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Title:
A FLOSSING APPARATUS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2002/028310
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to a flossing apparatus for flossing teeth interstices. The apparatus includes a body, wherein a floss-receiving chamber is located at one end of the body while a head is located at the other end of the body. The floss-receiving chamber supplies floss to the head which supports an operable cleaning portion of the floss. A rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism having a floss passage is located adjacent to the chamber. The rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism is movable between a first position which enables floss to be withdrawn from the chamber through the floss passage and a second position which simultaneously tensions the length of floss supported by the head and prevents the withdrawal of floss from the chamber through the floss passage.

Inventors:
VON SANDEN KEVIN REX (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2001/001239
Publication Date:
April 11, 2002
Filing Date:
October 02, 2001
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
VON SANDEN EUNICE LINETTE (AU)
VON SANDEN KEVIN REX (AU)
International Classes:
A61C15/04; (IPC1-7): A61C15/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO1997048349A11997-12-24
Foreign References:
US4691719A1987-09-08
US5423338A1995-06-13
US5503169A1996-04-02
US3915178A1975-10-28
EP0661026A11995-07-05
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Kevin M Pullen (Dr) (PO Box 241 Landsborough Queensland 4550, AU)
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Claims:
CLAIMS:
1. A flossing apparatus having: a body; a flossreceiving chamber at one end of the body; a head at the other end of the body for supporting a length of floss ; a rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism adjacent the chamber, the tensioning and locking mechanism having a floss passage, wherein the tensioning and locking mechanism is movable between a first position enabling floss to be withdrawn from the chamber through the floss passage and a second position which simultaneously tensions the length of floss supported by the head and prevents the withdrawal of floss from the chamber through the floss passage; and a circuit extending along the body for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is a generally hollow clamshell type structure.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flossreceiving chamber houses a spool of floss.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the spool is supported by and rotatable with respect to an axle located in the flossreceiving chamber.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an arm extends between the head and the rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head has two prongs that are configured to support a length of floss such that the floss extends between the two prongs.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tensioning and locking mechanism includes a spindle through which the floss passage extends.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the spindle is received by and rotatable with respect to a sleeve that forms part of the body.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the spindle is tapered and a tapered aperture extends through the sleeve.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a retaining leg extends from the body, the retaining leg being adapted to retain the spindle within the sleeve.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the retaining leg biases the spindle towards the sleeve.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the retaining leg is in the form of a diaphragm.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a lever extends from the spindle, the lever being operable to rotate the spindle between the first position and the second position.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the lever is located adjacent to the flossreceiving chamber so that a user can operate the lever while holding the apparatus by the flossreceiving chamber.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuit includes a floss receiving channel extending along the body.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the circuit includes an access slot for receiving the second run of floss and allowing the second run to enter the channel.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the circuit includes an aperture for receiving the second run of floss and allowing the second run to enter the channel.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 further having a locating means.
19. The apparatus of claim 7 further having a removable cap which is attached to and covers an end of the spindle.
20. A flossing apparatus having: a body; a flossreceiving chamber at one end of the body; a head at the other end of the body for supporting a length of floss ; a circuit extending along the body for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss ; and a rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism adjacent the chamber and spaced from the head, the tensioning and locking mechanism having: a spindle ; and a floss passage extending through the spindle, wherein the spindle is bidirectionally rotatable between a first position enabling floss to be withdrawn from the chamber through the floss passage and a second position which simultaneously tensions the length of floss supported by the head and prevents the withdrawal of floss from the chamber through the floss passage.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the body is a generally hollow clamshell type structure.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the flossreceiving chamber houses a spool of floss.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the spool is supported by and rotatable with respect to an axle located in the flossreceiving chamber.
24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the head has two prongs that are configured to support a length of floss such that the floss extends between the two prongs.
25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the spindle is received by and rotatable with respect to a sleeve that forms part of the body.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the spindle is tapered and is received by a tapered aperture which extends through the sleeve.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein a retaining leg extends from the body, the retaining leg being adapted to retain the spindle within the sleeve.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the retaining leg biases the spindle towards the sleeve.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the retaining leg is in the form of a diaphragm.
30. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a lever extends from the spindle, the lever being operable to rotate the spindle between the first position and the second position.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the lever is located adjacent to the flossreceiving chamber so that a user can operate the lever while holding the apparatus by the flossreceiving chamber.
32. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the circuit includes a floss receiving channel extending along the body.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the circuit includes an access slot for receiving the second run of floss and allowing the second run to enter the channel.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the circuit includes an aperture for receiving the second run of floss and allowing the second run to enter the channel.
35. The apparatus of claim 20 further having a locating means.
36. The apparatus of claim 20 further having a removable cap which is attached to and covers an end of the spindle.
Description:
A FLOSSING APPARATUS Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a flossing apparatus that facilitates oral hygiene. In particular the invention relates to a flossing apparatus with a simplified means for advancing a supply of fresh dental floss to an operable cleaning portion of the apparatus and tensioning same.

