MXPA97005833A - Brush for dien - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tooth brush that includes a handle extending from a head having at least one bunch fixed to the head, the bunch includes a plurality of elongated monofilaments, each having a length and a diameter generally uniform, consisting of: (a) a thermoplastic filament base material, and (b) an effective polishing amount of polishing agent in contact with the base material and having a particle size from about 0.10 microns to about 10 microns, where the monofilaments are defined by: a diameter in the range from about 100 to about 350 um, a coefficient of friction from about 0.01 to about 0.90, a mild to medium ISO stiffness rating, a greater bunch retention of 1.4 kg (3 pounds), a double recovery from 80% to 100%, an elongation to break from approximately 1% to approximately 500%, a tensile strength from about 352 to about 14061 kg / cm2 (5000-200000 psi), and a tension and bending module from about 7031 to about 210921 kg / cm2 (100000-3000000 ps)

Description

TOOTHBRUSH Field of the invention This invention relates to new filaments (or fibers) for toothbrushes. More particularly, this invention relates to an improfilament for cleaning the oral cavity and polishing the teeth. The present invention also relates to a method of cleaning the oral cavity and polishing the teeth by using a brush containing the new improfilaments.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART Commercially available toothbrushes typically have elongated shanks with co-extruded monofilament or filament bristles mounted on a generally flat head facing the sides at the distal end of a handle. The thin flexible bristles are soft elements from which the ends are cut at right angles and are often rounded to form dome-like tips. Brushes for teeth of this type and the mechanism of brushing teeth play an important part in oral hygiene. It has been unequivocally shown that brushing the teeth is instrumental in reducing tooth decay. See, for example, Fosdick, L.S. J. Am. Dent. Assoc., 40, 133 (1950). In addition, regular brushing with a cosmetic dentifrice further reduces the incidence of caries among the susceptible subjects. REF: 25347 The regular brushing of the teeth with a toothpaste is also considered as effective in the reduction or prevention of periodontal disease, the removal of food waste and the massage of the gums. Most commercial toothpastes include a moderate abrasive powder to improve the ability of the composition to remove adherent waste material, to release the accessible plate, to dislodge accessible waste and to remove surface stains from the teeth. Attempts have been made to embed abrasive materials or adhere abrasive materials onto fiber strands for use in toothbrushes. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 1,470,710 issued to David and U.S. Patent No. 5,249,961 issued to Hoagland. These attempts did not meet the consumer's needs due to their tendency to (a) lose the embedded abrasive; (b) subject the gums to abrasion; and (c) lack mechanical durability. Also, U.S. Patent No. 3,618,154 issued to Muhier et al discloses an integrally molded one-piece brush with tapered bristles. The entire brush / bristle combination is made of plastic containing up to 30% (by weight) of abrasive material. This attempt has not met with success due to the difficulty of molding such a brush. In addition, molded bristles, that is, non-oriented, tend to have poor mechanical properties, for example stiffness, recovery to curvature, etc. and tend to chamfer.

Also, abrasive materials have been added to the elastomeric material used in the prophylactic cleaning cups. These motorized driven cups are used to polish and clean the teeth by a highly experienced dental technician. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,977,084 issued to Sloan and U.S. Patent No. 5,273,559 issued to Hammar et al. Attempts have been made to provide a toothbrush with a rough uneven surface to make the bristle wall more abrasive. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 3,671,381 issued to Hansen. This attempt requires the subsequent costly engraving of the bristle with caustic products or high pressure steam and results in a loss of mechanical properties. Attempts have also been made to provide the bristles with more regular abrasive protuberances. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,373,541 issued to Nishioka. These attempts have not been commercially successful due to the inconvenient processing cost and increased with the molding of each sow individually. In addition, these bristles exhibit extremely poor mechanical properties. Abrasive-containing filament materials are widely used in non-oral care, industrial applications such as metal polishing, street sweeping, vacuum cleaner brushes, etc. See, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 2,336,797 issued to Maxwell; 2,609,642 issued to Peterson; 2,711,365 issued to Pnce et al; 2,712,987 issued to Storrs et al; 2,836,617 issued to Gruber et al; 2,920,947 issued to Burk et al; 3,115,401 issued to Downing et al; 3,384,915 issued to Rands; 3,556,752 issued to Wilson; 3,577,839 issued to Charvat et al; 3,696,563 issued to Rands; 4,305,234 issued to Pichelman; 4,627,950 issued to Matsui; 4,630,407 issued to Rhodes; 4,704,833 issued to Steinback; 5,016,311 issued to Young et al; 5,030,496 issued to McGurran; 5,045,091 issued to Abrahamson et al; 5,056,267 issued to Nicely et al; 5,083,840 issued to Young; 5,108,155 issued to Hettes et al; 5,211,725 issued to Fowlie et al; and 5,227,229 issued to McNahan et al.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It has been found that in the manufacture of a toothbrush with bristles of uniform diameter containing a polishing agent with a particle size of about 0.01 to about 100 μm, the cleaning of the teeth is improved without any the adverse side effects associated with intense overblowing. One embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush that includes a handle associated with a head having at least one fixed bunch securely in or attached to the head, the bundle includes a plurality of filaments consisting of (a ) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of about 0.1 μm to about 10 μm. Particles smaller than 0.1 μm can be used if aggregation occurs, such that the size of the aggregate on the sow is as described. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cleansing the oral cavity comprising: A) providing a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one fixed bunch securely in or attached to the tooth head, the bundle includes a plurality of filaments consisting of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.10 to about 10 μm B) applying an effective amount of abrasive-free and abrasive-free toothpaste to the free ends of the bristles; and C) brush teeth, gums, etc. of the oral cavity. An object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art toothbrushes described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved toothbrush with improved mouth feel. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush which provides good polishing and cleaning of the teeth even when used with a non-abrasive toothpaste. Another object of the present invention is to decrease wear and chamfering.

Another object is to reduce the brushing time necessary to obtain good oral hygiene. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tooth brush bristle material with easier material handling characteristics. It has been observed that the bristles used in the present invention can be held by the picking mechanism more easily and handled more effectively during the bundle forming operation. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a bristle filament which results in a generally more uniformly rounded end (ie, rounded at the ends) when processed with conventional abrasive end rounding equipment. These and other objects will be evident from the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a brush which is used to illustrate the concept of the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the brush of Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 are views in schematic side elevation, amplified of the new filaments of the invention, taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 with a portion of the filament in section.

Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views of scanning electron microg raphy of the surfaces of the filaments according to the present invention. Both filaments are of Nylon 612 containing 4% hydrated kaolin clay having an average particle size of about 0.6 μm. Figure 5 is amplified to 350X and Figure 6 is amplified to 1200X. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the co-extrusion process used to manufacture the sow of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION In the toothbrushes of the present invention, the new filaments are included in the toothbrushes of the type shown in Figure 1. The toothbrush will have at least one fixed bunch in a manner secure in or attached to the head, the bundle includes a plurality of filaments according to the present invention. As shown, the toothbrush 10 includes a handle 12 and a head 14 having a plurality of bunches 16. The bunches 16 comprise a plurality of individual filaments and the bunches 16 are securely attached to or attached to the head 14 in manners known in the art. The configuration of the head 14 and the bundles 16 can vary and can be oval, convex curve, concave curve, flat cut, with "V" teeth or any other desired configuration. Additionally, the configuration, shape and size of the handle 12 or the bundles 16 may vary and the axes of the handle 12 and the head 14 may be in the same or in a different plane. The longitudinal and cross-sectional dimensions of the filaments of the invention and the profile of the ends of the filament may vary and the rigidity, residence and shape of the filament end may vary. Preferred filaments of the present invention have substantially uniform lengths of between about 0.50 to about 1.50 cm, substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions of between about 100 μm to about 350 μm and have smooth or rounded tips or ends. With reference to Figure 2, the toothbrush bristles used in the present invention include a polishing agent and a thermoplastic filament base material. It has been found that by using a polishing agent with an average particle diameter of 0.10 to about 10 μm (or the equivalent via particle aggregation) improved brush cleaning performances for the teeth are obtained without the severe abrasion of the gums and the enamel degradation associated with industrial abrasive filaments. As used herein, the term "polishing agent" refers to a material with a particle size predominantly between 0.01-100 μm and a Moh hardness of between 0.5 and 10, preferably 5 or less and such that it does not It damages the gums. The aggregates of smaller particles of 0.1 μm can also be used as long as the aggregate has an average diameter within the claimed range. The level of polishing agent in the bristle varies with the type of bristle base material, the diameter of the polishing agent and the type of polishing agent (hardness). In general, the effective level of the polishing agent is from about 0.2% (by weight) to about 25% (by weight), preferably from about 0.5% (by weight) to about 5% (by weight). Suitable polishing agents for use in the present invention include: plastic particles: walnut shell particles; hardwood particles; corn ear particles; rubber particles; calcium carbonate; aragonite clay; orthorhombic clays; calcite clay; rhombohedral clays; kaolin clay; Bentonite clay; dicalcium phosphate; anhydrous dicalcium phosphate; dicalcium phosphate dihydrate; tricalcium phosphate; calcium pyrophosphate; insoluble sodium metaphosphate; precipitated calcium carbonate; magnesium orthophosphate; Trimagnesium phosphate; hydroxyapatites; synétic apatitas; alumina; hydrated alumina; Hydrated silica xerogel; metal aluminosilicate complexes; aluminum sodium silicates; zirconium silicate; silicon dioxide; and combinations thereof.

Preferred polishing agents include: kaolin clays, characterized as calcined or hydrated clay, alumina (AI2O3), specifically hydrated alumina manufactured by Whittaker; hydroxyapatite; silica (SiO2), in particular silica labeled CAB-O-SIL (silicon dioxide) manufactured by Cabot, Corp .; and combinations thereof. The silicas can be precipitated silica or silica gels such as the silica xerogels described in U.S. Patent No. 3,538,230, to Pader et al., Issued March 2, 1970 and DiGiulio, U.S. Patent No. 3,862,307, issued June 21, 1970. June 1975, both incorporated herein by reference. Preferred are silica xerogels marketed under the trade name "Syloid" by W.R. Grace & Company, Davison Chemical Division. Preferred precipitated silica materials include those marketed by J.M. Huber Corporation under the trade name "Zeodent", particularly the silica bearing the designation "Zeodent 119". These silicas are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,340,583, issued July 29, 1982, incorporated by reference herein. The most preferred polishing agent is a kaolin clay. Kaolin clay can be hydrated, such as kaolin clay ASP 6000, distributed by Engelhard Corp., Iselin, N.J. The kaolin clay can also be anhydrous, such as the kaolin clay brand Translink 555, distributed by Engelhard Corp., Iselin, N.J. In addition, the surface of the kaolin clay can be modified with a surfactant, such as Translink 555 kaolin clay or Polarlink brand kaolin clay 5, distributed by Polymer Valley Sciences, Akron, OH. Preferred filaments of the present invention have the following characteristics at room temperature: Diameter range: 100 μm - 350 μm (0.004 - 0.012") Coefficient of friction: 0.01 - 0.90 (ASTM D3108, D3702) Rigidity: soft - medium (ISO 8627) Retention of bunch:> 1.36 Kg. (> 3 Ibs.) (ASTM D638) Recovery to the curvature: 80-100% (Dupont's mandrel method) Elongation to break: 1-500% (ASTM D638) Tensile strength: 351.5 Kg / cm2 - 14060 Kg / cm2 (5000-200,000 psi) (ASTM D638) Traction and bending module: 7030 Kg / cm2 -210,900 Kg / cm2 (100,000 - 3,000,000 psi) (ASTM D638, D790) The most preferred filaments of the present invention have the following characteristics at room temperature: Coefficient of friction: 0.2 - 0.8 Retention of bunch: 1.36 - 4.5 Kg. (3-10 Ibs.) Recovery to the bend: 90-100% Elongation to break: 1-200% Resistance to traction: 351.5 - 7.030 Kg / cm2 (5,000-100,000 ps i) tensile and bending moduli: 7030 - 105,450 Kg / cm2 (100,000 -1,500,000 psi) It has been observed that the addition of the polishing agent to the bristle filament can have an effect on the stiffness of the filament. Therefore, it is desirable to manufacture thin bristles with a high rigidity to penetrate between the teeth. This is done by adjusting the extrusion parameters and the composition of the sow. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bristles have a diameter of about 100 (m to about 350 μm, more preferably from about 150 μm to about 200 μm, with a modulus of flexure and tensile or stiffness of about 7.030 Kg / cm2 (100,000 psi) to about 210,900 Kg / cm2 (3,000,000 psi), preferably from about 7.030 Kg / cm2 (100,000 psi) to about 105,450 Kg / cm2 (1,500,000 psi) The bristle filaments of the present invention have a "diameter" in general uniform ", which means that the cross section does not vary significantly along the length of the filament, preferably the cross section does not vary by more than 20%, more preferably not more than 10%, throughout of the length of the filaments, the cross section is preferably round, however, other forms such as, for example, square, octagonal and rectangular are within the scope of the present invention. Also, the free end or tip of the filament may be rounded, to result in a general dome shape having an average height-to-width ratio of less than about 1, preferably about 0.5. The filament base materials, thermoplastics, according to the present invention can be any material in which the polishing agent can be dispersed and fabricated into a toothbrush bristle. The preferred thermoplastic filament base material can be any material selected from the group consisting of polyamides (e.g., Nylon 612, Amodel), acetyl resins, polyesters (e.g., polybutylene terephthalate -PBT), fluoropolymers (e.g., poly (difluoride) of vinylidene) - PVDF, fluorinated ethylene-propylene resin - FEP), polyacrylates, polysulfones and combinations thereof. Preferably, the thermoplastic base material is a polyamide, such as the filament-grade polyamides of DuPont or BASF; an acetyl resin such as Dupont filament acetyl resin; or a polyester such as a filament-grade polyester of Dupont, Celanese or General Electric. Other additives can also be added to the bristle material. For example, a dispersing agent may be required to keep the polishing agent adequately dispersed during the processing of the filament material. These dispersing agents can be selected from the group consisting of: magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, unsaturated fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids (for example stearic acid), fluoropolymer-based dispersants, fats (this is esters of glycerol), aluminum stearate, silicone oils, bisamide waxes and combinations thereof. Preferred dispersing agents are selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, bisamide waxes and combinations thereof. Coupling agents can also be added in the present invention to increase the interaction between the thermoplastic base material and the polishing particles; thus, keeping them in suspension and dispersed uniformly during the processing and also to improve the tensile strength, the tensile modulus and the flexural modulus. These coupling agents are selected from the group consisting of vinyl silane, chloropoxy silane, epoxy silane, methacrylate silane, primary amine silane, diamine silane, mercapto silane, cationic silane, cycloaliphatic epoxide silane, titanate (for example, trisanate titanate). (methacryl) isopropyl) and combinations thereof. Alternatively, polishing agents such as kaolin may be coated with coupling agents such as those available from Engelhard. Other additives known to those skilled in the art may be added to the bristle material, such as polyethylene glycol, antioxidants, plasticizers, etc. Although the monofilaments according to the present invention are preferred, the bristles present can be prepared by a co-extrusion process wherein the outer region (envelope) contains the effective polishing agent and the core can still be free of the agents of polished. For a general discussion of co-extrusion technology, see Levy, Plástic Extrusion Technology Handbook, Industrial Press Inc., pages 168-188 (1981). In addition, they can be prepared in a manner in which the inverse is true, that is, the core is the polishing agent. This guy will only clean at the tip. Figure 4 schematically represents a preferred co-ext noise filament of the present invention. The filament 20 includes the longitudinal surface 22 which terminates at a tip or end 18 and defines the boundary of the cross-sectional area 24 of the filament. The cross-sectional area includes a core region 26 and a shell region 28. The core does not need to contain a polishing agent. Typically, the envelope region 26 extends to at least approximately the surface 22 or preferably extends from the surface 22 inwardly to a portion of the cross-sectional area 24 at a distance 30 from the region 26 to the area of the section. cross. Preferably, region 26 provides an annular ring having a substantially uniform depth. More preferably, this depth should not vary more than 20% of the average depth around the annular ring. In any case, the central region 28 occupies the remaining portion of the total cross-sectional area defined by the maximum diameter 24. In one embodiment of the present invention, the two regions 26 and 28 have different color or different intensities. As used herein, the term "colored region" can mean a core or shell that is made of a plastic with a unique color. In addition, the transparent or translucent regions are also considered as "colored" since they are at least of an optical appearance different from that of a region actually pigmented or dyed, as is also the case for an envelope / core of varying degrees of color intensity. It is important that the materials of the core 28 and the envelope 26 have a visually different color, for example white core and blue envelope, transparent core and red envelope, light red core and dark red envelope, etc. Preferred bristles according to the present invention comprise a white or transparent core and a dyed or pigmented envelope. Therefore, the color region 26 of the shell provides an initial color intensity or color which is predominant and more conspicuous to the brush user for the teeth, while the color intensity of the core region 28 is less conspicuous In response to the wear produced by the progressive brushing, the region 26 wears out and after sufficient