阅读说明：本技术 牙线插入装置 (Dental floss insertion device ) 是由 托马斯·F·杰克逊 于 2020-02-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种牙线插入装置。一种用于将一段牙线的端部插入封闭口腔空间中的牙线插入装置。所述装置可以包括主体和尖端,该尖端附接到主体并与主体协作配合,以限定牙线引导路径。第一辊可以位于所述引导路径的第一侧,并且第二辊可以位于所述引导路径的第二侧。第二辊可以是能够朝向和远离第一辊移动的,以打开和关闭接纳所述一段牙线的辊隙,从而允许使用者在同时使第二辊滚动的同时在位于第一辊和第二辊之间的一根牙线上施加压缩力,以将所述一段牙线的所述端部沿着所述引导路径、穿过远端的孔口推进到封闭口腔空间中。(The present invention relates to a floss insertion device. A dental floss insertion device for inserting an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space. The device may include a body and a tip attached to and cooperating with the body to define a floss guide path. The first roller may be located on a first side of the guide path and the second roller may be located on a second side of the guide path. The second roller may be movable toward and away from the first roller to open and close a nip receiving the length of dental floss, thereby allowing a user to exert a compressive force on a length of dental floss located between the first roller and the second roller while simultaneously rolling the second roller to advance the end of the length of dental floss along the guide path through the distal aperture into the enclosed oral space.)

1. A dental floss insertion device for inserting an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space, the device comprising:

a body at least partially defining a floss guide path configured to receive the end of the length of floss, the guide path leading to an exterior of the body;

a tip located on a distal end of the body and defining a distal orifice in communication with the floss guide path; and

a floss advancement mechanism positioned along the guide path and including a portion movable relative to the body for advancing the end of the length of floss along the guide path and through the distal aperture.

2. The dental floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the tip is a first tip having a first profile, the first tip being detachable from and attachable to the body, the dental floss insertion device further comprising a second tip having a second profile different from the first profile, wherein the second tip is detachable from and attachable to the body.

3. The dental floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the portion movable relative to the body comprises a cylindrical outer surface adapted to engage and grip the length of dental floss for advancing the end of the length of dental floss along the guide path toward the distal aperture.

4. The floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the portion movable relative to the body is rotatable about an axis.

5. The floss insertion device according to claim 4, wherein the axis is movable relative to the body.

6. The floss insertion device according to claim 5, wherein the axis is movable relative to the body toward and away from a guide path.

7. The dental floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the portion movable relative to the body comprises a roller having an outer surface, and wherein a portion of the outer surface extends outwardly from the body to allow a user to exert a compressive force on the length of dental floss via the roller by urging the roller toward the guide path while rotating the roller to advance the length of dental floss along the guide path.

8. The floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the body defines a proximal aperture configured to receive the end of the length of floss, and wherein the guide path extends from the proximal aperture, through the body, and through the tip to the distal aperture.

9. The dental floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the guide path comprises a proximal portion defining an inlet axis along which the length of dental floss enters the body and a distal portion defining an outlet axis along which the length of dental floss exits the body, and wherein the inlet axis and the outlet axis define an included angle of at least about 120 degrees.

10. The floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the portion movable relative to the body comprises a first roller rotatable about a first axis and a second roller rotatable about a second axis, the first and second rollers cooperating to define a nip configured to engage the length of floss.

11. The floss insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the second roller is movable toward and away from the first roller to open and close the nip.

12. The dental floss insertion device of claim 1, wherein the tip is rotatable to a plurality of angular positions relative to the body.

13. A dental floss insertion device for inserting an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space, the device comprising:

a body at least partially defining a floss guide path configured to receive the end of the length of floss;

a tip located on a distal end of the body and defining a distal orifice in communication with the floss guide path;

a first roller located on a first side of the guide path and rotatable about a first axis; and

a second roller located on a second side of the guide path and rotatable about a second axis for advancing the end of the length of dental floss along the guide path and through the distal aperture, wherein the second axis is movable toward and away from the first axis.

14. The floss insertion device according to claim 13, wherein a portion of the second roller extends out of the body and is configured to allow a user to exert a compressive force on the floss via the second roller while simultaneously rolling the second roller to advance the floss along the guide path.

