巴西专利BR112016020522B1 INTERDENTAL CLEANER

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专利摘要:
interdental cleaner. an interdental cleaner has a grip portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4) formed by an elongated body made of a thermoplastic material. the cleaning portion (4) has a liner made of self-adhesive, hot vulcanized rubber material forming flexible brush peripheral members (6).
公开号:BR112016020522B1
申请号:R112016020522-7
申请日:2014-12-17
公开日:2021-07-13
发明作者:Paul Wallstrom；Jan-Inge Larsson；Alexander Dingizian
申请人:Tepe Munhygienprodukter Ab；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to interdental cleaning devices, and in particular to an interdental cleaner that has a design with a toothpick with a brush portion. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of interdental cleaners or toothpicks have been used for a long time. Toothpicks made of plastic materials are widely used today, and one of the earliest examples of an interdental toothpick is disclosed in JP-1979-170098U. In one embodiment described herein, the dental toothpick has a hard synthetic resin rod-like body that is partially coated with a soft synthetic resin. The soft material portion of the toothpick serves to remove dental plaque and the like from the teeth.
[0003] Another example of the same base structure is shown in US-A-6158444 (corresponding to WO 98/16169), where a rod-like vehicle made of hard plastics is partially coated with a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). ).
[0004] Other interdental cleaners of similar types are described in EP-A-153011 and USA-3,775,848 and some recent models are shown in WO-A-2009/150964, WO-A-2012/156025, WO- A-2013/176297, WO-A-2014/005659, WO-A-2014/023395, WO-A-2014/023424, NC-L-201790907, JP-A-2013188299, JP-A-2013192866 and US- A-2014/0008837.
[0005] Some of the interdental cleaners or toothpicks described in these publications are available on the market, and many of them suffer from different drawbacks with inexperienced users. Some toothpicks are too weak in structure, which means they break in use. Other interdental cleaners have inefficient cleaning brush portions, which lead to incomplete teeth cleaning. Also, certain toothpicks are uncomfortable to hold and may slip. In summary, many prior art interdental cleaners are difficult for users to handle.
[0006] From the above, it is understood that there is a need for improvement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of interdental cleaning product, which is improved in relation to the state of the art and which eliminates or at least mitigates the disadvantages discussed above.
[0008] This objective, as well as other objectives that will appear from the description that follows, have now been achieved by an interdental cleaner as defined in the appended claim 1 with preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims.
[0009] In a first aspect, an interdental cleaner is provided comprising a gripping portion and a cleaning portion formed by an elongated body made of a thermoplastic material. The cleaning part having a coating which comprises a heat vulcanized rubber material and which forms the peripheral flexible brush members. An interdental cleaner of this type is advantageous as the combination of materials and the heat of vulcanization provides a favorable balance between stiffness and flexibility. The active part of the cleaner contributes to an efficient cleaning process.
[0010] In one embodiment, the rubber material comprises a thermoset rubber, preferably a silicone-based rubber that has specific favorable properties. Heat vulcanization creates chemical crosslinks in the thermoset rubber that improve the structure of the interdental cleaner.
[0011] Preferably, the rubber material has a Shore hardness in the range of 10 - 60 Shore A, preferably 15 - 30 Shore A. The thermoplastic material that forms the body can be a polyamide or polyester, which absorbs the moisture in the oral cavity which makes the interdental cleaner more ductile and thus less vulnerable to breakage. Preferably, the body is reinforced with fiberglass, in a proportion of 5 - 30% by weight, preferably 10 - 20% by weight, of the thermoplastic material.
[0012] The rubber coating can also be applied, at least partially, to the gripping portion in order to form an embossed structure preferably thereon. This design improves comfort and reduces slippage. It also opens for promotional use of the interdental cleaner.
[0013] The brush members can be formed as peripheral brush flanges, which improves brushing of tooth surfaces, in particular, compared to many prior art cleaners with needle-like radial thin brush members , which have only slight contact with the teeth. Preferably, the outer dimension of the brush flanges is gradually decreasing towards the free end of the cleaning part, and the outer periphery of the brush flanges preferably forms a substantially circular shape. Herein an efficient cleaning is achieved, as the contact with the teeth is reinforced.
[0014] In one embodiment, the brush flanges are spaced substantially equidistantly along the cleaning portion and preferably arranged in alternating pairs along the cleaning portion. The first pairs have two brush flanges extending radially from the axis of the cleaning portion in an opposite first direction, while the adjacent second pairs have two brush flanges extending radially from said axis in a second direction. opposite. The angle between these directions is about 90o. This design of the active part of the interdental cleaner is beneficial for the cleaning contact with the teeth.
[0015] The cleaning body portion is preferably tapering towards the free end of the body, which improves brushing against tooth surfaces.
[0016] Furthermore, the cleaning body portion can be provided with axial grooves and grooves which form a kind of grooves. This design improves coating adhesion, and provides a brush flange arrangement with favorable bending properties balanced with adequate stiffness.
[0017] A cleaning portion of this type has a very slender design, which increases the user's opportunity to efficiently clean the spaces between teeth in the oral cavity. If the ribs of the cleaning portion body protrude in radial directions, which coincide with the first and second directions of the spaced brush flanges, advantages are even more manifested.
[0018] The gripping portion may have a substantially rectangular cross-section defining two opposing substantially flat gripping surfaces, and an outer rim that extends along the outer periphery of the gripping portion. In this a comfortable grip is achieved.
[0019] In addition, the gripping portion may include a transition section which is tapered towards the cleaning portion and which further enhances grip.
[0020] Preferably, the axial length of the cleaning portion is in the range of 35 - 55% of the total axial length of the interdental cleaner, and it is also preferred that the axial length of the gripping portion including the tapered transition section is in the range 45 - 65% of the total axial length of the interdental cleaner. With these proportions, an efficient and comfortable teeth cleaning process can be achieved.
[0021] In one embodiment, the transverse dimension of the cleaning part at the free end of the interdental cleaner constitutes about 40 - 50% of the transverse dimension of the cleaning part adjacent to the transition section. This design envisions a thin active part of the interdental cleaner that increases the user's opportunities to clean all types of interdental spaces in the oral cavity.
[0022] In a second aspect, an interdental cleaner is suggested comprising a grip portion and a cleaning portion formed by an elongated body made of a thermoplastic material. The cleaning part is provided having a coating with a heat vulcanized rubber material forming peripheral flexible brush members. The heat vulcanized rubber material comprises a thermoset selicone based rubber. This design is favorable as the durability of silicone rubber increases the use of the interdental cleaner.
[0023] A third aspect relates to an interdental cleaner, with a gripping portion and a cleaning portion formed by an elongated body made of a thermoplastic material. The cleaning part has a coating comprising a thermosetting silicone rubber material which is heat vulcanized and forming the peripheral flexible brush members. The thermoplastic material that forms the body is reinforced by a fiber material or minerals. By this design, the interdental cleaner is given a favorable balance between rigidity and flexibility, which facilitates the cleaning process.
[0024] In a fourth aspect, an interdental cleaner is proposed, which comprises a gripping portion and a cleaning portion formed by an elongated body made of a thermoplastic material. The cleaning portion having a coating comprising a thermovulcanized rubber material and forming the flexible, peripheral brush members. The outer dimension of the brush flanges is gradually decreasing towards the free end of the cleaning part, and the outer periphery of the brush flanges has a substantially circular shape. Advantages are obtained by this design, in which contact with brushing teeth is improved.
[0025] A fifth aspect relates to an interdental cleaner, with a gripping portion and a cleaning portion formed by an elongated body made of a thermoplastic material. The cleaning part is provided with a coating comprising a heat vulcanized rubber material and which forms the peripheral flexible brush members. Furthermore, the cleaning body portion tapers towards the free end thereof and which is provided with axial ribs and grooves. The brush members are formed as peripheral flanges of the brush, the outer dimension of which is gradually decreasing towards the free end of the cleaning portion and also forming a substantially circular shape. In this regard, the brush flanges are spaced substantially equidistantly along the cleaning portion and are arranged in alternating pairs therealong. The first pairs have two brush flanges that extend radially from the axis of the cleaning portion in an opposite first direction, and the adjacent second pairs have two brush flanges that extend radially from the axis in a second opposite direction. The angle between these instructions is about 90°, and the ribs of the wiper body part protrude in radial directions, which coincide with the first and second directions of the brush flanges. This design is advantageous as the arrangement of the brush flanges results in effective brushing. In particular, the cleaning portion may reflect in certain directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Embodiments of the invention will be described below; references are made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate non-limiting diagrammatic examples of how the inventive concept may be carried out in practice.