CZ288559B6 - Bristle arrangement for a toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention there is disclosed a toothbrush, having a handle (2)and at one end thereof a bristle bearing head (1), the bristles on the head all being arranged in a pattern (3) of a plurality of discrete tufts (31, 32, 33, 34) projecting from a bristle face (4) of the toothbrush head (1)in a direction of the tuft axis (B-B) being generally perpendicular to the toothbrush axis (A-A). The Pattern (3)is characterized by one or more of the first tufts (31) having a cross section perpendicular to the tuft axis (B-B) which has a greater dimension in the direction generally parallel to the toothbrush axis (C-C) than in the direction generally perpendicular to the toothbrush axis (A-A), in combination with one or more second tufts (32) at the end of the tuft (31, 32, 33, 34) pattern (3) remote from the handle (2), whereby the second tufts (32) being in the form of either (i) a pattern (3)of discrete tufts (32) arranged in a generally circular or polygonal pattern, or (ii) a single

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a toothbrush. Toothbrushes are objects known and usually have a handle that has a bristle-bearing head at one end, generally aligned on the longitudinal axis of the brush. The bristles on such a head are usually arranged in a pattern of separate bundles on the bristle surface of the head and extend generally perpendicular to the bristle surface. In known toothbrushes, such bundles have a substantially circular cross-section and are housed in the head in substantially circular cross-section beds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toothbrushes whose bristles are arranged in a single "mat" covering substantially the entire bristle surface of the head are already known, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,381, which also discloses a toothbrush having a combination of bundles of circular cross-section, with an oval cross section and a rectangular cross section, located within the central region of the larger individual bristle mat, covering a substantial portion of the bristle surface. U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,933 discloses a toothbrush whose bristles are arranged in large tufts of rectangular shape whose long dimension extends substantially across the width of the toothbrush. U.S. Pat. No. 2,209,173 discloses a toothbrush having elongated rectangular tufts of bristles whose long dimension extends substantially parallel to the axis of the toothbrush and alternating with the rectangular tufts inclined to each other, the bristles in the tufts being flattened to form a tuft sharp edge.

The bristle bundles having a substantially circular cross-section have the same bending rigidity perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bristles in the bundle ("bundle axis"), whether this direction is parallel to or perpendicular to the toothbrush axis, ie across the width of the brush for teeth. This may have the disadvantage that the bundles have substantially the same stiffness when the head moves substantially in the direction of the toothbrush across the teeth parallel to the gumline, as when perpendicular to the brush axis, up and down the teeth and across the gumline . It is desirable that the toothbrush be softer, i.e., have less bending stiffness as it moves across the gums to avoid gum injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a toothbrush having a handle and a bristle-bearing head at one end thereof arranged as a set of separate tufts projecting from the bristle surface of the brush head along a BB axis perpendicular to the AA axis of the brush. having a cross-section perpendicular to the BB axis of the cross-section having a dimension larger than the dimension in the direction of the brush axis CC perpendicular to the AA axis in a direction parallel to the AA axis, and one or more second bundles at the end of the bundle remote from the handle; the bundles are in the form of separate bundles, arranged in a circular or polygonal pattern, or in the form of a single bundle with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the BB axis, or in the form of a bundle with a C or U-shaped cross-section U runs evenly with the longitudinal axis of the AA brush and rounded end of the C or U facing the end of the bristle face remote from the handle.

Each of the first bundles preferably covers at most 25% of the bristle area of the head, for example at most 20%, suitably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, for example 1 to 2% of the bristle area. Such bundles may preferably have a ratio of dimension in a direction generally parallel to the A-A axis of the toothbrush (i.e., "long dimension") to dimension in a direction generally

Perpendicular to the axis A-A of the brush (i.e., "width dimension") of 1.5: 9 or greater, suitably 2: 1 or greater, for example between 2.5 to 3.5: 1.

For example, the cross-section of such first tufts may be generally rectangular over a substantial portion of their cross-sectional area, wherein the long dimension of the rectangle is generally parallel to the axis A-A of the toothbrush. The term "generally rectangular" includes, inter alia, rectangular with rounded corners, rhombic (ie two generally parallel long sides and two rounded ends), a parallelogram shape and a trapezoidal shape.

In another embodiment, the cross-section of one or more first tufts may have other generally linear polygonal or rounded shapes whose length dimension is generally parallel or substantially parallel to the AA toothbrush axis, for example rhombic or rectangular shapes with one or more pointed ends, or " L ', wherein the first strand is generally parallel to the AA axis of the toothbrush and the second strand forms an angle with the first strand, for example an angle of approximately 45 °, or "V" shapes having at least one strand, preferably both strands forming an angle less than approximately 45 ° with the AA axis of the toothbrush.

The toothbrush may have a single first bundle or multiple first bundles and the bundles may have different cross-sectional shapes in combination with each other, for example, rectangular or rhombic shapes combined with "L" shapes. The toothbrush of the invention may have two to 25 first tufts, which may all be generally rectangular or rhombic.

For example, a first embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention may consist of an assembly of first tufts having a generally rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the tuft axis and provided on the bristle face of the head, the first tufts having each length dimension between approximately 0.1 and 0.9, e.g. 0.25 to 0.75 of the total length of the bristle surface, and the width dimension between about 0.05 and 0.5, preferably between about 0.1 and 0.5 of the width of the bristle surface. Typically, the first bundle assembly may comprise 5 to 20 such bundles, for example between 5 and 12 bundles. Such first tufts may thus form patterns of long rectangular or rhombic tufts whose long axes are generally parallel to the side of the bristle surface. Such first tufts have, for example, such a length dimension, for example about 0.75 of the length of the bristle surface, so that each tuft extends substantially along the entire length of the bristle surface occupied by the first tufts. In another embodiment, the length of the individual such first tufts may be, for example, about 0.1 to 0.5 of the length of the bristle surface such that the first tufts are arranged in two or more, for example 2 to 6 rows across the width of the bristle surface. The first tufts in this first embodiment may be symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush.

For example, the second embodiment of the toothbrush of the invention may have a bundle assembly comprising two or more straight or curved side rows, aligned generally across the width of the bristle surface and consisting of the first bundles, in combination or alternating arrangement with one or more straight or curved rows , generally arranged across the bristle surface and consisting of bundles ("third bundles") having a generally circular cross-section. The first and third tufts of this second embodiment may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush.

Again, by way of example, a third embodiment of a toothbrush of the invention may have an assembly comprising two or more straight or curved side rows extending generally across the bristle surface and consisting of first tufts that are combined or alternate with one or more straight or curved rows extending generally across the width of the bristle surface and consisting of third bundles having a generally rectangular cross-section, as mentioned above, whose longer dimension extends across the width of the bristle surface. The first and third bundles of this embodiment may be symmetrically distributed about the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.

-2GB 288559 B6

In such a toothbrush, preferably 2 to 5, for example 4 side rows of first tufts, may be combined with 1 to 4, for example 3 rows of third tufts. For example, in the rows of the first tufts there may be 2 to 5, in particular 4 tufts in one line across the width of the bristle surface, and in the rows of the first tufts there may be 2 to 5, especially 4 third tufts of generally circular cross section. bundles of generally rectangular shape whose longest dimension coincides with the width of the bristle surface, across the width of the bristle surface.

Alternatively, for example, the fourth embodiment of the toothbrush of the invention may have a first tuft assembly having a generally rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the tuft axis and arranged on the bristle surface of the brush, each tuft having each long dimension between about 0.1 to 0.9. preferably between about 0.25 to 0.5 of the total length of the bristle surface, preferably the first bundle assembly may comprise between 2 and 20 of the first bundles, for example between 5 and 12, wherein the first bundles are combined with one or more first tufts having an "L" shape, wherein the first branch is generally parallel to the AA axis of the toothbrush and the second branch forms an angle with the first branch, for example approximately 45 °. Such first L-shaped bundles may be located at the end of the bristle surface closest to the handle. The first tufts of the second embodiment may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, and preferably the brush of this embodiment has an even number of such first L-shaped tufts that are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush.

When the second bundles form an assembly of separate bundles arranged in a generally circular or polygonal pattern, the second bundles may be in the form of bundles of generally circular cross-section arranged generally in a circle, semicircle or polygon, each corner corresponding to the center of one of its bundles forming a pattern of individual bundles arranged around the central bundle. Preferably, the central beam may be surrounded by a regular, e.g. hexagonal, pattern of six such beams, symmetrically arranged such that the same numbers of second beams, for example three surrounding beams, are located on each side of the longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush. The diameter of such an array may preferably be about 0.5 to 0.95 of the width of the bristle surface adjacent the array.

When the second tufts consist of a single tuft having a "generally circular" cross-section, for example a circular, oval or semi-circular or semi-oval cross-section, and perpendicular to the bristle surface, the diameter of such a tuft may preferably be approximately 0.5 to 0.95 bristle width area adjacent to the beam.

When the second bundles comprise a bundle of generally "C" or "U" cross-section that is perpendicular to the bristle surface and has at least one leg of the "C" or "U" formation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the toothbrush, C 'or' U 'lies opposite that end of the bristle surface which is spaced from the handle, then the diameter of the rounded portion of such a bundle may preferably be in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 of the width of the bristle surface adjacent the bundle. The longitudinal axis A-A of the toothbrush can symmetrically bisect "C" or "U".

Bundles of generally circular cross-section may be combined with the above-described first, second and third bundles having a cross section perpendicular to their axis having a larger dimension in a direction generally parallel to the direction of the toothbrush axis AA than in a direction generally perpendicular to this AA toothbrush axis. , or may be replaced by them.

The bristles within the first, second and third bundles may be substantially all of the same length so that the bundle area is substantially equal, or the length of the bristles in the direction of BB bundle axes may vary in size at different points in or along the BB bundle axes os BB volumes. Such a change is particularly applicable to toothbrushes according to the invention having alternately rows of bundles of different diameters as described above, as in the second and third and third embodiments, and wherein the individual rows may vary in length of the bristles contained therein. With respect to the AA axis of the toothbrush, the bundle may have a "corrugated" or "sawtooth" profile made of alternating peaks and grooves, for example as described in DE 34 33 763, WO91 19437, EP449 653A,

-3GB 288559 B6

US 4,672,706, US 451,911, US 4,268,933, US 3,229,318, US 3,188,673, US 2,797,429, US 1,943,225 and US 74,560, etc.

Preferably, the first tufts may comprise bristles of shorter length than the bristles on the second and third tufts, and the bristles of the second and third tufts may have substantially the same length.

The tufts forming the bristles can be made of plastic materials suitable for toothbrush bristles, for example nylon. The bristles may have a generally known design, for example linear bristle fibers having rounded polished ends.

The handle and brush head may be made of plastic materials suitable for the toothbrush handle industry. The head and handle may have an overall shape suitable for the toothbrush industry, and the handle may have, for example, one or more V-shaped folds to accommodate the handle's flexibility properties, for example as described in EP 336 641. The handle may also comprise one or more gripping parts, for example in the form of rubber gripping surfaces, for example as described in EP 336 641.

The tufts and the individual bristles can be housed in the head of the toothbrush by essentially conventional techniques. Advantageously, the bristles are placed in the toothbrush head by a process in which the ends of the bristles to be fastened in the head (" fastening ends ") are put together by heating into one mass which is then or simultaneously melted to the toothbrush head material. by heating the bristles or the mass and material of the head up to the softening point, bringing them into contact with each other so that they are brought together and then cooled to solidify so that the bundle is actually sealed into the head. It is desirable to preform the head with one or more beds corresponding to the number and size of the bundles which, as described above, can be sealed with the head material around the bed. To produce such a process, the bristles and the head must be of thermoplastic materials such as nylon, now used in the manufacture of toothbrushes. Suitable processes for such production are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,664,316 and WO in published application 93,12690, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In another method of making a toothbrush according to the invention, the tufts of the tufts may first be fused into a thermoplastic block in the aforementioned tuft assembly, for example using the melting process described above, and then blocked and fixed, e.g. also, the brush head may be melted around the block.

Other techniques for making the brushes of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

The toothbrush of the invention can be used in a generally conventional manner, wherein the toothbrush bundle assemblies of the invention improve the cleaning performance of these brushes and also reduce the number of gum injuries.

The invention will now be described by way of example but not limited to the accompanying drawings.

Overview of the drawings

Giant. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 show oblique views of the heads of the toothbrushes of the invention.

Giant. 6, 7, 8 and 9 show plan views of the bundle assemblies on the bristle sides of the heads of the toothbrushes of the invention.

Giant. 10 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the toothbrush of FIG. 9.

-4GB 288559 B6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

1 to 5 show the heads 1 of the toothbrushes. Each head is connected to the handle 2, integral with it. The A-A axis of the toothbrush is indicated in FIG. 1 by the A-A line, the B-B axis in FIG. 1, and the width direction of the head 1 forms the C-C axis in FIG. 1.

On each of the heads 1 in FIGS. 1 to 5 are bundles 31.32, 33.34 extending generally perpendicular to the bristle surface 4 of the head 1 generally in the direction of the axes B-B of the bundles.

In Fig. 1, the first bundles 31 have a rectangular cross-section, perpendicular to the axes B-B of the bundles, with two rounded or rhombic ends. The bundle assembly comprises a plurality of first bundles 31 having a long dimension of 0.5 or more of the length of the bristle surface 4 and being considerably larger than their width dimension, the length dimension being substantially parallel to the AA brush tooth axis, and further comprising one large second bundle 32 having a circular cross section perpendicular to its axis BB of the bundle and located at that end of the bristle surface 4 which is spaced from the handle

2.

In Fig. 2, the first bundles 31 are diamond-shaped in cross section perpendicular to the BB bundle axes, the other bundles 34 are L-shaped in cross section perpendicular to the BB bundle axes, the first branch having a cross section virtually rectangular and generally parallel to the brush axis and the second branch 34A forms an angle of approximately 45 ° with the first branch. The second bundle 32 has a U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to its BB axis whose two arms extend substantially parallel to the toothbrush axis AA and whose rounded bottom abuts the end of the head 1 which is spaced from the handle 2. Longitudinal axis AA the toothbrush intersects the "U" between its two arms.

In Fig. 3, the first tufts 31 are generally rectangular, i.e., have a diamond shape in cross section perpendicular to the axes BB tufts, and are arranged in a group of five curved side rows each of four first tufts 31 lined side by side generally across the width of the bristle surface 4. At the end of the bristle surface 4, remote from the handle 2, there are a plurality of second bundles 32 of generally circular cross-section, arranged in symmetrical hexagonal pattern around the central bundle. The diameter of the pattern of the second bundles 32 is approximately 0.9 of the width of the bristle surface 4, as measured by the center of the pattern.

In Fig. 4, the first tufts 31 have a generally rectangular, i.e., rhombic shape, in cross-section perpendicular to the axes BB tufts, and are arranged in the form of four straight side rows each of four first tufts 31 side by side, generally aligned across the width of the bristle surface. In each case between two adjacent rows of the first tufts 31 are arranged straight rows of third tufts 33 aligned generally across the width of the bristle surface (4), the third tufts 33 having a generally circular cross-section. At the end of the bristle surface 4 facing away from the handle 2, the assembly of second bundles 32 of generally circular cross-section are arranged in symmetrical hexagonal formation around the middle second bundle 32. The second bundles 32 and third bundles 33 are longer than the first bundles 31 .

In Fig. 5, the first tufts 31 are generally rectangular, i.e., rhombic in cross section along the BB tufts axes, and are arranged in a system of four straight rows of four first tufts 31 side by side, aligned generally across the width of the bristle surface 4. the rows of first tufts 31 dispose straight rows of third tufts 33 having a generally rectangular cross-section, but whose longest dimension lies across the width of the bristle surface 4, and which are thus generally aligned across the width of the bristle surface 4. facing away from the handle 2, the assembly of second bundles 32 of generally circular cross-section, arranged in symmetrical hexagonal pattern around the middle second bundle 32. The second bundles 32 and third bundles 33 are longer than the first bundles 31 in the direction of the bundle axes BB.

