Filament for an oral care implement and oral care implement

The multi-edged filament design addresses issues of bending stiffness and manufacturability in oral care implements by optimizing groove and peak dimensions, resulting in improved plaque removal, comfort, and durability for both manual and powered toothbrushes.

EP4762989A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-24PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024220887
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-18
Publication Date
2026-06-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing oral care filaments face challenges in achieving effective plaque removal, interproximal penetration, and user comfort due to issues with bending stiffness, durability, and manufacturability, particularly with longer and thicker filaments.

Method used

A multi-edged filament design with specific dimensions and geometry, including 18 projections and grooves, optimized groove radius, depth, and peak-to-peak distance, made from materials like polyamide, providing improved flexibility, durability, and manufacturability, while maintaining effective cleaning and comfort.

Benefits of technology

The multi-edged filament design enhances plaque removal efficiency, reduces wear, and improves manufacturability, offering a gentler brushing experience and longer filament lifespan, suitable for both manual and powered toothbrushes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A filament for an oral care implement has a longitudinal axis and a multi-edged cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the multi-edged cross-sectional area having at least 18 projections and at least 18 grooves, the projections and grooves being arranged in an alternating manner. Each projection has a peak, and each groove has a bottom with a concave curvature formed by neighboring and converging projections, the concave curvature having a radius. Each groove has a depth, the depth being defined as a perpendicular distance between the bottom of the groove and a tangent between two neighboring peaks. The radius of each groove is within a range from about 0.005 mm to about 0.03 mm, and the depth of each groove is within a range from about 0.002 mm to about 0.02 mm.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Mechanically stable holder for use during chemical-mechanical treatment of toothbrush bristle for manufacturing bristle profile, has return spring to provide force in bristles so that bristle ends are surrounded with chemical medium

    DE102011105083A1

  • Bristle material for toothbrush, and toothbrush

    JP2005253713A

  • Hair material for brush, and brush

    JP2015006227A