EP1993398B1 - Toothbrush and toothbrush head for said toothbrush - Google Patents

Toothbrush and toothbrush head for said toothbrush Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1993398B1
EP1993398B1 EP06829759A EP06829759A EP1993398B1 EP 1993398 B1 EP1993398 B1 EP 1993398B1 EP 06829759 A EP06829759 A EP 06829759A EP 06829759 A EP06829759 A EP 06829759A EP 1993398 B1 EP1993398 B1 EP 1993398B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toothbrush head
filament
toothbrush
head according
sharpened
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06829759A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1993398A1 (en
Inventor
Karl Herzog
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Braun GmbH
Original Assignee
Braun GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Braun GmbH filed Critical Braun GmbH
Publication of EP1993398A1 publication Critical patent/EP1993398A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1993398B1 publication Critical patent/EP1993398B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/04—Preparing bristles
    • A46D1/05—Splitting; Pointing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/02—Bristles details
    • A46D1/0276—Bristles having pointed ends
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D1/00—Bristles; Selection of materials for bristles
    • A46D1/04—Preparing bristles
    • 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 present invention relates to a toothbrush head having a bristle carrier on which is disposed a bristle field having a plurality of filaments, at least one filament having a taper towards its free end, and a toothbrush having such a toothbrush head.
  • the JP 11-075939 shows a toothbrush bristle in which such filaments are provided with tapers towards their tip, but ultimately no really improved penetration into the interdental spaces is ensured.
  • the bristle tufts consisting of a plurality of elements with a bevelled head in that the individual filaments have a graduated length.
  • this does not really facilitate penetration into the interdental space unless the individual filaments themselves have sufficient tapering or tapering at their free ends.
  • the present invention has for its object to provide an improved toothbrush head of the type mentioned, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and further develops the latter in an advantageous manner.
  • an improved penetration of the filaments into the interdental spaces is to be achieved.
  • the taper at the tip of the at least one filament a shape deviating from a rotationally symmetrical shape, in order to be in one Direction to maintain a high bending stiffness of the filament.
  • the taper is formed in the form of a flattened sharpening, so that the filament has a greater flexural rigidity in the region of the taper with respect to a first transverse axis than with respect to a second transverse axis perpendicular thereto.
  • the filament cross section in the region of the flattened sharpening has a longitudinal axis or long main axis and a shorter transverse axis or short major axis, as a result of which the filament in the region of the sharpening receives different area moments of inertia with regard to the two axes mentioned.
  • the flattened sharpening at the tip of the filament facilitates penetration into the interdental spaces, with the higher area moment of inertia of the broad (non-tapered) side (s) reducing flexing.
  • the flattened sharpening or sharpening of the filament is therefore limited to one side or to two opposite sides of the filament end.
  • the filament is sharpened wedge-shaped at its free end.
  • the sharpening can be formed by only one inclined surface which is inclined at an acute angle to the filament longitudinal axis.
  • the wedge-shaped sharpening of two opposite, mutually angled inclined inclined surfaces may be formed, so that the free end of the filament has a substantially pitched roof-shaped contour.
  • the at least one inclined surface which forms the wedge-shaped sharpening of the filament, can be formed flat in the development of the invention.
  • the inclined surface may also have a curvature, which is preferably formed uniaxial.
  • the at least one inclined surface has a convex curvature; wherein the curvature axis can extend transversely to the filament longitudinal axis.
  • the inclined surface may also be convexly curved about an axis which lies in a plane containing the filament longitudinal axis.
  • the at least one inclined surface may also have a concave curvature, wherein the curvature axis in the aforementioned manner may extend transversely to the filament longitudinal axis and / or may lie in a plane containing the filament longitudinal axis.
  • the flattened sharpening at the end of the filament has a rounding at its edge. In this way, despite the slight penetration into spaces a gentle tooth cleaning and avoidance of gum injuries can be achieved.
  • the rounding of the sharpening can be provided on the front side at the end of the filament and / or towards the side flanks.
  • the filament may have at its free end a blunt head surface or residual surface, which merges via said rounding in the oblique surface of the sharpening.
  • the thickness of the obtuse head surface, which is left standing from the sharpening, can in principle be dimensioned differently, depending on which sharpness is necessary and appropriate for the specific application.
  • said blunt head face may have a thickness of approximately 1 / 5-2 / 5 of the filament diameter.
  • the inclination of the aforementioned inclined surfaces to one another or to the longitudinal axis of the filament can basically also be chosen differently.
  • a favorable compromise between on the one hand a sufficient thinning, which allows penetration into the interdental spaces, and on the other hand, a sufficient remaining strength is achieved in a further development of the invention by a wedge angle of the sharpening of less than 40 °, preferably less than 30 °.
  • a sharpening with a wedge angle in the range of 15 ° to 25 ° may be provided.
  • the at least one filament can basically have different cross-sectional shapes.
  • the filament has a circular cross-section in the non-sharpened area.
  • the scarfing over about 1 ⁇ 8 to 4/8, preferably about 3 ⁇ 8 of extending length of the filament.
  • the at least one filament is specifically aligned on the bristle carrier in such a way that the flattened sharpening can easily penetrate into the interdental spaces and the filament has its higher flexural rigidity during wiping movements in the interdental spaces, ie parallel to the tooth axis.
  • the at least one filament can be arranged on the bristle carrier such that at Proper application of the brush head on a row of teeth with a substantially tangential orientation of the bristle carrier or toothbrush longitudinal axis to the dental arch, the longer cross-sectional main axis of the sharpening extends parallel to the interdental space.
  • the filament can be aligned differently on the bristle carrier.
  • the filament is advantageously oriented in such a way that the said longer cross-sectional main axis of the sharpening extends transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. If the sharpening in the aforementioned manner by two mutually inclined inclined surfaces formed, the ridge formed thereby extends between the two inclined surfaces transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • the toothbrush head can also be intended for an electric toothbrush.
  • the sharpened filaments can be arranged or aligned differently.
  • the toothbrush head with its bristle carrier can be driven in a rotationally oscillating manner about a drive axis which extends parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • the at least one filament is aligned with the flattened sharpening similar to the aforementioned manual toothbrush.
  • the longer cross-sectional main axis extends transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • the toothbrush head may also have a bristle carrier, which can be rotationally driven to oscillate about a transverse axis, which is approximately perpendicular to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • the at least one filament with the flattened sharpening is advantageously arranged in a sector of the bristle which is in the rotational center position of the bristle carrier approximately on the toothbrush longitudinal axis, said sector may include different angular ranges, but advantageously less than 45 °, especially less than 30 °, can be.
  • the filaments arranged in these two sectors or angular sectors perform, when the brush head is applied as intended, with an approximately tangential orientation of the bristle carrier to the dental arch, a movement which extends at least approximately in the direction of the slot-shaped interdental space.
  • the filament is aligned with the longer cross-sectional main axis of its sharpening transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • the bristles of the toothbrush head can in principle consist of a plurality of filament tufts or bristle tufts in known manner, it being possible for further wiping elements such as wiping strips, plastic wipers or elastomeric wipers to be provided.
  • at least one filament of at least one bristle tuft is formed in the aforementioned manner.
  • the bristles comprise at least one bristle tufts, in which the plurality of filaments are formed in the aforementioned manner.
  • the filaments within a tuft of bristles are at least approximately aligned, i. the longer cross-sectional major axis of the sharpening extends in the same direction for all the filaments of the bristle tuft.
  • the sharpening in particular the at least one inclined surface and / or this limiting rounding, generated by grinding the finished bristled bristle carrier.
  • the Figures 1 and 2 show a filament or toothbrush filament 1, which in a bristle carrier 2 of the rest in the Figures 1 and 2 Not shown toothbrush head is used.
  • the filament 1 has at its base a substantially circular cylindrical shape, which is sharpened double-sided towards the free end 3 of the filament 1 out.
  • a sharpening 4 of the free end 3 of the filament 1 of two opposite, mutually acute angle inclined inclined surfaces 5 and 6, which are flat in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the two inclined surfaces 5 and 6 close in the illustrated embodiment between them a wedge angle 7 of about 20 ° to 25 °, wherein the two inclined surfaces 5 and 6 are arranged such that forms a straight ridge at the free end 3.
  • the AnMrfung 4 is blunted in the illustrated embodiment at her head.
  • the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 are not completely merged at the free end 3 to a mathematical line, but still slightly spaced apart, so that forms a blunt, ungrind rectangular top surface 8.
  • a rounding 12 is provided at the front edge of the inclined surfaces 5 and 6, over which the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 pass into the blunt head surface 8.
  • the rounding 12 follows the entire outer contour of the inclined surfaces 5,6.
  • the Antechrfung 4 is designed in such a way that it extends over a length 10, which is approximately 3 ⁇ 8 the total length 11 of the filament 1 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • a thickness 9 of the blunt head surface 8 is about 1 ⁇ 4 of the filament diameter in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the sharpening 4 of the filament 1 can also be formed by a single inclined surface 5, which also extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the respective filament 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrate.
  • the inclined surface 5 is in this case advantageously less inclined with respect to the filament longitudinal axis than with a double-sided sharpening.
  • the inclination angle of the inclined surface 5 is in the in FIG. 3 drawn execution about 25 °, so that the AnMrfung 4 in turn has a total wedge angle 7 of about 25 °.
  • the inclined surface 5 is flat, so that together with the circular cylindrical basic shape of the filament 1 an elliptical shape of the inclined surface 5 results, as this FIG. 4 shows.
  • the frontal edge of the inclined surface 5 rounded.
  • the inclined surface 5 is also in the execution of the FIGS. 3 and 4 in the blunt head surface 8 via.
  • the arrangement of the inclined surface 5 is made here such that the scarfing 4 extending generally over the length 10, which is about 3/8 of the total length 11 of the filament 1, and that the thickness 9 of the blunt head surface 8 is about 1 ⁇ 4 of the total thickness of the filament is 1.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 The in the FIGS. 5 and 6 The embodiment shown essentially corresponds to in FIGS. 1 and 2 shown embodiment, wherein the inclined surfaces 5 and 6, however, are not flat here, but have a concave curvature about an axis transverse to the filament longitudinal axis. As FIG. 5 shows, the wedge angle 7 thus decreases between the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 to the free end 3 of the filament 1 out. However, it is also advantageously in the range of less than 40 °, preferably between 15 ° and 35 °.
  • the execution after the FIGS. 7 and 8 also basically corresponds to the double-sided sharpening according to the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2
  • the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 here have a convex curvature, namely about a curvature axis transverse to the filament longitudinal axis, so that the wedge angle 7 increases between the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 gradually towards the free end 3 of the filament. It is advantageously also between 15 ° and 35 °.
  • the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 may also have a convex or concave curvature about a curvature axis extending in a plane containing the filament longitudinal axis.
  • FIG. 9 shows such a convex curvature
  • FIG. 10 a corresponding concave curvature of the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 shows.
  • the sharpening 4 and the rounding 12 can be produced by grinding the filaments of the finished bristled bristle carrier 2.
  • filaments 1 shown in common that the sharpening 4 is formed substantially wedge-shaped and the filaments 1 in the field of AnMrfung 4 with respect to each other perpendicular or vertical axes have different area moments of inertia.
  • the flexural rigidity of the filament 1 is in a direction 13 of the longer cross-sectional major axis (see. FIGS. 2, 4 . 6 and 8 In other words, this means that the filament 1 is stiffer when bent parallel to the sharpening surfaces 5 and 6 of the sharpening, while it is less stiff when it is bent at right angles to the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 bends.
  • the filaments 1 are oriented such that the direction 13 of the longer cross-sectional major axis extends parallel to the slot-shaped interdental spaces when the toothbrush is placed on the dental arch as intended.
  • the filaments 1 may be combined into bristle tufts 14, which together form a bristle field 15 which is arranged on the bristle carrier 12 of a toothbrush head 17. If the toothbrush head 17 is part of a manual toothbrush, as shown in FIG. 11, the filaments 1, with their longer cross-sectional main axis extending in the direction 13, are aligned transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • the toothbrush head 17 is intended for an electric toothbrush, in which the bristle carrier 2 is driven to oscillate in rotation about a drive axis 18 which extends parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis, as this FIG. 12 shows.
  • the rotationally oscillating movement about the drive axis 18 illustrates an arrow 19.
  • the filaments 1 are aligned with their longer cross-sectional main axis in the direction 13 transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis and thus transversely to the drive axis 18.
  • the bristle carrier 2 is substantially disc-shaped or oval and rotatably driven to oscillate about the drive axis 18.
  • the drive shaft 18 is approximately at right angles to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  • this may be bristle tufts 20 and 21, which lie in angular sectors or sectors 22 and 23 of the approximately total cylindrical or oval bristle field 15, which lie in the rotational center position of the bristle carrier 2 on the toothbrush longitudinal axis and are arranged symmetrically to this.
  • Said sectors 22 and 23 can cover different angular ranges, in the illustrated embodiment about 30 ° each.
  • the filaments 1 are also aligned transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis with their longer cross-sectional main axes in the direction of the arrow 13 when the bristle carrier 2 is in its rotational center position.
  • An advantageous development relates to the oppositely disposed sectors 24 and 25, which form the bristle field 15 optionally additionally in a special education in addition to the sectors 22 and 23.
  • the filaments 1 are arranged in bristle tufts 26 and 27 so that the longer cross-sectional major axis of the sharpening 4 is in the direction of the arrow 13 transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. All filaments 1 in the bristle field 15 are thus aligned parallel with their sharpening 4. Does that Borstenfeld 15, the rotationally oscillating drive movement according to arrow 19, so is the direction of movement of the filaments 1 of the tufts 26 and 27 in the sectors 24 and 25 approximately transverse to the shorter cross-sectional main axis of AnMrfung 4.
  • An advantage of the parallel alignment of the sharpening 4 in all the filaments 1 of a bristle field 15 is the simplified production, for example, if the sharpening 4 is simultaneously ground in all the filaments 1.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

A toothbrush and toothbrush head with a bristle carrier, on which a bristle section featuring a multitude of filaments is arranged. At least one filament is provided with a taper on its free end with a shape other than a rotationally symmetrical shape to preserve a high flexural strength of the filament in one direction. The taper is a flat-pressed scarfing such that the filament has a greater flexural strength with respect to a first lateral axis than with respect to a second lateral axis perpendicular to the first lateral axis in the region of the taper. The flat-pressed scarfing at the point of the filament improves penetration into the interdental spaces, while the higher geometrical moment of inertia of the wide side reduces the bending of the filament during use.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Zahnbürstenkopf mit einem Borstenträger, auf dem ein Borstenfeld angeordnet ist, das eine Vielzahl von Filamenten aufweist, wobei zumindest ein Filament zu seinem freien Ende hin eine Verjüngung aufweist, sowie eine Zahnbürste mit einem solchen Zahnbürstenkopf.The present invention relates to a toothbrush head having a bristle carrier on which is disposed a bristle field having a plurality of filaments, at least one filament having a taper towards its free end, and a toothbrush having such a toothbrush head.

Es wurde für Zahnbürsten bereits eine Beborstung vorgeschlagen, deren Filamente am freien Ende einen kleineren Durchmesser aufweisen als an der Basis. Diese zumeist konisch oder raketenspitzenförmig ausgebildete Zuspitzung soll das Eindringen der Filamente in die Zahnzwischenräume erleichtern, um die genannten Zahnzwischenräume besser zu reinigen. Allerdings führt die Zuspitzung der Filamente zu einer geringen Biegesteifigkeit, die das Eindringen verhindert bzw. erschwert. Durch die Verjüngung wird das Flächenträgheitsmoment der Filamente reduziert, so dass die Filamente in Richtung des Interdentalraums zu weich sind und nicht mehr in den Zahnzwischenraum eindringen können.It has been proposed for toothbrushes already a bristles whose filaments have a smaller diameter at the free end than at the base. This conical or rocket tip-shaped tapering is intended to facilitate the penetration of the filaments into the interdental spaces, in order to better clean said interdental spaces. However, the tapering of the filaments leads to a low bending stiffness, which prevents or impedes penetration. Due to the taper, the area moment of inertia of the filaments is reduced, so that the filaments are too soft in the direction of the interdental space and can no longer penetrate into the interdental space.

Die JP 11-075939 zeigt eine Zahnbürstenbeborstung, bei der solche Filamente mit Verjüngungen zu ihrer Spitze hin versehen sind, wobei jedoch letztlich kein wirklich verbessertes Eindringen in die Zahnzwischenräume gewährleistet ist. In der US 2005/0172436 wird überdies vorgeschlagen, die aus einer Vielzahl von Elementen bestehenden Borstenbüschel mit einem angeschrägten Kopf zu versehen, indem die einzelnen Filamente eine abgestufte Länge haben. Dies erleichtert aber nicht wirklich das Eindringen in den Zahnzwischenraum, solange nicht die einzelnen Filamente selbst eine ausreichende Zuspitzung oder Verjüngung an ihren freien Enden haben.The JP 11-075939 shows a toothbrush bristle in which such filaments are provided with tapers towards their tip, but ultimately no really improved penetration into the interdental spaces is ensured. In the US 2005/0172436 Moreover, it is proposed to provide the bristle tufts consisting of a plurality of elements with a bevelled head in that the individual filaments have a graduated length. However, this does not really facilitate penetration into the interdental space unless the individual filaments themselves have sufficient tapering or tapering at their free ends.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen verbesserten Zahnbürstenkopf der genannten Art zu schaffen, der Nachteile des Standes der Technik vermeidet und letzteren in vorteilhafter Weise weiterbildet. Insbesondere soll ein verbessertes Eindringen der Filamente in die Zahnzwischenräume erreicht werden.The present invention has for its object to provide an improved toothbrush head of the type mentioned, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and further develops the latter in an advantageous manner. In particular, an improved penetration of the filaments into the interdental spaces is to be achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch einen Zahnbürstenkopf gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst. Bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is achieved by a toothbrush head according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Es wird also vorgeschlagen, der Verjüngung an der Spitze des zumindest einen Filaments eine von einer rotationssymmetrischen Form abweichende Gestalt zu geben, um in einer Richtung eine hohe Biegesteifigkeit des Filaments aufrecht zu erhalten. Erfindungsgemäß ist die Verjüngung in Form einer flachgedrückten Anschärfung ausgebildet, so dass das Filament im Bereich der Verjüngung bezüglich einer ersten Querachse eine größere Biegesteifigkeit als bezüglich einer dazu rechtwinkligen zweiten Querachse aufweist. Der Filamentquerschnitt im Bereich der flachgedrückten Anschärfung besitzt eine Längsachse bzw. lange Hauptachse sowie eine kürzere Querachse bzw. kurze Hauptachse, wodurch das Filament im Bereich der Anschärfung unterschiedliche Flächenträgheitsmomente bezüglich der beiden genannten Achsen erhält. Die flachgedrückte Anschärfung an der Spitze des Filaments erleichtert das Eindringen in die Zahnzwischenräume, wobei das höhere Flächenträgheitsmoment der breiten (nicht zugespitzten) Seite(n) das Verbiegen hierbei vermindert. Die flachgedrückte Anschärfung bzw. Zuspitzung des Filaments ist demnach auf eine Seite oder auf zwei gegenüberliegende Seiten des Filamentendes beschränkt. Mit flachgedrückt soll hierbei kein Bezug auf eine Herstellung sondern auf eine geometrische Form des Filaments (wie oben beschrieben) bezug genommen werden.It is therefore proposed to give the taper at the tip of the at least one filament a shape deviating from a rotationally symmetrical shape, in order to be in one Direction to maintain a high bending stiffness of the filament. According to the invention, the taper is formed in the form of a flattened sharpening, so that the filament has a greater flexural rigidity in the region of the taper with respect to a first transverse axis than with respect to a second transverse axis perpendicular thereto. The filament cross section in the region of the flattened sharpening has a longitudinal axis or long main axis and a shorter transverse axis or short major axis, as a result of which the filament in the region of the sharpening receives different area moments of inertia with regard to the two axes mentioned. The flattened sharpening at the tip of the filament facilitates penetration into the interdental spaces, with the higher area moment of inertia of the broad (non-tapered) side (s) reducing flexing. The flattened sharpening or sharpening of the filament is therefore limited to one side or to two opposite sides of the filament end. When flattened, reference is hereby made not to a production but to a geometric shape of the filament (as described above).

In vorteilhafter Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist das Filament an seinem freien Ende keilförmig angeschärft. Die Anschärfung kann dabei von nur einer Schrägfläche gebildet sein, die zur Filamentlängsachse spitzwinklig geneigt verläuft. Alternativ kann die keilförmige Anschärfung von zwei gegenüberliegenden, gegeneinander spitzwinklig geneigten Schrägflächen gebildet sein, so dass das freie Ende des Filaments eine im wesentlichen satteldachförmige Kontur besitzt.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filament is sharpened wedge-shaped at its free end. The sharpening can be formed by only one inclined surface which is inclined at an acute angle to the filament longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the wedge-shaped sharpening of two opposite, mutually angled inclined inclined surfaces may be formed, so that the free end of the filament has a substantially pitched roof-shaped contour.

Die zumindest eine Schrägfläche, die die keilförmige Anschärfung des Filaments bildet, kann in Weiterbildung der Erfindung eben ausgebildet sein. Alternativ hierzu kann die Schrägfläche jedoch auch eine Wölbung besitzen, die vorzugsweise einachsig ausgebildet ist. Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung besitzt die zumindest eine Schrägfläche eine konvexe Wölbung; wobei die Wölbungsachse quer zur Filamentlängsachse verlaufen kann. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die Schrägfläche auch um eine Achse, die in einer die Filamentlängsachse enthaltenden Ebene liegt, konvex gewölbt sein.The at least one inclined surface, which forms the wedge-shaped sharpening of the filament, can be formed flat in the development of the invention. Alternatively, however, the inclined surface may also have a curvature, which is preferably formed uniaxial. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one inclined surface has a convex curvature; wherein the curvature axis can extend transversely to the filament longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, the inclined surface may also be convexly curved about an axis which lies in a plane containing the filament longitudinal axis.

In Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann die zumindest eine Schrägfläche auch eine konkave Wölbung besitzen, wobei die Wölbungsachse in der zuvor genannten Weise sich quer zur Filamentlängsachse erstrecken kann und/oder in einer Ebene liegen kann, die die Filamentlängsachse enthält.In a further development of the invention, the at least one inclined surface may also have a concave curvature, wherein the curvature axis in the aforementioned manner may extend transversely to the filament longitudinal axis and / or may lie in a plane containing the filament longitudinal axis.

Vorteilhafterweise besitzt die flachgedrückte Anschärfung am Filamentende an ihrem Rand eine Verrundung. Hierdurch kann trotz des leichten Eindringens in Zwischenräume eine sanfte Zahnreinigung und eine Vermeidung von Zahnfleischverletzungen erreicht werden.Advantageously, the flattened sharpening at the end of the filament has a rounding at its edge. In this way, despite the slight penetration into spaces a gentle tooth cleaning and avoidance of gum injuries can be achieved.

Insbesondere kann die Verrundung der Anschärfung stirnseitig am Ende des Filaments und/oder zu den Seitenflanken hin vorgesehen sein. Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung kann das Filament an seinem freien Ende eine stumpfe Kopffläche bzw. Restfläche aufweisen, die über die genannte Verrundung in die Schrägfläche der Anschärfung übergeht. Die Dicke der stumpfen Kopffläche, die von der Anschärfung stehengelassen ist, kann dabei grundsätzlich unterschiedlich bemessen sein, je nachdem, welche Schärfe für den konkreten Anwendungsfall erforderlich und angemessen ist. Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung kann die genannte stumpfe Kopffläche eine Dicke von etwa 1/5 bis 2/5 des Filamentdurchmessers besitzen.In particular, the rounding of the sharpening can be provided on the front side at the end of the filament and / or towards the side flanks. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filament may have at its free end a blunt head surface or residual surface, which merges via said rounding in the oblique surface of the sharpening. The thickness of the obtuse head surface, which is left standing from the sharpening, can in principle be dimensioned differently, depending on which sharpness is necessary and appropriate for the specific application. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said blunt head face may have a thickness of approximately 1 / 5-2 / 5 of the filament diameter.

Die Neigung der vorgenannten Schrägflächen zueinander bzw. zur Längsachse des Filaments kann grundsätzlich ebenfalls verschieden gewählt sein. Ein günstiger Kompromiss zwischen einerseits einer ausreichenden Ausdünnung, die das Eindringen in die Zahnzwischenräume ermöglicht, und andererseits einer ausreichenden verbleibenden Festigkeit wird in Weiterbildung der Erfindung durch einen Keilwinkel der Anschärfung von weniger als 40°, vorzugsweise weniger als 30°, erreicht. Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung kann eine Anschärfung mit einem Keilwinkel im Bereich von 15° bis 25° vorgesehen sein.The inclination of the aforementioned inclined surfaces to one another or to the longitudinal axis of the filament can basically also be chosen differently. A favorable compromise between on the one hand a sufficient thinning, which allows penetration into the interdental spaces, and on the other hand, a sufficient remaining strength is achieved in a further development of the invention by a wedge angle of the sharpening of less than 40 °, preferably less than 30 °. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a sharpening with a wedge angle in the range of 15 ° to 25 ° may be provided.

In seinem nicht angeschärften Bereich kann das zumindest eine Filament grundsätzlich verschiedene Querschnittsformen besitzen. Nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung besitzt das Filament in dem nicht angeschärften Bereich einen kreisförmigen Querschnitt.In its non-sharpened region, the at least one filament can basically have different cross-sectional shapes. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filament has a circular cross-section in the non-sharpened area.

