EP0901329B1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Toothbrush Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0901329B1
EP0901329B1 EP97915250A EP97915250A EP0901329B1 EP 0901329 B1 EP0901329 B1 EP 0901329B1 EP 97915250 A EP97915250 A EP 97915250A EP 97915250 A EP97915250 A EP 97915250A EP 0901329 B1 EP0901329 B1 EP 0901329B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toothbrush
brush heads
bristle
toothbrush according
bristles
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP97915250A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0901329A1 (en
Inventor
Alfred Jurt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Trisa Buerstenfabrik AG Triengen
Original Assignee
Trisa Buerstenfabrik AG Triengen
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0901329A1 publication Critical patent/EP0901329A1/en
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Publication of EP0901329B1 publication Critical patent/EP0901329B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B9/00Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B7/00Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/06Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body movably during use, i.e. the normal brushing action causing movement
    • A46B7/08Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body movably during use, i.e. the normal brushing action causing movement as a rotating disc
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46BRUSHWARE
    • A46BBRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a toothbrush with a handle and a bristle part.
  • the unpublished WO-A-97/07707 which according to prior art Article 54 (3) EPC applies, shows a toothbrush, the bristle part of two towards the toothbrush longitudinal axis arranged one behind the other via a Flexurally elastic joint connection interconnected brush heads having.
  • Each brush head has a bristle holder with protruding bristles.
  • One of the two brush heads essentially has a top view triangular bristle holders with a rounded tip.
  • This brush head is equipped with a central tuft of bristles and with other surrounding this central tuft of bristles in a circular or polygonal shape Tufts of bristles.
  • the other brush head is essentially trapezoidal (Fig. 30).
  • the brush heads are so one across Toothbrush longitudinal axis angled axis that the two brush surfaces each formed by the ends of the bristles are inclined towards each other (Fig. 32).
  • EPC either Pre-published WO 97/24048, which also has a toothbrush with two in Arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush Has brush heads.
  • Each brush head is through a bristle holder and protruding bristles.
  • the two bristle carriers are flexibly connected to each other and essentially in plan view trapezoidal (Fig. 2).
  • the two brush heads are one Axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush against one another angled so that the two are each formed by the ends of the bristles Brush surfaces are inclined towards each other.
  • the present invention has for its object to a toothbrush create the gently cleaning the teeth and more effective The interdental spaces are also possible than conventional toothbrushes.
  • the bristle part consists of two brush heads that connected to each other via a flexible joint connection and so are angled towards each other so that the brush surfaces face each other are inclined, better adaptation of the cleaning effective Total brushing area achieved on the shape of the dentition and the individual teeth. As a result, the tooth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and on the other hand with the bristles the interdental spaces and also the gum line can be better reached.
  • Round brush heads have that The advantage is that it prompts the user to clean the toothbrush to move in a circle. Such a circular movement contributes more effective teeth cleaning.
  • FIGS A first embodiment of FIGS described toothbrush according to the invention.
  • the toothbrush consists of a handle 1 and a bristle part 2, which is connected to the handle 1 via a neck part 3.
  • the Bristle part 2 which is shown enlarged in Figures 3 and 4, by two round brush heads 4, 5 formed.
  • Each brush head consists of one Bristle carrier 6, from which bristles project to form bristle tufts 7 are summarized and anchored at one end in the bristle carrier 6.
  • the free-standing ends of the bristles form the brush surface 8.
  • the bristle carriers 6 have a flat base surface 9 on. In FIGS. 3 and 4, they are 9 at right angles to this base area extending longitudinal axes of the brush heads 4, 5 with 4a and 5a respectively.
