GB2554659A

GB2554659A - Interdental cleaning device

Info

Publication number: GB2554659A
Application number: GB1616671.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Morris Philip
Original assignee: Wisdom Toothbrushes Ltd
Current assignee: Wisdom Toothbrushes Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-30
Filing date: 2016-09-30
Publication date: 2018-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-30
Also published as: GB201616671D0; GB2554659B

Abstract

An interdental cleaning device with two arms 600, 700 each having proximal 110, 210 and distal 120, 220 portions with intermediate portions 130, 230 between and spaced apart to form a grip, an interdental cleaning element receiving region 14 located between the two distal portions 120, 220 along with optional fasteners (Fig 8, Fig 9) for a interdental cleaning element 25 and a resilient flexible member 500 bridging the two intermediate portions which may resemble a waveform, which can optionally be square, sawtooth, triangular, sinusoidal or linear, with at least one turning point and may be periodic and/or discontinuous, said member configured so movement of the proximal portions 110, 210 towards one another causes movement of the distal portions 120, 220 away from one another causing the interdental cleaning element receiving region 14 to widen. There may be two brake portions 117, 217 on the proximal portions 110, 210 configured so that they contact to prevent widening of the receiving region beyond a threshold width. The whole may be made as a single moulded component.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Interdental cleaning device Abstract Title: Interdental Cleaning Device (57) An interdental cleaning device with two arms 600, 700 each having proximal 110, 210 and distal 120, 220 portions with intermediate portions 130, 230 between and spaced apart to form a grip, an interdental cleaning element receiving region 14 located between the two distal portions 120, 220 along with optional fasteners (Fig 8, Fig 9) for a interdental cleaning element 25 and a resilient flexible member 500 bridging the two intermediate portions which may resemble a waveform, which can optionally be square, sawtooth, triangular, sinusoidal or linear, with at least one turning point and may be periodic and/or discontinuous, said member configured so movement of the proximal portions 110, 210 towards one another causes movement of the distal portions 120, 220 away from one another causing the interdental cleaning element receiving region 14 to widen. There may be two brake portions 117, 217 on the proximal portions 110, 210 configured so that they contact to prevent widening of the receiving region beyond a threshold width. The whole may be made as a single moulded component.

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Interdental Cleaning Device

In the field of dental hygiene, it is known to provide a dental floss device. Dental floss devices often comprise two arms having spaced apart portions defining a gap therebetween. Dental floss is held between the spaced apart portions so as to bridge the gap.

It is known to provide dental floss devices which are rigid structures and do not possess the flexibility required to alter the tension in dental floss. However, when flossing, it may be desirable to alter the tension in the floss a number of times. It is also known to provide dental floss devices which can alter the tension in dental floss. In such devices, to alter the tension in the floss, the distance between the spaced apart portions of the floss holder is changed. In addition to the design configurations concerning the ability of the device to alter the tension in the dental floss, it is also desirable that a dental floss device can be used for a number of flossing sessions before replacement is required. Therefore, fatigue resistance and durability are desirable properties of a dental floss device.

Altering the distance between the spaced apart portions may be achieved by using a pivot mechanism, as illustrated in EP0922440 and EP1073382. In such devices, middle portions of the arms are connected so as to define a pivot point. Therefore, on pressing the arms together at an opposite end to the spaced apart portions, the torque generated pushes the spaced apart portions further apart thereby tightening the floss. The connection between the middle portions of the arms may be achieved by using a living hinge as discussed in US5975296. A living hinge is a flexible portion of plastic of reduced thickness. The living hinge is manufactured such that the bend line of the hinge is perpendicular to the orientation of flow of the plastic molecules.

Dental floss devices which use a living hinge to alter the distance between the spaced apart portions are difficult to manufacture. The process of manufacture for these devices requires accurate control of the thickness of the hinge and orientation of the flow of plastic molecules. Furthermore, the process of manufacture requires a flexing operation to realign the chains of molecules perpendicular to the hinge. If the molecular chains are not aligned correctly, then the hinge is more prone to fracture and environmental stress cracking. Insufficient accuracy of the manufacturing process may lead to reduced consistency in quality and reliability of the floss tensioning mechanism of the device. Furthermore, a dental floss device which uses a pivoting mechanism with a living hinge or otherwise to alter the distance between the spaced apart portions of the arms may lack durability and have low fatigue resistance, since the force exerted to change the distance between the spaced apart portions is concentrated at a single pivot point.