Um das Filament insgesamt nicht zu stark zu schwächen, nichtsdestotrotz jedoch eine ausreichende Verjüngung vorzusehen, die das Eindringen in die Interdentalräume erleichtert, kann in Weiterbildung der Erfindung vorgesehen sein, dass sich die Anschärfung über etwa ⅛ bis 4/8, vorzugsweise etwa ⅜, der freien Länge des Filaments erstreckt.To obtain total not to weaken the filament too strong, but nevertheless provide sufficient taper which facilitates penetration into the interdental spaces can be provided in a further development of the invention that the scarfing over about ⅛ to 4/8, preferably about ⅜ of extending length of the filament.

Vorteilhafterweise ist das zumindest eine Filament in spezieller Weise auf dem Borstenträger ausgerichtet, und zwar derart, dass die flachgedrückte Anschärfung leicht in die Interdentalräume eindringen kann und das Filament seine höhere Biegesteifigkeit bei Wischbewegungen in den Zahnzwischenräumen, d.h. parallel zur Zahnachse, besitzt. Insbesondere kann das zumindest eine Filament derart auf dem Borstenträger angeordnet sein, dass bei bestimmungsgemäßem Anlegen des Bürstenkopfs auf eine Zahnreihe mit im wesentlichen tangentialer Ausrichtung der Borstenträger- bzw. Zahnbürstenlängsachse zum Zahnbogen sich die längere Querschnittshauptachse der Anschärfung parallel zum Zahnzwischenraum erstreckt.Advantageously, the at least one filament is specifically aligned on the bristle carrier in such a way that the flattened sharpening can easily penetrate into the interdental spaces and the filament has its higher flexural rigidity during wiping movements in the interdental spaces, ie parallel to the tooth axis. In particular, the at least one filament can be arranged on the bristle carrier such that at Proper application of the brush head on a row of teeth with a substantially tangential orientation of the bristle carrier or toothbrush longitudinal axis to the dental arch, the longer cross-sectional main axis of the sharpening extends parallel to the interdental space.

Je nach Ausbildung der Zahnbürste bzw. des Zahnbürstenkopfs kann das Filament hierbei verschieden auf dem Borstenträger ausgerichtet sein.Depending on the design of the toothbrush or the toothbrush head, the filament can be aligned differently on the bristle carrier.

Ist der Zahnbürstenkopf Teil einer Handzahnbürste, ist das Filament vorteilhafterweise derart ausgerichtet, dass sich die genannte längere Querschnittshauptachse der Anschärfung quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse erstreckt. Wird die Anschärfung in der zuvor genannten Weise durch zwei zueinander geneigte Schrägflächen gebildet, erstreckt sich der hierdurch gebildete First zwischen den beiden Schrägflächen quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse.If the toothbrush head is part of a manual toothbrush, the filament is advantageously oriented in such a way that the said longer cross-sectional main axis of the sharpening extends transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. If the sharpening in the aforementioned manner by two mutually inclined inclined surfaces formed, the ridge formed thereby extends between the two inclined surfaces transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

Alternativ kann der Zahnbürstenkopf auch bestimmungsgemäß für eine elektrische Zahnbürste vorgesehen sein. Je nach dabei realisierter Bewegungsachse können die angeschärften Filamente unterschiedlich angeordnet bzw. ausgerichtet sein. Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung kann der Zahnbürstenkopf mit seinem Borstenträger rotatorisch oszillierend um eine Antriebsachse angetrieben werden, die sich parallel zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse erstreckt. In diesem Fall ist das zumindest eine Filament mit der flachgedrückten Anschärfung ähnlich der vorgenannten Handzahnbürste ausgerichtet. Die längere Querschnittshauptachse erstreckt sich quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse.Alternatively, the toothbrush head can also be intended for an electric toothbrush. Depending on the realized movement axis, the sharpened filaments can be arranged or aligned differently. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the toothbrush head with its bristle carrier can be driven in a rotationally oscillating manner about a drive axis which extends parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. In this case, the at least one filament is aligned with the flattened sharpening similar to the aforementioned manual toothbrush. The longer cross-sectional main axis extends transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

Alternativ kann der Zahnbürstenkopf auch einen Borstenträger aufweisen, der sich rotatorisch oszillierend um eine Querachse antreiben lässt, die etwa senkrecht zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse steht. In diesem Fall ist das zumindest eine Filament mit der flachgedrückten Anschärfung vorteilhafterweise in einem Sektor der Beborstung angeordnet, der sich in der rotatorischen Mittelstellung des Borstenträgers etwa auf der Zahnbürstenlängsachse befindet, wobei der genannte Sektor verschiedene Winkelbereiche einschließen kann, vorteilhafterweise jedoch weniger als 45°, insbesondere weniger als 30°, betragen kann. Die in diesen beiden Sektoren bzw. Winkelsektoren angeordneten Filamente führen bei bestimmungsgemäßem Anlegen des Bürstenkopfs mit etwa tangentialer Ausrichtung des Borstenträgers an den Zahnbogen eine Bewegung aus, die sich zumindest näherungsweise in Richtung des schlitzförmigen Zahnzwischenraums erstreckt. Vorteilhafterweise ist das Filament dabei mit der längeren Querschnittshauptachse seiner Anschärfung quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse ausgerichtet.Alternatively, the toothbrush head may also have a bristle carrier, which can be rotationally driven to oscillate about a transverse axis, which is approximately perpendicular to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. In this case, the at least one filament with the flattened sharpening is advantageously arranged in a sector of the bristle which is in the rotational center position of the bristle carrier approximately on the toothbrush longitudinal axis, said sector may include different angular ranges, but advantageously less than 45 °, especially less than 30 °, can be. The filaments arranged in these two sectors or angular sectors perform, when the brush head is applied as intended, with an approximately tangential orientation of the bristle carrier to the dental arch, a movement which extends at least approximately in the direction of the slot-shaped interdental space. Advantageously, the filament is aligned with the longer cross-sectional main axis of its sharpening transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

Die Beborstung des Zahnbürstenkopfs kann grundsätzlich in an sich bekannter Weise aus mehreren Filamentbüscheln oder Borstenbüscheln bestehen, wobei ggf. weitere Putzelemente wie Wischstreifen, Kunststoffwischer oder Elastomerwischer vorgesehen sein können. Dabei ist zumindest ein Filament zumindest eines Borstenbüschels in der vorgenannten Weise ausgebildet. Vorteilhafterweise umfasst die Beborstung zumindest ein Borstenbüschel, in dem die Mehrzahl der Filamente in der vorgenannten Weise ausgebildet sind. Vorzugsweise sind die Filamente innerhalb eines Borstenbüschels zumindest näherungsweise gleich ausgerichtet, d.h. die längere Querschnittshauptachse der Anschärfung erstreckt sich bei allen Filamenten des Borstenbüschels in dieselbe Richtung.The bristles of the toothbrush head can in principle consist of a plurality of filament tufts or bristle tufts in known manner, it being possible for further wiping elements such as wiping strips, plastic wipers or elastomeric wipers to be provided. In this case, at least one filament of at least one bristle tuft is formed in the aforementioned manner. Advantageously, the bristles comprise at least one bristle tufts, in which the plurality of filaments are formed in the aforementioned manner. Preferably, the filaments within a tuft of bristles are at least approximately aligned, i. the longer cross-sectional major axis of the sharpening extends in the same direction for all the filaments of the bristle tuft.

Grundsätzlich sind verschiedene Verfahren zur Ausbildung der Anschärfung des zumindest einen Filaments möglich. Nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung wird die Anschärfung, insbesondere die zumindest eine Schrägfläche und/oder die diese begrenzende Verrundung, durch Schleifen des fertig beborsteten Borstenträgers erzeugt.In principle, various methods for forming the sharpening of the at least one filament are possible. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sharpening, in particular the at least one inclined surface and / or this limiting rounding, generated by grinding the finished bristled bristle carrier.

Diese und weitere Merkmale gehen außer aus den Ansprüchen auch aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele und den zugehörigen Zeichnungen hervor, wobei die Merkmale unabhängig von ihrer Zusammenfassung in den Ansprüchen für sich oder in Unterkombination miteinander Gegenstand der Erfindung bilden können. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

Fig. 1:
eine Seitenansicht eines keilförmig angeschärften Filaments einer Zahnbürste nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,
Fig. 2:
eine gegenüber Fig. 1 um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht des Filaments aus Fig. 1, das eine Schrägfläche der Anschärfung in Draufsicht zeigt,
Fig. 3:
eine Seitenansicht eines Filaments mit einer keilförmigen Anschärfung nach einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,
Fig. 4:
eine gegenüber Fig. 3 um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht des Filaments aus Fig. 3, das die eine Schrägfläche der Anschärfung in Draufsicht zeigt,
Fig. 5:
eine Seitenansicht eines Filaments mit einer keilförmigen Anschärfung nach einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,
Fig. 6:
eine gegenüber Fig. 5 um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht des Filaments aus Fig. 5, das die eine Schrägfläche der Anschärfung in Draufsicht zeigt,
Fig. 7:
eine Seitenansicht eines Filaments mit einer keilförmigen Anschärfung nach einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,
Fig. 8:
eine gegenüber Fig. 7 um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht des Filaments aus Fig. 7, das die eine Schrägfläche der Anschärfung in Draufsicht zeigt,
Fig. 9:
einen Querschnitt durch ein beidseitig angeschärftes Filament nach einer Vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung, bei dem die Schrägflächen der Anschärfung konvex gewölbt sind,
Fig. 10:
einen Querschnitt durch ein beidseitig angeschärftes Filament nach einer vorteilhaften Ausführung der Erfindung, bei dem die Schrägflächen der Anschärfung konkav gewölbt sind,
Fig. 11:
eine Draufsicht auf eine Handzahnbürste mit einem Zahnbürstenkopf nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung,
Fig. 12:
eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Zahnbürste mit einem Zahnbürstenkopf nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung, der um eine Längsachse der Zahnbürste rotatorisch oszillierend antreibbar ist, und
Fig. 13:
eine Draufsicht auf eine elektrische Zahnbürste mit einem Zahnbürstenkopf nach einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung, dessen Borstenfeld rotatorisch oszillierend um eine Querachse antreibbar ist.
These and other features will be apparent from the claims, as well as from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the features of which may form independent of their inclusion in the claims alone or in sub-combination with each other subject of the invention. In the drawings show:
Fig. 1:
a side view of a wedge-shaped sharpened filament of a toothbrush according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2:
one opposite Fig. 1 rotated 90 ° side view of the filament Fig. 1 showing an oblique surface of the sharpening in plan view,
3:
a side view of a filament with a wedge-shaped sharpening according to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
4:
one opposite Fig. 3 rotated 90 ° side view of the filament Fig. 3 showing the one oblique surface of the sharpening in plan view,
Fig. 5:
a side view of a filament with a wedge-shaped sharpening according to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 6:
one opposite Fig. 5 rotated 90 ° side view of the filament Fig. 5 showing the one oblique surface of the sharpening in plan view,
Fig. 7:
a side view of a filament with a wedge-shaped sharpening according to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 8:
one opposite Fig. 7 rotated 90 ° side view of the filament Fig. 7 showing the one oblique surface of the sharpening in plan view,
Fig. 9:
a cross section through a mutually sharpened filament according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the inclined surfaces of the sharpening are convex,
Fig. 10:
a cross section through a mutually sharpened filament according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the inclined surfaces of the sharpening are concave,
Fig. 11:
a top view of a manual toothbrush with a toothbrush head according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 12:
a plan view of an electric toothbrush with a toothbrush head according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is rotationally driven to oscillate about a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, and
Fig. 13:
a top view of an electric toothbrush with a toothbrush head according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bristle field is rotationally driven to oscillate about a transverse axis.

Die Figuren 1 und 2 zeigen ein Filament bzw. Zahnbürstenfilament 1, das in einen Borstenträger 2 eines im übrigen in den Figuren 1 und 2 nicht näher dargestellten Zahnbürstenkopfs eingesetzt ist. Das Filament 1 besitzt an seiner Basis eine im wesentlichen kreiszylindrische Gestalt, die zum freien Ende 3 des Filaments 1 hin doppelseitig angeschärft ist. Bei der Ausführung nach den Figuren 1 und 2 besteht eine Anschärfung 4 des freien Endes 3 des Filaments 1 aus zwei gegenüberliegenden, gegeneinander spitzwinklig geneigten Schrägflächen 5 und 6, die in der gezeichneten Ausführung eben ausgebildet sind. Die beiden Schrägflächen 5 und 6 schließen dabei in der gezeichneten Ausführung zwischen sich einen Keilwinkel 7 von etwa 20° bis 25° ein, wobei die beiden Schrägflächen 5 und 6 derart angeordnet sind, dass sich am freien Ende 3 ein gerade verlaufender First bildet.The Figures 1 and 2 show a filament or toothbrush filament 1, which in a bristle carrier 2 of the rest in the Figures 1 and 2 Not shown toothbrush head is used. The filament 1 has at its base a substantially circular cylindrical shape, which is sharpened double-sided towards the free end 3 of the filament 1 out. In the execution of the Figures 1 and 2 there is a sharpening 4 of the free end 3 of the filament 1 of two opposite, mutually acute angle inclined inclined surfaces 5 and 6, which are flat in the illustrated embodiment. The two inclined surfaces 5 and 6 close in the illustrated embodiment between them a wedge angle 7 of about 20 ° to 25 °, wherein the two inclined surfaces 5 and 6 are arranged such that forms a straight ridge at the free end 3.

Die Anschärfung 4 ist dabei in der gezeichneten Ausführung an ihrem Kopf abgestumpft. Die Schrägflächen 5 und 6 sind am freien Ende 3 nicht gänzlich zu einer mathematischen Linie zusammengeführt, sondern noch leicht voneinander beabstandet, so dass sich eine stumpfe, ungeführ rechteckige Kopffläche 8 bildet.The Anschärfung 4 is blunted in the illustrated embodiment at her head. The inclined surfaces 5 and 6 are not completely merged at the free end 3 to a mathematical line, but still slightly spaced apart, so that forms a blunt, ungühr rectangular top surface 8.

Wie Figur 1 zeigt, ist dabei am stirnseitigen Rand der Schrägflächen 5 und 6 eine Verrundung 12 vorgesehen, über die die Schrägflächen 5 und 6 in die stumpfe Kopffläche 8 übergehen. Die Verrundung 12 folgt der gesamten Außenkontur der Schrägflächen 5,6.As FIG. 1 shows, a rounding 12 is provided at the front edge of the inclined surfaces 5 and 6, over which the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 pass into the blunt head surface 8. The rounding 12 follows the entire outer contour of the inclined surfaces 5,6.

Die Anschärfung 4 ist dabei insgesamt derart ausgebildet, dass sie sich über eine Länge 10 erstreckt, die in der gezeichneten Ausführung etwa ⅜ der Gesamtlänge 11 des Filaments 1 beträgt. Eine Dicke 9 der stumpfen Kopffläche 8 beträgt etwa ¼ des Filamentdurchmessers in der gezeichneten Ausführung.The Anschärfung 4 is designed in such a way that it extends over a length 10, which is approximately ⅜ the total length 11 of the filament 1 in the illustrated embodiment. A thickness 9 of the blunt head surface 8 is about ¼ of the filament diameter in the illustrated embodiment.

Alternativ zu der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausführung kann die Anschärfung 4 des Filaments 1 auch von einer einzigen Schrägfläche 5 gebildet werden, die sich ebenfalls spitzwinklig zur Längsachse des jeweiligen Filaments 1 erstreckt, wie dies die Figuren 3 und 4 zeigen. Die Schrägfläche 5 ist in diesem Fall vorteilhafterweise gegenüber der Filamentlängsachse weniger spitz geneigt als bei einer doppelseitigen Anschärfung. Der Neigungswinkel der Schrägfläche 5 beträgt in der in Figur 3 gezeichneten Ausführung etwa 25°, so dass die Anschärfung 4 insgesamt wiederum einen Keilwinkel 7 von etwa 25° besitzt. Auch bei der in den Figuren 3 und 4 gezeichneten Ausführung ist die Schrägfläche 5 eben ausgebildet, so dass sich zusammen mit der kreiszylindrischen Grundgestalt des Filaments 1 eine elliptische Form der Schrägfläche 5 ergibt, wie dies Figur 4 zeigt.Alternatively to the in the Figures 1 and 2 As shown, the sharpening 4 of the filament 1 can also be formed by a single inclined surface 5, which also extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the respective filament 1, as shown in FIG FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrate. The inclined surface 5 is in this case advantageously less inclined with respect to the filament longitudinal axis than with a double-sided sharpening. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 5 is in the in FIG. 3 drawn execution about 25 °, so that the Anschärfung 4 in turn has a total wedge angle 7 of about 25 °. Also in the in the FIGS. 3 and 4 drawn embodiment, the inclined surface 5 is flat, so that together with the circular cylindrical basic shape of the filament 1 an elliptical shape of the inclined surface 5 results, as this FIG. 4 shows.

Vorteilhafterweise ist auch bei der Ausführung nach den Figuren 3 und 4 der stirnseitige Rand der Schrägfläche 5 verrundet. Über die Verrundung 12 geht die Schrägfläche 5 auch bei der Ausführung nach den Figuren 3 und 4 in die stumpfe Kopffläche 8 über. Die Anordnung der Schrägfläche 5 ist dabei auch hier derart getroffen, dass sich die Anschärfung 4 insgesamt über die Länge 10 erstreckt, die etwa 3/8 der Gesamtlänge 11 des Filaments 1 beträgt, und dass die Dicke 9 der stumpfen Kopffläche 8 etwa ¼ der Gesamtdicke des Filaments 1 beträgt.Advantageously, in the embodiment of the FIGS. 3 and 4 the frontal edge of the inclined surface 5 rounded. About the rounding 12, the inclined surface 5 is also in the execution of the FIGS. 3 and 4 in the blunt head surface 8 via. The arrangement of the inclined surface 5 is made here such that the scarfing 4 extending generally over the length 10, which is about 3/8 of the total length 11 of the filament 1, and that the thickness 9 of the blunt head surface 8 is about ¼ of the total thickness of the filament is 1.

Die in den Figuren 5 und 6 gezeigte Ausführung entspricht im wesentlichen der in Figur 1 und 2 gezeigten Ausführung, wobei die Schrägflächen 5 und 6 hier jedoch nicht eben ausgebildet sind, sondern eine konkave Wölbung um eine Achse quer zur Filamentlängsachse besitzen. Wie Figur 5 zeigt, nimmt der Keilwinkel 7 somit zwischen den Schrägflächen 5 und 6 zum freien Ende 3 des Filaments 1 hin ab. Er liegt jedoch ebenfalls vorteilhafterweise im Bereich von weniger als 40°, vorzugsweise zwischen 15° und 35°.The in the FIGS. 5 and 6 The embodiment shown essentially corresponds to in FIGS. 1 and 2 shown embodiment, wherein the inclined surfaces 5 and 6, however, are not flat here, but have a concave curvature about an axis transverse to the filament longitudinal axis. As FIG. 5 shows, the wedge angle 7 thus decreases between the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 to the free end 3 of the filament 1 out. However, it is also advantageously in the range of less than 40 °, preferably between 15 ° and 35 °.

Die Ausführung nach den Figuren 7 und 8 entspricht ebenfalls grundsätzlich der doppelseitigen Anschärfung gemäß der Ausführung nach den Figuren 1 und 2, wobei die Schrägflächen 5 und 6 hier jedoch eine konvexe Wölbung besitzen, und zwar um eine Wölbungsachse quer zur Filamentlängsachse, so dass der Keilwinkel 7 zwischen den Schrägflächen 5 und 6 graduell zum freien Ende 3 des Filaments hin zunimmt. Er beträgt vorteilhafterweise ebenfalls zwischen 15° und 35°.The execution after the FIGS. 7 and 8 also basically corresponds to the double-sided sharpening according to the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 However, the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 here have a convex curvature, namely about a curvature axis transverse to the filament longitudinal axis, so that the wedge angle 7 increases between the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 gradually towards the free end 3 of the filament. It is advantageously also between 15 ° and 35 °.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich können die Schrägflächen 5 und 6 auch eine konvexe oder konkave Wölbung um eine Wölbungsachse besitzen, die sich in einer die Filamentlängsachse enthaltenden Ebene erstreckt. Figur 9 zeigt eine solche konvexe Wölbung, während Figur 10 eine entsprechende konkave Wölbung der Schrägflächen 5 und 6 zeigt.Alternatively or additionally, the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 may also have a convex or concave curvature about a curvature axis extending in a plane containing the filament longitudinal axis. FIG. 9 shows such a convex curvature, while FIG. 10 a corresponding concave curvature of the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 shows.

Die Anschärfung 4 und die Verrundung 12 können durch Schleifen der Filamente des fertig beborsteten Borstenträgers 2 erzeugt werden.The sharpening 4 and the rounding 12 can be produced by grinding the filaments of the finished bristled bristle carrier 2.

Den in den Figuren 1 bis 10 gezeigten Filamenten 1 ist gemeinsam, dass die Anschärfung 4 im wesentlichen keilförmig ausgebildet ist und die Filamente 1 im Bereich der Anschärfung 4 bezüglich zueinander rechtwinkliger bzw. senkrechter Achsen unterschiedliche Flächenträgheitsmomente besitzen. Die Biegesteifigkeit des Filaments 1 ist in einer Richtung 13 der längeren Querschnittshauptachse (vgl. Figuren 2, 4, 6 und 8) größer als in der Richtung der kürzeren Querschnittshauptachse der Anschärfung 4. Mit anderen Worten ausgedrückt meint dies, dass das Filament 1 steifer ist, wenn man es parallel zu den Schrägflächen 5 und 6 der Anschärfung biegt, während es weniger steif ist, wenn man es rechtwinklig zu den Schrägflächen 5 und 6 biegt.The in the FIGS. 1 to 10 filaments 1 shown in common that the sharpening 4 is formed substantially wedge-shaped and the filaments 1 in the field of Anschärfung 4 with respect to each other perpendicular or vertical axes have different area moments of inertia. The flexural rigidity of the filament 1 is in a direction 13 of the longer cross-sectional major axis (see. FIGS. 2, 4 . 6 and 8 In other words, this means that the filament 1 is stiffer when bent parallel to the sharpening surfaces 5 and 6 of the sharpening, while it is less stiff when it is bent at right angles to the inclined surfaces 5 and 6 bends.

Vorteilhafterweise sind die Filamente 1 derart ausgerichtet, dass sich die Richtung 13 der längeren Querschnittshauptachse parallel zu den schlitzförmigen Interdentalräumen erstreckt, wenn die Zahnbürste bestimmungsgemäß auf den Zahnbogen gesetzt wird. Wie Figur 11 zeigt, können die Filamente 1 zu Borstenbüscheln 14 zusammengefasst sein, die zusammen ein Borstenfeld 15 bilden, das auf dem Borstenträger 12 eines Zahnbürstenkopfs 17 angeordnet ist. Ist der Zahnbürstenkopf 17 dabei Teil einer Handzahnbürste, wie sie Figur 11 zeigt, sind die Filamente 1 mit ihrer längeren Querschnittshauptachse, die sich in Richtung 13 erstreckt, quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse ausgerichtet.Advantageously, the filaments 1 are oriented such that the direction 13 of the longer cross-sectional major axis extends parallel to the slot-shaped interdental spaces when the toothbrush is placed on the dental arch as intended. As FIG. 11 1, the filaments 1 may be combined into bristle tufts 14, which together form a bristle field 15 which is arranged on the bristle carrier 12 of a toothbrush head 17. If the toothbrush head 17 is part of a manual toothbrush, as shown in FIG. 11, the filaments 1, with their longer cross-sectional main axis extending in the direction 13, are aligned transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.

Ähnliches gilt, wenn der Zahnbürstenkopf 17 für eine elektrische Zahnbürste bestimmt ist, bei der der Borstenträger 2 um eine Antriebsachse 18 rotatorisch oszillierend angetrieben wird, die sich parallel zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse erstreckt, wie dies Figur 12 zeigt. Die rotatorisch oszillierende Bewegung um die Antriebsachse 18 verdeutlicht dabei ein Pfeil 19. Vorteilhafterweise sind dabei die Filamente 1 mit ihrer längeren Querschnittshauptachse in Richtung 13 quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse und damit quer zur Antriebsachse 18 ausgerichtet.The same applies if the toothbrush head 17 is intended for an electric toothbrush, in which the bristle carrier 2 is driven to oscillate in rotation about a drive axis 18 which extends parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis, as this FIG. 12 shows. The rotationally oscillating movement about the drive axis 18 illustrates an arrow 19. Advantageously, the filaments 1 are aligned with their longer cross-sectional main axis in the direction 13 transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis and thus transversely to the drive axis 18.

Bei der in Figur 13 gezeigten elektrischen Zahnbürste ist der Borstenträger 2 im wesentlichen scheibenförmig oder oval ausgebildet und um die Antriebsachse 18 rotatorisch oszillierend antreibbar. Die Antriebsachse 18 liegt hierbei ungefähr rechtwinklig zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse. In diesem Fall sind vorteilhafterweise nur die Filamente 1 einiger Borstenbüschel in der vorgenannten Weise angeschärft. Insbesondere können dies Borstenbüschel 20 und 21 sein, die in Winkelsektoren bzw. Sektoren 22 und 23 des ungefähr insgesamt zylindrischen oder z.B. ovalen Borstenfeldes 15 liegen, die in der rotatorischen Mittelstellung des Borstenträgers 2 auf der Zahnbürstenlängsachse liegen und zu dieser symmetrisch angeordnet sind. Die genannten Sektoren 22 und 23 können verschiedene Winkelbereiche abdecken, in der gezeichneten Ausführung etwa je 30°. Die am Rand des Borstenfeldes 15 in den Sektoren 22 und 23 liegenden Borstenbüschel 20 und 21 führen eine Bewegung aus, die sich näherungsweise parallel zu den schlitzförmigen Zahnzwischenräumen erstreckt. Vorteilhafterweise sind die Filamente 1 mit ihren längeren Querschnittshauptachsen in Richtung des Pfeils 13 ebenfalls quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse ausgerichtet, wenn der Borstenträger 2 in seiner rotatorischen Mittelstellung ist.At the in FIG. 13 shown electric toothbrush, the bristle carrier 2 is substantially disc-shaped or oval and rotatably driven to oscillate about the drive axis 18. The drive shaft 18 is approximately at right angles to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. In this case, advantageously only the filaments 1 of some bristle tufts are sharpened in the aforementioned manner. In particular, this may be bristle tufts 20 and 21, which lie in angular sectors or sectors 22 and 23 of the approximately total cylindrical or oval bristle field 15, which lie in the rotational center position of the bristle carrier 2 on the toothbrush longitudinal axis and are arranged symmetrically to this. Said sectors 22 and 23 can cover different angular ranges, in the illustrated embodiment about 30 ° each. The bristle tufts 20 and 21 lying in the sectors 22 and 23 at the edge of the bristle field 15 perform a movement which extends approximately parallel to the slot-shaped interdental spaces. Advantageously, the filaments 1 are also aligned transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis with their longer cross-sectional main axes in the direction of the arrow 13 when the bristle carrier 2 is in its rotational center position.

Eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung betrifft die einander gegenüberliegend angeordneten Sektoren 24 und 25, die die wahlweise zusätzlich in besonderer Ausbildung neben den Sektoren 22 und 23 das Borstenfeld 15 bilden. In den Sektoren 24 und 25 sind die Filamente 1 in Borstenbüscheln 26 und 27 so angeordnet, dass die längere Querschnittshauptachse der Anschärfung 4 in Richtung des Pfeils 13 quer zur Zahnbürstenlängsachse steht. Damit sind alle Filamente 1 im Borstenfeld 15 mit ihrer Anschärfung 4 parallel ausgerichtet. Führt das Borstenfeld 15 die rotatorisch oszillierende Antriebsbewgung entsprechend Pfeil 19 aus, so liegt die Bewegungsrichtung der Filamente 1 der Borstenbüschel 26 und 27 in den Sektoren 24 und 25 näherungsweise quer zur kürzeren Querschnittshauptachse der Anschärfung 4. Dies bedeutet, das die Filamente 1 der Borstenbüschel 26 und 27 im Bereich der Anschärfung 4 einer Verbiegung nur wenig Widerstand entgegensetzen. Die Filamente 1 sind somit biegeweich in den Sektoren 24 und 25, in denen sie beim Putzen das Zahnfleisch berühren. Dies behindert Verletzungen des Zahnfleischs.An advantageous development relates to the oppositely disposed sectors 24 and 25, which form the bristle field 15 optionally additionally in a special education in addition to the sectors 22 and 23. In the sectors 24 and 25, the filaments 1 are arranged in bristle tufts 26 and 27 so that the longer cross-sectional major axis of the sharpening 4 is in the direction of the arrow 13 transverse to the toothbrush longitudinal axis. All filaments 1 in the bristle field 15 are thus aligned parallel with their sharpening 4. Does that Borstenfeld 15, the rotationally oscillating drive movement according to arrow 19, so is the direction of movement of the filaments 1 of the tufts 26 and 27 in the sectors 24 and 25 approximately transverse to the shorter cross-sectional main axis of Anschärfung 4. This means that the filaments 1 of the bristle tufts 26 and 27 In the area of the sharpening 4, there is little resistance to bending. The filaments 1 are thus flexible in the sectors 24 and 25, in which they touch the gums when cleaning. This hinders injury to the gums.

Ein Vorteil der parallelen Ausrichtung der Anschärfung 4 bei allen Filamenten 1 eines Borstenfelds 15 besteht in der vereinfachten Herstellung, beispielsweise wenn bei allen Filamenten 1 die Anschärfung 4 gleichzeitig geschliffen wird.An advantage of the parallel alignment of the sharpening 4 in all the filaments 1 of a bristle field 15 is the simplified production, for example, if the sharpening 4 is simultaneously ground in all the filaments 1.

Claims (30)

  1. A toothbrush head with a bristle support (2) upon which is arranged a bristle field (15) having a plurality of filaments (1), wherein at least one filament (1) is tapered at its free end (3), characterized in that the taper is designed in the form of a flat pressed sharpened segment (4), such that the bending stiffness of the filament (1) in the tapered region is greater relative to a first transverse axis than it is to a second transverse axis oriented perpendicularly thereto.
  2. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claim, wherein the sharpened segment is wedge-shaped in design.
  3. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one filament (1) is aligned on the bristle support (2) in such a way that when the toothbrush head is properly placed on a row of teeth with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush being oriented approximately tangential to the dental arch, the longer major cross-sectional axis of the sharpened segment (4) extends approximately parallel to the slot-like interproximal spaces.
  4. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one filament (1) is aligned on the bristle support (2) in such a way that when the toothbrush head is properly placed on a row of teeth with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush being oriented approximately tangential to the dental arch, the bending stiffness, with respect to brushing motions, is greater parallel to the slot-shaped interproximal spaces.
  5. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sharpened segment (4) is formed by a beveled surface (5) inclined at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the filament.
  6. The toothbrush head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sharpened segment(4) is formed by two oppositely disposed beveled surfaces (5, 6) each being inclined at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the filament.
  7. The toothbrush head according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the beveled surface (5) is, or beveled surfaces (5, 6) are, planar in design.
  8. The toothbrush head according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein at least one of the beveled surfaces (5, 6) has a curvature.
  9. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claim, wherein the curvature is uniaxial.
  10. The toothbrush head according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the curvature is convex in shape.
  11. The toothbrush head according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the curvature is concave in shape
  12. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge of the sharpened segment (4) has a rounded portion (12) at least towards the free end (3) of the filament (1).
  13. The toothbrush head according to claim 12, wherein the rounded portion (12) follows the entire outer contour of the beveled surfaces (5, 6).
  14. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sharpened segment (4) has a blunted top surface (8).
  15. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claim, wherein the blunted top surface (8) has a thickness of approximately 1/5 to 2/5 of the diameter of the filament.
  16. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sharpened segment (4) has a wedge angle (7) of less than 40°, preferably less than 30°.
  17. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claim, wherein the wedge angle (7) is between 15° and 25°.
  18. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-tapered region of the filament (1) has a circular cylindrical contour.
  19. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sharpened segment (4) extends across approximately 1/8 to 4/8, preferably about 3/8 of the free length (11) of the filament (1).
  20. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sharpened segment (4) may be produced by grinding means.
  21. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the toothbrush head is designed as a manual toothbrush head.
  22. The toothbrush head according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the toothbrush head is designed as an electric toothbrush head and the bristle support (2) is drivable in a rotatory oscillating manner about a drive axis (18) parallel to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  23. The toothbrush head according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the longer main cross-sectional axis of the sharpened segment (4) of the at least one filament (1) is aligned transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  24. The toothbrush head according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the toothbrush head is designed as an electric toothbrush head and the bristle support (2) is drivable in a rotatory oscillating manner about a drive axis (18) transversal to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  25. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one filament (1) is arranged in one or two oppositely disposed angular sectors (22, 23), which sectors include the toothbrush longitudinal axis in a rotatory middle position of the bristle support (2), and which are symmetrically arranged relative to the toothbrush longitudinal axis, wherein in the aforementioned rotatory middle position of the bristle support (2) the longer main cross-sectional axis of the at least one filament (1) is aligned transversely to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  26. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claim, wherein the angular sectors (22, 23) have an angular range of less than 45°, preferably less than 30°.
  27. The toothbrush head according to the preceding claims 24 to 26, wherein the at least one filament (1) is arranged in two oppositely disposed angular sectors (24, 25), which sectors are disposed along an axis oriented perpendicularly to the toothbrush longitudinal axis in the rotatory middle position of the bristle support (2), wherein in the aforementioned rotatory middle position of the bristle support (2) the longer major cross-sectional axis of the at least one filament 1 is aligned transversal to the toothbrush longitudinal axis.
  28. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filaments (1) are consolidated to form bristle tufts (14, 20, 21, 26, 27) on the bristle support (2), whereby in a bristle tuft (14, 20, 21, 26, 27) containing filaments (1) with flat pressed sharpened segments (4), at least ¾ of all filaments (1) with sharpened segments (4), preferably all the filaments (1) in the same bristle tuft (14, 20, 21, 26, 27), are identically aligned.
  29. The toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sharpened segment (4) is formed such that the bending stiffness of the filament (1) relative to the first transverse axis is at least 20%, preferably more than 35%, greater than the bending stiffness relative to the second transverse axis.
  30. A toothbrush with the toothbrush head according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP06829759A 2006-03-16 2006-12-20 Toothbrush and toothbrush head for said toothbrush Not-in-force EP1993398B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006012003A DE102006012003A1 (en) 2006-03-16 2006-03-16 Toothbrush and toothbrush head for this
PCT/EP2006/012278 WO2007104351A1 (en) 2006-03-16 2006-12-20 Toothbrush and toothbrush head for said toothbrush

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1993398A1 EP1993398A1 (en) 2008-11-26
EP1993398B1 true EP1993398B1 (en) 2011-11-30

Family

ID=37847043

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06829759A Not-in-force EP1993398B1 (en) 2006-03-16 2006-12-20 Toothbrush and toothbrush head for said toothbrush

Country Status (12)

Country Link
US (1) US20080209649A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1993398B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5269617B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20080109587A (en)
CN (1) CN101175424B (en)
AT (1) ATE535170T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2006339876A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2608763A1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006012003A1 (en)
HK (1) HK1116639A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2007012889A (en)
WO (1) WO2007104351A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101485303B1 (en) * 2006-09-21 2015-01-22 네스텍 소시에테아노님 Antibody-based arrays for detecting multiple signal transducers in rare circulating cells
USD645252S1 (en) 2008-08-15 2011-09-20 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Toothbrush
USD658885S1 (en) 2008-09-30 2012-05-08 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Toothbrush handle
USD658884S1 (en) 2009-05-27 2012-05-08 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Toothbrush
US20120192366A1 (en) * 2009-10-06 2012-08-02 Rubbermaid Incorporated Cleaning apparatus with rotating and detachable brush head
EP2582265B9 (en) 2010-06-17 2019-11-06 Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. Bristle configuration
EP2663209B1 (en) * 2011-01-12 2018-03-21 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US8635734B2 (en) * 2011-02-15 2014-01-28 Hankookin, Inc Toothbrush with bristles of non circular tips
JP5948019B2 (en) * 2011-02-25 2016-07-06 ライオン株式会社 toothbrush
KR101218711B1 (en) * 2011-06-28 2013-01-09 주현명 Toothbrush
USD751295S1 (en) 2013-11-05 2016-03-15 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
USD764804S1 (en) 2013-11-05 2016-08-30 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
US10743645B2 (en) 2013-11-05 2020-08-18 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
MX2016005478A (en) 2013-11-05 2016-08-03 Colgate Palmolive Co Oral care implement.
USD749855S1 (en) 2013-11-05 2016-02-23 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
CN105682510B (en) 2013-11-05 2018-05-22 高露洁-棕榄公司 Oral care implement
WO2015085528A1 (en) * 2013-12-12 2015-06-18 Colgate-Palmolive Company Spiral bristle having strand components with different oral care additives, and oral care implement comprising the same
USD754443S1 (en) 2014-06-11 2016-04-26 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement
WO2020191518A1 (en) * 2019-03-22 2020-10-01 Colgate-Palmolive Company Oral care implement

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1683866A (en) * 1926-02-23 1928-09-11 Chandler Jermain Tooth scrubber
US2225331A (en) * 1938-10-18 1940-12-17 Pauline Campbell Rubber bristled toothbursh
US4167794A (en) * 1978-04-26 1979-09-18 Pomeroy Robert L Bristles and toothbrushes
JPH04104923U (en) * 1991-02-19 1992-09-09 征夫 磯田 Teeth hanging structure
CN1051693C (en) * 1993-05-28 2000-04-26 皇家菲利浦电子有限公司 Toothbrush
BR9407571A (en) * 1993-09-02 1996-07-16 Lingner & Fischer Gmbh Bristle arrangement for a toothbrush
GB9423421D0 (en) * 1994-11-19 1995-01-11 Smithkline Beecham Plc Novel device
DE19523016C5 (en) * 1995-06-24 2005-04-07 Braun Gmbh Brush part for an electric toothbrush
TW414035U (en) * 1996-05-14 2000-12-01 Kao Corp Toothbrush
DE29700611U1 (en) * 1997-01-15 1997-03-13 Klaus Sindel Rusi Kosmetik Pin Fibers for cosmetic brushes
US6041467A (en) * 1997-07-03 2000-03-28 Gillette Canada Inc. Toothbrush
KR100261658B1 (en) * 1998-03-19 2000-07-15 권영준 Manufacturing method of tapered toothbrush
JP2000033010A (en) * 1998-07-17 2000-02-02 Lion Corp Tooth brush
JP2000139568A (en) * 1998-11-12 2000-05-23 Kao Corp Toothbrush
WO2001032053A1 (en) * 1999-10-29 2001-05-10 Lion Corporation Toothbrush
EP1132057A1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2001-09-12 Unilever N.V. Toothbrush with segmented oscillating head
CN2428012Y (en) * 2000-04-28 2001-05-02 广州旭峰企业集团有限公司 Tooth-brush of silica gel
JP2001353026A (en) * 2000-06-16 2001-12-25 Kao Corp Toothbrush
US6732398B2 (en) * 2001-12-20 2004-05-11 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Stepped diameter bristles for a toothbrush
DE10208529C1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2003-10-16 Braun Gmbh Brush head, for electric toothbrush, has oscillating bristle carrier provided with auxiliary bristle carrier with auxiliary bristle field
AU2003242642A1 (en) * 2002-06-20 2004-01-06 Unilever Plc Electric toothbrush
DE10232589A1 (en) * 2002-07-18 2004-01-29 Geka Brush Gmbh Mascara brush
JP2004180712A (en) * 2002-11-29 2004-07-02 Lion Corp Electric toothbrush
US20050172436A1 (en) * 2004-02-06 2005-08-11 Harry Wineberg Toothbrush

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2608763A1 (en) 2007-09-20
ATE535170T1 (en) 2011-12-15
AU2006339876A1 (en) 2007-09-20
MX2007012889A (en) 2007-12-10
EP1993398A1 (en) 2008-11-26
CN101175424B (en) 2011-02-16
DE102006012003A1 (en) 2007-09-20
WO2007104351A1 (en) 2007-09-20
US20080209649A1 (en) 2008-09-04
JP5269617B2 (en) 2013-08-21
KR20080109587A (en) 2008-12-17
HK1116639A1 (en) 2009-01-02
JP2009529389A (en) 2009-08-20
CN101175424A (en) 2008-05-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1993398B1 (en) Toothbrush and toothbrush head for said toothbrush
EP1646299B1 (en) Manual toothbrush
DE19533144C2 (en) toothbrush
DE69629062T3 (en) toothbrush
EP1001692B1 (en) Brush, in particular for an electric toothbrush
EP1423029B2 (en) Toothbrush with bristle array
EP1643879B1 (en) Toothbrush
EP1615586A1 (en) Brush head for an electric toothbrush
EP0263826A1 (en) Toothbrush for simultaneous cleaning of teeth on both sides
EP1173081B1 (en) Toothbrush
EP2184031A1 (en) Electric toothbrush and brush head
WO2005063079A1 (en) Manual toothbrush
WO2007033745A1 (en) Toothbrush head
EP0930030A2 (en) Flexible head for a toothbrush
WO2002007562A1 (en) Treatment element for an appliance for cleaning dental interstices, a method and device for the production thereof
EP2184033A1 (en) Electrical tooth brush and its brush body
DE69628347T2 (en) TOOTHBRUSH
EP0901329B1 (en) Toothbrush
WO1998002062A1 (en) Toothbrush
DE60133274T2 (en) TOOTHBRUSH WITH EFFECTIVE BRISTLE ASSEMBLY
EP3308671A2 (en) Broom
DE102019001153A1 (en) Brush, in particular toothbrush, whose cleaning elements have the fractal characteristics
DE202014103564U1 (en) Wire core applicator with multi-material bristles
WO2000056186A1 (en) Flexible brush head for a toothbrush

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20071004

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: BOHEST AG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20111230

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20111220

Year of fee payment: 6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502006010673

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20111130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120330

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120330

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120301

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: BRAUN G.M.B.H.

Effective date: 20111231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120229

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111231

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111231

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20120831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20121019

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502006010673

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 535170

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20111220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120311

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111220

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: V1

Effective date: 20130701

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111130

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121231

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121231

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130701

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20141124

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20141222

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502006010673

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20151220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151220

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160701