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interdental cleaner of an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a front view of the interdental cleaner.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of the interdental cleaner.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a larger-scale cross section along line IV-IV in Fig. 2.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an axial, sectional perspective view of the interdental cleaner of Figs 1-4.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the interdental cleaner of Fig. 5.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows details of Fig. 6 on a larger scale.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an interdental cleaner of a base size.
[0035] Figures 9 to 11 show sections along lines IX-IX, X-X and XI-XI of Fig. 8.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an end view XII-XII of the interdental cleaner of Fig. 8.
[0037] FIG. 13 shows details of Fig. 12 on a larger scale.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a plan view of an interdental cleaner of a size slightly larger than in Fig. 8.
[0039] Figures 15 to 17 show sections along lines XV-XV, XVI-XVI and XVII-XVII in Fig. 14.
[0040] FIG. 18 is an end view XVIIIXVIII of the interdental cleaner of Fig. 14.
[0041] FIG. 19 shows the detail of Fig. 18 on a larger scale.
[0042] FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the interdental cleaner of Fig. 8.
[0043] FIG. 21 is a section along line XXIXXI of Fig. 20.
[0044] FIG. 22 is a corresponding section of the interdental cleaner of Fig. 14.
[0045] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an interdental cleaner cleaning portion substrate.
[0046] FIG. 24 is a corresponding perspective view of the thorough cleaning portion.
[0047] FIG. 25 is an end view of the interdental cleaner, with a tip cut away for illustrative purposes.
[0048] FIG. 26 shows a cross section of a prior art interdental cleaner for comparison.
[0049] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an array of substrates for producing interdental cleaners.
[0050] FIG. 28 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Fig. 27.
[0051] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a complete interdental cleaner assembly.
[0052] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the assembly shown in fig. 29.
[0053] FIG. 31 illustrates how the cleaning part of an interdental cleaner of Fig. 8 is cleaning a gap between two front teeth.
[0054] FIG. 32 illustrates how the cleaning portion of an interdental cleaner of Fig. 14 is bent to clean a gap between two back teeth.
[0055] FIG. 33 shows the tip of the cleaning portion of the interdental cleaner of Fig. 32.
[0056] FIG. 34 further illustrates the cleaning action of the interdental cleaner of Figures 32 - 33.
[0057] FIG. 35 is a cross-section showing how the cleaning portion of the interdental cleaner of Figures 32-34 is inserted into the space between two teeth from behind. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] An interdental cleaner or dental toothpick 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1-6, and is formed of a substrate or elongated body 2, also referred to as vehicle below. As defined from bodies 2 to form toothpicks 1 is shown in Figs 27-28. The bodies 2 are made of a thermoplastic material, eg amide plastics, preferably polyamide "6" which provides a favorable rigidity for the interdental cleaner 1. Preferably, the collection body 2 is reinforced by glass fiber.
[0059] The toothpick 1 has a gripping handle or portion 3, a cleaning portion 4 and an intermediate transition section 5 tapering towards the cleaning portion 4. The cleaning portion 4 is provided with a coating C consisting of of a self-adhesive heat vulcanized rubber material, preferably a thermosetting rubber, such as a self-adhesive liquid silicone rubber. Coating C forms the peripheral flexible brush members in the form of brush flanges 6, the outer dimension or radial extension of which is gradually decreasing towards the free end or tip 7 of the cleaning part 4. The cleaning brush flanges 6 are spaced the same distance from each other (equidistant) along the cleaning portion 4.
[0060] The transition section 5 increases the grip of the toothpick user 1, as he/she can place his/her fingers in this section 5 when performing the reciprocal cleaning movement. Furthermore, the transition section 5 improves the rigidity and thus the strength of the toothpick 1. The transition between the handle/handle and the elongated brush portion is often a weak point in the prior art of interdental cleaners.
[0061] The radial extent of the brush flanges 6 is best shown in the sections in figures 20-21, where 6a is the flange closest to the gripping portion 3 having the largest radial projection, whereas the flange 6b is the most close to the tip 7 of the cleaning portion 4 having the smallest radial projection.
[0062] As best shown in Fig. 24, the equidistant brush flanges 6 are arranged in alternating pairs along the cleaning part 4. The first pairs have two opposing flanges 6F extending radially from the central axis CA of the cleaning portion 4 in a first opposite direction FOD and the second has two pairs of opposite flanges 6S which extend radially from the central axis AC in a second opposite direction SOD.
[0063] Preferably, the angle between these two directions FOD and SOD is about 90° forming a four-wing configuration of the cleaning part 4; see Figures 13 and 19. The four-wing design can also be described as a four-leaf clover shape viewed from the tip 7 of toothpick 1. The cross-like arrangement of the equidistantly spaced brush flanges 6 provides for a very efficient cleaning of the space between two teeth, i.e. when the active cleaning part 4 of the toothpick 1 is pushed in a reciprocal motion in that space.
[0064] Coating material C is also applied to gripping portion 3, as seen in Fig. 4. Flexible silicone-based material C forms an opposing double embossed structure, substantially flat gripping surfaces 3a and 3b of gripping portion 3. The embossed structure is of the so-called negative type, which means that the coating material C is left out in certain areas so that the surface of the underlying substrate 2 is exposed. Thereby, grooves 8-13 are formed in the facing material C in the gripping portion 3, which form the embossed structure.
[0065] Since substrate 2 is preferably light in color, eg white, and coating material C is preferably dark in color (cf. Figures 8 and 14), the structure in embossing has a very clear appearance, which is favorable for promotional purposes such as exposing brands, logos, etc. (like TePe®).
[0066] Furthermore, the relief structure is advantageous in that it provides a secure grip of the toothpick 1 in the gripping portion 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the gripping portion 4 has a substantially rectangular cross section, forming the two opposite clamping surfaces 3a, 3b provided with the embossed structure. Preferably, these two surfaces 3a, 3b are somewhat inwardly curved towards the axis of the toothpick 1, so that two opposite concave areas are formed. This concave design, which appears as an oval shape in Fig. 2, further enhances the user's attachment to toothpick 1.
[0067] Figures 8-13 and Figs 14-19, respectively, show two slightly different sizes of the interdental cleaner 1, 1', in accordance with the general design described above. The cleaning portion 4 of the toothpick 1 of Fig. 8 has a slightly smaller diameter or cross-section than the cleaning portion 4' of the toothpick 1' of Fig. 14. Toothpick 1 can be delivered in various sizes and colors depending on user requirements.
[0068] In addition to the embossed structure of the gripping portion 3, 3', the toothpick 1 of Fig. 8 and Fig. 14 are provided with additional embossed areas 14, 14' on opposite sides of the transition zones 5, 5 '. These embossed areas 14, 14' promote a comfortable grip of the sticks 1, 1', as the user can place his/her fingertip in the small recess formed by the embossed area 14, 14'. As described above, the relief area 14, 14' is formed by excluding the coating material C, so that the underlying support surface or substrate 2 is exposed.
[0069] In Fig. 23, the part 2a of the elongated body 2 that will form the cleaning portion 4 is shown before the coating. This body of the cleaning part 2a is tapering towards the tip 7 and has axial ridges 15 and grooves 16 forming grooves. These axial grooves 15, 16 form a cross-section like, four-four-wing or trefoil which - after coating - corresponds to the four-wing design of the brush flanges 6, as shown in fig. 25, where the coated tip is cut away for illustration purposes. The 15, 16 grooved design enhances the adhesion of the coating material C on the cleaning part body 2a and it matches the brush flange arrangement, so that favorable bending properties balanced with adequate rigidity are achieved.
[0070] The axial planes containing the opposite FOD and SOD directions shown in FIG. 24 coincide with ridges 15 projecting radially from cleaning body 2a, while radial grooves 16 coincide with slanted recesses 17 formed by brush flanges 6. This similar transverse configuration of cleaning portion 4 is favorable as it increases the bending of the active toothpick brush part 1 in the directions of the longitudinal recesses 17 along the cleaning part 4. It is preferred that the cleaning portion 4 can be bent up to 180° with respect to the gripping portion 3.
[0071] As is evident from Fig. 25, the angle between two planes including FOD and SOD directions form 90o, whereas recesses 17 are between (45o) between these planes. The cross-like configuration, as further illustrated in Figs 12-13 and 18-19, respectively.
[0072] A cross section of an earlier type of an interdental cleaner IC is shown in Fig. 26 for comparison with the cross type configuration as shown in Fig. 25. The known cleaner IC has only a few thin members projecting the BM brush with large spaces in the middle of these. This means that only the tips of the BM brush members take an active part in the cleaning process. Contrary to this existing technique, the brush flanges 6 of the interdental cleaner 1 shown in Fig. 25 define an outer periphery which has a substantially circular shape. This means that the contact surface between the outer edges of the brush flanges 6 is much larger for the toothpicks 1.1' described in the present invention. Therefore, the cleaning process carried out by these dental sticks 1, 1' is improved over the state of the art.
[0073] Certain proportions of interdental cleaner 1 were found favorable. In Fig. 3, the axial lengths of the cleaning zone 4 and the gripping portion 3 (including the transition section 5) are shown as L1 and L2. In order to have an efficient active part, which is the cleaning portion 4, the axial length L1 thereof must be in the range of 35 - 55% of the total length L1 + L2 of the toothpick 1. Preferably, this proportion is comprised in the 40 - 50% range and most preferred is about 45%. Dental toothpicks 1 produced with these proportions, make it possible for the user to perform an extended reciprocal cleaning movement; thus taking full advantage of the improved cleaning part 4.
[0074] On the other hand, the comfortable grip of the toothpick 1 is achieved if the axial length (L2) of the grip portion 4, including the axial length L3 of the transition section 5 is in the range of 45 - 65% of the axial length total toothpick 1. Preferably, this proportion is in the range of 50-60%, and most preferably about 55%.
[0075] The design of the active part of the interdental cleaner 1.1' is slender, as can be seen in Figures 21-22. The transverse dimension or diameter D2, D2' of the cleaning portion 4 at the tip 7, 7' constitutes about 45% of the transverse dimension or diameter D1, D1' of the cleaning portion 4 adjacent to the transition section 5, 5'. The smooth taper of the body portion 2a makes it possible for the user to reach behind the teeth and to push the 1.1' toothpick into all the interdental spaces during teeth cleaning. The toughness can, of course, vary somewhat, and the ratio between the aforementioned diameters can be within the range of 40-50%, with very efficient results.
[0076] Returning now to the materials used, the toothpick body 2 is made from a thermoplastic material, preferably a polyamide, for example, of the polyamide type "6", or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). In preferred embodiments, the body 2 is reinforced by a reinforcing material. When fiberglass reinforcement is used, favorable properties such as adequate stiffness have been achieved if the proportion of fiberglass of the toothpick body 2 is within the range of 5 - 30% by weight, preferably 10 - 20% by weight, and most preferably 15% by weight of the thermoplastic material. Certain models of the interdental cleaner 1 with a proportion of glass fibers less than 12% by weight, in particular 5 - 10% by weight, have been tested in practice with good results. Other types of reinforcements such as carbon and aramid or mineral fibers are feasible, as well as their mixtures.
[0077] The preferred coating material C during the active part - ie the cleaning portion 4 - is a liquid self-adhesive heat vulcanized silicone rubber which has proven good results in practical tests. This thermosetting silicone-based rubber material has favorable chemical properties. In the heat vulcanization process, chemical crosslink bonds are created as covalent bonds that cannot be broken by thermodynamic means. Preferably, the heat of vulcanization is carried out at a temperature of about 120 - 200°C.
[0078] Contrary to the rubber material described above, most prior art interdental cleaners have an active part or coating that consists of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with physical crosslink bonds that form weak bonds. When the thermoplastic elastomer is heated, the bonds are broken, which means that the polymer chains can move so that the material can be reprocessed. When cooling the thermoplastic elastomer, physical crosslink bonds are formed again.
[0079] The chemical crosslinking of the silicone material used in the embodiments described herein gives the active part of the interdental cleaner 1, 1' - which is the silicone rubber coating - an improved tear resistance compared to cleaning products of the state of the technique.
[0080] In order to obtain the favorable flexibility of the interdental cleaner 1, 1' and a comfortable cleaning process using them, different hardness properties were tested. The thermoset silicone based rubber material has proven more favorable properties if the Shore hardness is in the range of 10 - 60 Shore A, preferably of 15 - 30 Shore A and most preferred of about 20 Shore A Practical tests with this silicone rubber material have also shown favorable non-rupturing properties.
[0081] Briefly, the manufacturing process of an interdental cleaner of the type described above can be carried out as follows. Thermoplastic granules are fed and melted into a heated injection unit. The molten mass is then injected into the cold mold, in which it hardens and is molded in accordance with the molding tool cavities. Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is supplied as two components: a first component A and a second component B. One of the components contains a catalyst, while the other component contains a crosslinking agent. Silicone is not created until the two components are mixed. At room temperature, it takes weeks for silicone to be created, whereas at higher temperatures silicone is created in a few seconds (depending on the thickness of the article).
[0082] The ratio of components A and B is 1:1 and they are mixed and injected into a heated molding tool. In the heated tool, a chemical reaction is started which is called heat vulcanization - during which the self-adhesive silicone rubber is created.
[0083] Thus, plastic bodies or vehicles are injection molded in the cold part of the tool. After that, the bodies/vehicles are moved to the heated cavities, where they are molded with the silicone rubber material intended to form the coating of the complete toothpicks.
[0084] The silicone material being a thermosetting rubber proved to be very useful for this type of manufacturing process and that targeted the properties of the interdental cleaner, in terms of adhesion to the toothpick substrate, efficient cleaning, adequate flexibility and comfortable attachment and use. The preferred materials for the substrate to which the coating is applied are polyamides, in particular type "6" polyamide. As mentioned above, other substrate materials are viable, for example PBT.
[0085] Before coating C is applied, a number of bodies 2 are arranged in sets as illustrated in Figures 27-28. From these figures, it can be seen that the grip portion has an outer rim 18 which extends along the periphery thereof. This rim 18 defines a kind of recess 19, where the coating C is to be applied in the manufacturing process. The rim 19 contributes to a comfortable attachment of the complete coated stick 1. The bodies 2 are connected to each other by fine pull-out bridges or links 20 consisting of the body material.
[0086] The connections 20 are maintained in the manufacturing process and hold together the finished toothpicks 1 in assemblies of the type illustrated in Figures 29-30. When a toothpick 1 is to be used, the user simply breaks the link 20 between two adjacent toothpicks 1 and separates the toothpick 1 to be used.
[0087] With reference to fig. 31, an interdental cleaner 1 of the type shown in Fig. 8 is shown in the initial cleaning position. Thanks to the design of the tapered cleaning portion 4 and a well-balanced reinforcement thereto, adequate rigidity is achieved, which facilitates axially reciprocating cleaning movement in the space between two front teeth 30, 31. The grooves 15, 16 shown in FIGS. 23 also contribute to adequate stiffness. The rectangular flat gripping portion 3 provides a secure grip by the user's fingers so that he/she can perform efficient cleaning. The ingenious arrangement of the alternating brush flanges 6 of the cleaning portion 4 further enhances cleaning. The 6 brush flanges are in close contact with the tooth surface throughout the cleaning process.
[0088] In Fig. 32, an interdental cleaner 1' of the type shown in Fig. 14 is illustrated in a cleaning position, where it is bent and partially inserted between two back teeth 40, 41. tapered cleaning portion 4', which can be folded, makes it possible to achieve cleaning conveniently and at locations around the oral cavity. Also in this folded position, the 6' brush flanges are in close contact with the tooth surfaces so that efficient cleaning is achieved.
[0089] The four-wing flange brush arrangement of the interdental cleaner 1' is further illustrated in Figures 33, while in Fig. 34, the interdental cleaner 1' is shown in perspective. In this position, the flat grip portion 3' is rotated about 90° relative to the position in Fig. 32. The cleaning process may preferably involve both an axial reciprocating motion and a rotation about the axis of the interdental cleaner 1'.
[0090] Finally, it should be mentioned that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments and examples described above, and many modifications are feasible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, specific versions of materials may be used, and the specific configuration of toothpicks may vary. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the cleaning flange portion can be varied depending on specific requirements. In addition to the cross-like configuration, various star-like configurations can be used with multiple protruding sets of brush flanges. An alternative configuration is a three-flange design that also provides favorable cleaning contact with the teeth.

权利要求:
Claims (25)
[0001]
1. Interdental cleaner characterized in that it comprises a grip portion (3) and a cleaning part (4), said interdental cleaner (1) being formed by an elongated body (2), said elongated body being made to starting from a thermoplastic material and said cleaning part (4) having a coating (C) which comprises a heat vulcanized rubber material and which forms flexible, peripheral brush members (6); wherein the elongated body (2) includes a wiping portion body (2a) which, when coated, forms said wiping portion (4); wherein said cleaning portion body (2a) is tapered towards the free end (7) thereof; and wherein said cleaning portion body (2a) comprises axial ridges and grooves (15, 16).
[0002]
2. Interdental cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that said rubber material comprises thermoset rubber, preferably a silicone-based rubber.
[0003]
3. Interdental cleaner according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said rubber material has a Shore hardness in the range of 10 - 60 Shore A, preferably 15 - 30 Shore A and more preferably of about 20 Shore A.
[0004]
4. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said thermoplastic material that forms the elongated body (2) is reinforced by glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber or minerals.
[0005]
5. Interdental cleaner according to claim 4, characterized in that the fiber reinforcement comprises glass fiber, in a proportion of 5 - 30% by weight, preferably 10 - 20% by weight of said thermoplastic material.
[0006]
6. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said thermoplastic material comprises amide or polyester plastics.
[0007]
7. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said coating (C) is also applied, at least partially, to said gripping portion (3).
[0008]
8. Interdental cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that the coating (C) applied to the grip portion (3) forms a relief structure (8 - 13) on it.
[0009]
9. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said brush elements are formed as peripheral flanges of the brush (6).
[0010]
10. Interdental cleaner according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer dimension of the brush flanges (9) gradually decreases towards the free end (7) of the cleaning part (4).
[0011]
11. Interdental cleaner according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the outer periphery of the brush flanges (6) forms a substantially circular shape.
[0012]
12. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the brush flanges (6) are spaced substantially equidistantly along the cleaning part (4).
[0013]
13. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the brush flanges (6) are arranged in alternating pairs along the cleaning part (4), first pairs having two brush flanges (6F) extending radially from the shaft of the cleaning part (4) in a first opposite direction (FOD) and the adjacent second pairs having two brush flanges (6S) extending radially from said shaft in a second direction opposite (SOD), the angle between these directions being about 90o.
[0014]
14. Interdental cleaner according to claim 13, characterized in that said edges (15) of the cleaning portion body (2a) protrude in radial directions, which coincide with said first and second directions of the brush flanges (6F, 6S).
[0015]
15. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the grip portion (3) has a substantially rectangular cross-section defining two opposing substantially flat grip surfaces (3a, 3b) and a rim outer (18) which extends along the outer periphery of the grip portion (3).
[0016]
16. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the grip portion (3) comprises a transition section (5), which is tapered towards the cleaning part (4) .
[0017]
17. Interdental cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the axial length (L1) of the cleaning portion (4) is in the range of 35 - 55% of the total axial length (L1 + L2 ) of the interdental cleaner (1), preferably from 40 - 50% and more preferably from about 45%.
[0018]
18. Interdental cleaner according to claim 16, characterized in that the axial length (L2) of the grip portion (3), including the tapered transition section (5) is in the range of 45 - 65% of the length total axial (L1 + L2) of the interdental cleaner (1), preferably 50 - 60%, and more preferably about 55%.
[0019]
19. Interdental cleaner according to claim 16 or 18, characterized in that the transverse dimension (D2) of the cleaning portion (4) at said free end (7) constitutes about 40 - 50% of the transverse dimension ( D1) of the cleaning portion (4) adjacent to the transition section (5), preferably, the ratio (D2/D1) is about 45%.
[0020]
20. Interdental cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a gripping portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4), said interdental cleaner (1) being formed by an elongated body (2) said elongated body being made from a thermoplastic material and said cleaning portion (4) having a liner (C) comprising a heat-vulcanized rubber material and forming flexible, peripheral brush members (6); wherein said heat-vulcanized rubber material comprises a thermosetting silicone-based rubber.
[0021]
21. Interdental cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a gripping portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4), said interdental cleaner (1) being formed by an elongated body (2) , said elongated body being made from a thermoplastic material and said cleaning portion (4) having a coating (C) comprising a heat-vulcanized thermoset silicone rubber material and forming flexible brush peripheral members (6 ); wherein said thermoplastic material forming the elongated body (2) is reinforced by a fiber material or minerals.
[0022]
22. Interdental cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a gripping portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4), said interdental cleaner (1) being formed by an elongated body (2) said elongated body being made from a thermoplastic material and said cleaning portion (4) having a liner (C) comprising a heat vulcanized rubber material and forming flexible, peripheral brush members; wherein said brush members are formed as peripheral brush flanges (6), the outer dimension of which gradually decreases towards the free end (7) of the cleaning portion (4), and wherein the outer periphery of the brush flanges ( 6) forms a substantially circular shape.
[0023]
23. Interdental cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a gripping portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4), said interdental cleaner (1) being formed by an elongated body (2) said elongated body being made from a thermoplastic material and said cleaning portion (4) having a liner (C) comprising a heat vulcanized rubber material and forming flexible, peripheral brush members; wherein the cleaning portion body (2a) is tapered towards the free end (7) thereof and comprises axial ridges and grooves (15, 16); wherein said brush members are formed as peripheral flanges of the brush (6), the outer dimension of which gradually decreases towards the free end (7) of the cleaning portion (4) and forms a substantially circular shape; wherein the brush flanges (6) are spaced substantially equidistantly along the cleaning portion (4) and are arranged in alternating pairs therealong, the first pairs having two brush flanges (6F) extending radially from of the axis of the cleaning part (4) in a first opposite direction (FOD) and the second adjacent pairs having two brush flanges (6S) extending radially from said axis in a second opposite direction (SOD), the angle between said directions being about 90°; and wherein said ridges (15) of the body of the cleaning part (2a) protrude in radial directions, which coincide with said first and second directions of the brush flanges (6F, 6S).
[0024]
24. Set of interdental cleaners as defined by any one of claims 1 to 23 characterized in that said interdental cleaners (1) are connected to each other by thin, torn bridges or connectors (20).
[0025]
25. Interdental cleaner characterized in that it comprises a gripping portion (3) and a cleaning portion (4), said interdental cleaner (1) being formed by an elongated body (2), said elongated body being made to from a thermoplastic material, said cleaning portion (4) being coated with a rubber material forming a soft coating (C), said coating (C) forming flexible brush flanges (6F, 6S) protruding from of said coated cleaning portion; wherein said elongated body comprises a cleaning portion body (2a) which, when coated, forms said cleaning portion (4); wherein brush flanges (6F, 6S) include longitudinally spaced apart pairs of brush flanges disposed at longitudinal positions along said elongated body (2), with each pair of brush flanges (6F, 6S) including a first brush flange and a second brush flange which is along aligned with the first brush flange and being oppositely disposed to said elongated body (2) from the first brush flange; and wherein only two brush flanges are disposed at one or more of the longitudinal positions along said elongated body (2).

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同族专利:

公开号 | 公开日

RU2016137837A3|2018-07-03|

DE14815346T1|2015-10-01|

EP3569190B1|2020-07-08|

EP2829253B1|2016-10-12|

ES2750948T3|2020-03-30|

PL3718502T3|2022-01-31|

RU2683388C2|2019-03-28|

EP3181091A1|2017-06-21|

DK3718502T3|2022-01-03|

AU2014294934A1|2016-09-15|

JP2021049365A|2021-04-01|

US20190167397A1|2019-06-06|

PL3569190T3|2020-11-16|

DE202014010863U1|2017-01-11|

AU2014294934B2|2019-09-12|

JP2020096943A|2020-06-25|

EP3718502A1|2020-10-07|

HUE032148T2|2017-09-28|

EP2829253A1|2015-01-28|

WO2015011299A3|2015-04-30|

BR112016020522A2|2017-08-15|

EP3181091B1|2019-10-09|

CN106061431B|2017-12-29|

KR20220010586A|2022-01-25|

DE202014010862U1|2017-01-11|

US20210100644A1|2021-04-08|

DE112014003705T5|2016-04-21|

JP2017506963A|2017-03-16|

DE14158195T1|2015-03-12|

CN106061431A|2016-10-26|

CN107874856A|2018-04-06|

KR20160130426A|2016-11-11|

DE202014010860U1|2017-01-24|

JP2019122804A|2019-07-25|

ES2605394T3|2017-03-14|

WO2015011299A2|2015-01-29|

US10856958B2|2020-12-08|

CN107874856B|2021-06-01|

EP3718502B1|2021-10-27|

US20160367345A1|2016-12-22|

PL2829253T3|2017-02-28|

CA3108666A1|2015-01-29|

CA3108666C|2021-06-01|

EP3113718A2|2017-01-11|

PL3113718T3|2020-01-31|

DK2829253T3|2017-01-02|

RU2016137837A|2018-04-09|

ES2812211T3|2021-03-16|

AU2014294934A2|2016-09-22|

EP3569190A1|2019-11-20|

CA2940773A1|2015-01-29|

CA2940773C|2021-03-30|

US10195005B2|2019-02-05|

DE202014010864U1|2017-01-11|

EP3113718B1|2019-07-24|

DE202014011487U1|2021-04-21|

JP6339692B2|2018-06-06|

JP2017196494A|2017-11-02|

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法律状态:
2020-04-28| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

2021-02-09| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

2021-03-30| B06J| Correction of requirement [chapter 6.10 patent gazette]|Free format text: REPUBLICACAO DAS EXIGENCIAS TECNICAS NOTIFICADAS NA RPI 2614 DE 09/02/2021. |

2021-06-08| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

2021-07-13| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 17/12/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

EP14158195.9|2014-03-06|

EP14158195.9A|EP2829253B1|2014-03-06|2014-03-06|Interdental cleaner|

PCT/EP2014/078338|WO2015011299A2|2014-03-06|2014-12-17|Interdental cleaner|

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