Multi-component bristle having components with different oral care additives, and oral care implement comprising the same.

(54) Title: MULTI-COMPONENT BRISTLE THAT HAS COMPONENTS WITH DIFFERENT ORAL HYGIENE ADDITIVES, AND ORAL HYGIENE IMPLEMENT THAT INCLUDES THIS.

(54) Title: MULTI-COMPONENT BRISTLE HAVING COMPONENTS WITH DIFFERENT ORAL CARE ADDITIVES, AND ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT COMPRISING THE SAME.

(57) Summary

An oral hygiene implement includes at least one multi-component sow. The oral hygiene implement comprises a handle; a head coupled with the handle; at least one tuft of bristles extending from the head, at least one tuft of bristles comprises at least one multi-component bristle comprising co-extruded core and cover components, the cover component surrounds a first portion of the central component, and a second portion of the central component protrudes from the cover component at a tip portion of the multi-component bristle; the cover component comprises a first plastic and a first oral hygiene additive; the central component comprises a second plastic and a second oral hygiene additive, characterized in that the first oral hygiene additive is different from the second oral hygiene additive.

(57) Abstract

An oral care implement (100) including at least multi-component bristle. The oral care implement (100) comprises a handle (120); a head (110) coupled to the handle (120); at least one bristle tuft extending from the head, the at least one bristle tuft comprises at least one multi-component bristle (200) comprising coextruded core (210) and sheath components (220), the sheath component (220) surrounding a first portion (215) of the core component (210), and a second portion (216) of the core component (210) protruding from the sheath component (220) at a tip portion (230) of the multicomponent bristle (200); the sheath component (220) comprises a first plastic and a first oral care additive; the core component (210) comprises a second plastic and a second oral care additive, wherein the first oral care additive is different than the second oral care additive.

MULTI-COMPONENT BRISTLE THAT HAS COMPONENTS WITH DIFFERENT

ORAL HYGIENE ADDITIVES, AND ORAL HYGIENE IMPLEMENT THAT INCLUDES THIS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toothbrushes are typically used by applying toothpaste or toothpaste to a section of bristles on the toothbrush head, followed by brushing regions of the oral cavity (i.e. the teeth or soft tissues such as the tongue and / or gums) with the bristle section. Some toothbrushes have been equipped with internal reservoirs and systems to deliver toothpaste to the user's oral cavity. Other toothbrushes have been developed that include toothpaste that is pre-coated on the bristles. However, in known toothbrushes only toothpaste or a single oral hygiene additive is available for application to the user's oral cavity. Accordingly, there is a need for a toothbrush that has multiple different oral hygiene additives for application to the user's oral cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to oral hygiene implements having at least one multi-component bristle extending from the head thereof. The multi-component bristle is made up of a central component and a cover component that surrounds at least a portion of the central component. In one embodiment, each of the core and cover components comprises a different oral hygiene additive. In another embodiment, only one of the core and cover components comprises an oral hygiene additive. In yet another embodiment, each of the core and cover components comprise the same oral hygiene additive.

In one aspect, the present invention may be an oral hygiene implement comprising a handle; a head coupled with the handle; at least one tuft of bristles extending from the head, the at least one tuft of bristles comprises at least one multi-component bristle comprising co-extruded core and cover components, the cover component surrounds a first portion of the component central, and a second portion of the central component protrudes from the cover component at a tip portion of the multi-component bristle; the cover component comprises a first plastic and a first oral hygiene additive; the central component comprises a second plastic and a second oral hygiene additive, wherein the first oral hygiene additive is different from the second oral hygiene additive.

In another aspect, the present invention may be an oral hygiene implement comprising: a handle; a head coupled with the handle; at least one tuft of bristles extending from the head, the at least one tuft of bristles comprises at least one multi-component bristle comprising co-extruded core and cover components, the cover component surrounds a first portion of the core component , and a second portion of the central component protrudes from the cover component at a tip portion of the multi-component bristle; the cover component comprises a first plastic; the central component comprises a second plastic; and wherein one of the core and cover components comprises an oral hygiene additive and the other of the core and cover components is free of an oral hygiene additive.

In another embodiment, the present invention may be a multi-component bristle comprising: a core component; a cover component, the cover component surrounds a first portion of the central component, and a second portion of the central component protrudes from the cover component at a tip portion of the multi-component bristle; the cover component comprises a first plastic and a first oral hygiene additive; and the central component comprises a second plastic and a second oral hygiene additive, wherein the first oral hygiene additive is different from the second oral hygiene additive.

Other areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, without the intention of limiting the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an oral hygiene implement having multi-component bristles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a front perspective view of a multi-component bristle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIB-IIB in Figure 2A.

Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIC-IIC in Figure 2A.

Figure 3A is a front perspective view of a multi-component bristle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in Figure 3A.

Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIC-IIIC in Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a multi-component bristle according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB of Figure 4A.

Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the IVC-IVC line of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A is a first alternative embodiment of Figure 2B.

Figure 5B is a second alternative embodiment of Figure 2B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature, and is not intended in any way to limit the present invention, its application or uses. .

The description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely for convenience of description, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as lower, upper, horizontal, vertical, above, below, above, below, above and below, as well as derivatives of these (for example horizontally, down, up, etc.) should be interpreted as a reference to the orientation being described, or as shown in the drawing being discussed. These relative terms are for convenience of description only, and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation, unless explicitly stated to do so. Terms such as joined, fixed, connected, coupled, interconnected and the like refer to a relationship in which one structure is secured or joined with another, either directly or indirectly, through the intervention of other structures, as well as unions or both mobile relationships. as rigid, unless expressly described otherwise. Also, the features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention should not be expressly limited to such exemplary embodiments that illustrate some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

Referring first to Figure 1, an oral hygiene implement 100 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplified embodiment, the oral hygiene implement 100 is in the form of a manual toothbrush. However, in other embodiments the oral hygiene implement 100 may take other forms such as a motorized toothbrush, a tongue cleaner, a gum and soft tissue cleaner, a water jet dental cleaner, an interdental device, a dental polisher. , an implement with handles specially designed that has elements to join with the teeth, or any other type of implement commonly used for oral hygiene. Accordingly, it will be understood that the inventive concepts discussed herein can be applied to any type of oral hygiene implement, unless a specific type of oral hygiene implement is specified in the claims.

The oral hygiene implement extends from a proximal end 103 to a distal end 102 along a longitudinal axis AA. The oral hygiene implement 100 generally includes an elongated body 101 comprising a head 110, a neck 115, and a handle 120. The handle 120 is an elongated structure that provides the mechanism by which the user can hold and manipulate the hygiene implement. oral 100 during use. Handle 120 comprises a front surface 124 and an opposite rear surface 125. In the exemplified embodiment, handle 120 is generally illustrated with various outlines for user convenience. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, handle 120 is bulbous in shape and has a greater diameter in a central region than in the vicinity of proximal end 103 and neck 115. Specifically, a region of the handle 120 that would normally be gripped by the user's thumb has a width greater than the width of the neck 115. Of course, the present invention should not be limited in all embodiments, and in certain other embodiments the handle 120 may have a wide variety of shapes, contours and configurations, none of which are limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims.

In the exemplified embodiment, handle 120 is formed of a rigid plastic material, such as, for example and without limitation, polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, the present invention should not be so limited in all its embodiments, and the handle 120 may include a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, such as a grip cover molded over portions, or all, of the handle 120 to increase the durability. grip of the handle 120 during use. For example, the portions of the handle 120 that are typically held by the palm of the user during use may be overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to increase user comfort.

Head 110 of oral hygiene implement 100 is coupled with handle 120 and comprises a front surface 112 and an opposite rear surface 113. In the exemplified embodiment, head 110 is integrally formed with handle 120 as a single unitary structure using molding. , milling, punching or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the handle 120 and the head 110 may be formed as separate components that are operatively connected in a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including, without limitation, thermal or ultrasonic welding, a press fit, mating sleeve, threaded joint, adhesion or fasteners.

In the exemplified embodiment, the head 110 of the oral hygiene implement 100 is provided with a plurality of dental cleaning elements 111 extending from the front surface 112. Although in the exemplified embodiment all the dental cleaning elements 111 appear to be the same , the present invention will not be so limited in all embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments the dental cleaning elements 111 include at least one tuft of bristles comprising at least one multi-component bristle comprising a core component and a covering component. The details of the various structural forms of a multi-component bristle will be described in greater detail with reference to Figures 2-5.

A tuft of bristles is a collection of bristles that are positioned together in a single tuft bore formed in head 110. Each tuft of bristles may include, for example and without limitation, only multi-component bristles, a combination of multi-component bristles and single-component bristles (i.e. traditional), or only single-component bristles. In certain embodiments, oral hygiene implement 100 may include one or more bristle tufts that include exactly one multicomponent bristle and a plurality of mono-component bristles, or one or more bristle tufts that include only multi-component bristles. In other embodiments, all of the dental cleaning elements 111 may be formed as tufts of bristles that are formed solely of multi-component bristles. Also, in some embodiments the dental cleaning elements 111 may include some tufts of bristles that are formed solely of one-component bristles and some tufts of bristles that are formed solely of multi-component bristles, and the tuft of single-component bristles and the tufts of multi-component bristles may be placed in the head 110 of the oral hygiene implement 100 in an alternating or non-alternating manner (i.e. alternating or non-alternating transverse rows of bristle tufts, alternating or non-alternating longitudinal rows of bristles, or even alternating or non-alternating tufts in each row).

In addition to including at least one tuft of bristles comprising at least one multi-component bristle, the exact structure, pattern, orientation, and materials of the remainder of the dental cleaning elements 111 should not be limiting of the present invention unless as specified in the claims. Consequently, and as used herein, the term dental cleaning elements is used in a broad generic sense to refer to any type of structure that can be used to clean, polish or scrub teeth and / or oral tissues. soft (eg tongue, cheeks, gums, etc.) by relative contact with the surface. Common examples of dental cleaning items include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric bumps, flexible polymer bumps, combinations of these and / or structures containing such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any resilient biocompatible material suitable for uses in oral hygiene appliances. To provide optimal comfort and cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the teeth or soft tissue bonding elements has a hardness property in the Shore hardness range of A8 to A25. A suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials can be used within and outside of the indicated hardness range.

The dental cleaning elements 111 of the present invention can be connected to the head 110 in any way known in the art. For example, staples / anchors, inserted in mold (IMT) or inserted without anchoring (AFT) can be used to mount the cleaning elements / fasteners with teeth. In certain embodiments, the present invention can be practiced with various combinations of stapled bristles, IMT or AFT. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head, as with ultrasonic welding. The bristles are spread across the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are heat fused to anchor in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements can be used in the broad practice of the present invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted in tuft blocks or sections extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks, so that the base of the bristles would be mounted within or below the tuft block.

In the exemplified embodiment, the head 110 of the oral hygiene implement 100 comprises a plurality of tuft perforations (not visible) formed therein. A plurality of bristle tufts are positioned within, and attached to, the head 110 within each of the tuft perforations. Each of the bristle tufts includes a plurality of bristles, which may be single-stranded bristles, double-stranded multi-component bristles, triple-stranded multi-component bristles, etc., or various combinations of these. Accordingly, a tuft of bristles may include a multi-component double-stranded bristle and a plurality of single-stranded bristles, or only multicomponent double-stranded bristles or only multicomponent triple-stranded bristles or a combination of single-stranded bristles, multi-component double strand bristles and multi-component triple strand bristles. Additionally, a single strand piercing can be filled with an elastomeric cleaning element or any of the other types of cleaning elements described above. As noted above, in one embodiment at least one tuft of bristles includes at least one multi-component bristle, which may be a double, triple, or other multi-component bristle. The details of the multi-component bristles will be discussed in greater detail below, with reference to Figures 2-5.

Although not illustrated herein, in certain embodiments head 110 may also include a soft tissue cleanser coupled to, or positioned on, its rear surface 113. An example of a suitable soft tissue cleanser that can be used with the present invention and positioned on the rear surface of head 110 is disclosed in US Patent No. 7,143,462, issued December 5, 2006 to the assignee of this application, and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. In other modalities, the soft tissue cleanser may include bumps, which can take the lining Ί¹ elongated, bumps or combinations of these. Hence, the present invention should not be limited by this, and in certain embodiments the oral hygiene implement 100 may not include a soft tissue cleanser.

Referring now concurrently to Figures 2A-2C, a multi-component bristle 200 is illustrated in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-component bristle 200 extends from a base end 201 to a free end 202 along a longitudinal axis AA. The multi-component bristle 200 comprises a core component 210 and a cover component 220 that are coextruded to form the multi-component bristle 200. In other words, the multi-component bristle 200 comprises the coextruded core and cover components 210, 220. In the exemplified embodiment, the cover component 220 surrounds a first portion 215 of the central component 210 and a second portion 216 of the central component 210 protrudes from the cover component 220 at a tip portion 230 of the multi-component bristle 200. The second portion 216 of the central component 210 is therefore exposed, while the first portion 215 of the central component 210 is not exposed. Thus, at least a portion of each of the core and cover components 210, 220 is visible from an exterior of the multi-component bristle 200, and more specifically a whole of the cover component 220 is visible and the second portion 216 of the central component 210 is visible from the outside of the multicomponent bristle 200.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the core and cover components 210, 220 extend to the base end 201 of the multi-component bristle 200. The central component 210 extends from the base end 201 of the multi-component bristle 200. components 200 to the free end 202 of multi-component bristle 200. Cover component 220 extends from base end 201 of multi-component bristle 200 to a terminal end 203 of cover component 220. In the exemplified embodiment, the second portion 216 of the central component 210 makes up between about 15 and 20% of the total length of the multi-component bristle 200, more specifically between about 17 and 23% of the total length of the multi-component bristle. 200, and even more specifically between about 20 and 22% of the total length of the multi-component bristle 200. In another embodiment, the second exposed portion 216 of the central component 210 can make up between about 10 and 15%, and more specifically between about 12 and 13% of the total length of the multi-component bristle 200. Also, cover component 220 extends from about 75 to 80% of the total length of multi-component bristle 200, more specifically from about 77 to 83% of the total length of multi-component bristle 200, and even more. specifically between about 78 and 80% of the total length of the multi-component bristle 200, or between about 85 and 90% or 87 and 88% of the total length of the multi-component bristle 200.

In the exemplified embodiment, the multicomponent bristle 200 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape. Also, central component 210 has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape and cover component 220 has an annular shape that concentrically encircles central component 210 for at least part of the length of central component 210. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this way, and the central component 210 can take other polygonal shapes as desired, and the shape of the cover component 220 can similarly change as the cover component 220 circles the central component. 210 of at least a portion of the length of the central component 210.

Due to the nature of the multi-component bristle formation, in which two or more components are coextruded to form the multi-component bristle 200, these components can be used to house, store, or otherwise contain oral hygiene additives, including oral hygiene agents. Specifically, each of the core and cover components 210, 220 can house the same oral hygiene additive, a different oral hygiene additive, or only one of the two or more components that make up the multicomponent bristle 200 can contain an oral hygiene additive. oral hygiene while the other of the two or more components may be devoid of an oral hygiene additive. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, two or more oral hygiene additives can be housed separately in different components (i.e. core and cover components) of a single multi-component bristle and can be caused to intermix during use of the multi-component bristle. -components (or oral hygiene implement in which the multi-component sow is arranged). Intermixing two or more oral hygiene additives can be beneficial, so that a chemical reaction occurs within the user's oral cavity, and so that in some circumstances a third oral hygiene additive or agent can be formed by the reaction of the first and second. oral hygiene additives within the user's oral cavity.

Continuing with reference to Figures 2A-2C, in certain embodiments the central component 210 comprises a first plastic 211 and a first oral hygiene additive 212, and the cover component 220 comprises a second plastic 221 and a second oral hygiene additive 222, the second oral hygiene additive 222 is different from the first oral hygiene additive 221. In the exemplified embodiment, oral hygiene additive 212 in core component 210 is illustrated as round dots, and oral hygiene additive 222 in cover component 220 is illustrated as square dots to schematically illustrate that each of the core components and cover 210, 220 contains a different oral hygiene additive. Although described herein as core and shell components 210, 220 having different oral hygiene additives, in certain embodiments each of the core and shell components 210, 220 may have the same oral hygiene additive, or one of the core and cover components 210, 220 may be devoid of an oral hygiene additive while the other of the core and cover components 210, 220 has an oral hygiene additive.

Specifically, referring briefly to Figure 5A, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multi-component bristle 500 comprising a central component 510 and a cover component 520 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the central component 510 is devoid or free of a oral hygiene additive, and cover component 520 comprises oral hygiene additive 522. Also, with brief reference to Figure 5B, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multi-component bristle 600 comprising a core component 610 and a cover component 620 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the core component 610 comprises an oral hygiene additive 612 and cover component 620 is devoid or free of an oral hygiene additive.

Referring back to Figures 2A-2C, in certain embodiments the formation of the core component 210 is accomplished by melting the first plastic 211 and dispersing particles of the first oral hygiene additive 212 within the molten first plastic 211. The particles of the first oral hygiene additive 212 are therefore mixed into the first plastic 211 so that the core component 210, when formed, contains the first oral hygiene additive 212. Similarly, the formation of the cover component 220 is accomplished by melting the second plastic 221 and dispersing particles of the second oral hygiene additive 222 within the molten second plastic 221. The particles of the second oral hygiene additive 222 are thus mixed in the second plastic 221 so that the cover component 220, when formed, contains the second oral hygiene additive 222. As noted above, the first and second oral hygiene additives 212, 222 may be the same or different.

Upon cooling, the first and second molten plastics 211, 221 will harden and the first and second oral hygiene additives 212, 222 will be housed, contained, or dispersed within the respective first and second plastics 211, 221. Then, in certain embodiments, the First and second plastics 211, 221 can be coextruded to form multi-component bristle 200 of core and cover components 210, 220. Alternatively, the first plastic 211 with the first oral hygiene additive 212 can be formed as the core component 210 and the second plastic 221 with the second oral hygiene additive 222 can be separately formed as the cover component 220 (either by a process of separate extrusion or any other known or unknown process to form bristle strands), and then the core and cover components 210 can be coupled, 220 together to form the multi-component bristle 200. In both cases, the multi-component bristle 200 is formed with the core and cover components 210, 220, each containing a different oral hygiene agent or additive (or the same ). Of course, as noted above, one of the core and cover components 210, 220 can be formed without dispersing an oral hygiene additive therein, if so desired.

