Abstract: A spring mechanism for attaching to a power device drive unit includes a housing connectable to a portion of the power device and a shaft extending through the housing. One end of the shaft is coupled to a workpiece and a bottom member extends from the other end and is positioned adjacent the drive unit. The bottom member includes at least one of a ferromagnetic material and a permanent magnet. The bottom member, shaft and workpiece move upon actuation of the drive unit, and a spring extends laterally outwardly from the shaft between the shaft and the housing. The spring is affixed to one of the shaft and the housing, wherein the spring bends between a deformed position and a return position upon the movement of the bottom member.

Abstract: A spring mechanism for attaching to a power device drive unit includes a housing connectable to a portion of the power device and a shaft extending through the housing. One end of the shaft is coupled to a workpiece and a bottom member extends from the other end and is positioned adjacent the drive unit. The bottom member includes at least one of a ferromagnetic material and a permanent magnet. The bottom member, shaft and workpiece move upon actuation of the drive unit, and a spring extends laterally outwardly from the shaft between the shaft and the housing. The spring is affixed to one of the shaft and the housing, wherein the spring bends between a deformed position and a return position upon the movement of the bottom member.

Abstract: A dental flosser design utilizes the shape of the handle, the positioning of one or more floss strands and the shape and materials of the floss strands to increase the ease of use for the consumer. In one embodiment, the flosser combines the advantages of an F-shaped flosser for flossing the front teeth with the advantages of a Y-shaped flosser for flossing the rear teeth by providing a flosser with a handle having first and second longitudinal ends, with a first flosser head extending from the first longitudinal end and the second flosser head extending from the second longitudinal end. The first flosser head may form an F-shaped flosser at the first end of the handle, wherein the flosser head is generally aligned in the same plane as the gripping surfaces of the handle, the with the flosser arms extending at an angle to the longitudinal length of the handle.

Abstract: A dental flosser including a plastic handle having proximal and distal ends, a flosser head at the distal end of the handle, and two spaced apart arms extending from the flosser head. First and second strands of dental floss extend transversely between the spaced apart arms. The first and second strands may different material characteristics from each other, such as different coefficients of friction. The first and second strands may be arranged on the arms to provide enhanced cleaning. For instance, a portion of one of the strands may be offset from the other strand along the width of the flosser arms.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head and a movable portion affixed to the head. In one embodiment, the head includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface. A recess extends into the upper surface and includes a floor, and a pair of walls extending upwardly from the floor to the upper surface. A central support may be suspended above the floor by a pair of arms that extend from opposite ends of the central support and into notches in the opposing sidewalls of the recess. A portion of the arms may be affixed in the respective notches, and a portion of the arms may be spaced from the walls of the notches to enable the arms to twist within the notches, and this enable movement of the central support.

Abstract: A handle of a toothbrush has at least two faces for refracting light. A graphic insert having a visual design is positioned within the handle. Light transmitted from the graphic insert may be refracted by the at least two faces to provide a unique and attractive design. As the handle is rotated, the design may change appearance. The handle may include a front handle part and a rear handle part to hold the graphic insert. A securing material may be overmolded onto the front handle part and rear handle part to secure the two parts relative to one another.

Abstract: A replacement head for an electromagnetic toothbrush drive includes a mechanical linkage assembly for converting linear drive motion into rotational movement of the brush head. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a fixed shaft and a lever arm that extend between a movable bottom member and a fixed top member, and a link member rotatably connected to the top member and the brush head. The lever arm pivots about a fulcrum formed in the top member, and engages the link member. When the bottom member oscillates as a results of the actuation of the electromagnet in the drive unit, the lever arm pivots about the fulcrum and drives the link member to rotate in an arc shaped pattern. The rotation of the link member consequently rotates the brush head.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head and a movable portion affixed to the head. In one embodiment, the head includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite said upper surface. A recess extends into the upper surface and includes a floor, and a pair of walls extending upwardly from the floor to the upper surface. A central support may be suspended above the floor by a pair of arms that extend from opposite ends of the central support and into notches in the opposing sidewalls of the recess. A portion of the arms may be affixed in the respective notches, and a portion of the arms may be spaced from the walls of the notches to enable the arms to twist within the notches, and this enable movement of the central support.

Abstract: A flossing tool comprising includes a handle having a first end, a second end opposite said first end, and a longitudinal length defining a line extending through the first end and the second end. A head is attached to the handle, the head includes a pair of arms supporting a strand of dental floss. The arms extend at a first angle with respect to the line. A hinge is positioned between the head and the handle. The hinge enables the head to pivot with respect to the line, forming a second angle between the head and the line, the second angle being different from the first angle. The first angle may be fixed to orient the floss into a use position, and the second angle may vary as the head is flexed about the hinge. The hinge enables the head and arms to flex as the user moves the floss between different sets of teeth.

Abstract: A replacement head for an electromagnetic toothbrush drive includes a mechanical linkage assembly for converting linear drive motion into rotational movement of the brush head. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a fixed shaft and a lever arm that extend between a movable bottom member and a fixed top member, and a link member rotatably connected to the top member and the brush head. The lever arm pivots about a fulcrum formed in the top member, and engages the link member. When the bottom member oscillates as a results of the actuation of the electromagnet in the drive unit, the lever arm pivots about the fulcrum and drives the link member to rotate in an arc shaped pattern. The rotation of the link member consequently rotates the brush head.

Abstract: A molded interdental tool includes a plurality of filament strands molded into a portion of the tool. The interdental tool includes a body having a handle portion and a pick portion. The filament strands are molded into the pick portion, with at least a portion of the filament strands protruding or extending from the pick portion. A middle portion of the filament strands may be molded into the pick portion, such that end portions of the filament strands protrude from opposite sides of the pick portion.