Methods of manufacturing toothbrushes

Abstract

A method is provided for manufacturing a function element carrier with function elements, for example, individual tufts made up of bristles and/or massage elements, interproximal cleaning elements, or other elements designed to be fastened to a toothbrush and also perform special functions. The function elements are equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element. The method includes: (a) inserting several function elements in corresponding recesses of an injection mold, said injection mold being connected via grid or bar shaped channels formed in a die to recesses in the areas of the anchoring ends of the function elements; (b) filling the grid or bar shaped channels with liquefied plastic material and injecting said material at the anchoring ends of the function elements or embedding them therein; and (c) allowing the plastic material to cool and removing a function element carrier made up of a grid or bar shaped plastic frame and the function elements. Function element carriers and toothbrushes are also provided.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A function element carrier comprising a plurality of function elements equipped at their ends intended for fastening in a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element, each function element being fastened to a grid or rod shaped plastic frame through its anchor, retainer or axle element. 
   
   
       13 . A function element carrier according to  claim 12  wherein the function elements include elements selected from the group consisting of tufts of bristles, massage elements, and interproximal elements. 
   
   
       14 . A function element carrier according to  claim 12 , wherein the grid or rod shaped plastic frame is comprised of connected grid bars forming grid points at the transitions to the anchoring ends, with tapers being provided therebetween. 
   
   
       15 . A function element carrier according to  claim 12 , wherein additional assembly aids or function faces are arranged on the function elements. 
   
   
       16 . A function element carrier according to  claim 15 , wherein said assembly aids or function faces are configured as anchors or motion axles. 
   
   
       17 . A function element carrier according to  claim 12 , wherein the function elements and the plastic frame are made of dissimilar plastic materials. 
   
   
       18 . A function element carrier according to  claim 12 , wherein the function elements are provided with undercuts at their anchoring ends for fastening to the plastic frame. 
   
   
       19 . A toothbrush with function elements that are each equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a brush holder of a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element, wherein the individual function elements are connected, through their anchor, retainer or axle elements to a grid or rod shaped plastic frame which is secured in the brush holder such that tooth cleaning ends of the function elements protrude from the brush holder. 
   
   
       20 . A toothbrush comprising function elements that are each equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a brush holder of a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element, wherein said anchor, retainer or axle elements include breaking, parting or cutting faces. 
   
   
       21 . The toothbrush according to  claim 19 , wherein at least some of the function elements are made from an elastomer plastic material. 
   
   
       22 . The toothbrush according to  claim 20 , wherein at least some of the function elements are made from an elastomer plastic material