Abstract: A dental floss dispenser for displaying a graphic, such as a cartoon face, to induce use of floss comprises a housing (12) which displays an enticing graphic, a floss cutter (30) located in association with the enticing graphic, and a back (24) for the housing (12) to form a receptacle (28). The dispenser includes an outlet for a strand of floss (26) to escape the receptacle (28) and be pulled to the floss cutter (30) and a fastener (36) associated with the dispenser for attaching the dispenser to a separate object such as a mirror, wall or cabinet in a bathroom.

Abstract: A pocket carried dental floss dispensing and cleaning device is provided to permit a user to open the device for use and close the device to secure the tool in a sanitary environment. A spool of dental floss is contained within a pivoting floss support arm removeably mounted a storage compartment. A knob is used to open the device and secure a line of floss during use.

Abstract: A flossing device having a double-pronged body, a handle, a piece of floss, a feeding spool, a collecting spool, and a means for advancing the floss. A user flosses using a portion of the floss that is disposed in between the two prongs; the user advances the floss by manipulating the handle. Once the user is finished flossing, the user may close the handle so that the prongs close together. When the prongs are closed together, the flossing device may be conveniently stored in the cavity of, for example, a toothbrush holder by placing the closed prongs inside the cavity.

Abstract: An improved dental floss applicator is provided in the form of a compact case for receiving and storing a spool of dental floss together with an applicator fork for use in manipulating a length of dental floss for cleaning a person's teeth. The applicator fork is pivotally mounted to the case for movement between a normal stored position within the hollow interior of the case, and a deployed position extending outwardly from the case for use. In the stored position, the spool of dental floss is nested within the fork to provide a compact overall geometry. A lock tab on the case engages mating recessed seats on the fork for securely retaining the fork relative to the case in each of its stored and deployed positions.

Abstract: An improved dental floss applicator is provided in the form of a compact case for receiving and storing a spool of dental floss together with an applicator fork for use in manipulating a length of dental floss for cleaning a person's teeth. The applicator fork is pivotally mounted to the case for movement between a normal stored position within the hollow interior of the case, and a deployed position extending outwardly from the case for use. In the stored position, the spool of dental floss is nested within the fork to provide a compact overall geometry. A lock tab on the case engages mating recessed seats on the fork for securely retaining the fork relative to the case in each of its stored and deployed positions.

Abstract: A single support dental flosser with improved maneuverability; to provide the user with increased leverage and dexterity to easily and thoroughly clean food, debris, and dental plaque so as to prevent proximal caries and periodontal disease. The dental flosser includes a handle section, an intermediate section, and an upstanding dental floss support section. In an embodiment of the invention, the dental flosser includes a preset strand of floss attached to the upstanding dental floss support section. In an other embodiment, the dental flosser includes a main body portion having a cylindrical shape for ease of handling. A hollow interior containing a metered floss dispenser, and a floss support containing a through hole to supply floss. The metered floss dispenser has a simplified construction and is especially designed to fit into a cylindrically shaped handle.

Abstract: A dental floss holder that has an elongate handle member (1) that has two fork fingers (2) at one end and wherein a floss supply (5) is mounted to the member (1) for pulling out of the dental floss (64-68) therefrom, and wherein points (3) of the fingers (2) have guidance members for the floss to permit a floss segment (66) to extend between the finger points (3) and wherein the members (91-97) are provided to attach a floss end (68) to the member (1). The dental floss supply (5) includes a floss roll (60) which is mounted with its rolling axle perpendicular to the elongate handle member (1).

Abstract: A dental flossing device is characterized by a flossing circuit comprised of a flossing supply spool and a take-up spool mounted to a housing. The floss feeds from the supply spool along a pair of prongs forming a fork extension of the handle and is stretched across the prongs and appropriately tensioned to be inserted into a users mouth for flossing. To maintain tension, a pair of ratchet pawls are jointly engageable with a ratchet mounted for co-rotation with the take-up spool. The pawls are offset relative to the ratchet teeth to ensure appropriate tension. Tension on the supply spool side of the flosser is achieved with a tension arm in constant engagement with tension teeth co-rotatably mounted with the spool. When a floss advancing trigger is not depressed, a brake pawl formed at one end of the trigger is spring biased into locking engagement with these teeth while the tension arm assures proper tension on the supply side.

Abstract: A dental flossing device has a handle element with a forked end with spaced prongs. A tensioning cleat is mounted on the handle element for positioning and securing a length of dental floss and may include a trigger arm mechanism for advancing a strand of floss. A soft elastomer protective bite element is secured to the forked end of the handle element. The soft elastomer protective bite element has a top surface with a notch therein sized to secure a length of dental floss and a channel positioned underneath the floss held in the notch to allow initial penetration of floss between teeth and is resilient enough to allow further penetration when bitten down upon. The handle element includes a groove on both spaced prongs. The soft elastomer protective bite element may have a curved surface with a pair of spaced finger elements.

Abstract: A dental care device combines a flossing tool for dispensing dental floss and holding a length of the floss under tension with a double-edged tongue scraper. The dental care device includes an ergonomic handle. A floss fork is connected to one end of the handle and includes a pair of prongs extending outwardly from the handle, the prongs each having tips adapted to support a length of dental floss across the gap between the prongs. The device includes a floss tensioner having a floss cog rotatably mounted in the handle. The handle includes a tool storage compartment which may be used to contain dental hygiene tools such as a microbrush and a pick. The tongue scraper is attached to the end of the handle opposite the floss fork and includes a semicircular blade having opposing edges which are formed so that one of the edges is sharper than the other.

Abstract: A floss bar includes a handle having a recess and a lid is snapped to the handle to close the recess in which a blade and a roll of floss are received. Two protrusions extend from the bar and each of the two protrusions has grooves defined in an outer periphery thereof. A longitudinal groove is defined in each of the two protrusions so that a section of floss can be tied in the respective grooves of the two protrusions.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having a shape or attaching elements which allows it to be held during flossing. One embodiment has a finger spool which is worn on the finger tip or finger during flossing. 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. A take up spool is 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 a finger or fingers. The take up spool is incorporated into the handle of a toothbrush. By using the dispenser or the take up spool in the flossing procedure, time is saved and flossing becomes more convenient and efficient.

Abstract: An improved dental flossing container comprising a generally cup-shaped housing, a spool of dental floss located within the housing, the housing being formed with an opening for allowing floss from the spool to exit, resilient device closing the open end of the housing, brake device to clamp the floss and, when not depressed, allowing the spool to move forward to engage device to lock the floss form moving, and rear cap device selectably positionable to allow or prevent moisture from entering the housing, and a device located within the housing causing the floss to pass forward through the open end of the housing.

Abstract: A dental floss holder including a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to define a pivot. The second end portions are movable between a first position in which the first end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a second position in which the first end portions are moved toward one another. Dental floss material has one end secured to the first end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of the other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the first end portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the first end portions are moved toward one another, said first tension being greater than the second tension. Also disclosed is a filament, such as a dental floss, that contains fumed silica.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a flexible comprises first and second elongated handles, each of the handles having at least an upper and a lower aperture defined therethrough, the apertures extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles. At least one central aperture is also defined in each of the first and second handles, the central aperture extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles and positioned between the upper and lower apertures. A loop of flexible element, extends through, and freely slidable within each of the apertures in each of the handles, wherein manipulation of the handles in conjunction with pressure applied to the loop of flexible element advances the element through the apertures to change the position of the flexible element relative to the handles.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having the external appearance of an apple. In one embodiment, the dispenser consists of two simulated apple halves, hingedly connected to one another. In another embodiment, the dispenser consists of a simulated apple half hingedly connected to a vertical backing member such as a board or wall.

Abstract: A dental floss container and dispenser having first and second sections, the first section being designed to hold a floss spool and having floss guide means to guide the floss from the floss spool to exteriorly thereof, the first section also selectively permitting and preventing the dispensing of floss from the floss spool, and the second section being designed to cut the floss and grip the floss. Preferably, both sections are ergonomically configured and sized to fit within a user's hand with each section having an ergonomic design to accept the last three fingers of the user's hand to thereby encourage use of a user's index fingers to guide the floss.

Abstract: A dental floss holder, having a floss dispensing function, a floss holding function and a floss cutting function, is disclosed. In the holder, the floss holding arm, having two floss guide stems, has a structure agreeable with an oral cavity. In addition, an externally-threaded floss chamber is closed by an internally-threaded cap. A floss drum, held on a shaft in the chamber, is normally stopped by a compression force generated by both the chamber and the cap when the cap is fully tightened on the chamber. However, the floss drum is selectively released from the compression force and is rotatable around the shaft when the cap is loosened. In the floss holder, the free end of the floss is firmly fixed by an internally-threaded fixing plug movably engaging with an externally-threaded projection, thus being almost completely prevented from being unexpectedly released while drawing between the teeth. The floss holder also has a cutter used for removing a used part of the floss.

Abstract: A hand-held flossing tool provides a housing member having a spool housing integral therewith containing a replaceable spool of dental floss, a tension head consisting of two tension arms integrally molded to a yoke, each tension arm including a snap eye on one end and a gripping surface at the other end, and a stabilizer rotatably attached to the housing member. The dental floss strand, which passes from the housing through a spool housing slit and then through the snap eyes on the tension arms, is secured around a cleat on one of the tensions arms. The flosser places the stabilizer in the flosser's palm and holds the tension arm gripping surfaces between the flosser's thumb and index finger. The floss spool ratchets within the spool housing to permit adjustment of the tension on the strand of dental floss by rotation of a tension adjustment key extending through the bottom of the housing into the spool.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for securing and controlling dental floss while in the process of flossing one's teeth. The apparatus comprises a set of prostheses, one for each hand, to reside on a particular digit. Each finger prosthesis has a mechanical attachment point for dental floss. A section of dental floss has each end terminated on the mechanical attachment point. Each finger prosthesis is secured to the user by a mechanical device. The finger prosthesis comprises an adjustable member which extends the floss attachment point beyond the user's finger and or finger nail. The finger prosthesis distributes the mechanical loads encountered during flossing in a comfortable and painless manner over the user's extremities, thus promoting a positive experience and encouraging frequent flossing of one's teeth, all of which leads to better dental and overall health.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and moving a flexible element is shown and described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a pair of elongated handles, each having a pair of apertures, providing a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures, and advancing the elements through the apertures by moving the handles and tensioning various segments of the loop. The apparatus includes first and second elongated handles each having a pair of apertures, at least one of the handles including a cleat extending transversely to said handle, and a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures and entrained around the cleat.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser is disclosed, which is adapted for mounting onto a pump toothpaste dispenser. The dental floss dispenser has a one-piece housing of integrally molded plastic construction which has a peripheral contour to match the predetermined bottom configuration of the toothpaste dispenser. The housing has a base with a peripheral wall having a recessed ledge and slot in the peripheral wall to dispense the floss. The dental floss spool is rotatably mounted on one of two bosses in the housing. The housing also has a hinged door which matches the predetermined bottom configuration of the toothpaste dispenser which is capable of movement away and against the peripheral base wall to expose the slot through which the floss is dispensed. A cutter is mounted on the hinged door allowing the severing of a desired length of floss pulled from the spool through the slot.

Abstract: A combination writing utensil and floss dispenser for writing and dispensing floss. The combination writing utensil and floss dispenser includes an outer housing with separable dispensing and writing portions, opposite dispensing and writing ends, a longitudinal axis extending between the ends, and a marking device disposed in the housing and that is partially extendible through an opening in the writing end. A spool is rotatably or fixedly disposed in the dispensing portion. The spool has floss wrapped around it, a length of which extends through an aperture in the dispensing end of the housing. The dispensing end has a cutting blade for cutting the floss.

Abstract: A dental floss applicator includes an applicator head, and protrusions on the head defining first and second floss engaging surfaces, and a third surface spaced from the first and second surfaces, to engage a primary strand of floss extending from the first surface to the third surface, and to engage a secondary strand of floss extending from the second surface to the third surface. The strands may be portions of a continuous loop of floss engaging all three surfaces, which may be located on multiple legs protruding from the head, and that loop may be disengagable from the one leg for finger simultaneous manipulation of two spaced flossing strands as during flossing.

Abstract: A flossing loop comprising a closed or continuous loop of dental floss standing, or alternately formed by a length of dental floss having a first and second end, with the first end of the length of dental floss secured to the second end to form the closed loop. A plurality of the flossing loops may be arranged as a cascade of frangibly coupled flossing loops that are contained in a suitable package. The package is configured with a suitable opening, possibly provided as a slot, to enable each respective flossing loop (of the cascade) to be drawn out of the package, one after the other. Once a respective flossing loop is drawn from the package it is detached from the next subsequent flossing loop still substantially located within the chamber, and is available for flossing activities.

Abstract: A dental-hygiene device is configured to receive a replaceable toothbrush and to provide a conveniently accessible source of dental floss. Generally, the device includes a handle for removably receiving a toothbrush, the handle defining an interior cavity; a supply of dental floss disposed within the interior cavity of the handle; provision for withdrawal of the dental floss through the handle; and a pivotable blade assembly, for separating a withdrawn length of dental floss from the supply.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser and applicator to be used with fixed orthodontic appliances, provided for a wearer to clean food, debris, and dental plaque so as to prevent proximal caries and periodontal disease. The dental flosser includes a handle section, a dental floss mounting section, and a single floss support portion wherein the dental floss mounting section and handle section contain a metered floss dispenser and locking means for floss being dispensed, and wherein the floss support contains a through hole to continuously supply floss. The floss support is slender so that it can be inserted into the narrow clearance between the adjacent surfaces of the teeth. The locking means holds the floss taught and allows for easy access to clean floss during operation.

