FLOSSING DEVICE

Abstract

Flossing device according to the present invention comprise a flossing material attachment platform, a handle and a plurality of flossing material attached to the platform. The device is put into the users mouth and chewed thereby compressing the flossing material and producing tooth joint and subgingival penetration. The plurality of flossing material is systematically trimmed to varying lengths creating an interior angle of 90 degrees which automatically positions the flossing material at the optimum angle in relation to the tooth surface. While the device is chewed in the users mouth, the device dislodges bacteria from between teeth, along the side plane of the tooth, as well as the sulcular pocket. In the process this new device also gently stimulates and massages the gum surface promoting blood circulation and the healing properties associated with increased circulation. Because this new device is painless and user friendly, the frequency of use, compared to current flossing devices, is dramatically increased thereby resulting in much healthier and less tender gums.

Claims

1. A flossing device comprising: A flat flossing material attachment platform A plurality of flossing material attached to or inserted into the flat side of the attachment platform. A rounded surface opposite of the flat flossing material attachment platform serving as a compression surface A handle attached to one end of the attachment platform

2. The flossing device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of flossing material is trimmed to varying lengths such that the tips form an interior angle of 90 degrees.

3. The flossing device of claim 2 wherein the shape of the interior angle of the tips accurately and automatically positions the flossing material at the optimum 46 degrees to the tooth surface to be cleaned.

4. The flossing device of claim 3 wherein the flossing material is of semi-rigid nature that yields moderate stiffness or flexibility producing a stimulating and massaging feel while penetrating and cleaning below the gum line.

5. The flossing device of claim 4 wherein the flat flossing material attachment platform is approximately between 0.75 inches 1.25 inches in length and is approximately 0.33 inches and 0.58 inches in width.

6. The flossing device of claim 5, wherein the flat flossing material attachment platform and adjoining handle is a single unit made of extrudable material including one of polymer, natural rubber, and/or a combination thereof.

7. A method of using a flossing device comprising: Providing a flossing device including a flat flossing material attachment platform and a plurality of flossing material attached to or inserted into the flat side of the attachment platform; putting the attachment platform with flossing material into users mouth; and chewing against the rounded side of the attachment platform thereby compressing the flossing material into the tooth joint and sulcular pocket dislodging debris and stimulating the gums.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flossing device having a common handle design with modified head and flossing material configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, there is disclosed a flossing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the flossing device 10 comprises a handle 15 attached to a flat attachment platform 12 that serves as an attachment surface for the flossing material 14. The opposite side of the flat attachment platform 12 is a uniformly curved surface 13 serving as a compression surface or pad. The portion of the embodiment that is to be inserted into the mouth to serve the function of the invention is shown as 11, comprising of the attachment platform 12, the flossing material 14 and the curved compression surface 13. The length of the flossing material is trimmed such that the tips form an interior angle 16 of approximately 90 degrees. This flossing material tip formation of 90 degrees is critical and serves to automatically set the angle of the flossing material at 45 degrees to the surface of the tooth when being compressed by the users chewing action. This insures the penetration of the flossing material between the tooth crevasse and to the subgingival area 17 for proper dislodging of subgingival plaque and tartar. The length of the flat attachment platform 12 is approximately 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches. The width of the flat attachment platform is approximately 0.33 inches and 0.58 inches. The flat attachment platform 12 and the handle 15 shall be a single unit made of extendable material including but not limited to one of polymer, natural rubber, and/or a combination thereof. The flossing material 14 shall be made of similar material used in traditional floss only of the semi-rigid nature or shall be made of material similar to that at the bristles in a traditional toothbrush, such that they offer moderate stiffness allowing the tips to be pushed forward along the tooth surface and gently into the sulcular pocket.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, when the embodiment of the device 10 is used as prescribed (chewed) the tips of the flossing material 14 are pushed forward, in relation to their length, resulting in vertical compression, by the opposing teeth 18. This movement is unique and contrary to current cleaning devices that produce a perpendicular motion, to the length of the bristle, that essentially draws the tip away from the surface and point of focus.

[0020] FIG. 3 clearly demonstrates that the vertical compression produced by the embodiment of the device 10 results in greater insertion of the flossing material into the tooth joint, and therefore increased effectiveness in dislodging plaque at the most critical area.