Abstract: Methods for the use of laser beams in the case of plastic monofilaments are proposed. For example, methods for joining extruded plastic monofilaments and monofilaments having different absorption coefficients for laser beams (LS) are at least zonally contacted along their circumferential surface and by the introduction of laser beams are melted together in the contact area. For the optical marking of extruded monofilaments or individual monofilaments of a monofilament union, at least the monofilament to be marked, accompanied by the addition of additives reacting with a color change under laser action, are extruded and treated with laser beams in the areas corresponding to the desired marking. For structural modifying monofilaments or individual monofilaments of a monofilament union, the monofilament to be structurally modified is extruded with LS-absorbing additives and subsequently treated with laser beams.

Abstract: A brush, in particular for an electrical toothbrush, having a brush head driven in at least one direction and bristles attached thereto is distinguished in that the ends of at least one portion of the bristles lie on a strip-like or spotted enveloping surface and at least those border edges of the enveloping surface formed by the bristles leading in the direction of motion of the brush head extend at an angle with respect to the direction of motion of the brush head which is different than 90°.

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of brushware with plastic bristles, the bristles are extruded continuously as monofilaments, cut to the desired length and fixed to a bristle carrier as a bristle facing either individually or combined into groups. According to the invention, the monofilament after extrusion or the bristles produced therefrom are provided with at least one substantially linear boundary detectable on the bristle facing of the finished brushware as a color-contrasted marking at a distance from the use-side end of the bristles representing the use state. In brushware produced according to this method, at least part of the outer bristles in the bristle facing have a color-contrasted, substantially linear boundary at a distance from the use-side ends of the bristle representing the use state.

Abstract: A bristle comprises a core of a comparatively rigid, bending-elastic plastics material and at least one layer of a rubber-like plastics material, which is profiled by stamping or embossing against the core. To said layer can be applied a further film-like coating smoothing the profiling. Such a bristle is produced by the co-extrusion of the core and the rubber-like layer and the subsequent stamping thereof against the core. The film-like coating is applied following stamping.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a monofilament with reduced secondary binding forces of at least two commonly extruded polymers for the production of bristles or interdental cleaners which are slittable substantially axially through the action of mechanical forces, wherein for generation of defined slits of flags, the at least two polymers of the monofilament are disposed in a regular geometrical arrangement with substantially axially extending boundary layers in which the reduced secondary binding forces prevail.

Abstract: A cleaning brush, particularly toothbrush, has a handle and an elongated brush head, which comprises a flexible bristle carrier tapering in longitudinal cross-section from the handle to the front end of the brush head and bristles fixed thereto. The bristle carrier is formed from two longitudinally, successively arranged portions interconnected in transitionless manner and made from materials having differing characteristics and at least the front portion is made from an elastomer. The materials, cross-sections and bending length of the portions are so chosen that the front portion is deflectable with a smaller radius of curvature than the other portion.

Abstract: In a plastic toothbrush in which the substantially rigid brush head is connected by means of a spring part to the substantially rigid handle and the spring part is embedded in the plastic, a construction advantageous from the manufacturing, use and environmental standpoints is obtained in that the spring part is made at least preponderantly from plastic with a higher modulus of elasticity than the plastic surrounding it.

Abstract: In a plastic toothbrush in which the substantially rigid brush head is connected by means of a spring part to the substantially rigid handle and the spring part is embedded in the plastic, a construction advantageous from the manufacturing, use and environmental standpoints is obtained in that the spring part is made at least preponderantly from plastic with a higher modulus of elasticity than the plastic surrounding it.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a brush head made from plastic and vertical individual bristles made from plastic embedded into the brush head which are disposed at small separations with respect to each other, is distinguished in that, on the bristle head portion having bristles, approximately 400 to 800 individual bristles per cm2 are disposed and the overall height of the toothbrush comprising the free length of the individual bristles and the thickness of the brush head assumes a value between 6.5 and 11 mm.

Abstract: Brushes with a bristle carrier and a bristle facing of individual, vertical plastic bristles are manufactured in that the individual bristles with their fastening-side ends at the front are introduced into in each case one hole of a hole template, whose hole diameter is slightly larger than that of a single bristle and whose hole pattern corresponds to the positioning of the bristles within the bristle facing or part thereof, to such an extent that their fastening-side ends project roughly to the same extent at the opposite side of the hole template, the bristles are subsequently fixed against axial and radial displacement in the hole template, at least on the fastening-side surface of the bristle carrier is prepared a bed of liquid, curable material, the liquid material flows round the bristles with their fastening-side ends immersed in the bed and subsequently the bed is cured.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of surface-structured bristle material from plastic by extruding a monofilament. Before or during extrusion a granular material is admixed with a thermally melted first plastics material forming the main component of the monofilament. The granular material comprises a second plastics material, which has a higher thermal strength than the first plastics material. The particle size of the granular material is such that the monofilament, during a subsequent stretching, is subject to a greater transverse contraction in cross-sections where there is little or no granular material than in cross-sections containing granular material. A disclosed bristle included a surface structure from a first plastics material forming the main component of the bristle and in which is embedded in a substantially completely covered manner a granular material of a second plastics material, the granular material forming a structuring on the bristle surface.

Abstract: The brushware comprises a bristle carrier and bristles fixed thereto, which are either arranged singly or in bundles and whose hardness is adjustable. A particularly simple, space-saving and hygienically satisfactory setting of the bristle hardness is obtained in that the bristles are elastically mounted on the bristle carrier and in the case of force action are deflectable at least tranversely to their axis and that the deflection angle of the bristles is adjustable.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a brush head and plastic bristles, optionally combined into bundles, fixed thereto and whereof at least some bristles have a profile on their circumferential surface. In order in the case of unchanged strength characteristics of the bristles to obtain an increased cleaning and massaging action, the bristles have a helix as the profile. The bristles can comprise a core and at least one helix running over the circumferential surface. For the manufacture of the toothbrush it is possible to extrude and then twist a profiled monofilament or a monofilament with axially parallel ribs and then fix the twist. It is also possible to co-extrude a monofilament made from one plastic with ribs made from a plastic having other characteristics running over its circumferential surface, followed by the twisting of the co-extruded composite and the fixing of the twist.

Abstract: In order to ensure a good cleaning of the interdental spaces, an interdental cleaner comprises an elongated, rod-like carrier of a first plastics material, which is covered in partial areas of its surface by at least one insert or support made from a second plastics material, which is softer than the first plastics material. The insert can be placed in a recess formed in the carrier and positively held therein. If the first plastics material of the carrier and/or the second plastics material of the insert or support contains one or more additives, the cleaning and care action can be varied and optimized. For the production of an interdental cleaner, the second plastics material of the insert or support is injection moulded onto the first plastics material of the carrier, the carrier and the insert or support being manufacturable in a two-component injection moulding process.

Abstract: In the case of a dental care device e.g. a toothbrush, having a handle, a head and a care part insertable in locking manner in a depression thereof, said care part can be ejected by means of a resilient pressure piece located on the back of the head and which acts when pressure is exerted on the back of the care part. In order to provide a sealed termination on the back and an e.g. handling, the head has on the back an opening closed by the pressure piece and in which engages the care part and said pressure piece is constructed as a resilient plastic disk and is sealingly fixed with its circumferential edge on the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A gingival massaging and tooth cleaning brush comprises a bristle carrier with handle and on the bristle carrier individual or bundlewise fixed plastic bristles. For improving the massaging action the bristles are waved transversely to their axis, accompanied by the formation of distinct, stud-like wave tops and with a short wave length.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle, a head constructed as an at least one-sided open casing, a brush part insertable in its open side and having a support and a bristle facing, as well as locking means in the form of interengaging projections and recesses within the casing and on the support for fixing the brush part, the casing having a cheek supporting the support over its entire circumferential surface and on the head are provided means for the toolless pressing out of the brush part. In order to separate the functions "sealing" and "locking", on its inside the casing cheek and on its periphery the support are constructed as completely smooth-walled sealing surfaces and, outside the sealing surfaces, the locking means have inwardly displaced, resilient detents.