Patent ID: 6220673
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A46B,A46D,B29C,B29K,B29L

Abstract:
A method of welding a pre-formed thermoplastic toothbrush head and a preformed thermoplastic toothbrush handle comprising, (a) selecting a toothbrush head which is free of any material capable of absorbing from about 0.7 to about 2.0 micrometers, or from about 4.0 to about 6.0 micrometers wavelength energy; (b) selecting a toothbrush handle containing from about 0.7 to about 2.0 micrometers, or about 4.0 to about 6.0 micrometers wavelength energy absorbing material; (c) aligning the respective end surfaces of the head and handle to closely contact each other to form a joint; (d) exposing the joint to from about 0.7 to about 2.0 micrometers, or from about 4.0 to about 6.0 micrometers wavelength energy laser beam, which laser beam is capable of penetrating the toothbrush head and contacting the joint; whereby, the energy of the laser beam is absorbed at the surface of the toothbrush handle at the joint by the energy absorbing material therein, causing the toothbrush head and handle surfaces about the joint to melt and fuse together.