Bristle for a toothbrush

US6327736A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Braun Corporation · DE

Inventors

• Norbert Schaefer · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Armin Schwarz-Hartmann · Wendelsheim, DE
• Mingchih M. Tseng · Hingham, US
• Helge Zimmet · Waltham, US
• Scott Batson · Wakefield, US
• Georges Driesen · Neu-Anspach, DE
• Ahmet Firatli · Nordenstadt, DE
• Rainer Hans · Bensberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 1, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 1, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2969
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention is directed to a bristle (1) suitable for use in a brush (4) or the like, and in particular in a toothbrush. The bristle (1) is made of a plastic material and includes preferably a circular area of cross-section. When viewed in cross-section, the bristle (1) includes two sections (2, 3) with different properties. These sections (2, 3) are not in concentric relative arrangement. As a result, the bristle (1) curves along its longitudinal axis. The curvature produces an improved cleaning action of the brush (4).