15. The dental floss insertion device of claim 14, wherein the second roller is rotatable about a pin defining the second axis, and wherein the pin is received within a slot defined by the body.

16. The dental floss insertion device of claim 13, wherein the tip is a first tip having a first profile, the first tip being detachable from and attachable to the body, the dental floss insertion device further comprising a second tip having a second profile different from the first profile, wherein the second tip is detachable from and attachable to the body.

17. The floss insertion device according to claim 13, wherein the first roller and the second roller cooperate to define a nip configured to engage the length of floss, and wherein the second roller is movable toward and away from the first roller to open and close the nip.

18. The floss insertion device according to claim 13, wherein the second roller comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

19. The dental floss insertion device of claim 13, wherein the tip is rotatable to a plurality of angular orientations relative to the body.

20. A method for inserting an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space, the method comprising:

inserting the end of the length of floss into a floss guide path of a floss insertion device, the floss insertion device comprising: a body at least partially defining the floss guide path; a tip located on a distal end of the body and defining a distal orifice in communication with the floss guide path; and a floss advance mechanism comprising a roller rotatable about an axis and movable relative to the body toward and away from the guide path;

moving the roller toward the guide path to exert a compressive force on the length of floss; and

rotating the roller about the axis to advance the end of the length of floss toward the distal aperture.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein moving the roller toward the guide path includes moving a pin defining the axis along a slot defined by the body.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein applying a compressive force on the length of the dental floss comprises deforming the roller.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to dental hygiene and, more particularly, to a dental floss threading device that facilitates insertion of an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space.

Background

Dental appliances and fixtures such as braces, bridges, fixture holders and prostheses that are attached to teeth and/or implants pose unique dental hygiene challenges. By their very nature, these articles define a completely enclosed or enclosed space (hereinafter referred to as an "enclosed oral space") that is typically not adequately cleaned by conventional brushing and flossing. More specifically, because the enclosed oral space is completely enclosed or enclosed by the dental implement or fixture and the patient's teeth or gum tissue, the user cannot hold both ends of a length of dental floss in a conventional manner to pass the length of dental floss through the enclosed oral space to facilitate cleaning. Failure to properly clean these spaces can lead to the accumulation of plaque, which in turn can compromise the health of the surrounding teeth, tissue, and/or the function of the dental appliance.

Several dental hygiene devices and techniques have been developed to help clean enclosed oral spaces like the one described above. One such device is an interdental brush, which is a tiny brush designed to be inserted into the enclosed oral space in an end-on manner. While an interdental brush may be effective for certain oral cleaning needs, it is still too large to fit into very small or very tight enclosed oral spaces, such as those associated with braces, bridges, fixed retainers and prostheses like those described above. Another device for cleaning enclosed oral spaces is a special floss in which one or both ends of the floss have been treated to make it stiffer than conventional floss. The hardened end, commonly referred to as "lead floss" or "string floss", is intended to aid in inserting the floss into the enclosed oral space with the end forward. Lead flossing may be effective for some enclosed oral spaces, but in many cases, it can be extremely difficult for individuals who often operate with mirrors to manipulate the lead flossing into the enclosed oral space. Further, even though the tip of the lead floss may be inserted into the enclosed oral space, in many cases the hardened end is not stiff enough to allow the user to push the end of the lead floss completely through the enclosed oral space to facilitate thorough cleaning.

Disclosure of Invention

In some aspects, a floss insertion device is provided for inserting an end of a length of floss into an enclosed oral space. The floss insertion device may include a body at least partially defining a floss guide path configured to receive the end of the length of floss. The guide path may lead to the outside of the body. The tip may be located on the distal end of the body and may define a distal port in communication with the floss guide path. A floss advancement mechanism may be positioned along the guide path and may include a portion movable relative to the body for advancing the end of the length of floss along the guide path and through the distal aperture.

The tip may be a first tip having a first profile. The first tip may be detachable from and attachable to the body. The floss insertion device may also include a second tip having a second profile different from the first profile. The second tip may be detachable from and attachable to the body. The portion movable relative to the body may include a cylindrical outer surface adapted to engage and grip the length of dental floss for advancing the end of the length of dental floss along the guide path toward the distal aperture. The portion movable relative to the body may be rotatable about an axis, and the axis may be movable relative to the body towards and away from the guide path.