  • the two brush heads 4, 5 are in the direction of the longitudinal axis A Toothbrush (Fig. 2 and 4) seen one behind the other. How special 3, the two brush heads 4, 5 are approximately one Axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the toothbrush (Fig. 4) angled towards each other by the angle ⁇ , in such a way that the Brush surfaces 8 of the two brush heads 4, 5 are inclined towards each other. In other words, the two longitudinal axes 4a, 5a of the brush heads run 4, 5 in the illustration according to FIG. 3 viewed upwards together.
  • the angle ⁇ is preferably between approximately 2 ° and 10 °, but can are between about 1 ° and 45 °.
  • the bristles are at their free ends cut so that a concave arch can be seen in the side view Brush surface 8 is created.
  • the curvature or curvature runs in the direction of the Longitudinal toothbrush axis A.
  • the brushing surfaces 8 are preferably by the Shell surface of a cylinder or another surface of revolution is formed, wherein whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the toothbrush.
  • the shape of this concave brush surface 8 corresponds approximately to the tooth shape.
  • the bristle ends can do even better penetrate between the teeth.
  • the back and forth Toothbrush occurs during the cleaning of the teeth because of the concave Curvature of the brush surface 8 depending on the direction of movement other bristles Brush heads 4, 5 in the interdental spaces.
  • the two Brush surfaces 8 defined contour corresponds approximately to the course of the Gumline, i.e. the rounding of the gum line. all of this means that the cleaning effect is increased.
  • Such mobility of the brush heads 4, 5 allows the Teeth cleaning a quick adaptation to the teeth and tooth shape.
  • FIG. 5 and 6 is in a representation corresponding to FIG. 3 shown another embodiment, which is different from the embodiment 1-4 only differs in that the two brush heads 4 and 5 not rigid, but by means of an only schematically indicated elastic bending joint 10 are interconnected.
  • This elastic Hinge 10 which e.g. can have one or more connecting webs, allows the brush head 5 a certain elastic deflection by one Deflection axis perpendicular to the toothbrush longitudinal axis A (not shown).
  • the brush head 5 can therefore be moved from the position shown in FIG Direction of arrow C are deflected, reducing the Inclination angle ⁇ results. 6, the brush head 5 is in shown such a deflected position.
  • the angle ⁇ 'between the both brush heads 4 and 5 is less than the angle ⁇ shown in FIG. 5 in the undeflected state of the brush head 5.
  • This spring-elastic deflectability of the brush head 5 also serves improved adaptation of the brush surfaces 8 to the shape of the dentition and of individual teeth. It also prevents in this way that Cleaning the teeth on which too much pressure is exerted. If the bristle part 2 is pressed too hard on the teeth, the Give up brush head 5 elastically. The deflectability of the brush head 5 also makes it easier to clean the teeth on the inside of the bit (adjustment to the curved course of the bit).
  • the resilient deflection movement of the brush head 5 can by Providing rubber-elastic material in the area of the joint 10 be dampened.
  • the manufacture of such a joint can e.g. in the Two-component injection molding process.
  • FIG. 7 shows a variant of FIG. 3 corresponding representation Toothbrush according to FIGS. 1-4, with 8 instead of curved brushing surfaces Brush surfaces 8 'are provided. Due to the statements in In connection with FIGS. 1-4 it can be easily understood that a slightly less good one for a toothbrush with flat brushing surfaces 8 ' Cleaning effect is to be expected than with a toothbrush Brush surfaces are curved as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the brush heads 4, 5 can also be so be designed so that the bristle carrier 6 including bristles can be replaced.
  • a base body 11 with a holding part 12, which is provided with a circumferential groove 13.
  • the bristle carrier 6 is on its underside provided with a recess 14, the edge of which after inside protruding bead 15 carries.
  • the bristle carrier 6 engages the bead 15 in the groove 13 (FIG. 8).
  • the bead 15 is disengaged from the groove 13 brought, as shown in Fig. 9.
  • the bristle carrier 6 is thus in the Kind of a snap connection with the base body 11 releasably connected. It it goes without saying that other types of detachable connections are also possible are.
  • the bristle carrier 6 with the used bristles can be easily can be replaced with a bristle holder 6 with new bristles without that the whole toothbrush has to be thrown away. This brings for the User obvious economic benefits and helps reduce the waste to be disposed of.
  • Round brush heads 4, 5 with a cylindrical bristle field still have that Advantage that the user is prompted to use the toothbrush Clean moving circularly. Such a circular movement contributes more effective teeth cleaning.
  • top view circular shape e.g. a rectangular in plan view, in particular square or hexagonal shape.