Figures 6 to 9 show plan views of the toothbrush heads 1 according to the invention, viewed downwards in the direction of the axes B-B of the bundles.

-5GB 288559 B6

The toothbrushes of Figs. 6 and 7 show first and second bundle patterns 31. 32. A similar view to Fig. 3. The pattern includes first bundles 31 which are orthogonal in cross section of the bundle BBs and are also arranged in several rows in parallel. across the width of the bristle surface 4, these rows being curved in FIG. 6 (as shown in FIG. 3) and straight in FIG. 7. The length dimension of the first tufts 31 is such that the five first tufts 31 occupy the length of the bristle surface 4, At the end of the bristle surface 4 which is spaced from the handle 2. is a group of second tufts 32 of generally circular cross-section arranged in a symmetrical hexagonal pattern about the central second tuft 32.

In the toothbrushes of Figs. 8 and 9, first, second and third tufts patterns 31, 32, 33, similar to the brushes of Figs. 4 and 5, are shown. The patterns comprise first tufts 31 whose cross-section perpendicular to the tufts axes BB is rhombic and are arranged in a plurality of straight side rows aligned generally across the width of the bristle surface 4. In each case between two rows of the first tufts 31 are arranged straight rows of third tufts 33 aligned generally across the width of the bristle surface 4. . In Fig. 9, the third tufts 33 have a generally rectangular, i.e. rhombic cross-section, and their longest dimension extends across the bristle surface 4. At that end of the bristle surface 4 which is spaced apart from the handle 2, in a hexagonal symmetrical pattern around the middle second beam 32.

Fig. 10 shows the toothbrush head of Fig. 9 in longitudinal section along the refracted axis DD shown in Fig. 9. The toothbrush comprises a head 1, a handle 2 and a first bundle 31, a second bundle 32 and a third bundle 33. the second and third tufts 31, 32, 33 comprise individual bristles, generally generally aligned in the direction of the BB axis of the tuft, perpendicular to the bristle surface 4. The ends of the bristles in the first, second and third tufts 31, 32 and 33 were fixed to the head 1 mass 5 and subsequent cooling. In the bristle surface 4 are located beds 6 and each mass 5 is placed in the bed 6 and fused there with the toothbrush head material 1, wherein both the head material 1 and the bristle material are thermoplastic. The first, second and third toothbrush tufts 31, 32, 33 of FIGS. 1 to 8 are fixed in the heads 1 of their brushes in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,664,316 or published application WO 93 10639, or other known methods, and the attachment of the first, second and third bundles 31, 32, 33 to the head 1 is shown only schematically.

Claims (22)

PATENT CLAIMS A toothbrush having a handle (2) and at one end thereof a head (1) carrying bristles arranged as an assembly (3) of separate bundles (31, 32, 33, 34) projecting from the bristle head surface (4) (1) a brush in the direction of its axes (BB), a perpendicular brush axis (AA), characterized in that the assembly (3) has one or more first tufts (31) having perpendicular to its axes, (BB) a cross section which has a larger dimension in the direction parallel to the brush axis (AA) than a dimension in the brush axis direction (CC) perpendicular to that axis (AA) and one or more second tufts (32) at the end of the tuft assembly (3) 33, 34) spaced from the handle (2), wherein the second bundles (32) are in the form of an array of separate bundles (32) provided in a generally circular or polygonal pattern or a single bundle (32) with a circular cross-section in a direction perpendicular on its axis (BB) or in the form of a bundle (32) with a " C 'or' U 'in a direction perpendicular to its axis (B-B), where at least one of the end portions of the letter' C 'or' U 'runs parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A) The brush and the rounded end of the letter "C" or "U" face the end of the bristle surface (4) facing away from the handle (2). A toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first bundles (31) covers at most 25% of the bristle surface (4) of the head (1). A toothbrush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cross-section of the first tufts (31) has a rectangular shape, the longer dimension of the rectangle being parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the brush. A toothbrush according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the cross-section of one or more first tufts (31) has linear polygonal or round shapes with a longer dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A) of the brush. A toothbrush according to claim 4, characterized in that the cross-section of one or more further tufts (34) has an "L" shape whose first branch extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the toothbrush and the second branch (34A) is inclined to the first branch. A toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has 2 to 25 first bundles (31) of rectangular or rhombic shape. A toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that an assembly (3) of first bundles (31) of generally rectangular cross section perpendicular to the scythes (BB) of bundles (31) is provided on its bristle surface (4), each of the first bundles. (31) has a length in the range of 0.1 to 0.9 of the total length of the bristle surface (4) and a width in the range of 0.05 to 0.5 of the width of the bristle surface (4) containing 5 to 20 of these first tufts (31). A toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that each first bundle (31) has a length dimension such that the first bundle (31) extends over the entire length of the bristle surface (4) occupied by the first bundles (31). A toothbrush according to claim 7, characterized in that the length dimension of the individual first tufts (31) is such that the first tufts (31) are arranged in two or more side rows across the width of the bristle surface (4). A toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a bundle assembly (3, 31, 33) comprising two or more straight or curved side rows of first bundles (31) extending across the width of the bristle surface (4) and one or more lateral rows of third bundles (33) of circular cross section extending across the bristle surface (4). A toothbrush according to claim 1 having a bundle assembly (3) comprising two or more straight or curved side rows of first bundles (31) extending across the width of the bristle surface (4) and one or more rows of third bundles (33) of rectangular cross section extending across the width of the bristle surface (4), the longer dimension of which extends across the width of the bristle surface (4). A toothbrush according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises 2 to 5 side rows of first tufts (31) and 1 to 4 rows of third tufts (33). A toothbrush according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that it has up to 5 first bundles (31) extending across the width of the bristle surface (4). A toothbrush according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that it has from 2 to 5 third bundles (33) of circular cross-section or from 1 to 3 third bundles (33) of rectangular cross-section, the longest dimension lies across the width of the bristle surface (4). -7EN 288559 B6 A toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly (3) is comprised of 2 to 20 first tufts (31) having a length in the range of 0.1 to 0.9 of the total length of the bristle surface (4), the first tufts (31) are combined with one or more other L-shaped tufts (34) whose first branch is arranged parallel to the toothbrush axis (AA) and the second branch (34A) is inclined to the first branch. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (3) comprises separate bundles (32) arranged in a generally circular or polygonal pattern, each corner corresponding to the center of one of the bundles (32) arranged around the middle bundle. (32). A toothbrush according to claim 16, characterized in that it has a central bundle (32) surrounded by a hexagonal pattern of six such bundles (32) arranged symmetrically such that three of the surrounding bundles (32) are located on each side of the longitudinal axis (AA) toothbrush. A toothbrush according to claim 17, characterized in that the diameter of the hexagonal image is 0.5 to 0.95 of the width of the bristle surface (4) adjacent the image. A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (3) is a single bundle (32) of generally circular cross-section, the diameter of such bundle being in the range of 0.5 to 0.95 of the width of the bristle surface (4) adjacent (32). A toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (3) comprises a bundle (32) with a cross-section of the letter "C" or "U" perpendicular to the axis (BB) of the bundles (32), wherein at least one the branches of the letter "C" or "U" run parallel to the longitudinal axis (AA) of the brush and the rounded bend of the letter "C" or "U" faces the end of the bristle surface (4) spaced from the handle (2); portions of this bundle (32) form 0.6 to 0.9 widths of the bristle surface (4) adjacent the bundle (32). A toothbrush according to claim 10, characterized in that the bristles of the first tufts (31) are shorter than the bristles of the second tufts (32) and the third tufts (33) whose length is the same. A toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the bundles (31, 32, 33, 34) and the individual bristles are fixed to the brush head (1) by fitting the bristle ends into a mass of filaments. with brush head material (1).