Abstract: A dental flosser for cleaning the spaces between the teeth is provided. The dental flosser includes a hollow interior casing of roughly E-section having a narrow end and a wide end, a first and a second support for supporting in proper tense of a segment of the floss, a first receiving space for receiving a coiled up floss, a L-shaped second receiving space for receiving a cutting unit, an enlarged circular interior abutting a rectangular interior inside the second support in addition with a pair of accesses for rotatably engaging a rotatable abutment therein. A segment of floss winds on a plurality of first posts and the top of the abutment and engaged with a plurality of second slotted posts inside the narrow end of the casing, and then drawn out from the first support and wind in a slot at, lower end of the abutment, inside the second support for rotatably adjusting the proper tense of the floss.

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: A new Dental Floss Tool for orienting and securing a length of dental floss in a convenient to use manner. The inventive device includes a handle piece, an intermediate piece joined to and extending from the handle piece, and a head piece joined to and extending from the intermediate piece wherein the head piece includes a pair of spaced tines extending therefrom. Furthermore, a spool of dental floss is positioned within the handle piece. A working length of the dental floss extends from the handle piece and passes along the intermediate piece towards the head piece, across the pair of spaced tines, back towards the intermediate piece, and around a take-up wheel. While passing along the intermediate piece, the dental floss passes through an actuator button which, when actuated, causes the dental floss spanning the pair of spaced tines to move laterally.

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 holder adapted to be held by a hand of a user for holding and manipulating a length of dental floss. The holder comprises a housing having an opening for dispensing a desired length of dental floss and a storage compartment located within the housing for storing dental floss to be dispensed. A tensioning means extends from the housing and comprises a pair of opposed support members each member having a free end. An anchoring means is located at the free end of each support member. The anchoring means is provided for removably anchoring the length of dental floss between the free ends of the support members. The support members are moveable with respect to each other from a first position defined by a first distance between the free ends to a second position defined by a second distance between the free ends, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

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: 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: A flosser includes a frame (2) having a pair of tines (42) mounted on it for supporting a span of floss (62). At least one of pair the tines is pivotally supported for moving toward and away from the other of the pair of tines. Gear-driven capstans (24, 26) are provided for reciprocating the span of floss longitudinally between the tines, while a cam (9) and cam follower (11) act on a lever (32) for reciprocating the tines vertically. A spring (48) urges the tines to move laterally apart to an open position. Each of a pair of engaged sector gears (46) is fixed to a respective tine so that lateral movement of the tines is symmetrical. The spring is adjustable so that when the moving floss span encounters tooth resistance, floss tension increases to overcome the spring force and move the tines toward a closed position. The bulbs (50), which contain rollers (54), are mounted to swivel so the floss span can move in any direction.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser is provided comprising a molded plastic housing which may be disassembled by the user to change the position of a removable cutting edge for the floss to one of two mounting positions within the housing. When the cutting edge is mounted in one mounting position, the dispensing and cutting of the thread is convenient for a right-handed user and when it is mounted in the other mounting position, the dispensing and cutting of the floss is convenient for a left-handed user.

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: 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: 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: 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 cap for a toothpaste container having an incorporated spool of dental floss including a toothpaste container coupling portion adapted for coupling with a dispensing outlet of a toothpaste container. A dental floss dispensing assembly is hingedly coupled with the toothpaste container coupling portion thereby keeping two essential components for dental hygiene together.

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 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: A dental flossing device is characterized by a flossing circuit comprising a floss supply spool and a take-up spool mounted to a housing containing a gear train assembly adapted to rotate the take-up spool in a winding direction. The floss feeds from the supply spool along a pair of prongs forming a forked extension of the handle and is stretched across the forked prongs and appropriately tensioned to be inserted into a user's mouth for flossing. To maintain hygiene, the take-up spool is mounted outside the housing. In a manually operated embodiment, a manually depressible trigger projecting from the housing is operable to rotate the take-up spool with reverse rotation thereof being prevented with a ratchet mechanism. Release of the manually depressible trigger reversely rotates the supply spool through a short arcuate interval to remove slack and then locks the supply spool against unwinding rotation through gear teeth.

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: 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 strong, light weight, highly maneuverable dental floss holder has two centrally pivoted support members with holding sections extending on one side of the pivot and a pair of handle sections extending on the other side. Storage for new and used dental floss is provided by supply and take up reels located between the pair of handle sections. The handle sections terminate with a wedge actuated break assembly that restricts undesirable motion of the supply and take up reels. With single hand operation tension of the floss between the tips of the holding sections can be readily controlled and the dental floss can be selectively advanced.