AU2009348907B2 - Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire - Google Patents
Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire Download PDFInfo
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- AU2009348907B2 AU2009348907B2 AU2009348907A AU2009348907A AU2009348907B2 AU 2009348907 B2 AU2009348907 B2 AU 2009348907B2 AU 2009348907 A AU2009348907 A AU 2009348907A AU 2009348907 A AU2009348907 A AU 2009348907A AU 2009348907 B2 AU2009348907 B2 AU 2009348907B2
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- Prior art keywords
- staple
- grooves
- tuft
- major surface
- toothbrush
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- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 title abstract description 30
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000012876 topography Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 229910017937 Ag-Ni Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 229910017984 Ag—Ni Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- MOFOBJHOKRNACT-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel silver Chemical compound [Ni].[Ag] MOFOBJHOKRNACT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000010956 nickel silver Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910001316 Ag alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium atom Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002153 concerted effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009658 destructive testing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007717 exclusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/16—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier by wires or other anchoring means, specially for U-shaped bristle tufts
-
- 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
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
An ansate implement, especially a toothbrush (200), having improved tuft retention and a staple (100) for use therewith. The staple has a specially designed topography that provides reliable anchoring and creation from cost effective materials. In one embodiment, the invention is an ansate implement comprising: a handle (220); a head (210) connected to said handle and having at least one hole (215) extending into the head from a surface (211); at least one cleaning element (50) positioned in the hole; and a staple located in the hole anchoring the cleaning element in the tuft hole, the staple having a longitudinal axis (A-A) and a first major surface (20), wherein a plurality of spaced apart grooves (30) are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis (B-B) from a bottom edge (111 ) of the staple toward a top edge (10) of the staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle (θ) of 40 to 70 degrees.
Description
WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 TOOTHBRUSH HAVING IMPROVED TUFT RETENTION AND ANCHOR WIRE Field of the Invention 100011 The present invention relates generally to brushes, especially toothbrushes, and specifically to an improved anchor or staple design for securing tufts of bristles within the head of the brush. Background of the Invention 100021 In the conventional manufacturing process for brushes, particularly toothbrushes, the brushes are injection molded with empty tuft holes in the toothbrush head. The tuft holes may also be drilled after the injection molding as well as initially formed in the head concurrently with the injection molding. In a secondary operation, U shaped tufts of bristles are inserted into the holes in the head. Each tuft of bristles is held in place by a plate-like staple that is wider than the tuft hole so that when the staple is used to drive the U-shaped bristle tufts into the tuft hole, the edges of the staple slightly cut and deform the sides of the hole. The pressure and resulting static friction of the surrounding plastic on the staple contributes to forces maintaining the staple in place. However, there arc certain problems associated with brushes made in this manner. Specifically, individual bristles, or even entire tufts of bristles, may occasionally come out of the tuft holes during brushing by a consumer. The staple or anchor art has dealt with these problems in a variety of ways. However, adequately securing tufts of bristles within the tuft holes must be balanced against other considerations, such as costs of materials and the ability to mass manufacture product. 100031 Over the years, toothbrush staples of the rectangular type have become available in which at least one of the major surfaces thereof is provided with parallel horizontal grooves (i.e., grooves that extend parallel with a longitudinal axis of the staple), thereby yielding a staple that has been found to be more resistant to becoming separated from its tuft hole than staples w ith smooth surfaces. [06041 Staples have also been developed hav ing a rounded edges ta eliat e an o minimize the problem of tuf w ea kening and possible rupture of filaments or bristles at the bight of the U. With such a rounded construction, the zone or area of contact between the lower staple edge and the bristle filament closely matche th U shae at te bigh 71 portion of each tuft. In turn, this permits the staples to be driven deeper into the head and thus a larger and more consistent force can be applied to each U shaped tuft without cutting or damaging the filaments. [00051 More recently, staples having specialized groove patterns on the major 5 surfaces of the staples for improved retention, including a slanted configuration of parallel grooves, have been introduced to the art. [0006] Staples constructed of materials having oligodynamic action have also been disclosed in the art. These oligodynamic staples have smooth major surfaces and are constructed of a material having oligodynamic action, such as cadmium, silver, brass, 10 copper, stainless steel, titanium and mercury. [0007a] Typically, toothbrush staples are constructed of a nickel-silver alloy. Due to the costs associated with the nickel-silver alloy, it has long been desired to create staples from cheaper metals, such as brass. While the general concept of using a brass staple has been disclosed, testing and experimentation have proven that merely creating 15 and using a flat-faced brass staple cannot be used in the manufacture of toothbrushes to provide effective tuft retention. Moreover, merely applying known groove patterns has also proven to be ineffective. [0007b] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission 20 that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. [0007c] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated 25 element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Summary of the Invention [0007d] A staple for securing cleaning elements within an ansate implement is 30 provided, the staple comprising a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of spaced-apart grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the staple toward a top edge of the staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle (0) of 40 to 70 degrees. 35 [0008] A staple having an optimized pattern of grooves in at least one of its major surfaces is further provided. The optimized groove pattern makes it possible to create 2 the staples out of a material that is more cost effective than a nickel-silver alloy, such as brass, while still providing the necessary tuft retention so as to be utilized in a viable toothbrush product. [00091 In one such embodiment, the a toothbrush is provided comprising: a handle; 5 a head connected to said handle and having at least one tuft hole extending into the head from a surface; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; and a brass staple located in the tuft hole anchoring the tuft of bristles in the tuft hole, the brass staple having a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of substantially parallel grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the 10 grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the brass staple to a top edge of the brass staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 to 70 degrees. [0010] In another aspect, a staple is provided having a slanted pattern of grooves formed into both major surfaces of the staple. The slope of the slanted pattern of 15 grooves for each major surface is selected so that the patterns on both of the surfaces act in a complimentary and concerted manner to improve tuft retention. 10011] In one such embodiment, a toothbrush is provided comprising a handle; a head connected to said handle and having at least one tuft hole extending into the head from a surface; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; a staple located in 20 the tuft hole anchoring the tuft of bristles in the tuft hole, the staple having a longitudinal axis, a first major surface, and a second major surface; a first set of substantially parallel grooves formed into the first major surface of the staple, each of the grooves in the first set extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the staple to a top edge of the staple and slanting upward from a first lateral edge of the 25 staple to a second lateral edge of the staple, the linear axis of the first set of grooves intersecting the longitudinal axis at a first acute angle; and a second set of substantially parallel grooves formed into the second major surface of the staple, each of the grooves in the second set extending along a linear axis from the bottom edge of the staple to the top edge of the staple and slanting upward from the second lateral edge of the staple to 30 the first lateral edge of the staple, the linear axis of the second set of grooves intersecting the longitudinal axis at a second acute angle. [0012] In yet another aspect, a toothbrush is provided comprising: a handle; a head connected to said handle and having at least one tuft hole extending into the head from a surface; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; a staple located in the 35 tuft hole anchoring the tuft of bristles in the tuft hole, the staple having a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of substantially parallel grooves are 3 formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the staple to a top edge of the staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle; and each of the grooves having a width and adjacent grooves separated by a distance, wherein the ratio of the distance to the width 5 is between 3.0 and 4.0. [0013] In a still further aspect, an ansate implement is provided comprising: a handle; a head connected to said handle and having at least one hole extending into the head from a surface; at least one cleaning element positioned in the hole; and a staple located in the hole anchoring the cleaning element in the tuft hole, the staple having a 10 longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of spaced-apart grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the staple toward a top edge of the staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 to 70 degrees. 100141 In another aspect, a staple is provided for securing cleaning elements within 15 an ansate implement, the staple comprising a flat wire having a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of spaced-apart grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the flat wire toward a top edge of the flat wire, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 to 70 degrees. 20 Brief Description of the Drawings [0015] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a staple according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 100161 Figure 2 is a front view of the staple of Figure 1. 25 [0017] Figure 3 is a top view of the staple of Figure 1. [00181 Figure 4 is a front view of a head of a toothbrush incorporating the staples of Figure 1 to anchor cleaning elements, which are in the form of tufts of bristles. 10019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head along line V-V of Figure 4. 30 [0020] Figure 6 is a cross-section view of the toothbrush head along line VI-VI of Figure 4. [0021] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a staple according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [0022] Figure 8 is a front view of the staple of Figure 7. 4 WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 [00231 Figure 9 is a rear view of the staple of Figure 7. [00241 Figure 1OA is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for a first toothbrush type using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves. [00251 Figure 10B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. IOA. 100261 Figure 11 A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for the first toothbrush type using brass staples having angled grooves according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00271 Figure 1 B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. 1 A. [0028] Figure 12A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for a second toothbrush type using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves. [00291 Figure 12B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. 12A. 10030] Figure 13A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for the second toothbrush type using brass staples having angled grooves according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00311 Figure 13B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. 13A. [0032] Figure 14A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for a third toothbrush type using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves. [00331 Figure 14B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. 14A. [00341 Figure 15A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for the third toothbrush type using brass staples having angled grooves according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00351 Figure 15B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. 15A. Detailed Description of the Draw ings [0036 Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 concurrently, a staple 100 is illustrated according to one embodiment of he present invention. The staple 100 i a flattened piece of wire that is used as an anchor in a brush, particularly a toothbrush, to secure U shaped tufts of bristles within tuft holes created in the head of an ansate implement, such as a toothbrush.
WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 The staple 100 has a substantially rectangular cross-section (both longitudinal and transverse) and is elongated along the longitudinal axis A-A. Of course, other shapes can be utilized in creating the staple. [00371 The staple 100 is delimited by a perimeter comprising a top edge 10, a bottom edge 11, a first lateral edge 12 and a second lateral edge 13. The staple 100 has a length L, a height H and a thickness t. The length L of the staple 100 will depend on the size of the tuft hole in which it is to be inserted, but is in a preferred range of 2.09 to 2.13 millimeters, and most preferably about 2.11 millimeters for a 1.70 mm tuft hole. The height H of the staple 100 will also depend on the dimensions of its end use, but is in a preferred range of 1.49 to 1.51 millimeters, and most preferably about 1.50 millimeters for a 1.70 mm tuft hole. Similarly, the thickness t of the staple 100 will also depend on its end use, but is in a preferred range of 0.24 to 0.26 millimeters, and most preferably about 0.25 millimeters. The invention, however, is not so limited in all embodiments and other dimensions may be utilized. The exact dimensions in any final product will be dictated by the size of the tuft hole, the type and size of the bristle tufts, the type of brush in which the staples are used, etc. Furthermore, while the staple 100 is illustrated as having an overall uniform thickness t, height H and length L, one or more of these dimensions may be tapered and/or irregular. 100381 In the illustrated embodiment, the edges 10-13 of the staple 100 are substantially flat. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the edges 10-13 may be shaped to provide additional tuft retention and/or decrease pressure at the bight of the bristle tuft. For example, the lateral edges 12-13 may be serrated, sharpened or barbed while the bottom edge II may be rounded. [00391 The staple 100 further comprises a first major surface 20 and a second major surface 21. Th second major surface 21 is opposite the first major surface 20 so that the staple 100 is a flat rectangular plate-like structure. The first major surface 20 includes a first set of grooves 30 formed into and covering the substantial entirety of the first major surface 20. All of the grooves 30 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel Ito one another and equidistantly spaced apart from one another. In certain embodiments, 6 WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 distance between adjacent grooves may vary either irregularly or as a function of distance from one or both of the lateral edges 12-13. [00401 As a result of the grooves 30 being spaced apart, an uninterrupted ridge 31 is formed between adjacent grooves 30. Preferably, this ridge 31 is an elongated strip and is not segmented. In other words, it is preferred that the first major surface 20 contain no grooves that intersect with one another. Stated simply, the groove pattern on the first major surface 20 is preferably free of any intersecting grooves. [00411 The grooves 30 are linear in shape for the illustrated preferred embodiment, each extending along a groove axis B-B. In other embodiments, the grooves 30, however, may be curved, zig-zag or an irregular shape. [00421 The grooves 30 are preferably spaced apart from one another by a distance D of 0.29 to 0.31 millimeters, and most preferably about 0.30 millimeters. The grooves 30 preferably have a width W of 0.09 to 0.11 millimeters, and most preferably about 0.10 millimeters. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the ratio of the distance D to width W be in a range of 3.0 to 4.0, and most preferably be 3.0. The grooves 30 have a depth of 0.09 to 0.11 millimeters, and most preferably about 0.11 millimeters. The exact dimensions of the grooves and their pattern, however, can vary greatly and are not to be considered limiting of the present invention unless specifically recited in the claims. However, in one embodiment, the depth of the grooves 30 is preferably no greater than one-third of the thickness t of the staple 100. It has been discovered that making the grooves 30 having a depth greater than one-third of the thickness t results in undesired distortion of the wire/staple 100. 100431 The grooves 30 extend the entire height H of the staple 100, extending from the bottom edge 11 to the top edge 10. The grooves 30 arc oriented on the first major surface Thought of another r way, the groove axis B-B of each of the grooves 30 forms a non norrnal angle with the longitudinal axis A-A of the staple 100. More specifically, the groove axis B-B of the grooves 30 intersect the longtdinal axis A-A at an acute angle 0 that is specially selected to provide adequate tuft retention and retain structural integrity of the stapIc 100 when inserted in the toothbrush. It has been surprisingly and 7 WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 unexpectedly discovered that the acute angle 0 plays a determining role in achieving the desired goal of increased tuft retention, depending also on the metal of construction. The angle of the groove pattern has also been discovered to allow cheaper and/or softer metals to be used without resulting in unwanted deformation and/or curling of the wire. The metal selected, however, should not be so soft that the imprinting of the groove patters causes unwanted deformation and curling. For example, Aluminum has been discovered to be unsuitable in most cases. In one desired embodiment, a metal is selected for the staple 100 that has a Brinell hardness less than that of nickel-silver and greater than aluminum. [00441 Through experimentation, it has been discovered that in order to create a staple 100 that performs adequately from brass, the acute angle 0 needs to be 40 to 70 degrees, more preferably 55 and 65 degrees, and most preferably about 60 degrees. When the acute angle 0 is less than 40 degrees for brass, the wire has a tendency to deform and coil. However, when the angle is greater than 70 degrees for brass, it is difficult to imprint the angled groove pattern. Furthermore, when the acute angle 0 of the grove is within the desired range, experiments using destructive testing of toothbrushes has shown that, when compared to other grooved or non-grooved anchors, tuft retention has surprisingly increased up to 25%. [0045] The grooves 30 are oriented on the first major surface 20 as slanting upward from the bottom edge 11 to the top edge 10 going from the first lateral edge 12 to the second lateral edge 13. Of course, the grooves 30 can be arranged to slant upward in the opposite direction if desired, i.e., from the bottom edge 11 to the top edge 10 going from the second lateral edge 13 to the first lateral edge 12. The second major surface 21 of the staple 100 is preferably a smooth surface that is substantially free of grooves or other topography. In other embodiments (as will be discussed below with respect to FIGS. 7 9), the second rnajor surface 21 rnay also be patterned with grooves. 10046] The grooves 30 can be formed by roll pressing or stamping a sheet of brass with a die and then cutting the sheet into the desired strips. which arc then cut to form the staples 100. 1047 Rfern~no t IG. -6cocrrnty.atothruh 0 i ilutat~ he8 WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 each of the bristle tufts 50 are anchored in the tuft holes 215 by one of the staples 100. While bristle tufts 50 are illustrated, other cleaning elements could be used, including elastomeric fingers, fibers, etc. The toothbrush 200 comprises a head 210 and a neck portion 220 that extends into an elongated handle. A plurality of tuft holes 215 are formed into the front surface 211 of the head 210. The head 210 is typically constructed of a hard plastic, such as polypropylene. [00481 Each of the plurality of tuft holes 215 in the toothbrush head 210 extend downwardly from the front surface 211 of the head 210 along a central axis C-C. The tuft holes 215 are preferably circular bores formed into the head 210. The tuft holes 215, of course, can be formed to be in other shapes if desired. [00491 During manufacture, the bristle tufts 50 are bent in a U shape and secured in the tuft holes 215 by the staples 100. The staples 100 are driven into the tuft holes 215 so that each bristle tuft 50 bends in the U shape and comprises a bight portion 51 and two extending legs 52, 53. The legs 52, 53 of the bristle tufts 50 extend upward and out of the holes 215 and above the front surface 211 of the head 210. The bight or curved part 51 of the bristle tuft 50 is contacted by the bottom edge 11 of staple 100 while the two legs 52, 53 extend upwardly and define the visible bristles of the toothbrush. [00501 The two lateral edges 12-13 of each staple 10 are seen to extend slightly into opposite sidewalls of each hole 215. The rotational orientation of the plane which contains each staple 100 is not critical, i.e., the staple 100 may be installed by rotating it, before installation, about its central vertical axis differently from the rotational orientation of about 45 degrees to assume any desired orientation. It is preferred, however, that the staples 100 be positioned in the tuft holes 215 so that the longitudinal axis A-A of the staples 100 are substantially normal to the central axis C-C of the tuft holes 215. 100511 Referring now to FI. 7-9 concurrently, a staple 100A is ilustrated according to a seond embodiment of the invention. The b asic structure of the staple 100A is identical to that of staple 100. Therefore, like numbers have been used to identify correspondin components and features with the ad dition of suffix "A. In order to avoid redundancy, oniy those features of staple 100A that are different than the staple 100 will be discussed 9 WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 below with the understanding that the aforementioned discussion is applicable. 100521 The major difference betwcn staple 100A and staple 100 is that the second major surface 21A of the stapl 100A comprises a second set of grooves 40A in addition to the first set of grooves 30A formed into the first major surface 20A. The discussion above with respect to the grooves 30 of staple 100 is generally applicable to both grooves 30A and grooves 40A, and is hlrcby incorporated by reference. It should be noted, however, that in this embodiment of the invention, the staple 100A is not limited to an exact range for the acute angle 0. However, it is still preferred that the acute angle be 40 to 70 degrees. [00531 Of note, the grooves 30A formed into the first surface 20A of the staple 100A are oriented so as to as slant upward from the bottom edge IOA to the top edge 11A going from the first lateral edge 12 to the second lateral edge 13. The grooves 40A formed into the second surface 21A of the staple 100A, however, are oriented on the second major surface 21A so as to slant upward from the bottom edge 11A to the top edge 10A going from the second lateral edge 13 to the first lateral edge 12. In other words, the grooves 30A and the grooves 40A extend in opposing slanted directions. Of course, the orientation of the slants of the grooves 30A and the grooves 40A could be alternated. Preferably, the grooves 30A and grooves 40A are arranged so that their openings along the top and bottom edges 10A, 11A alternate along the length of the staple 100A. Experiment [00541 An experiment was conducted on three different types of commercially available toothbrushes to determine and compare the tuft retention for typical Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves (i.e., 0 degrees) and brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees according to the present invention. The three different toothbrushes tested are referred to herein as Toothbrush 1, Toothbrush 2, and Toothbrush 3. 00551 Refring to FIGS. 10A- B, test data for Toothbrus will b discussed. The details of the test parameters and tuft retention data for Toothbrush I using A g-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves as the anchors is set forth in the table of igure 10A and the graph of Figure l0B. The details of the test parameters and tuft retention data for WO 2011/002460 PCT/US2009/049432 set forth in the table of Figure 11 A and the graph of Figure 11. As can be seen, for Toothbrush 1, the longitudinally grooved Ag-Ni staples resulted in an Average Tuft Retention of 3.7 kgf and a CPK of 1.5. Comparatively, the brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees resulted in an Average Tuft Retention of 3.7 kgf and a greater CPK of 1.82. [00561 Referring now to FIGS. 12A- 13B, test data for Toothbrush 2 will be discussed. The details of the test parameters and tuft retention data for Toothbrush 2 using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves as the anchors is set forth in the table of Figure 12A and the graph of Figure 12B. The details of the test parameters and tuft retention data for Toothbrush 2 using brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees as the anchors is set forth in the table of Figure 13A and the graph of Figure 13B. As can be seen, for Toothbrush 2, the longitudinally grooved Ag-Ni staples resulted in an Average Tuft Retention of 3.8 kgf and a CPK of 2.24. Comparatively, the brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees resulted in an improved Average Tuft Retention of 4.0 kgf and a greater CPK of 2.48. [00571 Referring now to FIGS. 14A-15 B, test data for Toothbrush 3 will be discussed. The details of the test parameters and tuft retention data for Toothbrush 3 using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves as the anchors is set forth in the table of Figure 14A and the graph of Figure 14B. The details of the test parameters and tuft retention data for Toothbrush 3 using brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees as the anchors is set forth in the table of Figure 15A and the graph of Figure 15B. As can be seen, for Toothbrush 3, the longitudinally grooved Ag-Ni staples resulted in an Average Tuft Retention of 2.4 kgf and a CPK of 0.63. Comparatively, the brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees resulted in an improved Average Tuft Retention of 2.8 kgf and a greater CPK of 1.09. 10058 While the invention has been described and illustrated in sufficient detail that those skilled in this art can readily make and use it, various alternatives, modifications and improvements should become rcadily apparent without departing fom the spirit and scope of the invention. 11
Claims (30)
1. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; 5 a head connected to said handle and having at least one tuft hole extending into the head from a surface; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; and a brass staple located in the tuft hole anchoring the tuft of bristles in the tuft hole, the staple having a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality 10 of substantially parallel grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the brass staple to a top edge of the brass staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 to 70 degrees. 15
2. The toothbrush of claim I wherein the tuft of bristles are substantially U shaped having a bight portion and leg portions, the U-shaped tuft of bristles anchored in the tuft hole by the brass staple so that the leg portions extend upward and protrude from the tuft hole, the brass staple located between the leg portions and above the bight portion of the brass staple. 20
3. The toothbrush of claim I or 2 wherein the acute angle is approximately 60 degrees.
4. The toothbrush of any one of claims I to 3 wherein the staple has a thickness 25 and the grooves have a depth no greater than one-third of the depth of the thickness of the staple.
5. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the brass staple is a flat wire having a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section. 30
6. The toothbrush of any one of claims I to 5 wherein the grooves are evenly spaced apart and cover the substantial entirety of the first major surface.
7. The toothbrush of claim 6 wherein adjacent grooves are separated by a distance 35 of 0.29 and 0.31 millimeters, the grooves have a width of 0.09 to 0.10 millimeters, or the grooves have a depth of 0.09 to 0.10 millimeters. 12
8. The toothbrush of claim I wherein the brass staple comprises a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and wherein only the first major surface comprises the grooves, the second major surface being substantially flat and free of 5 grooves.
9. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the tuft hole has a central axis, the longitudinal axis of the staple being substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the tuft hole. 10
10. A toothbrush comprising: a handle; a head connected to said handle and having at least one tuft hole extending into the head from a surface; 15 at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; and a brass staple located in the tuft hole anchoring the tuft of bristles in the tuft hole, the staple having a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of substantially parallel grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the staple to a top edge of 20 the staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 and 70 degrees; and each of the grooves having a width and adjacent grooves separated by a distance, wherein the ratio of the distance to the width is of 3.0 and 4.0. 25
11. A staple for securing cleaning elements within an ansate implement, the staple comprising a longitudinal axis and a first major surface, wherein a plurality of spaced apart grooves are formed into the first major surface, each of the grooves extending along a linear axis from a bottom edge of the staple toward a top edge of the staple, the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle (0) of 40 to 70 degrees. 30
12. The staple of claim 11, wherein the staple is constructed of brass.
13. The staple of claim 1 or claim 12, wherein the staple is a flat wire. 35
14. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the acute angle (0) is of 55 to 65 degrees. 13
15. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the acute angle (0) is approximately 60 degrees. 5
16. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the staple has a thickness (t) and the grooves have a depth no greater than one-third of the depth of the thickness (t) of the staple.
17. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the plurality of grooves 10 extend substantially parallel to one another.
18. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the grooves are evenly spaced apart and cover the substantial entirety of the first major surface. 15
19. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein adjacent grooves are separated by a distance (D) of 0.29 to 0.31 millimeters.
20. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein adjacent grooves are separated by a distance (D) of 0.30 millimeters. 20
21. The staple of any one of claims I1 to 20, wherein the grooves have a width (W) of 0.09 to 0.11 millimeters, or wherein the grooves have a width (W) of 0.10 millimeters. 25
22. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the grooves have a depth of 0.09 to 0.11 millimeters.
23. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein each of the grooves has a width (W) and adjacent grooves are separated by a distance (D) wherein the ratio of the 30 distance (D) to the width (W) is of 3.0 to 4.0.
24. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 23, wherein the staple comprises a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and wherein only the first major surface comprises the grooves, the second major surface being substantially flat and free of 35 grooves. 14
25. The staple of any one of claims 11 to 23, wherein the staple comprises a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and a second set of grooves formed into the second major surface of the staple, each of the grooves in the second set extending along a linear axis from the bottom edge of the staple to the top edge of 5 the staple and slanting upward from the second lateral edge of the staple to the first lateral edge of the staple, the linear axis of the second set of grooves intersecting the longitudinal axis at a second acute angle.
26. The staple of claim 25, wherein the second acute angle is of 40 to 70 degrees, 10 optionally wherein both the acute angle (0) and second acute angle are approximately 60 degrees.
27. An ansate implement comprising: a handle; 15 a head connected to said handle and having at least one hole extending into the head from a surface; at least one cleaning element positioned in the hole; and a staple located in the hole anchoring the cleaning element in the hole, the staple being as defined in any one of claims 11 to 26. 20
28. The ansate implement of claim 27, wherein the implement is a toothbrush; and wherein the at least one cleaning element comprises at least one tuft of bristles.
29. A staple for securing cleaning elements within an ansate implement according 25 to claim 11, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or claim 10, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2009/049432 WO2011002460A1 (en) | 2009-07-01 | 2009-07-01 | Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2009348907A1 AU2009348907A1 (en) | 2011-12-08 |
| AU2009348907B2 true AU2009348907B2 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
Family
ID=42041528
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2009348907A Ceased AU2009348907B2 (en) | 2009-07-01 | 2009-07-01 | Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2448446B1 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR101402438B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN102469871B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2009348907B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2764966C (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2011012446A (en) |
| PH (1) | PH12013502553B1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2472404C1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011002460A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018244765B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-05-13 | The Gillette Company Llc | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| AU2018244767B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-05-13 | The Gillette Company Llc | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| AU2018244762B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-05-13 | The Gillette Company Llc | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2550893A1 (en) | 2011-07-23 | 2013-01-30 | Braun GmbH | Oral cleaning implement having a plastic staple comprising a cavity |
| JP2018183275A (en) * | 2017-04-24 | 2018-11-22 | ライオン株式会社 | toothbrush |
| DE102019121693A1 (en) * | 2019-08-12 | 2021-02-18 | Berkenhoff Gmbh | Brush with tufts of bristles attached by means of clamps and wire for producing such clamps |
| US20220395082A1 (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2022-12-15 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Oral Care Implement |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004081286A (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-03-18 | Lion Corp | Toothbrush |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RU2145480C1 (en) * | 1995-06-12 | 2000-02-20 | Энкор Эдвенст Продактс, Инк. | Brush with improved bristle fastener, many-sided anchoring wire for manufacture of clips for fastening bristle bundles in brush holes, and method for reliable fastening of bristles to brushes |
| US5850660A (en) * | 1996-01-25 | 1998-12-22 | Radius Inc. | Toothbrush with hexagonal bristles in hexagonal tuft holes |
| US6352313B1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2002-03-05 | Gillette Canada Company' | Brush tufting |
| CN2933129Y (en) * | 2006-08-02 | 2007-08-15 | 张诗年 | Novel toothbrush flat-silk piece |
-
2009
- 2009-07-01 MX MX2011012446A patent/MX2011012446A/en active IP Right Grant
- 2009-07-01 KR KR1020127002823A patent/KR101402438B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2009-07-01 AU AU2009348907A patent/AU2009348907B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2009-07-01 WO PCT/US2009/049432 patent/WO2011002460A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-07-01 CN CN200980160310.7A patent/CN102469871B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-01 EP EP09790029.4A patent/EP2448446B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-07-01 CA CA2764966A patent/CA2764966C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-01 RU RU2012103333/12A patent/RU2472404C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2013
- 2013-12-09 PH PH12013502553A patent/PH12013502553B1/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004081286A (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-03-18 | Lion Corp | Toothbrush |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018244765B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-05-13 | The Gillette Company Llc | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| AU2018244767B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-05-13 | The Gillette Company Llc | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| AU2018244762B2 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2021-05-13 | The Gillette Company Llc | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2009348907A1 (en) | 2011-12-08 |
| RU2472404C1 (en) | 2013-01-20 |
| CN102469871A (en) | 2012-05-23 |
| EP2448446A1 (en) | 2012-05-09 |
| WO2011002460A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
| CA2764966A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
| CN102469871B (en) | 2016-01-20 |
| CA2764966C (en) | 2014-09-30 |
| KR20120031094A (en) | 2012-03-29 |
| KR101402438B1 (en) | 2014-06-03 |
| MX2011012446A (en) | 2011-12-16 |
| PH12013502553A1 (en) | 2015-04-13 |
| PH12013502553B1 (en) | 2015-04-13 |
| EP2448446B1 (en) | 2016-01-27 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |