EP1176888A1 - Toothbrush having controlled head movement - Google Patents

Toothbrush having controlled head movement

Info

Publication number
EP1176888A1
EP1176888A1 EP00928439A EP00928439A EP1176888A1 EP 1176888 A1 EP1176888 A1 EP 1176888A1 EP 00928439 A EP00928439 A EP 00928439A EP 00928439 A EP00928439 A EP 00928439A EP 1176888 A1 EP1176888 A1 EP 1176888A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
toothbrush
generally
section
curved
opposed
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP00928439A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1176888B1 (en
Inventor
Robert Moskovich
Eyal Eliav
Eric Chan
Kyoungeun Ahn
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.)
Colgate Palmolive Co
Original Assignee
Colgate Palmolive Co
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 US09/302,138 external-priority patent/US6292973B1/en
Application filed by Colgate Palmolive Co filed Critical Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority to EP03078063A priority Critical patent/EP1397976B1/en
Publication of EP1176888A1 publication Critical patent/EP1176888A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1176888B1 publication Critical patent/EP1176888B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0097—Self supporting, e.g. brushes that stand upright or in other particular ways
    • 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
    • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
    • 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
    • A46B5/0054—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body
    • A46B5/0062—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware having articulations, joints or flexible portions designed to allow relative positioning of the head to body being flexible or resilient during use
    • A46B5/0066—Flexible resilience by elastic deformation of the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
    • A46B5/02—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware specially shaped for holding by the hand
    • 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 present invention relates to toothbrushes and in particular to toothbrushes whose head position can be manipulated by applying pressure to specific segments of the handle.
  • Conventional toothbrushes comprise uniform tufts of bristles each having a first end which is held captive in and fixed to a brush head, and a second end which is free and which is used for brushing.
  • the free ends of the various tufts present a surface envelope which is capable of slight deformation by the bristles bending when they come in contact with a surface to be brushed, but which is incapable of adequately matching a surface having a complex shape.
  • Such a complex surface is present in the mouth, wherein the teeth generally lie in a "C" shaped curve within the upper and lower jaw, each row of teeth consequently having a convex outer curve and a concave inner curve.
  • Toothbrushes having a flexibly neck located between the brush head, containing the bristles, and the handle have been disclosed in the prior art to provide conformation of the brush to the contours of the dentiture.
  • Examples of such flexibly neck toothbrushes include the toothbrushes disclosed in U.S. Patents 759,490 and 4,520,526.
  • U.S. 759,490 creates neck flexibility by interposing a flexibly resilient material between a rigid brush head and handle, which flexibly resilient material may be reinforced with a second such type of material.
  • 4,520,526 creates neck flexibility by the alternatives of either removing part of the material from the top and bottom of the neck portion of the brush, or having an oval shaped hollow in the neck extending from one side to the other.
  • Such flexibly resilient toothbrush necks permit the bristle head to yield relative to the handle when the user, whereby the danger of injury to the teeth and gums is reduced, applies excessive force.
  • flexure means do not allow the user the ability to control the contour of the brush head to the particular arch of the oral surface being brushed, to avoid the need to apply excessive force in the first instance.
  • U.S. Patent 4,333, 199 discloses a toothbrush whose head is pivotally mounted on a coiled spring above a recessed handle, such that the head is adapted to rotate and tilt as it is applied to the teeth. While such flexing action will allow the brush head to generally follow the arch of the oral surface being brushed, it provides no direct control by the user of the moving, tilting, and rotating action of the toothbrush head.
  • WO 89/ 10076 discloses a toothbrush having the capability of varying the angle between the brush head and the handle in order to position the brush head in parallel with a arcuate section of the dentiture.
  • WO 89/ 10076 discloses a toothbrush having a handle pivotally connected to the head, wherein the handle is formed of a pair of spaced apart, rigid, upper and lower sides, which sides are pivotally linked together to be movable lengthwise relative to each other.
  • the spaced apart, rigid, upper and lower sides may be connected by means of an elastic spacer layer, which will also allow them to be movable lengthwise relative to each other.
  • the present invention encompasses a toothbrush comprised of an elongated handle formed of a relatively rigid, generally S-curved longitudinal backbone section, extending at one end into a relatively straight neck with a flattened head portion containing a plurality of bristle tufts extending therefrom; wherein, the generally S-curved longitudinal backbone is opposed by a corresponding generally S- curved section of a relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric material, such that the opposed S-curves form a generally elongated figure 8 having extending transversely therethrough an upper and a lower aperture.
  • the user can manipulate, i.e.
  • Fig. 1 is a longitudinal perspective view, showing the a first embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention with an arbitrarily curved bristle pattern, a sufficiently clear elastomer about the handle and extending to the base of the neck, such that the S- curved relatively rigid backbone is visible, and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 , wherein a vertical plane and horizontal plane have been added; the vertical plane being perpendicular to the face of the toothbrush and through the longitudinal axis, A-A.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a second embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a third embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a fourth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 , shown from a broadened base and extending to the head thereof, with an arbitrary bristle pattern.
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a fifth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 7 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a sixth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 8 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a seventh embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-section side plan view, showing an eighth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a ninth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a typical narrowed toothbrush base.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush of the present invention about a longitudinal axis A-A, with an upper side, 13, and an opposed lower side, 15, wherein the toothbrush has a head, 14, integral to and extending from a neck, 16, which neck is integral to and extending from a handle, 18, which handle is integral to and extending from a base, 24.
  • the head, 14, having a face, 20, on the upper side, 13, thereof; from which face extend rows of bristle tufts, 22, transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A.
  • the head, 14, can flex relative to the handle, 18, in the vertical plane, identified as N in Fig. 1A; but, is substantially rigid relative to the handle in the horizontal plane, identified as H in Fig. 1.
  • Such flexibility is due to the fact that the handle, 18, is multi-sectional, that is formed in sections of at least two materials having significantly different modulus of elasticity; one section being formed of a relatively rigid plastic and the other section being formed of a resiliently flexible elastomer.
  • the relatively rigid plastic section comprises a generally S-curved longitudinal backbone, 26, extending from the neck of the toothbrush to the broadened base, 24, thereof.
  • the resiliently flexible elastomeric section is also in the general shape of an S-curve, 28, and in opposed relation to the generally S-curved longitudinal backbone, 26, such that the opening of the generally S-curved rigid longitudinal backbone are closed by the generally S-curves of the resilient flexibly elastomeric section, 28.
  • the S-curved rigid longitudinal backbone, 26 and opposed generally S-curved resilient flexibly elastomeric section, 28, form a generally elongated figure 8-shape.
  • the interlocking S-curves that form the generally figure 8-shape handle define two apertures, an upper aperture, 30, more proximate to the neck, 16, and a lower aperture, 32, more proximate to the base, 24; both apertures are preferably approximately equal in cross-sectional area.
  • the apertures, 30 and 32 are of sufficient cross-sectional area such that when the user applies a greater force to the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, about the upper aperture, 30, than to the opposed relative resiliently flexible section, 28, about the upper aperture, 30, or to the opposed relatively rigid backbone section about the lower aperture, 32, the connected bristle bearing head, 14, deflects to a position in the direction of the upper side, 13, of the toothbrush.
  • the user can apply a greater force, at an appropriate angle, to the relatively resiliently flexible section, 28, about the upper aperture, 30, than to the corresponding relatively rigid backbone, 26, about the upper aperture, 30, such that the bristle bearing head, 14, will deflect to a position in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the upper side, 13, of the toothbrush.
  • the interlocking S-curves can be more forward of the longitudinal axis A-A, Fig. 2, or more behind the longitudinal axis A-A, Fig. 3.
  • the apertures 30 and 32 are generally oval with a relatively narrow transverse axis in relationship to a longer longitudinal axis, which longer longitudinal axis may be aligned with or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush; these apertures can be rounder, with much greater transverse axial length in relationship to their longitudinal axial length, such as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the apertures, 30 and 32 can be crescent shaped as illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • the head, 14, the neck, 16, the S-curved backbone, 26, and the base, 24, are molded as an integral work-piece of relatively rigid polypropylene or other plastic with a similarly relatively rigid structure, such as a poly amide, i.e. nylon; or a polyester or a co-polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate that is acid modified (PCTA); or a cellulosic plastic; or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
  • a poly amide i.e. nylon
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PCTA polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate
  • PCTA acid modified
  • cellulosic plastic or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
  • the polypropylene or other rigid plastic is preferably of a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110, more preferably 60 to 110 and most preferably from 80 to 100.
  • Suitable polypropylene is available from Huntsman Corporation, Longview, Texas, 75603 under the trade-designation Huntsman Polypropylene P4G3Z-039.
  • the relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section, 28, may be molded of a variety of elastomeric materials, most especially thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).
  • SEBS styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene
  • TPU thermoplastic polyurethane
  • Another, and preferred TPE is Dynaflex G6713 (brand), . marketed by GLS Corp., Cary, Illinois 60013.
  • These and other suitable elastomers have, typically, a Shore A hardness of from about 1 to 94, with about 15 to 60 being a preferred, and about 15 to 40 being most preferred.
  • the resiliently flexible elastomeric material can be overmolded about the handle, 18, as shown in Fig. 4, a cross-section view, as the elastomic overmolded region.
  • the resiliently flexible elastomic S-curved section is shown in Fig. 4 as areas, 38 and 40, which are separated in the cross-section shown by the generally elongated S-curved relatively rigid backbone, 26.
  • the degree of flexibility of both the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, and of the resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section, areas 38 and 40 can be further controlled by varying the thickness thereof, i.e. to provide more or less flexibility.
  • the relatively rigid components of the toothbrush i.e. the toothbrush head, 14, the neck, 16, the relatively rigid generally S-curved backbone section, 26, and the base, 24, can be of polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate or a copolyester, such as PCTA polyester or SA ⁇ , or a cellulosic plastic, such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP).
  • CAP cellulose acetate propionate
  • the resiliently flexible elastomeric components of the toothbrush i.e. the resiliently flexible S-curved elastomeric section, 28, certain TPE, or TPUS, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) materials can be used.
  • TPE substantially clear polyethylene terephthalate
  • Pawtucket Rhode Island 02861
  • Alternative embodiments of the present invention can contain within the upper and lower segments of the generally figure 8 shaped handle, 18, not only the two apertures previously discussed; but, also within each segment a single aperture or a grouping of a plurality of apertures, i.e. three, four, five or six apertures.
  • the relatively rigid backbone forms a first side of each aperture or grouping of apertures and a relatively resilient flexibly elastomer forms the second side of each aperture or grouping of apertures.
  • the aperture(s) may be generally crescent, generally oval or generally round, with their longitudinal axis generally aligned with or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush A-A.
  • Such multiple apertures may all be located substantively about the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, or on either side thereof. Illustrative illustrations of such alternative embodiments are shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 9.
  • the base can be hollow to minimize the additional weight.
  • a hollow base can be formed of an inner injection molded relatively rigid polypropylene shell, 34, surrounded by the resilient flexibly elastomeric material, 36 which comprises the resiliently flexible elastomeric material.
  • the present invention may contain a typical narrowed toothbrush base, reducing incremental weight.
  • Multi- section component toothbrushes of the present invention can be molded by conventional injection molding technology, which is well known in the art.
  • the resiliently flexible elastomeric material section may be overmolded about the handle, 18, by a second injection step, after the first step of injection molding the frame or skeleton, which is comprised of the hard bristle implanting head, 14, neck, 16, relatively rigid handle backbone section, 26, and base, 24.
  • the frame is positioned in a second mold into which the resiliently flexible elastomeric material is injected about the handle, 18, thereof; more specifically, about the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, extending from the base, 24, to the base of the neck, 16.
  • Facilitation of the two step injection molding of toothbrushes of the present invention can be by using a two component mold.
  • Two component molds are available from numerous suppliers, including Machines Boucherie N.V., Izegem, Belgium; Anton Zahoransky GmbH & Company, Todtnau, Germany; or Braun Formenbau GmbH, Bahlingen, Germany; which molds can be mounted in typical injection molding machines for such implementing the two step injection process, such machines including 300 ton, two component injection molding machines available from Engelgrus Rivers Rivers Rivers Rivers, mbH, Schwertberg, Austria or Netstal-median AG, Nafels, Switzerland.
  • the toothbrush bristles may be implanted in the toothbrush face, 20, using either typical staple technology or using more modern non-staple technology as disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,635,313, 4,637,660, 4,954,305, 5,045,267, 5,609,890, 5,390,984, 5,533791 , and 5,823,633.
  • Such non-staple technology involves processes wherein the bristle tufts, 22, are fused into the toothbrush head, 14, by heating both the bristle tufts, 22, and the toothbrush head, 14, which are then brought together in a fusion process; or, wherein the ends of the bristle tufts, 22, are pre-positioned in the injection mold prior to the introduction of the toothbrush material, which toothbrush material is subsequently injected about the ends of the bristle tufts, 22, locking the bristle tufts, 22, in place in the toothbrush head, 14.

Landscapes

  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothbrush (12) having a handle (18) formed of interlocking opposed S-curved sections, the first (26) being relatively rigid and the second (28) relatively resiliently flexible, the opposed S-curved sections forming a generally elongated figure 8, having a transverse aperture (30, 32) within each segment of the figure 8, such that during brushing the user can manipulate the relatively rigid and resiliently flexible section to position the bristle bearing face (13) of the toothbrush to conform to the arcuate configuration of the dentiture.

Description

Toothbrush Having Controlled Head Movement
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to toothbrushes and in particular to toothbrushes whose head position can be manipulated by applying pressure to specific segments of the handle.
Background of the Invention
Conventional toothbrushes comprise uniform tufts of bristles each having a first end which is held captive in and fixed to a brush head, and a second end which is free and which is used for brushing. The free ends of the various tufts present a surface envelope which is capable of slight deformation by the bristles bending when they come in contact with a surface to be brushed, but which is incapable of adequately matching a surface having a complex shape. Such a complex surface is present in the mouth, wherein the teeth generally lie in a "C" shaped curve within the upper and lower jaw, each row of teeth consequently having a convex outer curve and a concave inner curve. In toothbrushing the desire of users to cause the bristles to conform to the teeth is expressed by the forceful application of the brush to adequately deform the bristles to the arcuate contours of the dentiture. Such forceful application of the brush against the teeth merely leads to excessive wear of the tooth surfaces and gums, without adequate conformation of the brush to the teeth to provide the desired cleaning.
Toothbrushes having a flexibly neck located between the brush head, containing the bristles, and the handle have been disclosed in the prior art to provide conformation of the brush to the contours of the dentiture. Examples of such flexibly neck toothbrushes include the toothbrushes disclosed in U.S. Patents 759,490 and 4,520,526. U.S. 759,490 creates neck flexibility by interposing a flexibly resilient material between a rigid brush head and handle, which flexibly resilient material may be reinforced with a second such type of material. U.S. 4,520,526 creates neck flexibility by the alternatives of either removing part of the material from the top and bottom of the neck portion of the brush, or having an oval shaped hollow in the neck extending from one side to the other. Such flexibly resilient toothbrush necks permit the bristle head to yield relative to the handle when the user, whereby the danger of injury to the teeth and gums is reduced, applies excessive force. However, such flexure means do not allow the user the ability to control the contour of the brush head to the particular arch of the oral surface being brushed, to avoid the need to apply excessive force in the first instance.
U.S. Patent 4,333, 199 discloses a toothbrush whose head is pivotally mounted on a coiled spring above a recessed handle, such that the head is adapted to rotate and tilt as it is applied to the teeth. While such flexing action will allow the brush head to generally follow the arch of the oral surface being brushed, it provides no direct control by the user of the moving, tilting, and rotating action of the toothbrush head.
PCT International Application WO 89/ 10076, discloses a toothbrush having the capability of varying the angle between the brush head and the handle in order to position the brush head in parallel with a arcuate section of the dentiture. WO 89/ 10076 discloses a toothbrush having a handle pivotally connected to the head, wherein the handle is formed of a pair of spaced apart, rigid, upper and lower sides, which sides are pivotally linked together to be movable lengthwise relative to each other. Alternatively, the spaced apart, rigid, upper and lower sides may be connected by means of an elastic spacer layer, which will also allow them to be movable lengthwise relative to each other. Use of a such a pivotally connected handle and head, controlled by the lengthwise movement of the rigid sides of the toothbrush, to accurately control the position of the toothbrush head is difficult at best. Such lack of precise control is due to the fact that pivoting linkages, which lack rigidity or resistance will tend to move the head excessively; while, the alternative use of an elastic layer will limit the movement of the head proportional to the degree of elasticity therein.
There is a need in the art for a toothbrush, wherein the user, to position the head in conformity with the arcuate configuration of the dentiture can more precisely control the position of the toothbrush head.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention encompasses a toothbrush comprised of an elongated handle formed of a relatively rigid, generally S-curved longitudinal backbone section, extending at one end into a relatively straight neck with a flattened head portion containing a plurality of bristle tufts extending therefrom; wherein, the generally S-curved longitudinal backbone is opposed by a corresponding generally S- curved section of a relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric material, such that the opposed S-curves form a generally elongated figure 8 having extending transversely therethrough an upper and a lower aperture. During brushing of the teeth, the user can manipulate, i.e. apply pressure to, the upper relatively rigid S-curve backbone or to the opposed resiliently flexible elastomeric section, while simultaneously compressing an opposite rigid and/or elastomeric section, to position the bristle bearing toothbrush face in a controlled manner to conform to the arcuate configuration of the dentiture.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal perspective view, showing the a first embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention with an arbitrarily curved bristle pattern, a sufficiently clear elastomer about the handle and extending to the base of the neck, such that the S- curved relatively rigid backbone is visible, and a broadened base.
Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 , wherein a vertical plane and horizontal plane have been added; the vertical plane being perpendicular to the face of the toothbrush and through the longitudinal axis, A-A.
Fig. 2 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a second embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base. Fig. 3 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a third embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 4 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a fourth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of Fig. 1 , shown from a broadened base and extending to the head thereof, with an arbitrary bristle pattern.
Fig. 6 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a fifth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 7 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a sixth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 8 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a seventh embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 9 is a cross-section side plan view, showing an eighth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a broadened base.
Fig. 10 is a cross-section side plan view, showing a ninth embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, with a typical flat bristle pattern and a typical narrowed toothbrush base. Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements among the several figures, and in particular referring to Fig 1; wherein there is shown a toothbrush, 12. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush of the present invention about a longitudinal axis A-A, with an upper side, 13, and an opposed lower side, 15, wherein the toothbrush has a head, 14, integral to and extending from a neck, 16, which neck is integral to and extending from a handle, 18, which handle is integral to and extending from a base, 24. The head, 14, having a face, 20, on the upper side, 13, thereof; from which face extend rows of bristle tufts, 22, transverse to the longitudinal axis A-A.
In accordance with the present invention, the head, 14, can flex relative to the handle, 18, in the vertical plane, identified as N in Fig. 1A; but, is substantially rigid relative to the handle in the horizontal plane, identified as H in Fig. 1. Such flexibility is due to the fact that the handle, 18, is multi-sectional, that is formed in sections of at least two materials having significantly different modulus of elasticity; one section being formed of a relatively rigid plastic and the other section being formed of a resiliently flexible elastomer. The relatively rigid plastic section comprises a generally S-curved longitudinal backbone, 26, extending from the neck of the toothbrush to the broadened base, 24, thereof. The resiliently flexible elastomeric section is also in the general shape of an S-curve, 28, and in opposed relation to the generally S-curved longitudinal backbone, 26, such that the opening of the generally S-curved rigid longitudinal backbone are closed by the generally S-curves of the resilient flexibly elastomeric section, 28. Together, the S-curved rigid longitudinal backbone, 26 and opposed generally S-curved resilient flexibly elastomeric section, 28, form a generally elongated figure 8-shape. The interlocking S-curves that form the generally figure 8-shape handle define two apertures, an upper aperture, 30, more proximate to the neck, 16, and a lower aperture, 32, more proximate to the base, 24; both apertures are preferably approximately equal in cross-sectional area.
The apertures, 30 and 32, are of sufficient cross-sectional area such that when the user applies a greater force to the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, about the upper aperture, 30, than to the opposed relative resiliently flexible section, 28, about the upper aperture, 30, or to the opposed relatively rigid backbone section about the lower aperture, 32, the connected bristle bearing head, 14, deflects to a position in the direction of the upper side, 13, of the toothbrush.
The forces involved in this manipulation by the user are illustrated in
Fig. 1 by the opposed arrows at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis
A-A. Correspondingly, the user can apply a greater force, at an appropriate angle, to the relatively resiliently flexible section, 28, about the upper aperture, 30, than to the corresponding relatively rigid backbone, 26, about the upper aperture, 30, such that the bristle bearing head, 14, will deflect to a position in the opposite direction, i.e. away from the upper side, 13, of the toothbrush.
The interlocking S-curve sections that form the handle are shown in
Fig. 1 as being substantially equally spaced about the longitudinal axis A-A; however, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the interlocking S-curves can be more forward of the longitudinal axis A-A, Fig. 2, or more behind the longitudinal axis A-A, Fig. 3. Further, while in Fig. 1 the apertures 30 and 32 are generally oval with a relatively narrow transverse axis in relationship to a longer longitudinal axis, which longer longitudinal axis may be aligned with or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush; these apertures can be rounder, with much greater transverse axial length in relationship to their longitudinal axial length, such as shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the apertures, 30 and 32, can be crescent shaped as illustrated in Fig. 8.
In accordance with the present invention the head, 14, the neck, 16, the S-curved backbone, 26, and the base, 24, are molded as an integral work-piece of relatively rigid polypropylene or other plastic with a similarly relatively rigid structure, such as a poly amide, i.e. nylon; or a polyester or a co-polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate that is acid modified (PCTA); or a cellulosic plastic; or styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The polypropylene or other rigid plastic is preferably of a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110, more preferably 60 to 110 and most preferably from 80 to 100. Suitable polypropylene is available from Huntsman Corporation, Longview, Texas, 75603 under the trade-designation Huntsman Polypropylene P4G3Z-039.
The relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section, 28, may be molded of a variety of elastomeric materials, most especially thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). Acceptable TPE materials for the relatively resiliently flexible S-curved elastomeric section, 28, including styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) Type styrene block copolymers, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene- isoprenestyrene, and related copolymers, as well as, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic vulcanate (TPV) which consists of a mixture of polypropylene and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomers) which is available as Santoprene (brand), described in U.S. Patent 5,393,796; or Vyram (brand), another TPV consisting of a mixture of polypropylene and natural rubber, both Santoprene and Nyram being elastomers marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems LP, Akron, Ohio 4431 1. Another, and preferred TPE is Dynaflex G6713 (brand), . marketed by GLS Corp., Cary, Illinois 60013. These and other suitable elastomers have, typically, a Shore A hardness of from about 1 to 94, with about 15 to 60 being a preferred, and about 15 to 40 being most preferred.
The resiliently flexible elastomeric material can be overmolded about the handle, 18, as shown in Fig. 4, a cross-section view, as the elastomic overmolded region. The resiliently flexible elastomic S-curved section is shown in Fig. 4 as areas, 38 and 40, which are separated in the cross-section shown by the generally elongated S-curved relatively rigid backbone, 26. The degree of flexibility of both the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, and of the resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section, areas 38 and 40, can be further controlled by varying the thickness thereof, i.e. to provide more or less flexibility.
If a substantially clear appearance is desired for the relatively rigid components of the toothbrush, i.e. the toothbrush head, 14, the neck, 16, the relatively rigid generally S-curved backbone section, 26, and the base, 24, can be of polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate or a copolyester, such as PCTA polyester or SAΝ, or a cellulosic plastic, such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). If a substantially clear appearance is desired for the resiliently flexible elastomeric components of the toothbrush, i.e. the resiliently flexible S-curved elastomeric section, 28, certain TPE, or TPUS, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) materials can be used. A preferred substantially clear TPE is available from Teknor Apex Company, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02861 , sold under the trade-designation 96-E0807A-03ΝT WAT CLR. Alternative embodiments of the present invention can contain within the upper and lower segments of the generally figure 8 shaped handle, 18, not only the two apertures previously discussed; but, also within each segment a single aperture or a grouping of a plurality of apertures, i.e. three, four, five or six apertures. In the case of either a single or such a grouping of apertures in the handle, 18, the relatively rigid backbone forms a first side of each aperture or grouping of apertures and a relatively resilient flexibly elastomer forms the second side of each aperture or grouping of apertures. The aperture(s), may be generally crescent, generally oval or generally round, with their longitudinal axis generally aligned with or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush A-A. Such multiple apertures may all be located substantively about the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, or on either side thereof. Illustrative illustrations of such alternative embodiments are shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 9.
As the embodiment of the present invention containing a broadened base taken with the overall dual component construction add significantly to the weight of a typical toothbrush, the base can be hollow to minimize the additional weight. As shown in Fig. 5, such a hollow base can be formed of an inner injection molded relatively rigid polypropylene shell, 34, surrounded by the resilient flexibly elastomeric material, 36 which comprises the resiliently flexible elastomeric material. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 10, the present invention may contain a typical narrowed toothbrush base, reducing incremental weight.
Multi- section component toothbrushes of the present invention can be molded by conventional injection molding technology, which is well known in the art. For example, in accordance with the present invention, the resiliently flexible elastomeric material section may be overmolded about the handle, 18, by a second injection step, after the first step of injection molding the frame or skeleton, which is comprised of the hard bristle implanting head, 14, neck, 16, relatively rigid handle backbone section, 26, and base, 24. In this second injection step the frame is positioned in a second mold into which the resiliently flexible elastomeric material is injected about the handle, 18, thereof; more specifically, about the relatively rigid backbone section, 26, extending from the base, 24, to the base of the neck, 16.
Facilitation of the two step injection molding of toothbrushes of the present invention can be by using a two component mold. Two component molds are available from numerous suppliers, including Machines Boucherie N.V., Izegem, Belgium; Anton Zahoransky GmbH & Company, Todtnau, Germany; or Braun Formenbau GmbH, Bahlingen, Germany; which molds can be mounted in typical injection molding machines for such implementing the two step injection process, such machines including 300 ton, two component injection molding machines available from Engel Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Schwertberg, Austria or Netstal-Maschinen AG, Nafels, Switzerland.
The toothbrush bristles may be implanted in the toothbrush face, 20, using either typical staple technology or using more modern non-staple technology as disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,635,313, 4,637,660, 4,954,305, 5,045,267, 5,609,890, 5,390,984, 5,533791 , and 5,823,633. Such non-staple technology involves processes wherein the bristle tufts, 22, are fused into the toothbrush head, 14, by heating both the bristle tufts, 22, and the toothbrush head, 14, which are then brought together in a fusion process; or, wherein the ends of the bristle tufts, 22, are pre-positioned in the injection mold prior to the introduction of the toothbrush material, which toothbrush material is subsequently injected about the ends of the bristle tufts, 22, locking the bristle tufts, 22, in place in the toothbrush head, 14.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A toothbrush having a user manipulatable head comprising:
an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis, an upper side and a lower side; which handle is comprised of a first relatively rigid, generally S-curved backbone section and an opposed second and resiliently flexible generally S-curved section; the first generally S- curved section extending at one end into a base and at the other end extending into a neck portion provided with a flattened head portion having an upper face containing a plurality of bristle tufts extended therefrom; the opposed S-curve sections defining an elongated figure 8, having therethrough an upper aperture and a lower aperture.
2. The toothbrush according to Claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional areas of the upper and lower apertures are generally equal.
3. The toothbrush according to Claim 1, wherein the upper and lower apertures are generally oval in shape.
4. The toothbrush according to Claim 1, wherein the upper and lower apertures are generally round in shape.
5. The toothbrush according to Claim 1, wherein the upper and lower apertures are generally crescent shaped.
6. The toothbrush of Claim 1, wherein the S-curved backbone has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110.
7. The toothbrush of Claim 1, wherein the relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric S-curve section has a Shore A hardness ranging from about
1 to 94.
8. A toothbrush having a user manipulatable head comprising:
an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis and an upper side and a lower side which handle contains a relatively rigid backbone section which defines a first side of an aperture and opposed thereto a resiliently flexible elastomeric section which defines the second side of said aperture, the aperture having a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the relatively rigid backbone section extending at one end into a base and at the other end extending into a neck portion provided with a flattened head portion with an upper face having extended therefrom a plurality of bristle tufts.
9. The toothbrush of Claim 8, wherein the aperture is oval in shape, the longitudinal axis thereof being aligned at an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
10. The toothbrush of Claim 8, wherein the aperture is generally round.
11. The toothbrush of Claim 8, wherein the aperture is generally crescent shaped.
12. The toothbrush of Claim 8, wherein the relatively rigid backbone section has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 110.
13. The toothbrush of Claim 8, wherein the relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric section has a Shore A hardness ranging from about 1 to 94.
14. A toothbrush having a user manipulatable head comprising:
an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis and an upper side and a lower side which handle is comprised of a first relatively rigid, generally S-curved backbone section and an opposed second and relatively resiliently flexible generally S-curved section; the first generally S- curved section extending at one end into a base and at the other end extending into a neck portion provided with a flattened head portion with an upper face having extended therefrom a plurality of bristle tufts; the opposed S-curved sections defining an elongated figure 8 with an upper and lower segment, wherein one segment contains a single aperture and the other contains a plurality of apertures.
15. The toothbrush of Claim 14, wherein the apertures are oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned generally with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
16. The toothbrush of Claim 14, wherein the apertures are oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned at an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
17. The toothbrush of Claim 14, wherein the apertures are generally round.
18. The toothbrush of Claim 14, wherein the relatively rigid backbone section has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 1 10.
19. The toothbrush of Claim 14, wherein the relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric section has a Shore A hardness ranging from about 1 to 94.
20. A toothbrush having a user manipulatable head comprising:
an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis and an upper side and a lower side which handle is comprised of a first relatively rigid, generally S-curved backbone section and an opposed second and relatively resiliently flexible generally S-curved section; the first generally S- curved section extending at one end into a base and at the other end extending into a neck portion provided with a flattened head portion with a top face having extended therefrom a plurality of bristle tufts; the opposed S-curved sections defining an elongated figure 8 with an upper and lower segment, wherein each segment contains a plurality of apertures.
21. The toothbrush of Claim 20, wherein the apertures are oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned generally with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
22. The toothbrush of Claim 20, wherein the apertures are oval in shape, the major axis thereof being aligned at an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
23. The toothbrush of Claim 20, wherein the relatively rigid backbone section has a Shore A Hardness ranging from 40 to 1 10.
24. The toothbrush of Claim 20, wherein the relatively resiliently flexible elastomeric section has a Shore A hardness ranging from about
1 to 94.
25. A method of positioning a toothbrush head comprising:
molding a toothbrush with an elongated handle having a longitudinal axis, an upper and a lower side, which handle is comprised of a first relatively rigid, generally S-curved backbone section and an opposed second and resiliently flexible generally S-curved section; the first generally S-curved section having a lower end extending into a base and an upper end extending into a neck portion provided with a flattened head portion having an upper face containing a plurality of bristle tufts extended therefrom; the opposed S-curve sections defining an elongated figure 8, having therethrough an upper aperture and a lower aperture; positioning the head of the toothbrush by applying pressure to the first relatively rigid S-curved section about the upper aperture, while simultaneously compressing the there-opposed second relatively resiliently flexible S-curved section.
26. The method of positioning a toothbrush head according to claim 25, wherein rather than simultaneously compressing the there-opposed second relatively resiliently flexible S-curved section, the opposed first relatively rigid S-curved section about the lower aperture is compressed.
EP00928439A 1999-04-29 2000-04-27 Toothbrush having controlled head movement Expired - Lifetime EP1176888B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03078063A EP1397976B1 (en) 1999-04-29 2000-04-27 Toothbrush having controlled head movement

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US302138 1999-04-29
US09/302,138 US6292973B1 (en) 1999-04-29 1999-04-29 Toothbrush having controlled head movement
US09/473,512 US6367112B1 (en) 1999-04-29 1999-12-28 Toothbrush having controlled head movement
US473512 1999-12-28
PCT/US2000/011260 WO2000065953A1 (en) 1999-04-29 2000-04-27 Toothbrush having controlled head movement

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03078063A Division EP1397976B1 (en) 1999-04-29 2000-04-27 Toothbrush having controlled head movement
EP03078063.9 Division-Into 2003-09-25

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1176888A1 true EP1176888A1 (en) 2002-02-06
EP1176888B1 EP1176888B1 (en) 2004-06-23

Family

ID=26972787

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00928439A Expired - Lifetime EP1176888B1 (en) 1999-04-29 2000-04-27 Toothbrush having controlled head movement

Country Status (25)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1176888B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1174700C (en)
AT (1) ATE269648T1 (en)
AU (1) AU767687B2 (en)
BG (1) BG106147A (en)
BR (1) BR0010164B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2371562C (en)
CZ (1) CZ295811B6 (en)
DE (1) DE60011766T2 (en)
EG (1) EG22504A (en)
ES (1) ES2223515T3 (en)
HK (1) HK1044878B (en)
HU (1) HU225564B1 (en)
IL (1) IL146163A0 (en)
MX (1) MXPA01011022A (en)
NO (1) NO20015252L (en)
NZ (1) NZ515171A (en)
PL (1) PL195068B1 (en)
SK (1) SK284399B6 (en)
TR (1) TR200103850T2 (en)
TW (1) TW584548B (en)
UA (1) UA71961C2 (en)
UY (1) UY26128A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000065953A1 (en)
YU (1) YU49467B (en)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0513537D0 (en) * 2005-07-01 2005-08-10 Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healt Toothbrush
US8631534B2 (en) 2006-06-08 2014-01-21 Dr. Fresh, Llc Toothbrush
JP5296682B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2013-09-25 グラクソスミスクライン・コンシューマー・ヘルスケア・ゲゼルシャフト・ミット・ベシュレンクテル・ハフツング・ウント・コムパニー・コマンディットゲゼルシャフト toothbrush
CA2677180C (en) * 2007-02-02 2012-07-03 The Gillette Company Oral hygiene implements having flexible elements, and methods of making the same
DE102007019908A1 (en) * 2007-04-27 2008-10-30 Braun Gmbh Device for tooth and / or mouth cleaning
US8402591B2 (en) 2009-07-01 2013-03-26 Colgate-Palmolive Company Toothbrush having improved tuft retention and anchor wire
US8990997B2 (en) 2012-02-22 2015-03-31 Scapa Holding Gmbh Toothbrush
US9894986B2 (en) * 2015-07-17 2018-02-20 Live-Right, Llc Toddler toothbrush assembly and methods
KR102461683B1 (en) 2016-09-16 2022-11-01 더블유.알. 그레이스 앤드 캄파니-콘. Process for efficient purging of polymer particles
EP3827700A1 (en) * 2019-11-27 2021-06-02 Trisa Holding AG Oral care implement

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US759490A (en) 1902-12-08 1904-05-10 Florence Mfg Company Tooth-brush.
GB169450A (en) * 1920-09-21 1922-12-21 Auguste Cornet Improvements in tooth brushes
US4333199A (en) 1980-02-22 1982-06-08 Rosario M Del Toothbrush
US4635313A (en) 1983-11-16 1987-01-13 North American Philips Corporation Brush with self retaining bristles
US4520526A (en) * 1984-06-22 1985-06-04 Peters Charles W Resiliently flexible toothbrush
DE3718811C1 (en) 1987-06-05 1988-03-31 Schlerf Coronet Werke Process and device for the production of plastic bristle goods
DE3814143C1 (en) 1988-04-27 1989-07-20 Blendax Gmbh, 6500 Mainz, De
EP0454625A1 (en) * 1990-04-27 1991-10-30 Warner-Lambert Company Adjustable curvature toothbrush
US5146645A (en) * 1991-03-01 1992-09-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Toothbrush employing resiliently buckling arch to indicate excessive brushing pressure
GB2282959B (en) * 1993-10-19 1998-06-17 Addis Ltd Improvements in or relating to toothbrushes
GB2288564B (en) 1994-04-19 1998-09-23 Boucherie Nv G B A molding machine for injection molding of tooth brushes
GB2289236B (en) 1994-05-09 1997-08-06 Boucherie Nv G B A brush making machine
DE29820182U1 (en) * 1998-11-11 1999-01-14 Euler, Heinrich Georg, 51147 Köln toothbrush

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO0065953A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR0010164A (en) 2002-01-15
WO2000065953A1 (en) 2000-11-09
NZ515171A (en) 2003-11-28
YU77501A (en) 2003-02-28
SK15552001A3 (en) 2002-04-04
HK1044878A1 (en) 2002-11-08
CZ295811B6 (en) 2005-11-16
EP1176888B1 (en) 2004-06-23
SK284399B6 (en) 2005-03-04
NO20015252L (en) 2001-12-27
DE60011766T2 (en) 2005-07-14
MXPA01011022A (en) 2002-05-06
NO20015252D0 (en) 2001-10-26
UA71961C2 (en) 2005-01-17
CA2371562C (en) 2006-08-29
HK1044878B (en) 2005-03-04
BG106147A (en) 2002-06-28
CN1358070A (en) 2002-07-10
HU225564B1 (en) 2007-03-28
CA2371562A1 (en) 2000-11-09
HUP0200927A2 (en) 2002-07-29
DE60011766D1 (en) 2004-07-29
PL351078A1 (en) 2003-03-10
AU767687B2 (en) 2003-11-20
ATE269648T1 (en) 2004-07-15
CN1174700C (en) 2004-11-10
PL195068B1 (en) 2007-08-31
AU4668000A (en) 2000-11-17
UY26128A1 (en) 2000-12-29
BR0010164B1 (en) 2009-01-13
IL146163A0 (en) 2002-07-25
YU49467B (en) 2006-05-25
CZ20013890A3 (en) 2002-06-12
TW584548B (en) 2004-04-21
ES2223515T3 (en) 2005-03-01
TR200103850T2 (en) 2002-05-21
EG22504A (en) 2003-03-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6292973B1 (en) Toothbrush having controlled head movement
CA2361549C (en) Toothbrush head with flexibly mounted bristles
US6178582B1 (en) Toothbrush comprising a resilient flex region
EP0845956B2 (en) Toothbrush
AU730291B2 (en) Contouring toothbrush head
WO1998005239A1 (en) A toothbrush
MXPA04009475A (en) Contouring toothbrush head.
CA2371562C (en) Toothbrush having controlled head movement
WO1997025900A1 (en) Brush head
US8990996B2 (en) Toothbrush
AU726803B3 (en) Toothbrush
MXPA01007964A (en) Toothbrush head with flexibly mounted bristles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20011129

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO PAYMENT 20011129;SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20020516

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: RO

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040623

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040623

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040623

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040623

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: CHAN, ERIC

Inventor name: MOSKOVICH, ROBERT

Inventor name: ELIAV, EYAL

Inventor name: AHN, KYOUNGEUN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60011766

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20040729

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040923

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040923

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040923

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20040623

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2223515

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HK

Ref legal event code: GR

Ref document number: 1044878

Country of ref document: HK

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050427

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050427

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050427

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050430

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20050324

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20041123

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20150427

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20150427

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 17

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60011766

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: WUESTHOFF & WUESTHOFF, PATENTANWAELTE PARTG MB, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20170426

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20170426

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20170427

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20170427

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20170421

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20180507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160428

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 60011766

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180501

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180501

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180427

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180430