In some configurations, the portion movable relative to the body may include a roller having an outer surface, and a portion of the outer surface may extend outwardly from the body to allow a user to apply a compressive force on the length of floss via the roller by urging the roller toward the guide path while rotating the roller to advance the length of floss along the guide path. The body may define a proximal aperture configured to receive the end of the length of dental floss, and a guide path may extend from the proximal aperture, through the body, and through the tip to the distal aperture. The guide path may further include a proximal portion defining an inlet axis along which the length of dental floss enters the body and a distal portion defining an outlet axis along which the length of dental floss exits the body. The inlet axis and the outlet axis may define an included angle of at least about 120 degrees.

The portion movable relative to the body may comprise a first roller rotatable about a first axis and a second roller rotatable about a second axis. The first roller and the second roller may cooperate to define a nip configured to engage the length of floss. The second roller may be movable toward and away from the first roller to open and close the nip.

In other aspects, a floss insertion device is provided for inserting an end of a length of floss into an enclosed oral space. The device may include a body at least partially defining a floss guide path configured to receive the end of the length of floss. The tip may be located on the distal end of the body and may define a distal port in communication with the floss guide path. The first roller may be located on a first side of the guide path and may be rotatable about a first axis. A second roller may be located on a second side of the guide path and may be rotatable about a second axis for advancing the end of the length of floss along the guide path and through the distal aperture. The second axis may be movable towards and away from the first axis.

A portion of the second roller may extend out of the body and may be configured to allow a user to apply a compressive force on the floss via the second roller while simultaneously rolling the second roller to advance the floss along the guide path. The second roller may be rotatable about a pin defining the second axis and the pin may be received within a slot defined by the body. The tip may be a first tip having a first profile and may be detachable from and attachable to the body. The floss insertion device may further include a second tip having a second profile different from the first profile, and the second tip may be detachable from and attachable to the body. The first roller and the second roller may cooperate to define a nip configured to engage the length of floss, and the second roller may be movable toward and away from the first roller to open and close the nip. The second roller may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer.

In other aspects, a method for inserting an end of a length of dental floss into an enclosed oral space is provided, the method comprising: inserting the end of the length of floss into a floss guide path of a floss insertion device, the floss insertion device comprising: a body at least partially defining the floss guide path; a tip located on the distal end of the body and defining a distal orifice in communication with the floss guide path; and a floss advance mechanism including a roller rotatable about an axis and movable relative to the body toward and away from the guide path. The method may further comprise: moving a roller toward a guide path to exert a compressive force on the length of floss; and rotating a roller about the axis to advance the end of the length of floss toward a distal aperture.

Moving the roller toward the guide path may include moving a pin defining the axis along a slot defined by the body. Applying a compressive force on the length of floss may include deforming a roller.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a length of wire floss including relatively stiff end portions and a relatively flexible and compressible central cleaning portion.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a floss insertion device for inserting an end of a length of floss into an enclosed oral space.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged front view of the distal end of the floss insertion device of fig. 2, showing a floss advance mechanism and a floss guide.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged side view of the floss insertion device of fig. 2 with a cover removed to show the floss insertion channel, floss advance mechanism, and floss guide.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged side view of a first embodiment of the insertion tip of the floss insertion device of fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged side view of a second embodiment of the insertion tip of the floss insertion device of fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is an elevation view showing seven alternative embodiments of floss guides, each of which may be used in conjunction with the floss insertion device of fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is an end view of the floss insertion device of fig. 2 showing various angular positions of the device tip relative to the device rollers.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the floss insertion device of fig. 2 including a number of optional accessory features.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a length of dental floss 10 of the type commonly referred to in the dental hygiene art as "lead floss". The illustrated length of floss 10 includes a pair of relatively stiff lead portions 14 and a relatively soft, flexible and compressible central cleaning portion 18. A lead floss such as floss 10 is developed to facilitate cleaning of enclosed oral spaces, such as those defined by mouthpieces, bridges, fixed retainers and prostheses attached to teeth and/or implants, which cannot generally be achieved using conventional flossing techniques. In use, a user holds one of the stiff lead portions 14 of the floss 10 between the user's fingers and inserts the end 22 of the floss 10 into the enclosed oral space to be cleaned. The stiffness of the lead portion 14 is intended to allow the user to push the end 22 of the floss 10 through one side of the enclosed oral space and out the other side of the enclosed oral space. Once the end 22 has been pushed through the enclosed oral space, the user grasps the end and pulls the lead portion 14 of the floss 10 through the enclosed oral space until the cleaning portion 18 is located therein. The user may then manipulate cleaning portion 18 within the enclosed oral space to assist in cleaning the enclosed oral space. As discussed above, it is extremely difficult for a user to insert the end 22 of the floss 10 into the enclosed oral space and push the end 22 through to the other side of the enclosed oral space, particularly when the enclosed oral space is relatively small.

Fig. 2-4 illustrate a floss insertion device 26, the floss insertion device 26 being configured to assist a user in inserting the end 22 of the lead floss 10 into the enclosed oral space and pushing the end 22 through to the other side of the enclosed oral space. In the exemplary illustrated construction, the device 26 includes a generally hourglass-shaped body 30, the body 30 having a proximal end 34 and a distal end 38. The cap 40 is removably attached to the proximal end 34 of the body for reasons discussed below. The body 30 houses and supports the functional components of the device 26 and also functions as a handle. Although an hourglass shape is shown, the body 30 may be formed in various shapes and sizes to achieve substantially any desired ergonomic configuration.

The body 30 at least partially defines a floss guide path 42 (fig. 4) generally at the distal end 38 of the body 30. The guide path 42 is configured to receive the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10. The guide path 42 shown includes a proximal port 46 that opens to the exterior of the body 30. The proximal aperture 46 is positioned and configured to receive the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10. In use, as described further below, a user first inserts the end 22 of a length of dental floss 10 through the proximal aperture 46, thereby inserting the end 22 into the guide path 42.

The guide path 42 includes a proximal end 50, the proximal end 50 extending inwardly into the body 30 from the proximal orifice 46. In the illustrated construction, the proximal end 50 defines an inlet axis 54, along which inlet axis 54 the length of dental floss 10 enters the body 30. The guide path 42 also includes a distal end 58 defining an outlet axis 62 along which the length of dental floss 10 exits the body 30. The distal portion 58 may include a generally funnel-shaped inlet wall 60 to help guide the length of dental floss 10 along the guide path 42, as discussed further below. As shown in fig. 4, the inlet axis 54 and the outlet axis 62 are positioned at an angle a relative to each other. In the illustrated configuration, the angle a is an obtuse angle that allows the lead portion 14 of the floss 10 to smoothly transition from the proximal end 50 of the guide path 42 to the distal end 62 of the guide path 42 substantially without binding or sticking. In some embodiments of the device 26, the angle a is at least about 120 degrees.

The device 26 also includes a tip 66 located on the distal end 38 of the body 30. The tip 66 forms a portion of the guide pathway 42 and defines a distal orifice 70 in communication with the guide pathway 42. Thus, in the illustrated construction, the guide pathway 42 extends from the proximal orifice 46, through the body 30, and through the tip 66 to the distal orifice 70. Tip 66 includes a base 74, and in some embodiments, base 74 may be removably attached to distal end 38 of body 30. Non-limiting examples of structural configurations that may be used to enable removable attachment of the base 74 to the distal end 38 include snap-fits, threaded couplings, set screws, twist locks, cam locks, latching members, and slidable couplings.

The tip 66 also includes a floss guide 78 extending away from the base 74. The floss guide 78 is a conduit in the form of a hollow tube that defines a portion of the guide path 42. As discussed further below, multiple floss guides 78 may be provided in various shapes to facilitate use of the device 26 with a variety of different enclosed oral spaces. In this manner, when the device 26 is provided with a removable tip 66, a user may attach and detach tips 66 having floss guides 78 of different configurations depending on the particular application. To protect the user's gums and other soft tissue, the distal end of the floss guide 78 is provided with an insertion tip 82, the insertion tip 82 being formed of a comfort-providing material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer or similar compliant material. The insertion tip 82 may be removable from the distal end of the floss guide 78, or may be permanently affixed to the floss guide 78, such as by overmolding the insertion tip onto the floss guide 78.

