length of the dental floss material <NUM> from the orifice <NUM>. The user may then use the cutting element <NUM> to cut the fresh string of the dental floss material <NUM> clamped by the dental flossing pick <NUM> to free the dental flossing pick <NUM> from being attached to the dental floss material <NUM> to the case <NUM>. This procedure may be repeated each time the user desires to change the string of the dental floss material <NUM> clamped by the dental flossing pick <NUM>. Once the user has completed flossing, the dental flossing pick <NUM> may be stored on the base <NUM> as described herein.

In general, the base <NUM> may define a compartment <NUM>, and the panel <NUM> may be releasably securable to the base <NUM> over the compartment <NUM> such that removal of the panel <NUM> may provide selective access to the compartment <NUM>. For example, the panel <NUM> may include a button section <NUM> along the first surface <NUM>, such as along a portion of the first surface <NUM> between the cavity <NUM> and the dispenser <NUM>. Continuing with this example, the button section <NUM> may be depressible to release the panel <NUM> from the base <NUM> to expose the compartment <NUM>. The button section <NUM> may include a button with a distance of travel in some instances. Further or instead, the button section <NUM> may include a section of the panel <NUM> that may be pressed to move the panel <NUM> downward into the compartment <NUM> such that another portion of the panel <NUM> gets tilted upward way from the compartment <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the panel <NUM> may be releasably secured to the base <NUM> over the compartment <NUM> using any one or more of a latch, a hook, a switch, a ball, a snap-fit, and/or any other type of mechanism and/or any combination thereof.

A supply of the dental floss material <NUM> may be generally stored in the compartment <NUM> and gradually pulled from the compartment <NUM> through multiple uses of the dental flossing pick <NUM>. For example, the panel <NUM> may have a second surface <NUM> opposite the first surface <NUM>, and the panel <NUM> may be releasably securable over the compartment <NUM> with the second surface <NUM> facing the compartment <NUM>. Further, or instead, the panel <NUM> and the wall <NUM> may collectively define the orifice <NUM> such that the orifice <NUM> extends from the second surface of the panel <NUM> to the dispensing volume <NUM>. That is, with the panel <NUM> releasably secured over the compartment <NUM> such that the second surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> faces the compartment <NUM>, a supply of the dental floss material <NUM> may be threaded from the compartment <NUM> to the dispensing volume <NUM> via the orifice <NUM>.

In certain implementations, the supply of the dental floss material <NUM> may include a cartridge <NUM> positionable in the compartment <NUM> in a predetermined orientation. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be securable to the second surface <NUM> of the panel <NUM> and/or to one or more walls of the base <NUM> along the compartment <NUM>. Alternatively, or additionally, the cartridge <NUM> may be supported in the compartment <NUM> with a friction fit between the cartridge and the compartment <NUM>. More generally, the cartridge <NUM> may be securable in the compartment <NUM> such that there is little or no movement of the cartridge <NUM> in the compartment.

Having described various aspects of dispensing the dental floss material <NUM> from the case <NUM>, attention is now directed to various aspects of the cartridge <NUM> that may be used as a replaceable supply of the dental floss material <NUM> that may be dispensed from the case <NUM> for use with the dental flossing pick <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> may include a container <NUM>, a bobbin <NUM> of the dental floss material <NUM>, and a lid <NUM>. The container <NUM> may include a rim <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> may be disposed on the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM> such that the container <NUM> and the lid <NUM> collectively envelop the bobbin <NUM> of the dental floss material <NUM>. In certain implementations, the container <NUM> may define a hole <NUM> away from the lid <NUM>, and an end <NUM> of the bobbin <NUM> of the dental floss material <NUM> may extend through the hole <NUM>. It shall be appreciated that the end <NUM> of the bobbin <NUM> may be pulled to dispense additional amounts of dental floss material from the cartridge <NUM>.

