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    • 专利摘要:
    SUMMARY 2 TOOTH BRUSH? The present invention is concerned with a toothbrush (100) which incorporates blown bristle filaments (141) in combination with tufted holes (142) of a reduced size, such as between 1.3 mm and 1.4 mm in diameter . In another aspect, the invention proposes a toothbrush (100) that balances the number of holes for tufts (142) and the number (X) of stranded bristle filaments (141) within each hole for tufts (142) to reach a specific ratio that reduces the cost of making the toothbrush (100), while maintaining a mouth feel that consumers associate with a quality product. In yet another aspect, the present invention proposes a toothbrush (100) that incorporates blown bristle filaments (141) and also obtains a balance between the perimeter of the small tuft holes (142) and the spacing between holes for adjacent tufts (142), to obtain a specific ratio that reduces the cost of manufacturing the toothbrush (100), while maintaining a mouth feel that consumers associate with a quality product.
    公开号:BR112014006026B1
    申请号:R112014006026-6
    申请日:2011-09-14
    公开日:2020-10-20
    发明作者:Yanmei Ji
    申请人:Colgate-Palmolive Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The present invention relates in general lines to toothbrushes and specifically to toothbrushes that have tufts of bristles formed by loose filaments of bristles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] Toothbrushes using stranded bristle filaments (also referred to as stroked bristles or needle bristles) are known in the art. Loose strands of bristles are filaments of bristles in which the tip portions (i.e., end-end portions) of the bristle filaments have a cross-section that crumbles. The base portions of the stranded strands of bristles can be generally cylindrical in shape and may also have a stranded cross section, if desired.
    [003] The use of stranded bristle filaments in toothbrushes is becoming more and more popular due at least in part to the unique "mouth feel" and due to the excellent cleaning performance provided by the very thin tipped portions. However, stranded strands of bristles require additional processing steps compared to traditional strands of stranded bristles. Therefore, stranded strands of bristle are much more expensive than strands of stranded bristles.
    [004] Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush design that helps to reduce the higher cost of using stranded bristle filaments, while maintaining its cleaning efficacy, the specific sensation in the mouth, and the perception of a quality product to the consumer. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [005] The present invention, in one aspect, proposes a toothbrush that incorporates loose filaments of bristles in combination with holes for tufts of a reduced size. In another aspect, the invention proposes a toothbrush that balances the number of holes for tufts and the number of strands of stranded bristles within each tuft hole to achieve a specific ratio that reduces the cost of making the toothbrush, while maintaining a mouth feel that consumers associate with a quality product. In yet another aspect, the present invention proposes a toothbrush that incorporates loose filaments of bristles and also strikes a balance between the diameter of holes for tufts of small size and the spacing between holes for adjacent tufts to achieve a unique relationship that reduces the cost of making the toothbrush, while maintaining a mouth feel that consumers associate with a quality product.
    [006] In one embodiment, the present invention is concerned with a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head having a first surface comprising a plurality of holes for tufts having a DTH diameter, with DTH being within a range ranging from 1.3 mm to 1.4 mm; and a tuft of bristles mounted inside each of the tuft holes and extending from it, each of the tufts of bristles formed by a multiplicity of loose filaments of bristles.
    [007] In another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head having a first surface that has an X number of tuft holes; a tuft of bristles mounted inside each of the tuft holes, each of the tufts of bristles formed by a number Y of stranded bristle filaments; and finding an X to Y ratio within a range from 1.05 to 1.64.
    [008] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is concerned with a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head having a first surface which has a row of tufted holes, each tufted hole having a perimeter P; a tuft of bristles mounted inside each of the tuft holes and extending from it, each of the tufts of bristles formed by a multiplicity of loose bristle filaments; the holes for adjacent tufts in the row of holes for tufts separated by a distance Z, where Z is a linear distance between the central points of the holes for adjacent tufts; and finding a Z to P ratio within a range from 0.35 to 0.46.
    [009] In yet another aspect, the invention may consist of a toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising an ATS tufting area comprising an X number of tuft holes, each tuft hole having a hole area for ATH tufts; being a tuft of bristles mounted inside each of the holes for tufts and extending from it, each tuft of bristles formed by a multiplicity of stranded bristle filaments; and finding a ratio of ATS to X x ATH within a range that goes from 3.4 to 4.4.
