Subject matter of the invention

The subject matter of the invention is a collapsible interdental cleaning implement accommodating dental floss of a replaceable and dispensable design. The individual main claims of the invention do not limit the invention exclusively to the area of oral care; the invention could also be applicable to the field of nail cleaning, for example, or to the field of household cleaning, for example, depending on the materials used for the components of the invention.

Background of the invention

The goal was to develop an implement which combines the advantages of interdental cleaning in the traditional way, using dental floss moved by the fingers of the hand, and those of interdental cleaning using dental floss strung across fork branches, thereby making it easy, simple and routine for users to keep the interdental spaces clean. Also, that the replaceable- consumable component of the implement, i.e. dental floss could be replaced and dispensed simply and routinely. Additionally, that the implement meet more stringent sanitary standards by ensuring that when the implement is not in use, the dental floss as well as other components coming into contact with the mouth, e.g. fork branches and the stem, are protected from contamination by the collapsed state and/or the external or shell part of the implement. A further task was finding a solution to ensure that the refillable dental floss can be dispensed through the structural components of the implement without the characteristics of the material of the floss interfering with the other functions of the implement, e.g. its collapsibility. A further task was to ensure that the individual elements of the implement are detachable and moveable with respect to one another but could still be attached to one another, so that whether the implement is or is not in use, the movement of the individual components does not exceed what is necessary and adequate for its use.

There are several interdental cleaning solutions in existence. The goal resolved by the invention, the solution for which is contained in the claims, is not ensured by the current level of technical progress.

The invention is simple, and also due to this, it can meet the need for interdental cleaning in a hygienic manner, via cost efficient solutions, ensuring simple and routine usage. As the invention is collapsible, users may store it practically at any reasonable place in the household, may keep it with them during the day, e.g. in their pocket or their bag, to be used in their work environment or wherever they pursue their activities, and may also take it with them when travelling.

l Summary

The collapsible interdental cleaning implement contemplated in the invention, in its state designed for use, i.e. when opened, is a dental floss fork. The three main parts of the implement are: the case, which, when the implement is opened, functions as a handle and grip; the dental floss fork, which is held inside the case when the implement is collapsed; the dental floss, which can be combined with the dental floss fork. The dental floss can be replaced and re-filled in the implement in a crushed, folded or rolled up form. The case is an oblong, hollow body, the cover of which can be closed by snapping it closed or by another method of closure in a manner that the cover fits the opening of the chamber of the body, so that the dental floss fork is kept clean and sanitary when not in use. The folded dental floss fork can be folded out in an arc, or pushed out linearly, or lifted out from the case. The dental floss fork contemplated in the invention is a body with a stem and one or more branches, the geometrical design of which makes it possible to string dental floss between its folded-out branches so that when open, the implement is suitable for cleaning the interdental gaps. The stem and branches of the dental floss fork can move relative to one another, the dental floss can be removed from between the fork branches and so the implement can be collapsed. The dental floss is combined in a crushed, folded or rolled-up condition with the part of the dental floss fork designed for this purpose, expediently at a location far from the branches across which it is strung. The case and the dental floss fork, as well as the parts thereof engage one another. The attachments used in the invention may be implemented using any known solution, such as shape-based or snap closure, or even magnetic or electric attachment. The individual components of the invention may also be inherently attached to one another, able to move relative to one another but not detachable. Out of the known solutions, this can be implemented as rotation around an axis to open, linear movement along a curve, or a free-moving solution. It may also be a combination of the above solutions, i.e. attachable and openable.

Main components of a possible embodiment of the collapsible interdental cleaning implement contemplated in the invention: dental floss fork, which consists of the stem and two fork branches; a case with a closable cover; and dental floss would around a reel.

The stem of the dental floss fork is an oblong body, with the two fork branches connecting to its end. The fork branches move around the points of rotation implemented at the end of the stem in a manner that in one end position they are perpendicular to the stem and in the other end position they are parallel to the stem. The stem can be attached to the case at its end opposite the connection of the fork branches. The pin implemented at this end of the stem, on the stem, is suitable for storing the dental floss reel. At the middle point of the stem a small cutting edge is located, which is for cutting off used dental floss. At the lower section of the stem, i.e. the part closer to the case, there is a stem cover, which covers the cutting edge and also secured the dental floss filament against the stem when it is in use. The fork branch is an oblong, two-part geometrical body, smaller than the stem, which connects to the stem and which, during use, secures the dental floss mechanically, in a manually releasable manner. The case is an oblong hollow body suitable for holding the dental floss fork, functioning as a grip during the cleaning of interdental spaces. Both in the case of the branches and in the case of the stem cover it may be expedient to design the moving components from the same body in a manner that the elastic material, thinned at the points acting as a hinge, allow the movement required for the relevant function. This is a proven and economical method with products of similar nature. These are usually injection moulded plastic components, but this does not limit the production technology of the invention as these movements can be replaced by any other known solution which allows rotary or linear movement.

Brief description of the figures

Certain possible embodiment examples and certain features of certain preferred solutions of the invention are described by referring to the following figures. In line with the rules inherent in this invention, the description of the possible embodiments serving as the basis of the figures should be interpreted in conjunction with the relevant drawings, which should be considered parts interpreting rather than limiting the full written description. The figure depicts the interdental cleaner as per the invention:

Fig. 1 : in top view from a distance as one of its possible embodiments, in the condition when the dental floss fork is used, with the case cover open,

Fig. 2: with the stem cover closed and the fork branches folded out,

Fig. 3: as a close-up of its fork branches, where the fork branches secure the dental floss in a closed condition,

Fig. 4: with its fork branches open, when they release the dental floss,

Fig. 5: in top view from a distance, with the stem cover open and the dental floss already hooked into the cutting edge,

Fig. 6: with the stem cover closed and the dental floss cut off,

Fig. 7: with the bottom fork branch closed and the top fork branch open,

Fig. 8: the attachment of its fork branches to the stem, for when the implement is not used, for its collapsed state,

Fig. 9: with the branch fork closed and the stem cover closed,

Fig. 10: the reel which the dental floss is wound around and which is combined with the stem, depicted in the case,

Fig. 11 : with the collapsed interdental cleaner folded into the case,

Fig. 12: with the collapsed interdental cleaner folded into the case and with the case cover closed, Fig. 13: in top view from a distance as another of its possible embodiments, in the condition when the dental floss fork is used, with the case cover open and with a single fork branch,

Fig. 14: in top view from a distance as another of its possible embodiments, with the fork branch half-closed and the dental floss cut off,

Fig. 15: in top view as a further possible embodiment, where no case is combined with the collapsible interdental cleaner and the reel for holding the dental floss is protected by a dental floss case,

Fig. 16: in top view as a further possible embodiment, where the dental floss is not wound around a reel but is folded into a dental floss packet,

Detailed description

The following description of the preferred embodiments only serves as an example and does not in any way aim to limit the invention, its fields of application or its use. Words such as "attached", "appended", "combined", "affixed" as well as similar expressions and synonyms refer to a connection where the components are connected directly or indirectly to one another by a suitable technical solution, and are fixed or linked to one another by movable or fixed joints or connections, unless specifically indicated otherwise in the description. The individual features and advantages of the invention are illustrated by the embodiment examples. Consequently, the invention is clearly not limited by these embodiment examples, which illustrate certain non- limiting combinations of features existing on their own or in other combinations; the invention's field of application is defined by the claims enclosed.

Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of the interdental cleaner contemplated in the invention, presented only as a preferred example, in the condition when the dental floss fork is in use, with the case cover open. In the figure, the case 200 and its case cover 220 are visible on the left and the reel 310 in the middle. On the right the dental floss 300 can be seen to emerge from under the stem cover 111 and connect the fork branches 120. The dental floss fork 100 consists of the latter and the stem 110. With the exception of the dental floss 300, the elements of the invention may be produced by any suitable procedure, including without limitation: injection moulding, milling, 3D printing. They may be made of any material suitable for the function, including without limitation: polymers, composites, metals. Depending on the material, these components may be made from a continuous block of material or may be assembled using suitable joining elements. The invention is clearly not limited by the material or manner of its implementation and this invention is clearly not limited to the exclusive use of an oral care system or oral care preparation.

