US20230210247A1 - Toothbrush and Anchor Wire Therefor - Google Patents
Toothbrush and Anchor Wire Therefor Download PDFInfo
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- US20230210247A1 US20230210247A1 US18/001,107 US202018001107A US2023210247A1 US 20230210247 A1 US20230210247 A1 US 20230210247A1 US 202018001107 A US202018001107 A US 202018001107A US 2023210247 A1 US2023210247 A1 US 2023210247A1
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- Prior art keywords
- groove
- grooves
- anchor
- anchor wire
- floor
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Links
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 235000017166 Bambusa arundinacea Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 235000017491 Bambusa tulda Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 241001330002 Bambuseae Species 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 235000015334 Phyllostachys viridis Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000011425 bamboo Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 17
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000000214 mouth Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001707 polybutylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- TVEXGJYMHHTVKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-en-7-one Chemical compound C1C2C(=O)OC1C=CC2 TVEXGJYMHHTVKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000446313 Lamella Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013871 bee wax Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012166 beeswax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003610 charcoal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002939 deleterious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000887 face Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005570 flexible polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011133 lead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012827 research and development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/16—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
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
- A46D3/00—Preparing, i.e. Manufacturing brush bodies
- A46D3/04—Machines for inserting or fixing bristles in bodies
- A46D3/042—Machines for inserting or fixing bristles in bodies for fixing bristles using an anchor or staple
Abstract
A toothbrush (100) including a head portion (120) formed from bamboo. A plurality of tuft holes (130) are formed into the head portion (120) and a bristle tuft (151) is positioned within each of the tuft holes (130) and secured by an anchor wire (200). The anchor wire (200) may be formed from a metal alloy that includes nickel. The anchor wire (200) includes a plurality of first grooves (210) in its first surface (203) and a plurality of second grooves (220) in its second surface (204). The grooves (210, 220) may have sidewalls (212, 213, 222, 223) that are perpendicular to its floor (211, 221). A width (WG1, WG2) of the grooves (210, 220) may be equal to a spacing (D2, D5) between the grooves (210, 220) and greater than a thickness (Ti) of the anchor wire (200).
Description
- As the deleterious effects of plastic on the environment become more of a concern, consumers are looking to purchase products that use less plastic. One industry that has products made predominately out of plastic is the toothbrush industry. One reason for this is that significant research and development has taken place to improve tuft retention in such plastic toothbrushes so that the bristles are not detaching from the toothbrush body during use. When looking to use a different base material for the toothbrush, bristle retention must be considered once again. Thus, a need exists for a non-plastic toothbrush having improved tuft retention, and for an anchor wire for securing bristles to a non-plastic toothbrush.
- The present invention is directed to a toothbrush including a head portion formed from bamboo. A plurality of tuft holes are formed into the head portion and a bristle tuft is positioned within each of the tuft holes and secured by an anchor wire. The anchor wire may be formed from a metal alloy that includes nickel. The anchor wire includes a plurality of first grooves in its first surface and a plurality of second grooves in its second surface. The grooves may have sidewalls that are perpendicular to its floor. A width of the grooves may be equal to a spacing between the grooves and greater than a thickness of the anchor wire.
- In one aspect, the invention may be a toothbrush comprising: a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion comprising a front surface, the body formed from bamboo; a plurality of tuft holes formed into the front surface of the head portion, each of the tuft holes comprising a floor that is recessed relative to the front surface of the head portion; a bristle tuft positioned within each of the tuft holes; an anchor wire positioned within each of the tuft holes to secure the bristle tufts to the head portion, each of the anchor wires formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel; each of the anchor wires comprising a bottom end adjacent to the floor of the tuft hole within which the anchor wire is positioned, a top end opposite the bottom end, a first anchor wire axis extending from the bottom end to the top end, and first and second surfaces extending from the bottom end to the top end; a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of each of the anchor wires and a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of each of the anchor wires, each of the first and second grooves extending along a groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis, each of the first grooves spaced apart from each adjacent one of the first grooves and each of the second grooves spaced apart from each adjacent one of the second grooves by a groove to groove spacing distance; and wherein each of the first and second grooves has a groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis, the groove width being substantially equal to the groove to groove spacing distance.
- In another aspect, the invention may be a toothbrush comprising: a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion comprising a front surface, the body formed from a cellulosic material; a plurality of tuft holes formed into the front surface of the head portion, each of the tuft holes comprising a floor that is recessed relative to the front surface of the head portion; a bristle tuft positioned within each of the tuft holes; an anchor wire positioned within each of the tuft holes to secure the bristle tufts to the head portion, each of the anchor wires formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel; each of the anchor wires comprising a bottom end adjacent to the floor of the tuft hole within which the anchor wire is positioned, a top end opposite the bottom end, a first anchor wire axis extending from the bottom end to the top end, and first and second surfaces extending from the bottom end to the top end; a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of each of the anchor wires and a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of each of the anchor wires, each of the first and second grooves extending along a groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis; and wherein each of the first grooves comprises a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor wire, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor wire, the first and second sidewalls being perpendicular to the floor, and wherein each of the second grooves comprises a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor wire, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor wire, the first and second sidewalls being perpendicular to the floor.
- In yet another aspect, the invention may be a toothbrush comprising: a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion comprising a front surface, the body formed from bamboo; a plurality of tuft holes formed into the front surface of the head portion, each of the tuft holes comprising a floor that is recessed relative to the front surface of the head portion; a bristle tuft positioned within each of the tuft holes; an anchor wire positioned within each of the tuft holes to secure the bristle tufts to the head portion, each of the anchor wires formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel; each of the anchor wires comprising a bottom end adjacent to the floor of the tuft hole within which the anchor wire is positioned, a top end opposite the bottom end, a first anchor wire axis extending from the bottom end to the top end, first and second surfaces extending from the bottom end to the top end, and a thickness measured from the first surface to the second surface; a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of each of the anchor wires and a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of each of the anchor wires, each of the first and second grooves extending along a groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis; and wherein each of the first and second grooves has a groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis, wherein the groove width is greater than the thickness of the anchor wire.
