Dispenser for multi-texture floss
US8662092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C15/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dental floss dispensing unit includes a housing, a supply spool, and a metering element. The supply spool is coupled to the housing and has a length of floss wound thereabout. The length of floss has a free end extending from the housing and a plurality of alternating and distinct first and second floss segments. The metering element engages the length of floss and provides resistance to removal of the length of floss from the housing. A magnitude of the resistance changes as each floss segment moves into engagement with the metering element, thereby providing a tactilely detectable indication to the user that one of the first or second segments is emerging from the housing. The dispensing unit is configured to allow the supply spool to be manually rotated without manipulation (e.g., disassembly) of the housing for rewinding floss onto the spool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.