CN112822961A - Interdental brush with insertion guide tip - Google Patents
Interdental brush with insertion guide tip Download PDFInfo
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- CN112822961A CN112822961A CN201980044680.8A CN201980044680A CN112822961A CN 112822961 A CN112822961 A CN 112822961A CN 201980044680 A CN201980044680 A CN 201980044680A CN 112822961 A CN112822961 A CN 112822961A
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 37
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008447 perception Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010955 robust manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000005224 forefinger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- 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
- A46B9/021—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups arranged like in cosmetics brushes, e.g. mascara, nail polish, eye shadow
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- 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
- 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
- A46B9/045—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes specially adapted for cleaning a plurality of tooth surfaces simultaneously
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- 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
- 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
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/06—Arrangement of mixed bristles or tufts of bristles, e.g. wire, fibre, rubber
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- 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
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
Abstract
A method of providing an insertion guide tip at a distal end of an interdental brush, use of a first set of brush filaments (10) and a second set of brush filaments (20) in an interdental brush, and an interdental brush are disclosed, the interdental brush includes a first group of brush filaments (10) arranged along a first longitudinal sub-length (L1) and having a first filament diameter (D1) and a second group of brush filaments (20) arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length (L2) and having a second filament diameter (D2), wherein the second filament diameter (D2) is less than the first filament diameter (D1), wherein the second longitudinal sub-length (L2) is located at a distal end (5) of the interdental brush (1), and wherein, the second sub-length has a length (L2) in the longitudinal direction which is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension (L3) of the brush portion (2) and extends along the core member (3) with less than three twists.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a method of providing an insertion guide tip at a distal end of an interdental brush.
The present invention also relates to an interdental brush having an insertion leading tip at a distal end of the interdental brush.
The present invention also relates to the use of a first plurality of brush filaments and a second plurality of brush filaments in an interdental brush to provide an insertion guide tip at a distal end of the interdental brush.
Background
An interdental brush typically includes a spine and a plurality of bristle filaments secured to the spine. The ridges are typically formed from metal wires that are twisted to form the ridges and to secure the bristle filaments to the twisted ridges. Such interdental brushes are disclosed for example in EP 0680707B 1, US 4,691,404, EP 1862090B 1, US 3,720,975, US 2005/257338 a1 and EP 0294051 a 2.
An interdental brush having different bristle thicknesses is disclosed in EP 0680707B 1. The use of different bristle thicknesses is disclosed so that a desired stiffness feel can be obtained in various areas of the interdental brush.
However, when such an interdental brush is used, a problem often encountered is that it is difficult to insert the interdental brush into an intended interdental space. When a user attempts to insert an interdental brush into a predetermined interdental space, he/she often encounters a slight misalignment of the interdental brush with the intended interdental space and causes discomfort by forcefully rubbing the gum when the interdental brush is inserted into the interdental space as the interdental brush is inserted into the interdental space. This is particularly true when a user attempts to insert an interdental brush into the interdental space at the posterior teeth.
This problem is solved in US 4,691,404. An interdental brush having a handle formed of a rigid portion and a flexible portion is disclosed. Such a handle is said to be manipulable by a user's thumb and forefinger such that the brush extends at an angle to the handle, thereby enabling the brush to be inserted into difficult to reach locations. However, this relies on the user having to insert the hand deep into the mouth while trying to reach the interdental space far behind in the mouth.
EP 1862090B 1 discloses an interdental brush having a resilient transition portion comprising a hollow cavity. It is disclosed that the ridges can be curved to a smooth curve to facilitate or respond to insertion into the mouth far behind the hard to reach interdental spaces. It is also disclosed that the resilient transition portion provides a cushioning effect that protects the gums and teeth from impact damage.
US 3,720,975 addresses the problems associated with the insertion of interdental brushes by designing the brush head in a conical shape. The bristles at the distal end are shorter than the bristles near the handle. The initial bristles are said to be proportioned to enter initially in the space at the neck of two adjacent teeth, thereby providing an open wedge shape for the longer bristles to enter behind. However, such conical brushes typically have a relatively short effective stroke length. It quickly becomes too thick as it is inserted into the interdental space.