Description of the Prior Art Optimal oral hygiene requires removal of foreign debris from around the tooth and gum area of the mouth to prevent decay and gum infection. Regular tooth brushing generally proves sufficient in the removal of most accessible plaque deposits from teeth. However, tooth brushing alone is inadequate for dislodging deposits from the back teeth or from within teeth interstices, which deposits in particular become the most common cause of cavities and gum deterioration.

For these reasons"flossing"has been recognised as an essential component in effective preventative dental care.

Flossing involves the use of a synthetic string or tape piece, commonly referred to as"floss", to dislodge foreign debris from teeth interstices and other hard to reach areas. The technique includes placing a taught piece of floss between adjacent teeth and moving it in an up and down cleaning motion.

Most commonly, this is effected manually by the operator wrapping the floss ends around one or more finger (s) of each hand, stretching the floss taught between those fingers, placing the taught portion of floss between adjacent teeth, and manoeuvring the floss in the aforesaid manner.

However, this technique has many difficulties and hindrances, as essentially, use of a loose strand of floss is unsanitary, clumsy, wasteful, and time-consuming.

In the first instance, the operator's hands must be washed thoroughly before each application, and care afforded with placement of the floss before and during use, as when floss comes into contact with unclean fingers and the surrounding environment it is no longer sanitary at the point of contact with mouth and gums.

Keeping proper tension whilst flossing is troublesome and requires a level of dexterity that can prove difficult for children, the elderly and

disabled persons. Moreover, practice and patience is necessary to learn the position of, and properly access teeth interstices, to obtain the proper tension in the floss and to repeat each preparatory operation when the floss becomes frayed, soiled or slippery.

For at least the above reasons there have been a significant number of flossing apparatus developed in the art. However, these devices generally suffer from a number of disadvantages, for example, being complicated in construction and operation, expensive, cumbersome, or ineffective. It is, however, believed that several features of the present apparatus are advantageous, desirable and patentably distinct over the prior art disclosures.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies associated with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a flossing apparatus having: a body; a floss-receiving chamber at one end of the body; a head at the other end of the body for supporting a length of floss ; a rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism adjacent the chamber, the tensioning and locking mechanism having a floss passage, wherein the tensioning and locking mechanism is movable between a first position enabling floss to be withdrawn from the chamber through the floss passage and a second position which simultaneously tensions the length of floss supported by the head and prevents the withdrawal of floss from the chamber through the floss passage; and a circuit extending along the body for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss.

Preferably, the body is a generally hollow clamshell type structure.

The floss-receiving chamber may house a spool of floss. The spool may be supported by and rotatable with respect to an axle located in the floss-receiving chamber.

An arm may extend between the head and the rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism.

Preferably, the head may have two prongs that are configured to support a length of floss such that the floss extends between the two prongs.

Advantageously, the tensioning and locking mechanism may have a spindle through which the floss passage extends. The spindle may be received by and rotatable with respect to a sleeve that forms part of the body.

The spindle may be tapered and a tapered aperture may extend through the sleeve. A retaining leg may extend from the body, the retaining leg being adapted to retain the spindle within the sleeve. The retaining leg may bias the spindle towards the sleeve. The retaining leg may be in the form of a diaphragm. A lever may extend from the spindle, the lever being operable to rotate the spindle between the first position and the second position. The lever may be located adjacent to the floss-receiving chamber so that a user can operate the lever while holding the apparatus by the floss-receiving chamber.

The circuit may include a floss receiving channel extending along the body. The circuit may include an access slot for receiving the second run of floss and allowing the second run to enter the channel. The circuit may include an aperture for receiving the second run of floss and allowing the second run to enter the channel.

Suitably, there is provided locating means for optimal placement and manoeuvrability of the apparatus relative to a user's mouth during use.

An appropriate locating means is configured and arranged to compliment the contours of the operator's face.

It is intended that the apparatus be used by a single person. It is also intended that the apparatus be thrown away once the floss supply has been exhausted, though it would be relatively simple to exchange the floss in the floss-receiving chamber and rewire the floss circuit if the apparatus were to be reused. It is envisaged that the apparatus would optimally be available in various sizes or designs to suit various categories of operator (e. g. a child, teenager or adult) and flossing requirements.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a flossing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a reverse side elevation of the flossing apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a flossing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the flossing apparatus illustrated in Fig.

3; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a flossing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a reverse side elevation of the flossing apparatus illustrated in Fig. 5 which provides detail of the interior of the flossing apparatus; and Fig. 7 is a reverse side elevation of the flossing apparatus illustrated in Fig. 5.

Detailed Description Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a flossing apparatus designated generally by the numeral 10. The apparatus 10, which facilitates oral hygiene by cleaning teeth and gums, includes an elongated body 11, a floss-receiving chamber 12, a rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism 13, a head 14 and a circuit extending along the body 11 for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss.

The elongated body 11 is suitably manufactured from injection moulded plastic or other lightweight material.

The floss-receiving chamber 12 is configured to support and house a spool of floss (not shown) so that floss from the spool can be fed towards the tensioning and locking mechanism 13 and the head 14. In particular, the spool is controllably rotatable within the floss-receiving chamber 12, enabling floss to be unwound therefrom. The floss-receiving chamber 12 is also configured to function as a handle which is held by a user.

A cutting means (not shown) is located on the exterior of the floss-receiving chamber 12. The cutting means is typically configured as a sharp-edge or a serrated projection which can be used to severe floss.

The tensioning and locking mechanism 13 includes a sleeve 15 which is adjacent to the floss-receiving chamber 12. A circular aperture 16 having a central axis X extends through the sleeve 15 such that the axis X is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body 11. The diameter of aperture 16 tapers slightly from an end E to an end F of the

sleeve 15. The aperture 16 receives a cylindrical spindle 17 having a taper which complements the taper of the aperture 16. The aperture 16 receives the cylindrical spindle 17 such that a longitudinal axis of the spindle 17 coincides with axis X of the aperture 16. Also, a portion 18 of the spindle 17 protrudes from end E of the sleeve 15. Further, the taper of the spindle 17 lies in the same direction as the taper of the aperture 16. The spindle 17 can be rotated within the aperture 16 about axis X. The configuration of the spindle 17 and the aperture 16 is such that the spindle 17 is inserted into aperture 16 from end E of the sleeve 15.

A floss passage in the form of a groove 58 extends laterally through the spindle 17. The groove 58 extends through the spindle 17 such that the spindle 17 can be rotated to a first position where the groove 58 is substantially aligned with an upper edge 21 of the body 11 and an associated passage (not shown) which extends transversely through the sleeve 15.

When the spindle 17 is in the first position, floss can be threaded through the associated passage which extends transversely through the sleeve 15 and the groove 58 in the spindle 17.

A retaining leg 19 extends from the body 11 such that an inclined face 20 of the retaining leg 19 contacts the protruding portion 18 of the spindle 17. The retaining leg 19 biases the spindle 17 towards the aperture 16 such that a portion of the spindle 17 frictionally engages with the sleeve 15. The retaining leg 19 prevents the spindle 17 from disengaging with the aperture 16. The retaining leg 19 does not prevent the spindle 17 from rotating within the sleeve 15.

An actuator in the form of a lever 60 extends from the spindle 17 such that the lever 60 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis X of the sleeve 15. The lever 60 enables a user to rotate the spindle 17 between the first position where the groove 58 is substantially aligned with the edge 21 and a second position where the groove 58 is substantially perpendicular to the edge 21. The lever 60 is in close proximity to the floss- receiving chamber 12 so that a user can operate the lever 60 while holding the apparatus 10 by the floss-receiving chamber 12.

The tensioning and locking mechanism 13 is configured so that floss can be withdrawn from the floss-receiving chamber 12 through the groove 58 when the spindle 17 is in the first position. The tensioning and locking mechanism 13 prevents withdrawal of floss from the floss-receiving

chamber 12 through the groove 58 when the spindle 17 is in the second position.

The body 11 also includes an arm 22 which extends from the sleeve 15. An access slot 23 extends across a sidewall 25 of the arm 22.

The access slot 23 includes a curved portion 24 which is located behind a portion of the sidewall 25. A groove 26 extends along edge 21 from the sleeve 15 to the curved portion 24 of the access slot 23.