- In a further aspect, the invention may be an anchor wire for securing bristle tufts to a toothbrush made from a cellulosic material, the anchor wire comprising: an anchor body formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel, copper, and zinc, the anchor body comprising a bottom end, a top end, a first surface, and a second surface, a first anchor axis extending from the bottom end to the top end; a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of the anchor body and extending along a first groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor axis, the plurality of first grooves positioned in a spaced apart manner such that adjacent ones of the first grooves are spaced apart by a first groove to groove spacing distance, each of the first grooves having a first groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor axis; a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of the anchor body and extending along a second groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor axis, the plurality of second grooves positioned in a spaced apart manner such that adjacent ones of the second grooves are spaced apart by a second groove to groove spacing distance, each of the second grooves being in alignment with one of the first grooves, each of the second grooves having a second groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor axis; each of the first grooves comprising a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor body, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor body, the first and second sidewalls being perpendicular to the floor; each of the second grooves comprising a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor body, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor body, the first and second sidewalls being perpendicular to the floor; and wherein the first and second groove widths and the first and second groove to groove spacing distances are the same.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of area II ofFIG. 1 illustrating a head portion of the toothbrush; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the head portion of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anchor wire of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 used to secure bristle tufts to the head portion; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the anchor wire ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a front view of the head portion of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 with bristle tufts omitted to show anchor wires positioned within tuft holes in the head portion; -
FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view illustrating the orientation of the anchor wire as it is inserted into a tuft hole in the head portion of the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a to plan view of an anchor wire in accordance with the prior art; and -
FIG. 9 is a graphical representation comparing tuft retention in the toothbrush ofFIG. 1 using the anchor wire ofFIGS. 6 and 7 and the anchor wire ofFIG. 8 . - The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
- The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
- Referring first to
FIG. 1 , atoothbrush 100 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thetoothbrush 100 comprises abody 101 having ahandle portion 110 and ahead portion 120. Thebody 101 is a single, unitary construction such that thehandle portion 110 and thehead portion 120 are part of the same monolithic component. Thebody 101 may be formed from a cellulosic material, which as used herein includes wood and plant-based materials including bamboo. The term cellulosic material as used herein specifically excludes plastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. Thus, thebody 101 in some embodiments is formed from bamboo and in other embodiments is formed from wood, but in accordance with the exemplified embodiment thebody 101 is not formed from nor does it comprise any amount of plastic. As used herein, the term cellulosic material may comprise wood materials and parts thereof and bamboo materials and parts thereof. - The
body 101 extends from a proximal end 102 (which forms a proximal end of the handle portion 110) to a distal end 103 (which forms a distal end of the head portion 120) along a longitudinal axis A-A. As noted above, thehandle portion 110 and thehead portion 120 may be formed as an integral unitary structure, although in other embodiments it may be possible for thehead portion 120 to be detachable from thehandle portion 110 so that thehead portion 120 can be replaced when the bristles thereon become worn. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment a distal end 104 of thehandle portion 110 is coupled directly to a proximal end 105 of thehead portion 120 as a one-piece unit. - The
handle portion 110 is the portion of thebody 101 that is gripped by a user during use thereof. Thus, thehandle portion 110 preferably has a length and width that is selected for user comfort so that a user can clasp his/her hand around thehandle portion 110 to use thetoothbrush 100 for oral cavity treatment such as toothbrushing. Thehandle portion 110 is elongated and may have various contours to enhance user comfort. In the exemplified embodiment, the side surfaces of thehandle portion 110 may be wavy to allow thehandle portion 110 to sit more comfortably within a user's palm and fingers. Thehandle portion 110 may have flat front and rear surfaces and/or may include bumps, ridges, or protrusions to enhance grip. Thehandle portion 110 may be partially or fully encased or covered with a gripping material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, to further increase the gripability thereof. Thus, various modifications and enhancements to thehandle portion 110 are possible within the scope of the invention described herein and the invention is not intended to be limited by the structure or shape of thehandle portion 110 shown in the drawings in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the cellulosic material (e.g., wood, bamboo) that forms thebody 101 may be coated with beeswax to prevent mold growth and prolong the life of thebody 101 as it is normally used under wet conditions. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-4 , thehead portion 120 will be described. Thehead portion 120 extends from the proximal end 105 where it is connected to thehandle portion 110 to thedistal end 103 of thebody 101 which is also the distal end of thehead portion 120. Thehead portion 120 extends along the longitudinal axis A-A of thebody 101. Thehead portion 120 comprises afront surface 123, arear surface 124 opposite thefirst surface 123, and aperipheral surface 125 extending between the front andrear surfaces peripheral surface 125 intersects thefront surface 123 may be referred to herein as aperimeter 128 of thehead portion 120. - A plurality of
tuft holes 130 are formed into thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120, the details of which are best shown inFIG. 4 . Each of the tuft holes 130 is a hole formed into thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120 having a height that is less than a thickness of thehead portion 120 measured between the front andrear surfaces head portion 120. Thus, each of the tuft holes 130 comprises afloor 131 that is recessed relative to thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120 and asidewall 132 that extends from thefloor 131 to thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120. The tuft holes 130 do not extend entirely through thehead portion 120 to therear surface 124. Thus, while the tuft holes 130 have openings in thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120, there are no openings to the tuft holes 130 in therear surface 124 of the head portion. The tuft holes 130 have round cross-sectional areas in the exemplified embodiment, but they could take on other shapes in other embodiments. The tuft holes 130 may have a diameter of between 1.2 and 2.0 mm, more specifically 1.4 and 1.8 mm, still more specifically between 1.5 and 1.7 mm, and even more specifically approximately 1.6 mm. The tuft holes 130 may all have the same diameter or there may be tuftholes 130 with different diameters formed into thehead portion 120. The tuft holes 130 are arranged on thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120 in a spaced apart manner, each configured to receive a bristle tuft or other style tooth cleaning element as described below. The particular location, arrangement, pattern, spacing, diameter, or the like of the tuft holes 130 is not to be limiting of the invention in all embodiments. - In the exemplified embodiment, a plurality of
bristle tufts 151 are anchored to thehead portion 120 of thebody 101 so that each of thebristle tufts 151 extends from thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment one of thebristle tufts 151 is positioned within each of the tuft holes 130. Only a few of thebristle tufts 151 are labeled inFIGS. 1-3 in order to prevent clutter. Each of the plurality ofbristle tufts 151 is located within one of the tuft holes 130 in thehead portion 120 and secured thereto by ananchor wire 200. Thebristle tufts 151 collectively define a bristlefield 150. - Each of the
bristle tufts 151 comprises a plurality of bristles that are clumped together to form thebristle tuft 151, which is then inserted into a singular tuft hole formed into thehead portion 120. The bristles within each of thebristle tufts 151 may be, for example without limitation, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) bristles, spiral bristles, core-sheath bristles, tapered bristles, end-rounded bristles, or the like. Combinations of these different bristle types may be positioned in the same bristletuft 151 or each bristletuft 151 may contain only one bristle type. The bristles may have varying diameters including 7 mm, 8 mm, and 9 mm. Some of the bristles and/or bristletufts 151 may be infused with charcoal, bamboo salt, or other natural ingredients as may be desired to impart a benefit into an oral cavity of a user during use of thetoothbrush 100 for oral hygiene activities. - In the exemplified embodiment, to secure the
bristle tufts 151 to thehead portion 120, thebristle tufts 151 are folded into a U shape and then driven into thetuft hole 130 with theanchor wire 200. Thus, theanchor wire 200 rests atop abight portion 155 of the U shape of thebristle tufts 151 and sandwiches thebight portion 155 between theanchor wire 200 and thefloor 131 of thetuft hole 130. Thus, theanchor wire 200 is not driven so far into thetuft hole 130 so as to make contact with thefloor 131, but rather theanchor wire 200 remains spaced from thefloor 131 of thetuft hole 130 so that the bristles of thebristle tuft 151 can pass underneath theanchor wire 200 between theanchor wire 200 and thefloor 131 of thetuft hole 130. Theanchor wire 200 may become partially embedded within the material of the head portion 120 (i.e., within thesidewall 132 of the tuft hole 130) to secure theanchor wire 200 in place within thetuft hole 130. For example, in some embodiments thetuft hole 130 has a diameter of 1.6 mm and theanchor wire 200 has a width of 2.2 mm, such that 0.3 mm on each end of theanchor wire 200 is embedded within thesidewall 132 of thetuft hole 130 within which it is positioned. This results in theanchor wire 200 being securely coupled to thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100. It should be noted that such embedment of theanchor wire 200 in thehead portion 200 is not required in all embodiments and it may be possible to secure theanchor wire 200 to thehead portion 120 via a friction fit between the edges of theanchor wire 200 and thesidewall 132 of thetuft hole 130, using adhesives, or other technical means. As theanchor wire 200 is coupled to thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100, theanchor wire 200 holds thebristle tuft 151 in place within thetuft hole 130. - One important consideration in toothbrush manufacture is tuft retention, which is a measure of the force required to detach the bristles of the
bristle tuft 151 from thehead portion 120 of the toothbrush 100 (i.e., the holding force of filament tufts in thehead portion 120 of the toothbrush 100). Specifically, if thetoothbrush 100 has poor tuft retention, then the bristles of thebristle tufts 151 will more readily become detached from thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100 during use whereas if thetoothbrush 100 has good tuft retention the bristles of thebristle tufts 151 are less likely to become detached from thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100 during use. As will be discussed in greater detail below, theanchor wire 200 of the invention described herein has been specifically designed to increase tuft retention in thetoothbrush 100 which is formed from a cellulosic material such as wood or bamboo. - In the exemplified embodiment, the
bristle tufts 151 comprising filament bristles are the only tooth cleaning elements coupled to and extending from thehead portion 120. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in some alternative embodiments there may also be lamella or rubber cleaning elements including rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, or the like extending from the head. Thus, cleaning elements for cleaning, polishing, or wiping the teeth and/or soft oral tissue may be formed from other materials and provided on thehead portion 120 alongside of thebristle tufts 151. - As best seen in
FIG. 3 , in the exemplified embodiment thebristle field 150 formed by the plurality ofbristle tufts 151 has a flat trim profile. Specifically, each of thebristle tufts 151 has the same height measured from thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120 to adistal end 152 of thebristle tuft 151. As a result, the distal ends 152 of thebristle tufts 151 collectively lie on a common plane that is parallel to thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in some other embodiments thebristle tufts 151 may have varying heights to create a wavy or other trim profile that is not flat and planar as shown in the exemplified embodiment. The arrangement, pattern, location, position, orientation, angle, and other features related to the placement of the tuft holes 130 and thebristle tufts 151 are not to be limiting of the present invention in all embodiments and may be modified to suit a particular purpose. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , theanchor wire 200 that may be used to secure thebristle tufts 151 within the tuft holes 130 of thetoothbrush 100 will be described in greater detail. Theanchor wires 200 may comprise ananchor body 250. One of theanchor wires 200 is inserted within each of the tuft holes 130 that contains abristle tuft 150 in order to secure thebristle tuft 150 within thetuft hole 130 with sufficient retention so that limited, if any, bristles of thebristle tuft 150 are removed during normal use of thetoothbrush 100. The use of theanchor wires 200 for securing thebristle tufts 151 to thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100 is commonly referred to as a staple technique. Basically, thebristle tufts 151 are bent into a U shape around theanchor wire 200 to form a bristle-anchor wire subassembly. The bristle-anchor wire subassembly is then placed into the tuft holes 130. The engagement between theanchor wire 200 and thehead portion 120 of the toothbrush 100 (via embedment of theanchor wire 200 as described above, friction, or any other technical means) ensures that thebristle tufts 151 are retained within the tuft holes 130. The ability of theanchor wires 200 to remain in place assists with bristle retention by preventing bristles from being detached from thehead portion 120 during normal use of thetoothbrush 100. - In accordance with the invention set forth herein, the
anchor wires 200 may be formed from a metal alloy that comprises nickel. In some embodiments, theanchor wire 200 may be formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel, copper, and zinc. In other embodiments, the metal alloy may comprise nickel, copper, lead, and zinc. In one exemplary embodiment, the metal alloy may comprise 8-15 wt % nickel and 50-70 wt % copper. In another more particular embodiment, the metal alloy may comprise 11-12 wt % nickel and 61-62 wt % copper. In some embodiments, the remainder of the metal alloy is formed from zinc. In other embodiments there may be a small amount of lead, such as between 0.1 wt % and 2 wt %, or approximately 0.3 wt % lead with the remainder formed by zinc. In other embodiments, the metal alloy may comprise copper and nickel in the noted weight percentages and other metal materials. However, in accordance with embodiments of the invention set forth herein, the metal alloy used to form theanchor wires 200 of thetoothbrush 100 comprises at least 10 wt % nickel. - Furthermore, in certain embodiments the metal alloy comprises nickel and specifically does not include any brass. Nickel is a harder metal than brass. It has been found through experimentation by the inventors of the invention set forth herein that tuft retention is improved in a toothbrush formed from a cellulosic material such as bamboo when the
anchor wire 200 described herein is formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel and excluding brass (as compared to the metal alloy comprising brass). The graph shown inFIG. 9 and described below further illustrates the increased tuft retention with theanchor wire 200 formed from a metal alloy that comprises nickel. - In the exemplified embodiment, the
anchor wire 200 is a double sided grooved anchor having grooves on opposing major surfaces, with the grooves being square or rectangular shaped. Theanchor wire 200 has a generally rectangular shape, although the shape and dimensions of the tuft hole within which theanchor wire 200 is to be positioned may dictate varying the shape of theanchor wire 200 as should be appreciated. Theanchor wire 200 comprises abottom end 201, atop end 202, afirst surface 203 extending from thebottom end 201 to thetop end 202, asecond surface 204 extending from thebottom end 201 to thetop end 202, afirst side end 205 extending between the bottom and top ends 201, 202 and between the first andsecond surfaces second side end 206 extending between the bottom and top ends 201, 202 and between the first andsecond surfaces second surfaces anchor wire 200 because they are the surfaces having the largest surface area. Theanchor wire 200 extends from thebottom end 201 to thetop end 202 along a first anchor wire axis B-B and from thefirst side end 205 to thesecond side end 206 along a second anchor wire axis C-C that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis B-B. - In the exemplified embodiment, the top and bottom ends 201, 202 are chamfered. That is, the
top end 201 comprises anend wall 281, afirst oblique wall 282 extending from theend wall 281 to thefirst surface 203, and asecond oblique wall 283 extending from theend wall 281 to thesecond surface 204. Each of the first and secondoblique walls end wall 281 at an oblique angle, which in the exemplified embodiment is an obtuse angle. Similarly, thebottom end 202 comprises anend wall 292, afirst oblique wall 292 extending from theend wall 281 to thefirst surface 203, and asecond oblique wall 293 extending from theend wall 291 to thesecond surface 204. Each of the first andsecond walls end wall 291 at an oblique angle, which in the exemplified embodiment is an obtuse angle. such that they each include an end wall and two angled walls extending from the end wall to the first andsecond surfaces - There are multiple benefits to the chamfering of the
top end 202, and more particularly thebottom end 201. First, this reduces the likelihood that theanchor wire 200 will break the bristles of thebristles tufts 151 as the subassembly is being inserted into the tuft holes 130. Specifically, because the bristles are able to wrap around the first and secondoblique walls oblique walls oblique walls second surfaces end wall 291. Furthermore, as noted herein, theanchor wire 200 is intended for use in a toothbrush that is made from a cellulosic material such as wood or bamboo. It is known that such cellulosic materials may split when a structure is driven into it (for example, when a nail is hammered into wood it can split the wood, but flattening the sharp point of the nail helps to reduces such splitting). The same result is achieved here, which may ensure that the insertion of theanchor wires 200 into the tuft holes 130 does not cause the cellulosic material of thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100 to split or otherwise become damaged. - Referring briefly to
FIGS. 4 and 7A , theanchor wire 200 is positioned in thetuft hole 130 so that thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 is adjacent to thefloor 131 of thetuft hole 130, although thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 is spaced apart from thefloor 131 of thetuft hole 130 so that the bristles can pass through the space between theanchor wire 200 and thefloor 131. Thetop end 202 of theanchor wire 200 is recessed relative to thefront surface 123 of thehead portion 120. The first and second side ends 205, 206 of theanchor wire 200 are either abutted against or embedded within thesidewalls 132 of the tuft holes 130 (best shown inFIG. 7 described below) to couple theanchor wire 200 to thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100. - Referring again to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , theanchor wire 200 has a length L1 measured from thebottom end 201 to thetop end 202 and a width W1 measured from thefirst side end 205 to thesecond side end 206. In the exemplified embodiment, the width W1 is greater than the length L1. In some embodiments, the width W1 may be between 2.0 mm and 2.4 mm, and more specifically approximately 2.2 mm. Furthermore, the length L1 may be between 1.8 mm and 2.2 mm, and more specifically approximately 2.0 mm. Theanchor wire 200 also has a thickness T1 measured from thefirst surface 203 to thesecond surface 204. In the exemplified embodiment, the thickness T1 is between 0.26 mm and 0.30 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.28 mm. The term “approximately” as used in this sense and throughout this specification includes a tolerance (plus or minus) of 5%. In one particular embodiment, the length L1 may be exactly 2.2 mm, the width W1 may be exactly 2.0 mm, and the thickness T1 may be exactly 0.28 mm. - The
anchor wire 200 comprises a plurality offirst grooves 210 formed into thefirst surface 203 and a plurality ofsecond grooves 220 formed into thesecond surface 204. Each of thefirst grooves 210 extends along a groove axis D-D (only one of which is labeled in the drawings) which is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis B-B and parallel to the second anchor wire axis C-C. Stated another way, each of the first andsecond grooves first side end 205 of theanchor wire 200 to thesecond side end 206 of theanchor wire 200. Thus, each of the plurality offirst grooves 210 and each of the plurality ofsecond grooves 220 extend an entirety of the width W1 of theanchor wire 200 from thefirst side end 205 to thesecond side end 206. Each of the first andsecond grooves anchor wire 200. - Furthermore, because the
anchor wire 200 is positioned within the tuft holes 130 with thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 adjacent to thefloor 131 of thetuft hole 130, the first andsecond grooves head portion 120 and perpendicular to the axis of thetuft hole 130. This creates additional friction between theanchor wire 200 and thesidewalls 132 of thetuft hole 130. Each of thesecond grooves 220 is aligned with one of thefirst grooves 210, as best shown inFIG. 6 . Thus, moving in a direction from thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 to thetop end 202 of theanchor wire 200, wherever there is afirst groove 210 in thefirst surface 203 there is also asecond groove 220 in thesecond surface 204. Stated another way, any axis that is perpendicular to both of the first andsecond surfaces anchor wire 200 which intersects one of thefirst grooves 210 will also intersect one of thesecond grooves 220, and vice versa. Any axis that is perpendicular to both of the first andsecond surfaces anchor wire 200 which does not intersect one of thefirst grooves 210 will also not intersect one of thesecond grooves 220. - Each of the
first grooves 210 comprises afloor 211, afirst sidewall 212 extending from thefloor 211 to thefirst surface 203, and asecond sidewall 213 extending from thefloor 211 to thefirst surface 203. Thefloor 211 is recessed relative to thefirst surface 203 of theanchor wire 200. The first andsecond sidewalls floor 211, which gives thefirst grooves 210 their square or rectangular shape. Thus, a 90° angle is formed at the intersection of thefloor 211 and the first andsecond sidewalls first grooves 210, although the corners where the first andsecond sidewalls floor 211 could be somewhat rounded due to the manufacturing process as shown inFIG. 6 . Regardless, the first andsecond sidewalls floor 211. - The
first grooves 210 have a first groove depth D1 measured from thefloor 211 of thefirst groove 210 to thefirst surface 203 of theanchor wire 200. In the exemplified embodiment, the first groove depth D1 is approximately 0.05 mm (the term approximately including a tolerance of plus/minus 5%). - The
first grooves 210 have a first groove width WG1 measured from thefirst sidewall 212 to thesecond sidewall 213. Thus, the first groove width WG1 is measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis B-B and perpendicular to the groove axis D-D and to the second anchor wire axis C-C. In the exemplified embodiment, each of thefirst grooves 210 has the same first groove width WG1. In the exemplified embodiment, the first groove width WG1 may be between 0.28 mm and 0.32 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.30 mm. As noted above, the term approximately used herein includes a tolerance of plus or minus 5% from the provided value or dimension. In some embodiments the first groove width WG1 is greater than the thickness T1 of theanchor wire 200. - The
first grooves 210 are spaced apart from one another by a first groove to groove spacing distance D2. The first groove to groove spacing distance D2 is the distance between one of thefirst grooves 210 and an immediately adjacent one of thefirst grooves 210 measured in a direction of the first anchor wire axis B-B. The first groove to groove spacing distance D2 only includes space between adjacent ones of thefirst grooves 210 and does not include any portion of the width of thefirst grooves 210. In the exemplified embodiment, the first groove to groove spacing distance D2 may be between 0.28 mm and 0.32 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.30 mm (with approximately including a tolerance of plus/minus 5%). Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the first groove width WG1 and the first groove to groove spacing distance D2 are the same, or substantially equal (with the term substantially allowing for a tolerance such that one of the first groove width WG1 and the first groove to groove spacing distance D2 may be up to 5% greater than the other). - Furthermore, the plurality of
first grooves 210 comprises end-most grooves that are positioned closest to the bottom and top ends 201, 202 of theanchor wire 200. The end-most groove closest to thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 is spaced apart from thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 by a first groove to end spacing distance D3. Although not shown in the drawings, the end-most groove closest to thetop end 202 of theanchor wire 200 is also spaced apart from thetop end 202 of theanchor wire 200 by the first groove to end spacing distance D3. In the exemplified embodiment, the first groove to end spacing distance D3 is between 0.22 mm and 0.28 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.25 mm (approximately including a tolerance of plus/minus 5%). - In one specific embodiment of the invention, the
anchor wire 200 may have the following dimensions: the first groove width WG1 of approximately 0.3 mm, the first groove to groove spacing distance D2 of approximately 0.3 mm, the thickness T1 of approximately 0.28 mm, the first groove depth D1 of approximately 0.05 mm, and the first groove to end spacing distance D3 of approximately 0.25 mm. - Thus, in certain embodiments, the first groove width WG1 and the first groove to groove spacing distance D2 are the same. Furthermore, the first groove width WG1 and the first groove to groove spacing distance D2 are greater than the first groove to end spacing distance D3. A ratio of the first groove width WG1 to the first groove to end spacing distance D3 may be between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1. Moreover, in some embodiments a ratio of the first groove width WG1 to the first groove depth D1 may be between 5:1 and 8:1, and more specifically 5.5:1 and 6.5:1. In some embodiments, a ratio of the thickness T1 of the
anchor wire 200 to the first groove depth D1 may be greater than 4:1 and less than 6:1. - The
second grooves 220 have an identical structure, shape, size, and the like as thefirst grooves 210. Each of thesecond grooves 220 comprises afloor 221, afirst sidewall 222 extending from thefloor 221 to thesecond surface 204, and asecond sidewall 223 extending from thefloor 221 to thesecond surface 204. Thefloor 221 is recessed relative to thesecond surface 204 of theanchor wire 200. The first andsecond sidewalls floor 221. Thus, a 90° angle is formed at the intersection of thefloor 221 and the first andsecond sidewalls second grooves 220, although the corners where the first andsecond sidewalls floor 221 could be somewhat rounded due to the manufacturing process as shown inFIG. 6 . Regardless, the first andsecond sidewalls floor 221. - The
second grooves 220 have a second groove depth D4 measured from thefloor 221 of thesecond groove 220 to thesecond surface 204 of theanchor wire 200. In the exemplified embodiment, the second groove depth D4 is approximately 0.05 mm (approximately including a tolerance of plus/minus 5%). The second groove depth D4 of thesecond grooves 220 may be the same as the first groove depth D1 of thefirst grooves 210. - The
second grooves 220 have a second groove width WG2 measured from thefirst sidewall 222 to thesecond sidewall 223 in a direction of the first anchor axis B-B and perpendicular to the groove axis D-D and to the second anchor axis C-C. Each of thesecond grooves 220 has the same second groove width WG2. In the exemplified embodiment, the second groove width WG2 may be between 0.28 mm and 0.32 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.30 mm. As noted above, the term approximately used herein includes a tolerance of plus or minus 5% from the provided value or dimension. In some embodiments the second groove width WG2 may be identical to the first groove width WG1 and may be greater than the thickness T1. - The
second grooves 220 are spaced apart from one another by a second groove to groove spacing distance D5. The second groove to groove spacing distance D5 is the distance between one of thesecond grooves 220 and an immediately adjacent one of thesecond grooves 220 in a direction of the first anchor axis B-B. The second groove to groove spacing distance D5 only includes space between adjacent ones of thesecond grooves 220 and does not include any portion of the width of thesecond grooves 220. In the exemplified embodiment, the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 may be between 0.28 mm and 0.32 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.30 mm (with approximately including a tolerance of plus/minus 5%). Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the second groove width WG2 and the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 are the same or substantially equal (with the term substantially allowing for a tolerance such that one of the second groove width WG2 and the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 may be up to 5% greater than the other). The second groove width WG2 may also be the same as the first groove width WG1 and the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 may be the same as the first groove to groove spacing distance D2. - Furthermore, the plurality of
second grooves 220 comprises end-most grooves that are positioned closest to the bottom and top ends 201, 202 of theanchor wire 200. The end-most one of the second grooves closest to thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 is spaced apart from thebottom end 201 of theanchor wire 200 by a second groove to end spacing distance D6. Although not shown in the drawings, the end-most one of the second grooves closest to thetop end 202 of theanchor wire 200 is also spaced apart from thetop end 202 of theanchor wire 200 by the second groove to end spacing distance D6. In the exemplified embodiment, the second groove to end spacing distance D6 is between 0.22 mm and 0.28 mm, and more specifically approximately 0.25 mm (approximately including a tolerance of plus/minus 5%). Thus, the dimensions of thesecond grooves 220 and the spacing therebetween and relative to the bottom and top ends 201, 202 are identical to that which was provided above for thefirst grooves 210. In the exemplified embodiment, the second groove to end spacing distance D6 is the same as the first groove to end spacing distance D3. - In one specific embodiment of the invention, the
anchor wire 200 may have the following dimensions: the second groove width WG2 of approximately 0.3 mm, the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 of approximately 0.3 mm, the thickness T1 of approximately 0.28 mm, the second groove depth D4 of approximately 0.05 mm, and the second groove to end spacing distance D6 of approximately 0.25 mm. - Thus, in certain embodiments, the second groove width WG2 and the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 are the same. Furthermore, the second groove width WG2 and the second groove to groove spacing distance D5 are greater than the second groove to end spacing distance D6. A ratio of the second groove width WG2 to the second groove to end spacing distance D6 may be between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1. Moreover, in some embodiments a ratio of the second groove width WG2 to the second groove depth D2 may be between 5:1 and 8:1, and more specifically 5.5:1 and 6.5:1. In some embodiments, a ratio of the thickness T1 of the
anchor wire 200 to the second groove depth D4 may be greater than 4:1 and less than 6:1. - In certain embodiments, the
anchor wire 200 may have a second thickness T2 measured from thefloor 211 of one of thefirst grooves 210 to thefloor 221 of the one of thesecond grooves 220 that is aligned with thefirst groove 210. A ratio of the second thickness T2 to a sum of the first and second groove depths (T2:(D1+D4)) may be in a range of 1.5:1 and 2.5:1, and more specifically between 1.5:1 and 2.0:1, and still more specifically approximately 1.8:1. Furthermore, a ratio of the thickness T1 of theanchor wire 200 to the second thickness T2 may be between 1.3:1 and 1.8:1, and more specifically between 1.5:1 and 1.6:1. Finally, a ratio of the first groove width WG1 or the second groove width WG2 to the thickness T2 may be in a range of 1.5:1 and 1.8:1, and more specifically between 1.6:1 and 1.7:1. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , thehead portion 120 of thetoothbrush 100 is illustrated with the bristle tufts omitted. Furthermore, inFIG. 7 one of theanchor wires 200 is illustrated positioned within each of the tuft holes 130. In the exemplified embodiment, each of theanchor wires 200 is positioned within one of the tuft holes 130 in the same orientation. Thus, the second anchor axes C-C of each of the plurality ofanchor wires 200 are parallel to one another when theanchor wires 200 are disposed within the tuft holes 130. Furthermore, although not shown, the groove axes D-D are parallel to the second anchor axes C-C and thus are oriented as shown inFIG. 7 as well. Moreover, each of theanchor wires 200 is positioned within one of the tuft holes 130 so that the second anchor axes C-C and the groove axes D-D are oblique to the longitudinal axis A-A of thetoothbrush 100 and thehead portion 120 thereof. More specifically, the second anchor axes C-C and the groove axes D-D of theanchor wires 200 form an oblique angle θ1 with the longitudinal axis A-A of thehead portion 120 of at least 10 degrees. In other embodiments, the oblique angle θ1 is at least 15 degrees. In some embodiments, the oblique angle θ1 is between 10 degrees and 20 degrees, and more specifically between 12 degrees and 18 degrees, and more specifically between 14 degrees and 16 degrees, and still more specifically approximately 15 degrees. -
FIG. 8 illustrates ananchor wire 300 of the prior art that is previously known to have been used on toothbrushes formed from cellulosic material such as bamboo. Theanchor wire 300 ofFIG. 8 is formed from brass or a metal alloy comprising brass and devoid of nickel. Theanchor wire 300 is a double grooved anchor wire in that it has grooves on both faces thereof similar to theanchor wire 200. However, the sidewalls of the grooves of theanchor wire 300 are not perpendicular to the floor of the grooves of theanchor wire 300. Thus, the grooves have a trapezoidal shape instead of a square/rectangular shape. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the combination of forming theanchor wire 200 from a metal alloy comprising nickel and such that the first andsecond grooves toothbrush 100 having an improved tuft retention due to the stronger nickel material and an increased friction between theanchor wire 200 and thesidewall 132 of thetuft hole 130. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , a graph illustrating the tuft retention for thetoothbrush 100 formed from bamboo using theanchor wire 300 ofFIG. 8 and using theanchor wire 200 ofFIGS. 5 and 6 is provided. As can be seen, the average tuft retention with theanchor wire 200 is 41.6 N whereas the average tuft retention with theanchor wire 300 is 30.4. This illustrates that there is a significant improvement in tuft retention when theanchor wire 300 is used in thetoothbrush 100 to hold thebristle tufts 150 in the tuft holes 130 as compared to when theanchor wire 200 of the prior art is used in thetoothbrush 100 to hold thebristle tufts 150 in the tuft holes 130. - As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.
- While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (24)
1. A toothbrush comprising:
a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion comprising a front surface, the body formed from bamboo;
a plurality of tuft holes formed into the front surface of the head portion, each of the tuft holes comprising a floor that is recessed relative to the front surface of the head portion;
a bristle tuft positioned within each of the tuft holes;
an anchor wire positioned within each of the tuft holes to secure the bristle tufts to the head portion, each of the anchor wires formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel;
each of the anchor wires comprising a bottom end adjacent to the floor of the tuft hole within which the anchor wire is positioned, a top end opposite the bottom end, a first anchor wire axis extending from the bottom end to the top end, and first and second surfaces extending from the bottom end to the top end;
a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of each of the anchor wires and a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of each of the anchor wires, each of the first and second grooves extending along a groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis, each of the first grooves spaced apart from each adjacent one of the first grooves and each of the second grooves spaced apart from each adjacent one of the second grooves by a groove to groove spacing distance; and
wherein each of the first and second grooves has a groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis, the groove width being substantially equal to the groove to groove spacing distance.
2. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein each of the first grooves comprises a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor wire, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor wire, the first and second sidewalls of the first grooves being perpendicular to the floor of the first grooves, and wherein each of the second grooves comprises a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor wire, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor wire, the first and second sidewalls of the second grooves being perpendicular to the floor of the second grooves.
3. The toothbrush according to claim 2 wherein each of the first grooves has a first groove depth measured from the floor of the first groove to the first surface of the anchor wire and wherein each of the second grooves has a second groove depth measured from the floor of the second groove to the second surface of the anchor wire, the first and second groove depths being the same.
4. The toothbrush according to claim 3 wherein a ratio of the groove width to each of the first and second groove depths is between 5:1 and 8:1.
5. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein one of the first grooves adjacent to the bottom end of the anchor wire and one of the second grooves adjacent to the bottom end of the anchor wire are spaced apart from the bottom end of the anchor wire by a groove to end spacing distance, and wherein the groove width and the groove to groove spacing distance are greater than the groove to end spacing distance.
6. The toothbrush according to claim 5 wherein a ratio of the groove width to the groove to end spacing distance is between 1.1:1 and 1.3.1, and wherein a ratio of the groove to groove spacing distance and the groove to end spacing distance is between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1.
7. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein each of the anchor wires comprises a length measured from the bottom end to the top end and a width measured from a first side end to a second side end, the width being greater than the length.
8. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the body extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, and wherein each of the anchor wires is positioned within one of the tuft holes so that the groove axes of the first and second grooves of the anchor wires intersect the longitudinal axis of the body portion at an oblique angle, and wherein the oblique angle is between 10° and 20°.
9. (canceled)
10. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein for each of the anchor wires, each of the first grooves in the first surface of the anchor wire is aligned with one of the second grooves in the second surface of the anchor wire.
11. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein each of the anchor wires comprises a thickness measured from the first surface to the second surface, and wherein each of the first and second grooves has a depth, and wherein a ratio of the thickness of the anchor wire to the depth of the first and second grooves is greater than 4:1 and less than 6:1.
12. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein each of the anchor wires comprises a thickness measured from the first surface to the second surface, and wherein the groove width is greater than the thickness.
13. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the metal alloy comprises nickel, copper, and zinc, the nickel comprising 8-15 wt % of the metal alloy and the copper comprising 50-70 wt % of the metal alloy.
14. (canceled)
15. The toothbrush according to claim 1 wherein the groove width is approximately 0.3 mm, wherein the groove to groove spacing distance is approximately 0.3 mm, wherein a thickness of the anchor wire measured from the first surface to the second surface is approximately 0.28 mm, wherein a depth of the first and second grooves is approximately 0.05 mm, and wherein a distance between the first and second grooves positioned closest to the bottom and top ends of the anchor wire and the bottom and top ends of the anchor wire is approximately 0.25 mm.
16. A toothbrush comprising:
a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion comprising a front surface, the body formed from a cellulosic material;
a plurality of tuft holes formed into the front surface of the head portion, each of the tuft holes comprising a floor that is recessed relative to the front surface of the head portion;
a bristle tuft positioned within each of the tuft holes;
an anchor wire positioned within each of the tuft holes to secure the bristle tufts to the head portion, each of the anchor wires formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel;
each of the anchor wires comprising a bottom end adjacent to the floor of the tuft hole within which the anchor wire is positioned, a top end opposite the bottom end, a first anchor wire axis extending from the bottom end to the top end, and first and second surfaces extending from the bottom end to the top end;
a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of each of the anchor wires and a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of each of the anchor wires, each of the first and second grooves extending along a groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis; and
wherein each of the first grooves comprises a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor wire, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the first surface of the anchor wire, the first and second sidewalls being perpendicular to the floor, and wherein each of the second grooves comprises a floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor wire, and a second sidewall extending from the floor to the second surface of the anchor wire, the first and second sidewalls being perpendicular to the floor.
17. The toothbrush according to claim 16 wherein each of the first grooves and each of the second grooves has a groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis, wherein each of the first grooves is spaced apart from each adjacent one of the first grooves and each of the second grooves is spaced apart from each adjacent one of the second grooves by a groove to groove spacing distance, and wherein the groove width and the groove to groove spacing distance are the same.
18. The toothbrush according to claim 17 wherein each of the first grooves and each of the second grooves comprises a groove depth, and wherein a ratio of the groove width to the groove depth is between 5:1 and 8:1.
19. The toothbrush according to claim 17 wherein the plurality of first grooves comprises a first end groove spaced a first groove to end spacing distance from the bottom end of the anchor wire and a second end groove spaced a second groove to end spacing distance from the top end of the anchor wire, and wherein the groove width and the groove to groove spacing distance are greater than the first and second groove to end spacing distances wherein a ratio of the groove width to each of the first and second groove to end spacing distances is between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1.
20. (canceled)
21. The toothbrush according to claim 16 wherein the cellulosic material comprises bamboo.
22. The toothbrush according to claim 16 wherein each of the anchor wires comprises a thickness measured from the first surface to the second surface, and wherein each of the first grooves and each of the second grooves has a groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis, and wherein the groove width is greater than the thickness.
23. A toothbrush comprising:
a body comprising a handle portion and a head portion comprising a front surface, the body formed from bamboo;
a plurality of tuft holes formed into the front surface of the head portion, each of the tuft holes comprising a floor that is recessed relative to the front surface of the head portion;
a bristle tuft positioned within each of the tuft holes;
an anchor wire positioned within each of the tuft holes to secure the bristle tufts to the head portion, each of the anchor wires formed from a metal alloy comprising nickel;
each of the anchor wires comprising a bottom end adjacent to the floor of the tuft hole within which the anchor wire is positioned, a top end opposite the bottom end, a first anchor wire axis extending from the bottom end to the top end, first and second surfaces extending from the bottom end to the top end, and a thickness measured from the first surface to the second surface;
a plurality of first grooves formed into the first surface of each of the anchor wires and a plurality of second grooves formed into the second surface of each of the anchor wires, each of the first and second grooves extending along a groove axis that is perpendicular to the first anchor wire axis; and
wherein each of the first and second grooves has a groove width measured in a direction parallel to the first anchor wire axis, wherein the groove width is greater than the thickness of the anchor wire.
24.-30. (canceled)
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CZ292101B6 (en) * | 1995-06-12 | 2003-07-16 | Anchor Advanced Products, Inc. | Brush or toothbrush, method of securely anchoring bristles to such brush or toothbrush head, an anchor wire, and use thereof |
BE1012911A3 (en) * | 1999-09-28 | 2001-05-08 | Boucherie Nv G B | Brush and method and device for the production of such a brush. |
JP2001309818A (en) | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-06 | Lion Corp | Brush |
DE10163729A1 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2003-07-10 | Zahoransky Anton Gmbh & Co | Toothbrush manufacturing process involves melting plastic brush head around holes where bristles anchors are inserted to form a firm connection between head and bristles |
US20060242779A1 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-11-02 | Accurate Wire, Inc. | Brush with stapled tufts |
KR20140094332A (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2014-07-30 | 박성우 | Anchor heteromarphy flat wire for toothbrush brush fixing |
JP6906313B2 (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2021-07-21 | ライオン株式会社 | toothbrush |
CN206896059U (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2018-01-19 | 贝尔纳塑料制品(苏州)有限公司 | A kind of toothbrush for children |
SE542754C2 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2020-07-07 | Tepe Munhygienprodukter Ab | Toothbrush handle, toothbrush and methods of manufacturing |
CN111248611A (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2020-06-09 | 顾如民 | Bamboo toothbrush handle and preparation method thereof |
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- 2020-06-17 WO PCT/CN2020/096485 patent/WO2021253261A1/en unknown
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WO2021253261A1 (en) | 2021-12-23 |
EP4030963A4 (en) | 2023-02-22 |
EP4030963A1 (en) | 2022-07-27 |
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