U.S. patent application number 14/016552 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for flossing system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Keith Bornstein Allen, Jeromi Stewart. Invention is credited to Keith Bornstein Allen, Jeromi Stewart.
Application Number | 20140000647 14/016552 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45816604 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140000647 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Jeromi ; et
al. |
January 2, 2014 |
FLOSSING SYSTEM
Abstract
A flossing system including a cradle and a housing. The flossing
system includes an array of floss cartridges having a length of
floss. The array of floss cartridges include a pair of coupling
members each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each
floss cartridge includes a coupling structure. The flossing system
includes a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and
selectably coupleable to the coupling members. The pair of floss
handles include a cylindrical body. The pair of floss handles
include a release mechanism configured to selectably disengage the
floss handle from the coupling member. The release mechanism
includes an actuation member disposed through a back end of the
cylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles. The pair of
floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive the
coupling structure of the pair of coupling members.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Jeromi; (Santa
Monica, CA) ; Allen; Keith Bornstein; (Santa Monica,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stewart; Jeromi
Allen; Keith Bornstein |
Santa Monica
Santa Monica |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45816604 |
Appl. No.: |
14/016552 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13236290 |
Sep 19, 2011 |
|
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14016552 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
132/324 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/85 20170201; A61C
15/048 20130101; A61C 15/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/324 |
International
Class: |
A61C 15/04 20060101
A61C015/04 |
Claims
1. A flossing system, comprising: a) a cradle; b) an array of floss
cartridges disposed on the cradle and including: b1) a length of
floss b2) a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends
of the length of floss; wherein each including a coupling
structure; c) a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and
selectably coupleable to the coupling members, including: c1) a
cylindrical body, and c2) a release mechanism disposed within the
cylindrical body and configured to selectably disengage the floss
handle from the coupling member; and d) a housing configured to
receive the cradle and cover a top portion thereof.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism includes an
actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical
body of each of the pair of floss handles.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cradle includes a pair of
channels configured to receive the pair of floss handles.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pair of floss handles each
include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure
of the pair of coupling members.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the coupling structure of the
pair of coupling members each include an attachment member having
an attachment end configured to retractably fit inside the top
aperture of each floss handle.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the pair of floss handles each
include a receiving member configured to securely attach to the
attachment end of the attachment member.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the receiving member is coupled
to the release mechanism of the floss handle configured to release
the attachment end from the receiving member.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the array of floss cartridges are
disposed along each side of the cradle.
9. A flossing tool, comprising a) a pair of floss handles disposed
on the cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members,
including: a1) a cylindrical body, and a2) a release mechanism
disposed within the cylindrical body and configured to selectably
disengage the floss handle from the coupling member; and b) a floss
cartridge, including: b1) a length of floss; and b2) a pair of
coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of the length of
floss; wherein each including a coupling structure.
10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the release mechanism includes an
actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical
body of each of the pair of floss handles.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pair of floss handles each
include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure
of the pair of coupling members.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the coupling structure of the
pair of coupling members each include an attachment member having
an attachment end configured to retractably fit inside the top
aperture of each floss handle.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the pair of floss handles each
include a receiving member configured to securely attach to the
attachment end of the attachment member.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the receiving member is coupled
to the release mechanism of the floss handle configured to release
the attachment end from the receiving member.
15. A flossing system, comprising: a) a cradle; b) an array of
floss cartridges disposed on the cradle; wherein the array of floss
cartridges are disposed along each side of the cradle; and
including: b1) a length of floss b2) a pair of coupling members
each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss; wherein each
including a coupling structure; c) a pair of floss handles disposed
on the cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members,
wherein the cradle includes a pair of channels configured to
receive the pair of floss handles, including: c1) a cylindrical
body, and c2) a release mechanism disposed within the cylindrical
body and configured to selectably disengage the floss handle from
the coupling member; wherein the release mechanism includes an
actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical
body of each of the pair of floss handles; wherein the pair of
floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive the
coupling structure of the pair of coupling members; wherein the
coupling structure of the pair of coupling members each include an
attachment member having an attachment end configured to
retractably fit inside the top aperture of each floss handle;
wherein the pair of floss handles each include a receiving member
configured to securely attach to the attachment end of the
attachment member; wherein the receiving member is coupled to the
release mechanism of the floss handle configured to release the
attachment end from the receiving member; and d) a housing
configured to receive the cradle and cover a top portion thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120,
to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,799 to Jeromi
Stewart filed on Sep. 21, 2010, which is incorporated by reference
herein. This application is a Divisional Application of, under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.121, and claims priority to, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.121, U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 13/236,290,
entitled Flossing System, by Stewart et al., filed on Sep. 19,
2011.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to dental hygiene devices,
specifically to a dental flossing system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a
plastic (Teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and
dental plaque from teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the
teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close to the
gums. Dental floss may be flavored or unflavored, and waxed or
unwaxed. An alternative tool to achieve the same effect is the
interdental brush or specialized plastic wands, or floss picks,
have been produced to hold the floss. These may be attached to or
separate from a floss dispenser. While not pinching the finger,
using a wand may be awkward and also make it difficult to floss at
all the angles possible with a finger. At the same time, the
enhanced reach can make flossing the back teeth easier. Some
improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references
related to the present invention are described below in their own
words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are
incorporated by reference herein:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,977, issued to Guo, discloses a dental
flossing tool for dispensing floss for cleaning the user's teeth. A
handle body surrounds a cavity and has a lead riser from which
dental floss is dispensed for use. The floss is wound upon a spool
that rotates inside the cavity. Floss is paid out from the spool
and emerges from a hole in the tip of the lead riser. A button or
handle is slidably mounted upon the apparatus for controlling the
longitudinal movement of a retainer within the cavity of the
apparatus. By sliding the button handle forward and backward, the
user can disengage and engage the retainer with a baffle attached
to the spool inside the body of the apparatus. When the retainer is
in contact with the baffle, the spool is prevented from rotating,
thereby stopping any further floss from being dispensed. When the
retainer is disengaged out of contact with the baffle, the spool is
free to rotate to pay out floss. A removable protector is provided
for covering the lead riser and a floss cutter blade attached to
the exterior of the apparatus. The protector can be removed to the
back end of the apparatus to extend its graspable portion for
easier handling.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,109, issued to Moore, discloses a dental
flossing tool and method for flossing of the teeth using that tool
is provided. The tool includes two elongated, rod-shaped handle
elements and a length of dental floss that is removably secured at
its opposite ends to respective ones of the handle elements at
their terminal ends. Each handle element is provided with a bulb at
the terminal end to which the floss is attached with the bulbs
being larger in transverse cross-section relative to the
longitudinal axis of its handle element than is the adjacent
portion of the handle element. This results in a depressed annular
region in which floss is wound and functions to retain the floss on
a handle element. Each handle element includes a hand-grip section
disposed in remote relationship to the terminal end provided with a
bulb enabling a user to grip the element in a respective hand for
support thereof and independent manipulation in effecting a
flossing operation. The user holds the handle elements in separated
relationship to maintain the floss extending between the terminal
ends taut as an operative flossing section while inserting it
between a pair of adjacent teeth and moving it to effect removal of
debris. At intermittent intervals the user revolves the handle
elements to concurrently unreel a length of floss from one and reel
a length onto the other thereby placing an unused section of floss
in an operative position and placing the previously used section on
a handle element for storage until being discarded upon termination
of a flossing operation.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,446, issued to Wiltshire, discloses 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. The members are
of sufficient length to allow a user to insert the members into a
person's mouth with the STRAND attached to the top end portion of
the members to clean all surfaces of the person's teeth without
requiring the user to insert the user's fingers into the person's
mouth. Further, the user does not have to manipulate the STRAND
with the user's fingers when cleaning the person's teeth. The
dental floss device and applicator assembly can also include a kit
for storing the members and a container of dental floss
segments.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,233, issued to Laughlin, discloses a
tool for the dental flossing of teeth and a precut length of dental
floss having gripping attachments secured to the ends of the length
of floss. The precut length(s) of floss are configured so as to
facilitate the gripping of the attachments by the flossing tool.
The tool is fully operable by the use of one hand.
[0010] The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of
disadvantages which include being difficult to use, being difficult
to control, being too slow, being non-durable, being dangerous to
use, being unable to reach certain areas of the mouth, being
non-portable, being uncomfortable to use, being expensive, being
bulky, being inefficient, being limited in application, being
limited in use, being limited in movement, not being ergonomic,
being difficult for children to use, taking too long to use,
blocking fingertip circulation, being difficult to travel with,
being fragile, and being cumbersome to use.
[0011] What is needed is a flossing system that solves one or more
of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that
may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming
familiar with this specification.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available dental flossing devices. Accordingly, the
present invention has been developed to provide an efficient and
effective device for flossing teeth.
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a
flossing system that may include a cradle. The floss system may
include a housing that may be configured to receive the cradle and
cover a top portion thereof. The flossing system may include an
array of floss cartridges that may be disposed on the cradle. The
array of floss cartridges may be disposed along each side of the
cradle. The array of floss cartridges may include a length of
floss. The array of floss cartridges may include a pair of coupling
members each may be coupled to opposite ends of the length of
floss. Each floss cartridge may include a coupling structure.
[0014] The flossing system may include a pair of floss handles that
may be disposed on the cradle and may be selectably coupleable to
the coupling members. The cradle may include a pair of channels
that may be configured to receive the pair of floss handles. The
pair of floss handles may include a cylindrical body. The pair of
floss handles may include a release mechanism that may be disposed
within the cylindrical body and may be configured to selectably
disengage the floss handle from the coupling member. The release
mechanism may include an actuation member that may be disposed
through a back end of the cylindrical body of each of the pair of
floss handles. The pair of floss handles may each include a top
aperture that may be configured to receive the coupling structure
of the pair of coupling members. The coupling structure of the pair
of coupling members may each include an attachment member that may
have an attachment end that may be configured to retractably fit
inside the top aperture of each floss handle. The pair of floss
handles may each include a receiving member that may be configured
to securely attach to the attachment end of the attachment member.
The receiving member may be coupled to the release mechanism of the
floss handle that may be configured to release the attachment end
from the receiving member.
[0015] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the
invention. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and
similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
[0016] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0017] These features and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention
as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily
understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly
described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is
noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The
drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to
portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that
these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention
and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope,
the invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawing(s), in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cradle and a housing of a
flossing system including a flossing tool, according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is side cross-sectional view of a pair of floss
handles of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a pair of floss handles
of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a floss cartridge
of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a floss handle of a flossing
system, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 a side cross-sectional view of a floss handle of a
flossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a housing of a flossing
system, according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a housing of a flossing system,
according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific
language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is
thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the
inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional
applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated
herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and
having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within
the scope of the invention.
[0028] Reference throughout this specification to an "embodiment,"
an "example" or similar language means that a particular feature,
structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the
phrases an "embodiment," an "example," and similar language
throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all
refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one
or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording
"embodiment," "example" or the like, for two or more features,
elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily
related, dissimilar, the same, etc.
[0029] Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be
considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment
despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing
each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as
"another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of
any other embodiments characterized by the language "another
embodiment." The features, functions, and the like described herein
are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one
with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly
or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
[0030] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing,"
"is," "are," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents
thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude
additional unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is to
be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms "consisting
of" and "consisting essentially of."
[0031] Advantageously, the device permits users to form a C-shaped
configuration during flossing, which permits enhanced removal of
materials between teeth. Devices having inflexible or fixed
position braces for the floss lengths do not permit this.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cradle and a housing of a
flossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a flossing system 10 including a pair of floss
handles 16 and a plurality of floss cartridges 18 disposed within a
cradle 12 that may be disposed within a housing 14.
[0033] The illustrated floss system 10 includes a housing 14
configured to receive the cradle 12 and cover a top portion
thereof. The illustrated housing 14 includes an aperture 15
configured to be sized and shaped to receive a back profile of the
cradle 12 and secure the cradle 12 therein. The housing 14 provides
covering and protection to the cradle and the contents thereof from
dust, fluids, disturbance and other undesired interaction during
travel and other times when the system is not actively being used.
A housing may include one or more flat or curved surfaces that may
be coupled to one or more coupling members/devices such as but not
limited to ridges, hook and loop portions, tongue and groove
members, clips, hooks, and the like and combinations thereof. A
housing may be fluid/water/air/etc. tight and/or may include one or
more decorative elements thereon including but not limited to
logos, graphics, minors, textured surfaces, and the like and
combinations thereof.
[0034] The illustrated flossing system 10 includes a cradle 12. The
illustrated cradle 12 includes a pair of channels configured to
receive and support a pair of floss handles 16 thereon. The pair of
channels are disposed longitudinally along a central region of the
cradle 12. The pair of channels include a profile configured to be
sized and shaped to receive a pair of floss handles 16. The
flossing system 10 includes a pair of floss handles 16 disposed on
the cradle 12. The cradle 14 also includes a plurality of dividers
generating an array of receptacles for holding the floss cartridges
18. The illustrated dividers are shaped and positioned to form the
pair of channels and the receptacles that nest the floss cartridges
18 and the floss handles 16. Two sets of the illustrated dividers
are shaped with an extended upper region to help secure the floss
handles in the channels more tightly. Channels and receptacles may
be formed through a variety of structures, including but not
limited to quilted flexible materials, channeled plastic/elastic
materials, arrays of coupling members/materials such as but not
limited to magnets, hook and loop, straps, clips, tongue and
groove, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0035] The illustrated array of floss cartridges 18 is disposed
within the cradle 12 in an array along the length of the cradle 12.
The coupling members 20 of the cartridges 18 are disposed on each
side of the cradle 14 and the floss itself (See FIG. 2) lies
between paired coupling members 20. The array of floss cartridges
18 include a coupling member 20 configured to selectably couple to
a floss handle 16. The illustrated coupling members 20 are
configured to be extending outwardly from a central region of the
cradle 12. Advantageously, the floss cartridges 18 are available
for use and coupling to the floss handles 16 when the floss handles
are removed from the cradle 12. Where floss cartridges are used to
a point where they should be discarded, the cartridge may be
discarded and another conveniently coupled to the floss handles.
Accordingly, the floss handles may be reused.
[0036] The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 are sized and
shaped to nest within the cradle and include one or more coupling
members/devices configured to selectably coupleable to a coupling
member 20 of a floss cartridge 18. The floss handles 16 include one
or more devices for selectably coupling/decoupling the floss
cartridges thereto, such as but not limited to connectors (such as
but not limited to hooks, snaps, friction engagement, latches,
pins, and the like and combinations thereof), disconnectors (such
as but not limited to movable engagement devices, levers, devices
that change the effective size of an object, and the like and
combinations thereof), and activation members (buttons, switches,
spring operated activators, and the like and combinations thereof)
and the like and combinations thereof.
[0037] The floss handles are shaped and sized to permit a user to
manipulate the same with their hands such that a floss filament
associated with a floss cartridge may be disposed within the mouth
and placed between adjacent teeth such that material may be removed
therefrom for the health of the user. Advantageously, the floss
handles provide leverage and extension of the users own hands
thereby effectively strengthening the user in relation to the task
to be performed and facilitating the dexterous use thereof. This is
particularly helpful when children are using the devices as
children generally lack the strength and dexterity of adults and
therefore may more easily misuse or be frustrated by flossing tools
designed and optimized for adults. Further, because the floss
handles do not limit arcuate positioning of the floss filament, the
floss may be positioned in a C-style formation about the teeth when
in use. Such a formation is known to be very effective at leaning
the space between adjacent teeth.
[0038] In operation a user may take a system to a location with the
members coupled together within the housing. The user may withdraw
the cradle from the housing and withdraw the floss handles from the
cradle. The user may engage a floss cartridge with the floss
handles by selectably coupling the floss cartridge therebetween.
Then the user may engage in the process of flossing. Where desired,
the user may push a release button or otherwise actively disengage
the floss cartridge from the floss handles and may discard the
floss cartridge or return it to the cradle.
[0039] FIG. 2 is side cross-sectional view of a pair of floss
handles of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of the
invention. There is shown a pair of floss handles 16 coupled to a
floss cartridge 18 and thereby coupled to each other through the
floss filament of the floss cartridge. Accordingly, the floss
handles together with the floss cartridge generate a unitary
flossing tool that a user may manipulate with hands to clean spaces
between teeth.
[0040] The illustrated flossing system includes a pair of floss
handles 16 selectably coupleable to a floss cartridge 18. The floss
cartridge 18 includes a pair of coupling members 20 coupled
together by a length of floss, or floss filament, 30. The pair of
coupling members 20 are each coupled to opposite ends of the length
of floss 30. Such coupling may be by any of various methods
including but not limited to friction fitting, welding, knotted (or
otherwise oversized) floss ends, and the like and combinations
thereof. Floss may extend through one or more apertures through
coupling members. Each floss cartridge 18 includes a coupling
structure configured to selectably couple to a floss handle 16. The
illustrated coupling structure includes biased extensions, or
prongs, having hook-shaped heads that engage an appropriately
shaped protrusion when inserted into a cavity having such a
protrusion. Advantageously, when the illustrated coupling structure
engages, the coupling structure snaps into place and may naturally
generate a tactile and/or audible signal that cues the user to know
that the coupling structure is snugly in place and ready to
use.
[0041] The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 includes a
cylindrical body 32 having an inner neck portion that forms a
narrowed region and an expanded region that permits engagement of
the hook-shaped heads thereon. The pair of floss handles 16 include
a release mechanism 36 disposed within the cylindrical body 32 and
configured to selectably disengage the floss handle 16 from the
coupling member 20. The illustrated release mechanism 36 includes
an actuation member, or button, 34 disposed through a flexible back
end portion 38 of the cylindrical body 32 of each of the pair of
floss handles 16. The illustrated back end portion 38 includes an
accordion-style material of flexible or partially flexible material
such that its effective size may be changed under force while
protecting a user from pinching or other undesired effects of
having ones hands near two objects that are movable relative to
each other. The button 34 is functionally coupled to a bias member
(spring) that is positioned and engaged with an interior of the
body of the floss handle such that the spring pushes against the
button and resists the depression thereof. When the button is
pressed, a cup shaped member functionally coupled to the button
engages with ends of the coupling member in a manner that
disengages the coupling member from the floss handles so that the
coupling member may be withdrawn and decoupled from the floss
handle.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a pair of floss handles
of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a pair of floss handles 16 coupled together by a
floss cartridge 18.
[0043] The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 are coupled
together by a floss cartridge 18. The floss cartridge 18 includes a
pair of coupling members attached by a length of floss and
configured to selectably couple to a pair of floss handles 16. The
illustrated pair of floss handles 16 each include a cylindrical
body 32. The pair of floss handles 16 includes a release mechanism
36 disposed within the cylindrical body 32 and configured to
selectably disengage the floss handle 16 from a coupling member of
the floss cartridge 18. The release mechanism 36 includes an
actuation member 34 disposed through a back end of the cylindrical
body 32 of each of the pair of floss handles 16.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a floss cartridge
of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a floss cartridge 18 including a pair of engaged
coupling members 20 and a length of floss 30.
[0045] The illustrated floss cartridge 18 includes a length of
floss 30. The floss cartridge 18 includes a pair of coupling
members 20 each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss 30.
Each floss cartridge 18 includes a coupling structure 50. The
coupling structure 50 of the pair of coupling members 20 each
includes an attachment member 52 having an attachment end 54
configured to retractably fit inside a top aperture of a floss
handle 16. The pair of floss handles 16 each include a receiving
member 56 configured to securely attach to the attachment end 54 of
the attachment member 52. The receiving member 56 is coupled to a
release mechanism of the floss handle 16 that is configured to
release the attachment end 54 from the receiving member 56. The
attachment end 54 is adjacent a detachment member 33 that includes
a cup-shaped end configured to engage the attachment member in a
manner that causes the attachment member to disengage with the
floss handle when the detachment member is moved relative to the
attachment end. In the illustrated example, the detachment member
33 is moved towards the attachment end thereby engaging with the
ramp-shaped end of the attachment end and causing the same to be
displaced towards the main axis of the floss handle. This motion
disengages the hook-shaped portion of the attachment end from the
interior surface of the floss handle and thereby permits the user
to detach the same from the floss handle.
[0046] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a floss handle of a flossing
system, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is
shown a floss handle 16 including a cylindrical body 32, and a
release mechanism 36.
[0047] The illustrated floss handle 16 includes a cylindrical body
32. The cylindrical body 32 is configured to support and protect
the components of the floss handle. The cylindrical body 32 is
configured to provide a rigid structure to manipulate and maneuver
a length of floss between teeth. The floss handle 16 includes a
release mechanism 36 disposed within the cylindrical body 32 and
configured to selectably disengage the floss handle 16 from a
coupling member of a floss cartridge. The release mechanism 36
includes a biased member 60 configured to compression release a
coupling member from the floss handle 16. The release mechanism 36
includes an actuation member 34 disposed through a back end 38 of
the cylindrical body 32 of the floss handle 16. The floss handle 16
includes a top aperture 40 configured to receive a coupling
structure of a coupling member of a floss cartridge of a flossing
system. The floss handle 16 includes a detachment member 33 that
includes a cup-shaped end configured to engage an attachment member
in a manner that causes the attachment member to disengage with the
floss handle 16 when the detachment member 33 is moved relative to
the attachment end.
[0048] FIG. 6 a side cross-sectional view of a floss handle of a
flossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention.
There is shown a floss handle 16 including a cylindrical body 32, a
release mechanism 36, and a receiving member 46.
[0049] The illustrated floss handle 16 includes a cylindrical body
32. The floss handle 16 includes a release mechanism 36 disposed
within the cylindrical body and be configured to selectably
disengage the floss handle 16 from a coupling member 20 of a floss
cartridge. The release mechanism 36 includes an actuation member 34
disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body 32 of the floss
handle 16. The floss handle 16 includes a top aperture 40
configured to receive a coupling structure 50 of the coupling
member 20. The coupling structure 50 of the coupling member 20
includes an attachment member 42 configured to couple to the floss
handle 16. The attachment member 42 includes an attachment end 44
configured to retractably fit inside the top aperture 40 of the
floss handle 16. The illustrated attachment member 42 includes a
pair of opposing flanges configured to compress toward one another
and couple to a receiving member 46 of the floss handle. The
attachment end 44 includes an angled protrusion disposed on an end
of a flange and configured to secure the attachment member 42 to
the floss handle. The receiving member 46 is configured to securely
attach to the attachment end 44 of the attachment member 42. The
receiving member 46 is coupled to the release mechanism 34 of the
floss handle 16 and configured to release the attachment end 44
from the receiving member 46. The receiving member 46 includes a
cavity larger than the cavity of the top aperture of the floss
handle, thereby securing the angled protrusions of the attachment
member therein.
[0050] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side elevational view and a top
plan view of a housing of a flossing system, according to one
embodiment of the invention. There is shown a housing 14 of a
flossing system.
[0051] The illustrated housing 14 is shaped to secure and support a
cradle 12 of a flossing system. The cradle 12 is configured to be
disposed within the housing 14. The illustrated cradle 12 includes
an aperture cover coupled to an end of the cradle 12. The aperture
cover 25 is configured to cover an aperture of the housing 14. The
illustrated aperture cover 25 is configured to seal the cradle 12
within the housing 14 and secure the cradle therein. The
illustrated housing 14 is sized and shaped to receive the cradle 12
and secure the cradle 12 therein. Advantageously, the housing and
cover facilitate convenient storage and travel in a manner that
protects the contents and reduces the effective size of the
system/kit to a minimal level.
[0052] In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user
picks up a floss handle with one hand and another floss handle with
the other hand. The user couples a coupling member through a top
aperture of each floss handle, thereby coupling a floss cartridge
to the pair of floss handles. The coupled device resembles a
miniature nunchaku, a traditional Japanese weapon that has gained
popularity as a form to be emulated in some modern toys and game
devices. This resemblance of the tools to a toy is advantageous in
the pursuit of teaching children to floss because it associates the
tools with fun. The user manipulates and maneuvers the pair of
floss handles to floss between the teeth of the user. The user,
upon finishing flossing the user's teeth, actuates an actuation
member of a release mechanism of each floss handle. The user
presses down on a back end of the floss handle and disengages the
pair of coupling members from the pair of floss handles. The
portions of the device may then be stored for future use.
