US3804102A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dental floss dispenser
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-01-19
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Granted: 1974-04-16
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Expires: 1993-01-19
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a dental floss dispenser comprising an elongated finger section and a dental floss spool holding section. Dental floss on a spool is easily threaded from the spool section to the end of the finger section through an open slot on the side and through open slots in the finger of the dispenser. Turning of the spool to withdraw floss is controlled by a pin which engages a notch on the spool. Push button means on the side of the dispenser release the spool from the pin to permit the spool to turn.
Inventors
- 👤 W Bennington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C15/00; A61C15/04; A61C15/046; A61C15/043
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
A dental floss dispenser adapted to dispense a metered amount of dental floss comprising in combination, a finger section communicating with a spool section, a freely turnable spool of dental floss in said spool section and retaining cap means for retaining said spool in said spool section, said spool containing a notch at its outer periphery, rigid pin means protruding into said spool section and normally engaging said notch of said spool and retain said spool from turning, pushbutton means on said cap means for axially moving said spool and thereby releasing said notch of said spool from said pin means permitting said pin to freely turn on the periphery of said spool upon withdrawal of dental floss from the end of said finger section until said pin engages said notch after one rotation of said spool to thereby dispense a metered amount of dental floss, and open guideway means in said spool and finger sections adapted to permit easy threading and for passage of floss from said spool section through said finger section and out the end of said finger section.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
A dental floss dispenser adapted to dispense a metered amount of dental floss comprising in combination, a finger section communicating with a spool section, a freely turnable spool of dental floss in said spool section and retaining cap means for retaining said spool in said spool section, said spool containing a notch at its outer periphery, rigid pin means protruding into said spool section and normally engaging said notch of said spool and retain said spool from turning, pushbutton means on said cap means for axially moving said spool and thereby releasing said notch of said spool from said pin means permitting said pin to freely turn on the periphery of said spool upon withdrawal of dental floss from the end of said finger section until said pin engages said notch after one rotation of said spool to thereby dispense a metered amount of dental floss, and open guideway means in said spool and finger sections adapted to permit easy threading and for passage of floss from said spool section through said finger section and out the end of said finger section.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The dental floss dispenser of claim 1 wherein said finger and spool sections comprises a unitary molded member, said cap means comprises a unitary molded member which includes cylindrical means adapted to engage and permit said spool of dental floss to freely turn thereon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The dental floss dispenser of claim 2 wherein said spool section comprises axially extending rod means adapted to engage said cylindrical means of said cap means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The dental floss dispenser of claim 3 wherein said cap means and said spool are spring biased on said rod means whereby said spool can be axially moved to disengAge said notch of said spool from said pin means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The dental floss dispenser of claim 3 wherein said rod means comprises terminal nob means adapted to engage said cylindrical means. and said cap means comprises peripheral rim means adapted to engage peripheral flange means of said spool section, whereby said cap means can be press fitted and retained in said spool section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The dental floss dispenser of claim 1 wherein said guideway means extend along the side of said finger section.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-04-15 | 1977-10-15 | 1978-04-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-15 | 1981-10-15 | 1982-04-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-15 | 1985-10-15 | 1986-04-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |