CA2764966A1 - Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire - Google Patents
Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2764966A1 CA2764966A1 CA2764966A CA2764966A CA2764966A1 CA 2764966 A1 CA2764966 A1 CA 2764966A1 CA 2764966 A CA2764966 A CA 2764966A CA 2764966 A CA2764966 A CA 2764966A CA 2764966 A1 CA2764966 A1 CA 2764966A1
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- Prior art keywords
- staple
- grooves
- toothbrush
- tuft
- major surface
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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
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- 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 (.theta.) of 40 to 70 degrees.
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 (.theta.) of 40 to 70 degrees.
Description
Field, of the Invention [00011 The present invention relates generally to brushes, especially toothbrushes. and sjpcc] ; ically to an improved anchor or staple design for securing tufts of bristles within the head of the brush.
Background of the Invention [00021 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 are 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.
[00031 Over the cLirs, 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 iC!T 1 IL L1 l1 : Ji ccII 1011111,1 C Il1li7 !' i 11111t two bll(!n iil cl1 11i11CC il'1 m it<
0004;
portion of each tuft. In turn, this permits the staples to be driv cis deeper into the head and thus a larger and more consistent Corce can be applied to c icll IT shaped tuft without cutting or damaging the filaments.
100051 More recently, staples having specialized groove patterns on the major 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, copper, stainless steel, titanium and mercury.
[0007] 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 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.
Summary of the Invention [0008] In one aspect, the present invention is a staple having an optimized pattern of grooves in at least one of its major surfaces. The optimized groove pattern makes it possible to create 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.
[0000 ate such cmb~~d'unc~u. the ins ention can l,e a toothbrush co rrl* ing.
a handle.
tilt(' 1I:
?C,1~
the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 to 70 degrees.
[00101 In another aspect, the present invention is a atplc having a slanted pattern of grooves formed into both major surfaces of the staple. The slope of the slanted pattern of grooves for each major surface is selected so that the patterns on both of the surfaces act in a compli lncntarv and concerted manner to improve tuft retention.
[0011] In one such embodiment, the invention is 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; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; a staple located in 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 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 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.
[00121 In yet another aspect, the invention is 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; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; a staple located in the tuft hole anchoring the tuft of hustles in the tuft hole, the staple hat=ing a longitudinal axis ~lli~l ~l ill'~i l"I.itii ~11rHee. AV~1liein ' IL,.~I.IiA .1~ _C~i~ll1~lily ~lll'.' oo e5 Laic ~~~!med 11~ .1,,.il,l c\I~ i; cc ~!( Ali c: cce ~`cCc l?. ~I:L ~L'cA~'y ,1tA u~r 1'16 ~i~iLL~.ill'\e~ ~c l;titcu h\ ll!Si~inc VA:"lcrc n the rcila the U~~icIc ice VAi(ltIi1~ aclV\ccc 3.
[0013] In a still further aspect, the invention can be an ansat. implement comprising: a handle: a liLald connected to said handle and having at least one hole extending into the hcad from a surface; at least one cleaning element positioned in the hole, and i staple located in the hol,2 anchoring the cleaning element in the tuft hole, the staple hav I'll, 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 of 40 to 70 degrees.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention can be a staple for securing cleaning elements within 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.
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, [0016] Figure 2 is a front view of the staple of Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 3 is a top view of the staple of Figure 1, [0018] Figure 4 is a front view of a head of a toothbrush incorporating the staples of Figure I to anchor cleaning elements, which are in the form of tufts of bristles.
[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head along line V-V of Figure 4.
100201 t:l-c 6 is c Cr ~: I1:: \,iew of the head << cn Ilne VI-VI or F Rime 0)2 i urn ti , õ L~~ v [0023] Figure 9 is a rear view of the staple of Figure 7.
[00241 Figure 1OA is a table of c~pcrim~nt~tl data for tuft retention for a first toothbrush type using .Ag-Ni staples having Ion,-, iwdin~il, grooves.
[0025] Figure lOB is a graph of the cypcrirncntal data of the table of FIG.
IOA.
[0026] 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.
[0027] Figure I I B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. I
IA.
[0028] Figure 12A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for a second toothbrush type using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves.
[0029] Figure 12B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG.
12A.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0033] Figure 14B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG.
14A.
[0034] Figure 15A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for the third toothbrush type using brass staples having angled groo\ c=~, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 15B is a graph of the experilucnta: data of the table of FIG.
15A.
i')~'r ;i c&. 4 ac criEDI:~9n "? 6' 3!;"a t SC'.'"~
';0030 100 'fiat The staple 100 has a suhstantiall} rccLaingular cross-section (both lon itudin.al and transverse) and is c nccJ along the longitudinal axis A-A. Of course. ether can be utili/cd in crc~itifl tltt 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 lcn Lath L, a height H and a thickness t. The length L of the staple 100 will depend on the si/c 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.
[00381 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 11 may be rounded.
[00391 The st iplc 100 further comprises a first major surface 20 and a second major surface 2(l. he cc'at III i0` tiLrjic~ 21 s Itc t',c i-tit nr;i or llrri c e 20 that the >ic 'rail ~10 2E3 20. A:i L ,,c 30 t tni tl 4Li ~i liI iiStu,'.tLA ~;~il U ztil 1 ~1L)m l~i~ hi';lc] c~:tLii 1 c117~~1~~j1'1i i1~J.
._~; l.. all, distance betvv cen adjacent grooves ma) ~ ar either irregularly or as a function of distance from one or both of the lateral cd-_cs 12-13.
[0040] \ s i result of the grooves 30 being spaced apart, an uninterrupted ridge 31 is formed between adjacent grooves 30. Preferably, this ridge 31 is an eloni,_,nlicd strip and is not sc,_,inented. 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 3Ø 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.
[0043] The grooves 30 extend the entire height H of the staple 100, extending from the bouo~n c~i~~c 11 to the toh edge 10. "1 Ii,_: 30 arc or-icntcd on the flat n ijor surface 21l 100 _ii. . I'. .
I c~ C~i: Ill' (4 a.?~t :c_~1I ~i a.L 0L1 1i1 1."i it\
une\E,ectedly discovered that the acute angle 0 plays a determining role in achieving the desired goal of inerca,,ed tuft rctciitioii, depending also on the inletai of con>>truction. The al121e of the groove pattern has also been discovered to allow chca}icr and or softer metals to be used without resulting in tui-~-~.anted deformation and/or curling of the wire. The metal selected. however, should not be so soft that the imprinting of the groove patters causes unvv anted deformation and curling. For c\Limple, 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.
[0044] 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 stople 100 is preferably a smooth surface that is substantially free of grooves or other tooooraphv. In other embodiments (as w i!l be discussed be?a~v with respect to FIGS. 7-a '004W
Jie i ll et~.i e the to the ~ie1]:e str \\;, _en cet to fl .h 100.
each of the bristle tufts 50 are anchored in the tuft 1mIc, 215 by one of the staples 100.
While bristle tufts 50 are illustrutcd, other cleaning elements could be used, including elastomeric fingers, fibers, etc. The toothbrush 200 compriscs 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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 n& ic, 215.
"7 0 100A >Cf.i V :cl heloxv nnlth the undcrstan~iin that the alorerncntioncd discussion is applicable.
100521 (he mljcr ditTcrcnce hitvvccn sta~~le 100.A anal staple 100 is that the second major surface 21A ol'the staple 100A comprises a second set ofgrooves 40A in addition to the first set of grooves 30A formed into the first major surface 20A. The discussion <<bove vv ith respect to the groo~v cs 30 o f staple 100 is generally applicable to both groov es 30A
and grooves 40A, and is hereby incorporated b} 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.
[0053] 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 1OA 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 1OA
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 1OA, 11A alternate along the length of the staple 100A.
Experiment [0054] 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.c.. 0 degrees) and brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees according to the. present invention. 1 he three different toothbrushes tested are rc}crreJ to l~crein as I oothhrush 1, Toothl- u Ii -1 and T`:othhrtlsh 3.
Il_t...JL..c..
set forth in the table of Figure I IA and the graph of Figure 11B. As can be seen, t'or Toothbrush 1, the lon_eitudinally grooved :A,--Ni staptcs resulted in an .1~
er~~~c Tuft Retention of 3.7 I Land a CPK of 1.5. Compar=atiN clv_ the brass staples huv inc ,rrnov cs angled at 60 degrees resulted in an Average TrW. Retention of 3.7 kgf and a greater CPK
of 1.82.
[0056[ 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.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 14A-15B, 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 unngled at 60 degrees resulted in an improved Average Tuft Retention of 2.8 kgf and a grctr,. r CPK of 1.00.
:)iIL tt
Background of the Invention [00021 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 are 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.
[00031 Over the cLirs, 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 iC!T 1 IL L1 l1 : Ji ccII 1011111,1 C Il1li7 !' i 11111t two bll(!n iil cl1 11i11CC il'1 m it<
0004;
portion of each tuft. In turn, this permits the staples to be driv cis deeper into the head and thus a larger and more consistent Corce can be applied to c icll IT shaped tuft without cutting or damaging the filaments.
100051 More recently, staples having specialized groove patterns on the major 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, copper, stainless steel, titanium and mercury.
[0007] 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 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.
Summary of the Invention [0008] In one aspect, the present invention is a staple having an optimized pattern of grooves in at least one of its major surfaces. The optimized groove pattern makes it possible to create 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.
[0000 ate such cmb~~d'unc~u. the ins ention can l,e a toothbrush co rrl* ing.
a handle.
tilt(' 1I:
?C,1~
the linear axis intersecting the longitudinal axis at an acute angle of 40 to 70 degrees.
[00101 In another aspect, the present invention is a atplc having a slanted pattern of grooves formed into both major surfaces of the staple. The slope of the slanted pattern of grooves for each major surface is selected so that the patterns on both of the surfaces act in a compli lncntarv and concerted manner to improve tuft retention.
[0011] In one such embodiment, the invention is 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; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; a staple located in 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 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 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.
[00121 In yet another aspect, the invention is 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; at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; a staple located in the tuft hole anchoring the tuft of hustles in the tuft hole, the staple hat=ing a longitudinal axis ~lli~l ~l ill'~i l"I.itii ~11rHee. AV~1liein ' IL,.~I.IiA .1~ _C~i~ll1~lily ~lll'.' oo e5 Laic ~~~!med 11~ .1,,.il,l c\I~ i; cc ~!( Ali c: cce ~`cCc l?. ~I:L ~L'cA~'y ,1tA u~r 1'16 ~i~iLL~.ill'\e~ ~c l;titcu h\ ll!Si~inc VA:"lcrc n the rcila the U~~icIc ice VAi(ltIi1~ aclV\ccc 3.
[0013] In a still further aspect, the invention can be an ansat. implement comprising: a handle: a liLald connected to said handle and having at least one hole extending into the hcad from a surface; at least one cleaning element positioned in the hole, and i staple located in the hol,2 anchoring the cleaning element in the tuft hole, the staple hav I'll, 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 of 40 to 70 degrees.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention can be a staple for securing cleaning elements within 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.
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, [0016] Figure 2 is a front view of the staple of Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 3 is a top view of the staple of Figure 1, [0018] Figure 4 is a front view of a head of a toothbrush incorporating the staples of Figure I to anchor cleaning elements, which are in the form of tufts of bristles.
[0019] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush head along line V-V of Figure 4.
100201 t:l-c 6 is c Cr ~: I1:: \,iew of the head << cn Ilne VI-VI or F Rime 0)2 i urn ti , õ L~~ v [0023] Figure 9 is a rear view of the staple of Figure 7.
[00241 Figure 1OA is a table of c~pcrim~nt~tl data for tuft retention for a first toothbrush type using .Ag-Ni staples having Ion,-, iwdin~il, grooves.
[0025] Figure lOB is a graph of the cypcrirncntal data of the table of FIG.
IOA.
[0026] 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.
[0027] Figure I I B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG. I
IA.
[0028] Figure 12A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for a second toothbrush type using Ag-Ni staples having longitudinal grooves.
[0029] Figure 12B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG.
12A.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0033] Figure 14B is a graph of the experimental data of the table of FIG.
14A.
[0034] Figure 15A is a table of experimental data for tuft retention for the third toothbrush type using brass staples having angled groo\ c=~, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 15B is a graph of the experilucnta: data of the table of FIG.
15A.
i')~'r ;i c&. 4 ac criEDI:~9n "? 6' 3!;"a t SC'.'"~
';0030 100 'fiat The staple 100 has a suhstantiall} rccLaingular cross-section (both lon itudin.al and transverse) and is c nccJ along the longitudinal axis A-A. Of course. ether can be utili/cd in crc~itifl tltt 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 lcn Lath L, a height H and a thickness t. The length L of the staple 100 will depend on the si/c 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.
[00381 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 11 may be rounded.
[00391 The st iplc 100 further comprises a first major surface 20 and a second major surface 2(l. he cc'at III i0` tiLrjic~ 21 s Itc t',c i-tit nr;i or llrri c e 20 that the >ic 'rail ~10 2E3 20. A:i L ,,c 30 t tni tl 4Li ~i liI iiStu,'.tLA ~;~il U ztil 1 ~1L)m l~i~ hi';lc] c~:tLii 1 c117~~1~~j1'1i i1~J.
._~; l.. all, distance betvv cen adjacent grooves ma) ~ ar either irregularly or as a function of distance from one or both of the lateral cd-_cs 12-13.
[0040] \ s i result of the grooves 30 being spaced apart, an uninterrupted ridge 31 is formed between adjacent grooves 30. Preferably, this ridge 31 is an eloni,_,nlicd strip and is not sc,_,inented. 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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 3Ø 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.
[0043] The grooves 30 extend the entire height H of the staple 100, extending from the bouo~n c~i~~c 11 to the toh edge 10. "1 Ii,_: 30 arc or-icntcd on the flat n ijor surface 21l 100 _ii. . I'. .
I c~ C~i: Ill' (4 a.?~t :c_~1I ~i a.L 0L1 1i1 1."i it\
une\E,ectedly discovered that the acute angle 0 plays a determining role in achieving the desired goal of inerca,,ed tuft rctciitioii, depending also on the inletai of con>>truction. The al121e of the groove pattern has also been discovered to allow chca}icr and or softer metals to be used without resulting in tui-~-~.anted deformation and/or curling of the wire. The metal selected. however, should not be so soft that the imprinting of the groove patters causes unvv anted deformation and curling. For c\Limple, 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.
[0044] 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 stople 100 is preferably a smooth surface that is substantially free of grooves or other tooooraphv. In other embodiments (as w i!l be discussed be?a~v with respect to FIGS. 7-a '004W
Jie i ll et~.i e the to the ~ie1]:e str \\;, _en cet to fl .h 100.
each of the bristle tufts 50 are anchored in the tuft 1mIc, 215 by one of the staples 100.
While bristle tufts 50 are illustrutcd, other cleaning elements could be used, including elastomeric fingers, fibers, etc. The toothbrush 200 compriscs 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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 n& ic, 215.
"7 0 100A >Cf.i V :cl heloxv nnlth the undcrstan~iin that the alorerncntioncd discussion is applicable.
100521 (he mljcr ditTcrcnce hitvvccn sta~~le 100.A anal staple 100 is that the second major surface 21A ol'the staple 100A comprises a second set ofgrooves 40A in addition to the first set of grooves 30A formed into the first major surface 20A. The discussion <<bove vv ith respect to the groo~v cs 30 o f staple 100 is generally applicable to both groov es 30A
and grooves 40A, and is hereby incorporated b} 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.
[0053] 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 1OA 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 1OA
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 1OA, 11A alternate along the length of the staple 100A.
Experiment [0054] 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.c.. 0 degrees) and brass staples having grooves angled at 60 degrees according to the. present invention. 1 he three different toothbrushes tested are rc}crreJ to l~crein as I oothhrush 1, Toothl- u Ii -1 and T`:othhrtlsh 3.
Il_t...JL..c..
set forth in the table of Figure I IA and the graph of Figure 11B. As can be seen, t'or Toothbrush 1, the lon_eitudinally grooved :A,--Ni staptcs resulted in an .1~
er~~~c Tuft Retention of 3.7 I Land a CPK of 1.5. Compar=atiN clv_ the brass staples huv inc ,rrnov cs angled at 60 degrees resulted in an Average TrW. Retention of 3.7 kgf and a greater CPK
of 1.82.
[0056[ 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.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 14A-15B, 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 unngled at 60 degrees resulted in an improved Average Tuft Retention of 2.8 kgf and a grctr,. r CPK of 1.00.
:)iIL tt
Claims (22)
1. A toothbrush comprising:
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 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.