    [0010] In yet another aspect, the invention may consist of a toothbrush comprising: a handle, a head having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprising an ATS tufting area comprising an X number holes for tufts; a tuft of bristles mounted inside each of the tuft holes and extending from it, each of the tufts of bristles formed by a multiplicity of streaked bristle filaments and finding the ratio of ATS to X in a range that goes from 5.0 to 6.5.
    [0011] Other areas of applicability of the present invention will become evident upon reading the detailed description given below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0012] The present invention will be better understood by reading the detailed description together with the attached drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a side plan view of a toothbrush according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the toothbrush according to Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of area III of Figure 2; - Figure 4 is a longitudinal section view taken on line IV-IV of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a front plan view of a toothbrush according to another embodiment of the present invention; and - Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area VI of Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0013] The following description of the preferred modality (s) is simply exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application or its uses at all.
    [0014] The description of the illustrative modalities according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the attached drawings, which should be considered as part of the full written description. In describing the modalities of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended simply for the sake of convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention at all. Relative terms such as "bottom", "top", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "up", "down", "top" and "bottom" as well as their derivatives ( "horizontally", "down", "up", for example, etc.) should be considered as referring to the orientation as it is then described or shown in the drawing being discussed. These relative terms are given for convenience of description only and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a special orientation unless explicitly indicated. Terms such as "fixed", "stuck", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected" and the like refer to a relationship in which structures are attached or fixed together, directly or indirectly, through intermediate structures, as well as either to fixed or movable or rigid connections, unless expressly described otherwise. In addition, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Consequently, the invention should be expressly considered as not being limited to such exemplary modalities that illustrate some possible non-limiting combination of characteristics that may exist in isolation or in other combinations of characteristics; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended to the present.
    [0015] With reference to Figure 1, a toothbrush 100 is illustrated. The toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 101 to a distal end 102 along a longitudinal axis A-A. The toothbrush 100 comprises a handle 110 and a head 120. The handle 110 is an elongated structure that provides a user of the toothbrush 100 with a mechanism by which he / she can easily grasp and manipulate the toothbrush 100 The cable 110 can be formed having different shapes, sizes, materials and by a variety of manufacturing methods that are well known to those skilled in the art. If desired, handle 110 may include a suitable textured grip portion made of a soft elastomeric material to improve the handling of toothbrush 100. Although not shown, in some embodiments, handle 110 may transition to a portion narrowed which can be a portion of the toothbrush 100 with a smaller cross-sectional area than the handle 110. However, in other embodiments, the handle 110 can make a transition directly to the head 120.
    [0016] In the exemplified embodiment, toothbrush 100 is illustrated as a manual toothbrush. However, the invention should not be so limited and in certain other embodiments, the toothbrush can be a powered or electric toothbrush.
    [0017] The handle 110 and the head 120 of the toothbrush 100 are formed constituting a single unitary structure, using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments, cable 110 and head 120 may be formed as separate components that are operably connected at a later stage in the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including, but not limited to, thermal or ultrasonic welding , a fitting connection assembly, a coupling sleeve, thread coupling, adhesion or fasteners. The fact that the head 120 and the cable 110 are of a single or multi-piece construction (including connection techniques) does not limit the present invention, unless specifically stated. In some embodiments of the invention, the head 120 may be detachable (and replaceable) from the cable 110 using techniques known in the art.
    The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 121, a rear surface 122 opposite the front surface 121 and a peripheral side surface 123 that extends between the front and rear surface 121 and 122. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 head 120 can assume a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. The front and rear surfaces 121 and 122, for example, can be flat, contoured or combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the rear surface 122 may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning or tooth engagement, such as a soft tissue cleaner or a teeth polishing structure. An example of a soft tissue cleaner is an elastomeric pad comprising a plurality of protuberances and / or protrusions. An example of a polishing structure can be an elastomeric element, such as a prophylactic cup (s) or elastomeric cleaners. Furthermore, although the head 120 is usually wider than the cable 110 (and the narrow part, where applicable) it could, in some constructions, simply be a continuous extension or narrowed part of the cable 110.
    [0019] With reference to Figures 1 and 2 concurrently, the front surface 121 of the head 120 comprises a field of bristles 140, which extends from it for cleaning the teeth. Although the bristle field 140 is especially suitable for brushing teeth, the bristle field 140 can also be used to clean other oral surfaces if desired. The bristle field 140 comprises a plurality of tufts of bristles 146, which in turn comprises a plurality of stranded strands of bristles 141, mounted within tuft holes 142 of the head 120 and extend from the front surface 121 of the head 120.
    [0020] The front surface 121 of the tooth brush head 120 comprises an ATS tufting area in which a plurality of tuft holes 142 is provided. In one embodiment, the ATS tufting area is a substantially surface plane which is bounded by a peripheral edge with head contour 120. In other embodiments, the ATS tufting area may comprise one or more contours, both concave and / or convex. In the exemplified modality, the area of formation of ATSθ tufts of oval shape, but can assume other shapes if desired. In some modalities, the area of formation of tufts ATs is within a range that goes from 180 to 270 mm2. In a preferred embodiment in which the toothbrush 100 has a large head 120, the tufting area ATs is within a range ranging from 210 mm2 to 2,770 mm2 in size. In another preferred embodiment that has a large head 120, the tufting area ATs is within a range from 230 mm2 to 250 mm2, with the size of approximately 242 mm2 being most preferred. In a preferred embodiment in which the toothbrush 100 has a small head 120, the tufting area ATs is within a range ranging from 180 mm2 to 210 mm2 in size. In another preferred embodiment that has a small head 120, the AT tufting area is within a range from 190 mm2 to 200 mm2, with a size of approximately 195 mm2 being more preferred.
    [0021] The AT tufting area of the front surface 121 of the head 120 comprises an X number of the tuft holes 142. In the exemplified embodiment, the X number of tuft holes 142 in the head 120 is 44. However, the invention should not be limited in this sense, and the number of holes for tufts 142 in the front surface 121 of the head 120 can vary from 36 to 44 in other embodiments. More specifically, in an embodiment in which the toothbrush 100 has a large head 120, X is equal to approximately 44 and, in an embodiment in which the toothbrush 100 has a small head 120, X is equal to approximately 36. Each of the tuft holes 142 comprises a DTH diameter that lies within a range ranging from 1.3 mm to 1.4 mm.
    [0022] In one embodiment, the DTH diameter is selected in such a way that each hole for tufts 142 has an area of holes for ATHI tufts within a range ranging from 1.3 0 mm2 to 1.55 mm2. In certain other modalities, the area of holes for tufts ATHI and the number X of holes for tufts 142 are selected in such a way that the ratio of ATS to XX ATHI is within a range ranging from 3.4 to 4, 4, being more preferable within a range from 3.52 to 3.57. As used in this document, all ratios are given in the form of an empirical number and thus given with reference to 1. A ratio of 2, for example, is actually a ratio of 2: 1.
    [0023] In addition, a relationship between the ATS tufting area and the number of holes X is within a range of 5.2 to 6.4. In a preferred embodiment where the tuft holes 142 are circular or rounded, the ratio of the ATS tufting area to the number of holes X is within a range of 5.3 to 5.6, and more especially within a range of approximately 5.4 to 5.5.
    [0024] The tuft holes 142 are arranged on the front surface 121 of the head 120 in rows. The rows of tuft holes 142 include transverse rows 147 that extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A and longitudinal rows 148 that extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A. However, a number of tuft holes 142 that are positioned at the maximum proximity to the distal end 102 of the head 120 and a number of tuft holes 142 that are positioned at the maximum proximity to a proximal end 125 of the head 120 are not in alignment. longitudinal with the longitudinal rows 148 located in a central area of the head 120. Furthermore, although the exemplary modality includes a multiplicity of transverse rows 147 and a multiplicity of longitudinal rows 148, in some modalities, only a single transverse row 147 can be used and / or a longitudinal row 148. Similarly, in some embodiments, the tuft holes 142 that are positioned at the maximum proximity to the distal end 102 of the head in one and the tuft holes 142 that are positioned at the maximum proximity to a proximal end 125 can be in longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal rows 148 located in a central area of the head 120.
    [0025] In the exemplified embodiment, a central section of the tuft holes 142 is arranged on the front surface 121 of the head 120 in a 9 x 4 arrangement. In addition, there is an additional transverse row of three tuft holes 142 positioned below the arrangement 9 x 4 at the maximum proximity to the proximal end of the head 120, an additional three-hole tufted cross row 142 positioned above the 9 x 4 arrangement and an additional two tufted cross-way row 142 positioned at the distal end 102 of the head 120. Naturally, the invention is not limited by the specific arrangement of the tuft holes 142 illustrated and other arrangements of the tuft holes 142 on the front surface 121 of the head 120 are envisaged to fall within the scope of the present invention.
