Drive mechanism for interproximal flossing device

• US 20050266376A1
• Filed: 08/11/2005
• Published: 12/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Water Pik Incorporated (Church & Dwight Company Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Water Pik Incorporated (Church & Dwight Company Incorporated)
• Inventors: Sokol, Gary, Snyder, Cliff
• Application Number:
  US11/202,473
• Publication Number:
  US 20050266376A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 433/118
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/047 power-driven
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 2204/002 using batteries

Abstract

An interproximal flossing device including a link member that isolates lateral from vertical rotational movement to transfer only translatory arcuate movement. This is done by the combination of a hinge and pivot structure. A tip attachment structure is also included for secure placement of the tip on the link member, and allows easy removal and replacement. A tip member removal structure is also included to allow for easy removal of the tip member from the link member.

Claims

1. A connection structure formed on an interproximal flosser;

comprising;

a link member;

a first latch tab formed on a first portion of the link member;

a second latch tab formed on a second portion of the link member, the second latch tab diametrically opposite the first latch tab; and

an orientation structure formed on the link member;

wherein

the orientation structure facilitates connection of the connection structure to a tip when the tip and the connection structure are properly oriented with respect to one another.

2. The connection structure of claim 1, wherein the tip is a flossing element.

3. The connection structure of claim 1, the orientation structure comprising a first key.

4. The connection structure of claim 3, wherein:

the first key imparts a rectangular cross-section to the link member; and

the first key facilitates connection of connection structure to the tip only when the tip is oriented in one of a first or second position.

5. The connection structure of claim 4, wherein:

the tip comprises a blade having a first axis and a second axis;

the link member oscillates the tip; and

the first and second positions correspond to the tip oscillating along the first axis.

6. The connection structure of claim 5, wherein the tip is curved.

7. The connection structure of claim 5, wherein the tip is straight.

8. The connection structure of claim 1, wherein the orientation structure comprises a pie-shaped structure.

9. The connection structure of claim 1, the orientation structure comprising:

a first key; and

a second key cooperating with the first key to facilitate connection of the connection structure to the tip.

10. The connection structure of claim 9, wherein the tip is curved.

11. The connection structure of claim 9, wherein the second key cooperates with the first key to accept the tip in a single orientation.

12. The connection structure of claim 11, wherein the second key comprises a first arcuate groove extending from a distal end of the link member at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the link member.

13. The connection structure of claim 11, wherein the second key further comprises a second arcuate groove extending from a distal end of the link member at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the link member, formed on a side of the link member opposite the first arcuate groove.

14. The connection structure of claim 11, wherein the second key comprises a geometrical shape formed on the link member.

15. The connection structure of claim 14, wherein the geometrical shape extends into the link member.

16. The connection structure of claim 1, further comprising a sealing surface formed on the link member, the sealing surface spaced away from the first and second latch tabs and operative to engage a rim of the tip when the tip is connected to the link member.

17. A connection structure formed on an interproximal flosser;

comprising;

a link member;

a first latch tab formed on the link member;

a second latch tab formed on the link member;

the first latch tab comprising a first sloped front surface;

the second latch tab comprising a first sloped front surface;

wherein

the first and second sloped front surfaces permit attachment of a tip to the connection structure.

18. The connection structure of claim 17, wherein:

the tip is configured to accept the link member therein;

the tip comprises;

a generally circular, deformable sidewall having an exterior and an interior;

a first latching recess formed in the interior of the sidewall; and

a second latching recess formed in the interior of the sidewall;

the tip is configured to deform as it passes over the first and second latch tabs;

the tip is further configured to accept the first latch tab in the first latching recess and the second latch tab in the second latching recess; and

the tip is further configured to rebound to an original shape upon accepting the first and second latching tabs.

19. The connection structure of claim 18, wherein the link member comprises:

a generally flat front wall;

a generally flat first sidewall perpendicularly offset from the front wall;

a generally flat second sidewall perpendicularly offset from the front wall;

a first angled wall connecting the front wall to the first sidewall; and

a second angled wall connecting the front wall to the second sidewall.

20. A method for attaching a tip to a connection structure of a flossing device, comprising:

inserting a link member of the flossing device into an interior of a tip;

aligning a first latch tab with a first latching recess;

aligning a second latch tab with a second latching recess; and

aligning a key formed on the link tab with a corresponding recess formed in the tip;

wherein

the tip may be connected to the connection structure only when the key and recess are aligned.