GB2343846A

GB2343846A - Teeth flossing instrument

Info

Publication number: GB2343846A
Application number: GB9825050A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Mcquade
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-11-17
Filing date: 1998-11-17
Publication date: 2000-05-24
Also published as: GB9825050D0

Abstract

A Teeth Flossing Instrument has a hollow handle and base, 10, so that the floss reel can be stored, be guided to the Y-shaped angled neck, 12, and return down towards the exit hole where used floss can be cut. The new and used floss are separated by a barrier 22 within the handle, and a button 18 is supplied to stop any movement of the dental floss while in use.

Description

TEETH FLOSSING INSTRUMENT This invention relates to a Teeth Flossing Instrument.

Dental floss is a common, and weil used product which allows the user to clean between individual teeth. The floss is normally provided in small boxes containing around fifty metres of dental floss on a reel.

A length of floss can be pulled from the roll and cut to length allowing the user to clean between their teeth by winding the floss round a finger of each hand and moving the tightened floss back and forth between the individual teeth.

This process, however proves to be rather awkward, and not very easy, or comfortable. This can and does in turn put people off the practise, due to the difficulties involved, and the problems encountered reaching the back teeth.

The floss is subject to slipping from the fingers and can cause pain if wound tightly to avoid slippage.

According to the present invention there is provided a Teeth Flossing Instrument, comprising a hollow handle which contains a secure reel of dental floss at the base, means to hold the floss in place during use, guide means within the instrument handle for dental floss via Y-shaped head, which supports the floss during use, an exit hole for used floss, a small alluminium cutter for cutting used floss, and an angled top section to provide easier access to the teeth.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1. Shows a plan view of the instrument minus its top cover.

Figure 2. Shows a side view of the instruments top section minus exterior cover.

Figure 3. Shows a cross section of instruments"stop"button.

Figure 4. Shows the stopping action of the Instrument Button when in use.

Referring to the drawing the instrument comprises of a hollow handle 10 and angled, Y-shaped neck 12, the base of the handle containing a reel of dental floss 14.

In order to secure the floss 16 while in use requires the depression of a stop button 18 as detailed in figure 4. The means securing the floss in place can be reversed by releasing the pressure from the stop button, allowing internal spring 20 to return button to original position. Fresh floss can be obtained by pulling the used floss in the direction shown by the arrow 17, while used floss can be cut pulling the floss across the aluminuim edge 15 in the direction of the arrow 19 as illustrated in figure 1.

Guide means 11 for Dental floss are provided.

A hygiene barrier 22 is provided, dividing one side of the instrument from the other, separating the fresh floss from the used floss. The whole instrument being disposable once the floss has been used up.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A Teeth Flossing Instrument comprising a hollow handle with angled Y-shaped head, the base of the instrument containing a reel of dental floss, the handle supporting the means to arrest the movement of the floss while in use, a hygiene facility dividing new and used dental floss and the means to cut used floss.
2. A Teeth Flossing Instrument as claimed in claim 1wherein guide means are provided within the instrument for the dental floss, also via a Y-shaped head, and returning internally towards an exit hole in the instrument.
3. A Teeth Flossing Instrument as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means are provided to arrest the sliding movement of the dental floss while in use.
4. A Teeth Flossing Instrument as claimed in claim 2 and claim 3 wherein the means to free the movement of dental floss is provided by releasing pressure from the instrument button allowing internal spring to return button to original position.
5. A Teeth Flossing Instrument as claimed in claim 3 and claim 4 wherein means of hygiene are provided by a dividing wall along the centre of the hollow handle of the instrument.
6. A Teeth Flossing Instrument as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the instrument body has an angled top section facilitating easier access and cleaning action within the users mouth.
7. A Teeth Flossing Instrument substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.