CA2505820A1 - Interdental brush - Google Patents
Interdental brush Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2505820A1 CA2505820A1 CA 2505820 CA2505820A CA2505820A1 CA 2505820 A1 CA2505820 A1 CA 2505820A1 CA 2505820 CA2505820 CA 2505820 CA 2505820 A CA2505820 A CA 2505820A CA 2505820 A1 CA2505820 A1 CA 2505820A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wire
- wire sections
- interdental brush
- nickel
- brushes
- 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
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/18—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier the bristles being fixed on or between belts or wires
-
- 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
- A46B2200/108—Inter-dental toothbrush, i.e. for cleaning interdental spaces specifically
Landscapes
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
In an interdental brush, the filaments are held between two wire sections (1a, 1b) which are twisted with one another. The wire sections (1a, 1b) have a diameter (D) of 0.3 mm or less and are made of a nickel-free or low-nickel steel. These brushes are distinguished by an increased rigidity and an improved restoring force and are stable even if the wire has a small diameter.
Description
Interdental brush Technical field The invention relates to an interdental brush in which filaments (or bristles) are held between two wire sections which are twisted with one another. The invention also relates to a method for producing such brushes.
Prior art Cleaning the spaces between the teeth with the aid of interdental brushes has long been an indispensable part of good dental hygiene. These interdental brushes essentially comprise two thin, twisted pieces of wire between which the bristles or synthetic filaments are secured. Whereas the wire ends of the small brushes previously had to be inserted into a handle by the user (see US 4,222,143, Tarrson), modern interdental brushes have a plastic part which can easily be fitted in the handle (see, for example, EP 0 001 044 A1, Georg;
EP 0 203 082 B1, Curaden AG). Large or small brushes are required depending on the width of the spaces between the teeth. There is therefore a range of brushes with different wire diameters and bristle diameters. Systems which allow the patient to determine the correct interdental brush easily and quickly are also already known (see, for example, EP 0 892 625 B1, Curaden AG).
It is repeatedly found to be the case in practice that the fine interdental brushes, i.e. the brushes for the narrow spaces between the teeth, are problematic to use, i.e. they easily bend during use and, in some circumstances, even break.
Prior art Cleaning the spaces between the teeth with the aid of interdental brushes has long been an indispensable part of good dental hygiene. These interdental brushes essentially comprise two thin, twisted pieces of wire between which the bristles or synthetic filaments are secured. Whereas the wire ends of the small brushes previously had to be inserted into a handle by the user (see US 4,222,143, Tarrson), modern interdental brushes have a plastic part which can easily be fitted in the handle (see, for example, EP 0 001 044 A1, Georg;
EP 0 203 082 B1, Curaden AG). Large or small brushes are required depending on the width of the spaces between the teeth. There is therefore a range of brushes with different wire diameters and bristle diameters. Systems which allow the patient to determine the correct interdental brush easily and quickly are also already known (see, for example, EP 0 892 625 B1, Curaden AG).
It is repeatedly found to be the case in practice that the fine interdental brushes, i.e. the brushes for the narrow spaces between the teeth, are problematic to use, i.e. they easily bend during use and, in some circumstances, even break.
2 _ Disclosure of the invention The object of the invention is to make available an interdental brush which belongs to the technical field mentioned in the introduction and which is stable even if the wire has a small diameter.
The object is achieved by the features of Claim 1.
According to the invention, the twisted wire sections have a diameter of 0.3 mm or less and are made of a nickel-free or low-nickel steel. In the context of the invention, "nickel-free" or "low-nickel" refers to a steel when the nickel content in the alloy is less than 0.05 by weight.
Interdental brushes according to the invention are distinguished by an increased rigidity and an improved restoring force. If the brushes, during use, are introduced, for example, obliquely into the space between the teeth and strike against something with the tip or bend, then the twisted section will not deform so easily, or, if it does deform, it is not so easily subjected to permanent deformation. The properties of thin brushes in particular can thus be appreciably improved for the user. Using nickel-free wire also increases the biocompatibility of the brush, without any protective coatings being necessary.
The wire used preferably has a diameter of 0.15 mm or more. This is because practical tests have shown that the smallest interdental brushes which are customary today, with a diameter of 0.15 mm to 0.30 mm, can be used to good effect. Thick wires obviously result in more stable brushes than do thin ones. In some cases, however, it is advantageous if the wires are not chosen to be as thick as possible. Thinner wires result in more flexible brushes. A preferred wire diameter is in the range of 0.18 - 0.27 mm.
The object is achieved by the features of Claim 1.
According to the invention, the twisted wire sections have a diameter of 0.3 mm or less and are made of a nickel-free or low-nickel steel. In the context of the invention, "nickel-free" or "low-nickel" refers to a steel when the nickel content in the alloy is less than 0.05 by weight.
Interdental brushes according to the invention are distinguished by an increased rigidity and an improved restoring force. If the brushes, during use, are introduced, for example, obliquely into the space between the teeth and strike against something with the tip or bend, then the twisted section will not deform so easily, or, if it does deform, it is not so easily subjected to permanent deformation. The properties of thin brushes in particular can thus be appreciably improved for the user. Using nickel-free wire also increases the biocompatibility of the brush, without any protective coatings being necessary.
The wire used preferably has a diameter of 0.15 mm or more. This is because practical tests have shown that the smallest interdental brushes which are customary today, with a diameter of 0.15 mm to 0.30 mm, can be used to good effect. Thick wires obviously result in more stable brushes than do thin ones. In some cases, however, it is advantageous if the wires are not chosen to be as thick as possible. Thinner wires result in more flexible brushes. A preferred wire diameter is in the range of 0.18 - 0.27 mm.
The wire used preferably has a tensile strength of 1000 N/mmz or more. In most cases, the tensile strength need not be greater than 1200 N/mm2. Such wires do not just result in a brush with a low risk of breakage;
they also permit processing in high-speed machines involving pronounced bending. In the case of excessive strength, processing may be made more difficult because the wires can break. Surprisingly, it has been found that the wires according to the invention can be processed even if they have a tensile strength of 1000 N/mm2 and more. This is not the case with nickel-containing wires.
It is preferable, but not absolutely necessary, for the wires to comprise an austenite. Tests have shown that the robustness of the filament support, which is formed by the twisted wires, is favourably influenced as a result. In addition, the corrosion resistance ensures that brushes which have been stored for a long period of time or are left lying around do not result in problems for the user during use (because of corrosion having occurred in the meantime).
Stretching or drawing out and twisting the wires during processing in brush production increases the tensile strength. The processed wires are to some extent stiffer than those in the unprocessed state.
In mechanical and automated production of an interdental brush, filaments are introduced in a manner known per se between two wire sections, and the wire sections are twisted with the filaments. According to the invention, however, the wire used is not a conventional nickel-containing wire, but instead a nickel-free one. The wire sections can be formed by the two halves of a single piece of wire. However, it is also possible for them to be formed by two separate wires.
they also permit processing in high-speed machines involving pronounced bending. In the case of excessive strength, processing may be made more difficult because the wires can break. Surprisingly, it has been found that the wires according to the invention can be processed even if they have a tensile strength of 1000 N/mm2 and more. This is not the case with nickel-containing wires.
It is preferable, but not absolutely necessary, for the wires to comprise an austenite. Tests have shown that the robustness of the filament support, which is formed by the twisted wires, is favourably influenced as a result. In addition, the corrosion resistance ensures that brushes which have been stored for a long period of time or are left lying around do not result in problems for the user during use (because of corrosion having occurred in the meantime).
Stretching or drawing out and twisting the wires during processing in brush production increases the tensile strength. The processed wires are to some extent stiffer than those in the unprocessed state.
In mechanical and automated production of an interdental brush, filaments are introduced in a manner known per se between two wire sections, and the wire sections are twisted with the filaments. According to the invention, however, the wire used is not a conventional nickel-containing wire, but instead a nickel-free one. The wire sections can be formed by the two halves of a single piece of wire. However, it is also possible for them to be formed by two separate wires.
Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention will become evident from the following detailed description and from the patent claims taken in their entirety.
Brief description of the drawings In the drawings used to explain the illustrative embodiment:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the twisted wire;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross section.
In the figures, the same parts are basically provided with the same reference labels.
Embodiments of the invention In outward appearance, the interdental brushes according to the invention are of the same design as those in the prior art mentioned in the introduction.
Fig. 1 shows how the wire sections la, lb are twisted with one another. The filaments are not depicted in Fig. 1. They are firmly secured between the two wire sections la, lb. It can be seen that the wire sections 1a, lb are bent to a relatively pronounced extent. They as it were form the filament support.
Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the filament support. The wire sections 1a, lb have a certain diameter D. The filaments 2 are held between them. The diameter D is defined in such a way that, on the one hand, the filament support has a desired rigidity and, on the other hand, the interdental brush is adapted for a certain ease of movement. The ease of movement can be determined, for example, by a probe, as is known from EP 0 892 625 B1, mentioned in the introduction. Among other things, the diameter D and width B and the wire material used (or its flexibility) are relevant for the ease of movement.
Interdental brushes made of a nickel-free steel (nickel-free in this context means a nickel content of below 0.05 by weight) of the following composition were successfully produced (weight measurements rounded off; impurities not mentioned):
17$ by weight chromium 14~ by weight manganese 2$ by weight molybdenum 0.5$ by weight nitrogen 0.25$ by weight silicon 0.11$ by weight carbon 0.04 by weight nickel 0.02 by weight phosphorus 0.006$ by weight titanium Remainder iron The wire had a diameter of 0.23 mm and a tensile strength of at least 1100 N/mm2 and not more than 1300 N/mm2. Further tests were carried out with a wire having a diameter of 0.27 mm and made of the same alloy. The tensile strength was at least 1000 N/mm2 and not more than 1200 N/mm2.
The interdental brush provided with the new wire withstands three times more frequent loading under rotary bending than the traditional brush. (In this so called rotary bending, the plastic part is clamped in place, and a device rotates the tip of the brush in a circle.) It is of course possible to vary the above alloy composition. The content of Cr and Mn may in each case be changed, for example, by 3~ by weight. If the biocompatibility is particularly important, the content of Ni is preferably also chosen lower.
It has surprisingly been found that the wire according to the invention, in particular one with an alloy of the preferred composition, holds the filaments better than the wires known from the prior art. The filaments (which, for example, have a diameter of 0.06 - 0.08 mm and are typically made of polyamide) are in fact not bonded to the wire, but instead are just secured firmly between the two wire sections. In practice, the interdental brushes are repeatedly bent in one direction or another. Whereas, in conventional wires, this leads to the spirals loosening and to some filaments falling out (and possibly catching in the gums of the user), the brush with the wire according to the invention remains compact.
It has further been found that, using a wire with the alloy according to the invention, 10$ to 20$ smaller wire diameters than a prior art are sufficient for achieving the same brush stability or brush rigidity.
This is of course an advantage, because the ease of movement of the interdental brush can be improved in this way. Preferred examples for wire diameters are 0.27 mm instead of 0.30 mm, or even 0.23 mm instead of 0.30 mm.
In conclusion, it may be stated that the invention makes available an interdental brush with a small diameter of the filament support and, consequently, good ease of movement in the narrow spaces between the teeth. Even in the case of fine wire diameters, the interdental brush is highly robust.
List of refer~ace labels la, lb wire sections 2 filaments B width D diameter
Brief description of the drawings In the drawings used to explain the illustrative embodiment:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the twisted wire;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a cross section.
In the figures, the same parts are basically provided with the same reference labels.
Embodiments of the invention In outward appearance, the interdental brushes according to the invention are of the same design as those in the prior art mentioned in the introduction.
Fig. 1 shows how the wire sections la, lb are twisted with one another. The filaments are not depicted in Fig. 1. They are firmly secured between the two wire sections la, lb. It can be seen that the wire sections 1a, lb are bent to a relatively pronounced extent. They as it were form the filament support.
Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the filament support. The wire sections 1a, lb have a certain diameter D. The filaments 2 are held between them. The diameter D is defined in such a way that, on the one hand, the filament support has a desired rigidity and, on the other hand, the interdental brush is adapted for a certain ease of movement. The ease of movement can be determined, for example, by a probe, as is known from EP 0 892 625 B1, mentioned in the introduction. Among other things, the diameter D and width B and the wire material used (or its flexibility) are relevant for the ease of movement.
Interdental brushes made of a nickel-free steel (nickel-free in this context means a nickel content of below 0.05 by weight) of the following composition were successfully produced (weight measurements rounded off; impurities not mentioned):
17$ by weight chromium 14~ by weight manganese 2$ by weight molybdenum 0.5$ by weight nitrogen 0.25$ by weight silicon 0.11$ by weight carbon 0.04 by weight nickel 0.02 by weight phosphorus 0.006$ by weight titanium Remainder iron The wire had a diameter of 0.23 mm and a tensile strength of at least 1100 N/mm2 and not more than 1300 N/mm2. Further tests were carried out with a wire having a diameter of 0.27 mm and made of the same alloy. The tensile strength was at least 1000 N/mm2 and not more than 1200 N/mm2.
The interdental brush provided with the new wire withstands three times more frequent loading under rotary bending than the traditional brush. (In this so called rotary bending, the plastic part is clamped in place, and a device rotates the tip of the brush in a circle.) It is of course possible to vary the above alloy composition. The content of Cr and Mn may in each case be changed, for example, by 3~ by weight. If the biocompatibility is particularly important, the content of Ni is preferably also chosen lower.
It has surprisingly been found that the wire according to the invention, in particular one with an alloy of the preferred composition, holds the filaments better than the wires known from the prior art. The filaments (which, for example, have a diameter of 0.06 - 0.08 mm and are typically made of polyamide) are in fact not bonded to the wire, but instead are just secured firmly between the two wire sections. In practice, the interdental brushes are repeatedly bent in one direction or another. Whereas, in conventional wires, this leads to the spirals loosening and to some filaments falling out (and possibly catching in the gums of the user), the brush with the wire according to the invention remains compact.
It has further been found that, using a wire with the alloy according to the invention, 10$ to 20$ smaller wire diameters than a prior art are sufficient for achieving the same brush stability or brush rigidity.
This is of course an advantage, because the ease of movement of the interdental brush can be improved in this way. Preferred examples for wire diameters are 0.27 mm instead of 0.30 mm, or even 0.23 mm instead of 0.30 mm.
In conclusion, it may be stated that the invention makes available an interdental brush with a small diameter of the filament support and, consequently, good ease of movement in the narrow spaces between the teeth. Even in the case of fine wire diameters, the interdental brush is highly robust.
List of refer~ace labels la, lb wire sections 2 filaments B width D diameter
Claims (8)
1. Interdental brush in which filaments are held between two wire sections (1a, 1b) which are twisted with one another, characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) have a diameter (D) of 0.3 mm or less and are made of a nickel-free or low-nickel steel.
2. Interdental brush according to Claim 1, characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) have a diameter (D) of more than 0.15 mm.
3. Interdental brush according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) have a tensile strength of 1000 N/mm2 or more.
4. Interdental brush according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) have a tensile strength of 1200 N/mm2 or less.
5. Interdental brush according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) are made of an austenitic steel.
6. Interdental brush according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) are stretched or drawn out.
7. Method for producing an interdental brush, in which filaments (2) are introduced between two wire sections (1a, 1b), and the wire sections (1a, 1b) are twisted with the filaments (2), characterized in that the wire sections (1a, 1b) are made of nickel-free or low-nickel steel.
8. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that the brush is produced from a single piece of wire, the wire being both bent and stretched during processing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505820 CA2505820A1 (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2005-04-29 | Interdental brush |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505820 CA2505820A1 (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2005-04-29 | Interdental brush |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2505820A1 true CA2505820A1 (en) | 2006-10-29 |
Family
ID=37310185
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505820 Abandoned CA2505820A1 (en) | 2005-04-29 | 2005-04-29 | Interdental brush |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2505820A1 (en) |
-
2005
- 2005-04-29 CA CA 2505820 patent/CA2505820A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |