HK1040607A1

HK1040607A1 - Dental floss holder

Info

Publication number: HK1040607A1
Application number: HK02102079A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 保罗-G‧约斯特-布林克曼; 塞潘德‧贾姆奇迪
Original assignee: 塞潘德‧贾姆奇迪
Priority date: 1998-09-07
Filing date: 1999-09-07
Publication date: 2002-06-21
Also published as: JP2002524133A; DK1178762T3; ATE238735T1; IL141833A0; ES2204190T3; DE19840773A1; KR20010079760A; HK1040607B; KR100420228B1; EP1178762A1; DE59905372D1; CA2343140A1; ZA200101967B; AU5973999A; IL141833A; CA2343140C; EP1178762B1; WO2000013607A1; CN1197529C; AU741738B2

Abstract

Disclosed is a dental floss holder (1), having a handle piece (4) in which a floss supply coil can be inserted, a fork (2) with two prongs (3) in-between which a dental floss can be tensioned, in addition to at least one retaining element (8) for locking the dental floss, wherein the handle piece (4) is substantially streamlined and configured in the form of a shell, wherein the handle piece (4) is connected to the fork (2) by an arm (9), wherein the at least one retaining element (8) is mounted on the top side of the arm.

Description

Dental floss bracket

Technical Field

The present invention relates to dental floss carriers for use as dental cleaning instruments for cleaning adjacent tooth surfaces, which are cleaned by means of dental floss or the like, particularly when fitted with fixed orthodontic devices.

Background

Dental floss is used to remove food debris and tartar from the surfaces and spaces of teeth by being guided between two teeth from the occlusal surface to the neck of the tooth and moving along the surfaces of the teeth. This is an effective cleaning means that complements brushing with a toothbrush, which is not capable of cleaning adjacent interdental surfaces. Dental floss is used to prevent dental caries between adjacent teeth and inflammation of periodontal tissues.

In the case of orthodontic treatment using known fixtures such as braces (multi-bands), brackets or braces, the embedded wire arch makes it impossible for the floss to cross adjacent interdental contact points if the floss is held with fingers or a conventional floss carrier.

Dental floss typically has a cured, rigid end to facilitate threading under the wire arch. However, it is time consuming to use, requiring more than moderate skill by the user, and is of little use, particularly for the posterior molars.

Conventional floss carriers cannot be used in a braces device, since there is not enough space between the tooth surface and the nipple on the one hand and the wire arch on the other hand to allow its insertion. The bracket described in document US 5101843 has a small foot diverging in the cervical direction and can be used with a dental band device. However, this is a disposable product, since its handle, i.e. grip, is extremely small and unstable, cannot be used in the lateral dental area and is prone to break off during use.

Document DE 19517611C 1 discloses a dental floss carrier having an elongated grip portion with a gripping fork at one end and a spool cavity at the other end for receiving a dental floss spool. The floss is passed from the spool through a groove in the grip portion to the gripping fork. However, a disadvantage of this known floss carrier is that it is very difficult to use, since the elongated grip portion is located between the gripping fork and the spool cavity.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a dental floss carrier for flossing adjacent interdental surfaces, which is also easy to use by patients fitted with a dental ferrule device, which does not injure the interdental papillae and which can also be used in the posterior arch area without the use of mirrors, and which is also easy to handle.

The above object is achieved according to the invention by a dental floss carrier according to claim 1.

The dental floss carrier according to the invention has: a handle insertable into a supply spool, a fork with two prongs between which a dental floss can be tensioned, and at least one holding element for locking the dental floss, the handle being substantially drop-shaped, i.e. teardrop-shaped, said handle being connected to the fork by an arm, at least one holding element being mounted on the top side of the arm.

Since the handle is intended both to grip the floss carrier by hand and to accommodate the floss spool, it is possible to manufacture the floss carrier according to the invention with a limited length, making it easy to handle. It can also be used by patients fitted with braces devices. In particular, in the field of oral hygiene, instruments of small size are advantageous, since the human mouth has a limited space available for operating such devices. The result of the design of the handle as a drop creates an ergonomic gripping device that enables even non-professional persons to reliably use the dental floss carrier according to the invention.

When using the dental floss carrier according to the invention, dental floss from the floss spool is tightened between the prongs of the floss carrier fork by at least one locking clamping element. If only one clamping element is provided, the floss string from the spool is held together with the floss string returning from the fork. However, it is also possible to have a plurality of, typically two, clamping elements so that the dental floss from the spool and the dental floss returning from the fork can be held separately. For example by gripping dental floss.

According to the invention, the gripping element is mounted on an arm of the floss carrier, which arm connects the handle with the fork. The floss carrier arm may be very short, i.e.: has a very limited length since it is essentially only used for mounting the clamping element. As previously mentioned, the limited length of the arm is ideal for practical handling of the floss carrier, but also from a hygienic point of view, as the floss is guided over the surface of the arm and thus exposed. In this connection, arm lengths of about 0 to 7 cm have proven particularly suitable.

Preferably, the handle is of a shell construction which also makes the use of the dental floss carrier according to the invention easier, since it allows a weight reduction and thus does not strain the user's hands when using the dental floss carrier carefully and therefore possibly more time-consuming for teeth and interdental cleaning. This advantage works well for children to accept floss carriers.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the drop-shaped handle has a diameter of about 3 to 7 cm. The "diameter of the drop-shaped handle" in this case means the diameter of the portion of the drop-shaped handle having a substantially circular cross-section. The handle is sized to ensure that the floss carrier is particularly comfortable to handle, as it substantially conforms to the surface area of a human hand when comfortably gripped. However, if the floss carrier is customized for a particular population, such as a toddler, the handle may be sized accordingly to accommodate the product for a particular target population. Multiple wraps of floss spools of a set range of sizes may be used in the handle, eliminating the need for frequent spool replacement or replacement. Thus, in a floss carrier handle according to the invention, it is possible to integrate a spool of almost any size therein.

Preferably, the cross-section of the prongs at their ends is about 1 to 3 square millimeters, i.e.: the prongs are very delicate.

The prongs are preferably capable of flexing downwardly and outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the floss carrier, which in practice means deflection of the prongs toward the mouth and vestibule. The result of this construction is a sufficiently large cleaning area, while the overall dimensions of the fork are relatively small. To minimize the risk of injury, the prongs have rounded ends. This additionally improves the comfort and safety in cleaning between teeth. By being combined with the handle, the floss carrier can also be used in the molar area.

The handle can form a shell structure because the handle has two parts, the first part is in a shell shape, and the second part is constructed into a detachable or openable cover. This protects the floss spool from external influences, such as soiling.

To securely hold the inserted floss spool, the handle may be provided with a post that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the floss carrier. The term "post" herein refers to any elongated member that is engageable with the central bore of the floss spool.

According to another embodiment, the handle has a resilient mounting mechanism for the locking, which locking mechanism has a pin that can be actuated by pressure to release the locking action. In this embodiment, floss from the floss spool is initially guided over the prongs, with only floss returning from the fork being secured to the gripping elements. This ensures the necessary line tension for the cleaning process. The locking action is released by applying pressure to the pins of the mechanism, the floss can be drawn from the spool and then locked again by releasing the pins. In this way, a length of "fresh" floss can be introduced into the cleaning zone at a time.

This resilient mounting may be achieved by means of a spring element and the handle preferably has a safety element to prevent the spring element from springing out.

The floss carrier according to the invention preferably has cutting means for cutting off the used floss. In this way, the dental floss that is turned back from the fork and that has passed the cleaning zone and thus has been used for cleaning the teeth can be easily separated.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a floss carrier for dental floss according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the floss carrier of fig. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a floss carrier according to the present invention, with a supply spool inserted.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a dental floss carrier according to the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 1. At the front end of the floss carrier 1 is a fork 2, which essentially consists of two prongs 3, which can be bent downwards (not visible in this view) and sideways. This design of the spider 2 greatly facilitates cleaning of the lateral teeth. Between the two prongs 3 of the fork 2 is a cleaning zone, as can be seen in the figure, where the floss passes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the floss carrier. The tip of the prong 3 is rounded to prevent marginal periodontal tissue injury and to hold the floss in place with a groove or similar structure.

The rear end of the floss carrier is shaped as a handle 4, here comprising a first part 4a configured as a shell-like base, and a second part 4b, which may be configured as a detachable or open-close lid. During use of the floss carrier 1 according to the invention, a floss spool 5 is inserted in the shell-like recess of the first portion 4a of the handle 4. In the embodiment shown, the dental floss 6 withdrawn from the spool 5 is passed through the guide groove 7 to the clamping element 8, by means of which the dental floss 6 can be brought to the tension necessary for cleaning the teeth. The clamping element 8 may be configured as a clamping device, for example, which is inserted into a hole or slot of the dental floss carrier. In the embodiment shown, the gripping element 8 is fitted on an arm 9 connecting the fork 2 with the handle 4.

The arm 9 is preferably short so that there is no moment arm acting between the yoke 2 and the handle 4. According to an embodiment not shown, the arm 9 may be omitted entirely. In this case, the holding element 8 is preferably located on the fork 2, i.e. on the side of the fork facing the handle 4. The inventive construction of the floss carrier with a short arm 9 or even no arm 9 adds the following advantages in addition to the advantages already mentioned above: only a small length of floss is required for each cleaning process because the distance traveled by the floss from the spool to the spider is short.

The channel 7 may be configured by a groove in the handle 4 and optionally on or in the arm 9 that passes substantially along the longitudinal axis of the floss carrier. To prevent soiling of the spool 5 and the dental floss 6, the lid is preferably designed in the following manner: when assembled, it substantially covers the first shell-shaped part 4a of the handle 4 and the guide groove 7 in the handle. When the guide groove 7 of the dental floss 6 is at a point where the cover intersects the path of the guide groove on the top surface of the first shell-like part of the handle, in the shown manner the cover must have a notch 9 at this point in order not to obstruct the floss passage.

The floss 6 is wound from the clamping element 8 through the first prong, at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the floss carrier to the second prong, and then back to the clamping element 8, which ensures the required tension in use. In order to reliably guide the floss along the prongs, the prongs may be provided with notches, channels, etc. for guiding the floss.

As shown, the simplest case is: the clamping element 8 may be constructed as a button-like element, which secures the dental floss 6 by winding. The space between the prongs 3 forms the cleaning area of the dental floss carrier according to the invention.

In order to enable the floss spool to be secured and centred in a reliable manner in the handle 4, a post 10 is provided in a part of the handle 4, in the present case in the first recess 4 a. This configuration makes it possible to position the spool 5 in the recess so that it does not slip, the spool 5 being much smaller than the recess for receiving the spool.

As a more detailed description of the floss carrier 1 according to the invention, fig. 2 shows a cutting device 11 fitted at the side edges of the first portion 4a of the handle 4, which functions to separate or cut off the used floss immediately after use. In addition to the described embodiments, it is also possible to integrate the cutting device 11 in the clamping element 8, so that the protruding part of the wire, i.e. the dental floss, can be immediately detached or cut off. Wherever mounted, the cutting device 11 should be countersunk to prevent injury during use.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the handle 4 in a second embodiment of a dental floss carrier 1 according to the invention. The handle 4 here also consists of a first, substantially shell-like part, a lower part 4a and an upper part 4 b. The handle 4 is shown here in a closed state, i.e.: a second part 4b, also in the form of a shell, i.e. a cover, covers the lower part 4 a. This embodiment has a locking mechanism 12.

The locking mechanism 12 is here constituted by a column 13, which is centrally mounted resiliently in the lower part 4a and which can be operated under pressure to release the locking action. To this end, the post protrudes out of the cover through an opening or hole in the handle cover. As shown, the bottom end of the upright 13 is widened, the widened portion serving to tighten the cartridge 14 of the floss spool, on which the floss spool 5 is mounted.

The upright 13 can be mounted in the lower part 4a of the handle 4 by means of a spring element 15, which is illustrated here as a simple helical spring. One or more safety elements 16 can be used to prevent the post 13 from popping out, since the spring element 15 can possibly force the post 13 to pop out when the upper part of the handle 4 is removed. In the present embodiment, the safety element 16 is constituted by a plate-like projection of the upright 13, which is located outside the lower portion 4a of the handle 4 and engages with the handle 4.

If the floss 6 is pulled from the spool 5, the post 13 is pressed downward against the spring force, causing the spring to move downward along an anti-rotation stop 17 that prevents the floss spool from rotating in a locked position. The floss spool holder 14 disengages the widened portion of the post 13 so that it is free to rotate and floss can be unwound from the spool 5. When sufficient floss is loosened, the stud 13 is again loosened so that it moves upwards under the force of the spring element 15 to the extent allowed by the safety element 16. During the upward sliding of the upright 13, its widened end is again engaged with the floss spool holder 14, so that the spool 5 is locked again.

According to another embodiment, not shown, the upright 13 has two pins (female elements) on which the floss spool with two notches or grooves (female elements) engages, so that the spool does not rotate arbitrarily without releasing the upright.

The dental floss carrier according to the invention may be equipped with means for generating high frequency oscillations of the dental floss. This improves cleaning and makes it easier to cross the contact points, especially when the patient is fitted with braces, brackets and braces.

Claims

1. A dental floss carrier (1) having: a handle (4) which can be inserted into a supply bobbin, a fork (2) with two prongs (3) and between which a dental floss can be tightened, an arm (9) connecting the handle (9) to the fork (2), and at least one gripping element (8) for locking the dental floss and mounted on the top side of the arm; the handle (4) has two parts, of which the first part (4a) has a shell-like structure and the second part (4b) is configured as a removable or openable lid, characterized in that: the handle (4) is substantially drop-shaped, and the guide channel (7) of the dental floss is formed by a groove in the handle (4), which guide channel (7) is at least partially covered by a closed cover (4b) of the handle (4).

2. The dental floss carrier of claim 1, wherein: the handle (4) is designed as a housing structure.

3. The dental floss carrier of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the arm portion has a length of 0 to 7 cm.

4. The dental floss carrier of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the diameter of the drop-shaped handle (4) is 3-7 cm.

5. The dental floss carrier of claim 1, wherein: the fork tip (3) of the fork (2) has a cross-section of 1 to 3 mm.

6. The dental floss carrier of claim 1 or 5, wherein: the prongs (3) of the fork (2) are bent downwards and outwards in relation to the longitudinal axis of the dental floss carrier.

7. The dental floss carrier of claim 1 or 2, wherein: a post (10) is mounted in the handle (4) and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the floss carrier.

8. The dental floss carrier of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the handle has a resiliently mounted locking mechanism (12) having a pressure operable strut (13) for releasing the locking action.

9. The dental floss carrier of claim 8, wherein: the elastic mounting is effected by means of a spring element (15), and the handle (4) has a safety element (16) for preventing the spring element (15) from springing out.

10. The dental floss carrier of claim 1, wherein: has a cutting device (11) for cutting off the used dental floss.

11. The dental floss carrier of claim 1, wherein: means are provided for generating high frequency oscillations of the dental floss.