EP1639913B1 - Brush, in particular toothbrush and method of making thereof - Google Patents
Brush, in particular toothbrush and method of making thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1639913B1 EP1639913B1 EP20040022614 EP04022614A EP1639913B1 EP 1639913 B1 EP1639913 B1 EP 1639913B1 EP 20040022614 EP20040022614 EP 20040022614 EP 04022614 A EP04022614 A EP 04022614A EP 1639913 B1 EP1639913 B1 EP 1639913B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- active substance
- brush head
- component
- brush
- membrane
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 19
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 170
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 86
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims description 94
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000009732 tufting Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 210000004379 membrane Anatomy 0.000 description 93
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 31
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 22
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 19
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 18
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 18
- 239000000606 toothpaste Substances 0.000 description 16
- 229940034610 toothpaste Drugs 0.000 description 16
- 239000006072 paste Substances 0.000 description 12
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 7
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N citric acid Chemical compound OC(=O)CC(O)(C(O)=O)CC(O)=O KRKNYBCHXYNGOX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 210000000214 mouth Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 5
- CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Carbonate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]C([O-])=O CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004061 bleaching Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 4
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- CVHZOJJKTDOEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N saccharin Chemical compound C1=CC=C2C(=O)NS(=O)(=O)C2=C1 CVHZOJJKTDOEJC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 201000010153 skin papilloma Diseases 0.000 description 4
- PUZPDOWCWNUUKD-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium fluoride Chemical compound [F-].[Na+] PUZPDOWCWNUUKD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 239000001488 sodium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002087 whitening effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 208000000260 Warts Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 3
- CVSVTCORWBXHQV-UHFFFAOYSA-N creatine Chemical compound NC(=[NH2+])N(C)CC([O-])=O CVSVTCORWBXHQV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 2
- KWIUHFFTVRNATP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Betaine Natural products C[N+](C)(C)CC([O-])=O KWIUHFFTVRNATP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002134 Carboxymethyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 2
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N D-Glucitol Natural products OC[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N 0.000 description 2
- WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N Glucose Natural products OC[C@H]1OC(O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H]1O WQZGKKKJIJFFOK-GASJEMHNSA-N 0.000 description 2
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002774 Maltodextrin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005913 Maltodextrin Substances 0.000 description 2
- KWIUHFFTVRNATP-UHFFFAOYSA-O N,N,N-trimethylglycinium Chemical compound C[N+](C)(C)CC(O)=O KWIUHFFTVRNATP-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 2
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphoric acid Chemical compound OP(O)(O)=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-DEQYMQKBSA-M Sodium bicarbonate-14C Chemical compound [Na+].O[14C]([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-DEQYMQKBSA-M 0.000 description 2
- DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium laurylsulphate Chemical compound [Na+].CCCCCCCCCCCCOS([O-])(=O)=O DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- XEFQLINVKFYRCS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Triclosan Chemical compound OC1=CC(Cl)=CC=C1OC1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1Cl XEFQLINVKFYRCS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229960003237 betaine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000001768 carboxy methyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010948 carboxy methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 2
- LRCFXGAMWKDGLA-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxosilane;hydrate Chemical compound O.O=[Si]=O LRCFXGAMWKDGLA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 2
- BNIILDVGGAEEIG-UHFFFAOYSA-L disodium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].OP([O-])([O-])=O BNIILDVGGAEEIG-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- 229910000397 disodium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000019800 disodium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 210000002816 gill Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000008103 glucose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229940035034 maltodextrin Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000003254 palate Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 235000011837 pasties Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000027 potassium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000013772 propylene glycol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229940081974 saccharin Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 235000019204 saccharin Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000901 saccharin and its Na,K and Ca salt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229960004029 silicic acid Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- WXMKPNITSTVMEF-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium benzoate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 WXMKPNITSTVMEF-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 235000010234 sodium benzoate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000004299 sodium benzoate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000029 sodium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- FQENQNTWSFEDLI-UHFFFAOYSA-J sodium diphosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]P([O-])(=O)OP([O-])([O-])=O FQENQNTWSFEDLI-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 2
- 239000011775 sodium fluoride Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013024 sodium fluoride Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- GCLGEJMYGQKIIW-UHFFFAOYSA-H sodium hexametaphosphate Chemical compound [Na]OP1(=O)OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])OP(=O)(O[Na])O1 GCLGEJMYGQKIIW-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 description 2
- 235000019982 sodium hexametaphosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000019333 sodium laurylsulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- RYYKJJJTJZKILX-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium octadecanoate Chemical compound [Na+].CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC([O-])=O RYYKJJJTJZKILX-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 229960001922 sodium perborate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- YKLJGMBLPUQQOI-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;oxidooxy(oxo)borane Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]OB=O YKLJGMBLPUQQOI-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 239000000600 sorbitol Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019818 tetrasodium diphosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000001577 tetrasodium phosphonato phosphate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010215 titanium dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229960003500 triclosan Drugs 0.000 description 2
- RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K trisodium phosphate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O RYFMWSXOAZQYPI-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 2
- 229910000406 trisodium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000019801 trisodium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000446313 Lamella Species 0.000 description 1
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sulfate Chemical compound [O-]S([O-])(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910000147 aluminium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960003624 creatine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000006046 creatine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000551 dentifrice Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004513 dentition Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000007938 effervescent tablet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000887 face Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012634 fragment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960005150 glycerol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002023 somite Anatomy 0.000 description 1
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- 239000011145 styrene acrylonitrile resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000036346 tooth eruption Effects 0.000 description 1
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- NWONKYPBYAMBJT-UHFFFAOYSA-L zinc sulfate Chemical compound [Zn+2].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O NWONKYPBYAMBJT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 229960001763 zinc sulfate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910000368 zinc sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/0068—Brushes where the reservoir is specifically intended for solid substance that dissolves gradually
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/0003—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water containing only one dose of substance, e.g. single-use toothbrushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
- A46B11/0041—Flexible or deformable reservoirs, e.g. resilient bulbs, compressible tubes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
- A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
- A46B11/0062—Brushes where the reservoir is specifically intended for being refilled when empty
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0091—Container, e.g. bag or box with a collection of various devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
- A46D3/00—Preparing, i.e. Manufacturing brush bodies
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
Definitions
- the invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, and a method for the production thereof according to claim 1.
- Disposable toothbrushes which already contain toothpaste in various ways.
- US 5,346,324 and US 5,909,977 is low-viscosity toothpaste in a reservoir in the grip area and is pushed by a piston in the head area, where it exits through openings in the region of the bristles.
- the disadvantage of this is the difficult dosage of toothpaste, the need to use very thin toothpaste, the cumbersome handle, the frequent drying and congestion of the fluid channel and the difficult to impossible refilling of the reservoir.
- toothbrushes are known in which a predetermined amount of toothpaste is located in a hollow area in the head area and is pressed out prior to cleaning by manual deformation of the head area.
- a slit-like, initially closed opening so that the toothpaste can escape. Multiple use by refilling or exact dosage is not possible.
- the delivery of toothpaste is also associated with relatively great effort. Show similar examples with toothpaste dispensing by manual squeezing FR 2 583 625 or US 5,865,195 , In the US 5,490,530 the outlet openings can be resealed by a slide. The toothpaste is squeezed out by pressing a button located on the underside of the head and reducing the volume of the toothpaste reservoir.
- the user has to act by hand on the brush to release toothpaste at all. Since this requires a certain amount of power and a certain amount of skill for the desired dosage, the known toothbrushes are not easy for anyone to handle.
- a disposable toothbrush in the bristle area contains an encapsulated dose of liquid dentifrice.
- the capsule is broken by contact with the teeth.
- the problem in addition to the restriction to single use, that the detergent can escape even with improper treatment.
- the invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a brush, in particular a toothbrush, with an active substance available for the Multiple use and / or refilling the active substance is suitable and allows easy handling and simple dosage of the active substance. Furthermore, a method for producing such a brush is to be specified.
- the hollow region is adapted according to the invention to the shape of an active substance element having a defined outer shape.
- the volume of the hollow region is greater than the volume of the active substance element, in particular by 1-2 times, at most 4 times greater. This ensures that the active substance is well bathed in water during use. The release of the active substance happens purely passively by flushing, manual influence of the brush is not necessary.
- the dosage can be adjusted and predefined by a suitable choice of the solubility of the active substance element and the size of the outlet openings and thus likewise not dependent on the skill of the user.
- the brush is so flexible, at least in the area of the hollow area, that the hollow area deforms during intended use, ie during cleaning, in such a way that water is sucked into the hollow area and pushed out again becomes.
- the invention exploits a pumping / suction effect made possible by the flexibility of the hollow region with respect to the solvent water.
- the hollow region is for this purpose preferably adapted to the shape of the active substance element, that this is at least partially spaced from the inner wall and is thus washed in use of water.
- the entire brush head may also have flexible, movable portions, e.g. a flexible brush head front. Due to the flexible deflection of this partial area, the volume of the hollow area is likewise influenced and in turn the pumping / suction effect described above arises.
- the flexibility of the brush head is formed at the point at which the hollow region occupies the largest proportion of the cross section of the brush head. This has the advantage that only a small proportion of the head cross-section must be made flexible. This can be achieved by means of targeted material weakening, e.g. Film hinge, side tunnel, etc., done in the hard component or by combining the hard and soft component. It is also possible to completely form the flexible zone from soft material.
- the active substance element is preferably a solid or a highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste, but may also be an encapsulated liquid, pasty or granular substance, the envelope of which is water-soluble.
- suitable Choice of the solubility or decomposability of the active substance element or its coating manages a well-defined dosage up to a uniform release of active substance during a cleaning process.
- a solid or a highly viscous paste a multiple use of the same active substance element is possible if it is so dimensioned or its solubility or decomposability is chosen so that it survives several typical cleaning operations.
- the active substances are released before, during or after the cleaning process. The risk of drying or clogging of openings does not exist in this case, since any residues can be rinsed off easily after use.
- the active substance element can be refilled by a resealable inlet opening.
- the brush consists of a head part with a cleaning structure, usually bristles, a neck part and a handle part. All sub-elements can be off consist of at least one hard and one or more soft components.
- hard components for example, styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Acrylbuthadienstyrol (ABS), etc., preferably polypropylene (PP) are used.
- the soft component used is a rubber-elastic material such as polyurethane (PUR), preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPU). Hardenings of less than 70 Shore A, preferably less than 40 Shore A, are used in the brush head.
- the bristle field is preferably formed at least partially with conventional bristles such as polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT) and optionally with rubber-elastic cleaning or massage elements.
- the conventional bristles have, for example, a cylindrical geometry with a diameter of less than 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm - 0.2 mm and are combined into bundles.
- the rubber-elastic massage or cleaning elements usually have larger diameter with the smallest dimensions in the cross section of 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm.
- the hollow area offers at least space for one unit of the active substance, preferably the hollow area offers additional space so that the active substance can be lapped with water and thereby unfold its effect by means of partial or complete dissolution.
- the volume of the hollow region is maximally four times, preferably one to two times larger than the size (the volume in original size) of the active substance.
- the hollow region has a volume of 5 to 1500 mm 3, preferably 100 to 500 mm 3 .
- the active substance can be clamped laterally or vertically in the hollow area.
- projections or other geometric elements in the soft or / and hard component in the hollow area are preferably used for this purpose. This ensures that the active substance during the cleaning process can not be beaten back and forth within the hollow area and at most prematurely break apart.
- the hollow region is preferably generally designed so that the active substance is stably positioned despite continuous degradation in the hollow region.
- the hollow region is preferably provided with a flexible element, preferably made of soft material, which exerts a kind of spring action on the active substance element, for example by passing through an outer wall of the hollow region Insertion of the active substance element is arched outwards.
- the active substance element in original size is fixed with a certain bias in the hollow area.
- the inner shape of the hollow portion follows, with the exception of the above-mentioned projections substantially the geometric shape of the active substance element, preferably with a predefined distance.
- the hollow region can be designed as a slot into which a plate-shaped or foil-shaped active substance can be introduced.
- the active substance can be introduced in a rod-shaped or cylindrical geometry into a correspondingly shaped hollow region.
- the hollow area lies in the plan view of the cleaning structure, preferably within the bristle field, if conventional bristles are present. This makes it possible for the hollow region to be produced with a thin wall, but still enough conventional bristles can be anchored around the hollow region with a certain anchoring depth that is technically determined. Cleaning elements made of soft component, which require less head volume or anchoring depth than conventional bristles for anchoring, are preferably formed directly above the hollow area. In addition, conventional bristles require the hard component for secure anchoring. Since the hollow region on the bristle-carrying side of the brush head is preferably delimited by a membrane of soft material, it is technically very difficult to anchor conventional bristles in this area.
- the hollow region is bounded by a wall of hard and / or soft component, but preferably at least in regions by soft component, since in this way the abovementioned flexibility can be achieved in a simple manner.
- Bristle anchoring advantages are found when the hollow area is in a region adjacent to the brush head, e.g. in the brush neck or in the transition between the brush neck and the brush head, which comes into contact with water.
- This refinement has the advantage that consideration must not be given to the hollow region within the brush head with respect to the anchoring of the bristles. The fact that the active substance does not escape where it generally has the best effect, ie in the head area, is accepted.
- the hollow region preferably has two types of openings, namely at least one outlet opening for the entry of water, for the release of the active substance dissolved in water and for the rinsing out of the hollow area after use under the tap.
- at least one insertion opening for introduction of the active substance by the user is additionally present.
- the introduction opening is larger in the open state than an outlet openings.
- the insertion opening is preferably located on the brush head back and the outlet openings on the brush head front.
- Alternative design variants show the insertion openings on the brush head side.
- the outlet openings may alternatively / additionally on the side and / or back of the Brush head created.
- the insertion opening is preferably reclosable. But it can also serve as an outlet opening and does not complete the hollow area completely sealed.
- the insertion opening may be formed by means of a removable or head-integrated lid or closure, e.g. by means of a molded directly on the head film hinge.
- a membrane of soft material with a corresponding opening, e.g. with one or more crossed slots, which corresponds to the size of the active substance element, as a resealable element.
- the membrane can simultaneously represent a flexible wall of the hollow area and / or serve as a carrier of cleaning / massage elements.
- slots other geometric elements may be provided which allow the introduction of the active substance element and prevent its escape as far as possible, e.g. an expandable hole in the membrane that is smaller than the active substance element.
- this has a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably a thickness of 0.7 - 1.5 mm.
- 2 to 6 slots are preferably used as the introduction opening.
- the length of the slots for toothbrushes is 3 - 15 mm, preferably around 6 - 10 mm.
- the introduction opening may have a securing device which prevents or at least impedes the falling out of the active substance during use.
- the membrane is formed with slits or a funnel such that the introduction of the active substance takes place with little pressure (for example 10 to 300 g), but falling out by means of eg a funnel-shaped geometry in the opening area requires more pressure.
- additional locking or securing elements are also possible.
- the insertion opening may still be closed during the first use (first opening safeguard or seal).
- first opening safety device can be broken by the user, e.g. by cutting thin residual connections within the prefabricated slots.
- the outlet openings allow a continuous, but limited exit of the active substance dissolved in water.
- the number of openings and their size (total surface of the outlet opening) and the water solubility of the active substance determine the actual exit of the active substance dissolved in water. Since the water solubility of the active substance is rather a resulting size, the outlet openings (number and size) of the water solubility of the active substance are adjusted in order to determine the range of the active substance during use.
- the dissolution of the active substance element can also serve as a time indicator for the (total) cleaning time that has been carried out so far.
- a single outlet opening preferably does not fall below a minimum area of 0.5 mm 2 . Because smaller openings can easily pollute and thus affect the fluid exchange. Moreover, it is advantageous if the user examines the size of the hollow substance still existing active substance element through the outlet openings and possibly decide whether the active substance should be topped up. For these reasons, surfaces of 0.5 to 100 mm 2 are preferably used for the outlet openings, preferably 1 to 20 mm 2 . This ensures accurate dosing and prevents the active substance or fragments of the active substance element from being able to leave the hollow region in an uncontrolled manner.
- the individual outlet openings on a brush head can have different sizes (areas) in order to weight outlet quantity and outlet location.
- individual groups of outlet openings are provided at designated locations on the brush head.
- the exit of the active substances at different points of the bristle field with respect to quantity and location can be controlled.
- an interaction between the active substance and especially in combination anticipated active bristles arise.
- one to five groups (clusters) are formed by outlet openings.
- These groups of outlet openings may also be positioned asymmetrically on the brush head.
- the different groups of outlet openings are preferably manufactured in one operation from the same material.
- outlet openings when the outlet openings are embedded in the rubber-elastic material, this is served from an injection point for all groups, ie the material side, these groups are interconnected.
- the outlet openings can be designed so that they have geometric elements which the surface in the vicinity of the outlet opening Increase to keep the active substance as possible in the brush head.
- a substantially funnel-shaped or at least outwardly opening geometry can be used. This will additionally one easy cleaning of the hollow area after use under the faucet favors. Additional cleaning and massage elements in the area of the outlet openings have the same advantage.
- sponge-like and / or holey soft elements can be placed in the region of the outlet openings, which also contribute to the better retention of the active substance.
- the outlet openings can be formed in the hard material and / or in the soft material of the brush head. However, they are preferably integrated into the above-described membrane made of soft material. In this case, it preferably has a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably from 0.7 to 1.5 mm.
- the hollow region is preferably bounded by membranes of soft material as described above.
- These membrane (s) are flexible to adapt to the environment (gums, teeth, oral cavity, etc.) during use and to exert a certain pumping and suction effect on the hollow area during the cleaning process with the plastering pressure on the membrane. These effects can be enhanced by a domed shape of the membrane. Together with the outlet openings, the membrane can form a kind of expandable network structure.
- cleaning and massage elements made of soft material are preferably formed on the flexible membranes which delimit the hollow region.
- a part of the brush head with a flexible membrane and this design with cleaning and / or massage elements made of soft material can be advantageously used for brushes, which have no hollow area for active substances, but eg only an empty or no hollow area .
- the membrane and the cleaning and / or massage elements are manufactured in one operation, in particular by injection molding. It succeeds the Production of a brush with a particularly elastic suspended cleaning / massage structure.
- the following preferred embodiments also apply to brushes without a hollow area, but with a membrane provided with a cleaning / massage structure.
- cleaning and / or massage elements which are located in the region of the outlet openings, are aligned parallel to the Entformungscardi of the brush head.
- Fabrication technically complex, but effective in use are cleaning or massage elements, which are aligned at a certain angle, preferably substantially perpendicular to the possibly curved membrane surface.
- the cleaning or massage elements which are located in the region of the outlet openings, are preferably less long than the conventional bristles in their environment, so that during use in the end of the cleaning or massage elements can form a kind of reservoir for the active substance dissolved in water.
- the cleaning and massage elements can also have outlet openings, which is the case, for example, with straw-shaped bristles, lamellae and warts with holes. These have the advantage that they are the active substance directly to the Can bring the job site. By capillary action, the active substance can travel a relatively long way in this case.
- the membrane can deliver or pass active substances even in the submicroscopic range, e.g. through microporosity, semipermeability.
- the active substance element is preferably a solid which, in use, at least partially dissolves in the water.
- the active substance element in solid form is shaped in the form of a tablet, pill, a rod-shaped element, plate or foil corresponding to the hollow region.
- a paste or kneadable mass having a dynamic viscosity higher than conventional commercially available pastes (toothpaste) may also be employed.
- a spatially defined shape can be produced and the active substance stay as long as possible in the hollow area.
- the paste can harden after introduction into the hollow region in order to deliver the active substance in various applications.
- the active substance can be easily portioned by the user.
- the solid is already pre-portioned in the sales packaging.
- the paste can be simply portioned by the consumer due to the given volume of the hollow area.
- the active substances can be used together with conventional cleaning agents or independently of these.
- the brush can generally also be used without active substances with conventional cleaning agents.
- both the single use of an active substance element as well as the multiple use is possible.
- use of the brush consumes a portion of the active substance.
- the active substance can be reintroduced before each use or even occasionally used.
- use of the brush consumes only a part of the active substance.
- the user recognizes when the active substance is used up, and can then replenish it by means of a new portion of the active substance.
- concentration or amount of the active substance is set much lower in the intended single use than in multiple use.
- the concentration corresponds approximately to the concentration of the active ingredients of conventional pastes.
- the corresponding concentration is increased by a multiple.
- the range / duration of use of the active substance is also influenced by the water solubility and water circulation / openings.
- the system hollow area, openings and water solubility of the active ingredient can be adjusted so that the user can be displayed a certain period of use (Time indicator).
- the properties for single use are chosen so that the active ingredient is used up after 3 minutes cleaning time.
- the active ingredient is depleted after a typical 3 month use period, indicating that the entire brush should be replaced due to wear.
- Under the active substance at most even a lettering (eg, 'Change') are hidden, which is exposed after the exhaustion of the active substance and visible to the user and makes the user aware of the upcoming change of the active substance or the recommended change of the brush.
- the active substance element can be provided with additional recesses, concave or convex elements on the surface.
- the color of the active substance element is preferably chosen so that it differs significantly from brush head and the user can easily judge the consumption of the active substance.
- the solubility of the active substance depends on the water temperature used.
- the user can control the delivery of the amount of active substance by controlling the water temperature.
- the delivered amount of active substance in a temperature window of 10 ° - 40 ° increases the delivery significantly.
- the active substance is incorporated in an advantageous development in an effervescent tablet or paste with effervescent effect. This additional function allows the user to determine during use whether the active substance already used up or still present in the hollow area without removing the brush from the mouth.
- the brush is packaged such that the package unambiguously shows the user brush and active substance.
- the active substance is preferably distributed in predefined portions next to the brush head.
- the active substance is preferably provided in a part of the packaging which is independent of the opening of the brush packaging.
- a first portion of the active substance is preferably already placed in the sales packaging in the hollow region of the brush head.
- the brush head is placed in the package so that the inlet and outlet openings can be shown.
- a so-called double blister offers itself, which allows the user to view both brush head sides.
- only the active substance can be provided again in predefined portions as a so-called replacement package (refill).
- the active substance can also be provided in a dispenser for portionwise delivery.
- the brush head can be introduced in this embodiment variant in the dispenser and the active substance are then donated mechanically through the insertion opening into the hollow area.
- Injection of the membrane with any existing cleaning and massage elements can be performed before or after the onset of conventional bristles.
- the injection points for the membrane and any cleaning or massage elements placed on it should be selected as far as possible within the head or in the neck region of the brush. At most, areas of soft material can be made in the handle of the toothbrush in the same operation with the same material.
- the cleaning or massage elements which are arranged in the region of the membrane, made with the same material in one operation with the membrane.
- a soft component with a Shore A hardness of less than 70, preferably less than 40
- stiffness of the cleaning or massage elements cleaning effect, massage effect
- the connection of the membranes of soft material to the hard component of the brush head is preferably carried out in multi-component injection molding.
- a geometry element of 0.1 to 2 mm depth / length is preferably formed on the predominant region of the connection of the membrane to the hard component for better connection of the membrane.
- the first introduction of the active substance into the brush head may be provided by the consumer during the first use or during the manufacturing process of the brush.
- the methods with a two-part brush head in particular by means of AFT, are particularly suitable.
- the active substance is placed in the toothbrush head before the bristled AFT plate is permanently welded to the toothbrush handle.
- the AFT procedure is generally appropriate for this, between the bristled AFT plate and the toothbrush handle to place additional component or element.
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment, which does not show that an active substance element is injected into the cavity.
- the embodiments according to the FIGS. 24 to 27 , 30 to 32, 35 and 36 are not covered by the scope of the claims.
- Fig. 1-4 show various views of a head portion 10 of a toothbrush according to the invention.
- a cleaning structure 12 consisting of conventional bristles 14, summarized in bundles, and soft elastic cleaning elements 16 attached. Instead of the conventional bristles 14, in some cases only the anchoring areas of the bristle bundles 38 are indicated.
- the head region 10 consists of a hard component 30 that is solid (see also FIG Fig. 5-7 ) and in particular the conventional bristles 14 are anchored with a certain anchoring depth.
- a circular or elliptical recess 31 which is circular or elliptical in plan view and which is covered on the front and rear sides by a flexible wall 28 in the form of an elastic membrane 28 or 26 made of soft material 32.
- a hollow region 22 is formed within the head region 10.
- the soft elastic structure 16 is anchored in the front membrane 28.
- the membrane and the soft elastic structure are formed together in one manufacturing step from the same material from the same injection point.
- the membrane 26 on the back 20 has two crossed slots, which serve as a reclosable insertion opening 34 for an active substance element 24.
- the front side membrane 28 has outlet openings 36 through which water can enter the hollow region 22 and enriched with active substance can escape again.
- the wall region of the hollow region 22 formed of soft material 32 forms a flexible zone 29. Under cleaning pressure, the toothbrush deforms in this zone in such a way that water is sucked into the hollow region 22 and pushed out again.
- the membranes can also be made of a hard component with a correspondingly small wall thickness in order to achieve the necessary flexibility.
- a soft component has advantages insofar as the anchoring of cleaning elements in a thin hard material layer is problematic in terms of manufacture, but the simultaneous injection of soft elastic elements onto a soft membrane is unproblematic.
- a combination of hard and soft materials may form the membrane.
- the flexible elements of the membrane and cleaning elements are made of soft material.
- the hard component forms only structuring, stabilizing elements of the membrane or merely serves as a production-related material compound.
- the hollow portion 22 is adapted to the shape of an active substance element 24 that this is at least partially spaced from the inner wall 23.
- an active substance element 24 that this is at least partially spaced from the inner wall 23.
- protrusions 40 that point inward from the flexible membranes 26, 28 are formed. Due to the flexibility of the membranes 26, 28, the active substance element 24 is well positioned even as the resolution progresses.
- outlet openings are each between the soft elastic Cleaning elements 16 within the front side membrane 28.
- the membrane surface thus has a net-like perforated structure.
- Fig. 8, 9 show another example of a hard and soft component 30, 32 existing toothbrush.
- the soft component 32 forms a flexible zone 29, which connects the two otherwise separate parts of the brush head of hard component 30 together.
- the whole brush head front part can deflect relative to the brush head rear part.
- the hollow region 22 is delimited, as in the above examples, front and rear and additionally also laterally by thin material layers (membranes 26, 28) of soft component 32 and in the longitudinal direction by the hard component 30.
- a compound of hard component can additionally be guided, which makes it possible to produce the two brush head segments from hard component in one work step.
- this connection is made very thin, so that the flexibility is not adversely affected.
- conventional bristles 14 are anchored in the hard component 30, while the soft component is provided with soft-elastic cleaning elements 16.
- the insertion opening 34 is as in Fig. 1-7 designed as a cross slot.
- the flexible zone 29 formed of soft material 32 occupies the entire brush tip and is made substantially circular in plan view. In a concentric arrangement, it carries here from inside to outside soft elastic cleaning elements 16, outlet openings 36 and conventional bristles 14 (or their anchoring areas). Toward the neck region 52, a conventional bristle field embedded in the hard component 30 adjoins. The outlet openings 36 are so large that the underlying hollow area 22 is visible.
- the part of the brush head formed from the hard component 30 is in one piece. However, it has recesses in such a way that a flexible zone 29 connected to the rear side 20 with three regions (clusters) 44 is formed by outlet openings 36. These are located at the top and on the sides of the head portion 10 in a respective outwardly curved flexible wall / membrane, preferably made of soft material 32.
- the remaining portion of the head part 10 is bristled on the front side 18 with conventional bristles 14; On the back there is again a cross-shaped insertion opening as in Fig. 5-7 ,
- Fig. 16-21 show examples of different shapes of the flexible zone 29 in a toothbrush according to the invention in front and rear view ( Fig. 16-19 ) or only in front view ( Fig. 20, 21 ). On the back there is one again in all examples Phillips-shaped insertion opening 34 as in Fig. 5-7 (only partially shown).
- the flexible zone 29 has three laterally arranged, gill-like regions 46 (or clusters 44) with lamellar cleaning / massage elements 16 and outlet openings 36 arranged therebetween.
- the regions 46 are connected to one another at the rear via a material bridge 32 (see FIG Fig. 17 ).
- the lamellae / fish gills are less pronounced and only two lateral clusters 44 are present.
- the outlet openings 36 are uniformly distributed over the lateral edge of the head portion 10 and each knob-like surrounded by soft material, so that also here by the knobs during cleaning results in a massage effect.
- Fig. 22, 23 show a brush in front and rear view, in which the outlet openings 36 are located on the back facing away from the bristle 20 and thus the active substance is released mainly at the back 20.
- the back 20 is largely made of hard material 30 which is broken like a net and the view of the hollow portion 22 within the brush head 10 releases.
- the hollow portion 22 extends substantially over the entire surface of the head portion 10. The sufficient flexibility of the wall of the hollow portion is achieved by a correspondingly thin material thickness and through the openings or outlet openings 36.
- a portion of the hollow portion 22 is covered on the back by a membrane 26 made of soft material 32, in which are arranged radially, serving as an insertion opening 34 slots.
- the brush head 10 consists of two parts (tip and neck-side region) of a hard component 30, which are interconnected by a flexible zone 29 of soft material 32 or a combination of hard and soft material.
- a hollow portion 22 is formed in the form of a tubular recess with an elliptical cross-section.
- the hollow region 22 is limited to the front side 18 by three webs 48 made of soft material 32. Between the webs 48 are two outlet openings 36 with a total width of about half the head width.
- the underside of the hollow portion 22 is the entire surface of soft material 32 or a combination of hard and soft material.
- Soft elastic cleaning elements 16 are arranged on the webs 48, conventional bristles 14 are anchored on the hard areas at the top and in the neck area. Between the webs 48 and the bottom 66 of the hollow portion 22 an elliptical insertion opening 34 for the active substance element 24 is formed. This has essentially the shape of a cylinder with elliptical cross-section and rounded edges. The active substance element 24 is clamped between the webs and the bottom 66. Laterally, however, it is spaced from the inner wall of the hollow portion 22, so that it is washed around there and in the region of the outlet openings 36 of water. Due to the spatial shape with a substantially two-part hard component 30 and the parts connecting flexible zone 29 made of soft material 32 of the brush head is particularly flexible. Alternatively, the webs 48 can also be made of the hard component 30 and the tip and the neck area hinge-like connect; the flexibility is ensured in this case by a correspondingly thin wall thickness of the webs 48.
- Fig. 25-27 show variations of the example Fig. 24 also with a substantially two-part hard component 30 and a flexible zone 29 connecting the parts made of soft component 32 or a combination of hard and soft component, in which the hollow portion 22 is accommodated for receiving the active substance element 24.
- the hollow portion 22 and the active substance element 24 themselves are cylindrical with a circular cross section.
- the introduction opening 34 is also circular and may have a smaller diameter than the hollow area 22 itself, so that the active substance element 24 in the hollow area 22 can be at least partially washed around.
- the hollow region 22 is substantially surrounded by soft material 32 in its radial direction with the exception of the outlet openings 36 in the front-side membrane 28.
- Fig. 25-27 show variations of the example Fig. 24 also with a substantially two-part hard component 30 and a flexible zone 29 connecting the parts made of soft component 32 or a combination of hard and soft component, in which the hollow portion 22 is accommodated for receiving the active substance element 24.
- the hollow portion 22 and the active substance element 24 themselves are
- Fig. 27 shows an analogous example with an elongated in the longitudinal direction of the brush head elastic zone 29 in which a substantially cuboid hollow portion 22 is formed. This is adapted to a plate-shaped or foil-shaped active substance element 24.
- the hollow region 22 on the rear side 20 of the brush head is covered by a flexible membrane 26 of soft material 32 and otherwise formed within the hard component 30.
- the outlet openings 36 are formed on the membrane 26 within knob-shaped or funnel-like elevations, which can simultaneously act as cleaning or massage elements 16, in particular for the palate and tongue.
- the existing of the hard component 30 front 18 can thus be bristled conventionally above the hollow portion 22.
- a combination of this embodiment with a previously shown flexible membrane on the front of the brush head is also conceivable.
- Fig. 29 shows a toothbrush, wherein the hollow portion 22 is formed by a cage-like, adapted to a spherical or ellipsoidal shape of the active substance element thickening in the neck region 52.
- This has a plurality of outlet openings 36, through which the hollow portion 22 is visible.
- the boundary of the hollow region may be formed of hard and / or soft component, resulting in the latter case, a damping zone in the neck region 52.
- Fig. 30-33 show schematically different production methods for brushes according to the invention.
- the toothbrush is made of two parts consisting of hard and / or soft component 30 by injection molding, on the one hand, the bristle-side upper half of the brush head and the the rear cover 54 is formed in the upper half.
- a recess for the active substance element 24 is formed, which is later closed with the cover 54 to form the hollow region 22.
- At the upper half of the outlet openings 36 and optionally cleaning elements 16 are formed of soft component 32. Conventional bristles are anchored laterally from the cleaning elements 16 by conventional or in-mold tufting.
- On the cover 54 further outlet openings 36 are formed in the hard component 30.
- the lid 54 may include a membrane of soft component, in which the outlet openings are formed in knob-like elevations. Lid 54 and remaining brush head are then connected to the inclusion of a flat active substance element 24 releasably (snapping, sliding, locking, etc.) or non-detachable (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.).
- the toothbrush is also made of two parts of a hard and / or soft component by injection molding.
- the brush head back half of the brush head has a plate-shaped recess which forms a cavity 22 in the assembled state with a support plate 56.
- the support plate is made including openings which are closed in a further injection molding step with soft component 32 to form a membrane 26 and possibly soft elastic cleaning elements 16 of soft component.
- the conventional bristles 14 are then anchored in the support plate 56.
- the support plate 56 can also be bristled in the Anchor Free Tufting process, which has the advantage that the support plate can be made thinner.
- the carrier plate is then solvable (Snapping, pushing, locking, etc.) or non-detachable (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.) connected to the remaining toothbrush, wherein an active substance element 24 is enclosed in the cavity 22.
- Fig. 32 shows a combination of the examples FIGS. 30 and 31 with a three-part (annular body, support plate 56 and back cover 54) existing brush head.
- Fig. 33 shows another example in which the active substance is used in the manufacture of the toothbrush in the hard component 30 and over-injected with the soft component 32.
- a cavity 22 is formed with a flexible wall in the form of a thin membrane 26 of soft component 32.
- openings 36 for the entry and exit of water or water-soluble active substance are present.
- the flexibility of the wall of the hollow portion 22 results from the choice of a wall material having a certain elasticity, particularly by having at least one membrane of soft material 32, and / or by the overall bending elasticity of the hard and / or soft material Brush. As long as the sufficient contact with water or the sufficient dissolution of the active substance is ensured, it is sufficient if the pumping / suction effect or volume change of the hollow region is only slightly or not at all due to the plastering pressure.
- FIGS. 34 and 35 show a self-explanatory package 58 for a toothbrush with active substance, in addition to a matched to the brush shape recess 60 a detachable area, each with an active substance element 24 is present. The user therefore immediately recognizes which product it is.
- Fig. 36 shows a domestic brush with also a head, neck and handle portion 10, 52, 62.
- a hollow portion 22 which is reclosable on the cleaning structure 12 side facing away by a flap 64 and can take an active substance element 24.
- the flap 64 In the flap 64 are the outlet openings for the dissolved active substance.
- a solid soap is preferably used as the active substance element. All previously shown design variants can be adopted analogously for the dishwashing brush. The dimensions given are to be adjusted in proportion to the dimensions of the cleaning brush head.
- a brush with a flexible membrane in the head part which carries cleaning and / or massaging elements, even without an underlying hollow area advantages, especially because of the flexible suspension of the cleaning and / or massaging elements.
- All shown Examples can be modified accordingly, for example by no hollow area or a hollow area not communicating with the outside world being provided.
- the in Fig. 24-27 shown examples in which the flexible zone 29 maintained, but with respect to the uptake and release of active substance has no function.
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Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste, insbesondere Zahnbürste, und ein Verfahren zu deren Herstellung nach Anspruch 1..The invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, and a method for the production thereof according to claim 1.
Es sind Einweg-Zahnbürsten bekannt, die in verschiedener Art und Weise bereits Zahnpasta enthalten. Bei der
Es sind ausserdem Zahnbürsten bekannt, bei denen sich eine vorbestimmte Menge Zahnpasta in einem Hohlbereich im Kopfbereich befindet und vor dem Putzen durch manuelle Deformation des Kopfbereichs ausgepresst wird. Bei der
Bei allen genannten Beispielen muss der Benutzer per Hand auf die Bürste einwirken, um überhaupt Zahnpasta freizusetzen. Da hierfür eine gewisse Kraft und für die gewünschte Dosierung auch eine gewisse Geschicklichkeit erforderlich ist, sind die bekannten Zahnbürsten nicht für jedermann gut zu handhaben.In all the above examples, the user has to act by hand on the brush to release toothpaste at all. Since this requires a certain amount of power and a certain amount of skill for the desired dosage, the known toothbrushes are not easy for anyone to handle.
Bei der
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Bürste, insbesondere eine Zahnbürste, mit einer Wirksubstanz zur Verfügung zu stellen, die sich für den Mehrfachgebrauch und/oder das Nachfüllen der Wirksubstanz eignet und eine einfache Handhabung und einfache Dosierung der Wirksubstanz ermöglicht. Des weiteren soll ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer solchen Bürste angegeben werden.The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a brush, in particular a toothbrush, with an active substance available for the Multiple use and / or refilling the active substance is suitable and allows easy handling and simple dosage of the active substance. Furthermore, a method for producing such a brush is to be specified.
Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen von Anspruch 1. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen, der Beschreibung und den Zeichnungen.The object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.
Bei einer Bürste, insbesondere einer Zahnbürste, mit einem im Kopf- oder Halsteil angeordneten Hohlbereich mit wenigstens einer Austrittsöffnung für eine Wirksubstanz ist der Hohlbereich erfindungsgemäss an die Form eines Wirksubstanz-Elements mit einer definierten äusseren Form angepasst. Das Volumen des Hohlbereichs ist grösser als das Volumen des Wirksubstanz-Elements, insbesondere um das 1-2fache, maximal um das 4fache grösser. Hierdurch wird gewährleistet, dass das Wirksubstanz während des Einsatzes gut von Wasser umspült wird. Die Abgabe der Wirksubstanz geschieht rein passiv durch das Umspülen, manuelle Beeinflussung der Bürste ist nicht nötig. Die Dosierung ist durch geeignete Wahl der Löslichkeit des Wirksubstanz-Elements und der Grösse der Austrittsöffnungen anpassbar und vorgebbar und somit ebenfalls nicht von der Geschicklichkeit des Benutzers abhängig.In the case of a brush, in particular a toothbrush, with a hollow region arranged in the head or neck part with at least one outlet opening for an active substance, the hollow region is adapted according to the invention to the shape of an active substance element having a defined outer shape. The volume of the hollow region is greater than the volume of the active substance element, in particular by 1-2 times, at most 4 times greater. This ensures that the active substance is well bathed in water during use. The release of the active substance happens purely passively by flushing, manual influence of the brush is not necessary. The dosage can be adjusted and predefined by a suitable choice of the solubility of the active substance element and the size of the outlet openings and thus likewise not dependent on the skill of the user.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung ist die Bürste zumindest im Bereich des Hohlbereichs derart flexibel, dass sich der Hohlbereich beim bestimmungsgemässen Gebrauch, d.h. beim Putzen, derart verformt, dass Wasser in den Hohlbereich eingesogen sowie wieder herausgedrückt wird. Im Unterschied zum Stand der Technik, bei dem eine pastöse Masse vor dem Putzen durch manuellen Druck hinausgedrückt wird, wird bei der Erfindung eine durch die Flexibilität des Hohlbereichs ermöglichte Pump-/Sogwirkung in Bezug auf das Lösungsmittel Wasser ausgenutzt. Hierdurch kann das Eintreten von Wasser in den Hohlbereich und das Ausspülen der Wirksubstanz verstärkt werden, ohne dass der Benutzer zuvor die Bürste manipulieren muss. Der Hohlbereich ist dazu vorzugsweise derart an die Form des Wirksubstanz-Elements angepasst, dass dieses wenigstens teilweise von der Innenwandung beabstandet ist und so im Gebrauch von Wasser umspült wird.In an advantageous development, the brush is so flexible, at least in the area of the hollow area, that the hollow area deforms during intended use, ie during cleaning, in such a way that water is sucked into the hollow area and pushed out again becomes. In contrast to the prior art, in which a pasty mass is forced out by manual pressure before brushing, the invention exploits a pumping / suction effect made possible by the flexibility of the hollow region with respect to the solvent water. As a result, the entry of water into the hollow area and the rinsing out of the active substance can be intensified without the user having to manipulate the brush beforehand. The hollow region is for this purpose preferably adapted to the shape of the active substance element, that this is at least partially spaced from the inner wall and is thus washed in use of water.
Zusätzlich zum flexiblen Hohlbereich kann auch der ganze Bürstenkopf flexible, bewegliche Teilbereiche, z.B. ein flexibles Bürstenkopfvorderteil, aufweisen. Durch das flexible Auslenken dieses Teilbereiches wird ebenfalls das Volumen des Hohlbereiches beeinflusst und es entsteht wiederum die oben beschriebene Pump- /Sogwirkung. Vorzugsweise wird die Flexibilität des Bürstenkopfes an der Stelle gebildet, an der der Hohlbereich den grössten Anteil des Querschnittes des Bürstenkopfes einnimmt. Das hat den Vorteil, dass nur noch ein geringer Anteil des Kopfquerschnittes flexibel gestaltet werden muss. Dies kann mittels gezielter Materialschwächung, z.B. Filmscharnier, seitlicher Tunnel etc., in der Hartkomponente geschehen oder mittels Kombination der Hart- und Weichkomponente. Es ist auch möglich, die flexible Zone komplett aus Weichmaterial zu bilden.In addition to the flexible hollow region, the entire brush head may also have flexible, movable portions, e.g. a flexible brush head front. Due to the flexible deflection of this partial area, the volume of the hollow area is likewise influenced and in turn the pumping / suction effect described above arises. Preferably, the flexibility of the brush head is formed at the point at which the hollow region occupies the largest proportion of the cross section of the brush head. This has the advantage that only a small proportion of the head cross-section must be made flexible. This can be achieved by means of targeted material weakening, e.g. Film hinge, side tunnel, etc., done in the hard component or by combining the hard and soft component. It is also possible to completely form the flexible zone from soft material.
Das Wirksubstanz-Element ist vorzugsweise ein Festkörper oder eine hochviskose, formstabile Paste, kann aber auch eine eingekapselte flüssige, pastöse oder körnige Substanz sein, deren Umhüllung wasserlöslich ist. Durch geeignete Wahl der Löslichkeit bzw. Zersetzbarkeit des Wirksubstanz-Elements bzw. seiner Umhüllung gelingt eine wohldefinierte Dosierung bis hin zu einer gleichmässigen Freigabe von Wirksubstanz während eines Putzvorgangs. Im Falle eines Festkörpers bzw. einer hochviskosen Paste ist ein Mehrfachgebrauch desselben Wirksubstanz-Elements möglich, wenn dieses so dimensioniert bzw. seine Löslichkeit bzw. Zersetzbarkeit so gewählt ist, dass es mehrere typische Putzvorgänge überdauert. Die Wirksubstanzen werden je nach Substanz vor, während oder nach dem Putzvorgang abgegeben. Die Gefahr des Eintrocknens bzw. Verstopfens von Öffnungen besteht in diesem Fall nicht, da etwaige Rückstände nach dem Einsatz ohne weiteres abgespült werden können.The active substance element is preferably a solid or a highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste, but may also be an encapsulated liquid, pasty or granular substance, the envelope of which is water-soluble. By suitable Choice of the solubility or decomposability of the active substance element or its coating manages a well-defined dosage up to a uniform release of active substance during a cleaning process. In the case of a solid or a highly viscous paste, a multiple use of the same active substance element is possible if it is so dimensioned or its solubility or decomposability is chosen so that it survives several typical cleaning operations. Depending on the substance, the active substances are released before, during or after the cleaning process. The risk of drying or clogging of openings does not exist in this case, since any residues can be rinsed off easily after use.
In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann das Wirksubstanz-Element durch eine wiederverschliessbare Eintrittsöffnung nachgefüllt werden. Damit kann der Schritt von der einfach gestalteten Einweg-Bürste hin zum hochwertigen Reinigungsprodukt vollzogen werden.In an advantageous development of the invention, the active substance element can be refilled by a resealable inlet opening. Thus the step from the simply designed disposable brush to the high-quality cleaning product can be accomplished.
Die Wirksubstanzen erfüllen beispielsweise folgende Aufgaben:
- (a) antibakterielle Wirkung innerhalb des Bürstenkopfes
- (b) Anzeigen des Reinigungserfolges
- (c) Einbringen von Reinigungssubstanzen, welche in konventionellen Reinigungsmitteln nicht enthalten sind
- (d) Einbringen von Reinigungsmitteln, welche im Zusammenspiel mit konventionellen Reinigungsmitteln als Zweikomponentensystem wirken
- (e) Zahnbleichung (,Bleaching')
- (a) Antibacterial action within the brush head
- (b) displaying the cleaning success
- (c) introduction of cleaning substances, which are not included in conventional detergents
- (D) introduction of cleaning agents, which act in conjunction with conventional cleaning agents as a two-component system
- (e) tooth bleaching ('whitening')
Die Bürste besteht aus einem Kopfteil mit einer Reinigungsstruktur, in der Regel Borsten, einem Halsteil und einem Griffteil. Alle Teilelemente können aus mindestens einer Hart- und einer oder mehrer Weichkomponenten bestehen. Als Hartkomponenten werden z.B. Styrolacrylnitril (SAN), Polyester (PET), Polyethylen (PE) Polymethylmethacrylat (PMMA), Acrylbuthadienstyrol (ABS) etc., vorzugsweise Polypropylen (PP) eingesetzt. Als Weichkomponente wird ein gummielastischer Werkstoff wie Polyurethan (PUR), vorzugsweise ein thermoplastisches Elastomer (TPE oder TPU) eingesetzt. Im Bürstenkopf werden Härten von unter 70 Shore A,vorzugsweise unter 40 Shore A verwendet. Das Borstenfeld wird vorzugsweise mindestens teilweise mit konventionellen Borsten z.B. aus Polyamid (PA) oder Polyester (PBT) und optional mit gummielastischen Reinigungs- oder Massageelementen gebildet. Die konventionellen Borsten haben beispielsweise eine zylindrische Geometrie mit einem Durchmesser von weniger als 0,25 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 0,1 mm - 0,2 mm und sind zu Bündeln zusammengefasst. Die gummielastischen Massage- oder Reinigungselemente haben üblicherweise grössere Durchmesser mit kleinsten Dimensionen im Querschnitt von 0,5 bis 5 mm, vorzugsweise 0,5 bis 2 mm.The brush consists of a head part with a cleaning structure, usually bristles, a neck part and a handle part. All sub-elements can be off consist of at least one hard and one or more soft components. As hard components, for example, styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Acrylbuthadienstyrol (ABS), etc., preferably polypropylene (PP) are used. The soft component used is a rubber-elastic material such as polyurethane (PUR), preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPU). Hardenings of less than 70 Shore A, preferably less than 40 Shore A, are used in the brush head. The bristle field is preferably formed at least partially with conventional bristles such as polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT) and optionally with rubber-elastic cleaning or massage elements. The conventional bristles have, for example, a cylindrical geometry with a diameter of less than 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm - 0.2 mm and are combined into bundles. The rubber-elastic massage or cleaning elements usually have larger diameter with the smallest dimensions in the cross section of 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm.
Vorzugsweise sind in unmittelbarer Nähe der Austrittsöffnungen Reinigungselemente, insbesondere Borsten und/oder weichelastische Elemente, angeordnet, deren mechanische Eigenschaften, z.B. Abmessungen, Flexibilität, Material, an die mit der einzuführenden Wirksubstanz zu erzielende Wirkung angepasst sind. Beispiele bei Zahnbürsten sind:
- (a) abrasive Wirksubstanzen mit kürzeren Borsten zur Flächenreinigung (,Whitening' Effekt),
- (b) antibakterielle Wirksubstanzen für Tiefenreinigung mit längeren Interdentalborsten,
- (c) hautpflegende Wirksubstanzen im Bereich von gummielastischen Massage- oder Reinigungselementen zur Belebung von Zahnfleisch, Mundhöhle oder Zunge
- (d) andere Kombinationen Wirksubstanzen und entsprechende Wirkborsten.
- (a) abrasive active substances with shorter bristles for surface cleaning ('whitening' effect),
- (b) antibacterial active substances for deep cleaning with longer interdental bristles,
- (c) skin-care active substances in the field of rubber-elastic massage or cleaning elements for Invigoration of the gums, oral cavity or tongue
- (d) other combinations of active substances and corresponding active bristles.
Der Hohlbereich bietet mindestens Platz für eine Einheit der Wirksubstanz, vorzugsweise bietet der Hohlbereich zusätzlichen Platz, damit die Wirksubstanz mit Wasser umspült werden kann und dadurch ihre Wirkung mittels teilweisem oder vollständigem Auflösen entfalten kann. Um eine genügende Wasserzirkulation im Hohlbereich zu ermöglichen, wird vorgesehen, das Volumen des Hohlbereiches maximal viermal, vorzugsweise ein- bis zweimal grösser als die Grösse (das Volumen in Originalgrösse) der Wirksubstanz zu gestalten. Bei Zahnbürsten hat der Hohlbereich ein Volumen von 5 bis 1500 mm3 vorzugsweise 100 bis 500 mm3.The hollow area offers at least space for one unit of the active substance, preferably the hollow area offers additional space so that the active substance can be lapped with water and thereby unfold its effect by means of partial or complete dissolution. In order to enable a sufficient circulation of water in the hollow region, it is provided that the volume of the hollow region is maximally four times, preferably one to two times larger than the size (the volume in original size) of the active substance. In toothbrushes, the hollow region has a volume of 5 to 1500 mm 3, preferably 100 to 500 mm 3 .
Die Wirksubstanz kann im Hohlbereich seitlich oder vertikal geklemmt werden. Um ein möglichst vollständiges Umspülen mittels Wasser zu gewährleisten, werden dazu vorzugsweise Vorsprünge oder andere Geometrieelemente in der Weich- oder/und Hartkomponente im Hohlbereich eingesetzt. Dadurch wird gewährleistet, dass die Wirksubstanz während dem Putzvorgang nicht innerhalb des Hohlbereiches hin- und her geschlagen werden kann und allenfalls vorzeitig auseinanderbrechen kann.The active substance can be clamped laterally or vertically in the hollow area. In order to ensure as complete as possible rinsing by means of water, projections or other geometric elements in the soft or / and hard component in the hollow area are preferably used for this purpose. This ensures that the active substance during the cleaning process can not be beaten back and forth within the hollow area and at most prematurely break apart.
Der Hohlbereich ist vorzugsweise generell so gestaltet, dass die Wirksubstanz trotz kontinuierlichem Abbau im Hohlbereich stabil positioniert ist. Vorzugsweise wird dazu der Hohlbereich mit einem vorzugsweise aus Weichmaterial hergestellten flexiblen Element versehen, das eine Art Federwirkung auf das Wirksubstanz-Element ausübt, indem z.B. eine Aussenwand des Hohlbereichs durch Einsetzen des Wirksubstanz-Elements nach aussen gewölbt wird. Das Wirksubstanz-Element in Originalgrösse wird mit einem gewissen Vorspann im Hohlbereich fixiert. Die innere Form des Hohlbereiches folgt mit Ausnahme der oben erwähnten Vorsprünge im wesentlichen der geometrischen Form des Wirksubstanz-Elements, vorzugsweise mit einer vordefinierten Distanz. Vorzugsweise entsteht damit eine im wesentlichen kugelförmige oder ellipsoidförmige Geometrie des Hohlbereiches, die an kugel- oder ellipsoidförmige Wirksubstanz-Elemente angepasst ist. Als alternative Ausgestaltungsvariante kann der Hohlbereich als Schlitz ausgestaltet werden in den eine platten- oder folienförmige Wirksubstanz eingeführt werden kann. In einer weiteren Ausgestaltungsvariante kann die Wirksubstanz in einer stab- oder zylinderförmigen Geometrie in einen entsprechend geformten Hohlbereich eingeführt werden.The hollow region is preferably generally designed so that the active substance is stably positioned despite continuous degradation in the hollow region. For this purpose, the hollow region is preferably provided with a flexible element, preferably made of soft material, which exerts a kind of spring action on the active substance element, for example by passing through an outer wall of the hollow region Insertion of the active substance element is arched outwards. The active substance element in original size is fixed with a certain bias in the hollow area. The inner shape of the hollow portion follows, with the exception of the above-mentioned projections substantially the geometric shape of the active substance element, preferably with a predefined distance. Preferably, this results in a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal geometry of the hollow region, which is adapted to spherical or ellipsoidal active substance elements. As an alternative embodiment, the hollow region can be designed as a slot into which a plate-shaped or foil-shaped active substance can be introduced. In a further embodiment variant, the active substance can be introduced in a rod-shaped or cylindrical geometry into a correspondingly shaped hollow region.
Der Hohlbereich liegt in der Aufsicht auf die Reinigungsstruktur vorzugsweise innerhalb des Borstenfeldes, sofern konventionelle Borsten vorhanden sind. Damit wird ermöglicht, dass der Hohlbereich mit einer dünnen Wand hergestellt, jedoch um den Hohlbereich herum noch genügend konventionelle Borsten mit einer gewissen technisch bedingten Verankerungstiefe verankert werden können. Direkt über dem Hohlbereich werden vorzugsweise Reinigungselemente aus Weichkomponente gebildet, die zur Verankerung weniger Kopfvolumen bzw. Verankerungstiefe als konventionelle Borsten benötigen. Ausserdem benötigen konventionelle Borsten zu einer sicheren Verankerung die Hartkomponente. Da der Hohlbereich auf der borstentragenden Seite des Bürstenkopfes vorzugsweise durch eine Membrane aus Weichmaterial begrenzt ist, ist es technisch sehr schwierig, konventionelle Borsten in diesem Bereich zu verankern.The hollow area lies in the plan view of the cleaning structure, preferably within the bristle field, if conventional bristles are present. This makes it possible for the hollow region to be produced with a thin wall, but still enough conventional bristles can be anchored around the hollow region with a certain anchoring depth that is technically determined. Cleaning elements made of soft component, which require less head volume or anchoring depth than conventional bristles for anchoring, are preferably formed directly above the hollow area. In addition, conventional bristles require the hard component for secure anchoring. Since the hollow region on the bristle-carrying side of the brush head is preferably delimited by a membrane of soft material, it is technically very difficult to anchor conventional bristles in this area.
Der Hohlbereich wird durch eine Wand aus Hart- und/oder Weichkomponente begrenzt, vorzugsweise aber mindestens bereichsweise durch Weichkomponente, da so die oben erwähnte Flexibilität auf einfache Weise erreichbar ist.The hollow region is bounded by a wall of hard and / or soft component, but preferably at least in regions by soft component, since in this way the abovementioned flexibility can be achieved in a simple manner.
Vorteile bezüglich der Borstenverankerung hat es, wenn der Hohlbereich in einem an den Bürstenkopf angrenzenden Bereich, z.B. im Bürstenhals oder im Übergang zwischen Bürstenhals und Bürstenkopf, positioniert ist, der mit Wasser in Berührung kommt. Diese Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass innerhalb des Bürstenkopfes bezüglich Verankerung der Borsten nicht auf den Hohlbereich Rücksicht genommen werden muss. Dass die Wirksubstanz nicht da austritt, wo sie im allgemeinen die beste Wirkung entfaltet, also im Kopfbereich, wird in Kauf genommen.Bristle anchoring advantages are found when the hollow area is in a region adjacent to the brush head, e.g. in the brush neck or in the transition between the brush neck and the brush head, which comes into contact with water. This refinement has the advantage that consideration must not be given to the hollow region within the brush head with respect to the anchoring of the bristles. The fact that the active substance does not escape where it generally has the best effect, ie in the head area, is accepted.
Der Hohlbereich verfügt vorzugsweise über zwei Arten von Öffnungen, und zwar wenigstens eine Austrittsöffnung zum Eintreten von Wasser, zum Austreten der in Wasser gelösten Wirksubstanz und zum Ausspülen des Hohlbereiches nach dem Gebrauch unter dem Wasserhahn. Bei Varianten mit Nachfülloption ist zusätzlich wenigstens eine Einführungsöffnung zur Einführung der Wirksubstanz durch den Benutzer vorhanden. Die Einführungsöffnung ist in geöffnetem Zustand grösser als eine Austrittsöffnungen. Die Einführungsöffnung befindet sich vorzugsweise auf der Bürstenkopfrückseite und die Austrittsöffnungen auf der Bürstenkopfvorderseite. Alternative Ausgestaltungsvarianten zeigen die Einführungsöffnungen auf der Bürstenkopfseite. Die Austrittsöffnungen können alternativ/zusätzlich auf der Seite und/oder Rückseite des Bürstenkopfes angelegt sein.The hollow region preferably has two types of openings, namely at least one outlet opening for the entry of water, for the release of the active substance dissolved in water and for the rinsing out of the hollow area after use under the tap. In variants with refill option, at least one insertion opening for introduction of the active substance by the user is additionally present. The introduction opening is larger in the open state than an outlet openings. The insertion opening is preferably located on the brush head back and the outlet openings on the brush head front. Alternative design variants show the insertion openings on the brush head side. The outlet openings may alternatively / additionally on the side and / or back of the Brush head created.
Die Einführungsöffnung ist vorzugsweise wiederverschliessbar. Sie kann aber auch als Austrittsöffnung dienen und muss den Hohlbereich nicht komplett dichtend abschliessen. Die Einführungsöffnung kann mittels entfernbarem oder in den Kopf integriertem Deckel oder Verschluss gebildet werden, z.B. mittels eines direkt am Kopf angespritzten Filmscharniers. Besonders bevorzugt dient eine Membrane aus Weichmaterial mit einer entsprechenden Öffnung, z.B. mit einem oder mehreren gekreuzten Schlitzen, welche der Grösse des Wirksubstanz-Elements entspricht, als wiederverschliessbares Element. Die Membrane kann gleichzeitig eine flexible Wand des Hohlbereichs darstellen und/oder als Träger von Reinigungs-/Massageelementen dienen. Alternativ zu Schlitzen können andere Geometrieelemente vorgesehen werden, welche das Einführen des Wirksubstanz-Elements erlauben und dessen Austreten möglichst verhindern, z.B. ein dehnbares Loch in der Membrane, das kleiner als das Wirksubstanz-Element ist.The insertion opening is preferably reclosable. But it can also serve as an outlet opening and does not complete the hollow area completely sealed. The insertion opening may be formed by means of a removable or head-integrated lid or closure, e.g. by means of a molded directly on the head film hinge. More preferably, a membrane of soft material with a corresponding opening, e.g. with one or more crossed slots, which corresponds to the size of the active substance element, as a resealable element. The membrane can simultaneously represent a flexible wall of the hollow area and / or serve as a carrier of cleaning / massage elements. As an alternative to slots, other geometric elements may be provided which allow the introduction of the active substance element and prevent its escape as far as possible, e.g. an expandable hole in the membrane that is smaller than the active substance element.
Im Falle einer Membrane hat diese eine Dicke von weniger als 3 mm, vorzugsweise eine Dicke von 0.7 - 1.5 mm. Es werden bevorzugt 2 bis 6 Schlitze als Einführungsöffnung verwendet. Die Länge der Schlitze beträgt für Zahnbürsten 3 - 15 mm vorzugsweise rund 6 - 10 mm.In the case of a membrane, this has a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably a thickness of 0.7 - 1.5 mm. 2 to 6 slots are preferably used as the introduction opening. The length of the slots for toothbrushes is 3 - 15 mm, preferably around 6 - 10 mm.
Die Einführungsöffnung kann über eine Sicherungsvorrichtung verfügen, welche das Herausfallen der Wirksubstanz während dem Einsatz verhindert oder zumindest erschwert. Beispielsweise wird die Membrane mit Schlitzen oder einem Trichter derart geformt, dass das Einführen der Wirksubstanz mit wenig Druck erfolgt (z.B. 10 bis 300 g), das Herausfallen aber mittels einer z.B. trichterförmigen Geometrie im Öffnungsbereich mehr Druck benötigt. Weniger bevorzugt, aber ebenfalls möglich, sind zusätzliche Verschluss- oder Sicherungselemente.The introduction opening may have a securing device which prevents or at least impedes the falling out of the active substance during use. For example, the membrane is formed with slits or a funnel such that the introduction of the active substance takes place with little pressure (for example 10 to 300 g), but falling out by means of eg a funnel-shaped geometry in the opening area requires more pressure. Less preferred but also possible are additional locking or securing elements.
Die Einführungsöffnung kann beim ersten Einsatz noch verschlossen sein (Erstöffnungssicherung oder Siegel). Beim ersten Einführen der Wirksubstanz kann die Erstöffnungssicherung durch den Benutzer durchbrochen werden, z.B. mittels Durchtrennen dünner Restverbindungen innerhalb der vorgefertigten Schlitze.The insertion opening may still be closed during the first use (first opening safeguard or seal). The first time the active substance is introduced, the first opening safety device can be broken by the user, e.g. by cutting thin residual connections within the prefabricated slots.
Die Austrittsöffnungen erlauben einen kontinuierlichen, aber begrenzten Austritt der in Wasser gelösten Wirksubstanz. Die Anzahl Öffnungen und deren Grösse (totale Oberfläche der Austrittsöffnung) und die Wasserlöslichkeit der Wirksubstanz bestimmen den tatsächlichen Austritt der in Wasser gelösten Wirksubstanz. Da die Wasserlöslichkeit der Wirksubstanz eher eine resultierende Grösse darstellt, werden die Austrittsöffnungen (Anzahl und Grösse) der Wasserlöslichkeit der Wirksubstanz angepasst, um die Reichweite der Wirksubstanz während dem Gebrauch zu bestimmen. Damit kann das Auflösen des Wirksubstanz-Elements auch als Zeitindikator für die bisher erfolgte (Gesamt-)Putzdauer dienen.The outlet openings allow a continuous, but limited exit of the active substance dissolved in water. The number of openings and their size (total surface of the outlet opening) and the water solubility of the active substance determine the actual exit of the active substance dissolved in water. Since the water solubility of the active substance is rather a resulting size, the outlet openings (number and size) of the water solubility of the active substance are adjusted in order to determine the range of the active substance during use. Thus, the dissolution of the active substance element can also serve as a time indicator for the (total) cleaning time that has been carried out so far.
Eine einzelne Austrittsöffnung unterschreitet vorzugsweise eine minimale Fläche von 0.5 mm2 nicht. Denn kleinere Öffnungen können leicht verschmutzen und damit den Flüssigkeitsaustausch beeinträchtigen. Ausserdem ist es von Vorteil, wenn der Benutzer die Grösse des im Hohlbereich noch bestehenden Wirksubstanz-Elements durch die Austrittsöffnungen begutachten und allenfalls entscheiden kann, ob die Wirksubstanz nachgefüllt werden sollte. Aus diesen Gründen werden vorzugsweise für die Austrittsöffnungen Flächen von 0.5 - 100 mm2eingesetzt, vorzugsweise 1 - 20 mm2. Damit wird eine genaue Dosierung gewährleistet und verhindert, dass die Wirksubstanz oder Fragmente des Wirksubstanz-Elements unkontrolliert den Hohlbereich verlassen können.A single outlet opening preferably does not fall below a minimum area of 0.5 mm 2 . Because smaller openings can easily pollute and thus affect the fluid exchange. Moreover, it is advantageous if the user examines the size of the hollow substance still existing active substance element through the outlet openings and possibly decide whether the active substance should be topped up. For these reasons, surfaces of 0.5 to 100 mm 2 are preferably used for the outlet openings, preferably 1 to 20 mm 2 . This ensures accurate dosing and prevents the active substance or fragments of the active substance element from being able to leave the hollow region in an uncontrolled manner.
Die einzelnen Austrittsöffnungen auf einem Bürstenkopf können unterschiedliche Grössen (Flächen) aufweisen, um Austrittsmenge und Austrittsort zu gewichten. Vorzugsweise werden an vorgesehenen Stellen am Bürstenkopf einzelne Gruppen von Austrittsöffnungen angebracht. Damit kann der Austritt der Wirksubstanzen an verschiedenen Stellen des Borstenfeldes bezüglich Menge und Ort gesteuert werden. Vorzugsweise entsteht, wie oben erwähnt, ein Zusammenspiel zwischen Wirksubstanz und speziell in Kombination vorgesehnen Wirkborsten entstehen. Vorzugsweise werden eine bis 5 Gruppen (Cluster) von Austrittsöffnungen gebildet. Diese Gruppen von Austrittsöffnungen können auch asymmetrisch auf dem Bürstenkopf positioniert sein. Die verschiedenen Gruppen von Austrittsöffnungen werden vorzugsweise in einem Arbeitsgang aus demselben Material gefertigt. Insbesondere wenn die Austrittsöffnungen im gummielastischen Material eingelassen sind, wird dieses ab einem Anspritzpunkte für alle Gruppen bedient, d.h. materialseitig sind diese Gruppen miteinander verbunden.Die Austrittsöffnungen können so gestaltet sein, dass sie über geometrische Elemente verfügen, welche die Oberfläche in der Nähe der Austrittsöffnung erhöhen, um die Wirksubstanz möglichst im Bereich des Bürstenkopfes zu halten. Beispielsweise kann eine im wesentlichen trichterförmige oder zumindest sich gegen aussen öffnende Geometrie eingesetzt werden. Damit wird zusätzlich eine einfache Reinigung des Hohlbereiches nach dem Gebrauch unter dem Wasserhahn begünstigt. Zusätzliche Reinigungs- und Massageelemente im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen haben den gleichen Vorteil. Aus dem gleichen Grund aber als alternatives Ausgestaltungselement können im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen schwammartige und/oder löchrige, weiche Elemente platziert werden, welche ebenfalls zur besseren Retention der Wirksubstanz beitragen.The individual outlet openings on a brush head can have different sizes (areas) in order to weight outlet quantity and outlet location. Preferably, individual groups of outlet openings are provided at designated locations on the brush head. Thus, the exit of the active substances at different points of the bristle field with respect to quantity and location can be controlled. Preferably, as mentioned above, an interaction between the active substance and especially in combination anticipated active bristles arise. Preferably, one to five groups (clusters) are formed by outlet openings. These groups of outlet openings may also be positioned asymmetrically on the brush head. The different groups of outlet openings are preferably manufactured in one operation from the same material. In particular, when the outlet openings are embedded in the rubber-elastic material, this is served from an injection point for all groups, ie the material side, these groups are interconnected. The outlet openings can be designed so that they have geometric elements which the surface in the vicinity of the outlet opening Increase to keep the active substance as possible in the brush head. For example, a substantially funnel-shaped or at least outwardly opening geometry can be used. This will additionally one easy cleaning of the hollow area after use under the faucet favors. Additional cleaning and massage elements in the area of the outlet openings have the same advantage. For the same reason but as an alternative design element, sponge-like and / or holey, soft elements can be placed in the region of the outlet openings, which also contribute to the better retention of the active substance.
Die Austrittsöffnungen können im Hartmaterial und/oder im Weichmaterial des Bürstenkopfes ausgebildet werden. Sie werden jedoch vorzugsweise in die oben näher beschriebene Membrane aus Weichmaterial integriert. In diesem Fall hat diese bevorzugt eine Dicke von weniger als 3 mm vorzugsweise von 0.7 - 1.5 mm.The outlet openings can be formed in the hard material and / or in the soft material of the brush head. However, they are preferably integrated into the above-described membrane made of soft material. In this case, it preferably has a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably from 0.7 to 1.5 mm.
Der Hohlbereich wird wie oben beschrieben vorzugsweise durch Membrane(n) aus Weichmaterial begrenzt. Diese Membrane(n) sind flexibel, um sich beim Einsatz an die Umgebung (Zahnfleisch, Zähne, Mundhöhle, etc.) anzupassen und beim Putzvorgang mit dem Putzdruck auf die Membrane eine gewisse Pump- und Sogwirkung auf den Hohlbereich auszuüben. Diese Effekte können durch eine gewölbte Form der Membrane verstärkt werden. Zusammen mit den Austrittsöffnungen kann die Membran eine Art dehnbare Netzstruktur bilden.The hollow region is preferably bounded by membranes of soft material as described above. These membrane (s) are flexible to adapt to the environment (gums, teeth, oral cavity, etc.) during use and to exert a certain pumping and suction effect on the hollow area during the cleaning process with the plastering pressure on the membrane. These effects can be enhanced by a domed shape of the membrane. Together with the outlet openings, the membrane can form a kind of expandable network structure.
Vorzugsweise bildet bzw. bilden die Membran(en) mit den Öffnungen für den Benutzer erkennbar separate Geometrieelemente innerhalb des Bürstenkopfes, welche sich insbesondere auch farblich vom restlichen Bürstenkopf abheben. Der Benutzer kann folglich rasch erkennen, wo die Wirksubstanzen aus dem Bürstenkopf austreten. In verschiedenen Ausgestaltungsvarianten können folgende Geometrieelemente für die Membranen eingesetzt werden:
- (a) Die Membran(en) mit den Öffnungen sind vorzugsweise gewölbt/ ellipsoidförmig/ ballonförmig ausgeformt. Die Membrane mit den Austrittsöffnungen kann ein netzartige Struktur oder einfach nur einige Löcher aufweisen. Die gewölbten Membran(en) sind vorzugsweise auf der Bürstenkopfvorderseite und -rückseite platziert, können aber auch seitlich platziert werden.
- (b) Die Membrane mit den Öffnungen bilden eine Art flexible Ziehharmonika- oder Balgstruktur auf der Bürstenkopfseite oder -rückseite. Die Spitzen der Ziehharmonikastruktur dienen als Reinigungs- und Massageelemente.
- (c) Die Membrane mit den Öffnungen bilden eine Art Fischkiemenstruktur auf der Bürstenkopfseite. Die Austrittsöffnungen werden Mittels Schlitzen in dieser Struktur gebildet.
- (d) Die Membrane mit den Öffnungen bilden eine Art Warzen-/Noppenstruktur vorzugsweise auf der Bürstenkopfseite oder Bürstenkopfrückseite. Die Austrittsöffnungen werden innerhalb der Erhebungen trichterförmig ausgestaltet.
- (a) The membrane (s) with the openings are preferably curved / ellipsoidal / balloon-shaped. The membrane with the outlet openings may have a net-like structure or just a few holes. The domed membrane (s) are preferably placed on the brush head front and back, but can also be placed laterally.
- (b) The membranes with the openings form a kind of flexible concertina or bellows structure on the brush head side or rear side. The tips of the accordion structure serve as cleaning and massage elements.
- (c) The membranes with the openings form a kind of fish gill structure on the brush head side. The outlet openings are formed by means of slots in this structure.
- (d) The membranes with the openings form a kind of wart / nub structure, preferably on the brush head side or brush head back side. The outlet openings are funnel-shaped within the elevations.
An den flexiblen Membranen, welche den Hohlbereich begrenzen, werden des weiteren bevorzugt Reinigungs- und Massageelemente aus Weichmaterial angeformt. Dieser Teilaspekt der Erfindung, einen Teil des Bürstenkopfes mit einer flexiblen Membran und diese mit Reinigungs- und/oder Massageelemente aus Weichmaterial auszugestalten, kann vorteilhaft auch für Bürsten benutzt werden, welche keinen Hohlbereich für Wirksubstanzen aufweisen, sondern z.B. nur einen leeren oder gar keinen Hohlbereich. Vorzugsweise werden die Membran und die Reinigungs- und/oder Massageelemente in einem Arbeitsgang gefertigt, insbesondere im Spritzgussverfahren. Es gelingt die Herstellung einer Bürste mit einer besonders elastisch aufgehängten Reinigungs-/Massagestruktur. Soweit nicht spezifisch auf den Hohlbereich bezogen, gelten die folgenden bevorzugten Ausführungen auch für Bürsten ohne Hohlbereich, jedoch mit einer mit einer Reinigungs-/Massagestruktur versehenen Membran.Furthermore, cleaning and massage elements made of soft material are preferably formed on the flexible membranes which delimit the hollow region. This partial aspect of the invention, a part of the brush head with a flexible membrane and this design with cleaning and / or massage elements made of soft material can be advantageously used for brushes, which have no hollow area for active substances, but eg only an empty or no hollow area , Preferably, the membrane and the cleaning and / or massage elements are manufactured in one operation, in particular by injection molding. It succeeds the Production of a brush with a particularly elastic suspended cleaning / massage structure. Unless specifically related to the hollow area, the following preferred embodiments also apply to brushes without a hollow area, but with a membrane provided with a cleaning / massage structure.
Bei den erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürsten hat das Anformen von Reinigungs- und/oder Massageelementen aus Weichmaterial an einer flexiblen Membran folgende Vorteile:
- (a) Die Oberfläche im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen werden zusätzlich erhöht, damit werden die Wirksubstanzen möglichst lange am Bürstenkopf gehalten (Retention) und erlauben eine gleichmässige Abgabe während dem Putzvorgang.
- (b) Es ist herstellungstechnisch schwierig, konventionelle Borsten in eine dünne Membrane zu verankern. Die weichelastischen Elemente erhöhen die Reinigungswirkung und damit Effizienz des Bürstenkopfes auf der borstentragenden Seite des Bürstenkopfes.
- (c) Die Flexibilität der Membrane erhöht die Reinigungswirkung der darauf platzierten Reinigungselemente zusätzlich, da sich die flexibel gelagerten Reinigungs- und Massageelemente besser an die unregelmässige Oberfläche des Gebisses, der Mundhöhle, der Zunge oder des Zahnfleisches anpassen kann.
- (d) Der Hohlbereich, welcher mittels flexiblen Membranen begrenzt ist, lässt sich einfacher reinigen (z.B. mit den Fingern oder mit einem Wattestäbchen), da sich die Membrane zur Reinigung in eine entsprechende Position biegen lässt.
- (A) The surface in the region of the outlet openings are additionally increased, so that the active substances are kept as long as possible on the brush head (retention) and allow a uniform delivery during the cleaning process.
- (b) Manufacturing technology makes it difficult to anchor conventional bristles in a thin membrane. The soft-elastic elements increase the cleaning effect and thus efficiency of the brush head on the bristle-carrying side of the brush head.
- (c) The flexibility of the membrane further increases the cleaning effect of the cleaning elements placed thereon, since the flexibly mounted cleaning and massage elements can better adapt to the irregular surface of the dentition, the oral cavity, the tongue or the gums.
- (d) The hollow area, which is bounded by flexible membranes, is easier to clean (eg with your fingers or with a cotton swab), as the membrane can be bent into a suitable position for cleaning.
Die Reinigungs- oder Massageelemente im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen haben vorzugsweise eine borsten-, lappen-, lamellen- oder warzenförmige Geometrie. Diese Elemente sind bevorzugt konisch ausgeformt und werden vorzugsweise aus dem gleichen Material im gleichen Herstellungsschritt wie die Membrane aus der Membrane heraus geformt. Folgende Strukturen kommen z.B. in Frage:
- (a) eine borstenartige Struktur aus den Knotenpunkten einer netzartigen Membrane,
- (b) Massagelappen, -lamellen oder -noppen auf der Bürstenkopfseite oder Bürstenkopfrückseite zur Massage von Zahnfleische, Mundhöhle oder Zunge.
- (a) a bristle-like structure from the nodes of a reticular membrane,
- (b) Massage lobes, lamellae or nubs on the brush head side or brush head back for gum, oral cavity or tongue massage.
Herstellungstechnisch bevorzugt ist, wenn die Reinigungs-und/oder Massageelemente, welche sich im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen befinden, parallel zur Entformungsrichtung des Bürstenkopfes ausgerichtet sind. Fabrikationstechnisch aufwendiger, aber im Gebrauch wirkungsvoller sind Reinigungs- oder Massageelemente, welche in einem bestimmten Winkel, vorzugsweise im wesentlichen senkrecht, zur allenfalls gewölbten Membranoberfläche ausgerichtet sind.Manufacturing technology is preferred if the cleaning and / or massage elements, which are located in the region of the outlet openings, are aligned parallel to the Entformungsrichtung of the brush head. Fabrication technically complex, but effective in use are cleaning or massage elements, which are aligned at a certain angle, preferably substantially perpendicular to the possibly curved membrane surface.
Die Reinigungs- oder Massageelemente, welche sich im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen befinden, sind vorzugsweise weniger lang als die konventionellen Borsten in ihrer Umgebung, damit sich während dem Einsatz im Endbereich der Reinigungs- oder Massageelemente eine Art Reservoir für die in Wasser gelöste Wirksubstanz bilden kann.The cleaning or massage elements, which are located in the region of the outlet openings, are preferably less long than the conventional bristles in their environment, so that during use in the end of the cleaning or massage elements can form a kind of reservoir for the active substance dissolved in water.
Neben den Austrittsöffnungen der Membrane können auch die Reinigungs- und Massageelemente selbst Austrittsöffnungen aufweisen, was z.B. bei strohhalmförmigen Borsten, Lamellen und Warzen mit Löchern der Fall ist. Diese haben den Vorteil, dass sie die Wirksubstanz direkt an den Einsatzort bringen können. Mittels Kapillarwirkung kann die Wirksubstanz in diesem Fall einen relativ grossen Weg zurücklegen.In addition to the outlet openings of the membrane, the cleaning and massage elements can also have outlet openings, which is the case, for example, with straw-shaped bristles, lamellae and warts with holes. These have the advantage that they are the active substance directly to the Can bring the job site. By capillary action, the active substance can travel a relatively long way in this case.
In einer weiteren möglichen Ausgestaltungsvariante kann die Membrane selbst im submikroskopischen Bereich Wirkstoffe abgeben bzw. durchlassen, z.B. durch Mikroporosität, Semipermeabilität.In a further possible embodiment variant, the membrane can deliver or pass active substances even in the submicroscopic range, e.g. through microporosity, semipermeability.
Beim Wirksubstanz-Element handelt es sich vorzugsweise um einen Festkörper, welcher sich im Gebrauch im Wasser mindestens teilweise auflöst. Das Wirksubstanz-Element in Festkörperform wird in Form einer Tablette, Pille, einem stabförmigen Element, Platte oder Folie entsprechend dem Hohlbereich ausgeformt. Alternativ und weniger bevorzugt kann auch eine Paste oder knetbare Masse mit einer dynamischen Viskosität, die höher ist als die konventioneller im Handel erhältlicher Pasten (Zahnpasta), eingesetzt werden. Damit kann eine räumlich definierte Gestalt hergestellt werden und sich die Wirksubstanz möglichst lange im Hohlbereich aufhalten. Die Paste kann nach dem Einbringen in den Hohlbereich aushärten, um die Wirksubstanz in diversen Einsätzen abzugeben.The active substance element is preferably a solid which, in use, at least partially dissolves in the water. The active substance element in solid form is shaped in the form of a tablet, pill, a rod-shaped element, plate or foil corresponding to the hollow region. Alternatively, and less preferably, a paste or kneadable mass having a dynamic viscosity higher than conventional commercially available pastes (toothpaste) may also be employed. Thus, a spatially defined shape can be produced and the active substance stay as long as possible in the hollow area. The paste can harden after introduction into the hollow region in order to deliver the active substance in various applications.
Die Wirksubstanz lässt sich einfach durch den Benutzer portionieren. Der Festkörper ist bereits in der Verkaufsverpackung fertig vorportioniert. Die Paste lässt sich aufgrund des vorgegebenen Volumens des Hohlbereiches durch den Konsumenten einfach portionieren.The active substance can be easily portioned by the user. The solid is already pre-portioned in the sales packaging. The paste can be simply portioned by the consumer due to the given volume of the hollow area.
Die Wirksubstanzen können gemeinsam mit herkömmlichen Reinigungsmitteln oder unabhängig von diesen eingesetzt werden. Die Bürste ist generell auch ohne Wirksubstanzen mit konventionellen Reinigungsmitteln einsetzbar.The active substances can be used together with conventional cleaning agents or independently of these. The brush can generally also be used without active substances with conventional cleaning agents.
Die Wirksubstanz kann mehrere Phasen mit verschiedenen Wirkstoffen aufweisen, welche in einem zeitlichen Ablauf je nach Aufbau freigesetzt werden können. Dabei können folgende Alternativen zum Zug kommen:
- (a) Festkörper bestehend aus mehreren Schalen oder Schichten (Abbau einer Schale nach der anderen);
- (b) Festkörper mit flüssigem oder körnigem Kern, welcher nach dem Abbau der Schale freigesetzt wird.
- (a) solids consisting of several shells or layers (peel after shell);
- (b) solid with liquid or granular core, which is released after the shell is broken down.
Es lassen sich folgende Typen von Wirksubstanzen unterscheiden:
- (a) Zahnpasteähnliche Wirkung, welche eine herkömmliche Pasten erübrigt. Folgende Inhaltstoffe kommen in Frage: Sorbitol, Aromen, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Monofluorophophate, Kreatin, Zink Sulfate, Triclosan, Glycerin, Sodium Saccharin, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Alumina, Trisodium Phosphate, Sodium Fluoride, Betaine, Titanium Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate etc.
- (b) Antibakterielle Wirkung zur gelegentlichen Reinigung des Bürstenkopfes im Zahnglas vor oder nach dem Zähneputzen. Folgende Inhaltstoffe kommen in Frage: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Phosphric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Perborate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Stearate etc.
- (c) Anzeigen des Putzerfolges mittels Einfärben des Plaques auf der Zahnoberfläche mittels Einfärben der Plaquerückstände. Folgende Inhaltstoffe kommen in Frage: Glucose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Sterate, Aroma, Saccharin, Microcrystaline Cellulose etc.
- (d) Zusatzwirkstoffe ,welche in herkömmlichen Pasten nicht vorkommen, deren Wirkung ergänzen oder verstärken. Inhaltstoffe aus (a - c).
- (e) Inhaltsstoffe zur Zahnbleichung (,Bleaching') z.B. mit wasserstoffproxidhaltigen Inhaltstoffen.
- (f) Zweikomponentensystem aus Wirksubstanzen und speziell dazu entwickelter Zahnpaste. Beim Zusammentreffen entsteht eine chemische oder physikalische Reaktion. Diese Variante ist speziell für Wirksubstanzen vorgesehen, welche nicht in einer Paste integriert werden können, da sie unmittelbar miteinander reagieren würden.
- (a) Toothpaste-like effect, which does not require conventional pastes. Sorbitol, Flavors, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Monofluorophophate, Creatine, Zinc Sulfate, Triclosan, Glycerol, Sodium Saccharin, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Alumina, Trisodium Phosphate, Sodium Fluoride, Betaine, Titanium Dioxide , Cellulose gum, tetrasodium pyrophosphate etc.
- (b) Antibacterial action for occasionally cleaning the brush head in the tooth glass before or after brushing. Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Perborate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Stearate, etc.
- (c) displaying the Putzerfolges by coloring the plaque on the tooth surface by means of coloring the plaque residues. The following ingredients are considered: glucose, maltodextrin, magnesium sterate, flavor, saccharin, microcrystaline cellulose etc.
- (d) additional active ingredients, which do not occur in conventional pastes, complement or enhance their effect. Ingredients from (a - c).
- (e) ingredients for dental bleaching ('whitening'), for example with hydrogen-containing ingredients.
- (f) Two-component system of active substances and specially developed toothpaste. When they meet, a chemical or physical reaction occurs. This variant is specifically intended for active substances, which can not be integrated in a paste, since they would react directly with each other.
Grundsätzlich ist sowohl der Einmalgebrauch eines Wirksubstanz-Elements als auch der Mehrfachgebrauch möglich. Beim Einmalgebrauch verbraucht ein Einsatz der Bürste eine Portion der Wirksubstanz. Die Wirksubstanz kann vor jedem Einsatz erneut eingeführt werden oder auch nur gelegentlich zum Einsatz kommen. Beim Mehrfachgebrauch verbraucht ein Einsatz der Bürste nur einen Teil der Wirksubstanz. Der Benutzer erkennt, wenn die Wirksubstanz aufgebraucht ist, und kann diese anschliessend mittels einer neuen Portion der Wirksubstanz wieder auffüllen. Es versteht sich von selbst, dass die Konzentration bzw. Menge der Wirksubstanz beim vorgesehenen Einmalgebrauch viel niedriger eingestellt wird als beim Mehrfachgebrauch. Beim Einmalgebrauch entspricht die Konzentration ungefähr der Konzentration der Wirksubstanzen konventioneller Pasten. Bei einem allfälligen Mehrfachgebrauch wird die entsprechende Konzentration um ein Mehrfaches erhöht. Zusätzlich zur Konzentration wird die Reichweite/ Benutzungsdauer der Wirksubstanz auch über die Wasserlöslichkeit und Wasserumspülung/ Öffnungen beeinflusst.Basically, both the single use of an active substance element as well as the multiple use is possible. When used once, use of the brush consumes a portion of the active substance. The active substance can be reintroduced before each use or even occasionally used. In multiple use, use of the brush consumes only a part of the active substance. The user recognizes when the active substance is used up, and can then replenish it by means of a new portion of the active substance. It goes without saying that the concentration or amount of the active substance is set much lower in the intended single use than in multiple use. When used once, the concentration corresponds approximately to the concentration of the active ingredients of conventional pastes. In a possible multiple use, the corresponding concentration is increased by a multiple. In addition to the concentration, the range / duration of use of the active substance is also influenced by the water solubility and water circulation / openings.
Bei Einfach- oder Mehrfachgebrauch kann das System Hohlbereich, Öffnungen und Wasserlöslichkeit des Wirkstoffes so eingestellt werden, dass damit dem Benutzer eine gewisse Benutzungsdauer angezeigt werden kann (Zeitindikator). Beispielsweise werden die Eigenschaften beim Einmalgebrauch so gewählt, dass der Wirkstoff nach 3 Minuten Putzzeit aufgebraucht ist. Beim Mehrfachgebrauch ist der Wirkstoff beispielsweise nach einer typischen Einsatzzeit von 3 Monaten aufgebraucht, wodurch angezeigt werden kann, dass die gesamte Bürste wegen Verschleiss ausgewechselt werden sollte. Unter der Wirksubstanz kann allenfalls sogar ein Schriftzug (z.B. ,Change') versteckt werden, welcher nach dem Aufbrauchen der Wirksubstanz freigelegt und für den Benutzer sichtbar wird und den Benutzer auf den anstehenden Wechsel der Wirksubstanz oder das empfohlene Wechseln der Bürste aufmerksam macht.In single or multiple use, the system hollow area, openings and water solubility of the active ingredient can be adjusted so that the user can be displayed a certain period of use (Time indicator). For example, the properties for single use are chosen so that the active ingredient is used up after 3 minutes cleaning time. For example, in multiple use, the active ingredient is depleted after a typical 3 month use period, indicating that the entire brush should be replaced due to wear. Under the active substance at most even a lettering (eg, 'Change') are hidden, which is exposed after the exhaustion of the active substance and visible to the user and makes the user aware of the upcoming change of the active substance or the recommended change of the brush.
Um die Oberfläche zu erhöhen, welche mit Wasser umspült wird, kann das Wirksubstanz-Element mit zusätzlichen Ausnehmungen, konkaven oder konvexen Elementen auf der Oberfläche versehen werden.In order to increase the surface, which is lapped with water, the active substance element can be provided with additional recesses, concave or convex elements on the surface.
Die Farbe des Wirksubstanz-Elements wird vorzugsweise derart gewählt, dass sie sich deutlich von Bürstenkopf unterscheidet und der Benutzer den Verbrauch der Wirksubstanz einfach beurteilen kann.The color of the active substance element is preferably chosen so that it differs significantly from brush head and the user can easily judge the consumption of the active substance.
Die Löslichkeit der Wirksubstanz ist abhängig von der eingesetzten Wassertemperatur. Der Benutzer kann mittels Steuerung der Wassertemperatur die Abgabe der Menge Wirksubstanz steuern. Die abgegebene Menge an Wirksubstanz in einem Temperaturfenster von 10° - 40° erhöht die Abgabe massgeblich.The solubility of the active substance depends on the water temperature used. The user can control the delivery of the amount of active substance by controlling the water temperature. The delivered amount of active substance in a temperature window of 10 ° - 40 ° increases the delivery significantly.
Die Wirksubstanz wird in einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung in eine Brausetablette oder Paste mit Brausewirkung eingebunden. Diese Zusatzfunktion erlaubt es dem Benutzer, während des Einsatzes festzustellen, ob die Wirksubstanz bereits aufgebraucht oder immer noch im Hohlbereich vorhanden ist, ohne die Bürste aus dem Mund zu entfernen.The active substance is incorporated in an advantageous development in an effervescent tablet or paste with effervescent effect. This additional function allows the user to determine during use whether the active substance already used up or still present in the hollow area without removing the brush from the mouth.
Vorzugsweise wird die Bürste derart verpackt, dass die Verpackung dem Konsumenten unmissverständlich Bürste und Wirksubstanz zeigt. Vorzugsweise ist die Wirksubstanz in vordefinierten Portionen aufgeteilt neben dem Bürstenkopf platziert. Die Wirksubstanz wird vorzugsweise in einem von der Öffnung der Bürstenverpackung unabhängigen Teil der Verpackung vorgesehen. Damit bleibt die Wirksubstanz bis zur Öffnung der vorgesehenen Portion hygienisch verschlossen. Eine erste Portion der Wirksubstanz ist vorzugsweise in der Verkaufsverpackung bereits im Hohlbereich des Bürstenkopfes platziert. Der Bürstenkopf ist in der Verpackung derart platziert, dass die Eintrittsöffnungen und Austrittsöffnungen gezeigt werden können. Dazu bietet sich insbesondere ein sogenannter Doppelblister an, welcher dem Benutzer die Betrachtung beider Bürstenkopfseiten erlauben. Neben dem Verkauf von ganzen Bürsten mit Wirksubstanz kann auch nur die Wirksubstanz erneut in vordefinierten Portionen als sogenannte Ersatzpackung (Refill) vorgesehen werden. Als alternative Ausgestaltungsvariante kann die Wirksubstanz auch in einem Dispenser zur portionsweisen Abgabe vorgesehen werden. Alternativ zur Einführung der Wirksubstanz von Hand kann der Bürstenkopf bei dieser Ausgestaltungsvariante in den Dispenser eingeführt werden und die Wirksubstanz anschliessend durch die Einführungsöffnung in den Hohlbereich mechanisch gespendet werden.Preferably, the brush is packaged such that the package unambiguously shows the user brush and active substance. The active substance is preferably distributed in predefined portions next to the brush head. The active substance is preferably provided in a part of the packaging which is independent of the opening of the brush packaging. Thus, the active substance remains hygienically closed until the opening of the intended portion. A first portion of the active substance is preferably already placed in the sales packaging in the hollow region of the brush head. The brush head is placed in the package so that the inlet and outlet openings can be shown. In particular, a so-called double blister offers itself, which allows the user to view both brush head sides. In addition to the sale of whole brushes with active substance, only the active substance can be provided again in predefined portions as a so-called replacement package (refill). As an alternative embodiment variant, the active substance can also be provided in a dispenser for portionwise delivery. Alternatively to the introduction of the active substance by hand, the brush head can be introduced in this embodiment variant in the dispenser and the active substance are then donated mechanically through the insertion opening into the hollow area.
Der Hohlbereich kann mittels der folgenden Technologien im Spritzgussverfahren gebildet werden:
- (a) Varianten mit einteiligem Bürstenkopf:
- (a1) Formen des Hohlbereiches mittels Formkernen/Schiebern von der Borstentragenden Kopfseite und/oder von der Bürstenkopfrückseite: Zusätzlich optional mindestens teilweise Zwangsentformung eines bewusst hinterschnittig gewählten Formkernes zur Bildung einer Membrane, welche den Hohlbereich begrenzt. Um deren Zwangsentformung zu vereinfachen, kann die Membrane mittels Luftdruck durch den Formkern aufgebläht und damit die verletzungsfreie Entformung vereinfacht werden. Alternativ kann die Membrane im Bereich der Einführungsöffnung bewusst geschlitzt (z.B. mechanisch im Werkzeug mittels Schiebern/Messern) werden, was die Entformung des hinterschnittigen Formkerns ebenfalls begünstigt. Anspritzen optional vorhandener Reinigungs- und Massageelemente während der Herstellung der Membrane.
- (a2) Gleich wie (a1) aber Formen eines Hohlraumes mittels Formkernen/Seitenschiebern zur Bildung eines Tunnels quer durch den Bürstenkopf. Analog kann für die Bildung von Schlitzen in der Einführungsöffnung ebenfalls oben beschriebene Zwangsentformung eingesetzt werden.
- (a3) Der Hohlbereich kann mittels Überspritzen der Wirksubstanz gebildet werden. Dabei wird die Wirksubstanz an der Hartkomponente im Kopfbereich fixiert und in einem weiteren Arbeitsschritt mindestens teilweise vorzugsweise mit der Weichkomponente überspritzt. Die Wirksubstanz dichtet bei dieser alternativen Herstellungsvariante die Austrittöffnungen in der Hartkomponente gegenüber der Weichkomponente ab. Nachteilig bei dieser Variante ist, dass die Wirksubstanz den hohen Temperaturen und Einspritzdrücke der Weichkomponente wiederstehen muss und die Wirksubstanz nur teilweise von Wasser umspült werden kann, da sich die Weichkomponente in den Überspritzten Bereichen direkt an die Wirksubstanz anschmiegt.
- (a4) Als alternatives Herstellungsverfahren insbesondere bei Lösungen, in welchen die Wirksubstanz für einen Mehrfachgebrauch vorgesehen ist, kann die Wirksubstanz mittels Spritzguss in den Hohlbereich oder eine entsprechende Ausnehmung eingespritzt werden. Dazu werden die Wirksubstanzen vorzugsweise in eine Kunststoffmatrix eingebunden, welche sich mit der Hartkomponente des Bürstenkopfes in einem folgenden Spritzgussprozess verbindet. Der Bürstenkopf mit angespritzter Wirksubstanz kann somit in einem Mehrkomponentenspritzguss-verfahren hergestellt werden. Diese Variante hat den Nachteil, dass die Wirksubstanz nur teilweise mit Wasser umspült wird, mittels Spritzguss aber optimale Hinterschneidungen zur Verankerung der Wirksubstanz gebildet werden können.
- (b) Varianten mit mehrteiligem Bürstenkopf:
- (b1) Konventionelles Stopfen oder In Mould Tufting (IMT) und Deckel: Spritzgiessen der Zahnbürste inklusive der borstenseitigen Hälfte des Bürstenkopfes, dabei Formen der borstenseitigen Austrittsöffnungen und allenfalls vorhandener Reinigungselemente aus Weichkomponente - Verankern der konventionellen Borsten im Bürstenkopf - Spritzgiessen der bürstenkopfrückseitigen Hälfte (Deckel) inklusive Öffnungen - lösbares (Schnappen, Schieben, Rasten etc.) oder unlösbares (Kleben, Schweissen, Formschlüssiges Verrasten etc.) Verbinden des Deckels mit der Zahnbürste.
- (b2) Beborsten mittels Anchor Free Tufting (AFT): Spritzgiessen der Zahnbürste inklusive der bürstenkopfrückseitigen Hälfte des Bürstenkopfes inklusive Formen der bürstenkopfrückseitigen Öffnungen - Spritzgiessen der borstenseitigen Hälfte (Borstenplatte) inklusive Öffnungen und allenfalls vorhandener Reinigungselemente aus Weichkomponente - Verankern der konventionellen Borsten in der Borstenplatte - lösbares (Schnappen, Schieben, Rasten etc.) oder unlösbares (Kleben, Schweissen, Formschlüssiges Verrasten etc.) Verbinden der Borstenplatte mit der Zahnbürste.
- (b3) Die Borsten werden auf einer separaten Kopfplatte angebracht; der Hohlraum wird mit dieser und einem weiteren vorzugsweise wiederverschliessbaren Deckel versehen, weniger bevorzugte Variante, da dreiteilig.
- (a) Variants with one-piece brush head:
- (a1) Forming the hollow region by means of mold cores / slides from the bristle-carrying head side and / or from the brush head back side: Additionally optionally at least partially forced removal of a deliberately undercut selected mold core to form a membrane which delimits the hollow region. In order to simplify their forced removal, the membrane can be inflated by means of air pressure through the mandrel and thus the injury-free removal from the mold can be simplified. Alternatively, the membrane in the region of the insertion opening deliberately slotted (eg mechanically in the tool by means of slides / knives), which also favors the demolding of the undercut mandrel. Injection of optionally existing cleaning and massage elements during the production of the membrane.
- (a2) Same as (a1) but forming a cavity by means of mandrels / shifters to form a tunnel across the brush head. Similarly, for the formation of slots in the insertion opening also compulsory removal described above can be used.
- (a3) The hollow region can be formed by overmolding the active substance. In this case, the active substance is fixed to the hard component in the head region and, in a further working step, at least partially over-injected with the soft component. In this alternative production variant, the active substance seals the outlet openings in the hard component with respect to the soft component. A disadvantage of this variant is that the active substance must withstand the high temperatures and injection pressures of the soft component and the active substance can only be partially bathed in water, since the soft component in the overmolded Areas directly to the active substance clings.
- (a4) As an alternative production method, in particular in solutions in which the active substance is intended for multiple use, the active substance can be injected by injection molding into the hollow area or a corresponding recess. For this purpose, the active substances are preferably incorporated into a plastic matrix, which connects to the hard component of the brush head in a subsequent injection molding process. The brush head with molded active substance can thus be produced in a multi-component injection molding process. This variant has the disadvantage that the active substance is only partially washed with water, but by means of injection molding optimal undercuts for anchoring the active substance can be formed.
- (b) Variants with a multi-part brush head:
- (b1) Conventional stuffing or in mold tufting (IMT) and lid: Injection molding of the toothbrush including the bristle side half of the brush head, forms of the bristle - side outlet openings and possibly existing cleaning components made of soft component - Anchoring of the conventional bristles in the brush head - Injection of the brush head side half (lid ) including openings - detachable (snapping, pushing, latching, etc.) or insoluble (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.) Connecting the lid with the toothbrush.
- (b2) Anchoring by Anchor Free Tufting (AFT): injection molding of the toothbrush including the brush head back half of the brush head including shapes of the brush head back openings - injection molding of the bristle side half (bristle plate) including openings and possibly existing Cleaning components made of soft component - Anchoring of conventional bristles in the bristle plate - Removable (snapping, pushing, locking, etc.) or insoluble (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.) Connecting the bristle plate with the toothbrush.
- (b3) The bristles are mounted on a separate top plate; the cavity is provided with this and another preferably reclosable lid, less preferred variant, since three parts.
Das Anspritzen der Membrane mit allenfalls vorhandenen Reinigungs- und Massageelementen kann vor oder nach dem Einsetzen der konventionellen Borsten durchgeführt werden.Injection of the membrane with any existing cleaning and massage elements can be performed before or after the onset of conventional bristles.
Die Herstellung der Schlitze für die Eintrittsöffnung kann mittels folgenden Verfahren erfolgen:
- (a) Ausformen der Segmente und Schlitze im getrennten Zustand mittels Spritzguss.
- (b) Ausformen einer dünnen Materialbrücke innerhalb der Schlitze als Erstöffnungssicherung und zum Durchtrennen durch den Benutzer während des ersten Gebrauchs.
- (c) Ausformen der Membrane im geschlossenen Zustand. Erstellen der Schlitze mittels einem mechanischem Verfahren (z.B. Schneiden, Stanzen etc.) in einem späteren Zeitpunkt (Z.B. im Spritzgusswerkzeug, bei der Montage des Bürstenkopfes oder während des Beborstungsprozesses).
- (A) molding of the segments and slots in the separated state by injection molding.
- (b) forming a thin bridge of material within the slots as a first-opening safeguard and cut-through by the user during first use.
- (c) forming the membrane in the closed state. Creating the slots by means of a mechanical process (eg cutting, punching, etc.) at a later time (eg in the injection mold, during assembly of the brush head or during the bristling process).
Die Anspritzpunkte für die Membrane und allenfalls darauf platzierten Reinigungs- oder Massageelementen sind möglichst innerhalb des Kopfes oder im Halsbereich der Bürste zu wählen. Allenfalls können im gleichen Arbeitsgang mit demselben Material auch Bereiche aus Weichmaterial im Griff der Zahnbürste hergestellt werden.The injection points for the membrane and any cleaning or massage elements placed on it should be selected as far as possible within the head or in the neck region of the brush. At most, areas of soft material can be made in the handle of the toothbrush in the same operation with the same material.
Vorzugsweise werden die Reinigungs- oder Massageelemente, welche im Bereich der Membrane angeordnet sind, mit demselben Material in einem Arbeitsgang mit der Membrane hergestellt. Mit der Wahl einer Weichkomponente mit einer Shore A Härte von weniger als 70, vorzugsweise weniger als 40, kann ein Kompromiss zwischen der Funktionalität der Membrane ((a)Flexibilität: Pumpwirkung, Reinigungsunterstützung, Einführung der Wirksubstanz, (b) Haftung am Hartmaterial etc.) und Steifheit der Reinigungs- oder Massageelemente (Reinigungswirkung, Massagewirkung) gefunden werden. Die Anbindung der Membranen aus Weichmaterial an die Hartkomponente des Bürstenkopfes erfolgt vorzugsweise im Mehrkomponentenspritzguss. Um eine optimale Haftung der Membrane an der Hartkomponente zu gewährleisten, ist darauf zu achten, dass die Membrane nicht Kante auf Kante an die Hartkomponente anspritzt wird, sondern in der Hartkomponente eine Phase/Ausnehmung vorgesehen wird, welche die gemeinsame Oberfläche zwischen Hart- und Weichkomponente der Membrane erhöht. Dazu wird vorzugsweise auf dem überwiegenden Bereich der Anbindung der Membrane an die Hartkomponente ein Geometrieelement von 0.1 - 2 mm Tiefe/Länge zur besseren Anbindung der Membrane gebildet.Preferably, the cleaning or massage elements, which are arranged in the region of the membrane, made with the same material in one operation with the membrane. With the choice of a soft component with a Shore A hardness of less than 70, preferably less than 40, a compromise between the functionality of the membrane ((a) flexibility: pumping action, cleaning support, introduction of the active substance, (b) adhesion to the hard material, etc. ) and stiffness of the cleaning or massage elements (cleaning effect, massage effect) can be found. The connection of the membranes of soft material to the hard component of the brush head is preferably carried out in multi-component injection molding. To ensure optimum adhesion of the membrane to the hard component, care must be taken to ensure that the membrane is not injected edge to edge onto the hard component, but instead a phase / recess is provided in the hard component which defines the common surface between the hard and soft components the membrane increases. For this purpose, a geometry element of 0.1 to 2 mm depth / length is preferably formed on the predominant region of the connection of the membrane to the hard component for better connection of the membrane.
Das erste Einführen der Wirksubstanz in den Bürstenkopf kann durch den Konsumenten beim ersten Gebrauch oder während des Herstellungsprozesses der Bürste vorgesehen sein. Dazu bieten sich speziell die Verfahren mit einem zweiteiligen Bürstenkopf, insbesondere mittels AFT, an. Beim AFT-Verfahren wird die Wirksubstanz im Zahnbürstenkopf platziert, bevor die beborstete AFT Platte mit dem Zahnbürstengriff unlösbar verschweisst wird. Das AFT Verfahren bietet sich generell dafür an, zwischen der beborsteten AFT Platte und dem Zahnbürstengriff ein zusätzliches Bauteil oder Element zu platzieren.The first introduction of the active substance into the brush head may be provided by the consumer during the first use or during the manufacturing process of the brush. For this purpose, the methods with a two-part brush head, in particular by means of AFT, are particularly suitable. In the AFT procedure, the active substance is placed in the toothbrush head before the bristled AFT plate is permanently welded to the toothbrush handle. The AFT procedure is generally appropriate for this, between the bristled AFT plate and the toothbrush handle to place additional component or element.
Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und nachfolgend beschrieben. Es zeigen rein schematisch:
- Fig. 1-4
- verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste;
- Fig. 5-7
- verschiedene Möglichkeiten zur Gestaltung des Hohlbereichs bei einer Zahnbürste gemäss
Fig. 1-4 ; - Fig. 8, 9
- verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit einer flexiblen Biegezone;
- Fig. 10, 11
- verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit einer in der Aufsicht kreisförmigen flexiblen Zone;
- Fig. 12, 13
- verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit einer flexiblen Zone an der Bürstenkopfspitze;
- Fig. 14, 15
- verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit mehreren Clustern von Austrittsöffnungen;
- Fig. 16-21
- Beispiele für verschiedene Formen des flexiblen Bereichs bei einer erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste;
- Fig. 22, 23
- verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit Austrittsöffnungen an der Rückseite;
- Fig. 24-27
- Beispiele für verschiedene Formen des Wirksubstanz-Elements und daran angepasste Hohlbereiche;
- Fig. 28
- eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit trichterförmigen Austrittsöffnungen an der Rückseite;
- Fig. 29
- eine Zahnbürste mit einem Hohlbereich im Halsbereich;
- Fig. 30-32
- verschiedene Montagevarianten für eine Zahnbürste mit Hohlbereich;
- Fig. 33
- eine Zahnbürste mit einem bei der Herstellung umspritzten Wirksubstanz-Element;
- Fig. 34, 35
- ein Beispiel für eine selbsterklärende Verpackung für eine erfindungsgemässe Zahnbürste;
- Fig. 36
- eine Haushaltsbürste gemäss der Erfindung.
- Fig. 1-4
- various illustrations of a head portion of a toothbrush;
- Fig. 5-7
- various possibilities for the design of the hollow area in a toothbrush according to
Fig. 1-4 ; - Fig. 8, 9
- various illustrations of a head portion of a toothbrush with a flexible bending zone;
- 10, 11
- various views of a head portion of a toothbrush with a circular in plan view flexible zone;
- Fig. 12, 13
- various illustrations of a head portion of a toothbrush with a flexible zone on the brush head tip;
- Fig. 14, 15th
- various views of a head portion of a toothbrush with multiple clusters of outlet openings;
- Fig. 16-21
- Examples of different forms of the flexible region in a toothbrush according to the invention;
- Fig. 22, 23
- various illustrations of a head portion of a toothbrush with outlet openings at the back;
- Fig. 24-27
- Examples of Various Forms of Active Ingredient Member and Hollow Regions Matched to Them;
- Fig. 28
- a head part of a toothbrush with funnel-shaped outlet openings on the rear side;
- Fig. 29
- a toothbrush with a hollow area in the neck area;
- Fig. 30-32
- various installation variants for a toothbrush with a hollow area;
- Fig. 33
- a toothbrush having an active substance element encapsulated in the preparation;
- Fig. 34, 35th
- an example of a self-explanatory packaging for a toothbrush according to the invention;
- Fig. 36
- a household brush according to the invention.
Die
In den Zeichnungen sind funktionsgleiche Elemente jeweils mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen.
Statt eines Weichmaterials können die Membranen auch aus einer Hartkomponente bei entsprechend geringer Wandstärke hergestellt sein, um die nötige Flexibilität zu erreichen.Instead of a soft material, the membranes can also be made of a hard component with a correspondingly small wall thickness in order to achieve the necessary flexibility.
Die Verwendung einer Weichkomponente hat aber insofern Vorteile, als die Verankerung von Reinigungselementen in einer dünnen Hartmaterialschicht herstellungstechnisch problematisch, das gleichzeitige Anspritzen von weichelastischen Elementen an eine weiche Membran jedoch unproblematisch ist. Alternativ kann auch eine Kombination von Hart- und Weichmaterialien die Membrane bilden. Dabei werden die flexiblen Elemente der Membrane und Reinigungselemente aus Weichmaterial gebildet. Die Hartkomponente bildet lediglich strukturgebende, stabilisierende Elemente der Membrane oder dient lediglich als herstellungstechnisch bedingte Materialverbindung.However, the use of a soft component has advantages insofar as the anchoring of cleaning elements in a thin hard material layer is problematic in terms of manufacture, but the simultaneous injection of soft elastic elements onto a soft membrane is unproblematic. Alternatively, a combination of hard and soft materials may form the membrane. The flexible elements of the membrane and cleaning elements are made of soft material. The hard component forms only structuring, stabilizing elements of the membrane or merely serves as a production-related material compound.
Wie in
Bei den Beispielen aus
Bei den Beispielen gemäss
Bei
Beim Beispiel aus
Beim in
Beim Beispiel aus
Bei
Bei
Bei allen Beispielen ergibt sich die Flexibilität der Wand des Hohlbereichs 22 durch die Wahl eines Wandmaterials mit einer gewissen Elastizität, insbesondere indem wenigstens eine Membran aus Weichmaterial 32 vorhanden ist, und/oder durch die insgesamt bestehende Biegeelastizität des aus Hart- und/oder Weichmaterial bestehenden Bürste. Solange der ausreichende Kontakt mit Wasser bzw. die ausreichende Auflösung der Wirksubstanz gewährleistet ist, reicht es aus, wenn die Pump-/Sogwirkung bzw. Volumenänderung des Hohlbereichs aufgrund des Putzdrucks nur gering bis gar nicht vorhanden ist.In all examples, the flexibility of the wall of the
Die oben gezeigten Ausgestaltungsvarianten können selbstverständlich auch bei elektrischen Zahnbürsten eingesetzt werden. Die mechanische Bewegung oder Vibration mindestens eines Teils des Bürstenkopfes begünstigt den Flüssigkeitsaustausch in und aus dem Hohlbereich zusätzlich. Falls der Bürstenkopf in einen bewegliches und einen nicht bewegliches Bürstenkopfsegment unterteilt wird, wird der Hohlbereich, innerhalb der oben beschriebenen Varianten, vorzugsweise im nicht beweglichen Segment untergebracht.
Im Rahmen der Erfindung bewegen sich auch Kombinationen von Elementen der gezeigten Beispiele.Within the scope of the invention, combinations of elements of the examples shown also move.
Eine Bürste mit einer flexiblen Membran im Kopfteil, welche Reinigungs- und/oder Massgageelemente trägt, hat auch ohne einen darunter liegenden Hohlbereich Vorteile, insbesondere wegen der flexiblen Aufhängung der Reinigungs- und/oder Massgageelemente. Alle gezeigten Beispiele lassen sich entsprechend abwandeln, z.B. indem kein Hohlbereich oder ein nicht mit der Aussenwelt kommunizierender Hohlbereich vorgesehen wird. Hierzu bieten sich insbesondere die in
Claims (23)
- Method for producing a toothbrush, in which method a brush body with a head part, neck part and handle part is produced from a hard component (30), the head part or neck part being formed with a cavity (22) in which there is subsequently fixed an active substance element (24) that at least partially dissolves during use with water and that releases an active substance, characterized in that the active substance is bound in a plastic matrix and, in order to form the active substance element (24), is injected into the cavity (22).
- Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the active substance element (24) is at least partially encapsulated in a further working step.
- Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the active substance element (24) is encapsulated with a soft component (32).
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that outlet openings (36) for the active substance are formed in the hard component (30) and/or optionally in the soft component (32), and in that the active substance element (24) seals off the outlet openings (36) in the hard component (30) from the soft component (32).
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that massaging and/or cleaning elements (16), likewise made from the soft component (32), are arranged on a flexible wall (26, 28) which at least partially delimits the cavity (22) and which curves at least partially outwards, the massaging and/or cleaning elements (16) preferably being produced along with the flexible wall (26, 28) in one operating step and from the same material, the outlet openings (36) preferably being formed in the flexible wall (26, 28) between the massaging and/or cleaning elements (16) and/or in the massaging and/or cleaning elements (16).
- Method according to Claim 5, characterized in that the flexible wall (26, 28) is bound to the hard component of the brush head by multi-component injection moulding.
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the head part, with active substance injected on, is produced in a multi-component injection-moulding process.
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plastic matrix connects to the hard component (30) in a subsequent injection-moulding process.
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that undercuts for anchoring the active substance are formed by means of injection moulding.
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, in order to increase the surface, the active substance element (24) is provided with additional recesses, concave or convex elements on the surface.
- Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the brush body is formed with an aperture, which forms the cavity (22), and a cover element (54, 56) that can be fitted onto the aperture, preferably with an exact fit, and is made from the hard component (30), and in that the cover element (54, 56) is fitted onto the aperture after the injection of the active substance and of the plastic matrix into the aperture.
- Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the cover element (54, 56) is provided with a cleaning structure (12) that in particular comprises bristles (14).
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the cavity (22) is formed by means of mould cores/slides from the head side supporting the bristles and/or from the rear face of the brush head.
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cavity (22) is formed by means of mould cores/lateral slides for formation of a tunnel extending transversely through the brush head.
- Method according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the toothbrush is produced by injection moulding from an upper half of the brush head with bristles and from a cover (54) on the rear face, which consist of a hard and/or soft component (30), the cover (54) and the rest of the brush head then being connected, with inclusion of an active substance element (24).
- Method according to Claim 15, characterized in that, on the upper half of the brush head, the outlet openings (36) and possibly the cleaning elements (16) are formed from soft components (32).
- Method according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that conventional bristles are anchored laterally with respect to the cleaning elements (16) by conventional plugging or in-mould tufting.
- Method according to one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, on the cover (54), further outlet openings (36) are formed in the hard component (30).
- Method according to one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the cover (54) contains a membrane which is made from the soft component (30) and in which further outlet openings (36) are formed.
- Method according to one of Claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the toothbrush is produced by injection moulding from two parts which are made of a hard and/or soft component (30), wherein the half of the brush head on the rear face of the brush head forms the cavity (22) when connected to a support plate (56), in that conventional bristles (14) are anchored in the support plate (56), and in that the support plate (56) is then connected to the rest of the toothbrush, with the active substance element (24) being enclosed in the cavity (22).
- Method according to Claim 20, characterized in that the support plate (56) is produced including openings which, in a further injection-moulding step, are closed with the soft component (32) to form a membrane (26) and possibly also with pliable cleaning elements (16) made from the soft component (32).
- Method according to Claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the support plate (56) is provided with bristles by anchor-free tufting.
- Method according to Claim 22, characterized in that the active substance is positioned in the toothbrush head before the bristled AFT plate is welded non-releasably to the handle of the toothbrush.
Priority Applications (12)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT04022614T ATE534314T1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | BRUSH, IN PARTICULAR TOOTHBRUSH, AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF |
EP20040022614 EP1639913B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and method of making thereof |
US11/662,486 US8109686B2 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular toothbrush, and associated production method |
PCT/EP2005/009615 WO2006032367A1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and associated production method |
EP15187837.8A EP3000351B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Tooth brush and method for the manufacture of a tooth brush |
EP10011705.0A EP2335521B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular a toothbrush |
EP05785195.8A EP1796507B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and associated production method |
US13/341,212 US8408833B2 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2011-12-30 | Brush, in particular toothbrush, and associated production method |
US13/779,032 US8851781B2 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2013-02-27 | Brush, in particular toothbrush, and associated production method |
US14/458,710 US9538837B2 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2014-08-13 | Brush, in particular toothbrush, and associated production method |
US15/371,578 US10390606B2 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2016-12-07 | Brush, in particular toothbrush, and associated production method |
US16/445,757 US10856647B2 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2019-06-19 | Brush, toothbrush, and associated production method |
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EP20040022614 EP1639913B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and method of making thereof |
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EP1639913A1 EP1639913A1 (en) | 2006-03-29 |
EP1639913B1 true EP1639913B1 (en) | 2011-11-23 |
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EP20040022614 Active EP1639913B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and method of making thereof |
EP10011705.0A Not-in-force EP2335521B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular a toothbrush |
EP05785195.8A Not-in-force EP1796507B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and associated production method |
EP15187837.8A Active EP3000351B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Tooth brush and method for the manufacture of a tooth brush |
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EP10011705.0A Not-in-force EP2335521B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular a toothbrush |
EP05785195.8A Not-in-force EP1796507B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Brush, in particular toothbrush and associated production method |
EP15187837.8A Active EP3000351B1 (en) | 2004-09-22 | 2005-09-07 | Tooth brush and method for the manufacture of a tooth brush |
Country Status (4)
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US (6) | US8109686B2 (en) |
EP (4) | EP1639913B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE534314T1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006032367A1 (en) |
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2005
- 2005-09-07 EP EP10011705.0A patent/EP2335521B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-09-07 US US11/662,486 patent/US8109686B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-09-07 EP EP05785195.8A patent/EP1796507B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-09-07 EP EP15187837.8A patent/EP3000351B1/en active Active
- 2005-09-07 WO PCT/EP2005/009615 patent/WO2006032367A1/en active Application Filing
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2011
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2013
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2016
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2019
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RU2465797C2 (en) * | 2008-06-25 | 2012-11-10 | Колгейт-Палмолив Компани | Tool for oral care (versions) |
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US8282298B2 (en) | 2008-06-26 | 2012-10-09 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
US8506196B2 (en) | 2010-02-26 | 2013-08-13 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Fluid delivery system for an oral care implement |
US9237798B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2016-01-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Fluid dispensing oral care implement |
US8398326B2 (en) | 2010-03-04 | 2013-03-19 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Fluid dispensing oral care implement |
US8734042B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2014-05-27 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement with rapid flavor release |
US9402700B2 (en) | 2011-03-09 | 2016-08-02 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Interdental cleaning device |
US9554641B2 (en) | 2012-10-26 | 2017-01-31 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral care implement |
Also Published As
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EP1796507B1 (en) | 2013-10-23 |
EP3000351B1 (en) | 2020-02-12 |
US20120121312A1 (en) | 2012-05-17 |
ATE534314T1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
EP1639913A1 (en) | 2006-03-29 |
US20190357666A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
US20140348569A1 (en) | 2014-11-27 |
US8408833B2 (en) | 2013-04-02 |
EP1796507A1 (en) | 2007-06-20 |
EP3000351A1 (en) | 2016-03-30 |
US8851781B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 |
US8109686B2 (en) | 2012-02-07 |
US10390606B2 (en) | 2019-08-27 |
US20080014010A1 (en) | 2008-01-17 |
US10856647B2 (en) | 2020-12-08 |
US20170079420A1 (en) | 2017-03-23 |
EP2335521A1 (en) | 2011-06-22 |
EP2335521B1 (en) | 2015-12-16 |
US20130212823A1 (en) | 2013-08-22 |
WO2006032367A1 (en) | 2006-03-30 |
US9538837B2 (en) | 2017-01-10 |
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