KR20130141671A - Method of manufacturing different toothbrushes with common core - Google Patents

Abstract

The dental appliance includes and consists of a rigid plastic core handle and an overmold. The anatomically adapted to the user's hand can be different structure to match the user, it may have a different external structure suitable for a plurality of different users. The method of making a dental appliance of the present invention comprises forming a plastic core in a first mold; Separating the plastic core from the first mold; One mold of the plurality of second molds is selected, and each of the plurality of second molds is formed by an overmold formed by one mold of the plurality of second molds and another mold of the plurality of second molds. Different mold cavities so that the overmolds have different structures; Placing the plastic core in a second selected one of the plurality of second molds; Injecting material into the mold cavity to form an overmold to the plastic core; And separating the plastic core and the overmold from the mold cavity.

Description

How to make another toothbrush with a common core {METHOD OF MANUFACTURING DIFFERENT TOOTHBRUSHES WITH COMMON CORE}

 The present invention relates to an oral care appliance, in particular a method for manufacturing a toothbrush having a common core and an overmold.

Oral care devices, especially toothbrushes, are basically the tools that almost everyone uses every day. Such instruments are typically provided with a handle that can be held and operated by the user as needed. However, many of the handles are in the form of simple linear or anatomically wrong rods of relatively hard material that are not comfortable or easily manipulated. In addition, oral care devices are generally used in wet conditions that may cause the handle to slip.

Toothbrushes for improved control and greater comfort for the user include US Pat. No. 7,458,125; 7,240,390; And in the toothbrush handle portion illustrated in 7,401,377 are provided with soft elastomer padding. US Patent No. 5,501,597, which provides another example of providing a soft cover to the handle of an oral care appliance; 6,361,317; And 7,226,289.

The problem with handles of relatively hard material is greater when the toothbrush is powered electrically or otherwise due to vibrations generated by the toothbrush head which are electrically operated during use. The control of such a toothbrush is a bigger problem when the electric / powered toothbrush is used by small hands of a child.

Accordingly, there is a need for an oral care implement that provides improved control and comfort when using the instrument regardless of the size of the user's hand.

One aspect of the preferred embodiment includes a method of making a dental instrument. The dental instrument includes a shaft and overmold with a plastic core. The method includes forming a plastic core in a first mold, separating the plastic core from the first mold, selecting one of the plurality of second molds, wherein each of the plurality of second molds comprises a plurality of second molds. The overmold formed by one mold of the two molds and the overmold formed by the other one of the plurality of second molds have different mold cavities so as to have different structures, and the plastic core is formed of a plurality of molds. Placing in a mold selected from one of the two molds, injecting material into a mold cavity of the selected one of the plurality of second molds to form an overmold for the plastic core, and overmolding the plastic core from the mold cavity Separating the.

Another aspect of the preferred embodiment includes a method of making a dental instrument. The dental appliance includes an overmolded shaft and a plastic core. The method includes providing a first plastic core from a first mold, selecting one first mold from among a plurality of second molds, each of the plurality of second molds into one of the plurality of second molds. The first mold selected from among a plurality of second molds, the first mold having a different mold cavity such that the overmold formed by the mold and the other one of the plurality of second molds has a different structure. Placing in a mold, injecting material into a mold cavity of a first mold selected from a plurality of second molds to form a first overmold for the first plastic core, and forming the first plastic core and the first plastic core from the mold cavity 1 separating the overmold. The method also includes providing a second plastic core formed from a first mold, selecting a second mold from a plurality of second molds, and selecting the second plastic core from the plurality of second molds. Disposing the mold into a mold cavity of a second mold selected from a plurality of second molds to form a second overmold for the second plastic core, and from the mold cavity the second plastic core and the second The step of separating the overmold is also included.

Another aspect of the preferred embodiment is to include a dental instrument kit. The kit includes a first dental core having a first plastic core formed from a first mold and a first overmold formed from a first mold of the plurality of second molds, each of the plurality of second molds being a plurality of second molds. The overmold formed by one of the second molds and the overmold formed by the other one of the plurality of second molds have different mold cavities so as to have different structures. The kit also includes a second dental core having a second plastic core formed of a first mold and a second overmold formed of a second mold of the plurality of second molds. The first overmold and the second overmold have a different structure.