The head 14 extends from the arm 22. The head 14 is configured to support a length of floss. The head 14 has a generally U- shaped configuration and is aligned with the arm 22. The head 14 includes a first prong 27 which is inwardly spaced from a second prong 28. A free end 76 of the first prong 27 includes a groove 29 while a free end 77 of the second prong 28 includes a groove 30. A groove 31 extends along edge 21 from the access slot 23 to the free end 77 of prong 28.

Grooves 26 and 31 form a floss-receiving channel. The circuit which extends along the body 11 for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss includes the floss-receiving channel, access slot 23 and grooves 29,30.

The body 11 also includes a locating means in the form of a U- shaped cavity 32 which is located inwardly of the head 14. The locating means enables the apparatus 10 to be appropriately positioned relative to the user's mouth during use.

Floss can be trained relative to the apparatus 10 in a first manner or a second manner. According to the first manner, floss from the floss-receiving chamber 12 is fed towards the tensioning and locking mechanism 13. The spindle 17 is rotated to the first position to allow the floss to extend through the groove 58. After being extended through the groove 58, the floss is received by the floss-receiving channel formed by grooves 26 and 31. The floss is extended and received by grooves 30 and 29 such that a length of floss extends between and is supported by the first prong 27 and the second prong 28. The floss is then received by the access slot 23 so that the floss rests on the curved portion 24. The floss is then extended along groove 26 towards the tensioning and locking mechanism 13. The floss is then inserted back through the groove 58 in the spindle 17.

According to the second manner, floss from the floss-receiving chamber 12 is fed towards the tensioning and locking mechanism 13. The spindle 17 is rotated to the first position to allow the floss to extend through

the groove 58. After being extended through the groove 58, the floss is received by groove 26 and access slot 23 so that the floss rests on the curved portion 24. The floss is then extended and received by grooves 29 and 30 such that a length of floss extends between and is supported by the first prong 27 and the second prong 28. The floss is then extended and received by the floss-receiving channel formed by grooves 31 and 26. The floss is then inserted back through the groove 58 in the spindle 17.

The run of floss extending from the locking and tensioning mechanism 13, along the floss-receiving channel formed by grooves 26 and 31 and between the first prong 27 and the second prong 28 is a first run of floss. The run of floss extending from the first prong 27 and through the access slot 23 to the tensioning and locking mechanism 13 is a second run of floss.

Rotating the spindle 17 to the second position has the effect of simultaneously tensioning the length of floss supported by the head 14 and locking the floss in the tensioned state. Tensioning the length of floss supported by the head 14 includes tensioning the length of floss which extends between the first prong 27 and the second prong 28. Locking the floss in the tensioned state prevents further withdrawal of floss from the floss- receiving chamber 12 through the groove 58 of the spindle 17. Once the floss supported by the head 14 has been tensioned and locked by the tensioning and locking mechanism 13 a user can then commence cleaning their teeth interstices with the tensioned length of floss 71. Throughout use of the apparatus 10, the spindle 17 is maintained in the second position so that the floss supported by the head 14 remains tensioned and locked. This is achieved with minimal effort as the user simply adjusts their grip on the handle (i. e. the floss-receiving chamber 12) to encompass the lever 60.

The length of floss which extends between the first prong 27 and the second prong 28 can be replaced with a fresh length of floss. This is accomplished by firstly rotating the spindle 17 to the first position so that the floss can be advanced through the circuit until a fresh length of floss is positioned between the first prong 27 and the second prong 28. Advancement of the floss through the circuit can be accomplished by pulling on a free end of the floss. The spindle 17 is then rotated to the second position.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, there is illustrated a second embodiment of a flossing apparatus designated generally by the numeral 100. For convenience, features of the flossing apparatus 100 that are similar

or correspond to features of the flossing apparatus 10 have been referenced using the same reference numbers.

Similarly to the apparatus 10, the apparatus 100 includes an elongated body 11, a floss-receiving chamber 12, a rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism 13, a head 14 and a circuit extending along the body 11 for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss.

Unlike the apparatus 10, the apparatus 100 has an aperture 23 extending through the arm 22 instead of an access slot. Further, the apparatus 100 does not have a retaining leg.

A spool of floss 44 is shown housed in the floss-receiving chamber 12. Further, a cutting means 36 is shown extending from an exterior surface of the floss-receiving chamber 12. Additionally, a groove 62 extends along the floss-receiving chamber 12 from the rotatable tensioning and locking means 13 to the cutting means 36.

Fig. 4 illustrates how the lever 60 rotates the spindle 17 through approximately 90 degrees from the first position 79 to the second position 80.

When the spindle is in the first position, the floss can be advanced through the circuit by grasping and pulling on the free end of the floss. Alternatively, the floss can be pulled through at various exposed sections along the circuit.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, there is illustrated a third embodiment of a flossing apparatus designated generally by the numeral 200. For convenience, features of the flossing apparatus 200 that are similar or correspond to features of the previously described embodiments have been referenced using the same reference numbers.

The apparatus 200 includes an elongated body 11, a floss- receiving chamber 12, a rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism 13, a head 14 and a circuit extending along the body 11 for receiving a first run of floss and a second run of floss.

The body 11 is a generally hollow clamshell type structure which is formed from a first shell member (see Figs. 5 and 6) and a second shell member (see Fig. 7) which complements the first shell member. The shell members are held together by a"snap-fit". However, the shell members may also be held together by other means such as screws. The shell members may be separable so as to allow a user access to the interior of the body 11.

Alternatively, the shell members may be inseparable so that a user cannot access the interior of the body 11.

Both shell members include a sidewall 41. A skirt 42 extends from the periphery of the sidewall 41 of the first shell member.

The first shell member forms a portion of the floss-receiving chamber 12 while the second shell member forms the remainder of the floss- receiving chamber 12. The portion of the floss-receiving chamber 12 formed by the first shell member includes an axle 43 which is integrally formed with and extends from an interior face of the sidewall 41. The axle 43 is configured to support a spool of floss 44 so that the spool 44 can rotate about the axle 43 when floss is unwound from the spool 44. The axle 43 may be configured to allow replacement of the spool 44.

A first aperture 45 extends through the skirt 42 at a location adjacent to the floss-receiving chamber 12. The first aperture 45 is configured to facilitate the prising apart of the shell members to allow access to the interior of the body 11.

A cutting means 36 is located adjacent to the portion of the floss-receiving chamber 12 formed by the first shell member. The cutting means 36 may be in the form of a sharp-edged or serrated projection which can be used to severe floss.

A second aperture 47 extends through the sidewall 41 of the first shell member. The second aperture 47 is located adjacent to the floss- receiving chamber 12.

A retaining leg 19, which is generally in the form of a diaphragm, is integrally formed with and extends from the interior face of the sidewall 41.

The retaining leg 19 is located adjacent to the second aperture 47 and the skirt 42.

A portion of the skirt 42 of the first shell member forms a portion of a sleeve 15. The second shell member forms the remainder of the sleeve 15.

A third aperture (not indicated) having a circular configuration and a central axis X extends through the sleeve 15 such that the axis X is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body 11. The diameter of the third aperture tapers slightly from an end E to an end F of the sleeve 15.

A linear retaining wall 48 is integrally formed with and extends from the interior face of the sidewall 41 of the first shell member. The retaining wall 48 extends between the second aperture 47 and the third aperture.

A fourth aperture 61 extends through the skirt 42 of the first shell member. The fourth aperture 61 is located adjacent to the sleeve 15.

A pair of retaining posts 49 is integrally formed with and extends from the interior face of the sidewall 41 of the first shell member. The retaining posts 49 are spaced apart from each other and are located adjacent to the fourth aperture 61.

Support posts 50 are integrally formed with and extend from the interior face of the sidewall 41 of the first shell member. The support posts 50 function to provide lateral support between the first and second shell members. Each support post 50 of the first shell member snap-fits with an associated cavity in the interior face of the sidewall 41 of the second shell member.

A fifth aperture 51 extends through the portion of the skirt 42 which is adjacent to a free end 76 of a first prong 27, while a sixth aperture 52 extends through the portion of the skirt 42 which is adjacent to a free end 77 of a second prong 28. The fifth aperture 51 and the sixth aperture 52 face each other.

A plurality of guide posts 53 to 57 are integrally formed with and extend from the interior face of the sidewall 41 of the first shell member. The guide posts 53 to 57 form part of the circuit that extends along the body 11 for receiving the first run of floss and the second run of floss. Each guide post 53 to 57 of the first shell member snap-fits with an associated cavity in the interior face of the sidewall 41 of the second shell member.

The body 11 includes a locating means in the form of a generally U-shaped cavity 32 that is located inwardly of the head 14. The locating means enables the apparatus 200 to be appropriately positioned relative to the user's mouth during use.