There exists a need to provide a dental floss device with improved fatigue resistance, ease of manufacture, reliability, durability and control.

Against this background there is provided an interdental cleaning device comprising:

first and second arms each having a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the intermediate portion of the first arm is spaced apart from the intermediate portion of the second arm to form a gap;

an interdental cleaning element receiving region located between the distal portion of the first and second arms located distant the intermediate portion;

a resilient flexible member bridging the gap between the intermediate portion of the first arm and the intermediate portion of the second arm and configured to flex such that movement of the proximal portion of the first arm towards the proximal portion of the second arm causes the resilient flexible member to deform in an arcuate manner, causes the distal portions of the first and second arms to diverge and so causes the interdental cleaning element receiving region to widen.

Advantageously, this interdental cleaning device provides a means for adjusting the tension in dental floss such that a number of different tensions may be controllably maintained. Furthermore, this interdental cleaning device has improved durability, fatigue resistance, reliability, ease of manufacture and efficiency. These advantages result from providing an interdental cleaning device wherein the distance between the spaced apart tips (distal portions of the first and second arms) is adjusted using a resilient flexible member bridging intermediate portions of the arms, the resilient flexible member deforming in an arcuate manner. This interdental cleaning device does not require a living hinge and so complexities associated with manufacture of a living hinge can be avoided. Therefore, both the complexity and cost of manufacture are reduced. Reducing the complexity of manufacture also enables more accurate control over the process of manufacture thereby increasing the consistency in quality and reliability of the device. A further advantage of this interdental cleaning device concerns the configuration of the resilient member. The force

-3required to alter the tension in the floss is dissipated over a greater area by using a resilient member that deforms in an arcuate manner. Increasing the area over which the force is dissipated reduces the concentration of the force thereby increasing the fatigue resistance and durability. Furthermore, the arcuate deformation of the resilient flexible member enables a user to have greater control over the distance between the spaced apart arms.

The structure of the resilient member may resemble a waveform having at least one turning point.

The waveform may be periodic.

The waveform may be discontinuous.

The waveform may be a square waveform.

The waveform may be a sawtooth waveform.

The waveform may be continuous.

The waveform may be a triangular waveform.

The waveform may be a sinusoidal waveform.

The waveform may be linear.

The interdental cleaning device may further comprise a connection between the proximal portion of the first and second arms located distant the intermediate portion.

The connection may extend to a point for use as a toothpick.

The interdental cleaning device may further comprise a first brake portion on the proximal portion of the first arm facing the second arm, and a second brake portion on the proximal portion of the second arm facing the first arm, such that the first brake portion abuts the second brake portion when a threshold force is applied to move the proximal portion of the

-4first arm towards the proximal portion of the second arm so as to prevent widening of the interdental cleaning element receiving region beyond a predetermined threshold width.

The first brake portion and the second brake portion may each comprise an outer wall defining an inner cavity.

The first and second arms, the connection and the resilient flexible member may be moulded as a single moulded component.

The proximal portion of the first and second arms may each form an outwardly curved component between the connection and the intermediate portion.

The proximal portion of the first and second arms may each comprise a textured surface on an outer surface thereof.

The distal portion of the first and second arms may comprise a fastener into which an interdental cleaning element may be received.