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 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.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1 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.
3. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the acute angle is approximately 60 degrees.
4. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the staple has a thickness and the grooves have a depth no greater than one-third of the depth of the of the staple.
5. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the brass staple is a flat wire having a substantially rectangular transverse cross-section.
6. The toothbrush of claim 1 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 of 0.29 and 0.31 millimeters.
8. The toothbrush of claim 6 wherein the grooves have a width of 0.09 to 0.10 millimeters.
9. The toothbrush of claim 6 wherein the grooves have a depth of 0.09 to 0.10 millimeters.
10. The toothbrush of claim 1 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 grooves.
11. 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.
12. 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;
at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole;
a staple located in 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 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
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 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 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
13 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 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.
13. The toothbrush of claim 12 wherein the first acute angle is of 40 and 70 degrees and the second acute angle is of 40 and 70 degrees.
13. The toothbrush of claim 12 wherein the first acute angle is of 40 and 70 degrees and the second acute angle is of 40 and 70 degrees.
14. The toothbrush of claim 13 wherein the first and second acute angles are approximately 60 degrees.
15. The toothbrush of claim 12 wherein the staple is a brass flat wire.
16. The toothbrush of claim 12 wherein the grooves of the first and second sets are evenly spaced apart and cover the substantial entirety of the first and second major surfaces respectively.
17. 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;
at least one tuft of bristles positioned in the tuft hole; and a 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 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 is of 3.0 and 4.0,
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; and a 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 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 is of 3.0 and 4.0,
18. The toothbrush of claim 17 wherein the acute angle is of 40 and 70 degrees.
19. The toothbrush of claim 18 wherein the staple is constructed of brass
20. An ansate implement 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 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.
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 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.
21. The ansate implement of claim 20 wherein the plurality of grooves extend substantially parallel to one another.
22. A staple for securing cleaning elements within 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| CA2764966A1 true CA2764966A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
| CA2764966C CA2764966C (en) | 2014-09-30 |
Family
ID=42041528
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2764966A Expired - Fee Related CA2764966C (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) | PH12013502553A1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2472404C1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011002460A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| 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 |
| EP3381319A1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2018-10-03 | The Gillette Company LLC | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| EP3381320A1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2018-10-03 | The Gillette Company LLC | Head for an oral care implement, oral implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| EP3381321A1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2018-10-03 | The Gillette Company LLC | Head for an oral care implement, oral care implement and method for manufacturing such head |
| 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 |
| CN218605529U (en) * | 2019-11-04 | 2023-03-14 | 高露洁-棕榄公司 | Oral care implement |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU718687B2 (en) * | 1995-06-12 | 2000-04-20 | Berkenhoff Gmbh | Brush for improved tuft retention and anchor wire therefor |
| 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 |
| JP2004081286A (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-03-18 | Lion Corp | Toothbrush |
| CN2933129Y (en) * | 2006-08-02 | 2007-08-15 | 张诗年 | Novel toothbrush flat-silk piece |
-
2009
- 2009-07-01 CA CA2764966A patent/CA2764966C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-01 CN CN200980160310.7A patent/CN102469871B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-01 AU AU2009348907A patent/AU2009348907B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2009-07-01 RU RU2012103333/12A patent/RU2472404C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 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 EP EP09790029.4A patent/EP2448446B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-07-01 WO PCT/US2009/049432 patent/WO2011002460A1/en active Application Filing
-
2013
- 2013-12-09 PH PH12013502553A patent/PH12013502553A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2472404C1 (en) | 2013-01-20 |
| PH12013502553B1 (en) | 2015-04-13 |
| CN102469871B (en) | 2016-01-20 |
| MX2011012446A (en) | 2011-12-16 |
| KR101402438B1 (en) | 2014-06-03 |
| CN102469871A (en) | 2012-05-23 |
| CA2764966C (en) | 2014-09-30 |
| EP2448446B1 (en) | 2016-01-27 |
| EP2448446A1 (en) | 2012-05-09 |
| AU2009348907B2 (en) | 2013-05-16 |
| AU2009348907A1 (en) | 2011-12-08 |
| WO2011002460A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
| PH12013502553A1 (en) | 2015-04-13 |
| KR20120031094A (en) | 2012-03-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20180703 |