The bobbin <NUM> may be wound in a cylindrical shape, as may be useful for retaining a physical structure to reduce the likelihood of entanglement of the dental floss material as the dental floss material is unwound from the bobbin <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the cartridge <NUM> may include a covering <NUM> adhered to the bobbin <NUM> and extending circumferentially about the bobbin <NUM>. The covering <NUM> may to support physical structure of the bobbin <NUM> to assist during unwinding of the floss, thus reducing the likelihood of accidental unwinding of the floss and/or the floss becoming loose, tangled, etc. In some exemplary implementations, the covering <NUM> may be made from any thin film, molded paper pulp, plastic cover, and/or any other desired material. The covering <NUM> may be a soft shell and/or a hard shell. Further, or instead, the bobbin <NUM> may be wound as a coreless cylinder (e.g., without any paper, plastic, wood, etc. core in the center of the bobbin), as may be useful for unwinding of the dental floss material from the bobbin <NUM> by pulling the dental floss material from an interior portion of the bobbin <NUM> rather than from an exterior portion of the bobbin <NUM>.

Further, while the bobbin <NUM> has been described as being wound in a cylindrical shape, it shall be appreciated that the bobbin <NUM> may be wound in any one or more of various different shapes, as may be useful for retaining a physical structure of the bobbin <NUM> to reduce the likelihood of entanglement of the dental floss material as the dental floss material is unwound from the bobbin <NUM>. For example, the bobbin <NUM> may be wound having an olive shape, a cocoon shape, and/or as a flat oval spool with its winding axis as its minor dimension rather than its major dimension (e.g., the bobbin <NUM> may be wider than it is tall).

The method steps of the implementations described do not form part of the claimed invention but are intended to include any suitable method of causing such method steps to be performed, consistent with the patentability of the following claims, unless a different meaning is expressly provided or otherwise clear from the context. So, for example performing the step of X includes any suitable method for causing another party such as a remote user, a remote processing resource (e.g., a server or cloud computer) or a machine to perform the step of X. Similarly, performing steps X, Y and Z may include any method of directing or controlling any combination of such other individuals or resources to perform steps X, Y and Z to obtain the benefit of such steps. Thus, method steps of the implementations described herein are intended to include any suitable method of causing one or more other parties or entities to perform the steps, consistent with the patentability of the following claims, unless a different meaning is expressly provided or otherwise clear from the context. Such parties or entities need not be under the direction or control of any other party or entity, and need not be located within a particular jurisdiction.

Claim 1:
A dental flossing pick (<NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>) including a first arm (<NUM>) and a first jaw (<NUM>, the first arm (<NUM>) defining a recess (<NUM>);
a lever (<NUM>) including a second arm (<NUM>) and a second jaw (<NUM>), the lever (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the body (<NUM>);
at least one torsion spring (<NUM>) coupled to the body (<NUM>) and the lever (<NUM>); and
a locking mechanism (<NUM>) carried along the body (<NUM>), wherein
the first arm (<NUM>) and the second arm (<NUM>) are rotatable toward one another, against a resistance force of the at least one torsion spring (<NUM>), from an open state to a closed state to form a handle (<NUM>), and
in the closed state, the first jaw (<NUM>) and the second jaw (<NUM>) are clamped to one another, collectively forming a fork (<NUM>) distal to the handle (<NUM>),
the second arm (<NUM>) of the lever (<NUM>) is releasably securable in the recess (<NUM>) in the closed state in which the first arm (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) and the second arm (<NUM>) of the lever (<NUM>) form the handle (<NUM>),
releasable securement of the second arm (<NUM>) of the lever (<NUM>) in the recess (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>) resists rotation of the lever (<NUM>) and the body (<NUM>) relative to one another under force of the at least one torsion spring (<NUM>), and
the fork (<NUM>) includes a first prong (<NUM>) and a second prong (<NUM>) defining therebetween a gap (<NUM>) along which a length of dental floss material (<NUM>) is supportable in tension,
the locking mechanism (<NUM>) includes a linear spring (<NUM>) and a pin (<NUM>),
the linear spring (<NUM>) and the pin (<NUM>) are supported along the first arm (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), the linear spring (<NUM>) biases the pin (<NUM>) into the recess (<NUM>) defined by the first arm (<NUM>) of the body (<NUM>), and
the second arm (<NUM>) of the lever (<NUM>) defines at least one notch (<NUM>) releasably engageable with the pin (<NUM>) in the recess (<NUM>).