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a floss device in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 2 shows the floss device of Figure 1 from an alternative perspective;

Figure 3 show the floss device of Figure 1 from a further perspective;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the floss device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the floss device of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows the floss device of Figure 1 viewed from one end;

Figure 7 shows the floss device of Figure 1 viewed from an opposite end;

-5Figure 8 shows a first embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration;

Figure 9 shows the floss clamp of Figure 8 in a closed configuration;

Figure 10 shows inner surfaces of the floss clamp of Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a side view of the floss clamp of Figure 8 in the open configuration;

Figure 12 shows a second embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration;

Figure 13 shows the floss clamp of Figure 12 in the closed configuration;

Figure 14 shows a third embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration;

Figure 15 shows the floss clamp of Figure 14 in the closed configuration;

Figure 16 shows a fourth embodiment of a floss clamp of a floss device in accordance with the disclosure, wherein the floss clamp is in an open configuration; and

Figure 17 shows the floss clamp of Figure 16 in the closed configuration.

Figures 1 to 7 show a floss device 10 in accordance with a first specific embodiment of the invention. The floss device 10 has a central longitudinal axis that extends between a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14 and defines a first, longitudinal, direction of the device. The distal end 14 of the device is intended to be inserted into a user’s mouth and comprises a floss receiving region 20, which is for receipt of floss and extends in a second, transverse, direction of the device substantially perpendicular to the first, longitudinal, direction of the device. The proximal end 12 of the device is intended to be gripped by a user. The floss device may be formed of one or more moulded plastic materials.

-6The floss device 10 comprises a first arm 100 and a second arm 200. The second arm 200 is substantially a mirror image of the first arm 100, wherein the axis of symmetry corresponds with the central longitudinal axis of the device. Each arm 100, 200 comprises a proximal portion 110, 210, a distal portion 120, 220 and an intermediate portion 130, 230 between the proximal portion 110,210 and the distal portion 120, 220. The proximal 110, 210 and intermediate portions 130, 230 of the arms 100, 200 are curved outwardly from the central longitudinal axis. The proximal 110, 210 and intermediate portions 130, 230 extend for a greater distance in a third direction of the device 10 compared to the second direction of the device 10, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The distal portions 120, 220 of the arms 100, 200 are rotated compared to the proximal 110,210 and intermediate portions 130, 230. The distal portions 120, 220 curve out of a plane comprising the first and second directions and extend for a greater distance in the second direction compared to the third direction. In the specific embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rotation is 90 degrees.

As best shown best in Figures 1 to 4, the intermediate portions 130, 230 of the arms 100, 200 are spaced apart to form a gap 300. The width of the device 10 at the distal end 14 is selected to achieve a comfortable fit within a user’s mouth and also provide maximum interdental access. The device 10 generally tapers towards the proximal end 12 where a connection 400 between the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 is formed.

The gap 300 between the intermediate portions 130, 230 is bridged by a resilient flexible member 500 that extends transversely across the device 10 between the intermediate portion 130 of the first arm 100 and the intermediate portion 230 of the second arm 200. The resilient flexible member 500 is described in more detail below.

The proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 each comprise a grip portion 114, 214, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. Each grip portion 114, 214 is positioned on an outer surface of its respective proximal portions 110, 210. Each grip portion 114, 214 has a textured outer surface in order to aid gripping of the device, as best shown in Figure 5.

The proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 comprise first and second brake portions 116, 216, respectively, as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and explained in more detail below. Each brake portion 116, 216 projects inwardly from an inner surface of

-7its respective proximal portion 110, 210. Each brake portion 116, 216 is bowed towards an abutment portion 117, 217 of the brake portion 116, 217 that is located inwardly of the device.

The distal portions of the first and second arms 120, 220 comprise first and second floss clamps 600, 700 located at the distal end 14 of the device 10, as shown in Figures 8 to 16 and explained in more detail below. The first and second floss clamps 600, 700 are configured for receipt of floss 25 and so define the floss receiving region 20, which extends transversely between the first and second floss clamps 600, 700. The distal portions 120, 220 of the first and second arms 100, 200 comprise a smooth outer surface to avoid discomfort on placing distal end 14 of the device 10 within a user’s mouth.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the resilient flexible member 500 comprises a number of limbs that are arranged such that, when viewed from the perspective of Figure 4, the resilient flexible member 500 resembles a truncated triangular waveform that projects for approximately two wavelengths or a “W” shape.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, each brake portion 116, 216 extends between a primary point 118, 218 proximal to the resilient flexible member 500 and a secondary point 119, 219 proximal to the grip portion 114, 214. The abutment portion 117, 217 of each break portion 116, 216 is located between, and inwardly of, the primary and secondary points 118, 218,119, 219. Also, the abutment portion 117, 217 lies closer to the secondary point 119, 219 than the primary point, thereby rendering each brake portion 116, 216 asymmetrical. Between the primary point 118, 218 and the abutment portion 117, 217 each brake portion extends towards the central longitudinal axis of the device such that the distance between the first and second brake portions 116, 216 is minimized at the abutment portion 117, 217. Between the abutment portion 117, 217 and the secondary point 119, 219 each brake portion extends back towards its respective proximal portion 110, 210.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connection 400 extends to a point of a size suitable to be used as a toothpick.

In the specific embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 16, each floss clamp 600 comprises a first portion 610,710 and a second portion 620, 720. Each portion 610,710, 620, 720 of

-8each floss clamp 600, 700 has a length and a width. The length of each section is selected according to the width of the dental floss 25. The width of each section is selected to be the same as the width of the distal portion of the arm 120, 220 comprising the floss clamp. This ensures that the device has a smooth distal end 14 and discomfort on placing the device within a user’s mouth is minimized.

The first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 are connected by a living hinge 630, 730. The living hinge is a flexible portion of plastic integrally moulded with the first and second portions such that at least one of the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 can rotate about the living hinge 630, 730 to facilitate retaining of floss 25 therebetween. The living hinge 630, 730 is manufactured such that the bend line of the hinge 630, 730 is perpendicular to the orientation of flow of the plastic molecules. This ensures that the hinge is reliable and repeatable, since, when the hinge 630, 730 is flexed for the first time, the chains of molecules are re-aligned perpendicular to the hinge 630, 730. Each portion 610, 710, 620, 720 comprises a curved outer surface 612, 712, 622, 722 which is smooth to avoid discomfort when inserted into a user’s mouth.

The first and second portions 610,710, 620, 720 have complementary locking features such that they permanently engage with each other in a manner so as to resist removal of floss held therebetween when the floss clamp is in the closed configuration. These are discussed in more detail below.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 to 15, the hinge 630, 730 of each floss clamp 600, 700 extends from the tips of the distal portions 120, 220 of the respective arm 100, 200. The first portion 610, 710 has a first end 610a, 710a that extends from the hinge 630, 730 and a second end 610b, 710b at an opposite end thereof. The second portion 620, 720 has a first end 620a, 720a that extends from the hinge 630, 730 and a second end 620b, 720b at an opposite end thereof. Therefore, both the first 610, 710 and second portions 620, 720 can rotate about the living hinge 630, 730 to facilitate retaining of floss 25 therebetween.

In the embodiment of Figures 8 to 11, as best shown in Figure 10, each inner surface 614, 624, 714, 724 of the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 may comprise a series of ridges and troughs arranged such that the inner surface 614, 624, 714, 724 is undulating. The grooves and ridges of the inner surface of each first portion 614, 714 are complementary to those of the inner surface of each second portion 624, 724 such that the

-9inner surfaces 614, 624, 714, 724 of the portions 610, 620, 710, 720 interlock when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

As best shown in Figure 11, each floss clamp 600, 700 further comprise a hook 640, 740 extending from the second end 610b of the first portion. The hook 640, 740 is configured to engage with a corresponding recess 650, 750 formed within the second end 620b, 720b of the second portion 620, 720 when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 13, the inner surface 614, 714 of each first portion 610, 710 comprises a protruding portion 660, 760 configured to engage with an opening 670, 770 within the inner surface 624, 724 of each second portion 620, 720. The protruding portion 660, 760 and recess 670, 770 may be configured to snap fit together thereby interlocking the first 610, 710 and second portions 620, 720 together when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 14 and 15, plugs 680, 780 protrude from the inner surface 614, 714 of each first portion 610, 710 and are configured to engage with corresponding apertures 690, 790 within each second portion 620, 720. The plugs 680, 780 and corresponding apertures 690, 790 may be configured to snap fit together thereby interlocking the first 610, 710 and second portions together when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration.

Figures 16 and 17 show alternative embodiments of the clamps 600’, 700’. In these embodiments, each first portion 610’, 710’ has a first end 610a’, 710a’ that extends from the tips of the distal portions 120, 220 of the respective arm 100, 200 and a second end 610b’, 710b’ opposite thereof. The hinge 630’, 730’ extends from the second end 610b’, 710b’ of the first portion 610’, 710’. The second portion 620’, 720’ has a first end 620a’, 720a’ that extends from the living hinge 630’, 730’ and a second end 620b’, 720b’ opposite the first end 620a’, 720a’. The first portions 610’, 710’ are fixed in position relative to the distal portions 120, 220 of the arms 100, 200. The second portions 620, 720 rotate about their respective living hinges 630’, 730’ to facilitate folding of the second portions 620’, 720’ against their respective first portions 61 O’, 710’ and locking of the portions 61 O’, 620’, 71 O’, 720’ together.

- 10The first and second portions 61 O’,71 O’, 620’, 720’ have complementary locking features such that, when the floss clamps 600’, 700’ are in the closed configuration, they permanently engage with each other in a manner so as to resist removal of floss 25 held therebetween. More specifically, the second end 620b’, 720b’ of the second portion 620’, 730’ is configured to snap fit into a receiving element 640’, 740’ at the tips of the distal portions 120’, 210’ of the respective arm 100, 200. A further way in which floss 25 is reliably maintained within the floss clamps is by texturing the inner surfaces 614’, 714’,

624’, 724’ of the first and second portions 610’, 620’, 710’, 720’, which increases the friction between the floss 25 and inner surfaces 614’, 714’, 624’, 724’ of the floss clamps 600’,

700’.

As explained in more detail below, to hold floss 25 within the floss clamps 600, 700 of the device 10, each floss clamp 600, 700 is arranged in the open configuration, then floss 25 is placed between the portions 610, 620, 710, 720 of each floss clamp 600, 700 and each floss clamp 600, 700 is placed and retained permanently in the closed configuration. Once the floss is reliably maintained within the floss clamp 600, 700, the excess floss extending beyond the device 10 may be cut.

In the specific embodiments of Figures 8 to 15, to arrange the floss clamps 600, 700 in the open configuration, as shown in Figure 8, the first and second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions are rotated about the living hinge 630, 730 so as to move the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720 apart. Subsequently, floss 25 is placed between the first and second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions. The floss clamps 600, 700 are then placed in the closed configuration by rotating the first and second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions about the living hinge 630, 730 to move the portions together, as shown in Figure 11. On pushing and locking the first second 610, 620, 710, 720 portions together, the portion of the floss 25 placed between the portions 610, 620, 620, 710, 720 is deformed by the inner surfaces 614, 624, 714, 724.

In the embodiments of Figures 8 to 15, the protruding portions 660, 760, plugs 680, 780, and ridges and troughs on the inner surfaces 614, 714 of the floss clamps 600, 700 stretch, and so also tighten, the floss on locking the floss between the first and second portions 610, 620, 710, 720. Furthermore, the protruding portions 660, 760, plugs 680, 780 and ridges and troughs on the inner surfaces 614, 714 of the floss clamps 600, 700 also provide increased friction between the floss and the floss clamps 600, 700 such that the

- 11 floss clamps 600, 700 resist removal of the floss 25. These features of the floss clamp 600, 700 are advantageous, since they enable floss 25 to be reliably retained within the floss receiving region 20.

In the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16, to arrange the floss clamps 600’, 700’ in the open configuration, as shown in Figure 14, the second portions 620’, 720’ are rotated away from the first portions 610’, 710’ about the living hinges 630’, 730’. Then, floss 25 is placed between the first and second 610’, 620’, 710’, 720’ portions. The floss clamps 600’, 700’ are then placed in the closed configuration by folding the second portion 620’, 720’ against the first portion 610’, 710’. On pushing and locking the first and second 610’, 620’, 710’,

720’ portions together, the floss 25 is permanently and reliably maintained therebetween, as shown in Figure 16.

Once floss is clamped so as to extend between the first and second arms 100, 200, the tension in the floss 25 may be adjusted by exerting a force on the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200. More specifically, on pushing the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 together, the resilient flexible member 500 deforms in an arcuate manner so as to exert a force on the distal portions 120, 220 of the first and second arms 100, 200. The force exerted on the distal portions 120, 220 of the first and second arms 100, 200 increases the spacing between the distal portions 120, 220 thereby increasing the tension in the floss 25. On release of this force, the resilient flexible member 500 regains its original shape thereby reducing the distance between the first and second arms 100, 200 and releasing the tension in the floss 25. The distance moved by the distal portions 120, 220 accurately corresponds with the force exerted on the proximal portions 110, 210. Advantageously, the force applied to the proximal portions 110, 210 of the arms 100, 200 is distributed across the width of the resilient member 500. Increasing the area over which the force is dissipated reduces the concentration of the force thereby increasing fatigue resistance and durability of the device 10.

The brake portions 116, 216 serve to prevent widening of the floss receiving region 20 beyond a predetermined threshold width. If the proximal portions 110, 210 of the first and second arms 100, 200 are pushed together with a force equal to or greater than a threshold force, then the abutment portion 117 of the first brake portion 116 abuts the abutment portion 217 of the second brake portion 216. This therefore prevents widening of the distal

- 12 portions 120, 220 of the arms 100, 200 beyond a threshold width. This threshold width may correspond to a maximum extension of the dental floss 25, beyond which the floss may be expected to snap. Therefore, the brake portions 116, 216 may prevent snapping of floss 25. In the specific embodiments of Figures 1 to 4, each brake portion 116, 216 is outwardly curved and asymmetrical. This configuration increases the flexibility of the brake portions 116,216, which is advantageous, since on flexing of the brake portions 116, 216, a proportion of the force may be absorbed thereby preventing snapping of the brake portions 116, 216 and increasing the durability of the device 10.

Whilst a number of embodiments have been described, it will be understood that these are for the purposes of illustration only and that the invention is not so limited. The skilled reader will envisage various modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope of the claims.

For example, as the skilled person will readily appreciate, the floss clamps 600, 700 of the floss device 10 may have any locking mechanism combined with any inner surface configuration. Furthermore, at least the inner surfaces 614, 624, 714, 724 of the floss clamps 600, 700 may be formed of a material comprising a high friction additive. This additive can be mineral, glass fiber or any high friction material which is compatible or combinable with the material used to form the device 10. Furthermore, the floss clamps 600, 700 may be replaced with any alternative fastening means for retaining the floss 25 within the floss receiving region 20. The floss clamps 600, 700 of the floss device 10 have been described to have complementary locking features that permanently engage with each other when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration. However, the skilled person would readily appreciate that the complementary locking features may be configured so that they reversibly engage with each other when the floss clamps 600, 700 are in the closed configuration. Therefore, the floss clamps 600, 700 may be re-opened to replace the floss 25 and the device 10 may be re-used.

Whilst the floss device 10 has been described above in relation to floss, and in particular monofibre floss, the skilled person would readily appreciate that the floss device 10 may be used with non-monofibre floss or with other interdental cleaning elements. For example, it may be used for multifibre floss or for altogether different interdental cleaning elements such as brushes or strands that can be held between a first end and a second end.

- 13Furthermore, the floss device 10 can be used with any interdental cleaning material such as nylon, polyester, thermoplastic elastomer; polypropylene; flock, cloth and silicone.

The floss device 10 may be formed as a single unit by a single-part moulding process. Alternatively, the floss device 10 may be formed using a multi-part moulding process in order to achieve desired characteristics. For example, the grip portion 114, 214 may be formed from a different material compared to the rest of the arm 100, 200 in an overmoulding step. The materials may be selected in order to achieve a grip portion 114, 214 having a high coefficient of friction, facilitating gripping of the device 10, and distal portions 120, 220 having a low coefficient of friction, reducing discomfort on inserting the device 10 into the mouth. By way of further example, the inner surfaces 614,624, 714, 724 of the floss clamps 600, 700 may be formed of a different material compared to the rest of the floss clamps 600, 700 in an over-moulding step. The inner surfaces 614, 714, 624, 724 of the floss clamps 600, 700 as noted above may be formed of a material comprising a high friction additive, facilitating gripping of the interdental cleaning element disposed therebetween, and the outer surfaces 612, 622, 712, 722 of the floss clamps 600, 700 may be formed of a material having a low-coefficient of friction, reducing discomfort on inserting the device 10 into the mouth.

