Title of Invention	METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TOOTHBRUSH WITH NEEDLE-SHAPED BRISTLES AND TOOTHBRUSH MANUFACTURE BY THE SAME
Abstract	The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush with-needle-shaped bristles. The method includes the step of setting needle-shaped bristles, partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical, in a head part of a toothbrush body. The method further includes the step of grinding the needle-shape bristles using a drum grinder having protrusions (10) such that end points of the bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions of the bristles range from 3.5 to 8mm in length. A toothbrush, in which needle-shaped bristles having end points of 0.03 to 0.05mm in thickness and tapered portions of 3.5 to 10mm in length are set, can be manufactured using the method of the present invention. In the present invention, because a manufacturing process is simplified, the required production time and a defective proportion are markedly reduced.

Title of Invention

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TOOTHBRUSH WITH NEEDLE-SHAPED BRISTLES AND TOOTHBRUSH MANUFACTURE BY THE SAME

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush with-needle-shaped bristles. The method includes the step of setting needle-shaped bristles, partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical, in a head part of a toothbrush body. The method further includes the step of grinding the needle-shape bristles using a drum grinder having protrusions (10) such that end points of the bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions of the bristles range from 3.5 to 8mm in length. A toothbrush, in which needle-shaped bristles having end points of 0.03 to 0.05mm in thickness and tapered portions of 3.5 to 10mm in length are set, can be manufactured using the method of the present invention. In the present invention, because a manufacturing process is simplified, the required production time and a defective proportion are markedly reduced.

Full Text	PCT/KR2004/003253 DESCRIPTION METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TOOTHBRUSH WITH NEEDLE-SHAPED BRISTLES AND TOOTHBRUSH MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME Technical Field The present invention relates, in general, to methods of manufacturing toothbrushes with needle-shaped bristles and toothbrushes manufactured using the methods and, more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles which, enhances the workability thereof, and a toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles having improved penetration ability and flexibility. Background Art Generally, needle-shaped bristles, which have sharp ends and are set in a toothbrush, have superior flexibility and ability to penetrate into gaps between teeth or into periodontal pockets, compared to normal bristles, end points of which are round. Thus, recently, needle-shaped bristles have been set in almost all high quality toothbrushes. In methods of manufacturing such needle-shaped bristles, there are a method (D) in which end points of bristles are dissolved using a strong alkali chemical or strong acid chemical, a method (D) in which bristles are 1 PCT7KR2004/003253 ground using a grinder after a bristle setting process has been conducted, and a method (D) in which bristles are partially tapered using the method (D) and are then additionally grounded using the method (□) . High quality needle-shaped bristles, which are tapered such that the length of the tapered portions of the bristles are relatively long, that is, 5mm or longer, and the thickness of end points of the bristles are approximately 0.01mm, can be produced through the method (□) . Because the tapered portions of these needle-shaped bristles are relatively long, the flexibility thereof increases. Furthermore, the end points of the bristles are relatively thin, so that the penetration ability is superior. However, it is very difficult to adjust the precise time required to dissolve the bristles. As well, there is a problem of an increase in the number of defective products. In the case of the method (D), the workability is increased, but because tapered portions of produced needle- shaped bristles are relatively short, that is, 2mm, the flexibility is poor. As a result, there is a problem of damage to the gums of a user. The method (□) is advantageous in that it solves some problems of the methods (D) and (D) . This method (D) was proposed in Korean Patent No. 261658 and No. 421454 which were filed by the inventor of the present invention. Korean Patent No. 261658 proposes a method, in which bristles are immersed and dissolved in strong acid chemical or strong 2 PCT/KR2004/003253 alkali chemical until just before the length of the bristles is reduced and, thereafter, the partially tapered bristles are washed in water and dried, and then set in a head part of a toothbrush after being ground using a grinder. The needle- shaped bristles produced by this method are relatively long, that is, approximately 5mm, so that the flexibility thereof is superior. However, because the thickness of the end points of the bristles ranges from 0.04 to 0.08mm, that is, because the thickness of the end points is relatively large, the penetration ability is poor. If the grinding process is further conducted to reduce the thickness of the end points of the bristles, the length of the tapered portions of the bristles is reduced, thus resulting in poor flexibility. Korean Patent No. 42154 is similar to Korean Patent No. 261658. In this case, bristles are ground such that the thickness of end points of bristles is 0.02mm or less in order to enhance the penetration ability. However, this case is problematic in that, because the length of tapered portions of the bristles ranges from 2.8 to 3. 5mm, the flexibility is poor. Furthermore, there is a problem in that the number of defective products increases in a manufacturing process. That is, it has been very difficult to produce needle-shaped bristles having both increased penetration ability and flexibility through the conventional immersion and grinding processes. 3 PCT/KR2004/003253 Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional drum grinder; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drum grinder having a plurality of protrusions, according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the shape of the protrusions of the drum grinder according to the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drum grinder coupled to a rotor, according to the present invention. Description of the elements in the drawings 10: protrusion 11: slender base 20: rotating shaft 30: rotor Disclosure Technical Problem Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toothbrush with needle-shape bristles having improved penetration ability and flexibility. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles in which a manufacturing process is simplified and the defective proportion is markedly reduced. 4 PCT/KR2004/003253 Technical Solution In an aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush, including: setting needle- shaped bristles, partially tapered by immersing end points of the bristles in a chemical, in a head part of a toothbrush body/ and grinding the needle-shape bristles using a drum grinder having protrusions. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush including: grinding a bundle of partially tapered needle-shaped bristles using a drum grinder having protrusions; and setting the bristles in a head part of a toothbrush body. The needle-shaped bristles of the toothbrush manufactured using the method of the present invention have end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions ranging from 3.5 to 8mm in length. Advantageous Effects As described above, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles which have end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions ranging from 3.5 to 8mm in length. In the method of the present invention, because the manufacturing process is simplified, the production time and the defective proportion are markedly reduced. 5 PCT7KR2004/003253 Best Mode Hereafter, the present invention will be described in detail. A typical grinder has a structure shown in FIG. 1. The surface of the grinder is coated with grind stones such as diamonds. This drum grinder has a planar surface and grinds an object by rotating. The patents, which were filed by the inventor of the present invention, disclose the same kind of grinders, and these grinders grind bristles which are previously partially tapered. However, it is very difficult to produce bristles, end points of which have a thickness of 0.03mm and tapered portions of which have a length of 3.5mm, using the above-mentioned grinders. The reason is that, if bristles are heavily ground by a grinder in order to reduce the thickness of the end points of the bristles, the length of tapered portions of the bristles is excessively reduced, and, conversely, if the bristles are ground such that the length of tapered portions is maintained within a desired range, the thickness of the end points is increased. As shown in FIG. 2, a grinder used in a manufacturing method of the present invention has a plurality of protrusions 10 thereon. The height of each protrusion may be appropriately adjusted within a range from 2 to 10mm. Intervals between protrusions 10 are not limited to a particular range, but a range from approximately 2 to approximately 5mm is appropriate. Preferably, each 6 PCT7KR2004/003253 protrusion 10 has a mountain top shape, a lower portion of which has a larger cross sectional area and an upper portion of which has a smaller cross sectional area. Alternatively, each protrusion 10 may have a cylindrical shape. In the case that each protrusion 10 has a mountain top shape, an end thereof is preferably rounded. The reason is that bristles to be machined may be undesirably cut by sharp end points of the protrusions. Overall, each protrusion 10 has a mountain top shape but, more preferably, each protrusion 10 may have a slender base 11, as shown in FIG. 3. The slender bases 11 of the protrusions 10 serve to prevent ends of bristles from being excessively ground. The surface of each protrusion 10 is coated with grind stones in the same manner as that of the conventional grinder. The grinder may be constructed such that the grind stones are embedded in the surface of the grinder. If the above-mentioned drum grinder having protrusions 10 is used, the thickness of end points of bristles can be reduced to a desired range despite maintenance of the length of tapered portions of the bristles. The reason is that the grinder having protrusions 10 can evenly grind end points of bristles to a length corresponding to the height of the protrusions 10, unlike a conventional drum grinder, which grinds only end points of bristles due to its planar surface. Furthermore, if the grinder having protrusions 10 rotates for a predetermined 7 PCT/KR2004/003253 time and then rotates in reverse, relatively satisfactory bristles can be obtained. However, to obtain more satisfactory bristles, a grinder, which is able to rotate even in a transverse direction, is required. A grinder having this structure is shown in FIG. 4. In this drawing, the drum grinder, having protrusions 10, is coupled to a rotating shaft 20 of a rotor 30. The rotor 30 rotates in a transverse direction while the grinder rotates in a longitudinal direction. In the case of the grinder which is able to rotate in both longitudinal and transverse directions, the whole grinder is evenly involved in a grinding operation, compared to a grinder which is able to rotate in only one direction. As a result, the grinder is prevented from being unevenly worn, so that its expected life span is extended. Furthermore, because the grinder can evenly grind bristles, the time required to finish a tapering process is reduced. Moreover, the grinder can grind bristles, such that the thickness of the end points of the bristles becomes approximately 0.01mm despite the length of the tapered portions of the bristles being maintained. In a manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention, a bundle of needle- shaped bristles, which were previously partially tapered, is ground by a drum grinder having protrusions 10 before being set in a head part of a toothbrush. "A bundle of needle-shaped bristles which were previously partially 8 PCT/KR2004/003253 tapered" means a bundle of bristles made by partially dissolving end points of the needle-shaped bristles, each of which has a length ranging from 32 to 33mm, using a chemical and by tying it in a cylindrical shape having a diameter ranging from 30 to 50mm. Such a bundle of needle- shaped bristles is ground by the drum grinder having protrusions 10 and is then set in the head part of the toothbrush. This manufacturing method has the advantage of a reduction in the time required to grind the bristles. Particularly, the method is effective in manufacturing a toothbrush in which needle-shaped bristles, each of which is tapered, are set. Several examples according to the present invention are as follows. (Example 1) Partially tapered needle-shaped bristles were manufactured by immersing and dissolving end points of bristles in a chemical, such that the partially tapered needle-shaped bristles had end points ranging from 0.03 to 0.04mm in thickness and tapered portions of 7mm in length. Thereafter, the partially tapered needle-shaped bristles were set in a head part of a toothbrush. Subsequently, the bristles, which were set in the toothbrush, were tapered by grinding them at 2000rpm for four seconds using eight drum grinders, each of which has a structure of FIG. 2, in which protrusions, each having a height of 5mm, are provided on the surface of the grinder and are spaced apart from each 9 PCT/KR2004/003253 other at intervals of 3mm. As a result, the thicknesses of the end points of the manufactured needle-shaped bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm. The lengths of the tapered portions of the needle-shaped bristles range from 4 to 5mm. (Example 2) The second example was conducted in the same method as the first example, but using a grinder of FIG. 4 which is able to rotate in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Here, a transversely rotating speed was 300rpm, and the time required to grind bristles was two seconds. In this case, the thicknesses of the end points of the manufactured needle-shaped bristles range from 0.01 to 0.02mm. The lengths of the tapered portions of the needle- shaped bristles range from 6 to 7mm. (Comparative Example) This example was conducted in the same method as the first example, but using a typical drum grinder having no protrusions. In this case, the thicknesses of the end points of the manufactured needle-shaped bristles range from 0.015 to 0.02mm. The lengths of the tapered portions of the needle-shaped bristles range from 2.7 to 3.2mm. (Example 3) A bundle of partially tapered needle-shaped bristles, each of which has a length of 33mm, (the diameter of the bundle is 35mm) was ground in the same manner as the second example, for 56 seconds (28 seconds for each end of the bundle), such that the partially tapered needle-shaped 10 PCT7KR2004/003253 bristles have end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.02mm in thickness and tapered portions ranging from 6 to 7mm in length. Thereafter, the manufactured bundle of partially tapered needle-shaped bristles was set in a head part of a toothbrush, thus obtaining a toothbrush having the same shape as that of the second example. However, in this example, one bundle of needle-shaped bristles can be set in fifty-eight toothbrushes. Therefore, the grinding time of the bristles is markedly reduced, to 0.97 seconds per toothbrush, compared to the second example, in which the grinding time of the bristles is 2 seconds per toothbrush. PC17KR2004/003253 CLAIMS 1. A method of manufacturing a toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles, comprising: setting needle-shaped bristles, partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical such that end points of the bristles range from 0.03 to 0.05mm in thickness and tapered portions of the bristles range from 3.5 to 10mm in length, in a head part of a toothbrush body; and grinding the needle-shape bristles using a drum grinder having protrusions (10) such that end points of the bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions of the bristles range from 3.5 to 8mm in length. 2. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles according to claim 1, wherein the drum grinder is coupled to a rotor (30), and the drum grinder rotates in a longitudinal direction while the rotor (30) simultaneously rotates in a transverse direction. 3. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions (10) range from 2 to 10mm in height. 4. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles according to claim 1, wherein each protrusion (10) has a mountain top shape, a lower portion 12 PCT/KR2004/003253 of which has a larger cross sectional area and an upper portion of which has a smaller cross sectional area. 5. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion (10) comprises a slender base (11). 6. A method of manufacturing a toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles, comprising: grinding a bundle of needle-shaped bristles, partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical, using a drum grinder having protrusions (10); and setting the bristles in a head part of a toothbrush body. 7. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles according to claim 6, wherein the drum grinder is coupled to a rotor (30), and the drum grinder rotates in a longitudinal direction while the rotor (30) simultaneously rotates in a transverse direction. 8. A toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles manufactured through the method according to claims 1 through 7, the needle-shaped bristle having end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions ranging from 3.5 to 8mm in length. The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a toothbrush with-needle-shaped bristles. The method includes the step of setting needle-shaped bristles, partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical, in a head part of a toothbrush body. The method further includes the step of grinding the needle-shape bristles using a drum grinder having protrusions (10) such that end points of the bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered portions of the bristles range from 3.5 to 8mm in length. A toothbrush, in which needle-shaped bristles having end points of 0.03 to 0.05mm in thickness and tapered portions of 3.5 to 10mm in length are set, can be manufactured using the method of the present invention. In the present invention, because a manufacturing process is simplified, the required production time and a defective proportion are markedly reduced.