Upon finishing the use of the dental floss fork 100, the user can spread the fork branches 120 so that they release the dental floss 300. At this time, only the stem cover 111 secures the dental floss 300. This series of operations are depicted in detail in figures 2, 3 and 4. Figure 4 clearly shows the pins 121 , which, when the implement is collapsed (figure 3), fit into the holes 122 and act as a snap closure to close the two halves of the branch fork 120. After removing the dental floss 300 from the fork branches 120 and snapping the fork branches 120 together, the user may open the stem cover 111 , releasing the dental floss 300 and allowing access to the cutting edge 101 , which can be used to cut off the used dental floss 300. This series of operations is depicted in figure 5. Figure 6 shows the closed stem cover 111 securing the dental floss 300 against unintended winding off from the reel 310. The stem cover 111 expediently closes on the stem 110 by snapping into place. While the implement is in use, the cutting edge 101 is located under the closed stem cover 111 and therefore cannot hurt the user's lips. Figure 7 shows that the left fork branch 120 can be rotated counter-clockwise by 90°, when viewed as depicted in the figure. In that position the tower 123 on the fork branches 120 hits and engages the groove 24 on the stem 110, as depicted in figure 8. As shown in figure 9, the right fork branch 120 can also be folded onto the stem 110, and the tower 123 on this fork branch 120 also engages the other groove 124 of the stem 110, but this fork branch 120 is rotated by 270° clockwise. This arrangement can ensure that secured to the fork branches 120, the dental floss 300 is able to tighten them against one another so that they stand firmly, parallel to each other, while the dental floss fork 100 is being used. Figures 10 and 11 show that after the case cover 220 of the case 200 is opened, the collapsed dental floss fork 100 can be folded into the case 200. Figure 12 shows that the closed case cover 220 protects the dental floss fork 100 from external contamination.

The process of operation of the embodiment of the interdental cleaner contemplated in the invention, presented above only as a preferred example, is expediently as follows: the first step is opening the case cover 220; the second step is folding out the dental floss fork 100; the third step is opening the stem cover 11 ; the fourth step is pulling the dental floss 300 out from the reel 310; the fifth step is opening and spreading the fork branches 120; the sixth step is stringing the dental floss 300 between the fork branches 120, which fixes the fork branches 120 in their open position; the seventh step is closing the stem cover 110, which secures the dental floss 300 against unwinding from the reel 310; then, after the case cover 220 is closed, the dental floss fork comprising the invention is ready for use. As the stem cover 111 secures the dental floss 300 too, the left fork branch 120 shown in the figure could be eliminated, as shown for example in figures 3 and 14. Figure 15 presents another possible embodiment. This solution does not use a case 200, but the reel 310 is protected by a dental floss packet 320 to protect the dental floss 300 from external contamination. In this case the stem 110 is expediently thicker so that the invention is comfortable to use even without the case 200 functioning as grip. An alternative manner of storing the dental floss 300 in a replaceable and dispensable manner is replacing the reel 310 with e.g. a dental floss packet 321 , into which the dental floss 300 is expediently folded or crushed at the factory. In this solution the base of the stem 110 of the dental floss fork 100 should be shaped to accommodate the dental floss packet 321 and allow the replacement of the dental floss packet 321. Following these lines of thought, innumerable technical solutions could be listed which all perform or replace these same functions. For example, the dispensing the dental floss 300 or the manual opening of the dental floss fork 100 from the case 200 could be facilitated or replaced by a mechanical or mechatronic aid. Although the description and drawings provided above show individual possible embodiments of this invention, it is obvious that numerous additions, changes and replacements, e.g. combination with a dental broom or toothpick, may be made without deviating from the spirit and application of this invention as specified in these claims. To professionals, it is obvious especially that the embodiments of this invention may have a different shape, structure or arrangement, may have different proportions and dimensions, and may have different elements, materials and components, without deviating from the spirit or essential features of the invention. The expert will appreciate that the invention can also be used with changes affecting various structural properties, arrangement, ratios, dimensions, materials, components or other properties which arise during the practical use of the invention and which can meet specific environment-related or usage needs without deviating from the fundamental principles of this invention. The embodiments presented herein should therefore be considered to be of illustrative and non-limiting nature in all respects, as the field of application of the invention is determined by the claims and is not limited by the above description or by the embodiments.