To advance the end 22 of the floss 10 along the guide path 42, a floss advance mechanism 86 is provided and the floss advance mechanism 86 is positioned along the guide path 42. As best shown in fig. 4, the floss advance mechanism 86 includes a first roller 90 located on a first side of the guide path 42 and a second roller 94 located on a second side of the guide path 42. The first roller 90 and the second roller 94 cooperate to define a nip 98, the nip 98 being configured to engage the length of dental floss 10. The first roller 90 is rotatable about a first axis 102, which first axis 102 is fixed relative to the body 30 in the example shown. The second roller 94 is rotatable about a second axis 106, the second axis 106 being movable relative to the body 30 toward and away from the guide path 42 and the first roller 90. Thus, the second roller 94 can be moved toward and away from the first roller 90 to open and close the nip 98. In the illustrated construction, the above-described functionality is provided by a pin 110, the pin 110 defining the second axis 106 and being received within a slot 114, the slot 114 being defined by the body 30 and extending in a crosswise direction relative to the guide path 42.

The second roller 94 includes a generally cylindrical outer surface 118, the outer surface 118 adapted to engage and grip the length of dental floss 10 for advancing the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10 along the guide path 42 and toward the distal aperture 70. In this regard, the outer surface 118 may be generally smooth or slightly textured. In some constructions, the second roller 94, and possibly also the first roller 90, or at least the outer surface thereof, may be formed of a compliant material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) that produces a relatively high coefficient of friction relative to the lead portion 14 of the length of floss.

As seen in fig. 2-4, a portion of the second roller 94 extends out of the body 30. When the lead portion 14 of the length of floss 10 is in the nip 98, the user may push or otherwise urge the second roller 94 toward the guide path 42, thereby exerting a compressive force on the floss 10 through the second roller 94. At approximately the same time, the user may rotate the second roller 94 about the second axis 106 to advance the length of dental floss 10 along the guide path 42. In embodiments such as those described above where the second roller 94 is a compliant material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, the outer surface 118 of the second roller 94 may deform when a user applies a compressive force to the floss 10.

Thus, the second roller 94 provides a portion of the device 26 that is movable relative to the body 30 for advancing the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10 along the guide path 42 and through the distal aperture 70. More specifically, because the second roller 94 is carried by the pin 110, and because the pin 110 is mounted in the slot 114, the second roller 94 may be moved generally toward and away from the guide path 42 to open and close the nip 98. With the nip 98 open, the user may insert the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10 into the guide path 42 until the lead portion 14 is located in the nip between the first roller 90 and the second roller 94. As the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10 advances through the nip 98, the funnel-shaped inlet wall 60 of the distal end portion 58 may direct the tip 22 toward the outlet axis 62 to prevent the tip 22 from becoming lodged within the device 26. With the lead portion 14 in the nip, the user may apply a compressive force to the lead portion 14 by pressing a portion of the second roller 94 that extends out of the main body 30. Pressing in this manner moves the pin 110 along the slot 114, closes the nip 98 by moving the second roller 94 toward the guide path 42, and compresses the lead portion 14 of the floss 10 between the first roller 90 and the second roller 94. While continuing to press on the second roller 94, the user may then rotate the second roller 94 about the second axis 106 to advance the end 22 of the length of dental floss 10 toward the distal aperture 70.

The combination of simultaneously rolling the second roller 94 and pressing the second roller 94 against the leads 14 of the floss 10 allows the user to apply a substantial force to the leads 14 of the floss 10 to push the leads 14 along the guide path 42. This process may be repeated while holding the device 26 such that the distal orifice 70 is generally aligned with the enclosed oral space that the user wishes to clean, until the end 22 of the floss 10 passes through the distal orifice 70 and into the enclosed oral space of the user. Thereafter, continued rolling and pressing of the second roller 94 may be used to push the end 22 of the floss 10 completely through the enclosed mouth space until the end 22 can be grasped by the user.

With the lead portion 14 of the length of dental floss 10 in the enclosed oral space, the user may remove the device 26 from the length of dental floss 10 as described below, or the user may use the device 26 to assist in cleaning the enclosed oral space. If the user removes the device 26 from the length of floss 10, the user may simply grasp both ends of the floss 10 and cleanse the enclosed oral space by manually manipulating the ends 22 of the length of floss 10. Alternatively, the user may leave the length of dental floss 10 in the device 26 and use the device 26 to manipulate the dental floss 10 within the enclosed oral space. More specifically, the user may apply pressure to the portion of the second roller 94 extending out of the body 30 while preventing rotation of the second roller 94, thereby generally securing the length of floss 10 within the device 26. With the length of floss 10 generally secured within the device 26, the device 26 may be used as a handle that facilitates manipulation of one end 22 of the length of floss 10 while the opposite end 22 of the length of floss 10 is grasped and manipulated by the other hand of the user to clean the area around and within the enclosed oral space.

When it is desired to remove the length of dental floss 10 from the device 26, the user may release pressure on the second roller 94 to open the nip 98. With the nip 98 open, the cleaning portion 18 of the floss 10 may pass through the guide path 42. The user may then pull the device 26 completely off the length of floss 10.

In fig. 4, the cover 40 has been removed to expose the floss guide path 42 and floss advance mechanism 86. By having the cover 40 removable, a user may access these components for cleaning and/or avoiding floss jams or tangles that may occur during floss insertion, use, or floss removal. In the illustrated construction, the cover 40 is secured by screws (not shown) that are threaded into openings 122 provided in the handle 30. In other constructions, the cover 40 may be secured by a combination of hinge and latch elements, resilient detents, sliding devices, magnets, or the like.

In the illustrated construction, the floss advance mechanism 86 is positioned in the body 30 along the distal end 58 of the guide path 42 between the apex of the angle a and the tip 66. In other configurations, a floss advance mechanism may be positioned along the proximal end 50 of the guide path 42. In other constructions, the floss advance mechanism 86 may define the proximal aperture 46. While the floss advance mechanism 86 may be located in various positions, positioning the floss advance mechanism 86 as close as possible to the tip 66 allows more of the lead portion 14 of the floss 10 to be pushed through the distal aperture 70 and into the enclosed oral space before the cleaning portion 18 of the floss 10 reaches the floss advance mechanism 86. This may be beneficial because for many types of lead flosses, the ability of the device 26 to push the end 22 of the floss 10 through the enclosed oral space may be reduced once the cleaning portion 18 reaches the floss advancing mechanism 86.

Referring also to fig. 5 and 6, the device 26 may be provided with different types of insertion tips. The insertion tip 82a of fig. 5 is generally wedge-shaped. The tip is generally wider than it is tall and may find it particularly effective for a user to insert the end 22 of the length of dental floss 22 into an enclosed oral space such as a prosthetic joint, which is a long straight region located where, for example, a multi-tooth implant or hybrid prosthesis contacts the gums or alveolar ridge. In contrast, the insertion tip 82b of fig. 6 is generally conical in shape, and the user may find it effective to insert the end 22 of the length of dental floss 22 into an enclosed oral space defined by one or more sharp corners, such as the space between adjacent braces or the corners between a prosthesis, gingival tissue, and natural teeth. The insertion tips 82a, 82b are preferably formed of a compliant material and may be removable from the floss guide 78 or permanently attached to the floss guide 78. If the insertion tips 82a, 82b are configured to be removable, they may typically be hand-mounted on or removed from the floss guide 78, and during use, the friction created between the insertion tips 82a, 82b and the floss guide 78 is sufficient to retain the insertion tips 82a, 82b on the ends of the floss guide 78.

Referring also to fig. 7, several alternative configurations of the floss guide 78 are shown. Each floss guide 78 has a slightly different configuration or profile, which the user may find particularly suitable for inserting the end 22 of the length of floss 10 into a particular enclosed oral space. In embodiments where the insertion tips 82a, 82b are removable, additional flexibility or customization to the needs of a particular user can be obtained by mounting the insertion tip 82a, insertion tip 82b, or other type of insertion tip to either floss guide 78. In this regard, a single device 26 may be provided with a plurality of removable tips 66, wherein each tip 66 has a differently contoured or configured floss guide 78 and/or insertion tip 82 to facilitate cleaning of a particular enclosed oral space or a particular set of enclosed oral spaces. Thus, a given device 26 may include a first tip 66 having a first profile and being detachable from and attachable to the body 30, and a second tip 66 having a second profile different from the first profile and also being detachable from and attachable to the body 30. Additional tips having additional profiles different from the first and second profiles may also be provided to accommodate the needs of a particular user.

Referring also to fig. 8, in addition to the tip 66 being detachable from the body 30 to facilitate use of floss guides 78 having different configurations, the tip 66 may also be positionable on the body 30 in a plurality of angular orientations relative to the position of the second roller 94. This may be desirable because, particularly when the length of floss 10 is to remain secured within the device 26 during cleaning of the enclosed oral space, the device 26 will typically need to be held in the same orientation to enable the user to hold the second roller 94 with his or her thumb. Thus, allowing the tip 66 to rotate relative to the position of the second roller 94 facilitates use of the device with either the right or left hand while accessing the enclosed oral space on the upper or lower jaw.

As shown in fig. 8, the tip 66 may be positionable in, for example, four different angular orientations (each shown in phantom) generally spaced about the longitudinal axis of the body 30, including: a first orientation 86a in which the floss guide 78 extends toward the second roller 94 when viewed as shown in fig. 8; a second orientation 86b in which the floss guide 78 extends away from the second roller 94; a third orientation 86c in which the floss guide 78 extends in the first direction generally perpendicular to the second roller 94; and a fourth orientation 86d in which the floss guide 78 extends generally perpendicular to the second roller 94 in a second direction opposite the first direction. The four orientations 86a, 86b, 86c, 86d described above may be achieved by attaching the tip 66 to the body using substantially any latching configuration that includes means for reorienting the tip 66, such as a snap fit, a threaded coupling (e.g., a quarter-turn coupling), a set screw, a twist lock, a cam lock, a latching member, a slidable coupling, and the like. The body 30 and/or the tip 66 may be provided with markers or markings that assist the user in positioning the tip 66 in the desired orientation 86a, 86b, 86c, 86 d. It should be understood that more or less angular orientation of the tip 66 may be provided by suitably configuring the detachable connection structure for securing the tip 66 to the body 30.

Referring also to fig. 9, the device 26 may also include one or more optional accessory features to simplify and/or enhance the user experience. One such optional accessory feature is a latch member 126, the latch member 126 being movable between a disengaged or unlocked position in which the latch member 126 does not contact the second roller 94 and the second roller 94 is free to rotate about the pin 110, and an engaged or latched position in which the latch member 126 engages the second roller 94 and prevents or limits rotation of the second roller 94 about the pin 110. The latch member 126 may be configured with a stop mechanism such that when the latch member 126 is moved to the engaged position, the latch member 126 remains in the engaged position and prevents or limits rotation of the second roller portion 94 without further intervention by a user. In this way, when the user places the floss in a desired position, the user can move the latch member 126 to the engaged position, thereby securing the floss in the desired position, so the user can manipulate the device 26 without having to manually prevent rotation of the second roller 94.

Another optional accessory feature is a vibration mechanism 130, the vibration mechanism 130 vibrating the device 26 to enhance oral cleaning. The vibration mechanism 130 may be or include any suitable mechanism capable of applying vibration, including but not limited to motorized eccentric weight assemblies of various configurations, piezoelectric transducers, and the like. In each case, the vibration mechanism 130 may be powered by a battery 134, and the battery 134 may be housed within the proximal end 34 of the handle 30, connected to the vibration mechanism 130 by suitable circuitry 138. An on/off switch 142 may be provided to control the vibration mechanism 130.

Another optional accessory feature of the device 26 shown in fig. 9 is a light assembly 146. In the illustrated construction, the lamp assembly includes a plurality of individual lamps 150 radially spaced about the distal end 38 of the handle 30. Each light 150 may include one or more LEDs and a reflector assembly 154, the reflector assembly 154 for directing light emitted from the LEDs generally in the direction of the tip 66 to illuminate an area of the oral cavity being flossed. Like the vibration mechanism 130, the lamp assembly 146 may be connected to the battery 134 by a suitable circuit 138 and operated by an on/off switch 158.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the switches 142, 158 and circuitry 138 for providing power to the vibration mechanism and lamp assembly 146 shown in fig. 9 are presented in a simplified form. More complex circuitry may be included including microcontrollers, PCBs, wireless communication circuitry, etc., to provide higher level functionality and to interact with external control devices, such as smart phones or dedicated control mechanisms. Non-limiting examples of higher level functions implemented by such circuits may include: driving the vibration mechanism 130 at various or variable speeds, providing timing features, providing audible indicators, controlling the brightness of a light, flashing a light at a predetermined time, and the like. Although fig. 9 shows a single battery 134 and common circuitry 138 powering the vibration mechanism 130 and the lamp assembly 146, multiple dedicated batteries and circuitry may be used.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.