Drive mechanism for interproximal flossing device
An interproximal flossing device including a link member that isolates lateral from vertical rotational movement to transfer only translatory arcuate movement. This is done by the combination of a hinge and pivot structure. A tip attachment structure is also included for secure placement of the tip on the link member, and allows easy removal and replacement. A tip member removal structure is also included to allow for easy removal of the tip member from the link member.
1 . A connection structure formed on an interproximal flosser; comprising:
a link member;
a first latch tab formed on a first portion of the link member;
a second latch tab formed on a second portion of the link member, the second latch tab diametrically opposite the first latch tab; and
an orientation structure formed on the link member; wherein
the orientation structure facilitates connection of the connection structure to a tip when the tip and the connection structure are properly oriented with respect to one another.
2 . The connection structure of claim 1 , wherein the tip is a flossing element.
3 . The connection structure of claim 1 , the orientation structure comprising a first key.
4 . The connection structure of claim 3 , wherein:
the first key imparts a rectangular cross-section to the link member; and
the first key facilitates connection of connection structure to the tip only when the tip is oriented in one of a first or second position.
5 . The connection structure of claim 4 , wherein:
the tip comprises a blade having a first axis and a second axis;
the link member oscillates the tip; and
the first and second positions correspond to the tip oscillating along the first axis.
6 . The connection structure of claim 5 , wherein the tip is curved.
7 . The connection structure of claim 5 , wherein the tip is straight.
8 . The connection structure of claim 1 , wherein the orientation structure comprises a pie-shaped structure.
9 . The connection structure of claim 1 , the orientation structure comprising:
a first key; and
a second key cooperating with the first key to facilitate connection of the connection structure to the tip.
10 . The connection structure of claim 9 , wherein the tip is curved.
11 . The connection structure of claim 9 , wherein the second key cooperates with the first key to accept the tip in a single orientation.
12 . The connection structure of claim 11 , wherein the second key comprises a first arcuate groove extending from a distal end of the link member at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the link member.
13 . The connection structure of claim 11 , wherein the second key further comprises a second arcuate groove extending from a distal end of the link member at least partially along a longitudinal axis of the link member, formed on a side of the link member opposite the first arcuate groove.
14 . The connection structure of claim 11 , wherein the second key comprises a geometrical shape formed on the link member.
15 . The connection structure of claim 14 , wherein the geometrical shape extends into the link member.
16 . The connection structure of claim 1 , further comprising a sealing surface formed on the link member, the sealing surface spaced away from the first and second latch tabs and operative to engage a rim of the tip when the tip is connected to the link member.
17 . A connection structure formed on an interproximal flosser;
comprising:
a link member;
a first latch tab formed on the link member;
a second latch tab formed on the link member;
the first latch tab comprising a first sloped front surface;
the second latch tab comprising a first sloped front surface; wherein
the first and second sloped front surfaces permit attachment of a tip to the connection structure.
18 . The connection structure of claim 17 , wherein:
the tip is configured to accept the link member therein;
the tip comprises:
a generally circular, deformable sidewall having an exterior and an interior;
a first latching recess formed in the interior of the sidewall; and
a second latching recess formed in the interior of the sidewall;
the tip is configured to deform as it passes over the first and second latch tabs;
the tip is further configured to accept the first latch tab in the first latching recess and the second latch tab in the second latching recess; and
the tip is further configured to rebound to an original shape upon accepting the first and second latching tabs.
19 . The connection structure of claim 18 , wherein the link member comprises:
a generally flat front wall;
a generally flat first sidewall perpendicularly offset from the front wall;
a generally flat second sidewall perpendicularly offset from the front wall;
a first angled wall connecting the front wall to the first sidewall; and
a second angled wall connecting the front wall to the second sidewall.
20 . A method for attaching a tip to a connection structure of a flossing device, comprising:
inserting a link member of the flossing device into an interior of a tip;
aligning a first latch tab with a first latching recess;
aligning a second latch tab with a second latching recess; and
aligning a key formed on the link tab with a corresponding recess formed in the tip; wherein
the tip may be connected to the connection structure only when the key and recess are aligned.