CA2001331A1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents
ToothbrushInfo
- Publication number
- CA2001331A1 CA2001331A1 CA002001331A CA2001331A CA2001331A1 CA 2001331 A1 CA2001331 A1 CA 2001331A1 CA 002001331 A CA002001331 A CA 002001331A CA 2001331 A CA2001331 A CA 2001331A CA 2001331 A1 CA2001331 A1 CA 2001331A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- toothbrush
- handle
- disintegrates
- changes colour
- decomposes
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
- A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
- A46B15/001—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with means indicating the remaining useful life of brush
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0085—Brushes provided with an identification, marking device or design
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/42—Brushes
- B29L2031/425—Toothbrush
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a brush support. To remind the user to replace his toothbrush in good time, it is proposed that at least part of the toothbrush be designed from gradually decomposing, disintegrating or discolouring material. A water-soluble plastic is preferably used for this purpose.
Description
200~331.
The present invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
It is a deplorable fact that oral hygiene, as the most effective precaution against tooth decay, does not occur to the extent required by physicians. The reason for this problem is not only that the teeth are brushed too infrequently or for too 9hort a time, but often also becuase the toothbrush is used over too long a period of time de~pite diligent oral hygiene. It has been a~certained that the bri~tles are affected by brushing and their tips are roughened or even split. However, the gums are in~ured by ~uch roughened brushes, thu~ thwarting the effect of looklng after one's teeth.
German OS 31 40 903 disclo~es a toothbru~h having an in-dicatlng element in it~ handle with which, for exampler the month in whlch the toothbrush was purchased or is to be replaced can be ~et. It may be possible to lock this indicating element, but it can al~o be accidently reset 80 that the particulars that were once ~et are po~sibly fal~ified. In addition, dirt can become em-bedded ln the gap between the indicating element and the tooth-bru~h handle which is not only unslightly but also unhygienic.
A toothbrush is known from European patent application EP 0 199 158 A2 which has a battery-operated device in the handle giving off acoustic or visual signals. This device is switched on inductively or capacitively as soon as the toothbrush is picked up ~o that a melody or spoken text sounds or visual signals are given off while brushing one's teeth for a period of, for example, two minutes. A sensitive, pleasing component is herewith offered to the user while brushing hi~ teeth which should at the same time encourage regular brushing. If the toothbrush is used twice daily, the battery lasts for approximately three months, thus also letting the user know indirectly that the toothbrush should be replaced.
The manufacture and design of such toothbrushes is . ..
more expensive than for conventional types of toothbrushes. In .
addition, for reasons of environmental protection it must be -remembered that toothbrushes containing batteries cannot simply be thrown away when they are no longer being used, rather they mu t either be collected at special garbage dumps or be recycled.
The present invention is based on the object of pro- ;
vlding a toothbrush of the conventional type which is simple to ;
manufacture and whlch draws the user's attention directly to the fact that the maxlmum allowable period of use has expired and that the toothbrush must be replaced.
Accordlng to the present invention there is provided a toothbrush having a handle and a bristle support and a mechanism , .
which indicates the end of the toothbrush's serviceable life, whereln the mechanism is formed whereby at least part of the toothbrush consists of material that gradually decomposes, dis-integrates or changes colour. :~
Accordingly, at least part of the toothbrush is manufactured from or is provided with a material that gradually ., ~ j,. .
decomposes, disintegrates or changes colour during use. This -~
process can occur by means of air, water or light. A plurality of plastics are known for this purpose, for example polymers with X00133~
- 2a - 70893-11 acid or amino groups, for example a polymer with methacrylic acid as the copolymer. Such plastics are soluble in water or in slightly acidic or basic liquids. Dyes and coloured plastics that are not lightproof are suitable for the change in colour.
,,,;
X00~31 The transition region between the bristle support and the handle is thereby preferably manufactured at least in part from a plastic that decomposes or dissolves in water. Since this transition region regularly comes into contact with water during brushlng, the material dissolves 80 that after a while the bristle support le no longer stable rather is only soft and thus improper-ly connected to the handle for cleaning teeth.
Another possibility lies in providing an indicator panel covered with a decomposing or disintegrating material on the bris-tle support and/or the handle. This material, for example the aforenamed plastlc, has dissolved when the possible perlod of use o~ the toothbru~h ends 80 that the indicator panel i~ vislble and khe end o the perlod of use i8 effectively indicated.
Furthermore, the entire body of the toothbrush or only an lndlcator panel can be manufactured from a material that grad-ually changes colour.
Two sxemplary embodiments of the present invention are . . ~,.,, ,.:~ :, explained in greater detail on the basis of the drawings wherein:
Figures 1 and 2 respectively show a toothbru~h according ~ ~ i to the present invention before the start of use and at the end of the maximum useful life;
Figures 3 and 4 show a second exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention likewise before the start of use and at the end of the allowable useful life;
Figures 5 and 6 show a third exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention likewise before the start of use and at the 2001331.
The present invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
It is a deplorable fact that oral hygiene, as the most effective precaution against tooth decay, does not occur to the extent required by physicians. The reason for this problem is not only that the teeth are brushed too infrequently or for too 9hort a time, but often also becuase the toothbrush is used over too long a period of time de~pite diligent oral hygiene. It has been a~certained that the bri~tles are affected by brushing and their tips are roughened or even split. However, the gums are in~ured by ~uch roughened brushes, thu~ thwarting the effect of looklng after one's teeth.
German OS 31 40 903 disclo~es a toothbru~h having an in-dicatlng element in it~ handle with which, for exampler the month in whlch the toothbrush was purchased or is to be replaced can be ~et. It may be possible to lock this indicating element, but it can al~o be accidently reset 80 that the particulars that were once ~et are po~sibly fal~ified. In addition, dirt can become em-bedded ln the gap between the indicating element and the tooth-bru~h handle which is not only unslightly but also unhygienic.
A toothbrush is known from European patent application EP 0 199 158 A2 which has a battery-operated device in the handle giving off acoustic or visual signals. This device is switched on inductively or capacitively as soon as the toothbrush is picked up ~o that a melody or spoken text sounds or visual signals are given off while brushing one's teeth for a period of, for example, two minutes. A sensitive, pleasing component is herewith offered to the user while brushing hi~ teeth which should at the same time encourage regular brushing. If the toothbrush is used twice daily, the battery lasts for approximately three months, thus also letting the user know indirectly that the toothbrush should be replaced.
The manufacture and design of such toothbrushes is . ..
more expensive than for conventional types of toothbrushes. In .
addition, for reasons of environmental protection it must be -remembered that toothbrushes containing batteries cannot simply be thrown away when they are no longer being used, rather they mu t either be collected at special garbage dumps or be recycled.
The present invention is based on the object of pro- ;
vlding a toothbrush of the conventional type which is simple to ;
manufacture and whlch draws the user's attention directly to the fact that the maxlmum allowable period of use has expired and that the toothbrush must be replaced.
Accordlng to the present invention there is provided a toothbrush having a handle and a bristle support and a mechanism , .
which indicates the end of the toothbrush's serviceable life, whereln the mechanism is formed whereby at least part of the toothbrush consists of material that gradually decomposes, dis-integrates or changes colour. :~
Accordingly, at least part of the toothbrush is manufactured from or is provided with a material that gradually ., ~ j,. .
decomposes, disintegrates or changes colour during use. This -~
process can occur by means of air, water or light. A plurality of plastics are known for this purpose, for example polymers with X00133~
- 2a - 70893-11 acid or amino groups, for example a polymer with methacrylic acid as the copolymer. Such plastics are soluble in water or in slightly acidic or basic liquids. Dyes and coloured plastics that are not lightproof are suitable for the change in colour.
,,,;
X00~31 The transition region between the bristle support and the handle is thereby preferably manufactured at least in part from a plastic that decomposes or dissolves in water. Since this transition region regularly comes into contact with water during brushlng, the material dissolves 80 that after a while the bristle support le no longer stable rather is only soft and thus improper-ly connected to the handle for cleaning teeth.
Another possibility lies in providing an indicator panel covered with a decomposing or disintegrating material on the bris-tle support and/or the handle. This material, for example the aforenamed plastlc, has dissolved when the possible perlod of use o~ the toothbru~h ends 80 that the indicator panel i~ vislble and khe end o the perlod of use i8 effectively indicated.
Furthermore, the entire body of the toothbrush or only an lndlcator panel can be manufactured from a material that grad-ually changes colour.
Two sxemplary embodiments of the present invention are . . ~,.,, ,.:~ :, explained in greater detail on the basis of the drawings wherein:
Figures 1 and 2 respectively show a toothbru~h according ~ ~ i to the present invention before the start of use and at the end of the maximum useful life;
Figures 3 and 4 show a second exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention likewise before the start of use and at the end of the allowable useful life;
Figures 5 and 6 show a third exemplary embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention likewise before the start of use and at the 2001331.
