2013 (Ne) 10035 [Method for Manufacturing a Rotary Toothbrush] (Appeal) <Shitara>
Updated: 6 hours ago
Article information
Article type: Case note
Category: Patents
Topics: —
First published on this website: 2026-11-01
Display and classification checked: November 2, 2026
Originally published on Ameblo: 2025-10-01 (Japan time). Full English translation.
2013 (Ne) 10035 [Method for Manufacturing a Rotary Toothbrush] (Appeal) <Shitara>
*Although the manufacturing method contains a temporal sequence, satisfaction of the claim was recognized flexibly with respect to that sequence.
[Claim 2] (A) … (B) … a first step of causing a group of filaments to project outward by a fixed amount from an insertion hole provided in a base; (C) a second step of blowing air into the center of the projecting ends of that group of filaments to spread the group radially; (D) a third step of fusion-bonding the central portion of the group of filaments while fixing the spread group to the base; and (E) a fourth step of cutting out the center of the fusion-bonded central portion; (F) a method for manufacturing an individual brush unit of a rotary brush, comprising these steps.
(Excerpt from the court's reasoning)
… “Cutting out the center of the fusion-bonded central portion” in constituent requirement E also encompasses a process in which, after the “fusion-bonding” process has begun and the “melting” stage has taken place—that is, after the molten filaments have become adherent to one another—the “cutting-out” process begins; the process then enters the “bonding” stage, namely the solidification stage; and the “cutting-out” process ends after sufficient time has elapsed for “fusion-bonding” (solidification) ordinarily to be considered complete ….
… As to the temporal relationship between “fusion-bonding” and “cutting-out” as well, the claim also encompasses a process in which, after the “fusion-bonding” process has begun and the “melting” stage has taken place—that is, after the molten filaments have become adherent to one another—the “cutting-out” process begins; the process then enters the “bonding” stage, namely the solidification stage; and the “cutting-out” process ends after sufficient time has elapsed for “fusion-bonding” (solidification) ordinarily to be considered complete ….
Translator’s notes (editorial)
The source repeats substantially the same passage concerning the temporal relationship between fusion-bonding and cutting out. Both passages are retained in full.
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November 1, 2026: First published on this website.
November 2, 2026: Added article information, classification, topics, language navigation, related articles where the same case was confirmed, consultation guidance, and SEO. The original text and first-published date were preserved.
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