Dental flossing device

• US 5,855,216 A
• Filed: 10/09/1997
• Issued: 01/05/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dane Robinson
• Original Assignee: Dane Robinson
• Inventors: Robinson, Dane Q.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Philogene, Pedro
• Application Number:
  US08/948,405
• Time in Patent Office: 453 Days
• Field of Search: 132/322, 132/321, 132/329, 132/328, 433/82, 433/118, 433/125, 433/127, 433/142, 433/143, 433/165, 433/166, 601/139, 601/141, 601/142
• US Class Current: 132/322
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/04 Dental floss; Floss holders
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 15/047 power-driven
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 17/22 with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like brush bodies, e.g. arrangements of the bristles A46B
• CPC Class Codes: A61C 2204/002 using batteries

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning the surface of teeth in a human mouth having a flexible, resilient central flossing filament and a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments fixedly attached to a central filament intermediate portion. The central filament intermediate and free end portions, with the side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth. The central filament has sufficient flexibility and resiliency to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to the central filament, and the side filaments have sufficient flexibility to effect a second flossing action between the adjacent teeth and at the forward and rearward surfaces thereof to impart a second flossing motion to the side filaments. An electric motor is coupled to the central filament base portion to provide a rotational or an oscillatory drive to the central filament base portion to impart the first and second flossing motions. The central filament has greater resiliency than the side filaments. The side filaments have greater flexibility than the central filament, and are sufficiently flexible to bend back adjacent the central filament upon insertion between the adjacent teeth. Upon a drive force being applied thereto through the central filament the side filaments whip or flail about, and in one embodiment are rotated to spin about the longitudinal driven axis of the central filament.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

a flexible, resilient central flossing filament including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central filament base portion and said central filament free-end portion;

a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion fixedly attached to said central filament intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth, said central filament intermediate portion being composed of a material having sufficient flexibility and resiliency to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth without damage to the teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion, said central filament intermediate portion extending along a longitudinal extension line when not moving, said central flossing filament having sufficient stiffness to be self-supporting and support said side flossing filament without significant bending;

said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central filament intermediate portion to be at positions between the adjacent teeth and adjacent to at least one of a forward surface and a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth;

said side filament intermediate portions being composed of a material having sufficient flexibility to effect a second flossing action between the adjacent teeth and at one of said forward surface and said rearward surface of the adjacent teeth by imparting a second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments;

a motive source; and

a coupling connecting said central filament base portion to said motive source and moving said central filament intermediate portion among a plurality of positions substantially out of alignment with said longitudinal line to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least said central filament intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said motive source produces a rotational output drive and said coupling supplies said rotational output drive to said central filament base portion to produce said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said motive source is rotatably connected by said coupling to said central flossing filament base portion and rotates said central flossing filament about a driven longitudinal axis thereof with sufficient speed to whirl said side flossing filaments about said central flossing filament and whip said side flossing filaments against the adjacent teeth.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said rotation of said central flossing filament is transmitted to said side flossing filaments to rotate said side flossing filaments about said central filament driven longitudinal axis as said central flossing filament rotates thereabout.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said motive source produces a rotational output drive and said coupling translates said rotational output drive into at least one of a rotational drive and a translational drive which is supplied to said central filament base portion to move said central filament intermediate portion among said plurality of positions and thereby produce said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments, said drive supplied to said central base portion being at a sufficient speed to whip said side flossing filaments against the adjacent teeth.

7. An apparat us for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

a flexible, resilient central flossing filament including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central filament base portion and said central filament free-end portion;

at least one flexible side flossing filament having an attachment end portion attached to said central filament intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filament attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth, said central filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion;

said side flossing filament being attached at a location along said central filament intermediate portion to be at one of a position between and a position adjacent to the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received therebetween;

said side filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible to effect a second flossing action by imparting a second flossing motion to said side flossing filament;

a motive source; and

a coupling connecting said central filament base portion to said motive source, said coupling applying a moving force to said central filament intermediate portion with at least one of a rotational and a translational component to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filament, said moving force being applied by said coupling with at least one of speed and rate of change of direction sufficient to whip said side flossing filament against the adjacent teeth.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least said central filament intermediate portion, with said side flossing filament attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 having a plurality of said side flossing filaments and wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a forward surface of the adjacent teeth, and wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth.

10. An apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

a flexible, resilient central flossing filament including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central filament base portion and said central filament free-end portion;

a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion attached to said central filament intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth, said central filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion;

said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central filament intermediate portion to be at one of a position between and a position adjacent to the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received therebetween;

said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a second flossing action by imparting a second flossing motion to said side flossing filament;

a motive source; and

a coupling connecting said motive source to said central flossing filament to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least said central filament intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said side flossing filaments are sufficiently flexible to bend back against said central filament intermediate portion upon insertion between the adjacent teeth, and at least said central filament intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto and bent back thereagainst, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said central filament intermediate portion extends along a longitudinal extension line when not moving, and said coupling moves said central flossing filament with a component of motion out of alignment with said longitudinal line to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments in response to operation of said motive source, said component of motion having at least one of speed and rate of change of direction sufficient to whip said side flossing filaments against the adjacent teeth.

14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said coupling applies a moving force to said central flossing filament with at least one of a rotational and a translational component to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said coupling applies a moving force to said central flossing filament with a rotational component to move said central filament intermediate portion along a generally conical path of travel to produce said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

16. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source has a rotational output drive shaft and said coupling includes a drive cable with a shaft engagement end portion attachable to said output shaft and a flossing member attachment end portion to which said central filament base portion is releasably attached, and a coupler support rotatably supporting said flossing member attachment portion to permit rotation thereof in response to rotation of said drive cable by said motive source.

17. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source produces a rotational output drive and said coupling supplies said rotational output drive to said central flossing filament to produce said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

18. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source produces an output drive and said coupling translates said output drive into at least one of a rotational drive and a oscillatory drive which is supplied to said central flossing filament to produce said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said output drive is a rotational output drive.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said coupling translates said output drive into said rotational drive of said central flossing filament at a sufficient rotational speed to produce centrifugal force on said side flossing filaments attached thereto sufficient to extend said side flossing filaments substantially radially outward.

21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said output drive is a rotational drive, and said coupling translates said output drive into said oscillatory drive of said central flossing filament at a sufficient translatory speed to cause said side flossing filaments attached thereto to whip about.

22. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source is a motor producing a rotational output and said coupling converts said rotational output into a moving force applied to said central flossing filament which moves said central flossing filament along a path of travel substantially out of alignment with said central flossing filament when at rest to effect said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said moving force applied to said central flossing filament rotates said central flossing filament as said central flossing filament is moved along said path of travel.

24. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source supplies a moving force and said coupling applies said moving force to said central flossing filament with a force component out of longitudinal alignment with said central flossing filament to effect said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has sufficient flexibility to bend outward under said moving force applied to said central flossing filament, and said coupling supplies said moving force with said force component sufficient to bend outward said central filament intermediate portion and move said bent central filament intermediate portion about to effect said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion.

26. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said central flossing filament has sufficient flexibility to bend under a moving force applied thereto by said coupling to produce said first flossing motion.

27. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source is rotatably connected by said coupling to said central flossing filament and rotates said central flossing filament about a driven longitudinal axis thereof.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said motive source rotates said central flossing filament with sufficient speed to produce centrifugal force on said side flossing filament sufficient to move said side filament intermediate portions outward.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said central flossing filament is sufficiently flexible to bend outward under the centrifugal force thereon resulting from rotation of said central flossing filament by said motive source.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said rotation of said central flossing filament is transmitted to said side flossing filaments to rotate said side flossing filaments about said central filament driven longitudinal axis as said central flossing filament rotates thereabout.

31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said rotation of said central flossing filament is transmitted to said side flossing filaments to rotate said side flossing filaments about said central filament driven longitudinal axis as said central flossing filament rotates thereabout.

32. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said motive source is an electric motor producing a rotational output and said coupling converts said rotational output into a moving force applied to said central flossing filament.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said electric motor has a rotational output drive shaft and said coupling includes a drive cable with a shaft engagement end portion attachable to said output shaft and a flossing member attachment end portion to which said central filament base portion is releasably attached, and a coupler support rotatably supporting said flossing member attachment portion to permit rotation thereof in response to rotation of said drive cable by said electric motor.

34. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a forward surface of the adjacent teeth, and wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth.

35. An apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

an elongated central member including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central member base portion and said central member free-end portion;

at least one flexible side flossing filament having an attachment end portion attached to said central member intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central member intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filament attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth;

said side flossing filament being attached at a location along said central member intermediate portion to be at a position to contact at least one of the adjacent teeth when said central member intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth;

said side filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible to effect a flossing action against the one of the adjacent teeth contacted by imparting a flossing motion to said side flossing filament;

a motive source; and

a coupling connecting said motive source to said central member filament to impart said flossing motion to said side flossing filament.

36. An apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

an elongated central member including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central member base portion and said central member free-end portion;

a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion attached to said central member intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central member intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth;

said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central member intermediate portion to be at a position to contact at least one of the adjacent teeth when said central member intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth;

said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a flossing action against the one of the adjacent teeth contacted by imparting a flossing motion to said side flossing filament;

a motive source; and

a coupling connecting said motive source to said central member filament to impart said flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein at least said central member intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said flossing action therein.

38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said coupling applies a moving force to said central member with at least one of a rotational and a translational component to move said central member and thereby impart said flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

39. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said motive source produces a rotational output drive and said coupling translates said rotational output drive into an oscillatory drive and supplies said oscillatory drive to said central member to produce said flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

40. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said motive source produces a rotational output drive and said coupling translates said rotational output drive into at least one of a rotational drive and a translational drive which is supplied to said central member to produce said flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

41. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said motive source is a motor producing a rotational output and said coupling converts said rotational output into a moving force applied to said central member which moves said central member along a path of travel substantially out of alignment with said central member when at rest to effect said flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said moving force applied to said central member rotates said central member as said central member is moved along said path of travel.

43. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said motive source supplies a moving force and said coupling applies said moving force to said central member with a force component out of longitudinal alignment with said central member to effect said flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

44. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said motive source is rotatably connected by said coupling to said central member and rotates said central member about a driven longitudinal axis thereof.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said rotation of said central member is transmitted to said side flossing filaments to rotate said side flossing filaments about said central member longitudinal axis as said central member rotates thereabout with sufficient speed to whip against at least the one adjacent tooth.

46. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central member intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a forward surface of the adjacent teeth, and wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central member intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central member intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth.

47. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said central member intermediate portion has a maximum average transverse dimension of between 0.012 to 0.030 inches.

48. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side filament intermediate portions have a maximum average transverse dimension of between 0.002 to 0.008 inches.

49. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said central member intermediate portion has a transverse dimension greater than an average transverse dimension of said side filament intermediate portions.

50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a transverse dimension greater than an average transverse dimension of said side filament intermediate portions.

51. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a maximum average transverse dimension of between 0.004 to 0.010 inches.

52. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side filament free-end portions are weighted.

53. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filament have an average length of between 0.020 to 0.065 inches.

54. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filaments have unequal lengths.

55. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filaments have non-uniform lengths varying according to a longitudinal location of said side flossing filament along said central member intermediate portion with at least one of said side flossing filaments having a sufficient length and being attached to said central member intermediate portion at a first location to be positioned to engage a forward surface of the adjacent teeth, and at least one of said side flossing filaments having a sufficient length and being attached to said central member intermediate portion at a second location to be positioned to engage a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central member intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth, and said side flossing filaments attached to said central member intermediate portion at locations between said first and second locations having a length less than said side flossing filaments at said first and second locations.

56. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein said side flossing filament at said first and second locations have a length of greater than 0.020 inches.

57. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein said side flossing filament at said first and second locations have a length of between 0.045 to 0.065 inches.

58. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filament are spaced apart along said central member intermediate portion by between 0.030 to 0.050 inches.

59. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side filament intermediate portions are sufficiently flexible to freely bend toward said central member intermediate portion during insertion thereof between the adjacent teeth.

60. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side filament intermediate portions are sufficiently flexible to be unable to fully support their own weight without substantial bending.

61. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side filament intermediate portions have a greater flexibility than said central member intermediate portion.

62. The apparatus of claim 61 wherein said central member intermediate portion has a greater resiliency than said side filament intermediate portions.

63. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said central member intermediate portion has a greater resiliency than said side filament intermediate portions.

64. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filaments are non-abrasive.

65. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filaments are arranged along said central member intermediate portion in pairs.

66. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein said side flossing filaments of said pairs extend outward from said central member intermediate portion in different directions.

67. The apparatus of claim 66 wherein said side flossing filaments of said pairs extend outward from said central member intermediate portion in opposing directions.

68. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said side flossing filaments extend transversely outward from said central member intermediate portion.

122. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said coupling includes a flossing member attachment portion with a socket configured to releasably retain therein said central member base portion, said flossing member attachment portion moving said central member to impart said flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

69. A flossing member for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

a flexible, resilient central flossing filament including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central filament base portion and said central filament free-end portion;

a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion attached to said central filament intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth, said central filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion;

said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central filament intermediate portion to be at a position to contact at least one of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth; and

said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a second flossing action by imparting a second flossing motion to said side flossing filament.

70. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein at least said central filament intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein.

71. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filaments are each attached to said central filament intermediate portion to be at one of a position between the adjacent teeth and a position adjacent to at least one of a forward surface and a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth to effect said second flossing action between the adjacent teeth and at one of said forward surface and said rearward surface of the adjacent teeth.

72. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a forward surface of the adjacent teeth, and wherein at least one of said side flossing filaments has a sufficient length and is attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a location to be positioned to engage a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth.

73. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has a maximum average transverse dimension of between 0.012 to 0.030 inches.

74. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has a maximum average transverse dimension of no greater than 0.030 inches.

75. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has a generally circular cross-section with a diameter no greater than 0.030 inches.

76. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions have a maximum average transverse dimension of between 0.002 to 0.008 inches.

77. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions have a maximum average transverse dimension of no greater than 0.008 inches.

78. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions have a generally circular cross-section with a diameter no greater than 0.008 inches.

79. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has a transverse dimension greater than an average transverse dimension of said side filament intermediate portions.

80. The flossing member of claim 79 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a transverse dimension greater than an average transverse dimension of said side filament intermediate portions.

81. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a maximum average transverse dimension of between 0.004 to 0.010 inches.

82. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a transverse dimension greater than an average transverse dimension of said side filament intermediate portions to provide an enlarged, weighted end for said side flossing filaments.

83. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a generally circular cross-section.

84. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament free-end portions have a generally circular cross-section with a diameter of between 0.004 to 0.010 inches.

85. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filament have an average length of between 0.020 to 0.065 inches.

86. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filaments have unequal lengths.

87. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filaments have non-uniform lengths varying according to a longitudinal location of said side flossing filament along said central filament intermediate portion with at least one of said side flossing filaments having a sufficient length and being attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a first location to be positioned to engage a forward surface of the adjacent teeth, and at least one of said side flossing filaments having a sufficient length and being attached to said central filament intermediate portion at a second location to be positioned to engage a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth, and said side flossing filaments attached to said central filament intermediate portion at locations between said first and second locations having a length less than said side flossing filaments at said first and second locations.

88. The flossing member of claim 87 wherein said side flossing filament at said first and second locations have a length of greater than 0.020 inches.

89. The flossing member of claim 87 wherein said side flossing filament at said first and second locations have a length of between 0.045 to 0.065 inches.

90. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filament are spaced apart along said central filament intermediate portion by between 0.030 to 0.050 inches.

91. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions are sufficiently flexible to freely bend toward said central filament intermediate portion during insertion thereof between the adjacent teeth.

92. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions are sufficiently flexible to be unable to fully support their own weight without substantial bending.

93. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions are limp.

94. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side filament intermediate portions have a greater flexibility than said central filament intermediate portion.

95. The flossing member of claim 94 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has a greater resiliency than said side filament intermediate portions.

96. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said central filament intermediate portion has a greater resiliency than said side filament intermediate portions.

97. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filaments are non-abrasive.

98. The flossing member of claim 97 wherein said central flossing filament is non-abrasive.

99. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filaments are arranged along said central filament intermediate portion in pairs.

100. The flossing member of claim 99 wherein said side flossing filaments of said pairs extend outward from said central filament intermediate portion in different directions.

101. The flossing member of claim 100 wherein said side flossing filaments of said pairs extend outward from said central filament intermediate portion in opposing directions.

102. The flossing member of claim 100 wherein said side flossing filaments of said pairs extend outward from said central filament intermediate portion in transverse, opposing directions.

103. The flossing member of claim 69 wherein said side flossing filaments and said central filament are molded as an integral unit from a plastic.

104. A flossing member for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

an elongated central member including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central member base portion and said central member free-end portion;

a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion attached to said central member intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central member intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth;

said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central member intermediate portion to be at a position to contact at least one of the adjacent teeth when said central member intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth; and

said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a flossing action against the one of the adjacent teeth contacted by imparting a flossing motion to said side flossing filament.

105. The flossing member of claim 104 wherein at least said central member intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said flossing action therein.

106. The flossing member of claim 104 wherein said side flossing filaments are sufficiently flexible to freely bend toward said central member intermediate portion during insertion thereof between the adjacent teeth.

107. A method for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

providing a motive source;

providing a flexible, resilient central flossing filament including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central filament base portion and said central filament free-end portion;

providing a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion attached to said central filament intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion, said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth, said central filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion, said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central filament intermediate portion to be at one of a position between and a position adjacent to the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received therebetween, said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a second flossing action by imparting a second flossing motion to said side flossing filament;

positioning said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from the front of the mouth;

positioning at least said central filament intermediate portion and at least one of said side flossing filaments in the sulcus between a tooth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein; and

driving said central flossing filament and said side flossing filaments with said motive source to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

108. The method of claim 107 wherein said side flossing filaments are sufficiently flexible to bend back against said central filament intermediate portion upon insertion between the adjacent teeth, and said step of positioning at least said central filament intermediate portion and at least one of said side flossing filaments in the sulcus includes bending said at least one side flossing filament back against said central filament intermediate portion upon insertion between the tooth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum.

