Abstract: This invention describes a device and process used to aid in flossing the teeth of an Orthodontic Appliances (braces) patient. The device is a short, thin "spaghetti" sized guide tube combined with dental floss. A length of floss is inserted into the guide tube. The floss and guide tube are easily pushed into the space between the user's teeth and the braces inserting the floss. The guide tube is removed from the space and allowed to rest on an unemployed section of floss. The guide tube is slightly coiled during manufacture and clings to the unemployed section of floss and does not require rethreading of the floss through the guide tube for each tooth. The procedure is repeated for subsequent teeth. A modified tube version includes an enlarged funnel like end to simplify the threading of floss into the tube.

Abstract: A dental floss apparatus generally comprising a thimble, a pair of tines extending from the top surface of the thimble and a section of dental floss suspended between the tips of the tines. To floss, a forefinger or thumb is typically inserted into the thimble, which remains relatively fixed onto the forefinger or thumb by pressing the opposing forefinger or thumb on the same hand onto the side of the thimble. The thimble is sized and configured such that insertion of the forefinger or thumb causes a suction within the thimble that further aids holding the thimble. The section of dental floss across the tips is used to floss between the teeth. In an alternate configuration, a single tine extends upward from said thimble and dental floss is suspended between the tip of the tine and the thimble. In still another configuration, a second thimble is attached in tandem onto the first thimble for additional torque control.

Abstract: Improved dental flosses include two or more components selected to provide desired properties to the floss. The improved flosses may comprise one or a plurality of multicomponent filaments, each filament including an inner core selected to provide strength to the floss, and an outer layer selected to provide a desired surface property. The improved flosses also may comprise one or a plurality of core filaments embedded in a single body sheath. The filament component provides desirable physical properties to the floss, such as tensile strength, while a floss body sheath component provides desirable surface properties.

Abstract: A method of treating systemic afflictions includes loading a dental floss with an active therapeutic agents and rubbing the floss against a mouth tissue to release the active therapeutic agent onto the tissue for penetration through the tissue. The active therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, zinc acetate, zinc phenol sulfonate, zinc borate, zinc bromide, zinc nitrate, zinc glycerophosphate, zinc benzoate, zinc carbonate, zinc citrate, zinc hexafluorosilicate, zinc diacetate trihydrate, zinc oxide, zinc peroxide, zinc salicylate, zinc silicate, zinc stannate, zinc tannate, zinc titanate, zinc tetrafluoroborate, zinc gluconate, and zinc glycinate. An additional therapeutic agent may also be loaded on the floss, for example, antimicrobials, antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-plaque agents, analgesics, anti-tarter agents, anti-caries agents, hemostatic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, hormones, bleaching agents and vitamins.

Abstract: A dental flossing apparatus, comprising a length of dental floss having two ends and two floss holders. One floss holder is attached to each end of the dental floss. Each floss holder comprises a flat piece of plastic having an edge with a continuous groove therein. The groove allows dental floss to be wrapped around the floss holder. Each floss holder is molded around one end of the dental floss, forming a very secure bond between the floss and the holder.

Abstract: Dental flossing devices and methods which are of particular use with corrective dental braces. The flossing devices utilize a strand of floss supported by an arm attached to a grip. The arm includes one or more extensions which support the floss and can be inserted under a brace wire. An extension which is more flexible and curved facilitates tensioning of the floss when forced against a tooth. In another embodiment a supply roll of floss is included. Other flossing devices include a loop which is engaged by the user's finger.

Abstract: Improved dental flosses are provided, including multicomponent coextruded filaments and/or filaments having a multilobal cross-section. Some preferred flosses of the invention are capable of bulking.

Abstract: A toothbrush that is provided with the usual elongate handle having the usual hang-up hole in the free, hang-up end portion thereof, has a dental floss receiving slot leading from the outer periphery of the hang-up end portion of the handle into the hang-up hole. This enables an end of a length of dental floss to be held pressed against a face of the brush handle by one hand of a user while the opposite end of the length of floss is grasped by the other hand of the user and pulled taut, with a relatively short length portion thereof being pressed into the slot. Neither hand of the user need enter the mouth for flossing purposes, and both are pre-positioned for immediate and effective conjoint use in the flossing of the user's teeth following attachment of a length of dental floss to the user's toothbrush.

Abstract: A dental floss holder comprising: a body part, first and second spaced apart arms extending from the body part, a first strand of dental floss extending generally axially between the arms, said strand having opposite ends secured to the arms, and a second strand of dental floss extending generally axially between the arms and situated generally parallel to and laterally displaced from the first strand, and a handle extending away from the body part with a pick defined and die cut within the handle, the pick being accessible by bending the pick or the adjacent material out of the plane handle.

Abstract: The invention is an improved dental floss holder that provides a convenient frame for the flossing of teeth. This dental floss holder allows a user to advance new floss into place ready for use without contact with the floss for improved hygienics and aesthetics. A novel advancing mechanism allows the user to simply advance the floss while holding the handle and moving a knob with a finger. The fresh floss is dispensed from a spool in the handle and the used floss is collected on a separate spool. Both spools are locked during flossing, so the force from flossing does not move the spools. A brake on the dispensing spool ensures that freshly dispensed floss is at the proper tension for use. Alternatively, friction is applied along the path of the floss to supply tension to the floss as it is being dispensed. Broken floss can be easily reattached to the collecting spool. In the preferred embodiment, an empty cartridge containing the dispensing spool can be used to supply an empty collecting spool.

Abstract: A PTFE dental floss, filled with wax, and having no wax coating, which provides reduced likelihood of fraying and superior lubricity.

Abstract: An elongate PTFE material is formed by passing an unsintered PTFE tape across a heated surface in sliding contact therewith while applying tension to the tape, such that the PTFE tape, when its temperature is raised by contact with the heated surface, is longitudinally stretched with simultaneous width and thickness reduction while in contact with the surface. PTFE tapes having different properties, e.g. coefficients of friction at opposite faces can be produced. Such tapes are suitable for use as dental flosses.

Abstract: A flossing tool includes a handle, a neck and a head at the distal end of the neck. A spool of floss is placed in a compartment within the handle with the free end of the floss being extended from the compartment and over a series of ridges traversing the neck. The floss is wound about four lobes on the head so as to present first and second laterally spaced-apart stretches of floss. The free end of the floss is then wound about a pin on the neck so as to place initial tension on the wound floss. A locking device engages the ridges on the neck so as to clamp the dental floss to the neck and place additional tension on the wound floss. Accordingly, first and second opposed stretches of tensioned floss are available to clean the upper and lower teethlines. A cutter blade on the neck allows the user to sever the end of the floss upon use. The angles between the handles, neck and floss head are selected so as to assist the user in flossing.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a first member, at least one pair of matching surfaces, a second member, and threaded surface or a frustum surface and a uniform surface for locking the first and second members together. One of the matching surfaces is formed on the first member and the other on the second member. When the first and second members lock together, the dental floss is securely fastened between at least one pair of the matching surfaces. Also, at least one notch is provided for facilitating the retention of the floss.

Abstract: An automated dental cleaner (320) comprises a subassembly (324) having a pair of pivotally supported spaced tines (336) for supporting a movable floss span (338) therebetween. A pair of capstans (346, 352) are provided for drivingly reciprocating the floss span. Floss supply and take-up spools (340, 342) are arranged for continuously replacing the span. A main assembly (322) includes a housing containing a motor-driven multi-function transmission for driving the capstans and take-up spool, and for reciprocating the tines vertically. The main assembly and the subassembly are detachably connectable to each other for expedient replacement of the subassembly by a user. An additional feature on each tine includes a bracing pad (424) shaped for bracing the fork on teeth and gums. Brush bristles (426, 428) added to the tines help to inhibit fork lateral motion and enable the cleaner to floss and brush teeth simultaneously.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a first member, at least one pair of matching surfaces, a second member, and thread segments for locking the first and second members together. One of the matching surfaces is formed on the first member and the other on the second member. When the first and second members lock together, the dental floss is securely fastened between at least one pair of the matching surfaces. Also, a slot is provided for facilitating the retention of the floss.

Abstract: The present invention is a floss material defined by a towed filament. The filament may be made from a towed polytetrafluoroethylene material or a towed polymeric material.

Abstract: A wall mounted dental floss dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser includes a mounting bracket supporting a housing. Within the housing is a vertically oriented plate having a recess for supporting a known replaceable pocket floss dispenser. Floss is guided downwardly to be engaged by a pair of nip rollers, one of which is manually rotated to advance the floss to an outlet opening in said housing adjacent a cutting blade. Use of the device enables the obtaining of a desired length of floss using only a single hand of the user.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a flosser head (16), detachably connectable to a motorized toothbrush driver (12). A fork portion (20) of the head includes a pair of spaced tines (24) for supporting a movable floss span (22) therebetween. Floss supply and take-up spools (30, 32) are rotatably mounted to the head for replacing the span. A ratchet (42) is arranged to drive the take-up spool by translation of relative motion between the driver and head or the driver and fork, thereby progressively advancing the span. When actuated, the driver reciprocates the fork, or the entire head, for flossing teeth and for continuously replacing the span. The flosser head is interchangeable with a toothbrush head on the driver, so the combination is a comprehensive dental cleaner.

Abstract: A new Portable floss Dispensing System for dispensing floss conveniently from a portable storage device which prevents the floss from becoming unwound. The inventive device includes an elongated U-shaped member capped at one end by a closing end, a swaged elongated member, a conical guide receiving the floss, then a first and second support brace which guide the floss, and a conical floss securing member secured to the second support brace and securing the floss.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed toothbrush having an oversized handle, a shapeable stem, interchangeable heads of different sizes, bristle arrangements, and geometrical configurations. The handle is generally cylindrical in shape so as to readily fit in the palm of one's hand while having a flattened portion against which the thumb and fingertips may be rested. The stem is attached to the handle in such a manner as to allow rotation of the stem in a variety of positions about the longitudinal axis of the handle. The use of the toothbrush may set the orientation of the bristles on the heads such that they are at a 45.degree. inclination relative to the surface of the teeth while the flat portion of the handle is generally parallel to the surface of the teeth so that the Bass technique may be implemented white moving the toothbrush back and forth in short strokes in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A dental flosser including a holder and an operation end keeping a certain contact angle with the holder, and the operation end having a horizontal section on the front end, and floss mounted on the front edge of two ribs resembling an arch on the operation end so that the floss is kept perpendicular to the holder. The structure of such dental flosser makes it easy for stretching floss into the space of each tooth and closely touching the gum line. A firm and perpendicular thrust force and tension force may be formed upon the crown surface of the tooth space by pushing the holder forward or pulling it backward with the hand, with the stream of force in conjunction with moving dental flosser up and down made easier for the floss removing the dental plaque from the crown surface. Such an easy removal of dental plaque has even more significant effect for molars located deeper inside the mouth.

Abstract: A dental floss holder has a casing containing a cartridge that is slidable within said casing through various sequential positions. The cartridge contains a plurality of U-shaped segments with each segment containing a length of dental floss held across a mouth of the segment in a taut position. As the dental floss is used, the cartridge can be advanced to extend a first segment beyond the cartridge and sever the first segment from the cartridge. The severed first segment is then discarded and the dental floss in the next segment is used. The method is repeated until all of the segments of the cartridge have been used and discarded and a new cartridge is then inserted into the casing.

Abstract: A quick-release line inserter having an inserter shaft (1) with a line slot (2) for containing line (3) positioned on an outside perimeter of an inserter shaft that is sized and shaped for the shaft and the line to enter a space or aperture to be threaded. The shaft can have various cross-sectional configurations. The inserter shaft also can be designedly tapered or untapered and have a design curvature for particular use conditions. The shaft is held with a shaft handle (4). Use is by positioning line on the inserter shaft, inserting the inserter shaft containing the line through a space or aperture, grasping the line at an exit side of the space or aperture, removing the inserter shaft from the space or aperture, and releasing the line from the inserter shaft.

Abstract: A bite device for dental flossers having a fork which supports a floss span between tines of the fork. The bite device includes a bite member (10) having a bite surface (21) on one side and a stop guard (24) on an opposite side. The bite member is movably supported between the fork tines such that the member and the fork can move up and down relative to each other. The member is connected to the fork such that a user biting on the bite surface can drive the floss span through a tight interdental gap wherein the stop guard engages a user tooth adjacent the floss span to prevent over-travel of the span thereby preventing floss impact against user gums. When the bite is released, the bite member moves to a neutral position to allow a full range of flossing motion.

Abstract: A pair of reusable dental floss holders are for securely fastening a length of dental floss at its ends in lieu of winding ends of the dental floss around fingers. Each holder comprises a retaining member having a notch and a slot. The dental floss is inserted into the slot, winding around the retaining member, and then inserted into the slot again to securely fasten the dental floss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oral hygiene and specifically to an improved method for adding chemotherapeutic agents to dental floss containing several multi-fiber bundles, to methods of treating the oral cavity with the improved dental floss and to the improved dental flosses per se.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device for removing plaque from the surface of teeth, both above and below and gumline. The disposable flossing device has an angled molded frame designed with a flossing end and a debrider end. The flossing end holds a tensioned strand of dental floss for cleaning around all teeth and specifically the molars. The debrider end utilizes a narrow debrider implement for the sub-gingival tracing around the teeth. The debrider implement optionally includes debriding grooves to assist in the tracing process.

Abstract: A two-piece dental flossing device is disclosed. The device includes a floss dispensing member and a floss wrapping member which is detachable from the floss dispensing member. The floss dispensing member comprises a body portion with a generally cylindrical throughbore adapted to hold a floss dispensing assembly including a spool of dental floss. The spool is rotated within the throughbore to release floss which extends through a channel in a stem of the floss dispensing member extending from the body portion. The two members allow for two-handed flossing and function as extensions of the fingers facilitating the flowing process.

Abstract: A dental floss holder comprising: a body part, first and second spaced apart arms extending from the body part, a first strand of dental floss extending generally axially between the arms, the strand having opposite ends secured to the arms, and a second strand of dental floss extending generally axially between the arms and situated generally parallel to and laterally displaced from the first strand.

Abstract: A braided dental floss having increased tensile strength, reduced likelihood of fraying and improved cleaning comprising multiple braided threads of nylon, polyester, polyethylene, PFA, PTFE, Dacron.RTM., polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a pair of jaws, two mating surfaces, and a locking member. The dental floss is retained between the jaws. One of the mating surfaces is formed on one jaw and the other mating surface on the other jaw. The locking member locks the jaws tightly such that there is substantially no gap or space between the mating surfaces so that the mating surfaces abut against each other closely to fasten the dental floss. The locking member and the jaws also comprise mating surfaces to be able to securely fasten the dental floss when the locking member locks both jaws.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having a floss securement mechanism to secure the dental floss with respect to the dispenser body and for use during flossing is provided. One embodiment locks a freely rotating internal spool of dental floss relative to the dental floss dispenser. Both the floss securement mechanism and the spool locking are actuated by the hand holding the dental floss dispenser. The dental floss dispenser may also incorporate a finger grip so that the dispenser can be held by the lower fingers, a contoured shape to better fit the hand of the user, a wide or weighted base for easy pick-up, or a U-shaped indentation for quickly grabbing dental floss at the commencement of flossing. The dispenser is further designed to be used during the flossing procedure as an anchor for the dental floss to thereby allow the user to floss without wrapping floss around at least one finger.

Abstract: Dental floss brushes, as described herein, are extremely difficult to coat with wax coatings. When conventional waxes are utilized, the floss brush becomes matted and gummy. We have developed an improved wax coating solution which results in a thin, uniform coating with good adhesion characteristics. This invention relates to an improved floss brash product and to a novel process for its manufacture. In particular this invention is directed to an improved floss brash made of a textured, high tenacity nylon yarn which provides the scraping functions of a floss under high tension and the brushing functions of a yarn under low tension. The present yarns require a wax coating to improve lubricity during use. The present product exhibits a uniform, thin wax coating. The present process imparts a thin coating by utilizing a "viscosity lowering agent" in the wax coating solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and moving a flexible element in space. The element is formed into a loop mounted on a pair of positioning handles. The loop, which may be a real or a virtual loop, is mounted on the two handles so as to be movable relative to the handles and to form a working segment of the element between corresponding one free end of the handles, each by one hand or both by the fingers (and thumb) of one hand, positions the working segment in space and manipulation of the loop moves the working segment relative to the handles. The apparatus and method find advantageous application in dental flossing devices, a laparoscopic surgical device or cutting or abrading devices, for example.

Abstract: A coilable structure having segments of dental floss mounted thereon, in parallel, tandem arrangement, is stored in a housing. A spindle in aft chamber thereof is attached to one end of the structure (in this case, a tape). Rotating the spindle aftwardly advances the tape so that the next floss segment is placed on the top of a partition between the chambers, positioning the segment slightly above and between a fixed and a sliding top member of the housing, where it can be grasped by an applicator having a handle and a pair of resilient prongs with slitted shoulders on their ends for retaining beads on ends of the floss segments. Aftwardly-convergent guides on the sliding top member compress the prongs together, as they are moved aftwardly between them by a user, prior to grasping a floss segment. Aftwardly-divergent guides on the fixed top member allow the prongs to expand without losing the floss they have grasped, as aftward motion of the prongs is continued.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to aid a user in flossing their teeth. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a supply arm, with an associated floss supply assembly, and a take-up arm, with an associated floss take-up assembly. Furthermore, each of the arms includes a number of recesses formed approximate its rearward end. A band is included which is adapted to be fitted into a pair of the recesses. The band is utilized to place the device in its loading orientation, or alternatively its use orientation.

Abstract: A dental hygiene storage apparatus comprising a housing having a removable partition that forms a toothpaste compartment for dispensing toothpaste therefrom. The partition has slots extending along opposite spaced apart side walls with each slot having a removable gear which is connected to a rotating shaft. The shaft is positioned adjacent to and above a compressor plate located within the partition. The shaft is connected to a handle that when turned causes the compressor plate to press against a removable toothpaste container located within the toothpaste compartment. The toothpaste container has a valve extending through the partition's front wall and is adapted to dispense toothpaste. The dental hygiene storage apparatus further includes a top surface with a storage compartment for storing dental floss containers, and several tubular cavities adapted to receive a dental floss device or a toothbrush. The dental hygiene storage apparatus also has a pull out drawer adapted to store toiletries.

Abstract: An elongate PTFE material is formed by passing an unsintered PTFE tape across a heated surface in sliding contact therewith while applying tension to the tape, such that the PTFE tape, when its temperature is raised by contact with the heated surface, is longitudinally stretched with simultaneous width and thickness reduction while in contact with the surface. PTFE tapes having different properties, e.g. coefficients of friction at opposite faces can be produced. Such tapes are suitable for use as dental flosses.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a first member, two mating surfaces, and a connector member. The dental floss is retained on the first member. One of the mating surfaces is formed on the first member and the other mating surface on the connector member. The connector member connects with first member so as to abut the mating surfaces closely against each other to fasten the dental floss. A slot and a notch are also provided to facilitate the retaining of the dental floss on the first member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various oral care products containing, stable, dispersions of certain high viscosity silicones in certain surfactants; wherein:a. the dispersed silicones, which are insoluble in said surfactant, are oriented by the surfactant such that when dispersed in water they are particularly adept at forming oriented, coatings on surfaces of the mouth with enhanced substantivity, andb. the particle size of the dispersed silicone is from between about 0.1 and about 10 microns, with a particle size distribution such that from between about 80 and 95% of the dispersed silicone is within this particle size range. These stable dispersions are described as ULTRAMULSIONS, which, together with their physical properties, when contained in oral care products, provide these oral care products with enhanced substantivity to mouth surfaces, where the non continuous silicone phase functions as a reservoir for various active ingredients contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention automated dental cleaner includes a housing and a pair of spaced tines supported on the housing. The tines hold a length of dental floss therebetween to form a span of floss. A bracing fork having a pair of bracing tines for straddling teeth braces the dental cleaner against the teeth, thereby allowing the floss to be reciprocated by a motorized drive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved device and method for flossing teeth. The device has a handle portion and a finger portion. The finger portion is inserted into an individual's mouth, and the handle portion is used for holding the dental flossing device. In a first embodiment, the dental flossing device has two apertures spaced along the finger portion. The flossing material is threaded through the first aperture and then the second aperture. The user can also wrap the floss around the finger portion of the stick member to increase the friction between the floss and the stick member to facilitate flossing. A user presses one end of the flossing material against the device to keep the flossing material taut. The other end of the flossing material, extending from an aperture at the distal end of the device, is held by the user's fingers or is wrapped around a finger, depending on the individual's personal technique.

Abstract: A power-driven dental flossing device has an elongate housing of three casings with an extending housing arm forked at its front, which contains dental floss reels, a dividing gear system, dental floss operating and winding switches, and a powered motor with batteries and/or a transformer. Dental floss across two tines of the forked arm is wound on the two reels, one of which supplies fresh dental floss, the other takes up used floss. The dental floss can be automatically reciprocated between the tines and teeth by pulling an operating switch backward, and also can be manipulated manually by pushing the same operating switch forward. The floss can also be automatically wound in one direction at time to provide a fresh length of the floss, or to rewind it back at any time.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A rotationally advanced dental floss holder and applicator assembly that includes a source spool and a take-up spool member to be held in each hand of the user. Dental floss is easily advanced from the source spool member to the take-up spool member by means of rotating the members with the fingers and thereby lessening the time necessary for flossing as well as reducing the amount of dental floss waste. Also disclosed is a dental floss dispenser having a locking mechanism to lock a freely rotating internal spool of dental floss relative to the dental floss dispenser. The locking mechanism is actuated by squeezing the dental floss dispenser and the dental floss dispenser has a finger grip so that the dispenser can be held by the fingers only.

Abstract: A reusable dental floss holder to fasten securely a length of floss at its ends in lieu of winding ends of the length of floss around fingers for removing food particles and plaque from teeth surfaces has cover and base members engaging with each other to fasten the floss to be manipulated easily by hands in mouth.

Abstract: An article is provided for facilitating oral prophylaxis. The article comprises a continuous, elongated fiber of polytetrafluoroethylene having at least one substantially rigid first portion and a substantially flexible second portion comprised of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A dental floss device and applicator assembly comprising a pair of separate, substantially elongate members with each member having spaced apart top and bottom end portions with a gripping section located between the top and bottom end portions, a plurality of dental floss segments, and a slot formed in the top end portion of each member that has a prong protruding from the slot for releasably holding one of the dental floss segments (STRAND) within the slot. An alignment channel or groove can also be formed in the top end portion and located adjacent to the slot to hold and guide the STRAND within the alignment channel or groove without requiring a user to manipulate the STRAND with the user's fingers as the prong engages and holds the STRAND under the prong.

Abstract: In the broader aspects of the invention, there is provided an improved dental appliance comprising a dentifrice package with an applicator at one package end and a hollow base at the other package end. A supply of dentifrice is positioned in the package. A supply of dental floss is positioned within the hollow base and threaded through an exit opening in the base.