Plastic monofilament and toothbrush bristle made of a corresponding monofilament

Abstract

A plastic monofilament has a matrix, which includes a first plastic material at least in a first area, and at least one rib, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the monofilament. The plastic monofilament includes a second plastic material. The second plastic material is held in the first area of the matrix in a positive-locking manner.

In the claims: 
     
         1 . A plastic monofilament comprising:
 a matrix, which is comprised of a first plastic material at least in a first area; and   a plurality of ribs, each of which extends in a longitudinal direction of the monofilament and each of which is comprised of a second plastic material and which is held in the first area of the matrix in a positive-locking manner, wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged distributed over the circumference of the monofilament and the first plastic material of the first area of the matrix is a rigid thermoplastic polyester, that the second plastic material of the ribs is a soft thermoplastic plastic, and that the monofilament is twisted with 50 to 400 revolutions per running meter, so that the ribs extend around the matrix in the form of a coil.   
     
     
         2 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the rib is additionally welded to the first area of the matrix. 
     
     
         3 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the rib has a radially outwardly tapering cross section. 
     
     
         4 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the rib has a triangular or drop-shaped cross section providing an interface for the positive locking. 
     
     
         5 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein a broadened foot is formed in the radially inner end area of the rib providing an interface for the positive locking. 
     
     
         6 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , the first area forms the entire matrix. 
     
     
         7 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the first area of the matrix has a ring-shaped cross section and surrounds an inner, second area of the matrix, which is comprised of a third plastic material. 
     
     
         8 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the ribs are connected to one another by means of the second area of the matrix. 
     
     
         9 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the first plastic material of the first area of the matrix is PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). 
     
     
         10 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the second plastic material of the rib is a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         11 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the third plastic material of the second area is identical to the second plastic material of the rib. 
     
     
         12 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein at least one rib is colored at least in some sections. 
     
     
         13 . A toothbrush bristle comprising a monofilament comprising.
 a matrix, which is comprised of a first plastic material at least in a first area; and   a plurality of ribs, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the monofilament and each of which is comprised of a second plastic material and which is held in the first area of the matrix in a positive-locking manner wherein the plurality of ribs are arranged distributed over the circumference of the monofilament and the first plastic material of the first area of the matrix is a rigid thermoplastic polyester, that the second plastic material of the ribs is a soft thermoplastic plastic, and that the monofilament is twisted with 50 to 400 revolutions per running meter, so that the ribs extend around the matrix in the form of a coil.   
     
     
         14 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the rib is additionally welded to the first area of the matrix. 
     
     
         15 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the rib has a radially outwardly tapering cross section providing an interface for the positive locking. 
     
     
         16 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 13 , further comprising at least another rib to provide a plurality of ribs arranged distributed over the circumference of the monofilament. 
     
     
         17 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein the first area forms the entire matrix. 
     
     
         18 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the first area of the matrix has a ring-shaped cross section and surrounds an inner, second area of the matrix, which is comprised of a third plastic material. 
     
     
         19 . A monofilament in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein the ribs are connected to one another by means of the second area of the matrix. 
     
     
         20 . A monofilament Monofilament in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the first plastic material of the first area of the matrix ( 11 ) is PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).