In a particular embodiment, the method also includes chemically mixing the plastic core and the injection material, and cooling the plastic core and the overmold with the chemically mixed injection material to form a chemical bond between the overmold and the plastic core. It also includes steps. In terms of this illustrated embodiment, the injection material preferably has a temperature that softens the plastic core to chemically mix the injection material and the core. In another aspect of the preferred embodiment the method also includes disposing an electrically functioning element within the plastic core, the electrically functional element being capable of connecting to an energy source for operating the electrically acting functional unit and the electrically acting functional unit. An electrical supply unit. In another aspect of the preferred embodiment, the dental instrument comprises a head member and a neck positioned between the head member and the plastic core, and the method further comprises attaching to the head member a plurality of bristles forming the brush head. can do. Although not limited to a particular material, the injection material can be, for example, an elastomer.

Further areas in which the present invention may be applied will be apparent from the detailed description described below. The description of the invention and the specific examples thereof described through the preferred embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

1 is a top plan view of an example of a toothbrush formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second top of the toothbrush shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG.
4 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a toothbrush formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the second upper portion of the toothbrush shown in FIG. 4; FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5; FIG.

The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for easy understanding.

The following description, which is described through the preferred embodiments, is intended to illustrate the invention, and the description does not limit the use or use of the invention.

Unless otherwise specified in the specification herein, all quantities, quantities, and described geometric features are to be understood to include those that generally approximate the term expressed. For example, the term "planar" described should be understood to include general or approximate planar flat structures.

The figure illustrates an oral care appliance or dental appliance in the form of a toothbrush consisting of a head with an improved handle and bristles or other tooth engagement elements. Based on the manufacture of a toothbrush with an improved handle, other oral care devices such as interdental picks, floss tools, plaque scrapers, tongues and soft tissue cleansers / massages and the like may be used. It is also possible for other embodiments to be utilized, and changes in structure and function may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In view of the embodiments of the present invention, which are not limited to specific embodiments, the present invention is directed to a thermoplastic elastomer overmold in an overmolding process, with an overmold forming a grip area held by a user's hand while using a toothbrush. It includes a toothbrush with a hard plastic core handle that is chemically bonded. The resulting overmolded grips have different geometries for different types of users (e.g., adults, children, boys, girls, men, women) with different shapes that are anatomically modified to fit the user's hand. Can be. For example, boys and girls would prefer different overmolds than men and women or adults, and children would have different overmolds specifically shaped for each size, strength, and pressure applied by each user's hand. I would prefer a design.

The preferred embodiment provides a comfortable elastomeric cover for a toothbrush handle of size and shape that fits the user's hand to enhance the control and comfort of the toothbrush for the user. If your toothbrush is an electric toothbrush, you may receive additional benefits. It is well known that electric / sonic toothbrushes generate vibrations during use. This vibration can cause discomfort to the user, especially when the user is holding the rigid handle of the vibrating toothbrush. By providing a comfortable elastomeric grip around the entire circumference, not just the selected portion of the toothbrush handle, the elastomer overmold of the preferred embodiment can comfortably and reliably grip the toothbrush while reducing vibration transmitted to the user by the vibration of the elastomeric cover. I made it. Thus, a further advantage of the present invention is the absorption of vibration by the elastomer overmold and thus the reduction of vibration to the contact of the user, thereby reducing the health problems occurring on the user's hands, wrists and arms.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1-3 are embodiments of a toothbrush 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The toothbrush 10 includes a core handle 12, a head 14 and a neck 18 connected therebetween. The core handle 12, the neck 18 and the head 14 may be integrally formed or selectively separated and formed in a single unit with two parts along the neck 18 located between the head and the core handle. It can also be attached by attaching. The head 14 has a base 20 having a bristle mounting flat surface or mounting surface 22 from which a plurality of bristles 16 are distributed across the surface 22 across the base 22. It can be preferably inserted into and attached into the recessed hole 24 (FIG. 3).

The core handle 12 is an approximately cylindrical or tubular rigid plastic shaft that extends from the shank 46 of the neck 18 to the bottom 26 of the toothbrush 10 at its distal end. As a substrate, but not limited to a particular embodiment, the toothbrush 10 is preferably an electric or sonic toothbrush having a bottom end cap 28 attached to the core handle 12 via a frictional fit. End cap 28 may be detached from the core handle at its bottom 26 to open a cylindrical channel for an energy source (eg, a battery). End cap 28 may be comprised of planar boundaries (eg, rims, walls, faces, flat surfaces) 30 to allow the toothbrush 10 to stand upright when placed on a flat, horizontal surface.

Referring to FIG. 3, the core handle 12 is shown in a tubular shape surrounding an electrically functioning element 32, which element 32 is an elongated shaft of the core handle 12 and the neck 18. Disposed within. The shape of the core handle 12 is not limited to cylindrical or tubular. For example, the core handle 12 may be made of any other suitable shape of any of a variety of polygons. The electrical functional element 32 comprises an electrically actuated functional unit 34 (eg, a vibration member with an electric motor 36 connected to the eccentric member 38), and the electric motor 36 and the energy source 44. Electrical supply unit 40 of the conductive line 42 which can be connected (eg, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a connector connected to an electrical output). In certain embodiments, electrical functional element 32 may include one or more piezoelectric elements. In certain embodiments, electrical functional element 32 may include more or fewer components as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 52 on the front face 54 of the toothbrush 10 is operably connected to the electrical actuation function unit 34, thereby connecting to the electricity supply unit 40 from the energy source 44. Connection or disconnection to the electrically actuated function unit 34 based on the position of the switch 52 in a direction to release or to release the connection.

The core handle 12 is a hard plastic shaft that contains a rigid polymer material. The rigid polymer material provides strength and durability to the portion of the toothbrush 10 or dental appliance that is subjected to the stresses and forces that occur in connection with holding and using the toothbrush 10 for the intended dental purpose. Strength and durability may prevent some portions of the toothbrush 10 from being stressed to crack or deform.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rigid polymeric material may comprise a rigid thermoplastic material. Suitable hard thermoplastic materials include polycarbonates, acrylonitrile butadiene styrenes, polyamides, acetals, polysulfones, polypropylenes. The rigid polymer material may also include a rigid chemical cure or a thermal cure polymer material. In addition to providing stiffness, strength and durability, chemically polymerized or thermally polymerized polymer materials also provide the benefits of autoclavable. Typical hard chemical or thermally polymerized polymers are epoxy, phenol, acrylate, urethane and polyester.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the toothbrush 10 has a core handle (a user's hand is expected to hold the toothbrush 10 while the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmolded grip 50 is using the toothbrush). 12) As a substrate not limited to a particular structure, the overmolded grip 50 is preferably assembled to the rigid plastic core handle 12 by placing the core handle 12 in a suitable mold, the mold being of the shank 46 and the shaft. At the bottom 26, the toothbrush 10 is sealed off. Next, a suitable TPE material is injected into the mold cavity of the appropriate shape as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The thermoplastic elastomer overmolded grip 50 is chemically bonded to the rigid plastic core handle 12 during the overmolding process, which overmolding grips the overmolded grip 50 with respect to the core handle 12. It is a process to do it. The elastomer overmolded grip 50 and the core handle 12 inject an elastomer at a high temperature sufficient to chemically mix with the material of the core handle 12 to form an elastomer overmolded grip 50. Through the chemical bond. In particular, the elastomer is injected at a sufficiently high temperature to produce sufficient softness or melting to allow chemical mixing of the outer wall with the overmolded, hot elastomeric material into which the outer wall 48 of the plastic core handle 12 is injected. As the elastomer cools, the chemical blend creates a chemical bond that holds the rigid plastic core handle 12 and the thermoplastic elastomer overmolded grip 50 together.

The overmolded grip 50 is preferably formed to allow the toothbrush 10 user to comfortably manipulate the handle. Although the present invention does not limit the shape of the overmolded grips 50, 60 (FIGS. 4-6), the overmolded grips 50, 60 provide the user with a grip portion that is comfortable for use during the dental treatment run. It is understood that it can be formed in any shape. Accordingly, the overmolded grips 50 and 60 may be formed in a conventional manner in a shape that targets the general size and shape of the user's hand regardless of the user's age or gender. In addition, the overmolded grips 50 and 60 may be of various structures, including different colors, patterns, designs, motifs, and the like. Further, in certain embodiments, the mold cavities forming the overmolded grips 50, 60 may be adjusted to produce overmolded grips 50 of various shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, designs, motifs, and the like.