109. The method of claim 107 wherein said step of driving of said central flossing filament and said side flossing filaments includes applying a moving force to said central flossing filament with at least one of a rotational and a translational component to impart said first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion and said second flossing motion to said side flossing filaments.

110. The method of claim 107 wherein said step of driving of said central flossing filament and said side flossing filaments includes applying a rotational drive to said central flossing filament at a sufficient rotational speed to produce centrifugal force on said side flossing filaments attached thereto sufficient to extend said side flossing filaments substantially radially outward.

111. The method of claim 107 wherein said step of driving of said central flossing filament and said side flossing filaments includes applying an oscillatory drive to said central flossing filament at a sufficient translatory speed to cause said side flossing filaments attached thereto to whip about.

112. The method of claim 107 wherein said step of driving of said central flossing filament and said side flossing filaments includes applying a rotational moving force to said central flossing filament which moves said central flossing filament along a path of travel substantially out of alignment with said central flossing filament when at rest to effect said first flossing motion of said central filament intermediate portion and rotate said side flossing filaments to effect said second flossing motion of said side flossing filaments.

113. An adapter usable to convert a teeth cleaning device having an electric motor positioned within a case with a rotational output drive shaft positioned toward an open end of the case for use with an improved flossing member, comprising:

a drive coupler having a shaft engagement portion attachable to the output shaft of the motor, and a flossing member attachment portion;

a coupler support having a case attachment portion configured for removable attachment to the case at the open end thereof, and a coupler support portion supporting said flossing member attachment portion of said drive coupler; and

a flossing member including a flexible, resilient central flossing filament and a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, said central flossing filament having a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central filament base portion and said central filament free-end portion, said central filament base portion being configured for releasable connection to said flossing member attachment portion of said drive coupler to transmit the rotational output drive of the motor thereto, each of said side flossing filaments having an attachment end portion attached to said central filament intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion, said central filament intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth, said central filament intermediate portion being sufficiently flexible and resilient to effect a first flossing action between the adjacent teeth by imparting a first flossing motion to said central filament intermediate portion, said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central filament intermediate portion to be at one of a position between the adjacent teeth and a position adjacent to at least one of a forward surface and a rearward surface of the adjacent teeth when said central filament intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth, said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a second flossing action against the tooth contacted by imparting a second flossing motion to said side flossing filament.

114. The adapter of claim 113 wherein said drive coupler includes a drive cable attached between said shaft engagement portion and said flossing member attachment portion, said coupler support portion rotatably supporting said flossing member attachment portion to permit rotation thereof by said drive cable in response to a rotational drive output of the output shaft of the motor.

115. The adapter of claim 114 wherein said flossing member attachment portion has a generally spherical shape and said coupler support portion includes a generally spherical shaped socket within which said spherical flossing member attachment portion is rotatably positioned.

116. The adapter of claim 114 wherein said flossing member attachment portion has a socket configured to releasably retain therein said central filament base portion.

117. An apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of teeth in a human mouth, comprising:

an elongated central member including a base portion, a free-end portion, and an elongated intermediate portion located between said central member base portion and said central member free-end portion;

a plurality of flexible side flossing filaments, each having an attachment end portion attached to said central member intermediate portion, a free-end portion and an elongated intermediate portion located between said side filament attachment portion and said side filament free-end portion;

said central member intermediate and free-end portions, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, being sized to be received between adjacent teeth without traversing any contact areas between the adjacent teeth from at least the front of the mouth;

said side flossing filaments being attached at spaced apart locations along said central member intermediate portion to be at a position to contact at least one of the adjacent teeth when said central member intermediate portion is received between the adjacent teeth;

said side filament intermediate portions being sufficiently flexible to effect a flossing action against the one of the adjacent teeth contacted by imparting a flossing motion to said side flossing filament;

a handle; and

a coupling releasably connecting said central member filament to said handle.

118. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein at least said central member intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said flossing action therein.

119. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein said side flossing filaments are sufficiently flexible to bend back against said central member intermediate portion upon insertion between the adjacent teeth, and at least said central member intermediate portion, with said side flossing filaments attached thereto and bent back there against, are sized to be received in the sulcus between a tooth of the adjacent teeth and the adjacent inter-dental papilla portion of the gum for effecting said first and second flossing actions therein.

120. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein said coupling applies a moving force to said central member with at least one of a rotational and a translational component to move said central member and impart said flossing motion to said side flossing filament.

121. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein said central member is a flexible, resilient flossing filament.