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EP0269665B1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Toothbrush Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0269665B1
EP0269665B1 EP87903317A EP87903317A EP0269665B1 EP 0269665 B1 EP0269665 B1 EP 0269665B1 EP 87903317 A EP87903317 A EP 87903317A EP 87903317 A EP87903317 A EP 87903317A EP 0269665 B1 EP0269665 B1 EP 0269665B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
head
brush
toothbrush
central
bristle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87903317A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0269665A1 (en
Inventor
Heinrich Schaiper
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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
Priority claimed from DE3618823A external-priority patent/DE3618823C2/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT87903317T priority Critical patent/ATE61209T1/en
Publication of EP0269665A1 publication Critical patent/EP0269665A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0269665B1 publication Critical patent/EP0269665B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/0004—Additional brush head
    • A46B5/0012—Brushes with two or more heads on the same end of a handle for simultaneous use, e.g. cooperating with each-other
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/002—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions
    • A46B5/0025—Brushes with elastically deformable heads that change shape during use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/06—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body movably during use, i.e. the normal brushing action causing movement
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a first toothbrush of the type mentioned is known from US-A-4,472,853.
  • This toothbrush also has the feature that the extension of the brush head in the transverse direction of the brush is greater than in the longitudinal direction of the brush.
  • the bristles simultaneously process the teeth and gums of both the upper jaw and the lower jaw, the gums being prevented from being overstressed by the mobility of the head parts.
  • the disadvantage of this brush despite the complex design of the head and handle, is that insufficiently thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces can be achieved, because the arrangement of the bristle tufts is such that their free ends form flat surfaces with dimensions that correspond approximately to those of an entire tooth. This makes it very difficult for individual bristles or a single tuft of bristles to penetrate into an interdental space and can only be achieved with disadvantageously strong pressure on the brush with a correspondingly strong deformation of most other bristles.
  • FR-A-2 548 528 also shows a toothbrush of the type mentioned at the outset
  • the head consists of two adjacent parts, which are elastically movable against each other in a plane perpendicular to the bristle direction.
  • Each head part has a flat area and a narrower, web-like area, which are each equipped with tufts of bristles.
  • the laterally outer bristle tufts are inclined inwards and longer than the inner bristle tufts.
  • a toothbrush of the type mentioned which is characterized in that the head parts of the brush head are arranged concentrically to one another in the form of at least one ring surrounding a central head part.
  • a largely automatic adaptation of the brush head to the tooth surface including the interdental spaces is achieved, this adaptation on the one hand in a good, full-surface contact and cleaning effect of the brush head or its bristle arrangement on the tooth and on the other hand in avoiding an excessively high in places
  • the bristles are pressed against the tooth.
  • a means of achieving good adaptation is the elastic deflectability of the head parts perpendicular to the tooth surface, whereby the thrust and tensile forces generated on the brush handle are transmitted in a straight line and do not influence the deflection.
  • the degree of deflection of the individual head parts is _ as desired _ only determined by the shape of the tooth surface.
  • the spring force of the head sections can be adjusted to the correct size by varying the material properties and thickness of the partial handles.
  • the design of the brush head with its head parts, which are arranged concentrically to one another in the form of at least one ring surrounding a central head part, is particularly favorable for cleaning the teeth with their more or less rounded surfaces. In contrast to a flat surface, the contact surface of a ring surface on a rounded surface is many times larger.
  • the central head part and the ring surrounding it can be deflected independently of one another in adaptation to the tooth surface.
  • a further improved adaptability is achieved in that the ring-shaped head part is divided in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush into two half rings which are movable relative to one another. In this way, even angular misalignments of the toothbrush can be automatically compensated to a certain extent during brushing, so that a good cleaning effect is achieved in dental care even with less careful handling of the toothbrush.
  • a round, oval, or flat-elliptical bristle tuft ring is arranged on the central head part.
  • the tufts of bristles are not arranged on a surface delimited by a circle, an oval or an ellipse, but on an annular surface delimited by two circles, two ovals or two ellipses of different diameters.
  • This Kranz effectively contributes to cleaning on flat or nearly flat tooth surfaces and at the same time has the ability to get into and clean the interdental spaces, since it is not held back by the surrounding tufts of bristles on the tooth surface of the other head parts.
  • the central head part can have a central bristle tuft that protrudes in length over the surrounding bristle tufts.
  • the head parts advantageously have back surfaces on their side facing away from the base surface, each with a different height, decreasing from the center towards the outside. This ensures that the head part with the highest back surface experiences the highest pressure force through the cheek and that the force exerted on the other head parts is correspondingly lower.
  • the illustrated first embodiment of the toothbrush 1 consists of a brush handle 11, a brush handle 2 and a brush head 3.
  • the handle 11 is formed like in other toothbrushes in the usual manner, while the Handle 2 and head 3 differ significantly from known brushes.
  • the handle 2 is divided into three partial handles 21, 22 and 23 which run parallel to one another, a gap 25 and 26 respectively being located between the mentioned partial handles.
  • the partial legs 21 to 23 thus formed are to a certain extent elastically pivotable relative to one another and relative to the handle 11.
  • the brush head 3 also consists of several partial heads 31, 32 and 33.
  • the central partial handle 21 is assigned a central head part 31, which here has a circular shape.
  • a single central bristle tuft 40 is arranged on the central head part 31.
  • the approximately semicircular further head parts 32 and 33 are arranged concentrically and are each assigned to one of the partial stems, namely the head part 32 to the partial stem 22 and the head part 33 to the partial stem 23.
  • On these two head parts a number of bristle tufts 43 are arranged perpendicular to the base surface 30 of the brush head 3 facing the viewer, some of which are also placed on the part of the associated telescopic handles 22 and 23 facing the head.
  • This configuration of the brush handle 2 in the form of partial handles 21 to 23 means that the associated brush head parts 31 to 33 are elastically movable in directions perpendicular to the course of the partial handles and can thus optimally adapt to the tooth surface to be cleaned.
  • FIG. 2 shows the toothbrush 1 from FIG. 1 in a side view.
  • the handle 11 and the adjoining handle 2 d. H. here the partial stem 23 visible.
  • the brush head 3 adjoins the handle 2 and bears on its base surface 30 a number of bristle tufts 43 and the central bristle tuft 40, which together form a bristle arrangement 4. From this side view it can be clearly seen that the length of the central bristle tufts 40 extends beyond the surrounding bristle tufts 43. This shows the division of functions of the individual head parts achieved by the invention.
  • the tufts of bristles 43 are used in particular for cleaning the teeth, while the protruding, central tufts of bristles 40 are particularly responsible for cleaning the interdental spaces.
  • FIG. 3a shows the central head part 31, which is connected to the partial handle 21, with a circular bristle tuft ring 41.
  • a single central bristle tuft 40 is additionally arranged centrally in the bristle tuft ring 41.
  • FIG. 3c Another variant of the central head part 31, as shown in FIG. 3c, provides a flat-elliptical configuration of the bristle tuft ring 41.
  • the long semiaxes of the ellipse are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, which means that the long semiaxis of the ellipse are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, which means that the bristle tuft ring 41 adapts well to the interdental spaces with little deformation can adjust.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross section through a brush head according to a toothbrush Invention.
  • the parts of the brush head namely the central head part 31 and the surrounding head parts 32 and 33, all of which are made of plastic, are clearly visible. They have the bristle tufts 43 or the bristle tuft ring 41 on their upper side. Between the head parts 31 to 33, the gap spaces 25 and 26 can be seen, which allow the head parts to be moved without friction relative to one another.
  • the head parts 31 to 33 On their side facing away from the bristles, the head parts 31 to 33 have back surfaces 31 ⁇ , 32 ⁇ and 33 ⁇ which have different heights.
  • the back surface 31 ⁇ of the central head part 31 has a significantly greater height than the back surface 32 ⁇ and 33 ⁇ of the other two head parts 32 and 33.
  • an increased pressure is exerted on the central head part 31 during the cleaning process by the cheeks, while the two edge head parts 32 and 33 are less pressed. Due to the stronger pressure of the central head part 31, which is responsible for cleaning in particular the interdental spaces, a particularly intensive cleaning effect is generated here, while a lower pressure is sufficient for cleaning the tooth surfaces or the gums for a good cleaning result.
  • each head part is assigned a specific function for which it is optimized. This ensures thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces, complete treatment of the tooth surfaces and gentle treatment of the gums in one brushing operation.

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  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

Toothbrush with a brush handle, shank and head, which on its base surface carries a number of bristle tufts directed essentially in a uniform direction. The brush head (3) consists of several head portions (31, 32, 33; 34, 35, 36, 37) which can move elastically in relation to one another and are filled with one or several bristle tufts (40, 41, 43).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Zahnbürste nach dem Oberbe­griff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 1.

Eine erste Zahnbürste der genannten Art ist aus der US-A-4 472 853 bekannt. Diese Zahnbürste weist weiterhin das Merkmal auf, daß die Erstreckung des Bürstenkopfes in Bürstenquerrichtung größer ist als in Bürstenlängs­richtung. Hierdurch bearbeiten die Borsten bei Anwendung der Zahnbürste zugleich die Zähne und das Zahnfleisch sowohl des Oberkiefers als auch des Unterkiefers, wobei durch die Beweglichkeit der Kopfteile gegeneinander eine Überbeanspruchung des Zahnfleisches vermieden wird. Nach­teilig kann aber mit dieser Bürste trotz der aufwendigen Konstruktion von Kopf und Stiel keine ausreichend gründ­liche Reinigung der Zahnzwischenräume erreicht werden, weil die Anordnung der Borstenbüschel derart ist, daß ihre freien Enden ebene Flächen mit solchen Ausdehnungen bilden, die etwa denen eines ganzen Zahnes entsprechen. Ein Eindringen einzelner Borsten oder eines einzelnen Borstenbüschels in einen Zahnzwischenraum wird hierdurch sehr erschwert und kann nur bei nachteilig kräftigem An­druck der Bürste unter entsprechend starker Verformung der meisten anderen Borsten erreicht werden.A first toothbrush of the type mentioned is known from US-A-4,472,853. This toothbrush also has the feature that the extension of the brush head in the transverse direction of the brush is greater than in the longitudinal direction of the brush. As a result, when the toothbrush is used, the bristles simultaneously process the teeth and gums of both the upper jaw and the lower jaw, the gums being prevented from being overstressed by the mobility of the head parts. The disadvantage of this brush, despite the complex design of the head and handle, is that insufficiently thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces can be achieved, because the arrangement of the bristle tufts is such that their free ends form flat surfaces with dimensions that correspond approximately to those of an entire tooth. This makes it very difficult for individual bristles or a single tuft of bristles to penetrate into an interdental space and can only be achieved with disadvantageously strong pressure on the brush with a correspondingly strong deformation of most other bristles.

Die FR-A-2 548 528 zeigt ebenfalls eine Zahnbürste der eingangs genannten Art. Bei dieser Zahnbürste besteht der Kopf aus zwei nebeneinanderliegenden Teilen, die ge­geneinander in einer Ebene senkrecht zur Borstenrichtung elastisch bewegbar sind. Jeder Kopfteil besitzt dabei ei­nen flächigen Bereich und einen schmaleren, stegartigen Bereich, die jeweils mit Borstenbüscheln bestückt sind. Die seitlich äußeren Borstenbüschel sind nach innen ge­neigt und länger als die inneren Borstenbüschel. Mit die­ser Bürste kann zwar eine Verbesserung der Borstenanlage an gewölbten Zahnoberflächen erreicht werden, eine gründ­liche Reinigung der engen Zahnzwischenräume ist aber auch mit dieser Bürste nicht ohne weiteres möglich.FR-A-2 548 528 also shows a toothbrush of the type mentioned at the outset the head consists of two adjacent parts, which are elastically movable against each other in a plane perpendicular to the bristle direction. Each head part has a flat area and a narrower, web-like area, which are each equipped with tufts of bristles. The laterally outer bristle tufts are inclined inwards and longer than the inner bristle tufts. With this brush an improvement of the bristle system on curved tooth surfaces can be achieved, but a thorough cleaning of the narrow interdental spaces is not easily possible with this brush either.

Es stellt sich daher die Aufgabe, eine Zahnbürste der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die die aufgeführten Nachteile vermeidet, die einen verbesserten Flächenkon­takt zu den Zähnen gewährleistet, die eine gründliche Reinigung der Zahnzwischenräume auch ohne die Anwendung besonderer Zahnputztechniken ermöglicht, bei welcher Zahnschäden infolge übermäßig hoher Andruckkräfte nicht auftreten und die eine wirksame und zugleich schonende Zahnpflege gestattet.It is therefore the task of creating a toothbrush of the type mentioned, which avoids the disadvantages listed, which ensures an improved surface contact to the teeth, which enables thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces even without the use of special toothbrushing techniques, in which tooth damage as a result of excessive high pressure forces do not occur and which allows effective and gentle dental care.

Die Lösung der Aufgabe gelingt erfindungsgemäß durch ei­ne Zahnbürste der eingangs genannten Art, welche dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß die Kopfteile des Bürstenkopfes konzentrisch zueinander in Form wenigstens eines einen Zentralkopfteil umgebenden Ringes angeordnet sind.The object is achieved according to the invention by a toothbrush of the type mentioned, which is characterized in that the head parts of the brush head are arranged concentrically to one another in the form of at least one ring surrounding a central head part.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Gestaltung der Zahnbürste wird eine weitestgehend selbsttätige Anpassung des Bür­stenkopfes an die Zahnoberfläche einschließlich der Zahn­zwischenräume erreicht, wobei diese Anpassung einerseits in einer guten, vollflächigen Anlage und Reinigungswir­kung des Bürstenkopfes bzw. seiner Borstenanordnung am Zahn und andererseits in einer Vermeidung einer stellen­weise übermäßig hohen Andruckkraft der Borsten an den Zahn besteht. Ein Mittel zur Erzielung der guten Anpassung ist die elastische Auslenkbarkeit der Kopfteile senkrecht zur Zahnoberfläche, wobei die am Bürstengriff vor allem erzeugten Schub- und Zugkräfte auf geradem We­ge weitergeleitet werden und die Auslenkung nicht beein­flussen. Der Grad der Auslenkung der einzelnen Kopfteile wird _ wie erwünscht _ nur von der Form der Zahnoberflä­che bestimmt. Durch Variation von Materialeigenschaften und -stärke der Teilstiele kann die Federkraft der Kopf­teile in der richtigen Größe eingestellt werden. Beson­ders günstig für die Reinigung der Zähne mit ihren mehr oder weniger gerundeten Oberflächen ist die erfindungsge­mäße Gestaltung des Bürstenkopfes mit seinen Kopfteilen, die konzentrisch zueinander in Form wenigstens eines ei­nen Zentralkopfteil umgebenden Ringes angeordnet sind. Im Gegensatz zu einer ebenen Fläche ist die Anlagefläche einer Ringfläche an einer gerundeten Oberfläche um ein vielfaches größer. Außerdem können das Zentralkopfteil und der diesen umgebende Ring in Anpassung an die Zahn­oberfläche unabhängig voneinander ausgelenkt werden.Through the inventive design of the toothbrush a largely automatic adaptation of the brush head to the tooth surface including the interdental spaces is achieved, this adaptation on the one hand in a good, full-surface contact and cleaning effect of the brush head or its bristle arrangement on the tooth and on the other hand in avoiding an excessively high in places The bristles are pressed against the tooth. A means of achieving good adaptation is the elastic deflectability of the head parts perpendicular to the tooth surface, whereby the thrust and tensile forces generated on the brush handle are transmitted in a straight line and do not influence the deflection. The degree of deflection of the individual head parts is _ as desired _ only determined by the shape of the tooth surface. The spring force of the head sections can be adjusted to the correct size by varying the material properties and thickness of the partial handles. The design of the brush head with its head parts, which are arranged concentrically to one another in the form of at least one ring surrounding a central head part, is particularly favorable for cleaning the teeth with their more or less rounded surfaces. In contrast to a flat surface, the contact surface of a ring surface on a rounded surface is many times larger. In addition, the central head part and the ring surrounding it can be deflected independently of one another in adaptation to the tooth surface.

Eine weiter verbesserte Anpassungsfähigkeit wird dadurch erreicht, daß das ringförmige Kopfteil in Längsrichtung der Zahnbürste in zwei gegeneinander bewegliche Halbrin­ge geteilt ist. Damit können auch Winkelfehlstellungen der Zahnbürste während des Zähneputzens in einem gewis­sen Umfang selbsttätig ausgeglichen werden, so daß bei der Zahnpflege auch bei weniger sorgfältiger Handhabung der Zahnbürste eine gute Reinigungswirkung erzielt wird.A further improved adaptability is achieved in that the ring-shaped head part is divided in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush into two half rings which are movable relative to one another. In this way, even angular misalignments of the toothbrush can be automatically compensated to a certain extent during brushing, so that a good cleaning effect is achieved in dental care even with less careful handling of the toothbrush.

In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß auf dem Zentralkopfteil ein runder, ovaler, oder flach-elliptischer Borstenbüschelkranz angeordnet ist. Dies bedeutet, daß die Borstenbüschel nicht auf einer von einem Kreis, einem Oval oder einer Ellipse begrenz­ten Fläche angeordnet sind, sondern auf einer ringförmi­gen Fläche, die von zwei Kreisen, zwei Ovalen bzw. zwei Ellipsen unterschiedlicher Durchmesser begrenzt ist. Dieser Kranz trägt auf ebenen oder annähernd ebenen Zahn­flächen wirkungsvoll zur Reinigung bei und besitzt zu­gleich die Fähigkeit, auch in Zahnzwischenräume zu ge­langen und diese zu reinigen, da er von den umgebenden, auf der Zahnoberfläche aufstehenden Borstenbüscheln der anderen Kopfteile nicht zurückgehalten wird. Zur Inten­sivierung der Reinigung der Zahnzwischenräume kann das Zentralkopfteil ein in seiner Länge die umgebenden Bor­stenbüschel überragendes Zentralborstenbüschel aufwei­sen.In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that a round, oval, or flat-elliptical bristle tuft ring is arranged on the central head part. This means that the tufts of bristles are not arranged on a surface delimited by a circle, an oval or an ellipse, but on an annular surface delimited by two circles, two ovals or two ellipses of different diameters. This Kranz effectively contributes to cleaning on flat or nearly flat tooth surfaces and at the same time has the ability to get into and clean the interdental spaces, since it is not held back by the surrounding tufts of bristles on the tooth surface of the other head parts. In order to intensify the cleaning of the interdental spaces, the central head part can have a central bristle tuft that protrudes in length over the surrounding bristle tufts.

Um den bei jedem Zahnputzvorgang auf die Rückseite des Bürstenkopfes ausgeübten Wangendruck zur Einstellung einer günstigen Verteilung der Andruckkraft der Kopf­teile zu nutzen, weisen vorteilhaft die Kopfteile an ihrer der Basisfläche abgewandten Seite Rückenflächen mit jeweils unerschiedlicher, vom Zentrum nach außen hin abnehmender Höhe auf. So wird erreicht, daß das Kopfteil mit der höchsten Rückenfläche die höchste Andruckkraft durch die Wange erfährt und daß die auf die anderen Kopf­teile ausgeübte Kraft entsprechend geringer ist.In order to use the cheek pressure exerted on the back of the brush head during each tooth brushing process to set a favorable distribution of the pressing force of the head parts, the head parts advantageously have back surfaces on their side facing away from the base surface, each with a different height, decreasing from the center towards the outside. This ensures that the head part with the highest back surface experiences the highest pressure force through the cheek and that the force exerted on the other head parts is correspondingly lower.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der erfindungsgemäßen Zahnbürste werden im folgenden anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen im einzelnen:

  • Figur 1 eine Zahnbürste gemäß Erfindung in einer ersten Ausführungsform in Aufsicht von oben,
  • Figur 2 die Zahnbürste aus Figur 1 in Seitenansicht,
  • Figur 3a-3c verschiedene Ausgestaltungen des Zentral­kopfeteils als Teil der Zahnbürste nach Figur 1 und 2, jeweils in Aufsicht, und
  • Figur 4 einen Querschnitt durch einen Kopfteil einer Bürste gemäß der Erfindung.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the toothbrush according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The individual shows:
  • FIG. 1 shows a toothbrush according to the invention in a first embodiment from above,
  • FIG. 2 shows the toothbrush from FIG. 1 in a side view,
  • Figures 3a-3c different configurations of the central head part as part of the toothbrush according to Figures 1 and 2, each in supervision, and
  • Figure 4 shows a cross section through a head part of a brush according to the invention.

Wie aus Figur 1 ersichtlich ist, besteht das dargestell­te erste Ausführungsbeispiel der Zahnbürste 1 gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung aus einem Bürstengriff 11, einem Bürstenstiel 2 und einem Bürstenkopf 3. Der Griff 11 ist wie bei anderen Zahnbürsten in üblicher Art und Weise ausgebildet, während sich der Stiel 2 und der Kopf 3 we­sentlich von bekannten Bürsten unterscheiden. Der Stiel 2 ist beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel der Bürste 1 in drei parallel zueinander verlaufende Teilstiele 21, 22 und 23 geteilt, wobei zwischen den genannten Teilstie­len jeweils ein Spaltraum 25 bzw. 26 liegt. Die so gebil­deten Teilstiele 21 bis 23 sind in einem gewissen Maße elastisch gegeneinander und gegenüber dem Griff 11 ver­schwenkbar.As can be seen from Figure 1, the illustrated first embodiment of the toothbrush 1 according to the present invention consists of a brush handle 11, a brush handle 2 and a brush head 3. The handle 11 is formed like in other toothbrushes in the usual manner, while the Handle 2 and head 3 differ significantly from known brushes. In the illustrated embodiment of the brush 1, the handle 2 is divided into three partial handles 21, 22 and 23 which run parallel to one another, a gap 25 and 26 respectively being located between the mentioned partial handles. The partial legs 21 to 23 thus formed are to a certain extent elastically pivotable relative to one another and relative to the handle 11.

Auch der Bürstenkopf 3 besteht aus mehreren Teilköpfen 31, 32 und 33. Dem mittleren Teilstiel 21 ist dabei ein Zentralkopfteil 31 zugeordnet, das hier eine kreisrunde Form hat. Auf dem Zentralkopfteil 31 ist ein einzelnes zentrales Borstenbüschel 40 angeordnet. Um das Zentral­kopfteil herum sind konzentrisch die annähernd halbkreis­förmigen weiteren Kopfteile 32 und 33 angeordnet und je­weils einem der Teilstiele, nämlich das Kopfteil 32 dem Teilstiel 22 und das Kopfteil 33 dem Teilstiel 23 zuge­ordnet. Auf diesen beiden Kopfteilen sind senkrecht zu der dem Betrachter zugewandten Basisfläche 30 des Bür­stenkopfes 3 eine Anzahl von Borstenbüscheln 43 angeord­net, von denen einige auch noch auf dem kopfzugewandten Teil der zugehörigen Telstiele 22 und 23 plaziert sind. Durch diese Ausgestaltung des Bürstenstiels 2 in Form von Teilstielen 21 bis 23 sind die zugehörigen Bürsten­kopfteile 31 bis 33 in Richtungen senkrecht zum Verlauf der Teilstiele gegeneinander elastisch beweglich und kön­nen sich so der zu reinigenden Zahnoberfläche optimal an­passen.The brush head 3 also consists of several partial heads 31, 32 and 33. The central partial handle 21 is assigned a central head part 31, which here has a circular shape. A single central bristle tuft 40 is arranged on the central head part 31. Around the central head part, the approximately semicircular further head parts 32 and 33 are arranged concentrically and are each assigned to one of the partial stems, namely the head part 32 to the partial stem 22 and the head part 33 to the partial stem 23. On these two head parts a number of bristle tufts 43 are arranged perpendicular to the base surface 30 of the brush head 3 facing the viewer, some of which are also placed on the part of the associated telescopic handles 22 and 23 facing the head. This configuration of the brush handle 2 in the form of partial handles 21 to 23 means that the associated brush head parts 31 to 33 are elastically movable in directions perpendicular to the course of the partial handles and can thus optimally adapt to the tooth surface to be cleaned.

Die Figur 2 zeigt die Zahnbürste 1 aus Figur 1 in Seiten­ansicht. Hier ist wiederum der Griff 11 sowie der sich daran anschließende Stiel 2, d. h. hier der Teilstiel 23 sichtbar. An den Stiel 2 schließt sich der Bürstenkopf 3 an, der auf seiner Basisfläche 30 eine Anzahl von Bor­stenbüscheln 43 sowie das zentrale Borstenbüschel 40 trägt, die gemeinsam eine Borstenanordnung 4 bilden. Aus dieser Seitenansicht ist deutlich erkennbar, daß das zen­trale Borstenbüschel 40 in seiner Länge die umgebenden Borstenbüschel 43 überragt. Hieraus wird die durch die Erfindung erreichte Funktionsteilung der einzelnen Kopf­teile ersichtlich. Die Borstenbüschel 43 dienen insbe­sondere zur flächigen Reinigung der Zähne, während das vorragende, zentrale Borstenbüschel 40 insbesondere für die Reinigung der Zahnzwischenräume zuständig ist.FIG. 2 shows the toothbrush 1 from FIG. 1 in a side view. Here again the handle 11 and the adjoining handle 2, d. H. here the partial stem 23 visible. The brush head 3 adjoins the handle 2 and bears on its base surface 30 a number of bristle tufts 43 and the central bristle tuft 40, which together form a bristle arrangement 4. From this side view it can be clearly seen that the length of the central bristle tufts 40 extends beyond the surrounding bristle tufts 43. This shows the division of functions of the individual head parts achieved by the invention. The tufts of bristles 43 are used in particular for cleaning the teeth, while the protruding, central tufts of bristles 40 are particularly responsible for cleaning the interdental spaces.

Außer wie in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellt, kann das Zentralkopfteil auch gemäß den Figuren 3a bis 3c ausge­staltet sein. Figur 3a zeigt das Zentralkopfteil 31, das mit dem Teilstiel 21 verbunden ist, mit einem kreisrun­den Borstenbüschelkranz 41. Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 3b ist zentral im Borstenbüschelkranz 41 zu­sätzlich ein einzelnes zentrales Borstenbüschel 40 ange­ordnet. Eine weitere Variante des Zentralkopfeils 31, wie in Figur 3c dargestellt, sieht eine flach-ellipti­sche Ausgestaltung des Borstenbüschelkranzes 41 vor. Da­bei ist bevorzugt vorgesehen, daß die langen Halbachsen der Ellipse senkrecht zur Längsachse der Zahnbürste ver­laufen, wodurch erreicht wird, daß die langen Halbachsen der Ellipse senkrecht zur Längsachse der Zahnbürste ver­laufen, wodurch erreicht wird, daß sich der Borstenbü­schelkranz 41 unter geringer Deformation gut an Zahnzwi­schenräume anpassen kann.Except as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the central head part can also be designed according to Figures 3a to 3c. FIG. 3a shows the central head part 31, which is connected to the partial handle 21, with a circular bristle tuft ring 41. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3b, a single central bristle tuft 40 is additionally arranged centrally in the bristle tuft ring 41. Another variant of the central head part 31, as shown in FIG. 3c, provides a flat-elliptical configuration of the bristle tuft ring 41. It is preferably provided that the long semiaxes of the ellipse are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, which means that the long semiaxis of the ellipse are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, which means that the bristle tuft ring 41 adapts well to the interdental spaces with little deformation can adjust.

Ein weiteres vorteilhaftes Merkmal der Erfindung verdeut­licht schließlich die Figur 4. Diese zeigt einen Quer­schnitt durch einen Bürstenkopf einer Zahnbürste gemäß Erfindung. Deutlich sind die Teile des Bürstenkopfes, nämlich das Zentralkopfteil 31 sowie die dieses umgeben­den Kopfteile 32 und 33, hier alle aus Kunststoff gefer­tigt, erkennbar. Auf ihrer Oberseite tragen sie die Bor­stenbüschel 43 bzw. den Borstenbüschelkranz 41. Zwischen den Kopfteilen 31 bis 33 sind die Spalträume 25 und 26 erkennbar, die eine reibungsfreie Verschiebung der Kopf­teile gegeneinander erlauben.Another advantageous feature of the invention is finally illustrated in FIG. 4. This shows a cross section through a brush head according to a toothbrush Invention. The parts of the brush head, namely the central head part 31 and the surrounding head parts 32 and 33, all of which are made of plastic, are clearly visible. They have the bristle tufts 43 or the bristle tuft ring 41 on their upper side. Between the head parts 31 to 33, the gap spaces 25 and 26 can be seen, which allow the head parts to be moved without friction relative to one another.

Auf ihrer den Borsten abgewandten Seite weisen die Kopf­teile 31 bis 33 Rückenflächen 31ʹ, 32ʹ und 33ʹ auf, die unterschiedliche Höhen haben. Im dargestellten Ausfüh­rungsbeispiel hat die Rückenfläche 31ʹ des Zentralkopf­teils 31 eine deutlich größere Höhe als die Rückenfläche 32ʹ und 33ʹ der beiden anderen Kopfteile 32 und 33. Hier­durch wird während des Putzvorganges durch die Wangen ein erhöhter Andruck auf den Zentralkopfteil 31 ausge­übt, während die beiden randlichen Kopfteile 32 und 33 weniger stark angedrückt werden. Durch den stärkeren An­druck des Zentralkopfteils 31, der ja für die Reinigung insbesondere der Zahnzwischenräume zuständig ist, wird hier eine besonders intensive Putzwirkung erzeugt, wäh­rend für die Reinigung der Zahnoberflächen bzw. des Zahn­fleisches ein geringerer Andruck für ein gutes Putzergeb­nis ausreichend ist.On their side facing away from the bristles, the head parts 31 to 33 have back surfaces 31ʹ, 32ʹ and 33ʹ which have different heights. In the illustrated embodiment, the back surface 31ʹ of the central head part 31 has a significantly greater height than the back surface 32ʹ and 33ʹ of the other two head parts 32 and 33. As a result, an increased pressure is exerted on the central head part 31 during the cleaning process by the cheeks, while the two edge head parts 32 and 33 are less pressed. Due to the stronger pressure of the central head part 31, which is responsible for cleaning in particular the interdental spaces, a particularly intensive cleaning effect is generated here, while a lower pressure is sufficient for cleaning the tooth surfaces or the gums for a good cleaning result.

Mit der Zahnbürste gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung wird erstmals eine echte Funktionsteilung des Bürstenkopfes erreicht. Jedem Kopfteil wird eine bestimmte Funktion zugeordnet, für die es optimiert ist. Damit werden in einem Putzvorgang eine gründliche Reinigung der Zahnzwi­schenräume, eine vollfächige Bearbeitung der Zahnober­flächen und eine sanfte Behandlung des Zahnfleisches gewährleistet.With the toothbrush according to the present invention, a real functional division of the brush head is achieved for the first time. Each head part is assigned a specific function for which it is optimized. This ensures thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces, complete treatment of the tooth surfaces and gentle treatment of the gums in one brushing operation.

Claims (5)

1. Toothbrush with a brush handle, a brush stem and a brush head, whereby the brush head has on its base surface a number of bristle bunches substantially projecting upwards in uniform direction and consists of a plurality of head sections which are movable elastically relative to each other and are occupied by one or more bunches of bristles in each case, and whereby the brush stem is divided in its longitudinal direction into a plurality of substantially parallel, elastically deflectable partial stems at least in the region close to the head, whereby each partial stem is allocated at least one head section,
characterised in that the head sections (31-33) of the brush head (3) are arranged concentrically to each other in the form of at least one ring (32, 33) surrounding a central head section (31).
2. Toothbrush according to Claim 1, characterised in that the annular head section (32, 33) is divided in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush (1) into two half-rings (32 and 33) which are movable relative to each other.
3. Toothbrush according to at least one of Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that a round, oval or flat-­elliptical crown (41) of bristle bunches is arranged on the central head section (31).
4. Toothbrush according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised by a central bristle bunch (40) arranged substantially in the centre of the central head section (31) and the length of which projects past the surrounding bristle bunch (43).
5. Tootbrush according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the head sections (31, 32, 33) on their sides remote from the base surface (30) have back surfaces (31ʹ, 32ʹ, 33ʹ) each of different height which decreases from the centre outwards.
EP87903317A 1986-06-04 1987-05-30 Toothbrush Expired - Lifetime EP0269665B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87903317T ATE61209T1 (en) 1986-06-04 1987-05-30 TOOTHBRUSH.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3618823A DE3618823C2 (en) 1986-04-17 1986-06-04 toothbrush
DE3618823 1986-06-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0269665A1 EP0269665A1 (en) 1988-06-08
EP0269665B1 true EP0269665B1 (en) 1991-03-06

Family

ID=6302284

Family Applications (1)

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EP87903317A Expired - Lifetime EP0269665B1 (en) 1986-06-04 1987-05-30 Toothbrush

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Country Link
US (1) US4864676A (en)
EP (1) EP0269665B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2530471B2 (en)
AU (1) AU7485687A (en)
WO (1) WO1987007484A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2530471B2 (en) 1996-09-04
EP0269665A1 (en) 1988-06-08
WO1987007484A1 (en) 1987-12-17
JPS63503438A (en) 1988-12-15
US4864676A (en) 1989-09-12
AU7485687A (en) 1988-01-11

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