4-6 show a second preferred embodiment of a toothbrush 100 that is generally similar to the toothbrush 10 described above. In particular, the toothbrush 100 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 is the same as the toothbrush 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3 except for the outer shape of the overmolded grip 60. The overmolded grip 60 is assembled to the core handle 12 of rigid plastic and chemically coupled to the core handle 12 as described above with respect to the overmolded grip 50. That is, the core handle 12 is preferably placed in a suitable mold that seals the toothbrush 100 at the shank 46 and the bottom 26 of the axis of the core handle 12. However, the mold is configured differently to form an overmolded grip 60 that is different from the overmolded grip 50. That is, the mold cavity of the mold forming the overmolded grip 60 has a shape, size, color, pattern, design and / or motif different from the mold cavity of the mold forming the overmolded grip 50. Irrespective of the structure of the mold cavity, the elastomer is injected at a high enough temperature so that the outer wall 48 of the plastic core handle 12 is ductile enough to chemically mix with the outer wall and the hot elastomeric material of the injection overmolding. do. The overmolded grip 60 is formed in a different shape that can be handled stably by a user of a different gender or age group than the individual or group targeting the toothbrush of the first embodiment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the toothbrushes 10, 100 are preferably manufactured in the same way. For example, the plastic core handle 12 is an axis that is molded separately from the first mold and is molded in the first mold. The second mold used to manufacture the overmolded grip 50 or 60 is selected from a plurality of second molds, each of the plurality of second molds being formed by an overmold formed by one of the plurality of second molds ( For example, the overmolded grip 50 and the overmolded by the other one of the plurality of second molds (eg, the overmolded grip 60) have different mold cavities so as to have different structures. The plastic core handle 12 is disposed in a selected one of the plurality of second molds. Next, an overmold (e.g., overmold grip 50 or overmold grip 60) is formed against the plastic core handle 12 by injecting material into the selected mold cavity, and with the plastic core handle 12 Each overmolded grip (eg, overmolded grip 50, overmolded grip 60) is separated from the selected mold cavity.

In certain embodiments, a kit includes a first dental appliance having a first plastic core 12 and an overmolded grip 50, and a second dental appliance having a second plastic core 12 and an overmolded grip 60. Is provided. In this kit, the plastic core 12 is common in dental instruments, where the overmolded grips 50 and 60 may have other structures.

According to a preferred embodiment, the overmolded grips 50, 60 are made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. The elastomeric material provides improved comfort and gripability to the handle of the toothbrush / dental appliance that a user would grasp when using the toothbrush manually. In addition, the elastomeric material may comprise a polymeric material to which the elastomer is chemically or thermally polymerized for further benefit of sterility. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers are ethylene-propylene rubber, polyolefin elastomers, and synthetic rubbers. Examples of suitable elastomeric chemically or thermally polymerized polymers are silicone rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and low durometer urethanes. Although materials outside this range can be used, it is preferred that the overmolded grip surface be made of an elastomeric material having a durometer hardness in the range between A11-A50 Shore hardness to provide optimum comfort in addition to control benefits. The more preferable range of durometer hardness rate is between A25-A40 Shore hardness.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make various changes or changes to the above-described invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the end cap 28 is preferably attached to the core handle 12 in a threaded, snap fit or other frictional engagement, and optionally also within the scope of the present invention, such as adhesives or magnets. It may be attached by non-friction means. In addition, the present invention can be easily applied to the present invention in a variety of conditions without the additional effort, the above description.

The ranges of use described herein are used shortly to describe each and every value within that range. Any value within that range can be chosen as the end of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict between the disclosure herein and the cited reference, the disclosure herein is controlled.

10, 100: toothbrush 12: core handle 14: head
18: neck 20: base 28: end cap
34: electrical actuation unit 40: electricity supply unit 44: energy source
46: shank 50, 60: overmolded grip

Claims (16)

In a method of manufacturing a dental instrument consisting of an overmolded shaft and a plastic core, the method comprises:
a) forming a plastic core in a first mold;
b) separating the plastic core from the first mold;
c) selecting one mold of the plurality of second molds, each of the plurality of second molds being an overmold formed by one of the plurality of second molds and the other one of the plurality of second molds; The overmolded by is formed into different mold cavities so as to have different structures;
d) placing the plastic core in a selected one of the plurality of second molds;
e) injecting material into a mold cavity of a selected one of the plurality of second molds to form an overmold for the plastic core; And
f) separating the plastic core and the overmold from the mold cavity,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. The method of claim 1,
The method comprises, after step e), chemically mixing the plastic core and the injection material, and cooling the overmold and the plastic core with the chemically mixed injection material to form a chemical bond between the overmold and the plastic core. Further comprising,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The injection material has a temperature that softens the plastic core such that the core chemically mixes with the injection material,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The method also includes disposing an electrical functional element within the plastic core, the electrical functional element comprising an electrical actuation function unit and an electrical supply unit connectable to an energy source for actuating the electrical actuation function unit,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Step d) includes enclosing the plastic core portion inside the mold cavity with the plastic core between the enclosed portions,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The plastic core includes a distal end defining a channel extending towards the core, and further comprising inserting an electrical functional element into the channel and attaching an end cap to the distal end of the plastic core to close the channel.
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The dental instrument includes a head member and a neck disposed between the head member and the plastic core, further comprising attaching a plurality of bristles to the head member to form a toothbrush head,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The injection material is an elastomer,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the structure comprises one or more of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, designs, and motifs,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. In a method of manufacturing a dental instrument consisting of an overmolded shaft and a plastic core, the method comprises:
a) providing a first plastic core formed from a first mold;
b) selecting one of the plurality of second molds, each of the plurality of second molds being an overmold formed by one of the plurality of second molds and the other one of the plurality of second molds; Different mold cavities so that the overmold formed by the two molds has different structures;
c) placing the plastic core into one of the plurality of second molds;
d) injecting material into the mold cavity of the first mold of the plurality of second molds to form a first overmold for the first plastic core;
e) separating the first plastic core and the first overmold from the mold cavity;
f) providing a second plastic core formed from the first mold;
g) selecting one second mold of the plurality of second molds;
h) placing the second plastic core in one second mold of the plurality of second molds;
i) injecting material into a mold cavity of one second mold of the plurality of second molds to form a second overmold for the second plastic core; And
j) separating the second plastic core and the second overmold from the mold cavity;
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. The method of claim 10,
The method comprises, after step d), chemically mixing the first plastic core and the injection material, cooling the first overmold and the first plastic core with the chemically mixed injection material to form a chemical bond therebetween. Forming; And
after step i), chemically mixing the second plastic core and the injected material, and cooling the second overmold and the second plastic core with the chemically mixed injected material to form a chemical bond therebetween. Further comprising steps,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. The method according to claim 10 or 11,
The structure comprises one or more of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, designs, and motifs,
Method of manufacturing dental instruments. The dental instrument kit, wherein the kit is:
A first dental appliance having a first plastic core formed in the first mold;
Each of the first overmold formed of one first mold among the plurality of second molds, and each of the plurality of second molds may be different from the overmold formed by one of the plurality of second molds and the plurality of second molds. The different mold cavities are provided so that the overmold formed by one mold has a different structure;
A second dental appliance having a second plastic core formed into said first mold; And
A second overmold formed of one second mold of the plurality of second molds;
The first overmold and the second overmold have a different structure,
Dental instruments kit. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the first and second overmolds are formed with respect to the plastic core by injecting material into the mold cavities of the first and second molds of the plurality of second molds, respectively;
Dental instruments kit. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the first and second overmolds chemically mix the first and second plastic cores and the injection material, and cool the overmold, each having an injection material chemically mixed with the first and second plastic cores, Formed on the plastic core, forming a chemical bond between them,
Dental instruments kit.
17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
Wherein the structure comprises one or more of shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, designs, and motifs,
Dental instruments kit.

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