wear, the perceived change in color of the bristle to that of the region 28 of the core signals to the user that the filament is no longer effective. The monofilament bristles according to the present invention can be prepared by the following method of general procedure: In a preferred extrusion unit according to the present invention, the system includes an extrusion nozzle. The assembly also includes a Haake 1.9 cm (3/4") extrusion apparatus, a cooling duct, an impeller and a fan.The extruder is equipped with a screw with an L / D ratio of 25: 1 and a compression ratio of 3: 1 and a 5 HP motor capable of operating at screw speeds and processing temperatures of up to 250 rpm and 500 ° C respectively.The extrusion apparatus incorporates six temperature controllers to control the temperatures of The screw speeds are optimized to minimize interfacial shear stresses The particular relationships between these physical properties would be apparent to one skilled in the art.A gear pump is necessary for diameter control.Following melt spinning , orientation and relaxation are carried out directly or at a later time.The spinning finish may be necessary before this stage. ón / relaxation involves heating and stretching with the use of guide pulleys and heated ovens. The final length: initial length (stretch ratio) can fluctuate from 1.5-10, depending on the thermoplastic base material and filling. The exact specifications will be understood by those of experience in the art. The conditioning of the resulting monofilament with steam, hot water or others may be necessary, depending on the base of the thermoplastic and the filler. The above extrusion apparatus can be fed in any of the following ways: 1. Precomposed. a) direct b) with loosening 2. Gravimetrically, 2 hoppers are used 3. Gravimetrically, 1 hopper is used. The co-extruded bristles according to the present invention can be prepared by the following general process: Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a nozzle 41 of the co-extrusion filament. The head unit of the nozzle comprises the hole of the core 42, the hole of the shell 35. The input manifolds 48 and 48 'of the envelope material and the input manifold 47 of the core. Normally, the entire nozzle is heated. The best condition for manufacturing the co-extruded bristles is to have the melt viscosity of both resins, core 43 and shell 44, as close as possible to the point of the current combination. This results in a minimal interaction at the interface between the two materials and results in a clear line of demarcation along the cross-sectional area at an amplification of approximately 250X. An acute interface between the core and the envelope can also occur when adjusting the contact time, the grades of the material or when using different resins. This can be clearly seen in the photomicrograph of Figure 6. In a preferred co-extrusion unit according to the present invention, the system includes a co-extrusion nozzle which includes a nozzle for the transverse head envelope which rotates around the extrusion shaft 49. The assembly also includes two Haake extrusion apparatus of 1.9 cm (3/4"), a cooling duct, an impeller and a fan.Each extruder is equipped with a screw with a ratio L / D ratio of 25: 1 and a compression ratio of 3: 1 and a 5 HP motor capable of operating at screw speeds and processing temperatures of up to 250 rpm and 500 ° C respectively.Each extrusion apparatus incorporates six Temperature controllers to control the processing temperatures As an example, when using nylon, the extrusion nozzle has a core hole 42 with an output diameter of 0.20 cm (0.080 inches) and an orifice 42 of the shell with an outlet diameter of 0.20 cm (0.080 inches) and an envelope hole 35 with an outlet diameter of 0.22 cm (0.085 inches). The molten core 43 consists of uncolored nylon (Zytel 158L) and the molten shell 44 consists of uncolored nylon containing 3% kaolin particles. Both melted components and the nozzle 31 are maintained at a temperature of 190 ° C-230 ° C. The core extrusion apparatus operates at 20 r.p.m., 42.7 Kg / cm.sup.2 (608 psi) and a torque of 5263 m.gm. The screw speeds are optimized to minimize interfacial cutting efforts. The particular relationships between these physical properties would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In addition, a complete production line in this area will also include additional physical processing components for orientation (stretching process), annealing and finishing.

