EP1272070B1 - Method for producing bristles used to administer media, bristles produced according to said method and brushware comprising bristles of this type - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing Bristles for applying media by adding bristles cut-to-length filament extruded and with recesses for Recording of the medium is provided, from which the medium if the bristles are used as intended. The invention further relates to those produced by this method Bristles and bristles with such bristles.

Bristle goods with bristles for applying media in Above all, liquid, viscous or powdery form in the field of body, hair and oral care, but also in the household and in the technical area of application. below the invention is primarily in connection with Toothbrushes as one of the essential application examples described.

With toothbrushes, it is known to apply dental plaque a suitable indicator color to indicate the Toothbrush users to intensify brushing in such a way to induce indicated areas of the teeth (DE 195 45 644). For this purpose, the bristles with the Indicator color or with microcapsules containing this color coated and the layer is optionally additional sealed. Also a hollow bristle with an inserted indicator medium is described in this context. How these hollow bores are filled is in the publication not explained. It is also known (CA 549 168) that Bristles of a single-use toothbrush to be coated with a dentifrice. Also are Bristles known (US 5,678,275) that are irregular on the circumference designed furrows. But they serve not to hold media, but should be used when brushing teeth Pick up dirt particles to get them out of your mouth to remove.

It is also known (WO 98/24341), therapeutically effective Media or other media with dental medicine Effect to accommodate in a hollow bristle that is in use be delivered to the free open end of the bristle should. The hollow bristle may also be radial Walls braced so that they are three or four axially parallel Has chambers. The desired media are in introduced in liquid form. To this end become filaments with the cross-sectional shape of the finished bristle extruded and multiple filaments into multi-strand strands up to 5.5 cm in diameter and up to a length 1.2 m combined. The strand will end with one dipped in the liquid medium and on the opposite open ends of the filaments created negative pressure. There due to the capillary-like cavities and the large ones A length of high vacuum is required and a Collapse of the walls due to the elasticity of the in here Questioning upcoming plastics must be avoided this to large wall thicknesses and can be a complete Hardly fill the hollow bristles. Viscose or disperse media can be in because of the high pressure drop do not insert the capillary-like cavities at all. When using the bristle, the medium is only dispensed over the open end of the bristles and thus completely uncontrolled and incomplete.

For example, a polymer article is known from US Pat. No. 4,775,585 known in the form of a fiber which has a full cross section, a medium in partial areas of the cross section is introduced, which is released from the fiber in use shall be. The subareas of the medium contained in the Fiber can either be circular sectors over the circumference be distributed or an outer ring of cross section form. A defined delivery of the medium is based on this Way not to achieve.

04 09. 2002 From US 4 101 308 a fiber is known, which with a porous coating is provided in the cavities Medium is introduced. Because of the open cavities however, the medium becomes relatively quick and uncontrolled issued. To form an electrically conductive fiber can use an electrolyte as the medium and the fiber on the outside with an insulating, impermeable coating be made from shellac. A delivery of the medium is not provided.

The invention has for its object a method propose using the media of any consistency and any Effect in an economical way in a bristle introduced and when used as intended in the desired Dosage during the life of the bristle can be delivered.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method Claim 1 or a method according to claim 2 solved. In a first embodiment of the invention, that the filament with the mechanical properties the bristle co-determines the core, the recesses starting from and away from the center of the core molded to the circumference of the filament and with a peripheral opening formed in the form of a gap and be filled with the medium from the outside, the Columns are shaped so that they are unloaded the bristles are closed and under pressure only under those prevailing when the bristle is used as intended Open conditions so that the medium is dispensed.

In the method according to the invention, the media of made on the outside in the recesses open to the outside, do not have to go through a pressure drop alone over a greater distance with corresponding pressure losses be sucked in. The recesses can in particular can also be filled with a constant media density. The consistency of the media also plays a role in the contribution no significant role; they can be liquid, viscous or be dispersed. The delivery in use takes place immediately through the circumferential gaps or openings by this are so narrow that the medium is held back and can only emerge when used, for example by the forces occurring when brushing or by am Use existing media that match the medium in the Bristles interact and wash them out or detach. In the case of a toothbrush, the come Saliva or a dentifrice, the simplest for cleaning brushes Fall water or moisture in question.

In another advantageous embodiment of the method it is intended that the filament with a mechanical Properties of the bristle with extruding core extruded will, the recesses spaced from the center of the core molded in and opening to the circumference of the filament and be filled with the medium from the outside, and that then on the filament at least in some areas layer at least partially covering the recesses is applied, which the release of the medium under the when the bristle is used as intended Controls conditions. With this procedure, there is less crucial to the shape of the circumferential opening and on the opening width. Rather, by choosing the material of the layer, its thickness and the Extent of coverage of the recesses containing the medium the delivery of the medium in time and depending on the service life of those equipped with such bristles Bristle goods can be controlled.

Are, as preferably provided, the recesses closed a coat, the medium can be opened Bristle end or by the slow wear of the Jacket exposed openings of the recesses or are released by diffusion through the jacket, whereby the coat in contrast to the bristle according to WO 98/24341 can be comparatively thin-walled, since it is filled is not exposed to compressive forces.

A particularly economical process results if the recesses are formed when extruding the filament become. Here, the recesses are preferred essentially axially parallel, possibly with a distance molded from each other.

Another variant is that the recesses after extruding the filament. there there is an essentially radial indentation of recesses any contour and arrangement in question.

In both of the aforementioned method variants, provision can be made be that the recesses are located away from the center of the core molded outward extending capillary gaps be or that the recesses as channels with circumferential openings narrowed into a gap. The capillary-like gaps result in a retention effect for the medium and this is only among the Use prevailing conditions, e.g. B. by brush pressure, delivered by external media or the like.

Preferably the shape and / or the width of the column matched to the consistency of the medium. It is also of advantage if the gaps are molded so that they are completely closed in the unloaded state and only open under pressure.

The recesses that are open to the outside can be particularly economically in a continuous process on one Fill continuous filament. This can be done in that the filament through a media bath, if necessary under Pressure is set, or by a nozzle-like narrowing Cross section with the medium supplied on the circumference is passed through. Is the opening width of the recesses large enough and the consistency of the medium sufficient Filling can also be viscous without pressure using the continuous process happen. In this case it is recommended to make the recesses then by one applied to the filament Close coat.

The jacket is preferably made of a thermoplastic Plastic on the filament filled with the medium is extruded. It is preferably extruded in excess and shrink-wrapped onto the filament, which is particularly gentle on thermally sensitive media stay; liquid components cannot evaporate and thermally reactive components do not decompose. Becomes a jacket, as mentioned above, made of one that is permeable to the medium Applied plastic, he can if necessary partially by a diffusion-proof material to be covered locally and / or the rate of diffusion to control.

If the coat is made of a transparent plastic, can media consumption, for example through appropriate Coloring of the media, optically controlled, if necessary the type of media can also be visualized.

In addition to displaying the medium and / or its consumption or instead, an effect indicator for the Bristle function may be provided to ensure that the bristle is only used as long as it is used for the has the required properties as intended, or to design the bristle technically so that it is no longer used as practicable. This can be done happen that a jacket made of a thermoplastic Plastic with fillers that determine its wear factor is applied to the filament, the plastic and the fillers added to the permissible Degree of wear of the bristle when used as intended be coordinated. With this procedure you can also any other bristles that may only be made consist of a core and a jacket, with an effective indicator equip. As fillers that determine the wear factor solid articles are particularly suitable, which the Reduce intermolecular bond in the polymer of the jacket and control the wear factor by type, size and quantity. In the case of an application bristle, the solids can be selected so that they are at the same time in the application perform a function, e.g. B. calcium carbonate or chloride as reminalizing agents in toothbrushes. The addition of waxes, especially ionomer wax, also has proved to be favorable, since these are in the polymer matrix distribute more evenly and thus for a more even Cause wear factor. This also makes the gliding behavior the bristle is influenced favorably. That is at the same time a fine adjustment of an effective indication is also possible.

According to a further variant of the method, different media with different functions can also be layered in the recesses or housed separately locally and correspondingly dispensed locally separately. In the same way, components of an active ingredient that are affine to one another and are only supposed to develop their effect on site, for example, can be accommodated locally separately. An example is the desired formation or regression of calcium fluoride layers on the teeth, which can be formed in the ionizing medium from Ca ⁽⁺⁾ and F ^(-) ions, which in turn are made up of locally separated Ca and F compounds in the humid atmosphere of the mouth and throat can be generated.

The media or active ingredient components can also by a Layered accommodation in the recesses separately and only be brought together at the time of delivery. The diffusion rate can also be achieved through layer formation control the media or active ingredients.

There can also be active ingredients and / or fillers in the Place core or in the coat or in both. Finally the core can be extruded as a monofilament or multi-core. and can optionally the core and / or the jacket can also be foamed during extrusion or afterwards.

Finally, the invention relates to a bristle that consists of the Filament produced according to the invention by cutting to length Desired size is obtained, as well as a bristle product with a Bristle holder, on the bristles of the type mentioned below Formation of the bristle or part thereof attached become.

In some use cases it may be advisable to use the Bristles should be closed at least at their use end. This can be done, for example, by thermal methods such as welding, friction welding, laser welding or the like. happen.

Fig.1

verschiedene Phasen a) bis f) der Herstellung eines Filaments, das jeweils im Querschnitt wieder-gegeben ist;

Fig.2

einen Längsschnitt II-II eines Filaments;

Fig.3

einen schematischen Schnitt einer Borstenware mit einer Borste aus einem Filament gemäß Fig.2;

Fig.4

eine schematische Darstellung der Medienabgabe;

Fig.5 bis 10

Querschnitte. verschiedener Ausführungsformen einer Borste;

Fig.11

einen Querschnitt einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Kerns einer Borste;

Fig.12 bis 14

Ansichten weiterer Ausführungsformen des Kerns einer Borste;

Fig.15

einen Schnitt XV-XV gemäß Fig.14;

Fig.16 bis 20

Querschnitte einiger weiterer Ausführungsbeispiele von Borsten mit aufextrudiertem Mantel;

Fig.21

eine Ansicht einer Borste;

Fig.22

einen Schnitt XXII-XXII gemäß Fig.21;

Fig.23 bis 25

weitere Ansichten von Ausführungsbeispielen der Borste;

Fig.26

einen Querschnitt einer Borste mit Teilbeschichtung;

Fig.27

einen Querschnitt einer Borste mit Mantel und Teilbeschichtung;

Fig.28

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Borste mit Mantel und zusätzlicher Bandagierung;

Fig.29

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Borste mit perforiertem Mantel;

Fig.30

einen Querschnitt einer Borste mit verschiedenen Medien in distanzierten Ausnehmungen;

Fig.31

einen Längsschnitt einer Borste mit unterschiedlichen Ausnehmungen am Kern;

Fig.32

einen Längsschnitt einer Borste mit einem verschlossenen Ende;

Fig.33

einen Längsschnitt einer Borste im Ausgangszustand;

Fig.34

die Borste gemäß Fig.33 während oder nach der Nutzungsdauer;

Fig.35 bis 38

je einen Längsschnitt einer Borste mit Wirkanzeige

Fig.39

einen Längsschnitt einer Borste mit einer Anzeige des Abnutzungsgrades.

The method according to the invention and bristles produced according to the method are described below with the aid of some exemplary embodiments in the drawing. The drawing shows:

Fig.1

different phases a) to f) the production of a filament, which is reproduced in each case in cross section;

Fig.2

a longitudinal section II-II of a filament;

Figure 3

a schematic section of a bristle product with a bristle made of a filament according to Figure 2;

Figure 4

a schematic representation of the media delivery;

Fig. 5 to 10

Cross-sections. different embodiments of a bristle;

Figure 11

a cross section of a further embodiment of the core of a bristle;

Fig. 12 to 14

Views of further embodiments of the core of a bristle;

Figure 15

a section XV-XV of Figure 14;

Fig. 16 to 20

Cross sections of some further embodiments of bristles with extruded jacket;

Figure 21

a view of a bristle;

Figure 22

a section XXII-XXII according to Figure 21;

Fig. 23 to 25

further views of exemplary embodiments of the bristle;

Figure 26

a cross section of a bristle with partial coating;

Fig.27

a cross section of a bristle with sheath and partial coating;

Figure 28

a perspective view of a bristle with a jacket and additional bandaging;

Figure 29

a perspective view of a bristle with a perforated jacket;

Fig.30

a cross section of a bristle with different media in distant recesses;

Fig.31

a longitudinal section of a bristle with different recesses on the core;

fig.32

a longitudinal section of a bristle with a closed end;

fig.33

a longitudinal section of a bristle in the initial state;

Fig.34

the bristle according to FIG. 33 during or after the period of use;

Fig. 35 to 38

each a longitudinal section of a bristle with effective indication

Fig.39

a longitudinal section of a bristle with an indication of the degree of wear.

Fig.1 shows in figures a) to f) different process stages in the production of a filament from which Bristles can be obtained by cutting to length. The Filament 1 is in the form of a mechanical properties the later determining bristle core 2 in conventionally extruded from a plastic melt. In the embodiment shown, the Core 2 from a massive center 3 with outgoing from there and outwardly opening recesses 4, which at this embodiment by a cross-like profile of the extruded core can be obtained (Fig.1a). The filament is then stretched in a conventional manner (Fig.1b) in order to obtain a molecular longitudinal orientation. The cross-section becomes due to the lengthening when the core is stretched reduced accordingly. Then the Core 2 advantageously thermally stabilized (Fig.1c)

The filament extruded and pretreated in this way 1 with its recesses 4 is then with the Medium 6 filled. For example, the filament 1 is through one indicated in FIG. 1d with a circular line 5 Canal pulled, which may be different from a larger one Cross section nozzle-like to the cross section of the core 2 narrowed and into which the medium is constantly fed, so that the medium 6 of the recesses 4 of the filament 1st is recorded. Instead, the medium 6 can also be under Pressure can be supplied, as indicated by the hint in Fig. 1e a greater density of the medium 6 is indicated. In the embodiment shown with a very open one Cross section of the wells it is recommended to use the to apply a sheath layer 7 to the medium filled filament, which is film-like and is in use the bristle wears out quickly to release the medium 6. at this cladding layer 7 can also be a thin-walled one Acting coat that is made of an open to diffusion Polymer exists that either diffuses the medium 6 enabled at the place of use of the bristle or only in connection with media at the place of use, e.g. Saliva, water or the like acquires the necessary permeability. The coat 7 is preferably on the already filled filament 1 extruded with excess compared to the core 2 and then shrunk onto the core by cooling.

2 shows the section of a bristle 8, which consists of a Fig.1 obtained filament obtained by cutting becomes. The bristle 8 thus consists of a core 2 with the Medium 6 in the recesses and the jacket 7.

3 shows schematically a section of a bristle product 62, e.g. in the area of the head of a toothbrush, with a Bristle holder 9 to which the bristles 8 are attached. When using the toothbrush 8 pressure and act on the bristle Bending forces that to the schematically indicated, temporary Deform bristle 8. Based on these Forces the medium 6 occurs, as indicated by the directional arrows, at the free end of the bristle. At the same time diffuses the medium if there is an appropriate composition has, through the walls of the jacket, if necessary with the participation of the media available at the place of use such as saliva, water, dentifrices or the like. This is shown again in FIG. 4 on an enlarged scale.

5 to 10 show cross sections of filaments 1, which is a separate one depending on the consistency of the medium Do not require coating or a coat. Fig. 5 shows a filament that is in the form of an essentially circular core 2 extruded with a solid center 3 is. On the occasion of the extrusion, recesses are made molded in the form of capillary-like column 10, which in the shown Embodiment in regular, radial arrangement are provided. The capillary gaps 10 are in the manner described with reference to Fig.1 filled the medium.

Figure 6 shows a similar embodiment in which the capillary Column 10 additionally in the direction of extrusion are provided with a profile 11, whereby a better Retention for the medium is achieved.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the filament 1 in turn from a solid core 2 and an outer Core part 12, which can consist of a different plastic than the core 2, for example from one of the later Bristle imparting the necessary mechanical properties Polymer is formed while the core part 12 is made of another, tailored to the usage properties Polymer can exist. The filament 1 is axially parallel to the core 2 channel-like recesses 13 on the gap-like Open openings 14 on the circumference of filament 1. 8 again shows a filament 1 in the form of an extruded one Core 2, which is only a few near the circumference, evenly distributed channels 15 with a gap-like opening 16 has.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9, the filament is 1 again extruded as core 2 with a solid center 3, of which a large number of capillary-like gaps 17 Extend outward like a shovel. The capillary Columns 17 are approximately 18 at the circumference of filament 1 closed. The capillary-like column 17 is scoop-shaped delimiting webs 20 are elastically deformable. On in this way the filling of the capillary-like gaps 17 be facilitated in that the filament against the Blade curvature is rotated so that the gaps open. After filling, excess medium is turned in the opposite direction or by passing a corresponding one Envelope cross-section squeezed so that the capillary Column 17 on the circumference of filament 1 or the later bristle are almost closed. In use the bristle goods with bristles equipped in this way the compressive forces cause the bristle to deform, so that the medium emerges on the circumference.

10 shows a filament 1 with a rectangular cross section, in which in turn axially parallel channels 21 are formed, the openings 22 narrowed at the circumference of the filament 1 flow out.

11 shows a filament 1 with sector-shaped recesses 23, and a central core 3, that of transverse Channels 24 is interspersed. The sector-shaped recesses 23 and the transverse channels 24 are filled with the medium. This filament 1 is advantageously turn coated with a film or with an extruded one Coat provided as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 is.

Fig. 12 shows a filament 1 in the form of a coiled Core 2, in which the recesses 63 extend helically. This version of the filament 1 can also easily fill with the medium and will advantageously then extruded a jacket. Fig. 13 shows one Filament 1 in the form of a wavy core 2, in which the recesses 64 are formed by the wave troughs, 14 with a filament 1 in the form of a core 2 annular recesses 65 reproduces. Even with these Both embodiments are preferably made after filling of the filament 1 extruded a sheath.

16 shows a filament 1 with an extruded core 2 of rectangular cross section, for example, by a circular channel is drawn, moving the medium 6 builds on the side surfaces of the rectangular core 2. Then a jacket 7 is extruded and if necessary fixed by cooling and shrinking.

Fig.17 gives a core 2 with evenly distributed Wells 26 again, in the same way as before described can be filled with the medium 6. On the Core 2 with the medium 6 is then again a coat 7 extruded. The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 18 differs from that of Fig. 17 only by the shape and number of depressions 26.

The embodiment according to FIG. 19 is again a filament in the form of a core 2 with a cross-shaped cross-section with the formation of open to the outside Recesses 27 which are filled with the medium. The core 2 has bulges 28 at the free ends of its arms Thickenings 29 on. After filling the recesses 27 of the core 2, a jacket 30 is extruded, the the beaded thickenings. 29 includes so that a kind positive connection is created. Different from this the embodiment of FIG. 20 characterized in that the Arms 28 of core 2 run straight and after filling the recesses formed between the arms 28 of the jacket 31 is extruded and shrunk.

Fig. 21 shows a filament 1 in the form of a core 2, wherein different designs of recesses are indicated. These can be groove-like, straight-line depressions 32 or groove-shaped, curved recesses 33 or around act individual hole-like depressions 34.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 23, the filament has 1 a core 2 with recesses in the form of equidistant arranged slots 35 which are transverse to the axis of the Filaments run and, for example, after extrusion be molded.

Fig. 24 shows a filament 1, the core 2 of a variety parallel Mönofile 36 exists, the recesses formed by the spaces 37 between the monofilaments 36 become. After filling the gaps and if necessary calibrating the monofilament accordingly a jacket 38 extruded.

24 shows the jacket 38 partially broken open. He is provided with fillers 65, the wear behavior of the plastic and thus the wear of the jacket determine.

Fig. 25 shows a filament 1 in the form of a core 2, which is similar the embodiment of Figure 7 with one or more axially parallel channels 39 is provided, which over extend gap-like openings 40 to the outside. additionally can openings 41 with a slightly larger cross section at a distance be provided from each other.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 26, there is again a filament 1 in the form of an extruded core 2 with circumferential arranged recesses 42, all of which by a subsequently applied layer 43 are covered, the either the medium when used due to its wear releases in the recesses 42 or such Permeability has that the medium, if necessary with the participation of the media at the place of use, a slow one Media diffusion allowed.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 27, the same filament is used as in Fig. 26 with a core 2 with recesses 42 a sheath 44 made of a diffusion-open polymer, for example the one on the surface of the bristle desired properties. With additional partial coatings 45 in the area of the recesses 42 Diffusion density and thus the media delivery controlled.

Fig. 28 shows a filament 1 with a star-shaped cross section Core, in which the recesses 46 between the Star points are formed and on the turn a coat 47 is extruded. In addition, the jacket 47 with a plastic or textile fiber bandaged.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 29, the filament is made 1 from a core 2 similar to the embodiment according to Fig.11 with sector-shaped recesses 23 and an extruded Sheath 49, which is provided with a perforation 50 is, on the one hand, a controlled escape of the medium allow, on the other hand, the surface of the finished bristle give a structure that increases the brushing effect.

Fig. 30 shows a filament 1 with a cross shape Core 2 and a jacket 7. In the recesses 4 between the core 2 and the jacket 7 are different media 51, 52 and 53 housed, which issued simultaneously and either have different effects or but consist of components that only close at the place of use react to an active ingredient. Instead, different ones Media is also layered in a recess become.

The filament 1 according to FIG. 31 again consists of a Core 2, the irregularly arranged recesses 54, 55 and 56 and is surrounded by a jacket 7. Also here the recesses can be made according to their size and Shape absorb different media.

Figure 32 shows a portion of a bristle 8 that is similar that is constructed according to FIG. 2, that is to say from a core 2 with in its recesses medium 6 and a Coat 7 is made. The bristle 8 is on its usage side End 57 closed, for example by the jacket 8 is thermally shaped accordingly.

33 and 34 show an embodiment of a bristle 8 with open end 58, in FIG. 33 in the initial state and in Fig. 34 after a certain period of use, while the coat 8 has been removed and the medium has been dispensed is. This means that both mechanical wear, as well as the delivery of the medium is visually visible.

Fig. 35 to 38 shows another variant for the indication of Media consumption and / or wear of the bristle. To this The purpose of the core 2 may be several at a distance Recesses arranged from each other in the form of circumferential Grooves or the like in which an indicator medium 59 is housed. When used, the Wear of the jacket 7 in the region of the end 58 of the bristle 8 and only core 2 remains. Disappear successively the markings 59 so that the user on the one hand about the delivery of the medium or the wear the bristle is visually informed.

Finally, Fig. 39 shows a bristle 8, on which regular Wear at the end of 59 a more or less regular top 60 training. Here too, the core 2 an annular groove 61, possibly with a Indicator medium can be filled so that after disappearing the same signals the expiry of the (optimal) service life becomes.

Claims (51)

1. Method of producing bristles for applying media, through extrusion of a filament, which can be cut into bristles, and providing same with cavities for receiving the medium, from which the medium is discharged during appropriate use of the bristles, characterized in that the filament (1) is extruded with a core (2) which also determines the mechanical properties of the bristle (8), with the cavities (10,13,15,17) being formed at a separation from the center (3) of the core (2) to open towards the circumference of the filament (1) via a gap (14,16,18,22) formed at the circumference, wherein the cavities are filled with medium (6) from the outside, the gaps (14,16,18,22) being formed such that they are closed in an unloaded state of the bristle (8) and first open in response to pressure generated during proper use of the bristle (8) to release the medium (6).
2. Method of producing bristles for applying media in that a filament, which can be cut into bristles, is extruded and provided with cavities for receiving the medium, from which the medium is released during appropriate use of the bristles, characterized in that the filament (1) is extruded with a core (2) which also determines the mechanical properties of the bristle (8), the cavities (4) being formed at a separation from the center (3) of the core to open towards the circumference of the filament, and are filled with the medium (6) from the outside, the filament (1) subsequently being provided, at least in parts, with a layer which at least partially covers the cavities (4) to control discharge of the medium (6) under normal conditions of use of the bristle (8).
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the layer is disposed in the form of a jacket (7) covering the core (2).
4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavities (4) are formed during extrusion of the core (2).
5. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavities (35) are formed after extrusion of the core (2).
6. Method according to any one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the cavities are formed as capillary gaps (10,17).
7. Method according to any one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the cavities are formed as channels (13,15) having openings which narrow into a gap (14,16) at the circumference of the core (2).
8. Method according to claim 1, 6 or 7, characterized in that the shape and/or width of the gaps (10,14,16,17) is matched to the consistency of the medium (6).
9. Method according to claims 2 and 6 or claims 2 and 7, characterized in that the gaps (17) are formed such that they are closed in the unloaded state of the bristle (8) and open under pressure.
10. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavities (4) are filled with the pressurized medium (6) via the circumferential openings.
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the filament (1) is guided through a volume in which the medium (6) is kept under pressure.
12. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filament (1) having the cavities (4) is guided through a substantially non-pressurized medium (6), thereby at least partially filling the cavities.
13. Method according to any one of the claims 10 through 12, characterized in that the filament (1) is provided with a jacket (7) forming the covering layer after filling the cavities (4).
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that a jacket (7) of thermoplastic material is extruded onto the filament (1) filled with the medium (6).
15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the jacket (7) is extruded with a larger size than the filament (1) and is shrunk onto the filament (1) through cooling.
16. Method according to any one of the claims 13 through 15, characterized in that a jacket (7) is applied onto the filament (1), the jacket (7) being made from a plastic material which permits diffusion of the medium (6) and/or media present at the location of the intended use of the bristle (8).
17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the jacket (7) of a diffusion-permitting plastic material is covered at least in part by a diffusion-tight layer.
18. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the jacket (7) of a transparent plastic material forming the covering layer is applied onto the filament (1).
19. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that different media (51,52,53) are introduced into spaced apart cavities (4) of the filament (1).
20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that media are introduced into separated cavities (4), those media (51,52,53) each comprising a component which becomes active only through combination of components.
21. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that different media, and/or media having one component which becomes active only upon combination of the components, are introduced in layers into at least one cavity.
22. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that active components are directly introduced into the core (2) and/or jacket (7).
23. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that filling agents are directly introduced into the core (2) and/or the jacket (7).
24. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core (2) is extruded as a multifilament (36).
25. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the core (2) and/or jacket (7) is extruded from a directly or indirectly foamable plastic material.
26. Method of producing a bristle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a jacket (38) is applied onto the filament (1), the jacket (38) being made from a plastic material having filling agents (65) which determine its wear factor.
27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the plastic material and the added filling agents (65) are matched to the admissible wear factor of the bristle (8) during appropriate use.
28. Bristle of plastic material for brushes to apply media which are accommodated in cavities of the bristle and which are released by the bristle during appropriate use of the brush, characterized in that the bristle (8) has a core (2) which contributes to determination of its mechanical properties, wherein the cavities (4) are disposed at a separation from the center of the core (2), extend towards the circumference of the bristle (8), and have at least one opening in the form of a gap (14,16,18,20) at the circumference, the gaps (10,14,17) being closed in an unloaded state of the bristle (8), to first open in response to conditions established during proper use thereof to release the medium (6).
29. Bristle of plastic material for brushes to apply media which are accommodated in cavities of the bristle and which are released by the bristle during appropriate use of the brush, characterized in that the bristle (8) has a core (2) which contributes to determination of its mechanical properties, wherein the cavities (4) are disposed at a separation from the center of the core (2), extend towards the circumference of the bristle (8), and have at least one opening, wherein at least portions of the core (2) are coated with a layer (43) at least partially covering the cavities (42).
30. Bristle according to claim 29, characterized in that the layer (43) completely covers the cavities (42).
31. Bristle according to claim 29, characterized in that the layer is formed as a jacket (7,30,31,38,44) surrounding the core (2).
32. Bristle according to claim 31, characterized in that the jacket (49) is perforated and the perforations (50) are connected with the cavities (23) of the core (2).
33. Bristle according to claim 31, characterized in that the jacket (7) consists of a plastic material which permits diffusion of the medium (6) in the cavities of the core.
34. Bristle according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the jacket (7) consists of a plastic material which permits diffusion of a medium present at the location of appropriate use of the brush (62).
35. Bristle according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the jacket (7) of the diffusion-permitting plastic material is coated in parts in a diffusion-tight fashion.
36. Bristle according to any one of the claims 31 through 35, characterized in that the jacket (7) consists of a plastic material comprising filling agents (65) which determine the wear factor of the jacket during use of the bristle.
37. Bristle according to any one of the claims 31 through 36, characterized in that the jacket (7) is formed of a transparent plastic material.
38. Bristle according to any one of the claims 31 through 37, characterized in that the jacket (7) consists of a plastic material filled with active components.
39. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 38, characterized in that the cavities are formed as capillary gaps (10,17).
40. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 39, characterized in that the cavities are formed as channels (13,15), parallel to the center (3) of the core (2) and having openings which narrow into a gap (14,16) at the circumference of the core (2).
41. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 through 40, characterized in that the shape and/or the width of the gap (10,14,16,17) is matched to the consistency of the medium (6).
42. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 41, characterized in that the cavities (22) extend about the circumference of the core (2) in a helical fashion.
43. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 42, characterized in that the cavities (24) are annularly disposed at the circumference of the core (2).
44. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 43, characterized in that the cavities (32,33) are disposed like grooves about the circumference of the core (2).
45. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 44, characterized in that the core (2) is wavy and the cavities (23) are formed by the wave troughs.
46. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 to 45, characterized in that the cavities are slots (35) extending transverse to the core (2).
47. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 through 46, characterized in that the core (2) includes cavities which are filled with a medium (59) which indicates the degree of the mechanical wear and/or release of the medium (6).
48. Bristle according to any one of the claims 28 through 47,
    characterized in that spaced apart cavities (4) of the core (2) contain different media (51,52,53).
49. Bristle according to claim 48, characterized in that the spaced-apart cavities (4) contain media (51,52,53) having different components which form an active component only after being released at the location of use.
50. Brush, consisting of a bristle support (9) and a bristle field mounted thereto, characterized in that at least part of the bristle field is formed of bristles (8) in accordance with any one of the claims 28 through 49.
51. Brush according to claim 50, characterized in that the peripheral region of the bristle field comprises the bristles (8) in accordance with any one of the claims 28 through 49.

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