The floss device 10 may be formed of a singly moulded polymer such as, for example, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene or nylon, polyethylene or a thermoset or thermoplastic elastomer such as, for example, styrenic block copolymers, melt processable rubber, thermoplastic olefinic elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanisate, thermoplastic amide elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer.

The resilient flexible member 500 may be of an alternative configuration compared to that shown in Figures 1 to 4. The resilient flexible member 500 may have an appearance of a waveform that is discontinuous, for example a square wave or sawtooth wave, or a waveform that is continuous, for example a triangular or sinusoidal wave. The resilient flexible member 500 may have an appearance of a waveform projecting for any number of wavelengths.

The grip portion 114, 214 may be a co-moulded thermoset or thermoplastic elastomer such as, for example, styrenic block copolymers, melt processable rubber, thermoplastic olefinic elastomer, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanisate, thermoplastic

- 14amide elastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, or a polymer, such as, for example, polypropylene, high impact polystyrene or nylon. The grip portion 114, 214 may be formed of the same polymer as the remainder of the floss device 10 or may be formed of a material having a higher coefficient of friction. Any grip portion 114, 214 may be used in combination with any of the embodiments described.

Each brake portion 116, 216 may project from the inner surface of each respective proximal portion 110, 210 at any location between the resilient flexible member 500 and the connection point 400. Furthermore, the positioning of the abutment portion 117, 217 relative to the primary and secondary 118, 218, 119,219 points of each brake portion 116, 216 may be varied such that the abutment portion 117, 217 lies equidistant between the primary and second points 118, 218, 119,219 or closer to the primary point 118, 218 or closer to the secondary point 119,219.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An interdental cleaning device comprising:

2. The interdental cleaning device of claim 1 wherein a structure of the resilient member resembles a waveform having at least one turning point.

3. The interdental cleaning device of claim 2 wherein the waveform is periodic.

4. The interdental cleaning device of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the waveform is discontinuous.

5. The interdental cleaning device of claim 4 wherein the waveform is a square waveform.

6. The interdental cleaning device of claim 4 wherein the waveform is a sawtooth waveform.

7. The interdental cleaning device of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the waveform is continuous.

8. The interdental cleaning device of claim 7 wherein the waveform is a triangular waveform.

- 169. The interdental cleaning device of claim 7 wherein the waveform is a sinusoidal waveform.

10. The interdental cleaning device of claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the waveform is linear.

11. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim further comprising a connection between the proximal portion of the first and second arms located distant the intermediate portion.

12. The interdental cleaning device of claim 11, wherein the connection extends to a point for use as a toothpick.

13. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim further comprising a first brake portion on the proximal portion of the first arm facing the second arm, and a second brake portion on the proximal portion of the second arm facing the first arm, such that the first brake portion abuts the second brake portion when a threshold force is applied to move the proximal portion of the first arm towards the proximal portion of the second arm so as to prevent widening of the interdental cleaning element receiving region beyond a predetermined threshold width.

14. The interdental cleaning device of claim 13 wherein the first brake portion and the second brake portion each comprise an outer wall defining an inner cavity.

15. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein the first and second arms, the connection and the resilient flexible member are moulded as a single moulded component.

16. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein the proximal portion of the first and second arms each forms an outwardly curved component between the connection and the intermediate portion.

17. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein the proximal portion of the first and second arms each comprises a textured surface on an outer surface thereof.

- 1718. The interdental cleaning device of any preceding claim wherein the distal portion of the first and second arms each comprises a fastener into which an interdental cleaning element may be received.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1616671.2 Examiner: John Vinall