Full Text

PCT/KR2004/003253
DESCRIPTION
METHOD OF MANUFACTURING TOOTHBRUSH WITH
NEEDLE-SHAPED BRISTLES AND TOOTHBRUSH
MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME
Technical Field
The present invention relates, in general, to methods
of manufacturing toothbrushes with needle-shaped bristles
and toothbrushes manufactured using the methods and, more
particularly, to a method of manufacturing a toothbrush
with needle-shaped bristles which, enhances the workability
thereof, and a toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles
having improved penetration ability and flexibility.
Background Art
Generally, needle-shaped bristles, which have sharp
ends and are set in a toothbrush, have superior flexibility
and ability to penetrate into gaps between teeth or into
periodontal pockets, compared to normal bristles, end
points of which are round. Thus, recently, needle-shaped
bristles have been set in almost all high quality
toothbrushes.
In methods of manufacturing such needle-shaped
bristles, there are a method (D) in which end points of
bristles are dissolved using a strong alkali chemical or
strong acid chemical, a method (D) in which bristles are
1

PCT7KR2004/003253
ground using a grinder after a bristle setting process has
been conducted, and a method (D) in which bristles are
partially tapered using the method (D) and are then
additionally grounded using the method (□) .
High quality needle-shaped bristles, which are tapered
such that the length of the tapered portions of the bristles
are relatively long, that is, 5mm or longer, and the
thickness of end points of the bristles are approximately
0.01mm, can be produced through the method (□) . Because the
tapered portions of these needle-shaped bristles are
relatively long, the flexibility thereof increases.
Furthermore, the end points of the bristles are relatively
thin, so that the penetration ability is superior. However,
it is very difficult to adjust the precise time required to
dissolve the bristles. As well, there is a problem of an
increase in the number of defective products.
In the case of the method (D), the workability is
increased, but because tapered portions of produced needle-
shaped bristles are relatively short, that is, 2mm, the
flexibility is poor. As a result, there is a problem of
damage to the gums of a user.
The method (□) is advantageous in that it solves some
problems of the methods (D) and (D) . This method (D) was
proposed in Korean Patent No. 261658 and No. 421454 which
were filed by the inventor of the present invention. Korean
Patent No. 261658 proposes a method, in which bristles are
immersed and dissolved in strong acid chemical or strong
2

PCT/KR2004/003253
alkali chemical until just before the length of the bristles
is reduced and, thereafter, the partially tapered bristles
are washed in water and dried, and then set in a head part of
a toothbrush after being ground using a grinder. The needle-
shaped bristles produced by this method are relatively long,
that is, approximately 5mm, so that the flexibility thereof
is superior. However, because the thickness of the end
points of the bristles ranges from 0.04 to 0.08mm, that is,
because the thickness of the end points is relatively large,
the penetration ability is poor. If the grinding process is
further conducted to reduce the thickness of the end points
of the bristles, the length of the tapered portions of the
bristles is reduced, thus resulting in poor flexibility.
Korean Patent No. 42154 is similar to Korean Patent
No. 261658. In this case, bristles are ground such that the
thickness of end points of bristles is 0.02mm or less in
order to enhance the penetration ability. However, this
case is problematic in that, because the length of tapered
portions of the bristles ranges from 2.8 to 3. 5mm, the
flexibility is poor. Furthermore, there is a problem in
that the number of defective products increases in a
manufacturing process.
That is, it has been very difficult to produce
needle-shaped bristles having both increased penetration
ability and flexibility through the conventional immersion
and grinding processes.
3

PCT/KR2004/003253
Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional
drum grinder;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drum grinder having
a plurality of protrusions, according to the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the
shape of the protrusions of the drum grinder according to
the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drum grinder
coupled to a rotor, according to the present invention.
*Description of the elements in the drawings*
10: protrusion 11: slender base
20: rotating shaft 30: rotor
Disclosure
Technical Problem
Accordingly, the present invention has been made
keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior
art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a
toothbrush with needle-shape bristles having improved
penetration ability and flexibility. Another object of the
present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing
toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles in which a
manufacturing process is simplified and the defective
proportion is markedly reduced.
4

PCT/KR2004/003253
Technical Solution
In an aspect, the present invention provides a method
of manufacturing a toothbrush, including: setting needle-
shaped bristles, partially tapered by immersing end points
of the bristles in a chemical, in a head part of a
toothbrush body/ and grinding the needle-shape bristles
using a drum grinder having protrusions. In another aspect,
the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a
toothbrush including: grinding a bundle of partially
tapered needle-shaped bristles using a drum grinder having
protrusions; and setting the bristles in a head part of a
toothbrush body. The needle-shaped bristles of the
toothbrush manufactured using the method of the present
invention have end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.03mm in
thickness and tapered portions ranging from 3.5 to 8mm in
length.
Advantageous Effects
As described above, the present invention provides a
method of manufacturing a toothbrush with needle-shaped
bristles which have end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.03mm in
thickness and tapered portions ranging from 3.5 to 8mm in
length. In the method of the present invention, because the
manufacturing process is simplified, the production time and
the defective proportion are markedly reduced.
5

PCT7KR2004/003253
Best Mode
Hereafter, the present invention will be described in
detail.
A typical grinder has a structure shown in FIG. 1.
The surface of the grinder is coated with grind stones such
as diamonds. This drum grinder has a planar surface and
grinds an object by rotating. The patents, which were filed
by the inventor of the present invention, disclose the same
kind of grinders, and these grinders grind bristles which
are previously partially tapered. However, it is very
difficult to produce bristles, end points of which have a
thickness of 0.03mm and tapered portions of which have a
length of 3.5mm, using the above-mentioned grinders. The
reason is that, if bristles are heavily ground by a grinder
in order to reduce the thickness of the end points of the
bristles, the length of tapered portions of the bristles is
excessively reduced, and, conversely, if the bristles are
ground such that the length of tapered portions is
maintained within a desired range, the thickness of the end
points is increased.
As shown in FIG. 2, a grinder used in a manufacturing
method of the present invention has a plurality of
protrusions 10 thereon. The height of each protrusion may
be appropriately adjusted within a range from 2 to 10mm.
Intervals between protrusions 10 are not limited to a
particular range, but a range from approximately 2 to
approximately 5mm is appropriate. Preferably, each
6

PCT7KR2004/003253
protrusion 10 has a mountain top shape, a lower portion of
which has a larger cross sectional area and an upper
portion of which has a smaller cross sectional area.
Alternatively, each protrusion 10 may have a cylindrical
shape. In the case that each protrusion 10 has a mountain
top shape, an end thereof is preferably rounded. The reason
is that bristles to be machined may be undesirably cut by
sharp end points of the protrusions.
Overall, each protrusion 10 has a mountain top shape
but, more preferably, each protrusion 10 may have a slender
base 11, as shown in FIG. 3.
The slender bases 11 of the protrusions 10 serve to
prevent ends of bristles from being excessively ground. The
surface of each protrusion 10 is coated with grind stones
in the same manner as that of the conventional grinder. The
grinder may be constructed such that the grind stones are
embedded in the surface of the grinder.
If the above-mentioned drum grinder having
protrusions 10 is used, the thickness of end points of
bristles can be reduced to a desired range despite
maintenance of the length of tapered portions of the
bristles. The reason is that the grinder having protrusions
10 can evenly grind end points of bristles to a length
corresponding to the height of the protrusions 10, unlike a
conventional drum grinder, which grinds only end points of
bristles due to its planar surface. Furthermore, if the
grinder having protrusions 10 rotates for a predetermined
7

PCT/KR2004/003253
time and then rotates in reverse, relatively satisfactory
bristles can be obtained.
However, to obtain more satisfactory bristles, a
grinder, which is able to rotate even in a transverse
direction, is required. A grinder having this structure is
shown in FIG. 4. In this drawing, the drum grinder, having
protrusions 10, is coupled to a rotating shaft 20 of a
rotor 30. The rotor 30 rotates in a transverse direction
while the grinder rotates in a longitudinal direction. In
the case of the grinder which is able to rotate in both
longitudinal and transverse directions, the whole grinder
is evenly involved in a grinding operation, compared to a
grinder which is able to rotate in only one direction. As a
result, the grinder is prevented from being unevenly worn,
so that its expected life span is extended. Furthermore,
because the grinder can evenly grind bristles, the time
required to finish a tapering process is reduced. Moreover,
the grinder can grind bristles, such that the thickness of
the end points of the bristles becomes approximately 0.01mm
despite the length of the tapered portions of the bristles
being maintained.
In a manufacturing method according to another
embodiment of the present invention, a bundle of needle-
shaped bristles, which were previously partially tapered,
is ground by a drum grinder having protrusions 10 before
being set in a head part of a toothbrush. "A bundle of
needle-shaped bristles which were previously partially
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tapered" means a bundle of bristles made by partially
dissolving end points of the needle-shaped bristles, each
of which has a length ranging from 32 to 33mm, using a
chemical and by tying it in a cylindrical shape having a
diameter ranging from 30 to 50mm. Such a bundle of needle-
shaped bristles is ground by the drum grinder having
protrusions 10 and is then set in the head part of the
toothbrush. This manufacturing method has the advantage of
a reduction in the time required to grind the bristles.
Particularly, the method is effective in manufacturing a
toothbrush in which needle-shaped bristles, each of which
is tapered, are set.
Several examples according to the present invention
are as follows.
(Example 1)
Partially tapered needle-shaped bristles were
manufactured by immersing and dissolving end points of
bristles in a chemical, such that the partially tapered
needle-shaped bristles had end points ranging from 0.03 to
0.04mm in thickness and tapered portions of 7mm in length.
Thereafter, the partially tapered needle-shaped bristles
were set in a head part of a toothbrush. Subsequently, the
bristles, which were set in the toothbrush, were tapered by
grinding them at 2000rpm for four seconds using eight drum
grinders, each of which has a structure of FIG. 2, in which
protrusions, each having a height of 5mm, are provided on
the surface of the grinder and are spaced apart from each
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PCT/KR2004/003253
other at intervals of 3mm. As a result, the thicknesses of
the end points of the manufactured needle-shaped bristles
range from 0.01 to 0.03mm. The lengths of the tapered
portions of the needle-shaped bristles range from 4 to 5mm.
(Example 2)
The second example was conducted in the same method
as the first example, but using a grinder of FIG. 4 which
is able to rotate in both longitudinal and transverse
directions. Here, a transversely rotating speed was 300rpm,
and the time required to grind bristles was two seconds. In
this case, the thicknesses of the end points of the
manufactured needle-shaped bristles range from 0.01 to
0.02mm. The lengths of the tapered portions of the needle-
shaped bristles range from 6 to 7mm.
(Comparative Example)
This example was conducted in the same method as the
first example, but using a typical drum grinder having no
protrusions. In this case, the thicknesses of the end
points of the manufactured needle-shaped bristles range
from 0.015 to 0.02mm. The lengths of the tapered portions
of the needle-shaped bristles range from 2.7 to 3.2mm.
(Example 3)
A bundle of partially tapered needle-shaped bristles,
each of which has a length of 33mm, (the diameter of the
bundle is 35mm) was ground in the same manner as the second
example, for 56 seconds (28 seconds for each end of the
bundle), such that the partially tapered needle-shaped
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PCT7KR2004/003253
bristles have end points ranging from 0.01 to 0.02mm in
thickness and tapered portions ranging from 6 to 7mm in
length. Thereafter, the manufactured bundle of partially
tapered needle-shaped bristles was set in a head part of a
toothbrush, thus obtaining a toothbrush having the same
shape as that of the second example.
However, in this example, one bundle of needle-shaped
bristles can be set in fifty-eight toothbrushes. Therefore,
the grinding time of the bristles is markedly reduced, to
0.97 seconds per toothbrush, compared to the second
example, in which the grinding time of the bristles is 2
seconds per toothbrush.

PC17KR2004/003253
CLAIMS
1. A method of manufacturing a toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles, comprising: setting needle-shaped
bristles, partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical
such that end points of the bristles range from 0.03 to
0.05mm in thickness and tapered portions of the bristles
range from 3.5 to 10mm in length, in a head part of a
toothbrush body; and grinding the needle-shape bristles
using a drum grinder having protrusions (10) such that end
points of the bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm in
thickness and tapered portions of the bristles range from
3.5 to 8mm in length.
2. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles according to claim 1, wherein the
drum grinder is coupled to a rotor (30), and the drum
grinder rotates in a longitudinal direction while the rotor
(30) simultaneously rotates in a transverse direction.
3. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles according to claim 1, wherein the
protrusions (10) range from 2 to 10mm in height.
4. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles according to claim 1, wherein each
protrusion (10) has a mountain top shape, a lower portion
12

PCT/KR2004/003253
of which has a larger cross sectional area and an upper
portion of which has a smaller cross sectional area.
5. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles according to claim 4, wherein the
protrusion (10) comprises a slender base (11).
6. A method of manufacturing a toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles, comprising: grinding a bundle of
needle-shaped bristles, partially tapered by being immersed
in a chemical, using a drum grinder having protrusions
(10); and setting the bristles in a head part of a
toothbrush body.
7. The method of manufacturing the toothbrush with
needle-shaped bristles according to claim 6, wherein the
drum grinder is coupled to a rotor (30), and the drum
grinder rotates in a longitudinal direction while the rotor
(30) simultaneously rotates in a transverse direction.
8. A toothbrush with needle-shaped bristles
manufactured through the method according to claims 1
through 7, the needle-shaped bristle having end points
ranging from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered
portions ranging from 3.5 to 8mm in length.

The present invention provides a method of
manufacturing a toothbrush with-needle-shaped bristles. The
method includes the step of setting needle-shaped bristles,
partially tapered by being immersed in a chemical, in a
head part of a toothbrush body. The method further includes
the step of grinding the needle-shape bristles using a drum
grinder having protrusions (10) such that end points of the
bristles range from 0.01 to 0.03mm in thickness and tapered
portions of the bristles range from 3.5 to 8mm in length. A
toothbrush, in which needle-shaped bristles having end
points of 0.03 to 0.05mm in thickness and tapered portions
of 3.5 to 10mm in length are set, can be manufactured using
the method of the present invention. In the present
invention, because a manufacturing process is simplified,
the required production time and a defective proportion are
markedly reduced.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=yv2NX7H5EjJ33OMldjG6Rg==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

270632

Indian Patent Application Number

1943/KOLNP/2007

PG Journal Number

02/2016

Publication Date

08-Jan-2016

Grant Date

05-Jan-2016

Date of Filing

30-May-2007

Name of Patentee

KWON, YOUNG-JUN

Applicant Address

4-7 YADANG-RI, GYOHA-MYUN, 413-835 PAJU, GYUNGGI-DO

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	KWON, SUNG-WOOK	201-7 HEUKSEOK-1 DONG, DONGJAK-GU, 156-861 SEOUL
2	KWON, YOUNG-JUN	4-7 YADANG-RI, GYOHA-MYUN, 413-835 PAJU, GYUNGGI-DO
3	KWON, SUNG-HWAN	201-7 HEUKSEOK-1 DOAG, DONGJAK-GU, 156-861 SEOUL

PCT International Classification Number

A46D 1/06, A46B 9/04

PCT International Application Number

PCT/KR2004/003253

PCT International Filing date

2004-12-10

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	10-2004-0103171	2004-12-08	Republic of Korea