<td>In</td><td>other modalities, no</td><td>is</td><td>necessary to apply</td><td>the</td>

<td>additives</td><td>of oral hygiene in:</td><td colspan="2">particle shape a</td><td>the</td>

<td>plastics</td><td>fused. Rather,</td><td>in</td><td>certain modalities</td><td>the</td>

<td>additives</td><td>oral hygiene 212,</td><td> 222</td><td>can be added to</td><td>the</td>

<td colspan="2">respective core components</td><td>and</td><td>deck 210,</td><td> 220</td>

<td>forming</td><td>the core components</td><td>and</td><td>deck 210, 220</td><td>with</td>

a tactile or adherent texture to hold the oral hygiene additives 212, 222 therein, or by forming the core and cover components 210, 220 with grooves, protrusions, perforations, voids or other features and / or structures, shapes or surface configurations that facilitate the accommodation of a powder, liquid, gel, paste or other form of oral hygiene additive. In such embodiments, the oral hygiene additive can be attached or otherwise spread within the core and cover components 210, 220 after formation thereof. Regardless of how the multi-component sow 200 with oral hygiene additives are formed therein, the oral hygiene additives 212, 222 can be released from the first and second plastic 211, 222, and the core and cover components 210 , 220 of the multi-component sow 200, particularly during use of the oral hygiene implement 100 as will be described in greater detail below, in order to provide oral health benefits to a user.

Likewise, in certain modalities, oral hygiene additives, in any form (i.e. particle, powder, liquid, gel, paste, etc.), can be embedded or lodged within, or be transported by one or more vehicles that are then formed , are housed or contained within the core and cover components 210, 220. Specifically, the first oral hygiene additive 212 can be carried by a first vehicle and the second oral hygiene additive 222 can be carried by a second vehicle. In one embodiment, each of the first and second carriers can be one or more water-soluble polymers. In such an embodiment, the oral hygiene additives 212, 222 can be transported by, disposed of, or embedded in the one or more water-soluble polymers, and the water-soluble polymers can then be added to the molten plastic that is used to form the core components. and cover 210, 220 as described above. In this way, the vehicles will be mixed or formed into the plastic material that forms the core and cover components 210, 220, the vehicles transport the oral hygiene additives. In such embodiments, it may be desirable for the first vehicle to have a melting point higher than the melting point of the first plastic 211 and for the second vehicle to have a melting point higher than the melting point of the second plastic 221, thus so that the water soluble polymer or vehicle maintains its structure and retains the oral hygiene additive when added to the molten plastic. As the plastic cools and hardens, the vehicles can then be contained or dispersed within the plastic as it forms as the core and roof components 210, 220.

In certain embodiments, an outer surface of the vehicles may be mixed with the plastic material of the core and / or cover components 210, 220 to ensure that the vehicles remain in the multi-component bristle 200 until use. Specifically, an outer surface of the vehicles may be partially fused together with the plastic so that when the plastic hardens, the vehicle hardens together with it and both the plastic and the vehicles are at least partially integrally coupled to each other.

In certain embodiments, each of the first and second carriers may comprise one or more degradable or soluble capsules that carry, contain, or encapsulate within them the first and second oral hygiene additives 212, 222. The capsules may be soluble in liquid, such as saliva, to release the oral hygiene additives 212, 222 contained therein during the use of the oral hygiene implement 100. In other words, the capsules degrade when subjected to moisture, and then mix with the user's saliva to release their contents. Alternatively, in use the capsules may have frangible thin walls that break, tear, or burst upon releasing the oral hygiene additives 212, 222 they contain by contacting, or carving, the user's teeth. In other embodiments, each of the first and second carriers can comprise one or more matrices carrying the first and second oral hygiene additives 212, 222. Similar to capsules, the matrices can also be dissolved or broken to release the oral hygiene additives. 212, 222 contained therein during the use of the oral hygiene implement 100. In other embodiments, one of the first and second vehicles may comprise one or more capsules carrying the first oral hygiene additive, and the other of the first and second vehicles can comprise one or more matrices carrying the second oral hygiene additive, or each. one of the first and second carriers may comprise a combination of capsules and matrices carrying the respective oral hygiene additives.

Using the vehicles to house the oral hygiene additives can be helpful in ensuring that the oral hygiene additives are properly retained in the core and cover components 210, 220 and released into the user's oral cavity during use of the oral hygiene implement. 100. Specifically, in embodiments where the vehicles are water soluble polymers, such water soluble vehicles / polymers will degrade, shrink or dissolve in the saliva of the user during use of the oral hygiene implement, thereby releasing the oral hygiene additives. vehicles into the user's oral cavity. The solubility of such water soluble polymers can be selected as desired, to form a multi-component bristle that produces immediate release of all oral hygiene additives contained therein, or prolonged release of oral hygiene additives contained in this.

In certain embodiments, the first and / or second vehicle can be formed for a delayed or prolonged release of the oral hygiene additives contained therein so that the user obtains the benefits of the oral hygiene additives during many uses of the oral hygiene implement 100 . In one embodiment, the vehicles can degrade over a period of three months, so that by releasing all of the oral hygiene additive into the user's oral cavity during brushing, the user knows that it is time to replace the toothbrush. In certain embodiments, the core and cover components 210, 220 of the multicomponent bristle 200 may change color when the oral hygiene additive contained therein is depleted, to visually communicate to the user that the toothbrush needs to be replaced. Accordingly, the multi-component bristles 200 can function as an oral hygiene additive supply / containment structure and also as a wear indicator.

In other embodiments, core component 210 can include first carriers (i.e., water-soluble polymers) that degrade or dissolve within a first time, and shell component 220 can include second carriers (water-soluble polymers) that are degrade or dissolve within one second, so that the oral hygiene additives within the second vehicles do not begin to be released until all of the oral hygiene additives within the first vehicles have been released. Consequently, the second vehicles will not begin to dissolve until all of the first vehicles have dissolved, so that the first vehicles will have a higher solubility than the second vehicles. In other embodiments, the first and / or second vehicles can erode, degrade, shrink or completely dissolve during a first use, so that all of the oral hygiene additives contained therein are released into the user's oral cavity during orlc use. . · '. In Lίdades fashion, the imperative of hygiene is now a one-time uer.cál · 'l.sechaale for single use.

The first and second oral hygiene additives 211, 221 can be any of a variety of oral hygiene additives that provide demonstrated benefits to the user's oral health. Such oral hygiene additives include, without limitation, lotus seeds; lotus flowers, bamboo salt; jasmine; wild mint; camellia; aloe; ginkgo; tea tree oil; xylitol; sea ​​salt; vitamin C; ginger; Cactus; sodium bicarbonate; pine salt; Green Tea; White Pearl; black pearl; coal dust; nephrite or jade and Ag / Au +. Lotus seeds are the extract of these seeds and it is a natural anti-warming herb and for the prevention of gum bleeding. The lotus flower is the extract of this flower and is a natural anti-warming herb and for the prevention of gum bleeding. Bamboo salt is the combination of a bamboo extract and salt, it is used to decrease inflammation, and it has antibacterial effects. Jasmine is an extract of this flower, and is a natural anti-warming herb, prevents gum bleeding and refreshes the mouth. Wild peppermint is an extract of the peppermint leaf and is a natural herb with anti-warming and anti-bacterial uses, and to freshen the mouth. Camellia is an extract of the camellia flower and is a natural herb for anti-calcification '⁷ gum prevention,, -. ice os vn excracuc ue ¿a neja as a¿oe and is a natural herb to reduce inflammation and has anti-bacterial effects. Gingko is an extract from the gingko leaf, it is a natural herb to reduce inflammation, and it has antibacterial effects. Tea tree oil is an extract from a tea tree, it is a natural herb to decrease inflammation, and it has antibacterial effects. Xylitol is an extract from plants like corn, sugar cane, oak, birch, etc., and can be used to prevent tooth decay. Sea salt is an extract from the sea, can be used to reduce inflammation, and has antibacterial effects. Vitamin C is a food extract, which can be used to prevent bleeding gums and as an antioxidant. Ginger is an extract of ginger, it is a natural plant to reduce inflammation and has antibacterial effects. The cactus is an extract of the cactus, it is a natural plant to reduce inflammation and can be used as an antioxidant. Baking soda is a chemical, and it can be used as an enamel protector. Pine salt is a mixture of pine tree extract and salt, and is an ancient Chinese medicine to prevent inflammation and is anti-heating. Green tea is an extract of the green tea leaf, it is a natural herb to prevent halitosis and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Pearl white is a kind of pearl powder, which can be used for teeth whitening and improving dental health by absorbing calcium. Black pearl is a kind of pearl powder, which can be used for teeth whitening, cleaning and stain removal. Charcoal is made from the oak tree by charring, helping to adjust humidity and to reduce the growth of bacteria. Nephrite (jade) is a kind of nephrite powder, it can be used to prevent gum disease, and increase the blood circulation of the gums. Ag / Au is an antibacterial additive contained in the Ag / Au ion (ie silver / gold) and can be used to inhibit the growth of bacteria. In certain embodiments, each of the first and second oral hygiene additives is selected from a group consisting of a mixture of pine tree extract and salt, a tea leaf extract, a pearl powder, a nephrite powder. , or charcoal powder and an antibacterial material. In some embodiments, oral hygiene additives are natural ingredients. In a specific embodiment, the oral hygiene additive is charcoal, particularly in the embodiments of Figures 5A and 5B, where one of the core and / or cover components 210, 220 is free of an oral hygiene additive.

In certain embodiments, each of the core and cover components 210, 220 may have a different color to produce visual aesthetics and communicate information to the user about the oral hygiene additive contained in that particular component. In the exemplified embodiment, center component 210 is illustrated as white, and cover component 220 is illustrated as gray. The colors white and gray are used merely to indicate that each of the core and cover components 210, 220 may have a different color, but are not intended to indicate a specific color. In certain embodiments, the core component 210 can have any color (i.e. white, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, etc.), and the cover component 220 can also have any color (i.e. white, red , blue, green, yellow, orange, etc.). Although the figures are illustrated in different colors, in certain embodiments the core and cover components 210, 220 may have the same color.

Also, in certain embodiments the color of the core and / or cover components 210, 220 of the multi-component bristle 200 can be used to indicate a flavor of that particular component, or a trigeminal effect that will be imparted to the user by that component in particular. Thus, for example, a multi-component bristle can include a core component containing an orange flavored oral hygiene additive, and a shell component containing a lemon flavored oral hygiene additive. In such an embodiment, the core component can be orange in color and the cover component can be yellow in color to visually communicate their respective flavors to the user. Similarly, a multi-component bristle can include a core component that has a green tea extract and a shell component that includes black pearl. In such an embodiment, the core component can be green in color, and the cover component can be black in color to visually communicate their respective oral hygiene additives to the user. Similarly, the color blue can be used to inform a user that a particular component will provide a trigeminal cooling effect to the user, the color red can be used to inform the user that a particular component contains an oral hygiene additive that will increase circulation. blood, purple can be used to inform the user that a particular component contains an anti-inflammatory oral hygiene additive, etc. The component color codes of the multi-component bristle strands provide desirable visual aesthetics as well as being informative to the user or consumer. The oral hygiene implement in which the multi-component bristles are contained may include a color-coded key on its handle, head, packaging, or on a separate instruction / information sheet provided with the oral hygiene implement, to inform the user of the message that the various colored components are intended to convey.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the above oral hygiene additives may be included in each of the core and cover components 210, 220 that are used to form the multi-component bristle 200. However, in certain embodiments, one of the above oral hygiene additives is included in the core component 210, and the second of the above oral hygiene additives is included in the cover component 220, the second of the above oral hygiene additives. it is different from the first of the above oral hygiene additives. In certain embodiments, the first and second hygiene additives may each have an agent selected so that, during brushing, the agents of the first and second oral hygiene additives mix to form a third oral hygiene additive or agent. Specifically, prior to brushing the first oral hygiene additive will remain chemically isolated from the second oral hygiene additive even though the first and second oral hygiene additives are in the same multi-component sow 200, because the first oral hygiene additive is formed in or is carried by the core component 210, and the second oral hygiene additive is formed in or is carried by the cover component 220. During brushing, the core and cover components 210, 220 will become wet, allowing the first oral hygiene additive 212 (or a portion thereof) to be released from the core component 210, and the second oral hygiene additive 222 ( or a portion thereof) is released from the cover component 220. When the first and second oral hygiene additives 212, 222 are released simultaneously, the agents within these oral hygiene additives can intermix within the user's oral cavity to form a third agent in some embodiments.

Intermixing of the first and second oral hygiene additives within the oral cavity of the user can be beneficial in certain instances. Specifically, certain agents, drugs, anesthetics, antimicrobial agents, polishes, bleaches, and other miscellaneous chemical agents, substances, and compounds lose their effectiveness over time. Accordingly, it may be desirable to apply such substances essentially immediately after their formation. Using the core and cover components 210, 220 of the multi-component bristle 200 as structures in which the oral hygiene additives are housed facilitates this intermixing within the oral cavity of the user.

As noted above, the two oral hygiene additives can be selected to form a third oral hygiene additive or agent when intermixed within the oral cavity of the user. Some of the reactions that can occur include: (1) mixing a base with an acid to form a neutral; (2) mixing a base with a curing agent to form an epoxy resin; (3) mixing bisphenol F with epichlorohydrin to form bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (epoxy resin); (4) mixing calcium carbonate with hydrogen peroxide to form peroxide; (5) mixing water with hydrogen peroxide to form peroxide; (6) mixing potassium nitrate with stannous fluoride to form a sensitivity agent; (7) mixing chlorhexidine with silica to form an antimicrobial agent; (8) mixing cetylpyridinium chloride with silica to form an antimicrobial agent; (9) mixing triclosan with pyrophosphate to form an antimicrobial agent; and (10) mixing a first flavor with a second flavor to form a third flavor. Accordingly, various oral hygiene additives / agents known for their whitening, cleansing, antimicrobial, antibacterial, flavoring, and other desired effects can be formed.

As noted above, the core component 210 is formed from the first plastic 211 and the cover component 220 is formed from the second plastic 221. In certain embodiments, the first and second plastic 211, 221 are the same. In such embodiments, both the first and second plastics 211, 221 can be eroded with an etching agent, or neither of the first and second plastics 211, 221 can be eroded with the etching agent. However, in other embodiments the first and second plastic 211, 221 are different. In a particular embodiment, the first plastic 211 is eroded with the etching agent and the second plastic 221 is chemically resistant to the etching agent. Also, in one embodiment the first plastic 211 is a polyester, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and the second plastic 221 is a polyamide, such as nylon. Of course, the present invention should not be limited by the particular materials that are used to form the core and cover components 210, 220, unless so specified in the claims.

In the embodiment exemplified in Figures 2A-2C, the core and cover components 210, 220 of the multicomponent bristle 200 are conical. Specifically, the cover component 220 has a conical section 224 and the center component 210 has a conical section 214. Thus, the tip portion 230 of the multi-component bristle 200 has a tapered shape that decreases in cross-sectional area, moving from a transition point TP1 to the free end 202 of the multi-component bristle. In the exemplified embodiment, the transition point TP1 is the point on the multicomponent bristle where the cover component 220 begins to tilt. Also, the center component 210 begins to tilt at the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220. This is because, in certain embodiments, the central component 210 cannot be tilted between the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220 and the base end 201 of the multi-component bristle 200, since the central component 210 is covered by the cover component 220 in such an area. Accordingly, particularly when using an etching compound to tilt the multi-component bristle 200, only the second exposed portion 216 of the central component 210 will be tapered.

In the exemplified embodiment, the slope is continuous from the transition point TP1 to the free end 202 of the multi-component bristle 200. Consequently, the reduction in cross-sectional area from the transition point TP1 to the free end 202 is constant. and continuous, which results in a smooth transition between the cover component 220 and the central component 210. In other words, the oca¿.u .. ..... ... 7 ......:. . ': 77 dor.de "to the deck component 220, O? .Ra cue there are no protrusions, wrinkles, .du-ies, punctures or crevices in place between the central and deck components 210, 220, but just a smooth transition. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cover component 220 at the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220 is identical to the cross-sectional area of ​​the central component 210 at the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220. Because the central component 210 begins to slope exactly at the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220, the tip portion 230 of the multi-component bristle 200 has a continuous and uninterrupted slope despite being partially formed by the component of covered 220 and partially by central component 210.

In the exemplified embodiment, the tip portion 230 of the multi-component bristle 200 is formed by the conical section 214 of the central component 210 and the conical section 224 of the cover component 220. In the exemplified embodiment, the central component 210 forms a more of the tip portion 230 of the multicomponent bristle 200 than the cover component 220. Specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the conical section 214 of the central component 210 has a greater length n? 2nd marble section 221 of cover component 21U ucuuiua íUí vr ¿¿Calculated along the longitudinal axis AA, or measured along the outer border / outer surface of the multi-component bristle 200). However, the present invention should not be so limited in all embodiments, and in certain other embodiments the core and cover components 210, 220 may each form the same amount (i.e., percentage of length) of the portion of Tip 230, or cover component 210, 220 may form a larger portion of tip portion 230 of multi-component bristle 200 than central component 210.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second plastics is formed of a polyester, to be erodible with an etching agent, so that the tip portion 230 of the multicomponent bristle 200 is tapering by chemical etching. Consequently, if the multi-component bristle 200 is placed in an etching agent from the free end 202 to the transition point TP1 and is slowly withdrawn therefrom, the multi-component bristle 200 will tilt from the transition point TP1 to the free end 202, and more specifically the cover component 220 will slope from the transition point TP1 to the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220, and the central component 210 will slope from the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220 to the free end 202 of the multi-component bristle 200. In the exemplified embodiment, the central component 210 has a constant cross-sectional area from the base end 201 of the multicomponent bristle 200 to the terminal end 203 of the cover component 220, and the cover component 220 has a constant cross-sectional area. from the base end 201 of the multi-component bristle 200 to the transition point TP1. Of course, other configurations are possible, such as varying the cross-sectional areas of each of the core and cover components 220, 320 along the length of the multi-component bristle 200.

