Drive mechanism for interproximal flossing device

Abstract

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.