    [0026] With reference to Figures 1 and 4 concomitantly, the stranded filaments of bristles 141 will be described in more detail. Each of the stranded strands of bristle 141 comprises a base portion 143 and a stranded portion 144. In addition, each of the stranded strands of bristle 141 may be formed from a wide variety of materials suitable for forming filaments for oral use, including, without limitation, poly (butylene terephthalate), poly (ethylene terephthalate), nylon or the like. The stranded portions 144 of the stranded bristle filaments 141 can be formed by chemical attack, applying, for example, sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide solution to the stranded portion 144 of the stranded bristle strands 141 by an immersion technique or spraying. During such a process, the chemical erodes a portion of the stranded strands of bristles 141 to form the stranded portion 144. Alternatively, the stranded portions 144 of stranded strands of bristles 141 may be stroked by mechanical means, including scraping the ends of the bristles with the blade of a knife, sanding or with a rounding machine or by any other means. Whichever chemical or mechanical means is used to form the desired streak, the streak results in a bristle that has a generally tapered profile or a cone trunk that strokes towards the terminal end.
    [0027] In the exemplified embodiment, the cylindrical base portion 143 of each of the stranded strands of bristle 141 extends approximately two thirds of the stranded strand length 141 from the front surface 121 of the head 120 to the distal end 145 of the stranded strand of bristle 141. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment, each of the stranded strands of bristle 141 is stroked towards the distal tip 145 only in the upper third part of the stranded strand of bristle 141. However, in some other embodiments, the stranded portion 144 of the stranded strand 141 can extend approximately half the length of stranded strand 141 from the front surface 121 of the head 120 to the distal end 145 of stranded strand 141. In such an embodiment, the stranded strand 141 begins to drown in approximately half the length. In addition, in yet other embodiments, each of the stranded strands of bristle 141 can be stretched over the entire length of strand 141, including both the base and stranded portions 143, 144. In yet other embodiments, the stranded portion 144 may constitute less than one third of the total length of filament 141. Thus, the invention is not limited by the relative length of the base portion 143 and the set portion 144.
    [0028] Each of the stranded strands of bristles 141 has a diameter DB (with reference to Figure 3) in the base portion 143 which is within a range ranging from 0.16 mm to 0.19 mm. The diameter DB is the maximum diameter of the stranded strands of bristles 141. Thus, as the strands of bristles 141 are stretched towards the distal end 125, the diameter of the stranded strands of bristles 141 is reduced.
    [0029] The bristle tufts 146 of the bristle field 140 of the present invention can be attached to the head 120 in any manner known in the art. For example, clamps / anchors, formation of tufts in the mold (IMT) or formation of anchor-free tufts (AFT) can be used to assemble tufts of bristles 146 (which comprise stranded strands of bristles 141) on the head 120. In AFT, a plate or membrane is attached to the brush head, by ultrasonic welding, for example. The bristles extend across the plate or membrane. The free stranded ends of the stranded bristle filaments 141 on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The free, non-stranded ends of the stranded strands of bristles 141 on the other side of the plate or membrane are fused together by heat to be anchored in place. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted in tuft blocks or sections, extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks, so that the base of the bristles is mounted inside or below the tuft block.
    [0030] The term "bristle filament" is used in this document to refer to each individual filament extending upwards from the front surface 121 of the head 120. When the tufts of bristles 146 are connected to the head by means of a traditional stapling / anchoring technique, the tufts of bristles 146 (and, consequently, each filament of bristle that makes up the tuft of bristles 146) are assembled inside the tuft holes 142 in a folded manner, so as to resemble a general U-shape. Thus, each individual bristle filament (which is threaded at both ends) is bent into a U shape and, consequently, two separate stranded strands of 141 distinct bristles extending upwards from the front surface 121 of the head 120 In other words, when staples / anchors are used, an individual bristle filament is folded in the middle and stapled to the head 12 0 in such a way that two stranded bristle filaments 141 extend from the head 120. Thus, the number of strands of stranded bristles 141 is twice the number of strands of bristles. To ensure that each of the bristle filaments 141 has a gap at their distal end 145, when anchors / clamps are used to connect the stranded bristle filaments 141 to the head 120, the bristle filaments are threaded at the two ends of such that each end of the bristle filament is threaded. In this way, each of the two filaments of bristles 141 extending from the head 120 due to the attachment of an individual bristle filament to the head 120 by means of anchors / clamps will have a loosening.
    [0031] When IMT of AFT is used to connect elements with tooth engagement 140 to the head 120, each individual bristle filament results in a single stranded bristle filament 141. Thus, in such modality, each of the strands stranded from bristles 141 is stroked at one end only. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the number of stranded strands of bristles that actually extend from the front surface 121 of the head 120 is equal to the number of strands of bristles that are actually attached to the head 120.
    [0032] With reference to Figures 1-4 concurrently, toothbrush 100 of the present invention will be described in more detail. Mounted within each of the tuft holes 142 is a tuft of bristles 146. Each of the tufts of bristles 146 is formed by a multiplicity of streaked bristle filaments 141. More specifically, each of the tufts of bristles 146 comprises a number Y of stranded strands of bristles 141. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the tufts of bristles 146 comprises 34 of the stranded strands of bristles 141 (which, as described above, would be equal to 17 strands of bristles when using an anchoring / stapling technique ). However, the invention should not be limited to this, and the number of stranded strands Y of 141 that form each tuft of bristles 146 can be found within a range from 28 to 40 (which would be the equivalent of 14 to 20 filaments of bristles when using an anchoring / stapling technique). Thus, the total number of stranded bristle filaments 141 in toothbrush 100 is within a range from 1176 to 1840, and more specifically within a strand ranging from 1232 to 1760. When stranded bristle strands 141 are connected to the head by means of an AFT IMT technique, the total number of bristle strands is equal to the total number of stranded strands of bristles 141. However, when the stranded strands of bristles 141 are connected to the head by means of an anchoring / stapling technique, so that a single filament of bristle creates two separate filaments of bristle 141, the toothbrush 100 will comprise a total of 588 to 920 filaments of bristles, and more specifically a total of 616 to 880 filaments of bristles.
    [0033] In addition, as discussed above, the tuft holes 142 are arranged in the first surface 121 of the head 120 in rows 147, 148. Holes for adjacent tufts 142 in each of the transverse rows 147 are separated by a distance ZTRi. More specifically, each of the tuft holes 142 has a center point 149 and ZTRI consists of a linear distance between the center points 149 of adjacent tuft holes 142 in the transverse rows 147. In addition, tuft holes 142 adjacent in each of the longitudinal rows 148 are separated by a distance ZLR1. More specifically ZLRI is a linear distance between the center points 149 of holes for adjacent tufts 142 in the longitudinal rows 148. In the exemplified embodiment, the distance ZTR1 is equal to the distance ZLR1. However, in certain other modalities, the ZTRi distance may be different from the ZLRi distance. In modalities in which ZTRi and ZLRi are different, Z LRi is superior to ZTRI. Regardless of whether the ZTRi, ZLRi distances are the same or different, both the ZTRi distance between holes for adjacent tufts 142 in each of the transverse rows 147 and the ZLRi distance between holes for adjacent tufts 142 in each of the longitudinal rows are within a range ranging from 2.1 mm to 2.4 mm. In a specific modality, the ZTRi distance is within a range from 2.1 mm to 2.3 mm, preferably having 2.2 mm, while the ZLRI distance is within a range that ranges from 2.3 mm to 2.4 mm, preferably having 2.32 mm. In another embodiment, the distance ZLRi is preferably 2.3 mm. The tuft holes 142 also have a perimeter (or circumference) that is within a range of 4.0 m to 5.0 mm.
    [0034] When holes for circular tufts 142 are used, with the distance Z being in the range from 2.1 mm to 2.4 mm and with the DTH diameter of the holes for tufts 142 being in the range ranging from 1 .3 mm to 1.4 mm, the ratio of Z to DTH is preferably maintained within a range of 1.5 to 1.8.
    [0035] Furthermore, as described above, the number X of the tuft holes 142 is within a range from 42 to 46 and the number Y of stranded bristle filaments 141 per tuft hole 142 is within a range range from 28 to 40. Thus, the X to Y ratio is within a range from 1.05 to 1.64, and more specifically, the X to Y ratio is approximately equal to 1.3 . However, the invention should not be limited in this sense and the X to Y ratio can fall outside the range given above in certain modalities. Even so, the ratio of X to Y is greater than one in all modalities.
    [0036] The present invention uses tuft holes 142 that have a DTH diameter within a range of 1.3 mm to 1.4 mm to increase the total number of tuft holes 142 that fit the head creating a pattern of holes for tufts 142 with a relatively small linear distance between the center points 149 of holes for adjacent tufts 142. By positioning the tuft holes 142 in close proximity to the head 120, a reduction in the number of stranded bristle filaments 141 arranged within each tuft hole 142 can be achieved without reducing the overall appearance or affecting the brush. tooth 100. Table 1 gives a relative comparison between a conventional tuft hole arrangement and the tuft hole arrangement of the present invention. Table 1

    [0037] The data in Table 1 indicates an average filament reduction of 1920, in a conventional tufting arrangement, against 1496, for the disposition of the present invention described in the present document above, despite the increase in the number of tuft holes in the head . This represents a surprising 22% reduction in the amount of stranded bristle filaments on average per toothbrush. Such a reduction in the total number of strands stroked by a toothbrush is significant due to the increased costs involved in the creation of a stroked strand of bristle. In addition, such a reduction in the amount of stranded bristle filaments provides a more thorough cleaning, since a smaller number of bristle filaments is fighting for the tight and difficult to reach spaces between the gums and the teeth. In addition, it is believed that the reduction in the amount of stranded bristle filaments leads to less loss of materials, while maintaining an analogous performance, and in some cases achieving a superior performance.
    [0038] With reference now to figures 5 and 6, a toothbrush 100A is illustrated according to another embodiment of the present invention. Toothbrush 100A is identical to toothbrush 100 in all directions except that the tufted holes 142A in toothbrush 100A are rectangular or square, not circular. Only those toothbrush components 100a that are different from the toothbrush components 100 will be described in detail below. The same reference numbers are used in this document and in the drawings to designate analogous components, except that for the IOOA toothbrush there is an "A" at the end of each reference number.
    [0039] The toothbrush 100A comprises an ATS tufting area having similar size requirements or preferences, such as toothbrush 100. Thus, the ATS tufting area of the toothbrush 100A is within the range ranging from 210 mm2 to 270 mm2. In addition, in modalities with large heads, the ATS tufting area is within a range from 230 mm2 to 250 mm2, with a size of approximately 242 mm2 being more preferred. In modalities with small heads the tufting area, ATS is within a range ranging from 180 mm2 to 210 mm2, being more preferable within a range of 190 mm2 to 200 mm2, with a size of approximately 195 2 mm.
    [0040] Also analogous to toothbrush 100, toothbrush 100A comprises an X number of holes for tufts 142A, X being within a range ranging from 32 to 40. More specifically, in a modality in which the toothbrush 100A has a small head 120A, X is equal to approximately 32 and in an embodiment where the toothbrush 100A has a large head 120A, X is equal to approximately 40. As noted above, on the toothbrush 100A, the tuft holes 142A are rectangular or square in shape, having a lateral length Ls which is within a range ranging from 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm, and more specifically approximately 1.4 mm. Thus, the tuft holes 142A have an ATH2 tuft hole area that is within a range ranging from 1.7 mm2 to 2.2 mm2, and more specifically having approximately 1.96 mm2.
    [0041] A relation of the area of formation of tufts ATs to the number of holes X is within a range that goes from 5.2 to 6.4. In a preferred embodiment in which the tuft holes 142 have a square or rectangular shape, the ratio of the ATS tufting area to the hole number X is within a range of 5.9 to 6.2, and more specifically within a range of approximately 6.0 to 6.1.
    [0042] Similar to toothbrush 100, the tuft holes 142A in toothbrush 100A are arranged on the first surface 121A of the head 120A in rows 147A and 148A. The rows 142A in the toothbrush 100A have the same configuration as the rows of tuft holes 142 in the toothbrush 100, except that the central section of the tuft holes 142A is arranged on the front surface 121A of the head 120A in a 8 x 4 arrangement. The rest of the tufting holes 142 A is arranged as discussed above with respect to the tufting holes 142 of the toothbrush 100. Of course, the invention should not be limited by the specific arrangement of the tufting holes 142A illustrated and other arrangements of tuft holes 142A in the front surface 121A of the head 120A are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention.
    [0043] Holes for tufts 142A adjacent in each of the transverse rows 147A are separated by a distance ZTR2. More specifically, each of the tuft holes 142A has a center point 149A and ZTR2 is a linear distance between the center points 149A of adjacent tuft holes 142A in the transverse rows 148A. In addition, the holes for tufts 142A adjacent to each of the longitudinal rows 148A are separated by the distance ZLR2. More specifically, ZLR2 is a linear distance between the center portions 149A of holes for adjacent tufts 142A in the longitudinal rows 148A. In some embodiments, the distance ZTR2 between holes for adjacent tufts 142A in each of the longitudinal rows is within a range ranging from 2.1 mm to 2.3 mm, most preferably having 2.2 mm. In addition, in some embodiments, the distance ZLR2 between holes for adjacent tufts 142A is within a range of 2.3 mm to 2.7 mm, preferably 2.55 mm.
    [0044] In some embodiments, where the holes for tufts 142A are not circular in shape, the holes for tufts 142A will generally comprise a perimeter P. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the perimeter P is selected to meet within a range ranging from 5.0 mm to 60 mm, being more preferable to be in the range ranging from 5.4 mm to 5.8 mm, being more preferable that it is approximately 5.6 mm. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the hole sizes for tufts 142A and the distances ZTR2, ZLR2 (referred to collectively as "Z") between them are controlled in such a way that a Z to P ratio is within a range that goes from 0.35 to 0.46. In such embodiments, Z is within a range that preferably ranges from 2.1 to 2.7, being more preferable that it is within a range that ranges from 2.2 mm to 2.6 mm. Of course, the modalities that have holes for circular tufts 142 discussed above can have Z and P controlled in such a way that the Z to P ratio fits within the range noted above.
    [0045] In some embodiments, the holes for tufts 142, 142A will be neither circular nor rectangular / square. In some embodiments, the tufted holes may have, for example, a diamond shape, be triangular or oval.
    [0046] As used throughout this document, limits are used as an abbreviated form to describe any and all values that fall between the limits. Any value within the limits can be selected with the end of the limits. In addition, all references cited here are fully incorporated into this document by way of reference. In the event of a conflict between the definition in this document and that of a cited reference, that of the present invention will prevail.
    [0047] Although the above description and the drawings represent exemplary modalities of the present invention, it should be understood that several additions, modifications and substitutions can be introduced in them without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims joined. More specifically, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be incorporated into other shapes, structures, arrangements, proportions, specific sizes and with other elements, materials and components, without deviating from the spirit or essential characteristics of it. Those skilled in the art will note that the invention can be used with many modifications of structure, layout, proportions, sizes, materials and components and others, used in the implementation of the invention, and which are specially adapted to specific environments and to 5 specific operational requirements, without deviating from the principles of the present invention. The modalities described in this document must, therefore, be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the 10 appended claims and not limited to the above description or modalities.
    权利要求:
    Claims (6)
    [0001]
    1. Toothbrush (100), comprising: - a handle (110); - a head (120) having a first surface (121) and a second surface (122), the first surface (121) comprising an ATS tufted area comprising an X number of tuft holes (142); - a tuft of bristles (146) mounted inside each of the tuft holes (142) and extending from each of them, each tuft of bristles (146) formed by a multiplicity of stranded bristle filaments (141); and, - characterized by the fact that the toothbrush (100) has an ATS to X ratio within a range ranging from 5.0 to 6.5.
    [0002]
    2. Toothbrush (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that ATS is within a range ranging from 180 mm2 to 270 mm2.
    [0003]
    3. Toothbrush (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that each of the tuft holes (142) has an ATHe X v ATH tuft hole area within a range that ranges from 50 mm2 to 80 mm2.
    [0004]
    4. Toothbrush (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that X is within a range from 32 to 44.
    [0005]
    5. Toothbrush (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the ratio of ATS to X is within a range of approximately 5.4 to 5.5.
    [0006]
    6. Toothbrush (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the ratio of ATS to X is within a range of approximately 6.0 to 6.1.
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    法律状态:
    2019-08-27| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-04-14| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-10-20| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/09/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    PCT/CN2011/001555|WO2013037085A1|2011-09-14|2011-09-14|Toothrbush|
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