Of course, the present invention should not be so limited in all embodiments, and in certain other embodiments the conical shape of the tip portion 230 may be formed by mechanical grinding or other means. Regardless of the manner in which the slant / conical shape is produced, in the exemplified embodiment each of the core and cover components 210, 220 comprise a conical portion that collectively form the conical shape of the tip portion 230 of the multi-bristle. - components 200. Also, in the exemplified embodiment, the free end 202 of the multi-component bristle 200 is tapered to a sharp point or point. Of course, the present invention should not be so limited in all embodiments, and in certain other embodiments only the central component 210 can be tapered, while the cover component 220 is not tapered, or only the cover component 220 can be tapered. conical in that the central component 210 is not conical. Also, in still other embodiments the multi-component bristle 200 may be tapered, but still have a slightly rounded free end.

By causing at least the second portion 216 of the core component 210 to protrude from the cover component 220, at least a portion of each of the core and cover components 210, 220 is exposed to and contacted the cavity. oral hygiene of the user during use of an oral hygiene implement comprising the multicomponent bristle 200. Consequently, the oral hygiene additive 212 in the central component 210 will be able to be released into the user's oral cavity because the second portion 216 is exposed. Accordingly, in certain embodiments only the second portion 216 of the central component 210 that is exposed and not covered or surrounded by the covering component 220 may have an oral hygiene additive in it, while the first portion 215 of the central component 210 is devoid or free of the oral hygiene additive.

By causing the core component 210 with the first oral hygiene additive 212 to protrude from the cover component 220 to be exposed (both visibly and for direct contact with a user's oral cavity during use), a greater volume of the oral hygiene additive 212 will be able to be imparted to the oral cavity of the user than would be possible if the central component 210 did not protrude from the cover component 220. Specifically, without protruding from the cover component 220, only the upper flat end surface of the central component 210 would contact the user's oral cavity during use, and only a very small amount of the oral hygiene additive 212 would be released into the oral cavity. user. By extending the core component 210 a distance beyond the covering component 220, a greater amount of the oral hygiene additive 212 can be imparted to the user's oral cavity to achieve the desired benefits. Also, making the end of the multi-component bristle 200 tapered allows more of the core component 210 to protrude from the cover component 220 than would be possible with a rounded end, as can be seen in Figures 3A-3C and as discussed directly below.

Referring now to Figures 3A-3C, a multi-component bristle 300 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The multi-component bristle 300 extends from a base end 301 to a free end 302 along a longitudinal axis BB. The multi-component bristle 300 comprises a core component 310 and a cover component 320 that are coextruded to form the multi-component bristle 300. The multi-component bristle 300 is similar to the multi-component bristle 200, except for the shape of the free end 302 of the multi-component bristle 300. Specifically, the core component 310 comprises a first plastic 311 and a first oral hygiene additive 312, and the cover component 320 comprises a second plastic 321 and a second oral hygiene additive 322. The above discussion of the first and second plastics 211, 221 and the first and second oral hygiene additives 212, 222 regarding the multi-component bristle 200 is applicable to the multi-component bristle 300. Likewise, the discussion of the different colors and The materials of the first and second plastic discussed above with respect to the multi-component bristle 200 are applicable to the multi-component bristle 300.

As noted above, the multi-component bristle 300 has a different shape at its free end 302 than the multi-component bristle 200. Specifically, the free end 302 of the multi-component bristle 300 is rounded rather than tapered. In the exemplified embodiment, the multi-component bristle 300 begins to round at a transition point TP2 such that a portion of each of the center and cover components 310, 320 is rounded. Specifically, the cover component 320 is rounded from the transition point TP2 to the terminal end 303 of the cover component 320, and the central component 310 is rounded from the terminal end 303 of the cover component 320 to the free end 302 of the multi-component bristle 300. The core component 310 has a constant cross-sectional area from the base end 301 of the multi-component bristle 300 to the terminal end 303 of the cover component 320, and the cover component 320 has a constant cross-sectional area from the end of base 301 of the multi-component bristle 300 to the transition point TP2.

As a result of the coextrusion process and the rounding of the free end 302, only a small portion of the center component 310 is exposed at the free end 302 of the multi-component bristle 300. In the exemplified embodiment, a large majority, such as between 90 and 99%, or between 92 and 98%, or between 94 and 96% of the length of the central component 310 is covered or encircled by the covering component 320. Of course, the present invention should not be so limited in all embodiments, and more, or less, of the core component 310 may be discussed in certain other embodiments, as desired.

Referring now to Figures 4A-4C, a multi-component bristle 400 is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The multi-component bristle 400 comprises a central component 410, a cover component 420, and an intermediate component 430. The intermediate component 430 is positioned between the central component 410 and the cover component 420. Specifically, the cover component 420 surrounds a first portion of the intermediate component 430, a second portion of the intermediate component 430 protrudes from the cover component 420. Also, the intermediate component 430 surrounds a first portion of the central component 410, a second portion of the component Central 410 protrudes through intermediate component 430. In certain embodiments, the multi-component bristle 400 is formed by coextruding the core, cover, and intermediate components 410, 420, 430.

The core component 410 is formed of a first plastic 411 and comprises a first oral hygiene additive 412. The cover component 420 is formed of a second plastic 411 and comprises a second oral hygiene additive 422. The intermediate component 430 is formed of a third plastic 431 and comprises a third oral hygiene additive 432. Of course, the present invention should not be so limited in all its embodiments, and in certain other embodiments, any of the central, cover and / or intermediate components 410, 420, 430 may be free of an oral hygiene additive, as long as that the other of the core, cover and / or intermediate components 410, 420, 430 comprises an oral hygiene additive. In certain embodiments, only one of the core, cover and intermediate components 410, 420, 430 comprises an oral hygiene additive, in other embodiments two of the core, cover and intermediate components 410, 420, 430 comprise a hygiene additive oral, and in other embodiments the three core, shell and intermediate components 410, 420, 430 comprise - an oral hygiene additive.

In certain modalities, each one of the first, second and third plastic 411, 421, 431 can be the same, and in other modalities each of the first, second and third plastic 411, 421, 431 can be different, and in other modalities more two of the first, second and third plastic 411, 421, 431 can be the same while the other of the first, second and third plastic 411, 421, 431 is different. Also, in certain embodiments each of the first, second, and third oral hygiene additives 412, 422, 432 may be a different oral hygiene additive, like any of the oral hygiene additives discussed above with reference to multi-component sow 200 Any combination of different or the same oral hygiene additives can be used in the various components of the multicomponent bristle 400. The entirety of the present disclosure as it relates to the conical or rounded shape, oral hygiene additives, plastic materials and colors discussed above with respect to the multi-component bristles 200,

300 it is equally applicable to multi-component bristle 400, although a specific embodiment of multi-component bristle 400 will be described below.

The multi-component bristle 400 extends from a base end 401 to a free end 402 along a longitudinal axis CC. More specifically, the central component 410 of the multi-component bristle 400 extends from the base end 401 to the free end 402, the intermediate component 430 of the multi-component bristle 400 extends from the base end 401 to a terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 430, and the cover component 420 of the multi-component bristle 400 extends from the base end 401 to a terminal end 423 of the cover component 420. Also, in the exemplified embodiment the central component 410 protrudes beyond the terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 430, and in the exemplified embodiment the central component 410 slopes from the terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 430 to the free end 402 of the multi-bristle. components 200. The intermediate component 430 protrudes beyond the terminal end 423 of the cover component 420, and in the exemplified embodiment the intermediate component 430 slopes from the terminal end 423 of the cover component 420 to the terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 430. The cover component 420 slopes from a transition point TP3 to the terminal end 423 of cover component 420. As used herein, the term sloped or tapered means that the cross-sectional area of ​​that component decreases from point to point.

The slope of the multi-component bristle 400 is continuous in its decrease in cross-sectional area from the transition point TP3 to the free end 402 of the multi-component bristle 400. Specifically, the cover component 410 slopes from the transition point TP3 to the terminal end 423 of the cover component 410. The cover component 410 has a first cross-sectional area at the terminal end 423. The intermediate component 430 slopes from the terminal end 423 of the cover component 420 to the terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 430. The intermediate component 430 has the first cross-sectional area at the terminal end 423, and a second cross-sectional area at the terminal end 433. Consequently, when the intermediate component 430 begins to tilt, it has the same cross-sectional area as at the end of the cover component 430, thereby forming a smooth, continuous slope between the cover and intermediate components 420, 430. Similarly, the central component 410 slopes from terminal end 433 of intermediate component 430 to free end 402. The central component 410 has the second cross-sectional area at the terminal end 433 that is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate component 430 at the terminal end 433. Consequently, when the central component 410 begins to tilt, it has the same area. cross-sectional than the end of intermediate component 430, thereby forming a smooth, continuous slope between intermediate and central components 430, 410.

From the base end 401 to the terminal end 423 of the cover component 420, only the cover component 420 is visible. From the terminal end 423 of the cover component 420 to the terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 420 only the intermediate component 430 is visible. From the terminal end 433 of the intermediate component 430 to the free end 402 of the multicomponent bristle 400 only the central component 410 is visible. Likewise, central component 410 has an essentially constant cross-sectional area from base end 401 to terminal end 433 of intermediate component 430, intermediate component 430 has an essentially constant cross-sectional area from base end 401 to terminal end 423 of the cover component 420, and cover component 420 has an essentially constant cross-sectional area from base end 401 to transition point TP3.

Accordingly, the central component 410 has a conical section 414, the intermediate component 430 has a conical section 434, and the cover component 420 has a conical section 424. In the exemplified embodiment, the length of the conical section 414 of the central component 410 is greater than the length of the conical section 434 of the intermediate component 430, and the length of the conical section 434 of the intermediate component 430 is greater than the length of the conical section 424 of the cover component 420. The ratio of lengths of the conical sections 424, 434, 414 is between 1.5: 2: 3 and 2.5: 3: 4, and more specifically it is approximately 2: 2.5: 3.5. The conical sections 414, 434, 424 of the central component 410, the intermediate component 430 and the cover component 420 collectively form a conical portion 440 of the multi-component bristle 400, the conical portion 440 of the multi-component bristle 400 has a conical shape decreasing in cross-sectional area from transition point TP3 to free end 403 of multi-component bristle 400.

As discussed above, in the exemplified embodiment each of the core, intermediate, and cover components 410, 430, 420 comprises an oral hygiene additive 412, 432, 422. In certain embodiments, any one or more of the core components , intermediate and cover 410, 430, 420 may be free of an oral hygiene additive. Also, the oral hygiene additives 412, 432, 422 can be the same or different in the various embodiments, as desired. In the exemplified embodiment, at least a portion of each of the central component 410, the intermediate component 430, and the cover component 420 is both visibly exposed from an exterior of the multicomponent bristle 400 and to contact the oral cavity of the user during use of an oral hygiene implement containing the multi-component bristle 400. Accordingly, the benefits of each of the oral hygiene additives 412, 432, 422 can be provided to the oral cavity of the user using the multi-component bristle 400.

Although the multi-component bristle 400 is described herein as having three distinct components, the present invention should not be so limited and, in other embodiments, four, five, or more different components / layers may be used, each having an additive of different oral hygiene or any combination of these and different oral hygiene additives or lack thereof. Accordingly, by using the multi-component bristles described in the present invention, an oral hygiene implement can be formed that can dispense / release many different oral hygiene additives to the oral cavity of the user simultaneously. A combination of two (or more) different components of multi-component bristles can be used in the same head oral hygiene implement, where each component has different oral hygiene agents / additives. For example, an oral hygiene implement may include dental cleaning elements arranged in transverse rows on the head. Each transverse row may include tufts of bristles including multi-component bristles in a transverse row, and include in a transverse row different oral hygiene additives than the multi-component bristles in each or each adjacent transverse row. A virtually unlimited number of combinations other than the multi-components described herein are possible.

Likewise, although the present invention has been described with respect to an oral hygiene implement having at least one tuft of bristles having at least one multi-component bristle, in certain embodiments the inventive concept described herein it is the multicomponent sow itself. Accordingly, the present invention may simply be a multi-component bristle including coextruded core and cover components, wherein the core component comprises a first plastic and a first oral hygiene additive, and the cover component comprises a second plastic and a second oral hygiene additive, the second oral hygiene additive is different from the first oral hygiene additive.

As used herein, ranges are used as abbreviations to describe each and every value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the term of the range. Furthermore, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In the event of a conflict in a definition in this disclosure and that of a cited reference, this disclosure will control.

While the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples including the presently preferred modes for carrying out the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above-described systems and techniques. It should be understood that other embodiments can be used, and that structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly interpreted as specified in the appended claims.