An interdental brush having a conical brush is also disclosed in US 2005/257338 a 1. It is also disclosed to provide a tapered tip to allow the brush to be inserted into the interdental space in a simple manner. Various embodiments having tapered ends are also disclosed. The shape of the brush head is typically provided by rotating the brush head so that the free ends of the bristles meet the cutting edge. The different shapes disclosed in US 2005/257338 a1 would require the provision of cutting edges having complex shapes, or the provision of several cutting edges that continuously cut bristles, to shape the brush head to the desired shape. However, this would make the manufacturing process more complicated and costly.
In EP 0294051 a2, an interdental brush is disclosed having a guide means formed by a thin plate-like guide fixed to the distal end of the brush. However, providing such additional components makes the manufacturing process more complicated and costly.
Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in relation to providing an interdental brush having an insertion lead tip.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an interdental brush having an insertion leading tip.
This object has been achieved by providing a method of inserting a lead tip at a distal end of an interdental brush, the method comprising:
positioning a plurality of brush filaments side by side along a brush portion, the plurality of brush filaments extending in a longitudinal direction between two strands of a core member, the two strands of the core member extending side by side with each other in the longitudinal direction and being formed by folding the core member,
twisting the two strands about an axis in the longitudinal direction to form a twisted core member, thereby securing the brush filaments between the two strands such that the brush filaments extend radially from the twisted core member and become arranged side-by-side along a helix extending in the longitudinal direction,
wherein the act of locating comprises
Positioning a first group of brush filaments side-by-side along a first longitudinal sub-length of the brush segment, the brush filaments of the first group having a first filament diameter, an
Positioning a second set of brush filaments along a second longitudinal sub-length of the brush segment, the brush filaments of the second set of brush filaments having a second filament diameter,
wherein the diameter of the second brush wire is smaller than that of the first brush wire,
wherein the second longitudinal sub-length is located at a distal end of the interdental brush,
wherein the second sub-length has a length in the longitudinal direction which is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension of the brush portion, and
wherein the second sub-length has a length extending along the core member of less than three twists.
By producing an interdental brush according to this method, an improved interdental brush having an insertion leading tip is achieved. By using brush filaments having a relatively small diameter over a relatively small distal sub-length, an insertion guide tip may be provided. The distal end loop formed by the folded and twisted core member and the brush filaments fastened in the distal end loop will have a smaller size compared to prior art designs.
The use of two different sets of brush filaments and the fact that the second sub-length is relatively small makes it possible to provide a transition in the sensory properties close to the distal end. Shortly after insertion of the tip into the interdental space, the thinner filaments of the distal end are perceived as being relatively softer than the thicker filaments adjacent the teeth. Thicker filaments will provide a greater tendency for the interdental brush to be centered in the interdental space than thinner filaments.
By providing a distal end loop of reduced size and by providing a transition in sensory characteristics near the distal end, the user will experience this as the interdental brush helps guide it into the interdental space. Thus, with the above disclosed method, a method of producing an interdental brush having an insertion lead tip is provided.
The second sub-length has a length extending along the core member with less than three twists, preferably less than two twists. The twist is defined as the distance along the longitudinal direction from any first point to a second point at which the strands interchange positions as seen in a planar projection in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction as one vector and a radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction as another vector. This is considered to be a suitable length that provides a unique perception of insertion of the lead tip.
It is also noted that an interdental brush having an insertion guide tip is significantly easier to manufacture than the prior art attempts discussed above involving the use of a conical tip. By the inventive design of using thinner brush filaments over a comparatively small distal sub-length, it is possible to provide the insertion lead with brush filaments of the same length in the first and second set of brush filaments. Thus, an insertion guide tip using a robust manufacturing process may be provided, wherein the brush filaments are all cut to the same length by using a straight cutting edge against which the brush filaments are cut by rotating the brush segments around the twist and the rotation axis.
It may be noted that side by side in a certain direction refers to the fact that the brush filaments are arranged side by side, essentially forming a line, and that this line extends in said direction. Side-by-side means that they are positioned with their circumferential envelope surfaces facing and abutting each other; rather than end-to-end. It may be noted that in practice the line or queue formed by the brush filaments arranged side by side will extend in one direction, while some brush filaments (as with an informal queue formed by people queuing) will be slightly offset from the perfect geometric line. This is a fact well known to the person skilled in the art, but may still be mentioned to avoid any misunderstanding.
It may be noted that the second sub-length of the brush segment constituting less than 15% of its longitudinal extension means the total extension along which the brush filaments are present. If only the first and second sets of brush filaments are present, this longitudinal extension of the brush segment is the first sub-length plus the second sub-length. It may also be noted that the core member typically has an extension which is greater than the extension along which the brush filaments are present. The portion of the core member along which the brush filaments are not present is typically used to attach the core member to the handle.
It may also be noted that since the brush filaments having the smaller diameter are only located along a relatively small portion of the longitudinal extension of the brush segment, the interdental brush will still have a significant length, wherein the thicker filaments provide a significant effective stroke length, which makes it easy for the user to accomplish an effective cleaning of the interdental space.
It may be noted that it is preferred that the second sub-length is at least long enough that the distal end loop formed by the twist of the core member is filled by the brush filaments of the second set of brush filaments; i.e. filled with brush filaments having a smaller brush filament diameter.
The second filament diameter may be between 60% and 95% of the first filament diameter. This relationship between the diameters of the brush filaments is considered suitable. This will suitably reduce the size of the distal end annulus formed by the twisting of the core member compared to the thickness of the twisted core member at any other part of the brush segment. Given that the materials are chosen such that the stiffness of the materials is the same or close to each other, the bending resistance will also be reduced appropriately.
The second filament diameter may preferably be between 66-90% of the first filament diameter. This relationship between the diameters of the brush filaments is considered even more appropriate. This will suitably reduce the size of the distal end annulus formed by the twisting of the core member compared to the thickness of the twisted core member. Given that the materials are chosen such that the stiffness of the materials is the same or close to each other, the bending resistance will also be reduced appropriately.
The filaments in the first and second sets of filaments may be formed of the same material or of different materials having a plurality of material stiffnesses such that the filaments having the second filament diameter have a reduced resistance to bending compared to the filaments having the first filament diameter.
Preferably, the brush filaments in the first group of brush filaments and the brush filaments in the second group of brush filaments are formed of the same material, but have different filament diameters, whereby the brush filaments having the second filament diameter have a reduced bending resistance compared to the brush filaments having the first filament diameter. It is noted that the bending resistance is related to the actual length of the brush filaments; short filaments having the diameter and formed from the material will be perceived as having greater resistance to bending than longer filaments of the same diameter and the same material. In the above discussion regarding reduced bending resistance, it is also preferred to assume that the brush filaments in the first and second sets of brush filaments have the same length over the entire length of the brush segment, or that the length of the brush filaments at the distal end is at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, of the length of the brush filaments in the first set of brush filaments.
The above objects are also achieved by an interdental brush having a brush portion comprising:
a core member folded into two strands extending alongside each other in a longitudinal direction and twisted about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction,
a plurality of brush filaments fastened between the two strands and extending radially from the twisted core member, and arranged side by side along a helix extending in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming the brush portion,
wherein a first group of brush filaments are arranged side by side along a first longitudinal sub-length of the twisted core member, the brush filaments of the first group of brush filaments having a first filament diameter, and
wherein a second group of brush filaments is arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length of the twisted core member, the brush filaments of the second group of brush filaments having a second filament diameter,
wherein the diameter of the second brush wire is smaller than that of the first brush wire,
wherein the second longitudinal sub-length is located at a distal end of the interdental brush, and
wherein the second sub-length has a length in the longitudinal direction that is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension of the brush portion and extends along less than three twists of the core member, thereby providing an insertion leading tip at the distal end of the interdental brush.
The discussion above regarding the method of providing an insertion guide tip at the distal end of an interdental brush is also applicable to interdental brushes and reference is made to the discussion above. This also applies to the discussion relating to the preferred embodiment of the method; the discussion relating to the preferred embodiments is not repeated but reference is made to the corresponding discussion above.
The second filament diameter may be between 60% and 95% of the first filament diameter.
The second filament diameter may preferably be between 66-90% of the first filament diameter.
The filaments in the first and second sets of filaments may be formed of the same material or of different materials having a plurality of material stiffnesses such that the filaments having the second filament diameter have a reduced resistance to bending compared to the filaments having the first filament diameter.
Preferably, the brush filaments in the first group of brush filaments and the brush filaments in the second group of brush filaments are formed of the same material, but have different filament diameters, whereby the brush filaments having the second filament diameter have a reduced bending resistance compared to the brush filaments having the first filament diameter.
The second sub-length may have a length extending along the core member of less than two twists.
The above object is also achieved by the use of a first set of brush filaments and a second set of brush filaments,
the first group of filaments having a first filament diameter and being arranged side by side along a first longitudinal sub-length of the brush segment, an
The second group of brush filaments having a second filament diameter and being arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length of the brush segment, the second filament diameter being smaller than the first filament diameter, the second longitudinal sub-length being located at a distal end of the interdental brush, and the second sub-length having a length in the longitudinal direction, the length being smaller than 15% of a longitudinal extension of the brush segment and extending along the core member less than three turns,
in the interdental brush
To provide an insertion guide tip at the distal end of the interdental brush.
The discussion above regarding the method of providing an insertion guide tip at the distal end of an interdental brush is also applicable to this use and reference is made to the discussion above. This also applies to the discussion relating to the preferred embodiment of the method; the discussion relating to the preferred embodiments is not repeated but reference is made to the corresponding discussion above.
The second filament diameter may be between 60% and 95%, preferably between 66% and 90%, of the first filament diameter.
The filaments in the first and second sets of filaments may be formed of the same material or of different materials having a plurality of material stiffnesses such that the filaments having the second filament diameter have a reduced resistance to bending compared to the filaments having the first filament diameter.
Preferably, the brush filaments in the first group of brush filaments and the brush filaments in the second group of brush filaments are formed of the same material, but have different filament diameters, whereby the brush filaments having the second filament diameter have a reduced bending resistance compared to the brush filaments having the first filament diameter.
The second sub-length may have a length extending along the core member of less than two twists.
In short, the present invention may also relate to an interdental brush comprising a first group of brush filaments arranged along a first longitudinal sub-length and having a first filament diameter and a second group of brush filaments arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length and having a second filament diameter, wherein the second filament diameter is smaller than the first filament diameter, wherein the second longitudinal sub-length is located at a distal end of the interdental brush, and wherein the second sub-length has a length in the longitudinal direction which is smaller than 15% of a longitudinal extension of the brush segment.
Drawings
The invention will be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which show a currently preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1 is a side view of a plurality of brush filaments placed side by side between two folded core members.
Fig. 2 is a plan top view of the core member and brush filaments of fig. 1.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of an interdental brush with an insertion lead tip formed by the arrangement shown in figures 1 and 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the distal end of the interdental brush as indicated by the dashed circle in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of a method for producing an interdental brush having an insertion lead tip.
Detailed Description
Referring to FIG. 3, an interdental brush 1 having a brush portion 2 is disclosed. Brush segment 2 includes a core member 3 and a plurality of brush filaments 10, 20. The core member 3 is folded into two strands 3a, 3b extending alongside each other in the longitudinal direction L and twisted about an axis a extending in the longitudinal direction L. A plurality of brush filaments 10, 20 are fastened between the two strands 3a, 3b and extend radially from the twisted core member 3, and are arranged side by side along a helix H extending in the longitudinal direction L, forming a brush segment 2.
The brush filaments 10 of the first group are arranged side by side along the first longitudinal sub-length L1 of the twisted core member 3. The filaments 10 in the first set of filaments have a first filament diameter D1.
The second set of brush filaments 20 is arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length L2 of the twisted core member 3. The filaments 20 of the second group of filaments have a second filament diameter D2. The second filament diameter D2 is less than the first filament diameter D1.
The second longitudinal sub-length L2 is located at the distal end 5 of the interdental brush 1. The second sub-length has a length L2 along the longitudinal direction L which is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension L3 of the brush segment 2. It is noted that the longitudinal extension or length L3 refers to the total extension along which the brush filaments 10, 20 are present. The core member 3 typically has an extension which is larger than the extension along which the brush filaments 10, 20 are present. The portion of the core member 3 along which the brush filaments 10, 20 are not present is typically used to attach the core member 3 to a handle (as shown in figure 3). If only the first and second set of brush filaments are present, this longitudinal extension L3 of brush segment 2 is the first sub-length L1 plus the second sub-length L2.
With the interdental brush 1 formed as described above, an insertion leading tip B is provided at the distal end 5 of the interdental brush 1.
The method of providing an insertion lead tip B at the distal end 5 of the interdental brush 1 will be disclosed in more detail below.
In short, the method can be said to comprise the following steps: positioned, twisted, end cut and attached to the handle (as shown in fig. 5). It may be noted that the method comprising the steps of positioning, twisting, end cutting and attaching to the handle may comprise further steps before, after or in between these steps. These steps may be separate steps performed in succession with one another. Such steps may be performed, for example, at different workstations in the manufacturing machine, but two or more steps may also be performed in succession to one another in one workstation. However, two or more of the steps may also be performed as a single step. In a preferred embodiment, the steps are performed in the order disclosed, following each other. In a preferred embodiment, the two steps of positioning and twisting are performed in succession to each other in the disclosed order in a single station.
The positioning step comprises positioning a plurality of brush filaments 10, 20 side by side along the brush segment 2, which extend in the longitudinal direction L between the two strands 3a, 3b of the core member 3, wherein the two strands 3a, 3b of the core member 3 extend side by side to each other in the longitudinal direction L and are formed by folding the core member 3. The act or step of locating includes: the first group of filaments 10 is positioned side-by-side along a first longitudinal sub-length L1 'of brush segment 2, and the second group of filaments 20 is positioned along a second longitudinal sub-length L2' of brush segment 2. As shown in fig. 2, the plurality of brush wires 10, 20 are held by a brush wire holder 33. The filament holder 33 is typically supplied with filaments of a plurality of sets of filaments. One or more such groups form a first group of brush filaments 10, while one or more such groups form a second group of brush filaments 20.
The brush filaments 10 of the first group of brush filaments each have a first brush filament diameter D1 and the brush filaments 20 of the second group of brush filaments each have a second brush filament diameter D2, wherein the second brush filament diameter D2 is smaller than the first brush filament diameter D1.
The second longitudinal sub-length L2' is positioned at the distal end 5 of the interdental brush 1. The second sub-length has a length L2 'in the longitudinal direction which is less than about 15% of the longitudinal extension L3' of brush segment 2.
After this positioning step or action, the brush segment 2 has the configuration shown in fig. 1 and 2.
The twisting step comprises twisting the two strands 3a, 3b about an axis a in the longitudinal direction L to form a twisted core member 3, thereby securing the brush filaments 10, 20 between the two strands 3a, 3b such that the brush filaments 10, 20 extend radially from the twisted core member 3 and become arranged side by side along a helix H extending in the longitudinal direction L.
The twisting may be performed, for example, by using two rotatable jaws 31, 32, holding the two opposite ends of the folded core member 3, as shown in fig. 2. The two jaws 31, 32 are configured to rotate in opposite directions with respect to the axis a, thereby causing the core member 3 to be twisted. Alternatively, one of the clamps 31, 32 may be held stationary.
After this step, the brush portion 2 has the configuration shown in fig. 3 and 4. Note, however, that in fig. 3, the brush part 2 has also been attached to the handle 4. It can be noted that the total length L3 ' and the sub-lengths L1 ' and L2 ' are slightly longer when the brush filaments 10, 20 in the first and second groups of brush filaments are positioned side by side as in fig. 1 and 2, compared to the total length L3 and the sub-lengths L1 and L2, respectively, after twisting the two strands 3a, 3b as shown in fig. 3 and 4. The ratio and the measured value refer to the case after twisting two strands 3a, 3b as shown in fig. 3 and 4.
Preferably, the second sub-length L2 is at least long enough so that the distal end loop formed by the twist of the core member is filled by the brush filaments in the second set of brush filaments 20; i.e. by the brush filaments having the smaller brush filament diameter D2. In the preferred embodiment disclosed in the drawings, the second sub-length L2 has a length such that the brush filaments having the smaller brush filament diameter D2 occupy the end loops and another twist, i.e. two twists.
By producing an interdental brush according to this method, an improved interdental brush having an insertion leading tip is achieved. By using brush filaments having a smaller diameter over a relatively small distal sub-length, it becomes possible to provide an insertion guide tip. The distal end loop formed by the folded and twisted core member and the brush filaments fastened in the distal end loop will have a smaller size compared to prior art designs. The use of two different sets of brush filaments and the fact that the second sub-length is relatively small makes it possible to provide a transition in the sensory properties close to the distal end. Shortly after insertion of the tip into the interdental space, the thinner filaments of the distal end may be perceived as being relatively softer than the thicker filaments adjacent the teeth. Thicker filaments will provide a greater tendency for the interdental brush to be centered in the interdental space than thinner filaments. By providing a distal end loop of reduced size and by providing a transition in sensory characteristics near the distal end, the user will experience this as the interdental brush helps guide it into the interdental space. Thus, with the above disclosed method, a method of producing an interdental brush having an insertion lead tip is provided. It is also noted that an interdental brush having an insertion guide tip is significantly easier to manufacture than the prior art attempts discussed above involving the use of a conical tip. By the inventive design of using thinner brush filaments over a comparatively small distal sub-length, it is possible to provide the insertion lead with brush filaments of the same length in the first and second set of brush filaments. Thus, an insertion guide tip using a robust manufacturing process may be provided, wherein the brush filaments are all cut to the same length by using a straight cutting edge against which the brush filaments are cut by rotating the brush segments around the twist and the rotation axis. It may be noted that side by side in a certain direction refers to the fact that the brush filaments are arranged side by side, essentially forming a line, and that this line extends in said direction. Side-by-side means that they are positioned with their circumferential envelope surfaces facing and abutting each other; rather than end-to-end. It may be noted that in practice the line or queue formed by the brush filaments arranged side by side will extend in a direction in which some of the brush filaments (as in an informal queue formed by people queuing) will be slightly offset from the perfect geometric line. This is a fact well known to the person skilled in the art, but may still be mentioned to avoid any misunderstanding.
With this design, it is also possible to design an interdental brush whose passage hole diameter is defined by the main portion of the brush section rather than by the distal end loop. The channel pore diameter can be determined, for example, using the method disclosed in standard ISO16409:2016 under the title "dental-Oral care products-Manual interdental brushes". Thus, the likelihood that a certain interdental brush having a certain thickness at the main portion can be inserted into a slightly smaller interdental space is increased compared to the case of the prior art brush having a passage hole diameter set by the size of the distal end loop. Alternatively, it can be said that the likelihood that a user can use a brush with a (one size large) main portion of a certain size in a certain interdental space is increased, since the distal end ring will not prevent the insertion of an interdental brush into a certain interdental space. Thus, in summary, a set of interdental brushes according to the present invention may provide a higher cleaning efficiency than the interdental brushes disclosed in the prior art. Since the brush filaments having the smaller diameter are located only along a relatively small portion of the longitudinal extension of the brush segment, the interdental brush will still have a significant length, wherein the thicker filaments provide a significant effective stroke length, which makes it easy for the user to accomplish an effective cleaning of the interdental space.
The second filament diameter D2 is preferably between 60% and 95% of the first filament diameter D1. The second brush filament diameter D2 is more preferably between 66% and 90% of the first brush filament diameter D1.
In one embodiment, the brush filaments 10, 20 in the first and second sets of brush filaments 10, 20 are formed of the same material such that the brush filament 20 having the second brush filament diameter D2 has a reduced resistance to bending as compared to the brush filament 10 having the first brush filament diameter D1. According to an alternative embodiment, the brush filaments 10, 20 in the first group of brush filaments 10 and the second group of brush filaments 20 are formed of different materials. The materials are selected such that they have a material stiffness relative to each other such that the brush filaments 20 having the second brush filament diameter D2 have a reduced resistance to bending compared to the brush filaments 10 having the first brush filament diameter D1.
It is noted that the bending resistance is related to the actual length of the brush filaments; short filaments having the diameter and formed from the material will be perceived as having greater resistance to bending than longer filaments of the same diameter and the same material. In the above discussion regarding reduced bending resistance, it is also preferred to assume that the brush filaments in the first and second sets of brush filaments have the same length over the entire length of the brush segment, or that the length of the brush filaments at the distal end is at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, of the length of the brush filaments in the first set of brush filaments.
Preferably, the second sub-length L2 is at least long enough so that the distal end loop formed by the twist of the core member is filled by the brush filaments in the second set of brush filaments 20; i.e. by the brush filaments having the smaller brush filament diameter D2.
The second sub-length preferably has a length L2 extending along core member 3 of less than three twists, preferably less than two twists. The twist is defined as the distance along the longitudinal direction L from any first point to a second point at which the strands 3a, 3b interchange positions as seen in a planar projection in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction as one vector and a radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction as another vector. In the figures, the second sub-length L2 has a length such that the brush filaments having the smaller brush filament diameter D2 occupy the end loops and one, i.e. two, twists (see especially the enlarged view in fig. 4).
It can also be said that the present disclosure relates to the use of a first set of brush filaments 10 and a second set of brush filaments 20 in an interdental brush 1 to provide an insertion guidance tip B at the distal end 5 of the interdental brush 1. The brush filaments in the first set of brush filaments 10 each have a first filament diameter D1 and are arranged side-by-side along a first longitudinal sub-length L1 of the brush segment 2. The filaments in the second set of filaments 20 each have a second filament diameter D2 and are arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length L2 of brush segment 2. The second filament diameter D2 is less than the first filament diameter D1. The second longitudinal sub-length L2 is located at the distal end 5 of the interdental brush 1. The second sub-length has a length L2 along the longitudinal direction L which is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension L3 of the brush segment 2.
It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications to the embodiments described herein that are still within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
It may be noted, for example, that although the preferred embodiment is designed with the same length of brush filaments in the first and second sets of brush filaments, it is conceivable to combine the use of thinner brush filaments with a slightly conical shape of the end portions. In this case, it is preferred that the material, the filament length and the filament diameter of the brush filaments in the respective group are selected such that the shorter brush filaments at the distal end have a smaller bending resistance than the longer and thicker brush filaments in the first group of brush filaments. With this choice of material and diameter, a shorter tube (straws) along a relatively small sub-length will still be perceived as softer and will give the perception of aiding insertion of an interdental brush. It is noted that the bending resistance is related to the actual length of the brush filaments; short filaments having the diameter and formed from the material will be perceived as having greater resistance to bending than longer filaments of the same diameter and the same material. However, the length of the brush filaments at the distal end is at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, of the length of the brush filaments in the first set of brush filaments.
Claims (12)
1. A method of providing an insertion guide tip (B) at a distal end (5) of an interdental brush (1), the method comprising:
-positioning a plurality of brush filaments (10, 20) side by side along the brush portion (2), the plurality of brush filaments extending in a longitudinal direction (L) between two strands (3a, 3b) of a core member (3), the two strands (3a, 3b) of the core member (3) extending side by side to each other in the longitudinal direction (L) and being formed by folding the core member (3),
twisting the two strands (3a, 3b) about an axis (A) in the longitudinal direction (L) to form a twisted core member (3), thereby securing the brush filaments (10, 20) between the two strands (3a, 3b) such that the brush filaments (10, 20) extend radially from the twisted core member (3) and become arranged side by side along a helix (H) extending in the longitudinal direction (L),
wherein the act of locating comprises
Positioning a first group of brush filaments (10) side by side along a first longitudinal sub-length (L1) of the brush segment (2), the brush filaments (10) of the first group having a first filament diameter (D1), and
positioning a second group of brush filaments (20) along a second longitudinal sub-length (L2) of the brush segment (2), the brush filaments (20) of the second group having a second filament diameter (D2),
wherein the second filament diameter (D2) is less than the first filament diameter (D1),
wherein the second longitudinal sub-length (L2) is located at the distal end (5) of the interdental brush (1),
wherein the second sub-length has a length (L2) in the longitudinal direction which is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension (L3) of the brush portion (2), and
wherein the second sub-length has a length (L2) extending along the core member (3) of less than three twists.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second filament diameter (D2) is between 60-95%, preferably between 66-90% of the first filament diameter (D1).
3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the brush filaments (10, 20) of the first and second groups of brush filaments (10, 20) are formed of the same material or of different materials having a plurality of material stiffnesses, such that the brush filament (20) having the second brush filament diameter (D2) has a reduced bending resistance compared to the brush filament (10) having the first brush filament diameter (D1).
4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second sub-length has a length (L2) extending along a core member (3) of less than two twists.
5. An interdental brush (1) having a brush portion (2) comprising:
a core member (3) folded into two strands (3a, 3b) extending alongside each other in a longitudinal direction (L) and twisted about an axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction (L),
a plurality of brush filaments (10, 20) fastened between the two strands (3a, 3b) and extending radially from the twisted core member (3) and arranged side by side along a helix (H) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) forming the brush portion (2),
wherein a first group of brush filaments (10) is arranged side by side along a first longitudinal sub-length (L1) of the twisted core member (3), the brush filaments (10) of the first group having a first filament diameter (D1), and
wherein a second group of brush filaments (20) is arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length (L2) of the twisted core member (3), the brush filaments (20) of the second group of brush filaments having a second filament diameter (D2),
wherein the second filament diameter (D2) is less than the first filament diameter (D1),
wherein the second longitudinal sub-length (L2) is located at the distal end (5) of the interdental brush (1), and
wherein the second sub-length has a length (L2) in the longitudinal direction (L) which is less than 15% of the longitudinal extension (L3) of the brush portion (2) and extends along less than three twists of the core member (3), thereby providing an insertion guiding tip (B) at the distal end (5) of the interdental brush (1).
6. An interdental brush (1) according to claim 5, wherein the second filament diameter (D2) is between 60-95%, preferably between 66-90%, of the first filament diameter (D1).
7. The interdental brush (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the brush filaments (10, 20) of the first group of brush filaments (10) and the second group of brush filaments (20) are formed of the same material or of different materials having a plurality of material stiffnesses, such that the brush filament (20) having the second brush filament diameter (D2) has a reduced bending resistance compared to the brush filament (10) having the first brush filament diameter (D1).
8. An interdental brush (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second sub-length has a length (L2) extending along less than two turns of the core member (3).
9. The use of a first group of brush filaments (10) and a second group of brush filaments (20),
the first group of brush filaments having a first filament diameter (D1) and being arranged side by side along a first longitudinal sub-length (L1) of the brush segment (2), an
The second group of brush filaments having a second brush filament diameter (D2) and being arranged along a second longitudinal sub-length (L2) of the brush portion (2), the second brush filament diameter (D2) being smaller than the first brush filament diameter (D1), the second longitudinal sub-length (L2) being located at the distal end (5) of the interdental brush (1), and the second sub-length having a length (L2) in the longitudinal direction (L) which is smaller than 15% of the longitudinal extension (L3) of the brush portion (2) and which extends along a core member (3) of less than three turns,
in the interdental brush (1)
To provide an insertion guide tip (B) at the distal end (5) of the interdental brush (1).
10. Use according to claim 9, wherein the second filament diameter (D2) is between 60-95%, preferably between 66-90% of the first filament diameter (D1).
11. Use according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the brush filaments (10, 20) of the first and second groups of brush filaments (10, 20) are formed of the same material or of different materials having a plurality of material stiffnesses, such that the brush filament (20) having the second brush filament diameter (D2) has a reduced bending resistance compared to the brush filament (10) having the first brush filament diameter (D1).
12. Use according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second sub-length has a length (L2) extending along a core member (3) of less than two twists.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE1850882 | 2018-07-11 | ||
| SE1850882-0 | 2018-07-11 | ||
| PCT/EP2019/068638 WO2020011901A1 (en) | 2018-07-11 | 2019-07-11 | Interdental brush having an insertion guidance tip |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN112822961A true CN112822961A (en) | 2021-05-18 |
Family
ID=67297163
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201980044680.8A Pending CN112822961A (en) | 2018-07-11 | 2019-07-11 | Interdental brush with insertion guide tip |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US20210289935A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3820327A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP7480111B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20210060435A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN112822961A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2019300323A1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR112021000293A2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020011901A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA202100863B (en) |
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2019
- 2019-07-11 JP JP2021500649A patent/JP7480111B2/en active Active
- 2019-07-11 EP EP19739970.2A patent/EP3820327A1/en active Pending
- 2019-07-11 US US17/259,019 patent/US20210289935A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-07-11 KR KR1020217004233A patent/KR20210060435A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2019-07-11 CN CN201980044680.8A patent/CN112822961A/en active Pending
- 2019-07-11 BR BR112021000293-6A patent/BR112021000293A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2019-07-11 AU AU2019300323A patent/AU2019300323A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2019-07-11 WO PCT/EP2019/068638 patent/WO2020011901A1/en active Application Filing
-
2021
- 2021-02-08 ZA ZA2021/00863A patent/ZA202100863B/en unknown
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2023
- 2023-11-06 US US18/502,525 patent/US20240172864A1/en active Pending
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| EP0680707A2 (en) * | 1994-05-04 | 1995-11-08 | Dentaid, S.A. | Interdental toothbrush |
| JPH0923928A (en) * | 1995-07-11 | 1997-01-28 | Sunstar Inc | Inter-tooth brush |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR112021000293A2 (en) | 2021-04-06 |
| EP3820327A1 (en) | 2021-05-19 |
| WO2020011901A1 (en) | 2020-01-16 |
| AU2019300323A1 (en) | 2021-02-11 |
| JP2021524344A (en) | 2021-09-13 |
| US20210289935A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
| ZA202100863B (en) | 2022-09-28 |
| US20240172864A1 (en) | 2024-05-30 |
| KR20210060435A (en) | 2021-05-26 |
| JP7480111B2 (en) | 2024-05-09 |
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