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  • Brushes (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zahnbürste mit einem Handgriff und einem Borstenteil.The present invention relates to a toothbrush with a handle and a bristle part.

Die nicht vorveröffentlichte WO-A-97/07707, die als Stand der Technik gemäss Artikel 54(3) EPÜ gilt, zeigt eine Zahnbürste, deren Borstenteil zwei in Richtung der Zahnbürstenlängsachse hintereinander angeordnete, über eine biegeelastische Gelenkverbindung miteinander verbundene Bürstenköpfe aufweist. Jeder Bürstenkopf hat einen Borstenträger mit abstehenden Borsten. Einer der beiden Bürstenköpfe weist einen in Draufsicht im wesentlichen dreieckförmigen, mit einer abgerundeten Spitze versehenen Borstenträger auf. Dieser Bürstenkopf ist mit einem zentralen Borstenbüschel sowie mit weiteren, diesen zentralen Borstenbüschel kreisförmig oder vieleckförmig umgebenden Borstenbüscheln ausgestattet. Der andere Bürstenkopf ist im wesentlichen trapezförmig ausgebildet (Fig. 30). Die Bürstenköpfe sind so um eine quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse verlaufende Achse gegeneinander abgewinkelt, dass die beiden jeweils durch die Enden der Borsten gebildeten Bürstflächen gegeneinander zu geneigt sind (Fig. 32).The unpublished WO-A-97/07707, which according to prior art Article 54 (3) EPC applies, shows a toothbrush, the bristle part of two towards the toothbrush longitudinal axis arranged one behind the other via a Flexurally elastic joint connection interconnected brush heads having. Each brush head has a bristle holder with protruding bristles. One of the two brush heads essentially has a top view triangular bristle holders with a rounded tip. This brush head is equipped with a central tuft of bristles and with other surrounding this central tuft of bristles in a circular or polygonal shape Tufts of bristles. The other brush head is essentially trapezoidal (Fig. 30). The brush heads are so one across Toothbrush longitudinal axis angled axis that the two brush surfaces each formed by the ends of the bristles are inclined towards each other (Fig. 32).

Als Stand der Technik nach Artikel 54(3) EPÜ gilt auch die nicht vorveröffentlichte WO 97/24048, die ebenfalls eine Zahnbürste mit zwei in Richtung der Zahnbürstenlängsachse hintereinander angeordneten Bürstenköpfen aufweist. Jeder Bürstenkopf ist durch einen Borstenträger und von diesem abstehende Borsten gebildet. Die beiden Borstenträger sind biegeelastisch miteinander verbunden und in Draufsicht im wesentlichen trapezförmig ausgebildet (Fig. 2). Die beiden Bürstenköpfe sind so um eine quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse verlaufende Achse gegeneinander abgewinkelt, dass die beiden jeweils durch die Enden der Borsten gebildeten Bürstflächen gegeneinander zu geneigt sind. This does not apply to the state of the art under Article 54 (3) EPC either Pre-published WO 97/24048, which also has a toothbrush with two in Arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush Has brush heads. Each brush head is through a bristle holder and protruding bristles. The two bristle carriers are flexibly connected to each other and essentially in plan view trapezoidal (Fig. 2). The two brush heads are one Axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush against one another angled so that the two are each formed by the ends of the bristles Brush surfaces are inclined towards each other.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zahnbürste zu schaffen, die auf schonende Weise eine wirksamere Reinigung der Zähne und auch der Zahnzwischenräume ermöglicht als herkömmliche Zahnbürsten.The present invention has for its object to a toothbrush create the gently cleaning the teeth and more effective The interdental spaces are also possible than conventional toothbrushes.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäss mit einer Zahnbürste mit den Merkmalen des Anspruches 1 gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention with a toothbrush Features of claim 1 solved.

Dadurch, dass der Borstenteil aus zwei Bürstenköpfen besteht, die über eine biegeelastische Gelenkverbindung miteinander verbunden und so gegeneinander abgewinkelt sind, dass die Bürstflächen gegeneinander zu geneigt sind, wird eine bessere Anpassung der reinigungswirksamen Gesamtbürstfläche an die Form des Gebisses und der einzelnen Zähne erzielt. Das hat zur Folge, dass einerseits die Zahnoberflächen gründlich gereinigt werden und andererseits mit den Borsten die Zahnzwischenräume und auch der Zahnfleischrand besser erreicht werden. Runde Bürstenköpfe haben den Vorteil, dass damit der Benützer veranlasst wird, die Zahnbürste beim Reinigen kreisförmig zu bewegen. Eine solche kreisförmige Bewegung trägt zu wirkungsvolleren Zahnreinigung bei.Because the bristle part consists of two brush heads that connected to each other via a flexible joint connection and so are angled towards each other so that the brush surfaces face each other are inclined, better adaptation of the cleaning effective Total brushing area achieved on the shape of the dentition and the individual teeth. As a result, the tooth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and on the other hand with the bristles the interdental spaces and also the gum line can be better reached. Round brush heads have that The advantage is that it prompts the user to clean the toothbrush to move in a circle. Such a circular movement contributes more effective teeth cleaning.

Bevorzugte Weiterausgestaltungen der erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste bilden Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche. Form preferred further developments of the toothbrush according to the invention Subject of the dependent claims.

Im folgenden werden anhand der Zeichnung Ausführungsbeispiele des Erfindungsgegenstandes näher erläutert. Es zeigen rein schematisch:

Fig. 1 u.2
in Seitenansicht und in Draufsicht eine Zahnbürste mit zwei runden Bürstenköpfen,
Fig. 3 u.4
in gegenüber den Figuren 1 und 2 vergrössertem Massstab den Borstenteil der Zahnbürste in Seitenansicht und in Draufsicht,
Fig. 5 u.6
in einer Seitenansicht eine andere Ausführungsform des Borstenteils in verschiedenen Betriebszuständen,
Fig. 7
in einer Seitenansicht eine andere Ausführungsform der Bürstenköpfe, und
Fig. 8 u. 9
im Längsschnitt einen Bürstenkopf mit auswechselbarem Borstenträger.
Exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows purely schematically:
1 and 2
in side view and in plan view a toothbrush with two round brush heads,
3 and 4
on a larger scale than in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bristle part of the toothbrush in side view and in plan view,
5 and 6
in a side view another embodiment of the bristle part in different operating states,
Fig. 7
in a side view another embodiment of the brush heads, and
Fig. 8 u. 9
in longitudinal section a brush head with replaceable bristle holder.

Anhand der Figuren 1-4 wird nun eine erste Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste beschrieben.A first embodiment of FIGS described toothbrush according to the invention.

Die Zahnbürste besteht aus einem Handgriff 1 und einem Borstenteil 2, welcher über einen Halsteil 3 mit dem Handgriff 1 verbunden ist. Der Borstenteil 2, der in den Figuren 3 und 4 vergrössert dargestellt ist, wird durch zwei runde Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 gebildet. Jeder Bürstenkopf besteht aus einem Borstenträger 6, von dem Borsten wegragen, die zu Borstenbüscheln 7 zusammengefasst und am einen Ende im Borstenträger 6 verankert sind. Die freistehenden Enden der Borsten bilden die Bürstfläche 8. Beim gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel weisen die Borstenträger 6 eine ebene Grundfläche 9 auf. In den Figuren 3 und 4 sind die rechtwinklig zu dieser Grundfläche 9 verlaufenden Längsachsen der Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 mit 4a bzw. 5a bezeichnet. The toothbrush consists of a handle 1 and a bristle part 2, which is connected to the handle 1 via a neck part 3. The Bristle part 2, which is shown enlarged in Figures 3 and 4, by two round brush heads 4, 5 formed. Each brush head consists of one Bristle carrier 6, from which bristles project to form bristle tufts 7 are summarized and anchored at one end in the bristle carrier 6. The free-standing ends of the bristles form the brush surface 8. In the shown In the exemplary embodiment, the bristle carriers 6 have a flat base surface 9 on. In FIGS. 3 and 4, they are 9 at right angles to this base area extending longitudinal axes of the brush heads 4, 5 with 4a and 5a respectively.

Die beiden Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 sind in Richtung der Längsachse A der Zahnbürste (Fig. 2 und 4) gesehen hintereinander angeordnet. Wie besonders deutlich aus Fig. 3 hervorgeht sind die beiden Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 um eine etwa rechtwinklig zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse A verlaufende Achse B (Fig. 4) gegeneinander um den Winkel α abgewinkelt, und zwar so, dass die Bürstflächen 8 der beiden Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 gegeneinander zu geneigt sind. Anders ausgedrückt laufen die beiden Längsachsen 4a, 5a der Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 in der Darstellung gemäss der Fig. 3 gesehen nach oben zusammen. Vorzugsweise liegt der Winkel α zwischen etwa 2° und 10°, kann aber zwischen etwa 1° und 45° liegen.The two brush heads 4, 5 are in the direction of the longitudinal axis A Toothbrush (Fig. 2 and 4) seen one behind the other. How special 3, the two brush heads 4, 5 are approximately one Axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the toothbrush (Fig. 4) angled towards each other by the angle α, in such a way that the Brush surfaces 8 of the two brush heads 4, 5 are inclined towards each other. In other words, the two longitudinal axes 4a, 5a of the brush heads run 4, 5 in the illustration according to FIG. 3 viewed upwards together. The angle α is preferably between approximately 2 ° and 10 °, but can are between about 1 ° and 45 °.

Durch diese Abwinkelung der Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 wird eine bessere Anpassung der reinigungswirksamen Gesamtbürstfläche an die Gebissrundung erreicht. Das bedeutet, dass die einzelnen Zähne über ihre ganze Oberfläche gründlich gereinigt werden. Zudem werden die Zahnzwischenräume und auch der Zahnfleischrand besser erreicht. Mit der Anordnung von zwei runden Bürstenköpfen 4, 5 hintereinander entsteht eine Gesamtbürstfläche, die in der Grösse mit der Bürstfläche von herkömmlichen Zahnbürsten mit einem in Draufsicht rechteckförmigen Borstenfeld vergleichbar ist.This bending of the brush heads 4, 5 results in a better adaptation of the cleaning effective total brushing area reached the rounding of the teeth. This means that the individual teeth are thorough over their entire surface getting cleaned. In addition, the interdental spaces and also the Gum margin better reached. With the arrangement of two rounds Brush heads 4, 5 in a row create a total brush surface, which in the Size with the brush surface of conventional toothbrushes with an in Top view of rectangular bristle field is comparable.

Wie aus den Fig. 1 und 3 hervorgeht, sind die Borsten an ihren freien Enden so geschnitten, dass eine in der Seitenansicht erkennbare konkav gewölbte Bürstfläche 8 entsteht. Die Wölbung oder Krümmung verläuft in Richtung der Zahnbürstenlängsachse A. Die Bürstflächen 8 werden vorzugsweise durch die Mantelfläche eines Zylinders oder eine andere Rotationsfläche gebildet, wobei deren Rotationsachse rechtwinklig zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse A verläuft. Die Form dieser konkav gewölbten Bürstenfläche 8 entspricht etwa der Zahnform.1 and 3, the bristles are at their free ends cut so that a concave arch can be seen in the side view Brush surface 8 is created. The curvature or curvature runs in the direction of the Longitudinal toothbrush axis A. The brushing surfaces 8 are preferably by the Shell surface of a cylinder or another surface of revolution is formed, wherein whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the toothbrush. The The shape of this concave brush surface 8 corresponds approximately to the tooth shape.

Dank dieser gewölbten Bürstflächen 8 können die Borstenenden noch besser in die Zahnzwischenräume eindringen. Beim Hin- und Herfahren der Zahnbürste während der Reinigung der Zähne treten wegen der konkaven Wölbung der Bürstfläche 8 je nach Bewegungsrichtung andere Borsten der Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 in die Zahnzwischenräume ein. Durch die gewölbte Ausbildung der Bürstflächen 8 wird eine noch vollkommenere Anpassung an die individuelle Form der einzelnen Zähne erreicht. Die durch die beiden Bürstflächen 8 festgelegte Kontour entspricht etwa dem Verlauf des Zahnfleischrandes, d.h. der Rundung des Zahnfleischsaumes. Dies alles bedeutet, dass damit die Reinigungswirkung erhöht wird.Thanks to these curved brush surfaces 8, the bristle ends can do even better penetrate between the teeth. When moving the back and forth Toothbrush occurs during the cleaning of the teeth because of the concave Curvature of the brush surface 8 depending on the direction of movement other bristles Brush heads 4, 5 in the interdental spaces. Through the arched Training of the brush surfaces 8 will be an even more perfect adaptation the individual shape of each tooth is achieved. The two Brush surfaces 8 defined contour corresponds approximately to the course of the Gumline, i.e. the rounding of the gum line. all of this means that the cleaning effect is increased.

Wie in Fig. 2 angedeutet kann es für eine weitere Verbesserung der Reinigungswirkung auch noch sinnvoll sein, die beiden Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 um ihr Längsachse 4a bzw. 5a um einen gewissen Winkel β drehbar zu lagern. Eine solche Drehbeweglichkeit der Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 erlaubt beim Zähnereinigen eine rasche Anpassung an die Gebiss- und Zahnform.As indicated in Fig. 2, it can be used to further improve the Cleaning effect also make sense, the two brush heads 4, 5 um its longitudinal axis 4a or 5a rotatable by a certain angle β. Such mobility of the brush heads 4, 5 allows the Teeth cleaning a quick adaptation to the teeth and tooth shape.

In den Fig. 5 und 6 ist in einer der Fig. 3 entsprechenden Darstellung ein anderes Ausführungsbeispiel gezeigt, das sich vom Ausführungsbeispiel gemäss den Fig. 1-4 nur dadurch unterscheidet, dass die beiden Bürstenköpfe 4 und 5 nicht starr, sondern mittels eines nur schematisch angedeuteten elastischen Biegegelenkes 10 miteinander verbunden sind. Dieses elastische Gelenk 10, das z.B. einen oder mehrere Verbindungsstege aufweisen kann, erlaubt dem Bürstenkopf 5 eine gewisse elastische Auslenkung um eine rechtwinklig zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse A verlaufende Auslenkachse (nicht gezeigt). Der Bürstenkopf 5 kann daher aus der in Fig. 5 gezeigten Stellung in Richtung des Pfeiles C ausgelenkt werden, was eine Verringerung des Schrägstellungswinkels α zur Folge hat. In der Fig. 6 ist der Bürstenkopf 5 in einer solchen ausgelenkten Stellung gezeigt. Der Winkel α' zwischen den beiden Bürstenköpfen 4 und 5 ist geringer als der in Fig. 5 gezeigte Winkel α im nicht ausgelenkten Zustand des Bürstenkopfes 5.5 and 6 is in a representation corresponding to FIG. 3 shown another embodiment, which is different from the embodiment 1-4 only differs in that the two brush heads 4 and 5 not rigid, but by means of an only schematically indicated elastic bending joint 10 are interconnected. This elastic Hinge 10 which e.g. can have one or more connecting webs, allows the brush head 5 a certain elastic deflection by one Deflection axis perpendicular to the toothbrush longitudinal axis A (not shown). The brush head 5 can therefore be moved from the position shown in FIG Direction of arrow C are deflected, reducing the Inclination angle α results. 6, the brush head 5 is in shown such a deflected position. The angle α 'between the both brush heads 4 and 5 is less than the angle α shown in FIG. 5 in the undeflected state of the brush head 5.

Auch diese federelastische Auslenkbarkeit des Bürstenkopfes 5 dient zur verbesserten Anpassung der Bürstflächen 8 an die Form des Gebisses und der einzelnen Zähne. Zudem wird auf diese Weise vermieden, dass beim Reinigen der Zähne auf diese ein zu grosser Anpressdruck ausgeübt wird. Wird der Borstenteil 2 zu stark an die Zähne angepresst, so kann der Bürstenkopf 5 elastisch nachgeben. Die Auslenkbarkeit des Bürstenkopfes 5 erleichtert auch das Reinigen der Zähne auf der Gebissinnenseite (Anpassung an den gekrümmten Verlauf des Gebisses).This spring-elastic deflectability of the brush head 5 also serves improved adaptation of the brush surfaces 8 to the shape of the dentition and of individual teeth. It also prevents in this way that Cleaning the teeth on which too much pressure is exerted. If the bristle part 2 is pressed too hard on the teeth, the Give up brush head 5 elastically. The deflectability of the brush head 5 also makes it easier to clean the teeth on the inside of the bit (adjustment to the curved course of the bit).

Die federelastische Auslenkbewegung des Bürstenkopfes 5 kann durch das Vorsehen von gummielastischem Werkstoff im Bereich des Gelenkes 10 gedämpft werden. Die Herstellung eines solchen Gelenkes kann z.B. im Zweikomponentenspritzgussverfahren erfolgen.The resilient deflection movement of the brush head 5 can by Providing rubber-elastic material in the area of the joint 10 be dampened. The manufacture of such a joint can e.g. in the Two-component injection molding process.

Fig. 7 zeigt in einer der Fig. 3 entsprechenden Darstellung eine Variante der Zahnbürste gemäss den Fig. 1-4, bei der statt gewölbten Bürstflächen 8 ebene Bürstflächen 8' vorgesehen sind. Aufgrund der Ausführungen im Zusammenhang mit den Fig. 1-4 lässt sich ohne weiteres nachvollziehen, dass bei einer Zahnbürste mit ebenen Bürstflächen 8' eine etwas weniger gute Reinigungswirkung zu erwarten ist als mit einer Zahnbürste, deren Bürstflächen wie in Fig. 3 gezeigt gewölbt sind.FIG. 7 shows a variant of FIG. 3 corresponding representation Toothbrush according to FIGS. 1-4, with 8 instead of curved brushing surfaces Brush surfaces 8 'are provided. Due to the statements in In connection with FIGS. 1-4 it can be easily understood that a slightly less good one for a toothbrush with flat brushing surfaces 8 ' Cleaning effect is to be expected than with a toothbrush Brush surfaces are curved as shown in Fig. 3.

Wie in den Fig. 8 und 9 dargestellt ist, können die Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 auch so ausgebildet sein, dass der Borstenträger 6 samt Borsten auswechselbar ist. Zu diesem Zweck ist ein Grundkörper 11 mit einem Halteteil 12 vorhanden, welcher mit einer umlaufenden Nut 13 versehen ist. Der Borstenträger 6 ist auf seiner Unterseite mit einer Ausnehmung 14 versehen, deren Rand einen nach innen vorstehenden Wulst 15 trägt. Bei auf den Halteteil 12 aufgesetztem Borstenträger 6 greift der Wulst 15 in die Nut 13 ein (Fig. 8). Durch ein Abkippen des Borstenträgers 6 wird der Wulst 15 ausser Eingriff mit der Nut 13 gebracht, wie das in Fig. 9 dargetellt ist. Der Borstenträger 6 ist somit in der Art einer Schnappverbindung mit dem Grundkörper 11 lösbar verbunden. Es versteht sich, dass auch andere Arten von lösbaren Verbindungen möglich sind.As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the brush heads 4, 5 can also be so be designed so that the bristle carrier 6 including bristles can be replaced. To for this purpose there is a base body 11 with a holding part 12, which is provided with a circumferential groove 13. The bristle carrier 6 is on its underside provided with a recess 14, the edge of which after inside protruding bead 15 carries. When placed on the holding part 12 The bristle carrier 6 engages the bead 15 in the groove 13 (FIG. 8). Through a Tilting the bristle carrier 6, the bead 15 is disengaged from the groove 13 brought, as shown in Fig. 9. The bristle carrier 6 is thus in the Kind of a snap connection with the base body 11 releasably connected. It it goes without saying that other types of detachable connections are also possible are.

Die Borstenträger 6 mit den verbrauchten Borsten können so problemlos gegen einen Borstenträger 6 mit neuen Borsten ausgetauscht werden, ohne dass die ganze Zahnbürste weggeworfen werden muss. Dies bringt für den Benutzer offensichtlich wirtschaftliche Vorteile und trägt zur Verminderung des zu entsorgenden Abfalles bei.The bristle carrier 6 with the used bristles can be easily can be replaced with a bristle holder 6 with new bristles without that the whole toothbrush has to be thrown away. This brings for the User obvious economic benefits and helps reduce the waste to be disposed of.

Runde Bürstenköpfe 4, 5 mit einem zylindrischen Borstenfeld haben noch den Vorteil, dass damit der Benützer veranlasst wird, die Zahnbürste beim Reinigen kreisförmig zu bewegen. Eine solche kreisförmige Bewegung trägt zu einer wirkungsvolleren Zahnreinigung bei.Round brush heads 4, 5 with a cylindrical bristle field still have that Advantage that the user is prompted to use the toothbrush Clean moving circularly. Such a circular movement contributes more effective teeth cleaning.

Dennoch ist es natürlich möglich, dem Borstenfeld eine andere als eine in Draufsicht kreisförmige Gestalt zu geben, z.B. eine in Draufsicht rechteckige, insbesondere quadratische, oder sechseckige Form.Nevertheless, it is of course possible to have a different bristle field than one in To give top view circular shape, e.g. a rectangular in plan view, in particular square or hexagonal shape.

Claims (11)

  1. Toothbrush with a handle (1) and a bristle part (2) which has two round brush heads (4, 5) which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the toothbrush, are connected to one another via a flexurally elastic articulated connection (10) and of which each has a bristle carrier (6) with projecting bristles each forming an essentially cylindrical bristle arrangement, the brush heads (4, 5) being angled in relation to one another about an axis (B), which runs transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) of the toothbrush, such that the two brushing surfaces (8, 8') formed by the ends of the bristles in each case are inclined towards one another.
  2. Toothbrush according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bristle carriers (6) have a planar base surface (9) from which the bristles project, the two base surfaces (9) together enclosing an angle (α) of which the magnitude corresponds to the angling of the two brush heads (4, 5).
  3. Toothbrush according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the brush heads (4, 5) are positioned obliquely in relation to one another by an angle (α) of approximately 1-45°, preferably approximately 2-10°.
  4. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1-3, characterized in that the brushing surfaces (8) are curved concavely in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the toothbrush.
  5. Toothbrush according to Claim 4, characterized in that the brushing surfaces (8) are formed by rotational surfaces, preferably lateral surfaces of cylinders, the axis of rotation thereof running transversely, preferably approximately at right angles, to the longitudinal axis (A) of the toothbrush.
  6. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1-5, characterized in that the brush heads (4, 5) and/or the bristle carriers (6) thereof can be rotated about their axis of symmetry (4a, 5a), which is located at right angles to the base surface (9) of the bristle carriers (6).
  7. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1-6, characterized in that, by virtue of the flexurally elastic articulated connection (10), the brush heads (4, 5) can be deflected elastically relative to one another about an axis running transversely, preferably at right angles, to the longitudinal axis (A) of the toothbrush.
  8. Toothbrush according to Claim 7, characterized in that elastomeric material is provided in the region of the articulated connection (10) in order to damp the elastic deflecting movement.
  9. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1-8, characterized in that the flexurally elastic articulated connection (10) is formed by at least one connecting crosspiece.
  10. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1-9, characterized in that it is possible to exchange the brush heads (4, 5) and/or their bristle carriers (6) together with bristles.
  11. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1-10, characterized by round bristle carriers (6).
EP97915250A 1996-05-06 1997-04-15 Toothbrush Expired - Lifetime EP0901329B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1145/96 1996-05-06
CH114596 1996-05-06
CH114596 1996-05-06
PCT/CH1997/000150 WO1997041753A1 (en) 1996-05-06 1997-04-15 Toothbrush

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0901329A1 EP0901329A1 (en) 1999-03-17
EP0901329B1 true EP0901329B1 (en) 2001-12-05

Family

ID=4203543

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97915250A Expired - Lifetime EP0901329B1 (en) 1996-05-06 1997-04-15 Toothbrush

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EP (1) EP0901329B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2285497A (en)
BR (1) BR9708914A (en)
DE (1) DE59705673D1 (en)
ID (1) ID17846A (en)
MY (1) MY132633A (en)
NO (1) NO985165L (en)
WO (1) WO1997041753A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7392562B2 (en) 2000-09-06 2008-07-01 Braun Gmbh Motor-driven toothbrush and brush head for it

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10208528A1 (en) 2002-02-27 2003-09-11 Braun Gmbh Brush head for a toothbrush
US9826822B2 (en) 2011-10-27 2017-11-28 Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Gmbh & Co. Kg Toothbrush
ES1111981Y (en) 2014-05-22 2014-09-03 Ayet Félix Checa SURGICAL PROTESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INGUINAL HERNIAS
EP3381404B1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2020-10-14 Trisa Holding AG Electrical body care brush
EP4111907A1 (en) 2021-06-28 2023-01-04 Universität Basel Toothbrush cleaning head, assembly and handheld toothbrush

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4608968A (en) * 1982-02-19 1986-09-02 Oral Ease Inc. Gum massaging device with internal dispenser
DE3428860A1 (en) * 1984-08-04 1986-02-13 Horst 4800 Bielefeld Wiethölter Toothbrush
GB9106511D0 (en) * 1991-03-27 1991-05-15 Lingner & Fischer Gmbh Novel article
GB9517450D0 (en) * 1995-08-25 1995-10-25 Lingner & Fischer Gmbh Toothbrush
US5373602A (en) * 1993-12-15 1994-12-20 Bang; Kook B. Toothbrush

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7392562B2 (en) 2000-09-06 2008-07-01 Braun Gmbh Motor-driven toothbrush and brush head for it

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO985165D0 (en) 1998-11-05
EP0901329A1 (en) 1999-03-17
WO1997041753A1 (en) 1997-11-13
NO985165L (en) 1998-11-05
MY132633A (en) 2007-10-31
ID17846A (en) 1998-01-29
AU2285497A (en) 1997-11-26
DE59705673D1 (en) 2002-01-17
BR9708914A (en) 1999-08-03

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