WO2019158370A1 - Agencements de tête de brosse et procédé de fabrication - Google Patents

Agencements de tête de brosse et procédé de fabrication Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019158370A1
WO2019158370A1 PCT/EP2019/052454 EP2019052454W WO2019158370A1 WO 2019158370 A1 WO2019158370 A1 WO 2019158370A1 EP 2019052454 W EP2019052454 W EP 2019052454W WO 2019158370 A1 WO2019158370 A1 WO 2019158370A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
carrier plate
platen
brush head
platen portion
pin
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2019/052454
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Meidl
Florian KOPEINIG
Friedrich Stoeffler
Bernhard Schratter
Peter Reinisch
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2019158370A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019158370A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
    • A46B3/04—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier by mouldable materials, e.g. metals, cellulose derivatives, plastics
    • 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
    • A46B3/06—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier by welding together bristles made of metal wires or plastic materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
    • A46B7/042—Clip or snap connection for bristle carriers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
    • A46B7/044—Sliding connections for bristle carriers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46D—MANUFACTURE OF BRUSHES
    • A46D3/00—Preparing, i.e. Manufacturing brush bodies
    • A46D3/005—Preparing, i.e. Manufacturing brush bodies by moulding or casting a body around bristles or tufts of bristles
    • 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
    • A46D3/045—Machines for inserting or fixing bristles in bodies for fixing bristles by fusing or gluing to a body
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure is directed generally to an improved brush head, and more particularly, to the arrangement, structure, securement, and resulting function of bristle tufts in a brush head assembly with bristle tufts retained within a flexible material matrix.
  • Brush heads used with manual and power brushes which have bristle tufts contained within retention elements seated within a brush head, are known.
  • One or more bristle tufts are inserted in retention elements joined together in a carrier plate, and the proximal portion of the bristles are joined together to form a proximal end head portion to secure the bristles in the retention elements, which along with the brush neck, are surrounded and secured together by an injection molded flexible material, which is then allowed to cool in order to form the final brush head.
  • the present disclosure is directed to an inventive arrangement, structure, securement, and resulting function of bristle tufts in a brush head.
  • Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to a brush head formed from a carrier plate having a plurality of hollow retention elements, which can be of differing sizes and shapes disposed therein. Each retention element includes at least one bristle tuft retained therein. The bristle tufts are secured in the retention elements in the carrier plate.
  • the carrier plate is then secured to the brush neck, either by means of one or more pins that protrude from the front of the brush neck and onto which the carrier plate is secured, or one or more pins that protrude from the rear side of the carrier plate and are secured into openings in the brush neck.
  • the carrier plate, along with the brush neck, are surrounded and secured together by an injection molded flexible material, which is then allowed to cool in order to form the final brush head.
  • the one or more pins secure the carrier plate to the brush neck while still providing flexibility and movement of the bristle tufts during operation of the brush head.
  • a brush head for a toothbrush includes a neck having a platen portion, at least one carrier plate having at least one retention element therein, and a plurality of bristle tufts comprising a plurality of bristle strands. At least one bristle tuft is inserted into the at least one retention element, retained at its proximal end by the formation of a proximal end head portion of the bristle tuft.
  • the brush head further includes at least one pin securing the carrier plate to the platen portion and a flexible material matrix formed by injecting a flexible material around at least a portion of the platen, carrier plate, retention elements and proximal end head portion of bristle tuft.
  • the at least one pin projects upwardly from the platen portion and the carrier plate is secured thereon by means of openings in the at least one carrier plate.
  • the at least one pin projects from a back side of the at least one carrier plate and is secured to the platen portion.
  • the at least one pin is secured to the platen portion by means of an adhesive.
  • the at least one pin is secured in an opening or slot in the platen portion and the at least one pin is secured in the opening or slot by means of an adhesive.
  • the at least one pin can be secured in the opening or slot by means of application of heat to melt at least a portion of the at least one pin alternatively or additionally.
  • the at least one pin can be secured to the carrier plate and platen portion by adhesive means.
  • the at least one pin can be secured to the carrier plate and platen portion by melting means alternatively or additionally.
  • a brush head for a toothbrush includes a neck having a platen portion with a lip and at least one carrier plate having at least one retention element therein, an outer rim, and at least one arm descending downwardly from the outer rim of the at least one carrier plate.
  • the brush head further includes a plurality of bristle tufts comprised of a plurality of bristle strands, at least one of which is inserted into the at least one retention element, retained at its proximal end by the formation of a proximal end head portion of the bristle tuft.
  • the at least one arm on the at least one carrier plate is slidable around the lip on the platen portion and holds the at least one carrier plate and the platen portion together.
  • the brush head also includes a flexible material matrix formed by injecting a flexible material around at least a portion of the platen portion, the lip, the at least one carrier plate, the at least one arm, the at least one retention element and the proximal end head portion of the bristle tuft to secure the components together.
  • a method for manufacturing a brush head assembly includes providing a neck having a platen portion and providing at least one carrier plate having at least one retention element therein.
  • the method further includes inserting at least one bristle tuft comprised of a plurality of bristle strands into the at least one retention element in the at least one carrier plate and securing the at least one bristle tuft into the at least one retention element at the proximal end thereof.
  • the method further includes securing the at least one carrier plate to the platen portion with at least one pin and positioning the platen portion in relation to the proximal end of the at least one bristle tuft.
  • the positioning of the platen portion in relation to the at least one carrier plate defines a space therebetween for injection of a flexible material to form a flexible material matrix around at least a portion of the platen portion, the at least one pin, the at least one carrier plate, the at least one retention element and the proximal end of the at least one bristle tuft.
  • a method for manufacturing a brush head assembly includes providing a neck having a platen portion, the platen portion having at least one protrusion and providing at least one carrier plate having at least one retention element therein.
  • the method further includes inserting at least one bristle tuft comprised of a plurality of bristle strands into the at least one retention element in the at least one carrier plate and securing the at least one bristle tuft into the at least one retention element at the proximal end thereof.
  • the method further includes positioning the at least one carrier plate in contact with the at least one protrusion of the platen portion and forming a flexible matrix around at least a portion of the platen portion, the at least one protrusion, the at least one carrier plate, the at least one retention element and the proximal end of the at least one bristle tuft to connect the at least one carrier plate and the platen portion.
  • forming the flexible matrix comprises providing a force from the platen portion to the at least one carrier plate by the at least one protrusion.
  • the at least one protrusion comprises at least one rib extending along a length of the platen portion.
  • the at least one protrusion can also comprise at least one rib extending along a width of the platen portion alternatively.
  • FIG. 1 is a partially transparent side view representation of a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom/back side view schematic representation of the brush head assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 3A is a partially transparent front view assembly of a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 3B is a partially transparent rear side perspective view assembly of the brush head shown in FIG. 3A in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 3C is a partially transparent side view assembly of a brush head assembly in accordance with another embodiment.
  • FIG. 3D is a partially transparent cross-sectional view of the brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment taken generally along line 3D-3D in FIG. 3C.
  • FIG. 3E is a partially transparent cross-sectional view of a brush head assembly in accordance with another embodiment.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are partially assembled views of brush head assemblies in accordance with embodiments.
  • FIGS. 5 A through 5E are exploded views of various arrangements of brush head assemblies in accordance with embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 A is a partially assembled view of a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6B is a partially transparent side view assembly of a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6C is a partially assembled view of a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 6D is a partially assembled view of a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a partially transparent side view assembly of a brush head assembly during production in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a brush head assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • the present disclosure describes various embodiments of an improved brush head for dental cleaning. More generally, Applicants have recognized and appreciated that it would be beneficial to provide a brush head formed from a carrier plate having a plurality of hollow retention elements, which can be of differing sizes and shapes disposed therein. Each retention element has at least one bristle tuft inserted therein. The bristle tufts are secured into the retention element.