Finally, to produce a 0.020 cm (0.008") filament from the previous extrusion die (orifice equal to 0.22 cm (0.085")) the stretch ratio is set at 10.625: 1. By employing this technique, the thickness of the outer sheath layer 26 ranges from 0.00025 cm (0.0001") to 0.0010 cm (0.0004") and can be produced to a thickness of 0.00051 cm (0.0002") plus or minus 20%, commonly This thickness of the highly uniform coating layer is obtained by optimizing the ratio of the two speeds of the extrusion apparatus and the design of the transverse head, for example, to extrude the 0.020 cm nylon bristles. 0.008") mentioned above, with a layer thickness of 0.0005 cm (0.0002"), the ratio of the screw speed (envelope / core) is set to 10: 1. Increasing the ratio results in an outer layer thinner to a point when the outer layer becomes discontinuous as the screw speeds increase, the nozzle pressure increases and the degradation of the polymeric material is reached, on the other hand, by reducing both screw speeds, the p Nozzle restraint but entry is reduced. Optionally, a gear pump can be added to dose materials more precisely. As mentioned above, the nozzle may incorporate a rotary hole 45 for the shell, to produce a more uniform coating on the filament. The technique involves rotating the outer frame (envelope frame) of a co-extrusion nozzle from about 0.5 to about 50 RPM depending on the rheological properties of the polymer used to form the outer layer. When coating nylon bristles as described above, a rotational speed of about 0.5 to about 10.0, more preferably from about 0.5 to about 5.0, is used. A chain sprocket is added to the nozzle for the rotation of the frame. During co-extrusion of the filament, the wheel is rotated at a fixed speed controlled by a motor with a chain drive. This rotation of the frame helps to disperse the molten current in the outer layer, thereby producing a uniform ultra-thin layer. When the screw speeds for the casing are decreased, discontinuous casing coatings are produced. In a rotating nozzle, this results in a helical strip around the filament similar to a barber's pole. Any of these concepts could be used as a sow indicating wear. The equivalent embodiments are considered part of the present invention, for example non-circular bristles such as square, hexagonal or other geometric cross sections are also contemplated by the present invention. Still further, the filaments of the present invention can also be used in brushes for motorized teeth, ie "electric tooth brushes". Also, corrugated bristle filaments are considered within the scope of the present invention. The invention and the manner of manufacture of using the invention will be more fully appreciated from the following non-limiting illustrative examples: EXAMPLES The following filaments were prepared by using the general method described below and the following test results were obtained in coarse filaments and brushes manufactured from them.

Extrusion Process 1. The ingredients are introduced into the hopper of a Davis-Standard Single Screw Extruder with a 5.1 cm (2") screw (manufactured by Crompton &Knowles Corp., Conn.). Temperature for nylon or polybutylene terephthalate polyester (PBT) is 260 ° C-288 ° C (500 ° F-550 ° F) 2. The materials are fed at a rate of approximately 45 kg per hour (100 pounds per hour). The molten material is dosed through the melt filters and pumps and driven through heated nozzle systems. 3. The hot molten material is cooled, heated to a softening temperature and stretched, annealed and harvested. The temperatures, pressures and stretching ratios are adjusted according to the material being processed.

Note: ASP 600 = Engelhard hydrated kaolin of average particle size of 0.6 μm and range of 0.1 - 6 μm, Iselin, NJ Satintone 5 - Engelhard hydrated kaolin with aminosilane surfactant, average particle size of 0.8 μm and range of 0.2 - 6 μm, Iselin, NJ Polarlink = Hydrated kaolin from Polymer Valley Distribution, average particle size of 0.45 microns with mercapto silane treatment, manufactured by Polymer Valley Sciences, Akron, OH Translink 555 = Surface-modified anhydrous kaolin, Engelhard, average particle size 0.8 μm and range 0.2 - 6.0 μm Acrawax C = N.N'-ethylene bistearamide (used as a dispersing agent) manufactured by Lonza Chemicals, Fair Lawn, NJ Cabosil = Amorphous sulfur silica (silicon dioxide) M-7D, 0.014 microns, Davison Chemical Division of WR Grace Co.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (27)

1. Claims 1. A toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one fixed bunch securely in or attached to the head, the bundle includes a plurality of elongated filaments having a generally uniform diameter that consist of: a) a thermoplastic filament base material; and b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of about 0.10 microns to about 10 microns.
2. 2. A brush for the teeth according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the filament does not vary more than 20% along the length of the filament.
3. 3. A tooth brush according to claim 2, characterized in that the diameter of the filament does not vary more than 10% along the length of the filament.
4. 4. A toothbrush according to claim 3, characterized in that the polishing agent is selected from the group consisting of: plastic particles; walnut shell particles; hardwood particles; corn ear particles; rubber particles; 5 calcium carbonate; aragonite clay; orthorhombic clays; calcite clay; rhombohedral clays; 10 kaolin clay; Bentonite clay; dicalcium phosphate; anhydrous dicalcium phosphate; dicalcium phosphate dihydrate; 15 tricalcium phosphate; calcium pyrophosphate; insoluble sodium metaphosphate; precipitated calcium carbonate; magnesium orthophosphate; 20 Trimagnesium phosphate; hydroxyapatite; synthetic apatite; alumina; hydrated alumina; hydrous xerogel silica; metal aluminosilicate complexes; aluminum sodium silicates; zirconium silicate; silicon dioxide; and combinations thereof.
5. 5. A toothbrush according to claim 4, characterized in that the polishing agent has a Moh hardness of about 0.5 to about 10.
6. 6. A toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that the filaments contain from about 0.5% (by weight) to about 25% (by weight), the polishing agent has a particle size of about 0.1 > ut? to approximately 10 μm. wherein the polishing agent is selected from the group consisting of kaolin, alumina, hydroxyapatite, silica and combinations thereof.
7. 7. A toothbrush according to claim 6, characterized in that the filament base material is selected from the group consisting of polyamides, acetyl resins, polyesters, fluoropolymers, polyacrylates, polysulfones and combinations thereof.
8. 8. A toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the polishing agent is generally dispersed throughout the filament.
9. 9. A tooth brush according to claim 8, characterized in that the filament further comprises a dispersing agent.
10. 10. A toothbrush according to claim 9, characterized in that the filament further comprises a dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, unsaturated fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids, dispersants fluoropolymer base, fats, aluminum stearate, silicone oils, bisamide waxes and combinations thereof.
11. 11. A toothbrush according to claim 10, characterized in that the filament further comprises a coupling agent selected from the group consisting of vinyl silane, chloropropyl silane, epoxy silane, methacrylate silane, primary amine silane, diamine silane, mercapto silane, cationic silane, cycloaliphatic epoxide silane, titanate and combinations thereof.
12. 12. A toothbrush according to claim 11, characterized in that the filaments have a diameter of about 100 μm to about 350 μm.
13. 13. A toothbrush according to claim 12, characterized in that the thermoplastic filament base material is selected from the group consisting of polyamides, acetyl resins and polyesters.
14. 14. A toothbrush according to claim 13, characterized in that the dispersing agent is selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, bisamide waxes and combinations thereof.
15. 15. A brush for the teeth according to claim 14, characterized in that the polishing agent is kaolin clay.
16. 16. A toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the filament further comprises a core region and a shell region which extends along at least a portion of the external surface of the filament and further extends inwards to a portion of the cross-sectional area, wherein the envelope region contains an effective amount of the polishing agent and the core region comprises from about 0% to about 25% polishing agent.
17. 17. A toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the filament further comprises a core region and a shell region which extends along at least a portion of the external surface of the filament and further extends inwardly to a portion of the cross-sectional area, wherein the envelope region contains from 0% to about 25% of the polishing agent and the core region contains an effective amount of the polishing agent.
18. 18. A toothbrush according to claim 17, characterized in that the free ends of the filaments are rounded, to result in a general dome shape having a height to width ratio of less than about 1.
19. 19. A toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one fixed bunch securely in or attached to the head, the bundle includes a plurality of elongated filaments having a generally uniform diameter comprising: ( a) a thermoplastic filament base material; and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of about 0.10 microns to about 10 microns, wherein the filaments are characterized by: a diameter in the range of about 100 to about 350 microns; a coefficient of friction of about 0.01 to about 0.90; an ISO stiffness from soft to medium; a bunch retention greater than 1.3 kg (3 pounds); a recovery of flexion from 80% to 100%; an elongation at break of about 1% to about 500%; a tensile strength of about 351.5 Kg / cm2 to about 14.060 Kg / cm2 (5,000 to 200,000 psi); and a tensile and bending modulus of about 7.030 Kg / cm2 to about 210.900 Kg / cm2 (100,000 to 3,000,000 psi).
20. 20. A brush for the teeth according to claim 19, characterized in that the diameter of the filament does not vary more than 20% along the length of the filament and wherein the polishing agent is selected from the group consisting of: plastic particles; walnut shell particles; hardwood particles; corn ear particles; rubber particles; calcium carbonate; aragonite clay; orthorhombic clays; calcite clay; rhombiched rich clays; kaolin clay; Bentonite clay; dicalcium phosphate; anhydrous dicalcium phosphate; dicalcium phosphate dihydrate; tricalcium phosphate; calcium pyrophosphate; insoluble sodium metaphosphate; precipitated calcium carbonate; magnesium orthophosphate; Trimagnesium phosphate; hydroxyapatite; synthetic apatite; alumina; hydrated alumina; hydrous xerogel silica; metal aluminosilicate complexes; aluminum sodium silicates; zirconium silicate; silicon dioxide; and combinations thereof.
21. 21. A toothbrush according to claim 20, characterized in that the filaments contain from about 0.5% (by weight) to about 25% (by weight), the polishing agent has a particle size of from about 0.1 to about 10, wherein the polishing agent is selected from the group consisting of kaolin, alumina, hydroxyapatite, silica and combinations thereof and wherein the base material of the filament is selected from the group consisting of polyamides, acetyl resins, polyesters, fluoropolymers, polyacrylates, polysulfones and combinations thereof.
22. 22. A toothbrush according to claim 21, characterized in that the filament further comprises a dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, zinc stearate, calcium stearate, unsaturated fatty acid dimethylamides, fatty acids, dispersants at fluoropolymer base, fats, aluminum stearate, silicone oils, bisamide waxes and combinations thereof, wherein the filament further comprises a coupling agent selected from the group consisting of vinyl silane, chloropropyl silane, epoxy silane, methacrylate silane, primary amine silane, diamine silane, mercapto silane, cationic silane, cycloaliphatic silane epoxide, titanate and combinations thereof.
23. 23. A toothbrush according to claim 22, characterized in that the core material extends along the entire longitudinal surface.
24. 24. A tooth brush according to claim 10, wherein the filaments are characterized in that they comprise: a diameter in the range of about 150 to about 200 microns; a coefficient of friction of about 0.20 to about 0.80; a recovery to the flexion of 90% to 100%; an elongation at break of about 1% to about 200%; a tensile strength of about 351.5 Kg / cm2 to about 7.030 Kg / cm2 (5,000 to 100,000 psi); and a tensile and bending modulus of about 7.030 Kg / cm2 to about 105.450 Kg / cm2 (100,000 to 1,500,000 psi).
25. 25. A method of cleaning the oral cavity, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (A) providing a toothbrush that includes a handle associated a head that has at least one fixed bunch securely in or attached to the head , the bunch includes a plurality of elongated filaments having a generally uniform diameter consisting of: (a) a thermoplastic filament base material; and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of about 0.10 microns to about 10 microns; and (B) applying an effective amount of an abrasive free of abrasive and free of polishing agent to the free ends of the bristles; and (C) brush the oral cavity.
26. 26. A method of cleaning the oral cavity according to claim 25, characterized in that the diameter of the filament does not vary more than 20% along the length of the filament and wherein the polishing agent is selected from the group consisting of: plastic particles; walnut shell particles; hardwood particles; corn ear particles; rubber particles; calcium carbonate; aragonite clay; orthorhombic clays; calcite clay; rhombohedral clays; kaolin clay; Bentonite clay; dicalcium phosphate; anhydrous dicalcium phosphate; dicalcium phosphate dihydrate; tricalcium phosphate; calcium pyrophosphate; insoluble sodium metaphosphate; precipitated calcium carbonate; magnesium orthophosphate; Trimagnesium phosphate; hydroxyapatite; synthetic apatite; alumina; hydrated alumina; hydrous xerogel silica; metal aluminosilicate complexes; aluminum sodium silicates; zirconium silicate; silicon dioxide; and combinations thereof.
27. 27. A method of cleaning the oral cavity according to claim 26, characterized in that the filaments contain from about 0.5% (by weight) to about 25% (by weight), the polishing agent has a particle size of about 0.1 microns at about 10 microns, wherein the polishing agent is selected from the group consisting of kaolin, alumina, hydroxyapatite, silica and combinations thereof and wherein the base material of the filament is selected from the group consisting of polyamides, acetyl resins , polyesters, fluoropolymers, polyacrylates, polysulfones and combinations thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a toothbrush with bristles of uniform diameter containing a polishing agent with a particle size of about 0.01 microns to about 100 microns, wherein the cleaning of the teeth is improved without none of the adverse side effects associated with aggressive overreaching. One embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush that includes a handle associated with a head having at least one fixed bunch securely in or attached to the head, the bundle includes a plurality of filaments comprising (a) a thermoplastic filament base material; and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of about 0.1 microns to about 10 microns. Particles smaller than 0.1 microns can be used if aggregation occurs, in such a way that the size of the aggregate on the sow is as described. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cleansing the oral cavity comprising: (A) providing a toothbrush that includes a handle associated with a head having at least one fixed handle securely in or attached to the head, the bunch includes a plurality of filaments consisting of (a) a filament-based, thermoplastic material, and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of about 0.10 to about 10 microns; (B) applying an effective amount of an abrasive free of abrasive and free of polishing agent to the free ends of the bristles; (C) brush teeth, gums, etc. of the oral cavity.