The rotatable tensioning and locking mechanism 13 includes a cylindrical spindle 17 having a taper which complements the taper of the third aperture. The third aperture receives the spindle 17 such that a longitudinal axis of the spindle 17 coincides with axis X. Also, the taper of the spindle 17 lies in the same direction as the taper of the third aperture. The spindle 17 can be rotated within the third aperture about axis X. An end of the spindle 17 abuts against a face 20 of the retaining leg 19. The retaining leg 19 is configured to bias the spindle 17 towards the third aperture such that a portion of the spindle 17 frictionally engages with the sleeve 15. The retaining leg 19 prevents the spindle 17 from disengaging with the third aperture. The

retaining leg 19 does not prevent the spindle from rotating within the sleeve 15.

A floss passage, which is in the form of a groove 58, extends laterally through the spindle 17. The spindle 17 can be rotated about the axis X to a first position where the groove 58 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body 11. The spindle 17 can also be rotated about the axis X to a second position where the groove 58 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 11.

A removable cap 59 is attached to and covers an end of the spindle 17 which protrudes from the body 11. The cap 59 also assists in holding the shell members together by forming a retaining ring around the sleeve 15.

A lever 60 is integrally formed with and extends from the spindle 17 through the second aperture 47. The lever 60 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis X. The lever 60 enables a user to rotate the spindle 17 between the first position where the groove 58 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 11 and a second position where the groove 58 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 11. The lever 60 is positioned in close proximity to the floss- receiving chamber 12 so that a user can operate the lever 60 while holding the apparatus 200 by the floss-receiving chamber 12.

The tensioning and locking mechanism 13 is configured so that floss can be withdrawn from the floss-receiving chamber 12 through the groove 58 when the spindle 17 is in the first position. The tensioning and locking mechanism 13 is also configured to prevent withdrawal of floss from the floss-receiving chamber 12 through the groove 58 when the spindle 17 is in the second position.

The head 14 includes the first prong 27 and the second prong 28 and has a generally U-shaped configuration.

Floss is trained relative to the apparatus 200 by feeding floss from the spool 44 towards the tensioning and locking mechanism 13. The spindle 17 is rotated to the first position to allow the floss to pass through the groove 58. After being extended through the groove 58, the floss is then extended past the guide posts 53 and 54, through the fourth aperture 51, through the fifth aperture 52 and past the guide posts 55 to 57 such that the guide posts 53 to 57 support the floss. A length of floss 71 extends between and is supported by the prongs 27 and 28 of the head 14. The floss is then

extended back through the groove 58, between the retaining posts 49 and through the fourth aperture 61. The location of the retaining posts 49 is such that they prevent lateral movement of the floss from dislodging the cap 59 from the spindle 17.

The run of floss extending from the locking and tensioning mechanism 13 and past the guide posts 53 to 55 is the first run of floss. The run of floss which extends from the guide post 55, past the guide posts 56 and 57, and back to the tensioning and locking mechanism 13 is the second run of floss. The first run of floss does not contact the second run of floss.

To tension the length of floss 71 extending between prongs 27 and 28 the spindle 17 is rotated to the second position. This has the effect of simultaneously tensioning the length of floss 71 supported by the head 14 and locking the floss in the tensioned state preventing further withdrawal of floss from the floss-receiving chamber 12 through the groove 58 in the spindle 17. The retaining wall 48 functions to limit movement of the spindle 17 towards the head 14 during the tensioning process.

The length of floss 71 between prongs 27 and 28 is replaced with a fresh length of floss by firstly rotating the spindle 17 to the first position.

This enables the floss to be advanced through the circuit until a fresh length of floss is positioned between the prongs 27 and 28. The floss can be advanced through the circuit by simply grasping and pulling on the free end of the floss. The spindle 17 is then moved to the second position.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, with regard to the first and second embodiments, the body 11 cold include a lid for enabling access to internally housed components including the spool 44 and the circuit. Further, the groove 58 in the spindle 17 could be in the form of an aperture such as a hole. Also, various different guides could be utilised to delineate the circuit. For example, closed slots could be used in place of grooves. Various structural modifications could be applied to the floss passage if it were considered necessary to keep the lengths of fresh floss and spent floss separate from each other. For example, vertically spaced entries and exits could be provided for the lengths of fresh floss and spent floss, a partition in the groove separating the strands, or separate guides therein. A removable cap may also be attached to the groove in the spindle.