':
end of the allowable useful life.
Figure 1 illustrates a toothbrush 1 having a handle 2, a slightly bent transition region 3 and a bristle support 4 for bristles 5. The transition region 3 between the handle 2 and the bristle support 4 i8 manufactured from a water-soluble plastic, or example a polymer with acrylic acid as the copolymer. When cleaning teeth, this transition region comeæ into contact with water whereby it gradually disintegrates and becomes soft. The appropriate composition of the material can influence the length o time required for the plastic to soften or disintegrate. When the thickness of the transition region 3 is no longer sufficient or a stable connection between the handle 2 and the bristle sup-port, then the toothbrush is no longer to be used. This condition i~ illu~trated in Figure 2. It is important hereby that the plas-tic used does not break on account of brittleness which could re-~ult in injuries during brushing, rather that it gradually disin-tegrates or softens to such an extent that the bristle support bends during brushing and appropriate pressure can no longer be applied to the teeth.
Figure 3 shows a toothbrush 1 having a handle 2, again a slightly bent transition region 3' and a bristle support 4 for bristles 5. The transition region 3' to begin with has a slightly lowered indicator panel 6, as shown in Figure 4, which i8 8UbBe-quently covered with a water-soluble plastic 7. During use of the toothbrush this plastic is gradually dissolved by the water, thus exposing the indicator panel 6. Through this an inscription or -other warning symbol becomes visible which reminds the user to replace the toothbrush.
".',~'~, - 5 - 70893-11 .~ :
The toothbru~h according to Figure 5 again has a handle : ' 2, a bent tran~ition region 3" and a bri~tle support 4 for bris-tle~ 5. The bent transition region 3" of thi~ toothbru~h i8 manu-~actured from a material that changes colour in the cour~e of time, for example by mean~ of light or moisture, this material contalnlng, for example, dye~ that are not lightproof, their col-our changing markedly after a certain period of time, as i~ indi-cated by the cro3~hatching in Figure 6. Thi~ al~o indicates to the u~er that the toothbru~h is no longer to be u~ed, rather a new -~
one 1~ to be used.
In the exemplary embodiments the indication and arrange-ment of the dl~lntegrating, decompo~ing or discolouring plastlc .;
material~ i~ given by way of example. The invention can in the , ~ame way be u~ed not only in con~unction wlth regular toothbru~h-e~, but also with attachments suitable for electric toothbru~he~
:
end of the allowable useful life.
Figure 1 illustrates a toothbrush 1 having a handle 2, a slightly bent transition region 3 and a bristle support 4 for bristles 5. The transition region 3 between the handle 2 and the bristle support 4 i8 manufactured from a water-soluble plastic, or example a polymer with acrylic acid as the copolymer. When cleaning teeth, this transition region comeæ into contact with water whereby it gradually disintegrates and becomes soft. The appropriate composition of the material can influence the length o time required for the plastic to soften or disintegrate. When the thickness of the transition region 3 is no longer sufficient or a stable connection between the handle 2 and the bristle sup-port, then the toothbrush is no longer to be used. This condition i~ illu~trated in Figure 2. It is important hereby that the plas-tic used does not break on account of brittleness which could re-~ult in injuries during brushing, rather that it gradually disin-tegrates or softens to such an extent that the bristle support bends during brushing and appropriate pressure can no longer be applied to the teeth.
Figure 3 shows a toothbrush 1 having a handle 2, again a slightly bent transition region 3' and a bristle support 4 for bristles 5. The transition region 3' to begin with has a slightly lowered indicator panel 6, as shown in Figure 4, which i8 8UbBe-quently covered with a water-soluble plastic 7. During use of the toothbrush this plastic is gradually dissolved by the water, thus exposing the indicator panel 6. Through this an inscription or -other warning symbol becomes visible which reminds the user to replace the toothbrush.
".',~'~, - 5 - 70893-11 .~ :
The toothbru~h according to Figure 5 again has a handle : ' 2, a bent tran~ition region 3" and a bri~tle support 4 for bris-tle~ 5. The bent transition region 3" of thi~ toothbru~h i8 manu-~actured from a material that changes colour in the cour~e of time, for example by mean~ of light or moisture, this material contalnlng, for example, dye~ that are not lightproof, their col-our changing markedly after a certain period of time, as i~ indi-cated by the cro3~hatching in Figure 6. Thi~ al~o indicates to the u~er that the toothbru~h is no longer to be u~ed, rather a new -~
one 1~ to be used.
In the exemplary embodiments the indication and arrange-ment of the dl~lntegrating, decompo~ing or discolouring plastlc .;
material~ i~ given by way of example. The invention can in the , ~ame way be u~ed not only in con~unction wlth regular toothbru~h-e~, but also with attachments suitable for electric toothbru~he~
:
Claims (7)
1. A toothbrush having a handle and a bristle support and a mechanism which indicates the end of the toothbrush's service-able life, wherein the mechanism is formed whereby at least part of the toothbrush consists of material that gradually decomposes, disintegrates or changes colour.
2. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the material is a plastic that gradually decomposes, disintegrates or changes colour by means of air, light and/or water.
3. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the material is a polymer with acid or amino groups, preferably a poly-mer with acrylic acid as the copolymer.
4. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the material is not lightproof.
5. A toothbrush according to claim 4, wherein the mater-ial that is not lightproof is a plastic with dyes that are not lightproof.
6. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5, wherein the transition region between the handle and the bristle support of the toothbrush consists of the material that decomposes, disintegrates or changes colour.
7. A toothbrush according to claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the toothbrush has an indicator panel which is covered with the material that decomposes, disintegrates or changes colour.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP3836232.5 | 1988-10-25 | ||
| DE3836232A DE3836232C1 (en) | 1988-10-25 | 1988-10-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2001331A1 true CA2001331A1 (en) | 1990-04-25 |
Family
ID=6365825
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002001331A Abandoned CA2001331A1 (en) | 1988-10-25 | 1989-10-24 | Toothbrush |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0366100A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH04500324A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR900701197A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU614884B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2001331A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3836232C1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990004342A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2299263A (en) * | 1995-03-24 | 1996-10-02 | Unilever Plc | Applicator for a tooth-treatment product |
| DE19829943A1 (en) | 1998-07-04 | 2000-01-05 | Coronet Werke Gmbh | Process for the manufacture of bristle articles and bristle articles produced thereafter |
| FR2921547A1 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2009-04-03 | Acting Sarl | Flat type brush for applying cosmetic product to e.g. powder or blush face, has elongated handle made of material whose matrix is formed of biodegradable, injectable plastic material, where handle has cylindrical housing to house applicator |
| EP3598920A1 (en) | 2018-07-26 | 2020-01-29 | Trisa Holding AG | Marking/printing on method for application and/or cleansing elements |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3140903C2 (en) * | 1981-10-15 | 1985-08-22 | Trisa Bürstenfabrik AG Triengen, Triengen | toothbrush |
| DE3400941A1 (en) * | 1983-01-14 | 1984-10-11 | Coronet - Werke Heinrich Schlerf Gmbh, 6948 Wald-Michelbach | Plastic bristle |
| CH661645A5 (en) * | 1985-04-20 | 1987-08-14 | Gerfried Bauer | TOOTHBRUSH. |
| US4802255A (en) * | 1987-08-10 | 1989-02-07 | Gillette Canada Inc. | Novel brush filaments |
| DE8802744U1 (en) * | 1988-03-02 | 1988-05-05 | Gebr. Schabert Gmbh, 8804 Dinkelsbuehl, De | |
| GB8807673D0 (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1988-05-05 | Lingner & Fischer Gmbh | Novel article |
| AU625280B2 (en) * | 1988-11-04 | 1992-07-09 | Robert Martin McCusker | Deformable toothbrush |
-
1988
- 1988-10-25 DE DE3836232A patent/DE3836232C1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1989
- 1989-10-24 CA CA002001331A patent/CA2001331A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1989-10-24 WO PCT/DE1989/000683 patent/WO1990004342A1/en unknown
- 1989-10-24 EP EP89119774A patent/EP0366100A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1989-10-24 AU AU44261/89A patent/AU614884B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1989-10-24 JP JP1510961A patent/JPH04500324A/en active Pending
-
1990
- 1990-06-25 KR KR1019900701351A patent/KR900701197A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1990004342A1 (en) | 1990-05-03 |
| DE3836232C1 (en) | 1990-03-29 |
| EP0366100A1 (en) | 1990-05-02 |
| JPH04500324A (en) | 1992-01-23 |
| AU614884B2 (en) | 1991-09-12 |
| AU4426189A (en) | 1990-05-14 |
| KR900701197A (en) | 1990-12-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |