Abstract
A brush product, in particular a toothbrush, having a base body with a head part with a front and a rear side, which includes a bristle carrier with a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and a bristle field protruding therefrom, wherein the bristle field is formed by at least one group of cleaning elements; a handle part; and a neck part connecting the head part and the handle part; wherein the bristle carrier is provided with bristles which are mounted without being anchored and wherein the bristle carrier includes substantially a central support area, an upper support area, a lower support area, a right support area and a left support area, in which the groups of cleaning elements are arranged. Also, a corresponding method and tool.
Claims
1. A brush product comprising a basic body having a head part with a front side and rear side having an overall thickness of 2.5 mm to 4 mm and which includes a bristle carrier with a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis as well as a bristle field protruding therefrom, wherein the bristle field is formed by a group of cleaning elements, the group of cleaning elements including puck bundles; a handle part; and a neck part which connects the head part to the handle part, wherein: the bristle carrier is provided with bristles in an anchorless manner, the bristle carrier comprises substantially a central carrier region, an upper carrier region, a lower carrier region, a right-hand carrier region and a left-hand carrier region, in which the puck bundles are arranged; in the central carrier region the cleaning elements of a central puck bundle are arranged substantially symmetrically, in the upper carrier region the cleaning elements of an upper puck bundle are arranged above the transverse axis of the bristle carrier, in the lower carrier region the cleaning elements of a lower puck bundle are arranged below the transverse axis of the bristle carrier, in the right-hand carrier region the cleaning elements of a right-hand puck bundle are arranged to the right of the longitudinal axis of the bristle carrier and in the left-hand carrier region the cleaning elements of a left-hand puck bundle are arranged to the left of the longitudinal axis of the bristle carrier, the cleaning elements of the central puck bundle comprise rounded bristles made from polyester and a dome-shaped topography, the cleaning elements of the upper puck bundle, the lower puck bundle, the right-hand puck bundle and the left-hand puck bundle comprise tapered bristles made from polyester, and the puck bundles assume a surface on the bristle carrier of at least 25 mm.sup.2.
2. The brush product as claimed in claim 1, wherein at the puck bundles abut against one another.
3. The brush product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the puck bundles assume a surface on the bristle carrier of at least 50 mm.sup.2.
4. The brush product as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head part, the handle part and the neck part are formed from at least one hard and/or one or multiple soft material components.
5. The brush product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hard material component(s) is or are formed from styrene polymerizates such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA) or styrene butadiene (SB); polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) (preferably also in the form of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or low density polyethylene (LDPE)); polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate (PCT-A) or glycol-modified polycyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate (PCT-G); cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) or cellulose butyrate (CB); polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10 or PA 6.12; polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); polycarbonate (PC); polyoxymethylene (POM); polyvinylchloride (PVC); polyurethane (PUR) and/or from polyamide (PA).
6. The brush product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hard material component is formed from polypropylene (PP) with a modulus of elasticity of between 1000 and 2400 N/mm.sup.2.
7. The brush product as claimed in claim 4, wherein the soft material component(s) is or are formed from a thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPE-S) (preferably a styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer (SEBS) or styrene butadiene styrene copolymer (SBS)); a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U); a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A); a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPE-O); thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E) and/or silicone.
Description
(1) The figures are as follows:
(2) FIGS. 1-5: show category A bristle carriers as examples;
(3) FIGS. 6-9: show category B bristle carriers as examples;
(4) FIGS. 10-13: show category C bristle carriers as examples;
(5) FIGS. 14-19: show category D bristle carriers as examples;
(6) FIGS. 20-24: show category E bristle carriers as examples;
(7) FIGS. 25-28: show category F bristle carriers as examples;
(8) FIG. 29: shows a category G bristle carrier as an example;
(9) FIGS. 30-32: show category H bristle carriers as examples;
(10) FIGS. 33-36: show category I bristle carriers as examples;
(11) FIGS. 37-40: show category J bristle carriers as examples;
(12) FIGS. 41-47: show category K bristle carriers as examples;
(13) FIGS. 48-51: show category L bristle carriers as examples;
(14) FIGS. 52-55: show category M bristle carriers as examples;
(15) FIGS. 56a-b: show a cross-sectional representation of the mode of action of a preferred embodiment of a holding/pressing device according to the invention for the HT method;
(16) FIGS. 57a-b: show a cross-sectional representation of the mode of action of an embodiment of a holding/pressing device according to the invention for the HT method for generating an inclined bundle;
(17) FIGS. 58a-b: show a cross-sectional representation of the bristle carrier basic body with a material reservoir in the bristle carrier for generating a regular compartment;
(18) FIGS. 59a-b: show a cross-sectional representation of the generation of a regular compartment in the basic body according to FIGS. 58a-b;
(19) FIGS. 60a-b: show a cross-sectional representation of the generation of a compartment with a stronger center;
(20) FIGS. 61a-b: show a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment for the HT method for generating an inclined bundle by means of an asymmetrical material reservoir;
(21) FIGS. 62a-b: shows an embodiment of a bundle with the second component at the mounting end;
(22) FIG. 63: shows exposed melt (produced using the AFT method);
(23) FIG. 64: shows exposed melt (produced using the HT method);
(24) FIG. 65: shows a tool for producing exposed melt (using the AFT method);
(25) FIGS. 66-70: show (round) bristle carriers for single tuft toothbrushes as an example;
(26) FIGS. 71-79: show (round) bristle carriers for nail lacquer applicators as an example;
(27) FIGS. 80-84: show bristle carriers for mascara applicators as an example;
(28) FIG. 85a: shows a perspective view of the front side of an embodiment of a basic body or handle body according to the invention with bristle carrier;
(29) FIG. 85b: shows a perspective view of the rear side of the basic body or handle body according to the invention with bristle carrier according to FIG. 85a;
(30) FIG. 85c: shows a top view of the front side of a basic body or handle body according to the invention with bristle carrier according to FIG. 85a;
(31) FIG. 85d: shows a top view of the rear side of a basic body or handle body according to the invention with bristle carrier according to FIG. 85b;
(32) FIG. 85e: shows a side view of a basic body or handle body according to the invention with bristle carrier according to FIG. 85a;
(33) FIG. 85f: shows a cross-sectional view through a bristle carrier according to the invention along the line F-F in FIG. 85c;
(34) FIG. 85g: shows a side cross-sectional view through a bristle carrier according to the invention along the longitudinal axis X in FIG. 85c (view of a detail);
(35) FIG. 86a: shows a perspective view of the rear side of a basic body or handle body according to FIG. 85b with bristled bristle carrier and molten rear bristle ends;
(36) FIG. 86b: shows a top view of the rear side of a basic body or handle body according to the invention according to FIG. 86a;
(37) FIG. 86c: shows a cross-sectional view of a bristle carrier according to the invention according to FIG. 86a (only the cutting plane is shown);
(38) FIG. 86d: shows a side cross-sectional view of a bristle carrier according to the invention according to FIG. 86b (only the cutting plane is shown);
(39) FIG. 87a: shows a perspective view of the front side of a brush product according to the invention with covering;
(40) FIG. 87b: shows a perspective view of the rear side of a brush product according to the invention with covering according to FIG. 87a;
(41) FIG. 87c: shows a top view of the front side of a brush product according to the invention according to FIG. 87a;
(42) FIG. 87d: shows a top view of the rear side of a brush product according to the invention according to FIG. 87a;
(43) FIG. 87e: shows a side view of a finished brush product according to the invention according to FIG. 87a;
(44) FIG. 87f: shows a cross-sectional view of bristle carrier according to the invention according to FIG. 87a (only the cutting plane is shown);
(45) FIG. 87g: shows a side cross-sectional view of bristle carrier according to the invention according to FIG. 87a (only the cutting plane is shown);
(46) FIG. 88a: shows a perspective view of the rear side of a bristle carrier according to the invention which has been produced separately from the basic body or handle body;
(47) FIG. 88b: shows a perspective view of the rear side of a bristle carrier according to the invention according to FIG. 88a with bristling and molten rear bristle ends;
(48) FIG. 88c: shows a perspective view of the rear side of a bristle carrier according to the invention according to FIG. 88b with covering;
(49) FIG. 88d: shows a perspective view of the front side of a basic body or handle body according to the invention which has been produced separately from the bristle carrier;
(50) FIG. 88e: shows a perspective view of the front side of a basic body or handle body according to the invention with mounted bristle carrier;
(51) FIG. 89a: shows a perspective view of the rear side of a further embodiment according to the invention with a split head part or bristle carrier;
(52) FIG. 89b: shows a perspective view of the rear side of the split head part or bristle carrier according to FIG. 89a with bristling and molten rear bristle ends;
(53) FIG. 89c: shows a perspective view of the rear side of the split head part or bristle carrier according to FIG. 89b with covering;
(54) FIG. 89d: shows a top view of the rear side of yet another embodiment according to the invention with a cloverleaf-shaped head part or bristle carrier;
(55) FIG. 90a: shows a perspective view of the rear side of yet another embodiment according to the invention with a portion with reduced material strength in the head part or bristle carrier;
(56) FIG. 90b: shows a perspective view of the rear side of the head part or bristle carrier according to FIG. 90a, the region with reduced material strength having been filled out with cover material or soft material (with damping elements at the edge);
(57) FIG. 90c shows a side cross-sectional view along the line B-B in FIG. 90b;
(58) FIG. 91a: shows a side cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment according to the invention with a bristle carrier which is undulated in the longitudinal direction (only the cutting plane is shown);
(59) FIG. 91b: shows a side cross-sectional view of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 91a with variably oriented bristling and undulated covering (only the cutting plane is shown);
(60) FIG. 91c: shows a side cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment according to the invention with a bristle carrier which arches convexly in the longitudinal direction (only the cutting plane is shown);
(61) FIG. 91d: shows a side cross-sectional view of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 91c with bristling and undulated covering (only the cutting plane is shown);
(62) FIG. 92: shows yet another embodiment according to the invention analogous to FIG. 91d, the bristle carrier being surrounded all round by cover or soft material (i.e. also at the edge and on the front side) (only the cutting plane is shown);
(63) FIG. 93a: shows yet another embodiment according to the invention with cleaning elements produced from cover or soft material realized on the sides of the bristle carrier (only the cutting plane is shown);
(64) FIG. 93b: shows yet another embodiment according to the invention similar to FIG. 93a, the bristle carrier being surrounded all round by cover or soft material (but without lateral cleaning elements) (only the cutting plane is shown);
(65) FIG. 93c: shows yet another embodiment according to the invention similar to FIG. 93a, the outer edge of the bristle carrier being surrounded for instance only up to half the height of the boundary edge by cover or soft material (without lateral cleaning elements) (only the cutting plane is shown);
(66) FIG. 93d: shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment according to FIG. 93c (only the cutting plane is shown);
(67) FIG. 94a: shows a side cross-sectional view of a first tool half of a tool for producing brush products according to the invention with bristle recesses and (stationary) pins;
(68) FIG. 94b: shows a side cross-sectional view of a first tool half according to FIG. 94a with bristle carrier or head plate inserted;
(69) FIG. 94c: shows a side cross-sectional view of a first tool side according to FIG. 94b with bristle bundles inserted;
(70) FIG. 94d: shows a side cross-sectional view of a first tool half according to FIG. 94c with molten bristle ends;
(71) FIG. 94e: shows a side cross-sectional view according to FIG. 94d with the second tool half mounted with an injection molding cavity;
(72) FIG. 94f: shows a side cross-sectional view according to FIG. 94e with injected covering;
(73) FIG. 95: shows the sequence of the method according to the invention for the variant where the basic body or handle body of the brush product is injected together with the bristle carrier (i.e. in one piece);
(74) FIG. 96: shows the sequence of the method according to the invention for the variant where the basic body or handle body of the brush product and the bristle carrier are produced or injected separately from one another (initially in two separate parts) and are subsequently joined together;
(75) FIG. 97a-d: show a further category F bristle carrier for a manual toothbrush or for a sonic toothbrush as an example;
(76) FIG. 98a-d: show a further category L bristle carrier for a manual toothbrush or for a sonic toothbrush as an example;
(77) FIG. 99a-d: show a further category K bristle carrier for a manual toothbrush or for a sonic toothbrush as an example;
(78) FIG. 100: shows a further bristle carrier for a manual toothbrush or for a sonic toothbrush as an example with a combination of various long bundles;
(79) FIGS. 101-115: show further bristle carriers for an oscillating electric toothbrush as examples;
(80) FIGS. 116-123 show further bristle carriers for manual or electric facial brushes as examples; and
(81) FIGS. 124a-b show a further bristle carrier for a manual toothbrush or for a sonic toothbrush as an example.
(82) FIGS. 1 to 5 show category A bristle carriers as examples.
(83) FIG. 1 illustrates a head part 2 for a toothbrush which includes a bristle carrier 5 and a neck part 3. The bristle carrier 5 comprises a longitudinal axis X.sub.LT and a transverse axis X.sub.QT. The two axes intersect at the intersection point S.sub.P.
(84) To the left of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT is substantially the left-hand carrier region, to the right of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT is substantially the right-hand carrier region, above the transverse axis X.sub.QT is substantially the upper carrier region and below the transverse axis X.sub.QT is substantially the lower carrier region. The central carrier region is spanned substantially around the point of intersection S.sub.P between the two axes. It is obvious that the individual carrier regions comprise overlaps and are thus able to be divided in a finer manner, for instance into the left-hand upper, the left-hand middle, the left-hand lower, the right-hand lower, the right-hand middle and the right-hand lower carrier regions. The central carrier region can also extend into the upper, the lower and the right-hand and left-hand carrier regions in dependence on the individual case. The central carrier region, however, can also be defined in a compressed manner when, for instance, large surface bundle groups are arranged in the upper and lower carrier regions. The central region can also be compressed in the same way longitudinally when large surface bundle groups are arranged, for instance, in the left-hand and right-hand carrier regions. These statements apply to all the embodiments of the bristle carrier according to the invention shown in the following figures.
(85) The bundles shown in the figures can deviate in form and size without departing from the framework of the invention. Essential to an optimum cleaning and care performance is the corresponding arrangement.
(86) In the case of the bristle carrier 5 shown FIG. 1, mini bundles A3, which are correspondingly arranged in a formation or edging of the puck bundle, are provided following the outside contour of the bristle carrier. Puck bundles A2, which between them define a central carrier region, which comprises four soft elements arranged in a circular form and/or a formation of injection bristles A1, which once again surround a conventional bundle A6, are arranged in the upper and lower carrier regions in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the axes. The soft elements lie within the formation of mini bundles and between 2 puck bundles. A conventional bristle bundle lies between both puck bundles.
(87) FIG. 2 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises puck bundles A2, which are arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner to one another in the upper and lower carrier regions. The puck bundles A2, in this case, comprise an approximately cone-shaped design with an upper or lower rounding (which each follow the outer contour). Mini bundles A3, which also reach into the left-hand and right-hand central regions, are arranged in a formation in the central carrier region between the two puck bundles A2. Soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are arranged in the spaces to the left and the right above and to the left and the right below the mini bundles A3. The formation of mini bundles is surrounded in part by soft elements and/or injected bristles.
(88) The description of the geometric form(s) of the individual groups of cleaning elements always refers, apart from this, to the top view shown in the figures.
(89) FIG. 3 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which once again comprises a puck bundle A2 in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions, both puck bundles A2 comprising a recess 51 in which soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are arranged. A formation of mini bundles A3, which extend into the left-hand and right-hand central carrier regions, are arranged in the central carrier region between the two puck bundles A2. The formation consisting of mini bundles assumes a considerable proportion of the free space between the puck bundles.
(90) FIG. 4 once again shows another bristle carrier 5 which comprises a puck bundle A2 in the central carrier region. Soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1, which when viewed together once again form a formation, are arranged in the spaces between the individual open recesses of the puck bundles A2. Mini bundles A3 are arranged following the contour above and below these two formations. Conventional bundles A6, which each follow at least in part the contour of the tip of the bristle carrier or the contour of the transition to the neck part 3, are arranged in each case in the frontmost and in the rearmost carrier regions. The puck bundle is arranged between conventional bundles. Mini bundles and soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles are arranged between conventional bundles and puck bundles. Soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles are arranged between the mini bundles and the puck bundle.
(91) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 5 comprises in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions a puck bundle A2 which is realized with a recess which is open toward the center of the bristle carrier. The two puck bundles A2 thus span a central carrier region between them, in which soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 are arranged, which is at least partially surrounded by mini bundles A3 in the left-hand and in the right-hand carrier regions. The diamond-shaped configuration specifically includes three diamond elements connected together in the longitudinal direction. The soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles are surrounded in part by mini bundles and in part by puck bundles.
(92) FIGS. 6 to 9 show category B bristle carriers as examples.
(93) In this case, FIG. 6 illustrates a bristle carrier 5, which, in the central carrier region, comprises a soft element with a recess (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 which enclose a formation of mini bundles A3. The soft element (or the one soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 are enclosed in turn by a larger, closed long bundle A5. This is once again enclosed by a formation of mini bundles A3 which, in turn, realize an edging. Conventional bundles A6, which are aligned or curved in the direction of the tip of the bristle carrier or in the direction of the neck part 3, are arranged again in each case in the frontmost and in the rearmost carrier regions.
(94) FIG. 7 then illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises a centrally arranged, fishbone-shaped long bundle A5 which extends into the upper and into the lower carrier regions. The long bundle A5, in this case, comprises side arms which are spaced apart from one another. Individual side arms are surrounded in each case at least in part by soft elements and/or injected bristles in the left-hand and the right-hand central carrier regions. Mini bundles A3 can be additionally arranged between the individual side arms of the long bundle A5, as also between the central side arms and the soft elements and/or injected bristles. In addition, conventional bundles A6 are arranged in again each case in the uppermost and lowermost carrier regions. Further conventional bundles A6 and further formations of mini bundles A3 are additionally provided between said arcuate conventional bundles A6 and the upper or lower side arms of the long bundle A5, the arrangements being realized in each case in a mirror symmetrical manner here too. The mini bundles are arranged between the side arms of the long bundle. The long bundle runs between conventional bundles. The long bundle additionally runs in a preferred manner between soft elements and/or injected bristles.
(95) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 8 initially comprises a centrally arranged, long bundle A5 which realizes a substantially x-shaped configuration with a closed form in the middle. Mini bundles A3 are arranged to the left and right of the x-shaped, long bundle A5 going substantially as far as the outer contour of the bristle carrier. Soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are arranged in each case in the upper and lower spaces in the x-shaped long bundle A5. In contrast to the diamond of the x-shaped long bundle A5, which leaves a central space, the soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 arranged in a diamond-shaped manner are without space, i.e. are designed in a substantially full-surface manner. Circular, conventional bundles A6 are arranged on an arched curve in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier regions. The long bundle is arranged between conventional bundles. The long bundle is arranged between mini bundles. The long bundle is arranged between soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. The long bundle has a closed recess and has multiple free arms.
(96) FIG. 9 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises in the upper and in the lower carrier regions in each case a spiral or helical long bundle A5, said two helical long bundles A5 being arranged in a point symmetrical manner to one another. Two elongated, parallel lines of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 are provided in the central carrier region. The spiral or helical long bundle follows at least in part the outer contour of the brush head. Mini bundles A3 are arranged between said two parallel lines and in the left-hand upper carrier region and in the right-hand lower carrier region between the helical long bundle A5 and the soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. Soft elements are arranged between the long bundles. Mini bundles are additionally arranged in a preferred manner between the long bundles.
(97) FIGS. 10 to 13 show category C bristle carriers as examples.
(98) FIG. 10 provides a bristle carrier 5 with a large, centrally arranged, oval puck bundle A2. Mini bundles A3 are arranged around said puck bundle A2 in an oval formation which follows the outer contour of the bristle carrier 5.
(99) FIG. 11 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises a puck bundle A2 in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier region. The two puck bundles A2 are realized in an approximately cone-shaped manner, with an upper or lower rounding (cf. FIG. 2). A formation of mini bundles A3, which also extends into the left-hand and right-hand middle carrier regions, is provided in the central carrier region between the two puck bundles A2. Circular, conventional bundles A6 are still provided in each case on the left-hand and right-hand side above and below the rectangular formation of mini bundles A3.
(100) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 12 comprises a centrally arranged circular ring-shaped or donut-shaped puck bundle A2. A formation of mini bundles A3 is provided in the recess 51 formed by the donut-shaped puck bundle A2. A smaller puck bundle A2 is provided in each case above and below the donut-shaped puck bundle A2 (as an alternative to this, a larger conventional bundle A6 can also be provided here) and in each case even smaller formations of mini bundles A3 being provided in the left-hand and right-hand upper and in the left-hand and right-hand lower regions.
(101) FIG. 13 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 with two puck bundles A2, open on one side, in the lower and upper carrier regions, which are arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner to one another. A formation of mini bundles A3 is arranged in the central carrier region which is enclosed by them. The gap S between the horseshoe ends remains unoccupied.
(102) FIGS. 14 to 19 show category D bristle carriers as examples.
(103) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 14 includes two semi-oval-shaped puck bundles A2 which are arranged in the central carrier region and are separated from one another by a gap S. The gap S remains unoccupied. An oval formation or edging of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 is provided around the two semi-oval-shaped puck bundles A2. A conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the frontmost and in the rearmost carrier regions. Soft elements and/or injected bristles are mounted between the puck bundles and the conventional bundles.
(104) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 15 once again includes two puck bundles A2 each with an upwardly or downwardly directed rounding (cf. FIG. 2). A formation of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 is provided in the central region between the two mirror-symmetrically arranged puck bundles A2. Another point-shaped, conventional bundle A6 is provided in each case in the left-hand and right-hand upper and in the left-hand and right-hand lower regions of the rectangular formation of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. Soft elements and/or injected bristles lie between the puck bundles.
(105) The bristle carrier, which is illustrated in FIG. 16, comprises two puck bundles A2 which are open on one side, one in the upper carrier region and one in the upper carrier region, which define an oval central carrier region in which a formation of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 is arranged. The gap S between the puck bundles remains unoccupied. The formation of soft elements and/or injected bristles is surrounded substantially by puck bundles.
(106) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 17, when viewed from top to bottom, includes one conventional bundle A6, multiple pack bundles A2 which extend in the direction of the transverse axis of the carrier and one lower conventional bundle A6. The conventional bundles A6 and the puck bundles A2, in this case, are separated from one another in each case by a formation of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. The multiple puck bundles distributed on the brush head are separated from one another by a formation of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1.
(107) The bristle carrier, which is illustrated in FIG. 18, initially comprises centrally arranged, antennae-shaped soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles. The antennae form consists substantially of cross-shaped protruding arms. The two cross-shaped geometries, in this case,—when viewed in the transverse direction—are surrounded in each case by two conventional bundles A6 which are open on one side. Formations of mini bundles A3 are arranged in the upper and in the lower carrier regions. The soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles are arranged between formations of mini bundles.
(108) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 19 initially includes a formation of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1. In said design form, they are designed in the form of three diamonds connected together in the longitudinal direction, the diamonds each forming an unoccupied space. As an alternative, the space can be occupied with a cleaning element described in this document. Multiple puck bundles A2 are arranged around said diamond formation. In the outside contour thereof, they form approximately an oval or follow the outer contour of the bristle carrier. On the inside thereof, however, they follow the formation of the soft elements (or the soft element) and/or of the injected bristles A1.
(109) FIGS. 20 to 24 show category E bristle carriers as examples.
(110) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 20 includes a centrally arranged, thin, closed soft element (or a soft element) and/or a formation of injected bristles A1, which surrounds a formation of mini bundles A3. An oval of mini bundles A3 is once again arranged around the oval produced from soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1. A conventional bundles A6 is arranged in each case on the frontmost and on the rearmost end of the bristle carrier 5. The soft element and/or a formation of injected bristles surrounds a formation of mini bundles. The soft element and/or a formation of injected bristles are additionally surrounded in a preferred manner by mini bundles.
(111) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 21 includes in the central carrier region a formation of mini bundles A3 which extends into the left-hand and right-hand central carrier regions. An outwardly open C-profile-like long bundle A5 is additionally arranged in each case in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the transverse axis and protruding outwardly (i.e. to the front or rear) in the upper and in the lower carrier regions, a formation of mini bundles A3 being arranged in each case within said long bundle A5. A smaller puck bundle A2, having in each case a rounding which follows the outer contour of the bristle carrier or the outer contour of the half-side lower end of the bristle carrier, is once again arranged in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier regions. Soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are provided to the left and right above and to the left and right below the rectangular formation of mini bundles A3. Long bundles are arranged between formations of mini bundles. Long bundles are additionally arranged in a preferred manner between puck bundles.
(112) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 22 initially once again comprises an X-shaped long bundle A5 which forms a diamond with an unoccupied space in the central part thereof. Soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 are provided in each case in the upper and in the lower spaces of the X-shaped long bundle A5. The long bundle forms, in the center, a space which can be empty or can be occupied by a cleaning element. Formations of mini bundles A3 are arranged up to the left-hand and right-hand outer contour of the bristle carrier 5 in the left-hand and right-hand spaces of the X-shaped long bundle A5. A conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier regions. Mini bundles are arranged between the protruding arms of the long bundle. Further soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 are preferably provided between protruding arms of the long bundle.
(113) FIG. 23 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises multiple soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 along the longitudinal axis of the bristle carrier. A wave-shaped long bundle A5 is situated in each case between the spaces to the left and to the right of said soft elements and/or injected bristles A1, following the star formations, both long bundles A5 being arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to one another. Small formations of mini bundles A3 are arranged in each case in the outwardly lying spaces of the wave-shaped long bundle A5. A conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier regions. Soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles are situated between the two long bundles. They project into the spaces of the wave-shaped long bundles. Mini bundles are situated in the spaces.
(114) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 24 once again comprises a centrally arranged soft element (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1. Said element assumes a diamond formation which specifically consists of three interconnected diamonds which in each case surround an unoccupied space. One or multiple spaces can be occupied by cleaning elements. Formations of mini bundles A3 are arranged up to the left-hand and right-hand outer contour of the bristle carrier 5 to the left and right of the diamond formation. A somewhat larger conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the lower and in the upper carrier regions.
(115) FIGS. 25 to 28 show category F bristle carriers as examples.
(116) FIG. 25 shows, in this case, a bristle carrier 5 with a centrally arranged grid bundle A4 which is composed of multiple honeycomb-shaped, polygonal structural elements. The spaces formed by the honeycomb-shaped structural elements are unoccupied. The spaces could be occupied as an option by cleaning elements or formations of cleaning elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 is realized in each case above and below the grid bundle A4. A conventional bundle A6 is once again arranged in each case above and below said individual single honeycomb form. In addition, mini bundles A3 form a proportion of the outer contour in the upper and in the lower carrier region. The grid bundles are arranged between soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1. The grid bundles are additionally arranged in a preferred manner between mini bundles.
(117) The bristle carrier 5 illustrated in FIG. 26 includes in the central region a diamond formation of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 which, in the present case, is realized by two diamonds that are interconnected in the longitudinal direction, the diamonds surrounding in each case an unoccupied space. The space can be occupied with cleaning elements as an option. A diamond formation, produced from a grid bundle A4 which includes in each case three diamond structural elements which are interconnected in the longitudinal direction and also surround an unoccupied space, is arranged in each case on the left-hand and on the right-hand side of said diamond formation produced from soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. Said spaces can also be occupied by cleaning elements as an option. The two grid bundles A4 are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to one another and the central diamond structural element projects into the space between the two diamonds produced from soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1. A smaller puck bundle A2, which comprises a rounding which follows the outer contour of the tip of the bristle carrier or the contour of the lower neck-side end of the bristle carrier 5, is arranged in the upper and in the lower bristle carrier regions. The soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 are situated between the grid bundles. The grid bundles lie between two puck bundles.
(118) FIG. 27 additionally illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises, in the central region, a thin soft element and/or a formation of injected bristles A1 which surround a space which is occupied by further soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. A grid bundle A4, which is formed from oval-shaped, interconnected ring structural elements and in each case follows the outer contour of the bristle carrier, is provided in each case on the left-hand and on the right-hand side. Another conventional bundle A6 is provided finally in the upper and in the lower carrier regions.
(119) The bristle carrier 5 illustrated in FIG. 28 comprises a centrally arranged grid bundle A4 which is composed of honeycomb-shaped, polygonal structural elements. Puck bundles A2, which each follow the upper or lower honeycomb structure at the inwardly directed end thereof and follow the outer contour of the bristle carrier 5 at the end thereof directed outwardly or to the neck part, are arranged in each case above and below the honeycomb-shaped grid bundle A4. An undulated element produced from soft elements (or a soft element) and/or formations of injected bundles A1, which follows the honeycomb structure on the inside, is arranged to the side of the honeycomb-shaped grid bundle A4 on the left and the right in each case.
(120) FIG. 29 finally shows a category G bristle carrier 5 which initially comprises a centrally arranged fishbone-shaped formation of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or a formation of injected bundles A1. This is surrounded by an oval, closed, thin long bundle A5 which is surrounded, in turn, by an oval formation of mini bundles A3. A conventional bundle A6 is once again arranged in each case on the uppermost and on the lowermost end of the bristle carrier 5.
(121) FIGS. 30 to 32 show category H bristle carriers as examples.
(122) FIG. 30, in this case, shows a bristle carrier 5 which comprises a centrally arranged grid bundle A4 which is composed of multiple honeycomb-shaped structural elements. The spaces in the structural elements can be occupied by cleaning elements as an option. A puck bundle A2 is arranged in each case above and below the grid bundle A4. More mini bundles A3 and point-shaped conventional bundles A6 are arranged in each case in the remaining spaces in the left-hand and right-hand upper and in the left-hand and right-hand lower regions of the bristle carrier 5.
(123) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 31 corresponds substantially to the bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 27 with the difference that an oval puck bundle A2 is arranged in the central region thereof. The puck bundle lies between the grid bundles.
(124) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 32 corresponds substantially to the bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 28 with the difference that no undulated soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are provided here and consequently the puck bundles A2 extend in each case somewhat further in the direction of the transverse axis, the gap S formed between remaining unoccupied. The grid bundle lies between the puck bundles.
(125) FIGS. 33 to 36 now show category I bristle carriers as examples.
(126) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 33 initially includes a centrally arranged, oval, closed long bundle A5, in the space of which a formation of mini bundles A3 is arranged. Said long bundle A5 is surrounded by a further oval long bundle A5 which is surrounded, in turn, once again by an oval formation of mini bundles A3. The larger long bundle has a changing cross section, specifically at the upper and lower extremities. The long bundles are surrounded by formations of mini bundles.
(127) The bristle carrier 5 illustrated in FIG. 34 corresponds substantially to the bristle carrier shown in FIG. 23 with the difference that no soft elements and/or injected bundles A1 are provided here along the longitudinal axis, but rather small formations of mini bundles A3. Mini bundles are arranged anew in the openings of the long bundle.
(128) FIG. 35 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises a centrally arranged long bundle A5 in the form of a point symmetrical (or working in the opposite direction) twin screw or twin spiral. Mini bundles A3 follow the contour of the twin screw in each case on the inside. A circular conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the left-hand and right-hand central regions of the bristle carrier 5. A conventional bundle A6 is provided once again in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier regions.
(129) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 36 includes a formation of mini bundles A3, which are aligned along the longitudinal axis and on which an outwardly directed comb-shaped long bundle A5 is arranged in each case on the left-hand and right-hand sides. Further formations of mini bundles A3 are arranged in each case in the spaces defined by the two comb-shaped long bundles A5. A conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case, for instance, in the upper and in the lower carrier region.
(130) FIGS. 37 to 40 illustrate category J bristle carriers as examples.
(131) FIG. 37 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises a grid bundle A4 with honeycomb-shaped structural elements in each case in the upper and lower carrier parts thereof. Mini bundles A3 in, for instance, fishbone-like formations are arranged along the transverse axis of the bristle carrier 5. Another honeycomb-shaped or hexagonal conventional bundle A6 and, where applicable, more individual mini bundles A6 are arranged in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions.
(132) FIG. 38 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 with a centrally arranged grid bundle A4 in the form of three diamond structures which are interconnected in the longitudinal direction and in the spaces of which, in each case, soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are arranged. Formations of mini bundles A3 are provided to the left and right of the grid bundle A4 up to the outer contour of the bristle carrier 5. A conventional bundle A6, which follows the contour of the grid bundle A4 in the inside thereof, is provided in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier regions. Another point-shaped, conventional bundle A6 is provided in each case in the left-hand and right-hand upper and in the left-hand and right-hand lower regions of the bristle carrier 5 between the conventional bundles A6 and the mini bundles A3. Conventional bundles serve in general for filling smaller gaps between larger bundles or bundle formations.
(133) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 39 comprises a grid bundle A4 which is formed from ring-shaped or (oval) chain-shaped structural elements and runs along the outer contour of the bristle carrier 5. The grid bundle is closed and forms a space in the center. The grid bundle A4 surrounds a formation of mini bundles A3 in the central region. The spaces surrounded by the individual structural elements of the grid bundle A4 remain unoccupied but can also be occupied by cleaning elements as an option.
(134) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 40 comprises, in the central region thereof, a grid bundle A4 which is composed of honeycomb-shaped structural elements and is surrounded by a closed formation of mini bundles A3. The formation of mini bundles forms a space in the center. The space is occupied by a cleaning element, specifically here by a grid bundle. An arcuate conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions.
(135) FIGS. 41 to 47 now show category K bristle carriers as examples.
(136) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 41 comprises, in the central region thereof, two puck bundles A2 which are arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another and which realize a transversely extending gap S between them, which remains unoccupied. A closed long bundle A5 extends around the semi-oval-shaped puck bundle A2. Formations of mini bundles A3, which follow the contour of the bristle carrier or of the neck-side end of the bristle carrier, are arranged in each case on the upper carrier region and in the lower carrier region. The puck bundles are situated in the central space that is formed by the long bundle.
(137) The bristle carrier according to FIG. 42 includes a puck bundle A2 which comprises a rounding, which follows the outside contour of the tip of the bristle carrier or the outside contour of the neck-side end of the bristle carrier 5 part 3, in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions. An antenna-shaped long bundle A5 having outwardly protruding projections which reach, for instance, up to the outer contour of the bristle carrier 5, extends along the transverse axis of the bristle carrier both in the central left-hand and right-hand regions of the bristle carrier. The long bundle lies between the puck bundles.
(138) FIG. 43 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 having a centrally arranged long bundle A5 in fishbone form, which still comprises in each case at the upper and the lower ends thereof geometry that follows the puck bundle. A circular puck bundle A2, which follows the geometry of the long bundle A5 and the outside contour of the bristle carrier, is arranged in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions. Mini bundles A3 in the form of an arc are arranged between the crescent-shaped geometry of the long bundle A5 and the bones of the long bundle A5 lying the closest.
(139) The bristle carrier 5 illustrated in FIG. 44 corresponds approximately to the bristle carrier illustrated in FIG. 18 with the difference that the antenna-like structure is formed by a long bundle A5 and the long bundle A5 comprising another anchor-shaped geometry which is separated from the transversely aligned convention bundle A6 by a transverse web in each case in the upper and in the lower regions of the carrier. The mini bundles A3 from FIG. 18 are replaced by structures of the long bundle A5.
(140) FIG. 45 shows a bristle carrier 5 with a puck bundle A2 arranged in the central carrier region. Circular soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are arranged in the spaces of the puck bundles A2 formed on the left-hand and right-hand side. Long bundles A5, which are parallel to one another, are arranged in each case parallel with the upper or lower space of the star-shaped puck bundle A2. Arcuate (or circle-segment-shaped) conventional bundles A6, once again aligned with the arrowhead-shaped long bundles A5, are arranged in the uppermost and lowermost carrier regions. The puck bundle lies between multiple long bundles.
(141) FIG. 46 illustrates a bristle carrier in the central region thereof multiple strip-shaped long bundles A5, which are aligned parallel to one another in the transverse direction, are arranged. A transverse oval puck bundle A2 is arranged in each case above and below said strip-shaped long bundle A5. In addition, a further transverse strip-shaped long bundle A5 is arranged in each case above or below the transverse puck bundle A2. Approximately semicircular, conventional bundles A6 are then arranged again in each case in the uppermost and in the lowermost carrier region. The long bundles generally form, in preferred manner, formations of multiple elements arranged in parallel.
(142) The bristle carrier according to FIG. 47 initially includes an X-shaped arrangement of a long bundle A5 which is aligned along the longitudinal axis and forms a diamond in the center and comprises at the upper and lower ends thereof a rounding which follows the outer contour of the carrier. The upper and lower regions of the long bundle A5, in this case, surround a drop-shaped conventional bundle A6, whereas the central region of the long bundle A5 or the diamond surrounds an unoccupied space. A puck bundle A2, which follows the outer contour of the carrier and follows the contour of the diamond of the long bundle A5 on the inwardly directed side thereof, is arranged in each case to the left and right of the long bundle A5.
(143) FIGS. 48 to 51 now show category L bristle carriers as examples.
(144) The bristle carrier according to FIG. 48 comprises a, for instance, H-shaped long bundle A5 with kinked side walls in its central region along the transverse axis. The space defined by the kinked side walls is occupied by point-shaped soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. Grid bundles A4 in the form of honeycomb-shaped or hexagonal grid bundle structural elements, which in each case surround one single ring-shaped grid structural element A4, are provided above and below the H-shaped long bundle A5. An approximately semicircular conventional bundle A6 is arranged in each case in the upper and lower carrier regions. Point-shaped soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are provided in each case in the left-hand and right-hand upper and lower regions of the bristle carrier once again following the outer contour.
(145) The bristle carrier according to FIG. 49 comprises, in the central region, three grid bundles A4 in the form of three ring-shaped grid bundle structural elements which lie (separately) one on top of another and have a cross beam running right through them. Individual square grid bundles A4 are provided between said grid bundles A4 in each case in the left-hand and right-hand carrier regions. In addition, even more point-formed conventional bundles A6, which follow the outer contour and fill out the upper and lower carrier regions, are provided in the upper and lower carrier regions.
(146) The bristle carrier 5 illustrated in FIG. 50 includes, in the central region thereof, multiple interlocking or interwoven honeycomb-shaped grid bundles A4 (form in form), the space defined by the upper and the central honeycomb and by the lower and the central honeycomb being occupied by point-shaped soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. Mini bundles A3, which follow the outer contour of the bristle carrier, are arranged in each case to the left and right of said honeycomb-shaped grid bundle structures. An approximately semicircular conventional bundle A6 is provided in each case in the upper and lower carrier regions.
(147) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 51 comprises a centrally arranged grid bundle A4 in which individual diamond-shaped or square structural elements are alternately connected to ring-shaped structural elements such that an approximately cross-shaped overall structure is produced. More point-shaped conventional bundles A6 are arranged in each case in the left-hand and right-hand upper spaces and in the left-hand and right-hand lower spaces.
(148) FIGS. 52 to 55 now show category M bristle carriers as examples.
(149) FIG. 52 initially shows a bristle carrier 5 which comprises a single large oval puck bundle A2 which fills out the bristle carrier surface up to the outside contour.
(150) FIG. 53 shows a bristle carrier 5 with a semi-oval-shaped puck bundle A2 in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions. In this case, the upper puck bundle A2 surrounds a recess 51 in the form of an unoccupied space which is also realized in a semi-oval-shaped manner. The lower semi-oval-shaped puck bundle A2 surrounds two rectangular recesses 51 each in the form of a rectangular space which also remains unoccupied. The gap S between the puck bundles A2 also remains unoccupied.
(151) The bristle carrier 5 illustrated in FIG. 54 now comprises an oval puck bundle A2 which surrounds two also semi-oval-shaped recesses 51 which are arranged symmetrically to one another such that a transverse web is realized within the puck bundle A2, for instance along the transverse axis of the bristle carrier.
(152) FIG. 55 finally shows a bristle carrier 5 with two drop-shaped puck bundles A2, of which one ranges from the upper region (with the reducing end) into the lower region and the other ranges from the lower region (with reducing end) into the upper region. Both puck bundles A2 surround a round recess 51, in which point-shaped soft elements and/or formations of injected bristles A1 are arranged. A transversely extending formation of mini bundles A3 is arranged in the space/gap defined between the two drop-shaped puck bundles A2.
(153) FIGS. 56 a and b illustrate the method of action of a preferred embodiment of a holding/pressing device 60 according to the invention in conjunction with the hot tufting (HT) method.
(154) The holding/pressing device 60 (shown in a cross-sectional view) includes a receiving means 62 for a conventional bundle A6 shown here as an example, which has been inserted by way of the molten end thereof 10 into a blind hole 7 of a bristle carrier 5. The holding/pressing device 60 includes projections 61 which are realized in a zigzag manner in the present case and are aligned to the direct surrounding area of the blind hole 7 on the bristle carrier 5 (they are preferably realized proceeding from the recess 62).
(155) The projections 61 can also be realized selectively in a bead-shaped or cone-shaped manner, etc.
(156) In addition, they can be arranged parallel to one another or else they can be realized circumferentially.
(157) The holding/pressing device 60 can additionally comprise a heating element (not shown here) for heating the bristle carrier 5 or the bristle carrier surface. Said holding/pressing device 60 according to the invention is capable of ensuring both particularly good clamping of the bundle A6 and particularly good anchoring in the region of the molten end 10 of the bundle A6.
(158) The crucial point is that as can be seen in FIG. 56 b, the projections 61 of the holding/pressing device 60 are capable of pressing the material of the bristle carrier 5, previously heated beforehand, where applicable, by the holding/pressing device 60 itself, in the region of the direct surrounding area of the blind hole 7 in such a manner into the bristle carrier 5 (notch 63 generated as a result of displacement) that initially lateral clamping of the bundle A6 in the region of the surface of the bristle carrier 5 is created. Furthermore, additional anchoring for the mounting end of the bundle A6 (that is to say the end with the molten bristle 10) can be achieved as the displacement of the bristle carrier material acts deeper than, for instance, using a flat tool end face (on account of the zigzag-shaped, cone-shaped or bead-shaped design of the projections). In this way, particularly good hold or particularly good anchoring (or pull-out strength) of the bristle bundles within the bristle carrier 5 is achieved.
(159) FIGS. 57 a and b show the generation of an inclined bundle using the conventional bundle A6 as an example. As can be seen in FIG. 57 a, first of all a demoldable blind hole 7 is created, as a result of which the bristle carrier 5 obtains a protruding material reservoir 64. Said material reservoir 64 can then be crushed or pressed in the heated state in such a manner that the conventional bundle A6, shown as an example here, obtains a permanent inclined position. Preferred angles of inclination β for the bundles are between 85° and 50° and preferably between 80° and 65°, in relation to the surface of the bristle carrier 5.
(160) FIGS. 58 a and b show a material reservoir 64 on a bristle carrier 5 which is realized here in the form of two elongated projections 64 which extend, as can be seen in the top view according to FIG. 58b, on both sides of the blind hole 7 beyond the same.
(161) By means of said basic configuration, an approximately round conventional bundle A6 can then moved into various compartment-like forms.
(162) As illustrated in FIG. 59a, a conventional bundle has been inserted into the blind hole 7 and the two lateral projections 64 of the material reservoir have been pressed laterally against the bundle such that a regular compartment is generated, as can also be seen FIG. 59b (compare reference symbol A6′).
(163) As an alternative to this, as shown in FIGS. 60 a and b, a compartment with a stronger center can also be generated by means of the two lateral material reservoirs 64. As illustrated in FIG. 60b, the two material reservoirs are pressed together laterally in a stronger manner here, at the same time a somewhat wider or stronger center being generated around the bundle (compare reference symbol A6″). The wider compartmentalization of the corresponding bundle A6″ is also highlighted by the double lines in FIG. 60a.
(164) FIGS. 61a and b then show an asymmetrical material reservoir 64 which—in the case of a perpendicularly arranged blind hole 7—results in an inclined position of the conventional bundle A6, shown here as an example. By the right-hand side wall of the material reservoir 64 being somewhat higher here than the left-hand side wall of the material reservoir 64, when pressing or crushing the heated bristle carrier material, the bundle is bent to the left, as can be seen well in FIG. 61b. The bundle A6′″, in this case, is correspondingly bent round the “shorter” side wall of the material reservoir 64.
(165) FIGS. 62a and b then illustrate a bundle A6 which comprises a fastening component 10′ on the lower mounting end 10′ thereof in place of a bristle melt. The fastening component, in this case, can consist of an overmolded plastics material, however it can also be placed around the lower end of the bundle in the form of a film or else the lower or mounting end of the bundle can be dipped into a special fluid (for example a wax) in order then to be inserted into the blind hole 7.
(166) The finished mounted bundle A6 is shown in FIG. 62b. The adhesion between the bundle and the bristle carrier 5 can be improved with this embodiment and spaces between the bundle and the bristle carrier can be filled out completely. In addition, said embodiment can be utilized in order to generate, for instance, a visual effect in a transparent bristle carrier.
(167) FIG. 63 then illustrates an exposed or bare melt 69 which has been produced here using the AFT method. It is possible to see the head part 2 with the mounted carrier plate 5′ and the bristle bundle which projects through the carrier plate 5′ and has been melted at the lower end thereof to form a bristle melt or a bristle carpet 10.
(168) The exposed or bare bristle melt 69 comes about according to the AFT method as a result of, as shown FIG. 65, a special tool being used according to the invention, which tool 65 comprises, in particular, a preferably pin-shaped exposing element 66 simply for the subsequently exposed or bare bristle melt 69. In other words, in the region of the bristle melt subsequently to be exposed there is an opening in the carrier plate 5′, through which the exposing element 66 passes and thus, when the bristle melt 10 is generated, is able to expose the corresponding position. That is to say that the bristle melt 10 or the formed bristle melt carpet 10 is realized in a substantially flat manner on the top side thereof. The heating device for melting the rear bristle ends is designated in the present case by way of reference symbol 67. Pins 68, which provide a profiling of the free bristle ends, are additionally inserted into the bristles or bristle bundle openings of the tool 65.
(169) FIG. 64 illustrates the bare bristle melt or the exposed bristle melt 69 as is generated according to the HT method. Here, for instance, a round grid bundle A4 has been inserted into the correspondingly preformed bristle carrier 5 by means of the holding/pressing device 60. The tool can also comprise a corresponding exposing element here too.
(170) It is possible to create more freedom of movement for the surrounding bristles or bristle bundles as a result of the bare or exposed melt.
(171) FIGS. 66 to 70 illustrate (round) bristle carriers as an example of single tuft applications, in particular single tuft toothbrushes. Single tuft toothbrushes are toothbrushes with a very small brush head which are used, in particular, for cleaning wisdom teeth, gums and crooked teeth, for which purpose they have a particularly high level of cleaning efficiency.
(172) FIG. 66 illustrates a bristle carrier 5, for instance for a single tuft toothbrush, which comprises a spiral long bundle A5 which extends substantially over the entire surface of the bristle carrier 5.
(173) FIG. 67 illustrates a further bristle carrier 5, in the central region of which a star-shaped arrangement of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 is provided. Said star-shaped arrangement is surrounded by mini bundles A3 and/or point-shaped conventional bundles A6, which follow the star-shaped contour.
(174) FIG. 68 illustrates a further bristle carrier 5. It comprises, in the central region, a point-shaped or circular arrangement of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1, which is surrounded by a circular-ring-shaped or a donut-shaped puck bundle A2. A recess 51 is preferably formed between the point-shaped arrangement and the puck bundle A2 or in the puck bundle A2, for better mobility of the bristles.
(175) FIG. 69 illustrates a further bristle carrier 5. Four mini bundles A3 and/or point-shaped, conventional bundles A6 are arranged in a square formation here in the central region of the bristle carrier. They are once again surrounded by a circular-ring-shaped or donut-shaped puck bundle A2, freedom of movement for the individual bristles being provided here also by the recess 51.
(176) FIG. 70 finally illustrates yet another bristle carrier 5. It comprises a large, circular puck bundle A2 which extends substantially over the entire surface thereof.
(177) FIGS. 71 to 79 now show (round) bristle carriers in particular for nail lacquer applicators as an example.
(178) The bristle carriers 5 shown in FIG. 71, in this case, correspond to the bristle carrier shown in FIG. 67.
(179) FIG. 72 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 for nail lacquer applicators which comprises a large, circular puck bundle A2 which extends substantially over the entire surface of the bristle carrier 5. Two approximately kidney-shaped recesses 51, which are arranged counter or point symmetrically to one another, are provided within the puck bundles A2.
(180) FIG. 73 shows a further bristle carrier 5 for nail lacquer applicators which comprises a helical long bundle A5 which extends substantially over the entire surface of the bristle carrier (i.e. corresponding to FIG. 66).
(181) FIG. 74 illustrates a further bristle carrier 5 which comprises a puck bundle A2 in the form of an impressed circular ring, having a corresponding recess 51. An arcuate arrangement of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles A1 is provided opposite the indentation of the puck bundle A2.
(182) FIG. 75 shows a further bristle carrier 5 which comprises an oval arrangement of soft elements (or a soft element) and/or injected bristles in the central carrier region thereof. A larger arcuate puck bundle A2, which follows the contour of the oval, is arranged above said oval. Multiple mini bundles A3 and/or point-shaped conventional bundles A6, which follow the outer contour of the bristle carrier 5 and the oval, are arranged below the oval.
(183) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 76 in particular for nail lacquer applicators corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 69.
(184) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 77 for nail lacquer applicators corresponds substantially to the embodiments according to FIG. 69 and FIG. 76, with the difference that point-shaped, soft elastic elements and/or injected bristles A1 are arranged in an approximately square formation in the central region in place of mini bundles A3 or conventional bundles A6.
(185) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 78 in particular for nail lacquer applicators corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 70, i.e. with a large, circular puck bundle which extends substantially over the entire surface of the bristle carrier.
(186) FIG. 79 finally illustrates an embodiment of a bristle carrier 5 in particular for nail lacquer applicators, which comprises two circle-segment-shaped puck bundles A2, the base side or chord thereof comprising a light convex curvature. The gap between the two puck bundles A2 remains unoccupied and is curved concavely in a correspondingly light manner.
(187) FIGS. 80 to 84 illustrate more bristle carriers in particular for mascara applicators as an example.
(188) The bristle carriers 5, in this case, are realized in an elongated manner with rounded side parts.
(189) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 80 initially comprises an inwardly directed comb-shaped arrangement of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 (the “teeth”, in this case, extend somewhat beyond the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT). A comb-shaped arrangement, which is produced from individual point-shaped conventional bundles A6 realized in the opposite direction, engages in said structure, the side parts of the comb-shaped arrangement produced from point-shaped conventional bundles A6 surround the outer side parts of the comb-shaped arrangement of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1.
(190) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 81 corresponds substantially to the embodiment according to FIG. 80, with the difference that a comb-shaped long bundle A5 is provided instead of the comb-shaped arrangement of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1.
(191) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 82 in particular for mascara applicators comprises a comb-shaped arrangement of individual point-shaped conventional bundles A6, the individual “teeth” of the comb extending substantially over the entire width of the bristle carrier 5. Oval arrangements of soft elastic elements and/or injected bristles A1 are provided in each case between the individual teeth and on the outsides.
(192) FIG. 83 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 in particular for mascara applicators which comprises multiple pairs of circle-segment-shaped puck bundles A2 which are arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner to one another (i.e. in the transverse direction of the bristle carrier 5) and have in each case a convexly curved base side or chord. An oval arrangement of soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 is provided in the gap S between the two puck bundles A2 and above and below said oval arrangement a point-shaped conventional bundle A6. Corresponding arrangements of oval soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 each with a point-shaped conventional bundle A6 above and below them are also provided between the individual pairs of mirror-symmetrical puck bundles A2.
(193) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 84 in particular for mascara applicators corresponds substantially to the embodiment shown in FIG. 83 with the difference that a formation arranged in rows produced from individual point-shaped conventional bundles A6 is arranged in each case between the respective puck bundles A2 or the puck bundle pairs arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner.
(194) FIGS. 85a to g illustrate a basic body 1 for a brush product according to the invention with a bristle carrier which is produced in an integrated manner or in one piece with the basic body 1, as is provided by injection molding.
(195) FIG. 85a shows, in this case, the front side of the basic body 1. The basic body 1 includes the head part 2, the handle part 4 and the neck part 3 which connects the head part 2 to the handle part 4. The head part 2, in turn, includes the bristle carrier 5, which is provided with (round) bristle holes 7 or openings 7′ which serve for receiving (round) bristle bundles 9 or bristle bundles 9″ with other geometry, for instance in the shape of curved, elongated or angular bristle bundles or else bristle bundles with an enlarged surface.
(196) In the present embodiment six bristle holes 7 are provided for round bristle bundles 9 as an example as well as three openings 7′ which are provided, in turn, as an example of a curved bristle bundle 9″, an elongated bristle bundle 9″ and a rectangular bristle bundle 9″. It is naturally also possible to provide different numbers and arrangements of bristle holes 7 or openings 7′ and bristle bundles 9 as well as bristle bundles 9″ without departing from the framework of the present invention.
(197) FIG. 85b then shows the rear side of a basic body 1 according to the invention. In this connection, it is possible to see, in particular, the boundary edge 6 which extends on the outer extent of the bristle carrier 5 and closes off the bristle carrier toward the outside. In this way, the circumferential boundary edge 6 and the bristle carrier 5 form a type of basin, i.e. a bristle carrier recess in which subsequently the bristle melt can be received preferably completely and the cover material at least in part.
(198) FIG. 85c shows a top view of the front side of a basic body 1 according to the invention. It is possible to see, in particular, the longitudinal axis X of the basic body 1. The width B and the length L1 of the head part 2 of the basic body according to the invention are specified in the rear view according to FIG. 85d (the preferred values for these are specified in the general description mentioned above). Once again, the circumferential boundary edge 6 can also be seen here.
(199) The length L2 of the basic body 1 according to the invention is designated in FIG. 85e (the preferred values for this are also specified in the general description mentioned above). It is possible to see, in particular, shown by the broken line, the basin-shaped bristle carrier recess 8 for the subsequent receiving of the complete bristle melt and of at least part of the cover material.
(200) FIG. 85f corresponds to a cross-sectional view along the line F-F in FIG. 85c. It is possible to see the basin-shaped recess 8, the boundary edge 6, the height H of the boundary edge 6 (see general description above for preferred values) and the bristle holes 7 or the opening 7.
(201) A longitudinal section along the axis X according to FIG. 85c through the head part 2 or the bristle carrier 5 of the basic body 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 85g as a view of a detail. It is possible to see, once again, the boundary edge 6, the bristle carrier recess 8 and the bristle holes 7 or the opening 7′ (here for the elongated bristle bundle 7′, the rectangular bristle bundle 7′ and the curved bristle bundle 7′) and the neck part 3. The free end 6a of the boundary edge (or of the lower edge of the boundary edge), in this case, is in preferably alignment with the underside of the neck part 3.
(202) FIGS. 86a to 86d then show the basic body 1 according to the invention according to FIGS. 85a to 85g after insertion of the bristles and the melting of the bristle ends of the bristle bundle 9 or the bristle bundle 9″.
(203) FIGS. 86a and 86b, in this case, show the rear side of the basic body 1 according to the invention, it being possible to see the individual melt carpets 10, adjacent to one another, of the molten bristle ends of the bristle bundle 9 or bristle bundle 9″ in the region of the bristle carrier surface surrounded by the boundary edge 6. The individual melt carpets 10, however, can merge into one another entirely or they can be realized as surfaces that are spatially separated from one another.
(204) It is possible to see in the cross sectional view according to FIG. 86c how the individual melt carpets of the bristle bundles 9 or bristle bundles 9″ form a type of anchoring in relation to the bristle carrier 5 in the bristle carrier recess 8 and the boundary edge 6 is clearly higher than the melt carpets 10. FIG. 86d illustrates the bristle field 19 which is composed of the bristle bundles 9″ and the bristle bundles 9. Here too, it is easily possible to see the anchoring by means of the individual melt carpets 10. As a rule, the bristle bundles 9 or the bristle bundles 9″ stand perpendicularly to the surface of the bristle carrier; by way of the angle α, it is, however, indicated that an inclined position of the bristle bundles 9 and bristle bundles 9″ can also be provided. Corresponding values for these are once again specified in the abovementioned general description.
(205) FIGS. 87a to 87g then show a finished brush product according to the invention having an injected covering. It is possible to see, once again, the individual bristle bundles 9 or bristle bundles 9″ on the front side of the bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 87a. The rear view according to FIG. 87b then shows the cover material 11 injected onto the bristle melt 10 or the melt carpets 10 which fills out the bristle carrier recess 8 approximately up to the lower edge 6a of the boundary edge 6 (or where applicable a little beyond this). The cover material 11 extends via a corresponding channel 18 into the handle part 4 (the channel is not shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), where it fills out or covers a corresponding receiving recess 4a. In other words, the cover material 11 is present both in the head part 2 and in the neck part 3 as well as in the handle part 4. The injection point AP for the cover material is provided in a preferred manner in the region of the head part 2 or else in the region of the handle part 4 (an injection point in the neck part 3, however, is also conceivable). Two possibilities for injection points AP are shown in FIG. 3b, however preferably only one is realized per material/cavity.
(206) As can be seen in FIG. 87c, no cover material is situated on the front side of the finished brush product. It is possible to see, once again, in the side view according to FIG. 87e, the bristle field 19 with a profile realized in a crenellated manner in the longitudinal direction (i.e. with irregularly alternating higher and lower bristle bundles 9 or bristle bundles 9″). It is possible to see on the underside that covering 11 even protrudes somewhat from the head part 2 or the neck part 3 and the handle part 4. I.e. even in the region of the head part 2, the covering 11 protrudes somewhat beyond the boundary edge 6 or the lower edge 6a thereof. This is illustrated again in FIG. 87f, where the overall thickness D of the head part 2 of the finished brush product is specified.
(207) FIG. 87g specifies the layer design of the finished head part 2 with D.sub.B for the layer thickness of the bristle carrier 5 (without boundary edge 6), D.sub.S for the layer thickness of the bristle melt 10 or melt carpets 10 and with D.sub.A for the layer thickness of the covering 11. The preferred values for the thickness of the head part or of the individual layer thicknesses and for the ratios of the layer thicknesses to one another are specified in the general description mentioned above.
(208) FIG. 88a to c then illustrate an embodiment in which the bristle carrier and the basic body are produced separately from one another and are then joined together. FIG. 88a shows the separate bristle carrier 5′ in the form of a head plate. The bristle carrier 5′ or the head plate also includes a boundary edge 6 and the corresponding bristle holes 7 or openings 7 for the bristle bundles 9 or bristle bundles 9″.
(209) In FIG. 88b, once again the bristle bundles 9 and the bristle bundles 9″ are inserted into the bristle carrier 5′ and are melted with the rear ends thereof such that, once again, the melt carpets 10 are produced. In FIG. 88c, finally the covering 11 is once again sprayed onto the bristle melt or the bristle carpets 10 and substantially fills out the bristle carrier recess 8 completely and can, where applicable, once again also extend somewhat beyond the boundary edge 6 or the lower edge 6a thereof.
(210) FIG. 88d then shows the separately produced basic body 1 for said embodiment. It includes once again a head part 2 which is connected via a neck part 3 to the handle part 4. The head part 2 is realized in the present case, however, in the form of a frame 2a which surrounds a ring-shaped opening 17. The bristle carrier 5′ is inserted into the frame 2a of the head part 2 or into the ring-shaped opening 17, as is illustrated in FIG. 88e. The frame 2a is realized so as to correspond with the bristle carrier 5′ such that the bristle carrier 5′, for example, can be snapped into the frame and welded or bonded to said frame. A further possibility consists in that the bristle carrier 5′ is first of all placed loosely or with a positive locking closure into the frame 2a and then is overmolded again with a cover component.
(211) It is basically also possible for the ring-shaped opening 17 not to be continuous but rather to comprise a bottom such that the bristle carrier 5′ is inserted again into a bristle carrier recess; the cover material would therefore not form the rear side of the head part 2 (i.e. apart from the equally conceivable variant where the bottom comprises openings).
(212) The interface 25 between the bristle carrier 5′ and the frame element 2a is shown circumferentially in the embodiment shown, however, it is also possible for the interface 25 or the interface geometry only to be realized in portions on the sides and/or the free or rear end of the head part 2.
(213) FIGS. 89a to 89c and FIG. 89d then show different bristle carrier variants which, as a rule, are produced in one piece with the basic body. The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 89a comprises a gap S which extends, for example, in an undulated manner from the free end of the bristle carrier up to almost the rear end thereof and thus divides the bristle carrier 5 into two bristle carrier part segments 5a and 5b or wings. Bristle holes 7 or openings 7′ for bristle bundles 9 or bristle bundles 9″ are provided once again in the bristle carrier part segments 5a, 5b. Here too, the rear bristle ends are melted, for instance, by means of a heat punch such that corresponding melt carpets 10 are formed which are then once again overmolded with cover material 11 (cf. FIGS. 89b and 89c). In this embodiment too, the cover material can once again extend via a channel 18 in the neck part 3 into the handle part 4. It is also possible, however, to provide two or more gaps. The gap or gaps can also extend in a straight, zigzag-shaped or crenellated manner, depending on what degree of flexibility is desired or required. It is also possible for flexible webs, which connect the individual part segments together, to be arranged in the gap.
(214) In the embodiment according to FIG. 89d, the bristle carrier 5 comprises four notches E which are directed inclinedly inward and bestow a cloverleaf-shaped form on the bristle carrier 5 and divide it correspondingly into the four part segments 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d. In this case, the lateral bristle carrier part segments 5a and 5b (with the bristle holes 7) are realized so as to be somewhat greater than the front bristle carrier part segment 5c (with the curved opening 7′) or the rear bristle carrier part segment 5d (with the, for instance, rectangular opening and which merges into the neck part 3). As a result of the wing-like realization of the “free” bristle carrier part segments 5a, 5b and 5c, particular flexibility of the bristle carrier 5 is provided once again which leads to improved cleaning effects in application. The notches E, in this case, can also be realized variously long. In addition, the notches E can also be directed inward in an even stronger manner so that they intersect, for instance, in the center of the bristle carrier 5.
(215) FIGS. 90a to 90c illustrate a bristle carrier variant where a film hinge or a region with reduced material thickness is present and further also the boundary edge is interrupted.
(216) The film hinge 13, in this case, as can be seen in FIG. 90a, divides the bristle carrier 5 into a front bristle carrier part segment 5a and a rear bristle carrier part segment 5b. In the region of the film hinge 13, the boundary edge 6 of the bristle carrier 5 comprises interruptions 12 so that the corresponding flexibility, which is provided by means of the film hinge 13, takes full effect. The film hinge 13 can be provided with cover material both on the top side thereof and on the bottom side thereof, which cover material, as can be seen for instance in FIG. 90b, can also be present in the region of the interruption 12 in the boundary edge and there realizes, for example lateral damping elements 15. It can be seen, in FIG. 6b, that the film hinge 13 is only already covered on the front side with soft material. A covering can also be provided on the rear side, for example with the safety shot or the forming shot. FIG. 90c shows a lateral sectional view of said embodiment along the line C-C in FIG. 6b. It is easy to see the film hinge 13 which is covered with soft material 14 on the front side and is not (yet) covered with soft material on the rear side.
(217) FIGS. 91a to 91d show cross-sectional views of further embodiments of bristle carriers according to the invention with longitudinal profiles. Thus, the bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 91a comprises an undulated longitudinal profile with bristle holes 7 or openings 7′ which can be arranged both in the hills and valleys of the undulating structure (as well as in between). The rearmost opening 7′ is almost already arranged here in the neck part 3. Some of the bristle holes 7 or openings 7′ comprise an inclined position, which as can be seen in FIG. 91b, results in a bristle field 19 which comprises forwardly sloping bristle bundles or bristle bundles and upright bristle bundles and, where applicable, also rearwardly sloping bristle bundles. The free end 50 of the bristle carrier 5 is curved downward in the present case, i.e. toward the rear side of the bristle carrier 5. Embodiments with an upwardly curved free end 50 are conceivable.
(218) According to FIG. 91b, the cover material 11 on the rear side of the bristle carrier 5 is also realized in an undulated manner and projects a little beyond the free end 50 of the bristle carrier 5. Naturally, the bristle melt 10 or the individual melt carpets 10 correspondingly also form a profile that is undulated in the longitudinal direction. The cover material 11 is preferably, as can be seen, drawn into the neck part 3 (and the handle part where applicable).
(219) FIG. 91c shows a further embodiment of a bristle carrier 5 according to the invention with a different longitudinal profile. Here, the front side of the bristle carrier 5 is curved convexly such that, as illustrated in FIG. 91d, a hedgehog-shaped arrangement is produced for the bristle field 19. That is to say, the bristle bundle or bristle bundles, which, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, are arranged toward the neck part 3, comprise a rearward inclination, whereas the bristle bundles arranged toward the free end 50 of the bristle carrier 5 comprise a forward inclination and the bristle bundles arranged in the central region of the bristle carrier 5 project in a substantially perpendicular manner from the bristle carrier 5. The same occurs when viewed laterally—bristle bundles which, when viewed in the transverse direction, are arranged to the left of the longitudinal axis, comprise an inclination to the left, whereas those that are arranged to the right of the longitudinal axis when viewed in the transverse direction comprise an inclination to the right. In the central region, i.e. bristle bundles arranged in the region of the longitudinal axis protrude substantially perpendicularly from the bristle carrier 5. The bristle melt or bristle melt carpets 10, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, comprise a correspondingly curved profile. Here too, the cover material 11 protrudes beyond the free end 50 of the bristle carrier 5 and comprises an undulated longitudinal profile. The undulated realization of the cover material can serve, for example, as a tongue cleaner or massage element.
(220) FIG. 92 specifies with the angle the angular range cp in which the bristle field 19, as also in FIG. 7d, is preferably arranged. The preferred values for the angle cp are specified in the aforesaid general description. The difference to the embodiment according to FIG. 91d consists in that here an (additional) cover material 11′, which is regularly applied on the front side of the bristle carrier 5, is provided. In this connection, this can once again be a soft and/or hard material component. However, a soft material component is preferably used. The cover material 11′ extends from the neck part 3 almost to the free end of the bristle carrier 5. However, the cover material of the rear side, once again applied here in an undulated manner, is also injected around the free end 50 of the bristle carrier 5 such that it meets the cover material 11 of the rear side on the front side of the bristle carrier 5. The cover material 11, as can be seen, is preferably drawn into the neck part 3 (and where applicable the handle part).
(221) Further arrangement variants for the cover material on the front or rear side of a bristle carrier 5 according to the invention are shown in FIGS. 93a to 93d.
(222) In the embodiment according to FIG. 93a, elongated cleaning elements 16, which protrude a similar distance from the bristle carrier 5 as the individual bristle bundles and in this respect supplement the bristle field 19, are realized on the side surfaces of the bristle carrier 5 by the cover material 11 of the rear side. In the embodiment according to FIG. 93b, the cover material 11′ of the front side extends up to the lower edge 6a of the boundary edge 6 longitudinally of the bristle carrier 5 where it meets the cover material 11 of the rear side. Both cover materials 11 or 11′ therefore protrude beyond the boundary edge such that the bristle carrier 5 is completely encased.
(223) FIG. 93c illustrates an embodiment where the cover material 11 of the rear side is injected or drawn around the boundary edge 6 of the bristle carrier, for instance up to the rear side of the bristle carrier. A circumferential lateral damping element can be formed in this way. It is also possible in this way, however, to realize multiple lateral damping elements that are spaced apart from one another. These serve to protect the tissue of the mouth but can also assume a cleaning and/or massage function.
(224) FIG. 93d shows correspondingly a longitudinal section of the embodiment according to FIG. 93c, it being possible to see that the cover material 11 of the rear side is also drawn at the free end 50 of the bristle carrier up to, for instance, half the height D of the head part and there realizes a front damping element or multiple damping elements that are spaced apart from one another. Here too, the cover material 11 is also once again drawn into the neck part 3 (and where applicable the handle part).
(225) FIGS. 94a to 94e finally illustrate another tool (punching/injection molding tool) according to the invention for producing a brush product according to the invention.
(226) FIG. 94a shows a first tool half 20 which comprises a tool body 27. On the top side, the first tool half 20 or the tool body 27 comprises an edge 24 which defines an insert recess 21 into which subsequently a bristle carrier can be inserted for the purposes of bristling. In the region of the insert recess 21, multiple bristle recesses 22 are admitted into the tool body 27. The bristle recesses 22 each comprise corresponding bristle inlet openings 23. The bristle recesses 22 can each comprise different depths T so that corresponding bristle profiles can be produced. In order to increase the variability of the first tool half, all or at least some of the bristle recesses 22 can be realized in a continuous manner, in the case of said continuous bristle recesses, it then being possible to insert pins 26 from the underside of the first tool half 20 in order to be able to design the depth of the bristle recesses, thus formed, in a variable manner. The pins 26 each include a pin head 26a and a pin shaft 26b which can be designed so as to be variable in length. The free pin end 26c comprises, for example, a concave rounding for receiving the corresponding bristle bundles. The pin body 26a preferably corresponds to corresponding recesses in the tool body 27 such that the pins close off flush with the underside of the first tool half.
(227) In FIG. 94b a bristle carrier 5′ has been placed in the insert recess 21 (here, as an example, a bristle carrier produced separately from the handle, the tool is, however, also usable for the variants having a basic body produced in one piece). The corresponding bristle holes or openings 7, 7′ are in alignment with the bristle inlet openings 23 of the bristle recesses 22. Free regions 28 of the insert recesses 21 preferably remain on each of the sides to the left and right. This is the case, in particular, when the bristle carrier 5′ is to be overmolded on the sides with cover material.
(228) FIG. 94c then shows the bristle bundles 9″ or bristle bundles 9 inserted through the bristle holes or openings 7, 7′ (chosen purely as an example) in the bristle carrier 5′ into the bristle recesses 22. The fastening ends 9a, in this case, protrude beyond the surface of the bristle carrier 5′. The free ends 9b of the individual bristles 9′ are received in the concave roundings of the pins 26 within the bristle recesses 22.
(229) In FIG. 94d, the (rear) bristle fastening ends 9a have been melted onto the top side of the bristle carrier 5′ for instance by means of a heat punch such that the melt carpet 10 has been formed. A second tool half 30—as shown in FIG. 94e—is then fitted onto the first tool half 20. The second tool half 30 includes a tool body 33 and defines a hollow space 31, which, together with the free regions 28 of the first tool half, realizes the injection molding cavity K. The edge 32 of the second tool half preferably closes off flush with the edge 24 of the first tool half.
(230) As shown in FIG. 94f, the cover material 11 for the rear side is then injected in an injection molding step into the injection molding cavity K, which cover material completely fills out the injection molding cavity K, the melt carpet 10 and the sides of the bristle carrier 5′ being surrounded by the cover material 11. The bristle carrier 5′ or the head plate is then finished and can be removed from the tool 20, 30. The tool 20, 30 is usable for both variants (separately produced bristle carrier or basic body and basic body produced in one piece), where applicable with corresponding modifications for receiving or injecting a neck part.
(231) FIG. 95 shows a flowchart for the variants of the method according to the invention where basic bodies (or handle bodies) of the brush product are injected together with the bristle carrier (i.e. in one piece). For further details and options with regard to the individual method steps or parameters reference is made to the general description above.
(232) FIG. 96 finally shows a flowchart for the method according to the invention with the variant where basic bodies (or handle bodies—both terms can be used synonymously in the present case) of the brush product and the bristle carrier are produced separately from one another (i.e. initially in two separate parts). With reference to further details and options with regard to the individual method steps or parameters reference is once again made to the general description above.
(233) The embodiment according to FIGS. 97a-d generally relates to bristle carriers where a puck bundle A2 is arranged in each case at the top and at the bottom, and intertwined grid bundles A4 in between which can be filled additionally with one or multiple puck bundles A2.
(234) FIG. 97a shows a perspective view of a head part 2 for a manual toothbrush or for a sonic toothbrush which includes a bristle carrier 5 and a neck part 3. As can be seen in the top view according to FIG. 97d, the bristle carrier 5 (as also in the preceding embodiments) comprises a longitudinal axis X.sub.LT and a transverse axis X.sub.QT. The two axes intersect at the point of intersection S.sub.P. The left-hand carrier region lies substantially to the left of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT, the right-hand carrier region lies substantially to the right of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT, the upper carrier region lies substantially above the transverse axis X.sub.QT and the lower carrier region lies substantially below the transverse axis X.sub.QT. The central carrier region spans around the point of intersection S.sub.P between the two axes.
(235) It is obvious that the individual carrier region comprise overlaps and thus can be divided in a finer manner, for instance into the left-hand upper, the left-hand center, the left-hand lower, the right-hand upper, the right-hand center and the right-hand lower carrier regions.
(236) The central carrier region can also extend, in dependence on the individual case, into the upper, the lower and the right-hand and left-hand carrier regions. The central carrier region, however, can also be distinct in a compressed manner when, for instance, large-area bundle groups are arranged in the upper and lower carrier regions. In the same way, the central region can also be longitudinally compressed when, for instance, large-area bundle groups are arranged in the left-hand and right-hand carrier regions.
(237) Said statements apply to all embodiments of the bristle carrier according to the invention shown in the following figures. The bundles shown in the figures can deviate in form and size without departing from the framework of the invention. The corresponding arrangement is essential to an optimum cleaning and care performance.
(238) The bristle carriers 5 shown in FIGS. 97a-d comprise an arcuate puck bundle A2 in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier region. Arranged centrally between the two puck bundles A2 is a grid bundle A4 which is formed from three grid bundle structural elements in the form of three intertwined rings. The centrally arranged ring of the grid bundle A4, in this case, comprises the largest diameter and forms in each case an overlap region 54 with the ring arranged in the upper and in the lower carrier regions. The upper and the lower rings do not form an overlap region together. Embodiments where the upper and the lower ring of the grid bundle A4 form an overlap region are however conceivable. A total of preferably four further puck bundles A2 are arranged in the lower ring of the grid bundle A4, one of said puck bundles A2 being arranged in the overlap region with the central ring. A total of preferably four further puck bundles A2 are also arranged in the upper ring of the grid bundle A4, one of said puck bundles A2 being arranged once again in the overlap region 52 with the central ring. In a preferred manner, four further puck bundles A2 are also arranged in the central ring, one of each thereof being arranged in the overlap region 52 with the upper or with the lower ring. The total of preferably ten further puck bundles A2 comprise a substantially elliptical form.
(239) It can be seen in the side view according to FIG. 97b that the three rings of the grid bundle A4 comprise a concave curvature laterally along the upper edge thereof, the further puck bundles A2 surrounded by them projecting in part beyond the top edge of the rings. In this case, the further puck bundles A2 arranged centrally in the central ring protrude the furthest. The arcuate puck bundles A2 arranged in the upper and lower carrier region are chamfered inward according to the side view according to FIG. 97b.
(240) In the front view according to FIG. 97c, it can be seen that the puck bundle A2 in the central ring is somewhat wider than the upper arcuate puck bundle A2. In addition, it can be seen once again that the central ring comprises a larger diameter than the upper ring. The upper and the lower arcuate puck bundles protrude in each case beyond the grid bundles A4 and preferably beyond the further puck bundles A2 or are at least the same height.
(241) The embodiment according to FIGS. 98a-d relates in general to bristle carriers with a puck bundle A2 in the upper and a puck bundle A2 in the lower carrier regions, said puck bundles A2 providing the outer shell of the bristle field. Then come long bundles A5 in different forms and a grid bundle A4 in the center, it being possible at all times to insert conventional bundles A6 in some empty spaces of the grid bundle A4.
(242) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIGS. 98a-d comprises an arcuate puck bundle A2, which is notched in each case on the inside, in each of the upper and the lower carrier regions. A honeycomb-shaped grid bundle A4, which, in the present case, is preferably formed from nine hexagonal grid bundle structural elements, is once again arranged centrally between the two puck bundles A2. When viewed in the longitudinal direction, said grid bundle A4 comprises one, two, three, two and one hexagon(s). The hexagons are interconnected at the sides and do not intersect. The honeycomb structure of the grid bundle A4 is arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the transverse axis X.sub.QT and to the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT of the bristle carrier 5, the in each case two or the three hexagons being arranged transversely side by side. Two arrowhead-shaped long bundles A5, which correspond in each case to the notch of the upper or the lower puck bundle A2, are arranged between the upper and the lower puck bundles A2 and the grid bundle A4. Four further long bundles A5, which are realized in an approximately S-shaped or lightening-shaped manner, are arranged in each case in the free regions laterally next to the grid bundle A4. Conventional bundles A6 are arranged in each case in the central left-hand and in the uppermost and lowermost hexagons of the grid bundle A4. However, it is also possible to provide conventional bundles A6 in all hexagonal grid bundle structural elements.
(243) As can be seen in the side view according to FIG. 98b, the two puck bundles A2 are in each case chamfered inwardly. The S-shaped or lightening-shaped long bundles A5 are also chamfered inwardly in each case, whereas the grid bundle A4 comprises a roof-like lateral profile. The conventional bundles A6 protrude beyond the grid bundle A6 and beyond the long bundles A5 and can be tapered at the free end thereof.
(244) In the front view according to FIG. 98c, the upper puck bundle A2, the two upper S-shaped or lightening-shaped long bundles A5, the tips of the conventional bundles A6 and part of the roof-shaped profile of the grid bundles A4 can be seen.
(245) The embodiment according to FIGS. 99a-d relates in general to bristle carriers with a puck bundle A2 at the top and at the bottom and with a pair of long bundles A5 which form the outer ring of the bristle field. Further spirally curved long bundles A5 with a conventional bundle A6 in the center form further elements, between which further conventional bundles A6 can be arranged.
(246) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIGS. 99a-d comprises an arcuate puck bundle A2 in each case in the upper and in the lower carrier regions. Multiple long bundles A5 in the form of elliptical cylinders, multiple spirally curved long bundles A5 and multiple conventional bundles A6 are provided between the two puck bundles A2.
(247) In each case two long bundles A5 in the form of elliptical cylinders are arranged, in this case, along the lateral edges of the bristle carrier 5 in the upper right-hand and left-hand and in the lower right-hand and left-hand regions of the bristle carrier 5. A spirally curved long bundle A5, which in each case surrounds a conventional bundle A6, is arranged in each case above the lower puck bundle A2 and below the upper puck bundle A2. Said two spirally curved long bundles A5 are arranged, for instance, in a point-symmetrical manner to the point of intersection S.sub.P.
(248) Another three conventional bundles A6 are arranged in each case around the spirally curved long bundles A5—toward the central region of the bristle carrier 5. In between, two further spirally wound long bundles A5, which in each case once again surround a conventional bundle A6, are arranged side by side in the central region of the bristle carrier 5. Said two spirally wound long bundles A5 are arranged, for instance, in a point-symmetrical manner to the point of intersection S.sub.P.
(249) It can be seen in the side view according to FIG. 99b that the two puck bundles A2 are chamfered inwardly. The long bundles A5 in the form of elliptical cylinders are a little longer than the spirally wound long bundles A5. The tips of the conventional bundles A6 protrude somewhat beyond the long bundles A5 in the form of elliptical cylinders.
(250) The front view according to FIG. 99c shows the upper puck bundle A2, the long bundle A5 in the form of elliptical cylinders and the tips of the conventional bundles A6 placed to the side of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT.
(251) The embodiment according to FIG. 100 relates in general to bristle carriers 5 which comprise combinations of diversely formed long bundles A5 which are divided by a central-cross-like element and comprise a totally symmetrical arrangement.
(252) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 100 comprises a combination of different long bundles A5. Arranged substantially centrally on the bristle carrier 5, in this case, is an X-shaped long bundle A5 preferably with a space 51 in the center. Multiple individual long bundles A5 with a rectangular form are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT of the bristle carrier 5 along the arcuate side walls of the X-shaped long bundle A5. Another hook-shaped long bundle A5 is arranged in each case between these preferably five rectangular long bundles A5 and the side edge of the bristle carrier, the two hook-shaped long bundles A5 also being arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT of the bristle carrier 5.
(253) In the lower carrier region, i.e. in the region of the lower notch of the X-shaped long bundle A5, three further rectangular long bundles A5, with a width that increases in the direction of the lower bristle carrier end, are arranged in a preferred manner transversely to the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT. In the upper carrier region, i.e. in the region of the upper notch of the X-shaped long bundle A5, three substantially rectangular long bundles A5, with a width that increases in the direction of the upper bristle carrier end, are also arranged in a preferred manner transversely to the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT. Said long bundles A5 can, where applicable, comprise a slight curvature. Two curved long bundles A5, which enclose a circular or oval long bundle A5, are arrange in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT at the upper end of the bristle carrier 5. In a preferred manner, damping elements or shock absorbers 15 produced from soft material are provided additionally on the side edges of the bristle carrier 5.
(254) In the present case, however, smaller long bundles A5 could also be realized as conventional bundles for example in the front region, in the central region, in the rear lateral region or in the rear central region.
(255) FIGS. 101-115 show round bristle carriers 5 for oscillating electric toothbrushes.
(256) The embodiment according to FIG. 101 relates in general to bristle carriers with a puck bundle A2.
(257) The bristle carrier shown in FIG. 101, in this case, comprises a large round puck bundle A2 which covers almost the entire surface of the bristle carrier 5.
(258) The embodiment according to FIG. 102 relates in general to bristle carriers with two puck bundles A2 and a gap S in between.
(259) The bristle carrier shown in FIG. 102 comprises two substantially kidney-shaped puck bundles A2 which are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the transverse axis X.sub.QT of the bristle carrier 5. A gap S is formed between the two puck bundles A2.
(260) The embodiment according to FIG. 103 relates in general to bristle carriers with a ring produced from a puck bundle A2 with further elements admitted therein, such as, for example, conventional bundles A6 or mini bundles A3.
(261) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 103 comprises a ring-shaped puck bundle A2 which surrounds a free space 51 in which seven round regions with conventional bundles A6 are preferably arranged in a star-shaped manner. However, it is also possible to provide mini bundles A3 in place of conventional bundles A6.
(262) The embodiment according to FIG. 104 relates in general to bristle carriers with a ring produced from a puck bundle A2 with further elements admitted therein, such as, for example, soft elements and/or injected bristles A1. The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 104 also comprises a ring-shaped puck bundle A2 which surrounds a space 51. Seven round regions with soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 are preferably arranged in a star-shaped manner in the space 51.
(263) The embodiment according to FIG. 105 relates in general to bristle carriers with a long bundle A5 in spiral form which is surrounded by conventional bundles A6 and/or mini bundles A3.
(264) FIG. 105 shows a bristle carrier 5 with a centrally arranged spiral long bundle A5. The spiral long bundle A5 is surrounded by groups of mini bundles A3 and by individual conventional bundles A6. The groups of mini bundles A3 and individual conventional bundles A6, in this case, are arranged alternately around the spiral long bundle A5. The groups of mini bundles A3, in this case, preferably include five mini bundles. Six conventional bundles A6 and six groups of mini bundles A3 are preferably provided in total.
(265) The embodiment according to FIG. 106 relates in general to bristle carriers with a grid bundle A4 in the center which is surround by mini bundles.
(266) FIG. 106 shows a bristle carrier 5 with a centrally arranged honeycomb-shaped grid bundle A4. The grid bundle A4 comprises a total of preferably seven hexagonal grid bundle structural elements, the central grid bundle structural element being surround by a further six grid bundle structural elements such that a contiguous honeycomb shape is produced. The grid bundle A4 is surrounded by a ring produced from individual mini bundles A3.
(267) The embodiment according to FIG. 107 relates in general to bristle carriers with multiple interlocking long bundles A5 in the form of hexagons, an innermost element including a soft element and/or injected bristles A1 with the same form and the entire structure being surrounded by mini bundles A3.
(268) FIG. 107 shows a bristle carrier 5 with a centrally arranged hexagonal soft element and/or injected bristles A1 which is present in the form of an individual honeycomb. Said soft element and/or injected bristles A1 is surrounded by a long bundle A5 which is also in the form of an individual hexagonal honeycomb. This is once again surrounded by a further long bundle A5 which is also present in the form of an individual hexagonal honeycomb. Said further long bundle A5 is surrounded by a ring produced from individual mini bundles A3 which, where applicable, is interrupted at the tips of the further long bundle A5.
(269) The embodiment according to FIG. 108 relates in general to bristle carriers with a star-shaped arrangement of conventional bundles A6 which is supplemented by mini bundles A3.
(270) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 108 includes a star-shaped arrangement of individual conventional bundles A6. In this case, the conventional bundle A6 arranged centrally on the bristle carrier 5 preferably comprises the largest diameter and is further preferably surrounded by six further conventional bundles A6 with a somewhat smaller diameter. These, in turn, are surrounded by another six further conventional bundles A6 with another even smaller diameter. Groups of preferably five individual mini bundles A3 are arranged in each case between said another six further conventional bundles A6. Further individual mini bundles A3 can be arranged in the spaces between the conventional bundles A6. It is also conceivable for the inner conventional bundles A6 to be designed at least in part as puck bundles A2.
(271) The embodiment according to FIG. 109 relates in general to bristle carriers with puck bundles A2 which comprise a recess/a space 51 in the center.
(272) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 109 includes a puck bundle A2 with a centrally arranged space 51. The space is realized in the shape of an octopus such that the puck bundle A2 comprises corresponding indentations 52 and bulges 53. The puck bundle preferably comprises eight indentations and bulges.
(273) The embodiment according to FIG. 110 relates in general to bristle carriers with conventional bundles A6 in various sizes and/or mini bundles A3, the bundles being arranged in a random manner.
(274) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 110 includes the same bundle types as the bristle carrier according to FIG. 108, i.e. conventional bundles A6 with different size diameters and mini bundles A3 which can be arranged individually or in groups. Conventional bundles A6 with three different size diameters are provided in the present case. The spatial arrangement of the conventional bundles A6 and of the mini bundles A3 does not follow any particular pattern in this embodiment but is purely random. It is also conceivable here for the conventional bundles A6 to be designed at least in part as puck bundles A2.
(275) The embodiment according to FIG. 111 relates in general to bristle carriers with various long bundles A5 which are arranged concentrically, the long bundles A5 covering in each case substantially one circle segment of the bristle carrier surface. Three, four or five circle segments are preferably formed.
(276) FIG. 111 shows a bristle carrier 5 which consists of multiple long bundles A5. The long bundles A5, in this case, are realized as arcuate elements which are arranged concentrically to one another. In this case, four circle segments are formed in which three arcuate elements or long bundles A5 are in each case arranged concentrically to one another. The long bundles A5 lying on the inside in each case are preferably realized in the form of a quadrant. In a preferred manner, the individual long bundles A5 are uniformly spaced apart from one another.
(277) In the present case, however, smaller long bundles A5 could also be realized as conventional bundles for example in the central region.
(278) The embodiment according to FIG. 112 relates in general to bristle carriers with long bundles A5 in two different sizes which are arranged similarly to the form of a Celtic pattern.
(279) The bristle carrier 5 shown in FIG. 112 includes long bundles A5 as well as preferably also mini bundles A3. The long bundles A5 are realized in an arcuate or also crescent-shaped manner and are preferably present in two different sizes, i.e. two different curve lengths. The long bundles A5, in this case, are in the form of a Celtic pattern, individual or smaller groups (preferably in groups of twos or threes) of mini bundles being arranged in the spaces. The shorter long bundles A5, in this case, are arranged centrally and rotated against one another and are surrounded by the larger long bundles A5 which are also rotated against one another. The curve roundings of the long bundles A5, in this case, each point outwardly.
(280) The embodiment according to FIG. 113 relates in general to bristle carriers with long bundles A5 which merge into puck bundles A2 and are interwoven. Mini bundles A3 preferably fill out remaining empty spaces.
(281) FIG. 113 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which includes long bundles A5 which merge into puck bundles A2. Said combined bundles are additionally interwoven. Three long bundles A5 are provided in the present case. The spaces are filled out by multiple mini bundles A3.
(282) The embodiment according to FIG. 114 relates in general to bristle carriers with a puck bundle A2 in the form of a snowflake.
(283) The embodiment according to FIG. 114 includes a puck bundle A2 which is realized in the form of a snowflake preferably with six arms with in each case three free ends.
(284) The embodiment according to FIG. 115 relates in general to bristle carriers with different forms of puck bundles A2 which are combined in one arrangement.
(285) FIG. 115 shows a bristle carrier 5 which comprises multiple variously formed puck bundles A2. A round puck bundle A2, in this case, is arranged centrally on the bristle carrier and is surrounded by multiple S-shaped puck bundles A2 which are aligned from in to out. Smaller round and/or kidney-shaped puck bundles A2 are arranged between the S-shaped puck bundles in the outer region of the bristle carrier 5. Four pairs of S-shaped puck bundles A2, which are realized substantially mirror symmetrically to one another and receive two smaller round and/or kidney-shaped puck bundles A2 between them, are preferably provided in the present case.
(286) FIGS. 116-123 finally show oval or egg-shaped bristle carriers for facial brushes which can be operated manually or electrically.
(287) The embodiment according to FIG. 116 relates in general to bristle carriers with two larger puck bundles A2, one at the front and one at the rear, which frame a honeycomb-shaped grid bundle A4 of multiple grid bundle structural elements, which once again continues in soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 which are realized in the same manner as the grid bundle structural elements. Mini bundles A3 are arranged around the named structure as a quasi continuous frame.
(288) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 116 shows a centrally arranged honeycomb-shaped grid bundle A4. The grid bundle A4 comprises a total of preferably seven hexagonal grid bundle structural elements, the central grid bundle structural element being surrounded by six further hexagonal grid bundle structural elements such that a contiguous honeycomb form is produced. The grid bundle A4 is surrounded by further, preferably eight, hexagonal soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 in the form of individual honeycombs. Of which, in a preferred manner, three hexagonal soft elements A1 are arranged in each case laterally of the grid bundle A4 and in each case one above or below the grid bundle A4.
(289) A puck bundle A2 is arranged in each case at the upper and lower end of the bristle carrier 5. The upper puck bundle A2 is realized in an arcuate manner and frames the upper hexagonal soft element and/or injected bristles A1. The lower puck bundle A2 is also realized in an arcuate manner and frames the lower hexagonal soft element and/or injected bristles A1 as well as the two lower lateral hexagonal soft elements A1. A continuous frame of individual mini bundles A3, which, where applicable, is briefly interrupted by the outer lateral hexagonal soft elements and/or injected bristles A1, runs along the outer edge of the bristle carrier 5.
(290) The embodiment according to FIG. 117 relates in general to bristle carriers each with a puck bundle A2 which is arranged on the front and on the rear end of the bristle carrier. Soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 in the form of lamellae are arranged in between and connected thereto are similarly formed long bundles A5.
(291) The bristle carrier according to FIG. 117 shows a lamella structure which comprises multiple, preferably three, lamella-shaped soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 in an upper region of the bristle carrier 5. Below the lamella-shaped soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 connect multiple, preferably four, also lamella-shaped long bundles A5, which are aligned in the same way as the lamella-shaped soft elements and/or injected bristles A1.
(292) Further, preferably two, lamella-shaped long bundles A5, which are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the lamella-shaped long bundles A5 arranged above, are arranged in a lower region of the bristle carrier 5. Another two oval long bundles A5 can be arranged between the pair of lamella-shaped long bundles A5, which can be situated directly opposite in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The lamella-shaped long bundles A5 are defined in each case at the upper and at the lower end of the bristle carrier 5 by a puck bundle A2 which, on the inside thereof, follows the contour of the lamella-shaped soft elements and/or injected bristles A1 or of the lamella-shaped long bundle A5.
(293) The oval long bundles A5 can also be designed as puck bundles.
(294) The embodiment according to FIG. 118 relates in general to bristle carriers with variously sized bundles which are integrated in a random manner on the bristle carrier. In this case, the smallest bundles are mini bundles A3, different sizes of conventional bundles A6 follow as well as one or multiple puck bundles A2 as the largest element.
(295) FIG. 118 shows a bristle carrier 5 where puck bundles A2, mini bundles A3 and conventional bundles A6 are arranged in a random manner. The consistently round bundles comprise different diameters or different sizes, the mini bundles A3 being the smallest bundle and the puck bundles A2 the largest bundles. The remaining bundles are conventional bundles A6 which are present in multiple sizes, preferably four.
(296) The embodiment according to FIG. 119 relates in general to bristle carriers with variously formed and variously sized puck bundles A2 which are arranged in heart form around a puck bundle A2 as a bristle field.
(297) FIG. 119 shows a bristle carrier 5 where a heart-shaped puck bundle A2, which is surrounded by further variously formed puck bundles A2, is arranged centrally. The further puck bundles A2 comprise substantially curved forms and are arranged in a somewhat shell-like manner around the heart-shaped puck bundle A2.
(298) The embodiment according to FIG. 120 relates in general to bristle carriers on which multiple puck bundles A2 are arranged. In the upper region a large puck bundle A2 in the form of a delta. Below this, a circular puck bundle A2 which is surrounded by two puck bundles A2 in ying yang form.
(299) The bristle carrier 5 according to FIG. 120 shows a centrally arranged round puck bundle A2 which is surrounded by two puck bundles A2 arranged in a ying-yang-shaped manner. A delta-shaped puck bundle A2 is arranged at the upper end of the bristle carrier 5 corresponding to the ying-yang form.
(300) The embodiment according to FIG. 121 relates in general to bristle carriers where a puck bundle A2 is arranged in each case at the top and at the bottom. The lower puck bundle A2 comprises a recess 51 in the form of lettering. Further lettering is arranged in the form of one or multiple long bundle(s) A5 between the two puck bundles A2.
(301) FIG. 121 illustrates a bristle carrier 5 which comprises, in the lower region thereof, a puck bundle A2 with a recess 51 in the form of lettering. A further puck bundle A2 is arranged in the upper region of the bristle carrier 5. Further lettering in the form of multiple long bundles A5 is arranged in the gap S between the two puck bundles A2.
(302) The embodiment according to FIG. 122 relates in general to bristle carriers which involve an at least partially symmetrical arrangement of puck bundles A2 in various forms, such as, for instance, round, oval, S-shaped and/or kidney-shaped.
(303) FIG. 122 illustrates a bristle carrier which comprises multiple variously formed puck bundles A2. A round puck bundle A2, in this case, is arranged substantially centrally on the bristle carrier 5 and is surrounded by multiple S-shaped puck bundles A2 which are aligned from in to out. Smaller round and/or kidney-shaped puck bundles A2 are arranged between the S-shaped puck bundles in the outer region of the bristle carrier 5. Four pairs of S-shaped puck bundles A2 which are realized in an approximately mirror-symmetrical manner to one another and receive two smaller round and/or kidney-shaped puck bundles A2 between them, are preferably provided in the present case. An approximately delta-shaped puck bundle A2 is additionally arranged at the upper end of the bristle carrier 5.
(304) FIG. 123 finally shows another bristle carrier 5 which consists of a combination of mini bundles A3, conventional bundles A6, puck bundles A2 and puck bundles with a recess or space 51. The bristle carrier 5 comprises, in this case, a substantially centrally arranged puck bundle A2 with a substantially centrally arranged space 51. The puck bundle A2 and the space 51 are realized in the shape of octopus. The puck bundle A2 comprises corresponding indentations 52 and bulges 53 (both in the space 51 and on the outer edges thereof), a mini bundle A3 and a conventional bundle A6 preferably being arranged in each case in the outer indentations. The puck bundle A2 preferably comprises eight indentations and bulges on the outside and the inside. Half of an approximately delta-shaped puck bundle A2 is arranged in each case on the left-hand and on the right-hand side at the upper end of the bristle carrier 5. Two conventional bundles A6 are arranged in the gap S between said two half-delta-shaped puck bundles A2. In this case, in a preferred manner the conventional bundle A6 comprises a larger diameter at the tip of the bristle carrier 5 than the conventional bundle A6 placed below it. In a preferred manner, the conventional bundles A6 arranged in the indentations 52 comprise the smallest diameter of the conventional bundles A6. Further preferably, a mini bundle and three conventional bundles, which extend from the uppermost indentation 52 into the gap S, are arranged with an increasingly large diameter in the upper region of the bristle carrier 5 along the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT.
(305) FIG. 124a shows a bristle carrier 5 with a longitudinal axis X.sub.LT and a transverse axis X.sub.QT and with multiple puck bundles protruding from the bristle carrier 5. In a central region of the bristle carrier 5 the cleaning elements of a central puck bundle A2 are arranged substantially symmetrically, in the upper carrier region the cleaning elements of an upper puck bundle A2 are arranged above the transverse axis X.sub.QT of the bristle carrier 5, in the lower carrier region the cleaning elements of a lower puck bundle A2 are arranged below the transverse axis X.sub.QT of the bristle carrier 5, in the right-hand carrier region the cleaning elements of a right-hand puck bundle A2 are arranged to the right of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT of the bristle carrier 5 and in the left-hand carrier region the cleaning elements of a left-hand puck bundle A2 are arranged to the left of the longitudinal axis X.sub.LT of the bristle carrier 5. The cleaning elements of the central puck bundle A2 comprise a dome-shaped topography. FIG. 124b is a cross-sectional view taken along longitudinal axis X.sub.LT which in particular illustrates the dome-shaped topography of the cleaning elements of the central puck bundle A2.
(306) The design variants shown in this document are obviously given as examples. Within the framework of the present invention, the individual expressions and elements of said design variants can be combined with other design variants without departing from this invention.
(307) The descriptions given for specific figures can obviously also be transferred to other figures which show identical or similar expressions and in which the expressions, where applicable, have not described in the same detail.
LIST OF REFERENCES
(308) 1 Basic body 2 Head part 2a Frame 3 Neck part 4 Handle part 4a Receiving recess (in handle part) 5 Bristle carrier 5a Bristle carrier part segment 5b Bristle carrier part segment 5c Bristle carrier part segment 5d Bristle carrier part segment 5′ Bristle carrier or head plate 6 Boundary edge 6a Free end or boundary edge bottom edge 7 Bristle holes (round) 7′ Openings (other forms) 8 Bristle carrier recess 9 Bristle bundle (round) 9′ Bristles (single) 9″ Bristle bundle (other forms) 9a Fastening ends 9b Free ends 10 Bristle melt/melt carpet/melt bath 10′ Alternative or modified mounting end 11 Cover material (rear side) 11′ Cover material (front side) 12 Interruption in the boundary edge 13 Film hinge/region with reduced material thickness 14 Covering film hinge 15 Damping element 16 Cleaning element 17 Ring-shaped opening 18 Channel (in the neck part) 19 Bristle field 20 First tool half 21 Insert recess 22 Bristle recesses 23 Bristle inlet openings 24 Edge (first tool half) 25 Interface 26 Pin 26a Pin head 26b Pin shaft 26c Free pin end/with concave rounding 27 Tool body 28 Free regions 30 Second tool half 31 Cavity 32 Edge (second tool half) 33 Tool body 50 Free end bristle carrier 51 Recess/space 52 Indentations 53 Bulges 54 Overlap region 60 Holding/pressing tool 61 Projections 62 Bundle receiving means 63 Notch via displacement 64 Material reservoir 65 Tool (for exposed melt) 66 Exposing element 67 Heat element (AFT) 68 Profile pins 69 Exposed or prominent bristle melt A1 Soft elements and/or injected bristles A2 Puck bundle A3 Mini bundle A4 Grid bundle A5 Long bundle A6 Conventional bundle AP Possible injection points for the covering A1′ Regular compartments A1″ Compartments with strong centers A1′″ Inclines or kinked bundle B Width bristle carrier/Head part (or head plate) D Overall thickness head part (finished brush product) D.sub.A Layer thickness covering D.sub.B Layer thickness bristle carrier D.sub.S Layer thickness bristle melt/melt carpet E Notches H High boundary wall K Injection molding cavity L.sub.1 Length head part L.sub.2 Length basic body S Gap S.sub.P Intersection point of the axes T Depth bristle recesses X Longitudinal axis X.sub.LT Longitudinal axis bristle carrier X.sub.QT Transverse axis bristle carrier α Angle β Angle of inclination (bristles) φ Angle range