[0053] The following are "statements" or, in other words,
non-limiting examples of various embodiments of the invention:
1. A flossing system or tool, comprising [0054] a) a cradle; [0055]
b) a floss cartridge, including: [0056] b1) a length of floss; and
[0057] b2) a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends
of the length of floss; wherein each is provided with a coupling
structure; and [0058] c) a pair of floss handles disposed on the
cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members,
including; [0059] c1) a cylindrical body, and [0060] c2) a release
mechanism disposed within the cylindrical body and configured to
selectably disengage the floss handle from the coupling member. 2.
The flossing system or tool of statement 1 further comprising a
housing configured to receive the cradle and cover a top portion
thereof, wherein the floss cartridge is one of an array of floss
cartridges according to statement 1 which are disposed on the
cradle. 3. The system or tool of statement 2, wherein the array of
floss cartridges are disposed along each side of the cradle. 4. The
system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein the cradle is
provided with a pair of channels configured to receive the pair of
floss handles. 5. The system or tool of any preceding statement,
wherein the release mechanism is provided with an actuation member
disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each of the
pair of floss handles. 6. The system or tool of any preceding
statement, wherein the pair of floss handles is each provided with
a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure of the
pair of coupling members. 7. The system or tool of any preceding
statement, wherein the coupling structure of the pair of coupling
members is each provided with an attachment member having an
attachment end configured to retractably fit inside the top
aperture of each floss handle. 8. The system or tool of any
preceding statement, wherein the pair of floss handles each
includes a receiving member configured to securely attach to the
attachment end of the attachment member. 9. The system or tool of
any preceding statement, wherein the receiving member is coupled to
the release mechanism of the floss handle configured to release the
attachment end from the receiving member. 10. The flossing system
or tool of any preceding statement wherein the release mechanism
includes an actuation member disposed through a back end of the
cylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles; wherein the
pair of floss handles is each provided with a top aperture
configured to receive the coupling structure of the pair of
coupling members; wherein the coupling structure of the pair of
coupling members each include an attachment member having an
attachment end configured to retractably fit inside the top
aperture of each floss handle; wherein the pair of floss handles
each include a receiving member configured to securely attach to
the attachment end of the attachment member; wherein the receiving
member is coupled to the release mechanism of the floss handle
configured to release the attachment end from the receiving
member.
[0061] In one non-limiting embodiment, there may be a compact and
convenient travel kit including a pair of cradles each holding ten
floss cartridges having floss lengths of approximately
three-quarters of an inch, a pair of floss handles, a durable and
stylish housing and a collectible character trading card.
[0062] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are
only illustrative of the application of the principles of the
present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0063] For example, although the figures illustrate a particular
configuration and set of components for the coupling structures, it
is understood that other structures will fall within the scope of
the claims.
[0064] Additionally, although the figures illustrate particular
sizes, shapes and size relationships of various portions and/or
members, it is understood that the sizes, shapes and relational
sizes of various embodiments of the present invention are
plethoric.
[0065] It is also envisioned that a plurality of types of floss may
be utilized in various embodiments of the present invention,
including but not limited to cylindrical floss, tape-style floss,
multi-filament floss, waxed/unwaxed floss, flavored floss, colored
floss, stylized floss, and decorated floss and the like and
combinations thereof.
[0066] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of
the design of this invention. An example is that the floss handles
may be decorated to resemble licensed characters, specific weapons,
construction tool handles, and the like and combinations
thereof.
[0067] Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device
may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not
limited to metals, ceramics, plastics, resins, fibers, minerals,
polymers, composites, and the like and combinations thereof.
[0068] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described
above with particularity and detail in connection with what is
presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment
of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the
principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the
claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be
limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of
the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.
* * * * *