  • the carrier plate is then secured to the brush neck, by means of one or more pins that protrude from the front of the brush neck and onto which the carrier plate is secured, by means of one or more pins that protrude from the rear side of the carrier plate and are secured into an opening in the brush neck, or by means of an injection molded flexible material connecting the carrier plate and the brush neck without any mechanical interlock between the carrier plate and the brush neck.
  • the carrier plate, along with the brush neck are surrounded and secured together by an injection molded flexible material, which is then allowed to cool in order to form the final brush head.
  • the one or more pins secure the carrier plate to the brush neck while still providing flexibility and movement of the bristle tufts during operation of the brush head.
  • one or more protrusions are provided on the neck to provide an improved method of manufacturing while still providing flexibility and movement of the bristle tufts during operation of the brush head.
  • a particular goal of utilization of the embodiments of the present disclosure is the ability of the embodiments of the improved brush head to provide improved adherence between the brush neck, and the carrier plate and the bristle tufts positioned therein.
  • a further goal is to provide an improved anchor free production process for toothbrushes.
  • Another goal is to provide improved and more complete teeth cleaning.
  • a brush head is formed from a carrier plate having a plurality of hollow retention elements, which can be of differing sizes and shapes disposed therein.
  • Each hollow retention element has at least one bristle tuft retained therein.
  • the brush head also includes a brush head neck.
  • the carrier plate with the bristle tufts retained therein is secured to the brush neck by means of one or more pins that join the two components together or an injection molded flexible material. At least a portion of the brush neck, carrier plate and bristle tufts, and one or more optional pins are encapsulated and joined together with a flexible material injection molded around the components.
  • a brush head assembly 100 is provided. More particularly, the brush head assembly 100 can include, but is not limited to, a flexible material matrix 30. A plurality of individual bristle tufts 21, each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands, are retained within at least one retention element 52 in the carrier plate 50 disposed in the flexible material matrix 30. A portion of the brush head neck 40, called a platen 42, is also at least partially enclosed in the flexible material matrix 30.
  • the carrier plate 50 is connected and secured to the neck platen 42 by means of one or more pins 60.
  • the pin(s) 60 may protrude upwardly from the neck platen, or rearwardly from the carrier plate, or both.
  • the pins 60 that protrude upwardly from the platen 42 may be a formed part of the platen 42, or may be secured to the front surface of the platen (e.g., bonding through heat and pressure), or may be secured into an opening 43 in the platen 42 by heat, glue, or other bonding means.
  • the pin(s) may be formed from and descend from the rear or side of the carrier plate 50, or may be a separate component secured to the carrier plate and/or retention element by heat, glue or other bonding means, or may be secured in one or more openings or slots in the carrier plate.
  • the pin(s) are used to secure the carrier plate (e.g., 50), and the bristle tufts secured in the retention elements therein, to the neck platen (e.g., 42) to ensure the parts remain secured together during operation of the brush. Even if the flexible matrix described herein dissolves, the bristles do not fall out due to the mechanical connection between the carrier plate and the neck.
  • the pins on the platen can be fixated to the carrier plate via a heat piston, for example.
  • the pins on the carrier plate can be fixated to the platen via a heat piston or any suitable alternative.
  • embodiments can include two or more pins.
  • the two or more pins can be any shape, including but not limited to, cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, rectangular, or polygonal depending on the design of the bristle tufts.
  • the two or more pins can have a smooth exterior surface from top to bottom, or the pins can have different thicknesses at different heights (e.g., a stepped configuration).
  • the two or more pins can have a constant thickness or varying thickness (e.g., tapering).
  • a perspective assembled bottom/back side view of a brush head assembly 100 is provided.
  • the neck 40 is shown, which has platen portion 42.
  • the opposite end of the neck 40 from the platen can be coupled to any manual brush shaft, or, more preferably, to any actuator and drive shaft (not shown) made or suitable for powered oral care devices now known or to be developed.
  • At least one gate 41 is shown on the back side of the neck 40. The gate 41 is used for the injection molding of the material that forms the flexible material matrix 30, described further below.
  • a partially see-through view of a brush head assembly 100 is provided.
  • This view shows several retention elements 52 disposed in the flexible material matrix 30.
  • Each individual retention element has at least one bristle tuft 21 contained therein.
  • the retention elements 52 can be of a different shape and size.
  • the gate 41 in the brush neck through which the flexible material was injected to form the flexible material matrix 30 is shown.
  • the pins 60 used to secure the carrier plate 50 to the brush neck platen 42 can be seen.
  • pins 60 are extending from the carrier plate 50 and through openings in the platen 42.
  • pins 60 are extending from the platen 42 through openings in the carrier plate 50.
  • the connection can be done in either manner as described or otherwise envisioned herein.
  • the carrier plate 50 has one or more arms 53 that descend from the carrier plate side or bottom that hold the carrier plate to a lip 45 that extends around at least a portion of the platen 42.
  • the arms 53 on the carrier plate slide around the lip 45 to hold the carrier plate a prescribed distance away from the platen.
  • FIG. 5E Another view of this embodiment can be seen in FIG. 5E.
  • the distance between the carrier plate and the platen can be filled with the flexible material matrix to allow flexibility and movement of the bristle tufts during operation of the brush head.
  • the one or more arms 53 can be used in lieu of or in addition to the one or more pins described herein.
  • FIG. 3D In this embodiment, the carrier plate 50 has an arm on either side of the carrier plate and the lip of the platen extends all the way around the platen.
  • the carrier plate 50 has one or more arms 53A that descend from the carrier plate bottom.
  • the one or more arms 53A hold the carrier plate to a slot or channel that extends at least partially along the platen.
  • the slot or channel can open out at the front or rear end of the platen so that the arm 53A of the carrier plate can be inserted into the front or rear end, respectively, and slid along the length of the slot or channel until the arm contacts the end of the slot or channel.
  • yet another variation of this arrangement is one wherein the arm protrudes upwardly from the front side of the platen 42 and the carrier plate 50 includes a slot that extends along part of the length of the carrier plate to receive the arm.
  • the arm(s) can be a formed part of the platen 42 or carrier plate 50, or can be a separate component that is secured to the platen and carrier plate.
  • An embodiment in which the carrier plate has a pin that descends from the carrier plate and the platen has a slot to receive the pin is shown in FIG. 5D.
  • the arm shown in FIG. 3E can slide just as the pin can slide in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5D.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B partially assembled brush head assemblies 100 in accordance with some embodiments are shown.
  • a plurality of individual bristle tufts 21, are retained within the retention elements 52 in the carrier plate 50.
  • the carrier plate 50 is connected and secured to the neck platen 42 by means of one or more pins 60.
  • ultrasonic welding or hot stamping can be used to secure the pins in openings in the carrier plate.
  • the ultrasonic welding or hot stamping can be performed at the top surface of the carrier plate.
  • the pins secure the carrier plate, and the bristle tufts secured in the retention elements therein, to the neck platen to ensure the parts remain secured together during operation of the brush. As shown in FIG.
  • the pin(s) 60 may protrude from the back side of the carrier plate 50.
  • the pins 60 can be secured into openings or slots 43 in the platen 42 by heat, adhesive, or other bonding means.
  • the pins 60 can be a formed part of the platen 42 that secure into openings 51 in the carrier plate 50.
  • the pins 60 may be secured to the front surface of the platen, or may be secured into an opening 43 in the platen 42 by heat, glue, or other bonding means.
  • the one or more pins 60 are separate from both the carrier plate 50 and the platen 42, but are similarly used to secure the components together.
  • the one or more pins can be embodied as a nail and the nail can be placed through the top of carrier plate and into the neck platen 42 or through the bottom of the neck platen and into the carrier plate.
  • the pin 60 descends from the carrier plate 50, and is slid into a slot 43 that extends at least partially along the length of the platen, that opens out at the front end of the platen so the pin 60 of the carrier plate can be inserted into the front end of the slot and slid along the length of slot 43 until the pin contacts the back wall of the slot.
  • the slot can open at the rear end of the platen so that the pin can be inserted into the back end of the slot and slid along the length of the slot.
  • the platen can include two or more slots that start at the front or the back.
  • FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the brush head assembly of FIG. 4A where the pins protrude downwardly from the back side of the carrier plate 50 and are secured into openings 43 in the platen 42. Once secured together, the components are encapsulated with a flexible material matrix 30.
  • FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the brush head assembly of FIG. 4B wherein the pins protrude upwardly from the front of the neck platen 42 and are secured into openings 51 in the carrier plate 50.
  • FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the brush head assembly that is a variation of that shown in FIG. 5A, wherein a single pin or nose protrudes downwardly from the back side of the carrier plate 50 and is secured into an opening 43 in the platen 42.
  • FIG. 5D shows yet another variation of this arrangement in which the opening in the platen 42 is a slot 43.
  • the pin 60 descends from the bottom of the carrier plate 50, and is slid into a slot 43 that extends along part of the length of the platen 42, that opens out at the front end of the platen so the pin 60 of the carrier plate can be inserted into the opening at the front end of the slot 43 and slid along the length of slot until the pin contacts the back wall of the slot.
  • yet another variation of this arrangement is one wherein the single pin protrudes upwardly from the front side of the platen 42 and the carrier plate 50 includes a slot that extends along part of the length of the carrier plate to receive the pin.
  • the pin(s) can be a formed part of the platen 42 or carrier plate 50, or can be a separate component that is secured to the platen and carrier plate.
  • the pin(s) are used to secure the carrier plate, and the bristle tufts secured in the retention elements therein, to the neck platen to ensure the parts remain secured together during operation of the brush.
  • the components are encapsulated with a flexible material matrix 30.
  • the pin or nose can be overmolded with the material of the platen and afterwards with the flexible material (e.g., TPE).
  • FIG. 5E is an exploded view of the brush head assembly of FIG. 3D.
  • FIG. 5E shows an alternative embodiment of the present application, in which the carrier plate 50 has one or more arms 53 that descend from the carrier plate side or bottom that hold the carrier plate to a lip 45 that extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the platen 42. The arms 53 on the carrier plate slide around the lip 45 to hold the carrier plate a prescribed distance away from the platen. Once secured together, the components are encapsulated with a flexible material matrix 30.
  • FIGS. 6A through 6D in one embodiment, another arrangement of a brush head assembly 100 is provided.
  • the brush head assembly 100 can include, but is not limited to, a flexible material matrix 30, such as shown in FIG. 6B.
  • a plurality of individual bristle tufts 21, each of which includes a plurality of bristle strands, are retained within at least one retention element 52 in the carrier plate 50 disposed in the flexible material matrix 30.
  • a portion of the brush head neck 40, called a platen 42, is also at least partially enclosed in the flexible material matrix 30.
  • One or more pin(s) 60 may protrude upwardly from the neck platen, or rearwardly from the carrier plate, or both.
  • the pins 60 that protrude upwardly from the platen 42 may be a formed part of the platen 42, or may be secured to the front surface of the platen (e.g., bonding through heat and pressure), or may be secured into an opening 43 in the platen 42 by heat, glue, or other bonding means.
  • the pin(s) may be formed from and descend from the rear or side of the carrier plate 50, or may be a separate component secured to the carrier plate and/or retention element by heat, glue or other bonding means, or may be secured in one or more openings or slots in the carrier plate.
  • the pin(s) are used to maintain the carrier plate and platen at a specific distance/spacing apart from each other, which spacing is retained when the flexible material matrix 30 is molded around the platen and carrier plate.
  • embodiments can include two or more pins.
  • the two or more pins can be any shape, including but not limited to, cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, rectangular, or polygonal depending on the design of the bristle tufts.
  • the two or more pins can have a smooth exterior surface from top to bottom, or the pins can have different thicknesses at different heights (e.g., a stepped configuration).
  • the two or more pins can have a constant thickness or varying thickness (e.g., tapering).
  • FIGS 6A and 6B depicts an embodiment with four pins
  • emobidments can include any number of pins, which can be any design, shape, size, or geometry.
  • the pins can be any shape, including but not limited to, cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, rectangular, or polygonal depending on the design of the bristle tufts.
  • the pins can have a smooth exterior surface from top to bottom, or the pins can have different thicknesses at different heights (e.g., a stepped configuration).
  • the pins can have a constant thickness or varying thickness (e.g., tapering). For example, referring to FIG.
  • the one or more pins can be embodied as a single longitudinal rib 61 that extends along at least part of the length of the top surface of the platen 42 of the neck.
  • the longitudinal rib 61 can extend along the entire length of the top surface of the platen 42.
  • the one or more pins can be embodied as one or a plurality of transverse ribs 62 that extend along as least part of the width of the top surface of the platen 42 of the neck.
  • the one or more transverse ribs 62 can extend along the entire width of the top surface of the platen 42.
  • the designs of these ribs can be considered as examples of any geometry, shape, or design for the one or more pins that are included to provide extra support on the carrier plate to prevent the carrier plate from becoming loose due to the molding pressure.
  • the one or more pins can be located at any position on the top surface of the neck.
  • At least one retention element 52 is formed in a carrier plate 50.
  • Retention elements 52 can be any of the shapes, sizes, and/or configurations described or otherwise envisioned herein.
  • a plurality of retention elements 52 can be the same size and shape, or multiple different sizes and shapes.
  • At least one bristle tuft 21 (which comprises a plurality of bristle strands) is inserted into each of the at least one retention elements 52 in the carrier plate 50.
  • Each of the bristle tufts 21 includes a proximal end and a free end, with the proximal end being inserted into the retention element.
  • the bristle tufts 21 are secured in the retention elements so that they do not pull back through the retention element during manufacture or use of the finished brush head assembly 100. In one arrangement, this is accomplished by applying heat to the proximal end of the bristle tufts to melt the proximal ends to form a proximal end head portion. However, other methods of securing the bristle tufts in the retention elements can also be used.
  • the brush head neck 40 is then positioned to put the platen 42 in the proper location in relation to the carrier plate 50.
  • the pins 60 can be then used to secure the platen 42 and the carrier plate 50 together, or to suspend the platen and carrier plate a set distance from each other.
  • the pins can be secured by means of press fitting, heat, laser welding, or other methods that provide a secure bond.
  • the carrier plate 50 and platen may be secured together so there is no gap between the components, or can be arranged so that there is a gap between the back side of the carrier plate and the front of the platen 42.
  • a flexible elastomeric material is injected around at least a portion of the platen 42, the carrier plate and the bristle tufts contained in the retention elements in the carrier plate.
  • the injection is typically done through one or more gates 41 in the brush neck.
  • the molded material forms a flexible material matrix 30 that provides flexible support to the carrier plate and soft touch to the user.
  • the flexible material matrix 30 is preferably made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPE-V or TPV), or a Polyether Block Amide (PEBA) material, although many other materials can be used.
  • each of the platen 42, the carrier plate 50, the retention elements 52 and the bristle tufts 21 are made from a material with a higher elastic modulus than the flexible material matrix 30, such as polypropylene or nylon, or other materials, although the neck, bristle tufts, carrier plates and retention elements can be made of different materials from each other.
  • one or more pins 60 can be included to provide extra support on the carrier plate to prevent the carrier plate from becoming loose due to the molding pressure.
  • the flexible elastomeric material can pass by between the carrier plate and tooling.
  • FIG. 6B shows the neck and carrier plate overmolded with the flexible matrix 30.
  • the one or more pins or ribs are incorporated into the neck tool.
  • the carrier is subjected to an additional force that pushes the carrier into the pockets of the plate for the carrier.
  • the one or more pins or ribs protruding from the neck provide the additional force.
  • FIG. 7 describes the tooling situation when the flexible elastomeric material is incorporated and connects the tuft carrier plate with the neck of the brush head assembly.
  • a neck having a platen portion 42 is provided.
  • at least one carrier plate having at least one retention element therein is provided.
  • at least one bristle tuft having a plurality of bristle strands is inserted into the at least one retention element in the at least one carrier plate.
  • the at least one bristle tuft is secured into the at least one retention element at the proximal end thereof.
  • the platen portion is positioned in relation to the proximal end of the at least one bristle tuft.
  • the positioning of the platen portion in relation to the at least one carrier plate defines a space therebetween for injection of a flexible material to form a flexible material matrix around at least a portion of the platen portion, the at least one pin, the at least one carrier plate, the at least one retention element and the proximal end of the at least one bristle tuft.
  • a neck having a platen portion is provided, the platen portion having at least one protrusion.
  • at least one carrier plate having at least one retention element therein is provided.
  • at least one bristle tuft having a plurality of bristle strands is inserted into the at least one retention element in the at least one carrier plate.
  • the at least one bristle tuft is secured into the at least one retention element at the proximal end thereof.
  • the at least one carrier plate is positioned in contact with the at least one protrusion of the platen portion.
  • a flexible matrix is formed around at least a portion of the platen portion, the at least one protrusion, the at least one carrier plate, the at least one retention element and the proximal end of the at least one bristle tuft to connect the at least one carrier plate and the platen portion.
  • ⁇ or ⁇ should be understood to have the same meaning as « and/or ⁇ as defined above.
  • « or ⁇ or « and/or ⁇ shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as « only one of ⁇ or « exactly one of, ⁇ or, when used in the claims, « consisting of, ⁇ will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements.
  • the term « or ⁇ as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. « one or the other but not both ⁇ ) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as « either, ⁇ « one of, ⁇ « only one of, ⁇ or « exactly one of. ⁇
  • the phrase « at least one, ⁇ in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
  • This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase ⁇ at least one ⁇ refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
  • transitional phrases such as •comprising, ⁇ « including, ⁇ « carrying, ⁇ « having, ⁇ « containing, ⁇ « involving, ⁇ « holding, ⁇ •composed of, ⁇ and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases « consisting of ⁇ and « consisting essentially of ⁇ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.
  • inventive embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed.
  • inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une tête de brosse (100) présentant un col (40) doté d'une partie plateau (42), une pluralité de touffes de poils (21) insérées dans des éléments de retenue (52) dans un élément de support (50), l'élément de support étant fixé à la partie plateau avec au moins une broche (60), au moins une partie du plateau, de la plaque de support, des éléments de retenue et des touffes de poils étant fixée dans une matrice de matériau souple (30).
PCT/EP2019/052454 2018-02-14 2019-02-01 Agencements de tête de brosse et procédé de fabrication WO2019158370A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201862630459P 2018-02-14 2018-02-14
US62/630,459 2018-02-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019158370A1 true WO2019158370A1 (fr) 2019-08-22

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2019/052454 WO2019158370A1 (fr) 2018-02-14 2019-02-01 Agencements de tête de brosse et procédé de fabrication

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2019158370A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1713413A1 (fr) * 2003-12-10 2006-10-25 Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Brosses a dents electriques modulaires
EP2512286A1 (fr) * 2009-12-17 2012-10-24 GB Boucherie NV Procedes de combinaison de plaques de tete de brosse et de corps de brosse

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1713413A1 (fr) * 2003-12-10 2006-10-25 Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Brosses a dents electriques modulaires
EP2512286A1 (fr) * 2009-12-17 2012-10-24 GB Boucherie NV Procedes de combinaison de plaques de tete de brosse et de corps de brosse

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