EP1764011B1 - Handle for a toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a handle for a toothbrush, a toothbrush with such a handle, a method for manufacturing the handle and a method of manufacturing the toothbrush with the handle according to the preambles of claims 1, 17, 25 and 37.

Handles are well-known items that serve for improved handling of toothbrushes and brushes. A toothbrush with such a handle is for example in the EP-B-1119272 described. In this case, the handle is designed as a two-part hollow body and has for this purpose at least two handle parts made of an elastically yielding material, which enclose a cavity in the form of a shell. The two-part construction of the handle, however, has the disadvantage that an additional operation for joining the handle parts must be introduced and thereby increases the cycle time in the manufacture of such a toothbrush, which in turn leads to increased manufacturing costs.

Packaging, in particular group packages for toothbrushes, are also well known. For example, a group packaging is in the WO-A-01/70590 described. In this group packaging, a number of toothbrushes are stored in a common plastic blister cap, which is closed at the rear by a blister carrier. Blister covers (also short blisters) are known in a known manner by deep drawing preferably made of transparent plastic films and may at least approximately have the shape of the product to be packaged. The blister cap and the blister carrier of a single packaging are perforated circumferentially, so that each individual packaging can be removed. However, the described group packaging is only suitable for one-sided presentation of the toothbrushes from the side of the blister hood. The removal of the individual packaging is associated with a considerable effort to sever the circumferential perforation.

Object of the present invention is to provide a handle for a toothbrush and a toothbrush, which is particularly light but bulky and therefore easy to handle and can be produced inexpensively in a short life on an injection molding machine at low material costs. The toothbrush should also have a head that supports the cleaning and massage function of the toothbrush.

The object is achieved by a handle for a toothbrush, a toothbrush with such a handle, a method for producing the handle and a method for producing a toothbrush with the handle according to claims 1, 17, 25 and 37.

The inventive handle for a toothbrush is equipped with a one-piece handle body whose wall surrounds a cavity in the elongated handle body. The wall is opened by at least two staggered and through the wall through recesses which open in the cavity. Through the inner cavity creates a voluminous and at the same time ergonomically advantageous handle with a particularly low weight, due to the reduced use of materials, compared to a toothbrush with a solid, ie with material "filled", handle, within a short cycle time, ie life on the injection molding machine is particularly inexpensive to produce. In addition, the low material thickness of the wall reduces the risk of sink marks and inclusions and the effect of heat shrinkage, which in turn leads to increased surface quality and consistent product quality.

The toothbrush according to the invention is equipped with a toothbrush body which, in addition to a head with bristles and a neck, has such a handle. The toothbrush body is manufactured together with the handle in a single or multi-component injection molding process.

In an inventive method for producing such a handle for a toothbrush, an injection molding tool with finger elements is used in the injection molding process for plastic. In the closed state of the injection molding tool, the finger elements touch and prevent at these points of contact the flow of plastic. In the solidified plastic material thereby Recesses formed, which are interconnected and form a coherent cavity in the handle body. In contrast to conventional production methods for hollow plastic body standing cores can be used. In the method according to the invention, it is possible to dispense with an assembly of two individually produced handle body parts.

In a method according to the invention for producing a toothbrush with a hollow handle, a neck and a head made of plastic are injection-molded together with the handle.

In a group package for a number of toothbrushes, a blister carrier of a single package is attached only in one section to the group carton. In this section, a dividing line is arranged so that the individual packages can be easily removed from the group package without destroying the group package. Each individual packaging is, like the group packaging, also equipped with a fastening recess, so that it can also be presented hanging individually after removal from the group packaging. This is particularly advantageous if the group packaging contains personal care devices of different colors, models, degrees of hardness or even with different accessories and the buyer or the sales staff to be given the opportunity to remove individual packaging and possibly re-presented elsewhere compiled.

A head for a toothbrush is opposite one with its bristled top Bottom continuous Zungenausnehmung equipped, the gap-like and on the top (26) of the head (16) is S-shaped curved. The tongue recess divides the head into two tongue elements which are deflectable against each other and can be equipped with different flexibility. Each of the tongue elements is equipped with bristles and / or massage and / or cleaning elements. Due to the smaller dimensions of the individual tongue elements in relation to the entire head and their greater flexibility, the tongue elements adapt better to the contours in the oral cavity and thereby support the cleaning and massage function of the toothbrush.

Further embodiments of the invention are provided with features listed in the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine Zahnbürste mit einem Handgriff, der rechteckförmige Ausnehmungen in einer Wand, die einen innenliegenden Hohlraum umschliesst, aufweist;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite der in Fig. 1 und Fig. 2 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 4

eine Schnittdarstellung entlang der in Fig. 3 eingezeichneten Schnittebene IV - IV der in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 5

einen Querschnitt durch die in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 gezeigte Zahnbürste entlang der in Fig. 4 eingezeichneten Schnittebene V - V;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Kopfes für die in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 5 gezeigte Zahnbürste mit aufStegen der Oberseite- und der Unterseite des Zahnbürstenkopfsangeordneten Reinigungs- bzw. Massageelementen, wobei die Stege auf der Unterseite als Zungenreinigerrippen ausgebildet sind;

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste mit einem Hohlraum im Griffkörper;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 7 dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite der in Fig. 7 - Fig. 8 dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 10

einen Querschnitt der in Fig. 7 bis Fig. 9 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der in Fig. 8 eingezeichneten Schnittebene X - X;

Fig. 11

einen Querschnitt der in Fig. 7 bis Fig. 9 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der in Fig. 8 eingezeichneten Schnittebene XI - XI;

Fig. 12

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Spritzgusswerkzeugs zur Herstellung der in Fig. 7 bis Fig. 11 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der in der Zahnbürste in Fig. 8 eingezeichneten Schnittebene X - X;

Fig. 13

eine Teildarstellung einer Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Zahnbürste mit dem in Fig. 7 bis Fig. 9 gezeigten Handgriffs und einem beidseitig, am Hals und am Kopf befestigten Zungenelement;

Fig. 14a

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit Zungenausnehmungen zur Bildung eines brückenartigen Zungenelements;

Fig. 14b

eine Seitenansicht des in Fig. 14a gezeigten Kopfes mit Zungenreinigerrippen auf der Unterseite;

Fig. 14c

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite des in Fig. 14a und Fig. 14b gezeigten Kopfes;

Fig. 14d

einen Querschnitt durch den in Fig. 14a bis Fig. 14c gezeigten Kopf entlang der in Fig. 14a eingezeichneten Schnittebene XVII - XVII;

Fig. 15

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Zahnbürstenkörpers mit zwei seitlich am Zungenelement angeordneten Zungenstegen zur wippenartigen Lagerung des Zungenelements;

Fig. 16 - Fig. 21

weitere Ausführungsformen von Zahnbürstenköpfen mit am Kopf verschiedenartig ausgeformten Zungenelementen;

Fig. 22

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit einer S-förmigen Zungenausnehmung zur Bildung von zwei zinkenartigen Zungenelementen;

Fig. 23

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite des in Fig. 22 gezeigten Kopfes;

Fig. 24

eine Seitenansicht des in Fig. 22 und Fig. 23 gezeigten Kopfes;

Fig. 25

eine Draufsicht auf die Oberseite einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste mit einer zentralen Reihe rechteckiger Ausnehmungen und zwei länglichen, seitlich im Handauflageabschnitt angeordneten Ausnehmungen;

Fig. 26

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 25 dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 27

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite der in Fig. 25 und Fig. 26 dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 28

einen Querschnitt entlang der in Fig. 26 und Fig. 27 eingezeichneten Schnittebene XXVIII - XXVIII;

Fig. 29

einen Querschnitt der in Fig. 25 bis Fig. 27 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der in Fig. 26 und Fig. 27 mit XXIX - XXIX bezeichneten Schnittebene;

Fig. 30

einen Querschnitt durch ein Spritzgusswerkzeug zur Herstellung der in Fig. 25 bis Fig. 29 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der in Fig. 26 und Fig. 27 mit XXVIII - XXVIII bezeichneten Schnittebene;

Fig. 31

eine Seitenansicht auf einen entlang der in Fig. 32 mit XXXI - XXXI bezeichneten Schnittebene angeschnittenen Handauflageabschnitt eines erfindungsgemässen Handgriffs mit in umlaufenden Nuten angeordneten, einen Hohlraum bildenden Ausnehmungen;

Fig. 32

eine Draufsicht auf den in Fig. 31 gezeigten Handgriff;

Fig. 33

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Zahnbürste mit Nuten, Durchgangslöchern und einer zur Unterseite geöffneten Sacklochausnehmung;

Fig. 34

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite der in Fig. 33 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 35

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 33 und Fig. 34 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 36

eine Draufsicht auf die Oberseite der in Fig. 33 bis Fig. 35 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 37

einen Querschnitt durch die in Fig. 33 bis Fig. 36 gezeigte Zahnbürste entlang der mit XXXVII - XXXVII bezeichnete Schnittebene in Fig. 36;

Fig. 38

einen weiteren Querschnitt der in Fig. 36 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der Schnittebene XXXVIII - XXXVIII;

Fig. 39

einen weiteren Querschnitt der in Fig. 36 gezeigten Zahnbürste entlang der Schnittebene XXXIX - XXXIX;

Fig. 40

eine Draufsicht auf die Oberseite einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste mit im Handgriff winklig in einer Reihe angeordneten, rechteckförmigen Ausnehmungen.

Fig. 41

eine Draufsicht auf eine Werkzeughälfte eines Spritzgusswerkzeuges zur Herstellung der in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 5 gezeigten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 42

eine Draufsicht auf eine Werkzeughälfte, die mit der oberen, in Fig. 41 gezeigten Werkzeughälfte zur Ausformung der in Fig. 1 bis Fig. 5 dargestellten Zahnbürste zusammenwirkt;

Fig. 43

eine Längsschnittdarstellung durch ein Spritzgusswerkzeug mit den in Fig. 41 und Fig. 42 zusammengefügten Werkzeughälften, bei dem Fingerelemente sich berührend zahnartig ineinander eingreifen;

Fig. 44

einen Querschnitt durch das in Fig. 43 gezeigte Spritzgusswerkzeug entlang der in Fig. 43 eingezeichneten Schnittebene XLIV - XLIV;

Fig. 45

eine Seitenansicht einer Kopfhalterung zur Befestigung des Kopfes einer Zahnbürste während der Beborstung;

Fig. 46

eine Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 45 gezeigte Kopfhalterung;

Fig. 47

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 45 und Fig. 46 gezeigten Kopfhalterung mit einem eingespannten Kopf;

Fig. 48

eine Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 45 und Fig. 46 gezeigte Kopfhalterung mit einem eingespannten Kopf;

Fig. 49

einen Schnitt durch die in Fig. 45 bis Fig. 48 gezeigte Kopfhalterung entlang der in Fig. 48 eingezeichneten Schnittebene XLIX- XLIX;

Fig. 50

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Kopfhalterung für einen Kopf mit einem Ansaugstutzen zur Fixierung eines Zungenelements;

Fig. 51

eine Schnittdarstellung durch die in Fig. 50 gezeigte Kopfhalterung entlang der dort mit LI - LI bezeichneten Schnittebene, mit einem eingespannten Kopf;

Fig. 52

eine Draufsicht auf eine Gruppenverpackung für Körperpflegegeräte mit acht Einzelverpackungen;

Fig. 53

eine Draufsicht auf eine Gruppenverpackung mit sechs Einzelverpackungen, wobei ein Gruppenträger mit zwei Falzlinien entlang von Spalten, die jeweils Paare von Einzelverpackungen trennen, ausgestattet ist;

Fig. 54

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Präsentationskörpers der durch Faltung der in Fig. 53 gezeigten Gruppenverpackung entlang der Falzlinien gebildet wird;

Fig. 55

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Gruppenverpackung mit einem rahmenartigen Gruppenträger, bei dem jeweils zwei Einzelverpackungen zusammengefasst und mit einem dreieckigen Dachsegment ausgestattet sind; und

Fig. 56

eine Seitenansicht eines turmartigen Präsentationskörpers mit einem pyramidenförmigen Dach, der durch Faltung der in Fig. 55 gezeigten Gruppenverpackung gebildet wurde.

Some particular preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to a drawing. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1

a top view of a toothbrush with a handle, the rectangular recesses in a wall, which encloses an inner cavity has;

Fig. 2

a side view of in Fig. 1 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 3

a top view of the bottom of in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 4

a sectional view along in Fig. 3 Plotted sectional plane IV - IV of in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 5

a cross section through the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 shown toothbrush along the in Fig. 4 Plotted section plane V - V;

Fig. 6

a side view of another embodiment of a head for in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 toothbrush shown with cleaning or massage elements arranged on webs of the top side and the bottom side of the toothbrush head, wherein the webs are formed on the underside as tongue cleaning ribs;

Fig. 7

a plan view of another embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention with a cavity in the handle body;

Fig. 8

a side view of in Fig. 7 illustrated toothbrush;

Fig. 9

a top view of the bottom of in Fig. 7 - Fig. 8 illustrated toothbrush;

Fig. 10

a cross section of in FIGS. 7 to 9 shown toothbrush along in Fig. 8 Plotted section plane X - X;

Fig. 11

a cross section of in FIGS. 7 to 9 shown toothbrush along in Fig. 8 Plotted sectional plane XI - XI;

Fig. 12

a sectional view of an injection molding tool for producing the in Fig. 7 to Fig. 11 shown toothbrush along in the toothbrush in Fig. 8 Plotted section plane X - X;

Fig. 13

a partial view of a plan view of another embodiment of a toothbrush with the in FIGS. 7 to 9 handle shown and attached on both sides, the neck and the head tongue element;

Fig. 14a

a top view of another embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with tongue recesses to form a bridge-like tongue member;

Fig. 14b

a side view of the in Fig. 14a shown head with tongue cleaning ribs on the bottom;

Fig. 14c

a top view of the bottom of in Fig. 14a and Fig. 14b shown head;

Fig. 14d

a cross section through the in Fig. 14a to Fig. 14c shown head along in Fig. 14a Plotted sectional plane XVII - XVII;

Fig. 15

a plan view of another embodiment of a toothbrush body with two tongue webs laterally arranged on the tongue element for rocker-like mounting of the tongue element;

Fig. 16 - Fig. 21

further embodiments of toothbrush heads with differently shaped tongue elements on the head;

Fig. 22

a top view of another embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with an S-shaped tongue recess to form two tine-like tongue elements;

Fig. 23

a top view of the bottom of in Fig. 22 shown head;

Fig. 24

a side view of the in FIGS. 22 and 23 shown head;

Fig. 25

a top view of the top of another embodiment of a toothbrush according to the invention with a central row of rectangular recesses and two elongated, laterally arranged in the hand rest section recesses;

Fig. 26

a side view of in Fig. 25 illustrated toothbrush;

Fig. 27

a top view of the bottom of in FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrated toothbrush;

Fig. 28

a cross section along in FIGS. 26 and 27 Plotted section plane XXVIII - XXVIII;

Fig. 29

a cross section of in Fig. 25 to Fig. 27 shown toothbrush along in FIGS. 26 and 27 with XXIX - XXIX cutting plane;

Fig. 30

a cross section through an injection molding tool for the production of in FIGS. 25 to 29 shown toothbrush along in FIGS. 26 and 27 Section XXVIII - XXVIII;

Fig. 31

a side view on one along the in Fig. 32 designated XXXI - XXXI Cut plane cut hand support portion of a handle according to the invention with arranged in circumferential grooves, a cavity-forming recesses;

Fig. 32

a top view of the in Fig. 31 shown handle;

Fig. 33

a longitudinal section through a toothbrush with grooves, through holes and a blind hole open to the bottom;

Fig. 34

a top view of the bottom of in Fig. 33 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 35

a side view of in FIGS. 33 and 34 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 36

a top view of the top of in 33 to FIG. 35 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 37

a cross section through the in FIGS. 33 to 36 toothbrush shown along the section marked XXXVII - XXXVII in Fig. 36 ;

Fig. 38

another cross section of in Fig. 36 shown toothbrush along the cutting plane XXXVIII - XXXVIII;

Fig. 39

another cross section of in Fig. 36 shown toothbrush along the cutting plane XXXIX - XXXIX;

Fig. 40

a plan view of the top of another embodiment of an inventive Toothbrush with rectangular recesses arranged in an angular row in the handle.

Fig. 41

a plan view of a mold half of an injection molding tool for producing the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shown toothbrush;

Fig. 42

a plan view of a tool half, with the upper, in Fig. 41 shown mold half for forming the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 cooperates toothbrush shown;

Fig. 43

a longitudinal sectional view through an injection molding tool with the in FIGS. 41 and 42 assembled tool halves, in the finger elements touching tooth-like mesh with each other;

Fig. 44

a cross section through the in Fig. 43 shown injection mold along the in Fig. 43 Plotted sectional plane XLIV - XLIV;

Fig. 45

a side view of a head holder for attaching the head of a toothbrush during the bristles;

Fig. 46

a top view of the in Fig. 45 shown headgear;

Fig. 47

a side view of in FIGS. 45 and 46 shown headgear with a clamped head;

Fig. 48

a top view of the in FIGS. 45 and 46 shown headgear with a clamped head;

Fig. 49

a section through the in FIGS. 45 to 48 shown headgear along in Fig. 48 Plotted sectional plane XLIX- XLIX;

Fig. 50

a plan view of another head holder for a head with a suction nozzle for fixing a tongue element;

51

a sectional view through the in Fig. 50 shown headgear along the there with LI - LI designated cutting plane, with a clamped head;

Fig. 52

a plan view of a group packaging for personal care devices with eight individual packaging;

Fig. 53

a top view of a group packaging with six individual packs, wherein a group carrier is equipped with two fold lines along columns, which each separate pairs of individual packs;

Fig. 54

a perspective view of a presentation body by folding the in Fig. 53 shown group packaging is formed along the fold lines;

Fig. 55

a side view of another embodiment of a group packaging with a frame-like group carrier, combined in the two individual packages and equipped with a triangular roof segment; and

Fig. 56

a side view of a tower-like presentation body with a pyramid-shaped roof by folding the in Fig. 55 shown group packaging was formed.

The toothbrushes 10 described below are equipped with a handle 12 according to the invention. A hollow handle body 13 of the handle 12 is formed as part of a toothbrush body 14, which is occupied at its spoon-like flattened head 16 with bristles 18. About a neck 20 of the handle body 13 is connected to the head 16.

The handle 12 serves to hold the toothbrush 10 with one hand and occupies between 45% and 65% of the total length of the toothbrush 10. The handle 12 has an elongated, ellipsoidal outer contour and extends from a free, the head 16 opposite end on a hand rest section 22 and a thumb rest 24 to the neck of the neck 20. The total length of the handle 12 is between 80 mm and 140 mm, preferably between 110 mm and 120 mm. The handle 12 is formed by its voluminous and rounded shape ergonomically particularly advantageous and supports easy and comfortable use of the toothbrush 10. The total length of the toothbrush 10 is between 120 mm and 230 mm, preferably 190 mm to 200 mm.

As in particular in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 are shown on the bristles 18 occupied top 26 or on the opposite bottom 28 rounded, in Substantially rectangular and lowered recesses 30 formed in a wall 32 of the handle body 13. The recesses 30 are lined up in the hand support portion 22 along the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13 at almost equal distances from each other. By offset on the top 26 and the bottom 28 opposite recesses 30 rectilinear passages can be formed through the handle body 13 therethrough. The visible on the top 26 and bottom 28 width of the recesses 30 is in each case adapted to the circumference of the handle body 13 at their respective position. It is measured along the longitudinal axis of the handle body measured 2.5 mm to 140 mm, on the top 26 preferably 4.1 mm to 8 mm and 60 mm to 85 mm, and on the bottom 28 preferably 3.9 mm to 4.8 mm or 45 mm to 70 mm.

As in 2 and FIG. 4 shown, the recesses 30 form due to the ellipsoidal outer contour of the handle 12, in particular in the side view or in longitudinal section visible indentations 34. The open to the top 26 recesses 30 and recesses 34 are not only in the circumferential direction, but also in the longitudinal direction of the handle 12 with respect to the opposite recesses 30 which are open to the bottom 28, arranged offset.

On a side portion 36 of the wall 32, a rounded, rectangular embossing field 38 is arranged between the indentations 34 of the upper side 26 and the lower side 28. This stamping field 38 is used for labeling, preferably with manufacturer or type specifications. Due to the recesses 30, which are open to the top 26 and bottom 28 of the toothbrushes 10, it is not possible To arrange the embossing field 38 on these toothbrush sides without creating a new accumulation of material. For this reason, the embossing panel 38 is placed on the side wall 32. This design requires the use of a side shifter when manufactured in an injection molding tool.

The recesses 30 or caused by them in the wall 32 indentations 34 are spaced apart by webs 40. On the top 26 are at the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 embodiment shown eight webs 40 and on the bottom 28 nine webs 40 are formed. Alternatively, however, one to twelve webs 40, on the underside 28 one to thirteen webs 40 may be formed on the upper side 26. The webs 40 on the upper side 26 of the toothbrush 10 preferably have almost the same extent in the longitudinal direction of the handle body 13. This extent (or width) is on the upper side 26 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4.5 mm , On the opposite underside 28, the webs 40 have a width between 1 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5.5 mm. The material thickness of the webs 40 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13 measured 1 mm to 5.5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. The material thickness is, as in Fig. 4 shown on both sides of the handle body 13 almost constant.

As in the sectional view of Fig. 4 shown, the recesses 30 open after passing through the wall 32 in a continuous cavity 42. The cavity 42 is, as well as the handle body 13 itself, elongated and extends almost along the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13. The cavity 42 is through the recesses 30 open to the environment. In its longitudinal end portions it is on the one hand by the thumb rest 24 and on the other hand by a rounded end piece 44, on which, as in Fig. 3 shown, one of the manufacture of the toothbrush 10 resulting injection point 46 is limited. As an alternative, it is also possible not to design or omit the tail 44, that is, not to close the cavity 42 against its end and thus allow the user to look into the interior and / or thus a footing for upright parking the toothbrush 10 to produce. In another possible embodiment, objects may be placed in the cavity 42, for example, a compressible ball of soft material may be inserted into the cavity 42 which moves in use.

In the cavity 42 are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 42 oriented and each pairwise conically converging transverse ribs 48 visible. These transverse ribs 48 are due to the manufacturing process, which will be described later in detail. The transverse ribs 48 each open into the webs 40 of the top 26 and the bottom 28, which are formed offset from one another along the longitudinal direction of the handle body 13. These transverse ribs 48 make it possible to adjust / define the flexibility of the grip body 13 surrounding the hollow space 42. By changing the angularity, the material thickness and the size, the flexibility / stability of the grip body 13 can be fundamentally influenced.

In Fig. 5 is a cross section of the handle 12 of FIG Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 shown toothbrushes 10 along in Fig. 4 drawn sectional plane V - V shown. In addition to the approximately circular outer contour of the wall 32 in cross section, the inner contour of the wall 32 and thus the cavity 42 has a nearly circular cross section. The truncated wall 32 has a substantially constant material thickness in almost all of the trimmed area. It is, as in the webs formed in her 40, preferably 1 mm to 5.5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. The truncated recess 30 is formed like a blind hole and has a rounded recess bottom 50. Their rounded recess walls 52, which extend from recess openings 54 on the outer surface of the handle body 13 to the recess bottoms 50, are formed by the side portions 36 of the wall 32. As the recess walls 52 extend into the cavity 42, the contour of the cavity 42 is also changed by alternative shapes of the recess walls 52.

The handle body 13 may be formed of soft or hard material or a combination of soft and hard material. To ensure optimum distribution of the materials, the continuous side sections 36 and walls 32 of the toothbrush 10 are used as distribution channels for the liquid plastic, in particular for a distribution of the soft material, which is preferably injected after the hard material. In a further preferred embodiment, the transverse webs 40 are injected from soft material or a combination of hard and soft material.

In Fig. 6 is another embodiment of a head 16 for in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shown toothbrush 10 shown. This is also designed with recesses 30 and webs 40. In this case, the webs 40 on the bottom 28 of the head 16 as tongue cleaning ribs 56, which can serve on the one hand a tongue cleaning or a massage function formed. On top of bristles 18 top 26 of the head 16 soft elastic massage and / or cleaning elements 58 are also arranged. The arrangement of the bristles 18 and the massage and / or cleaning elements 58 takes place respectively on the webs 40 of the head 16. This embodiment shows one of the versatile applications of the present technology with mutually offset recesses 30. The technology can be applied in the complete toothbrush body 14. This means that in addition to their application in the handle 12 also in the neck 20, head 16 and in a later described tongue element of the toothbrush 10 corresponding recesses 30, webs 40 and cavities 42 can be formed.

In FIGS. 7 to 9 a toothbrush body 14 of a further particularly preferred embodiment of a toothbrush 10 according to the invention is shown. In the handle 12 elongated, along the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13 extending recesses 30 are formed in this embodiment. Your recess floors 50 form on the bottom 28, in particular in FIGS. 8 and 9 is visible, two elongated webs 40. On the handle body 13 laterally outside grip ribs 60 are integrally formed. The handle body 13, as well as in particular the grip ribs 60, may be formed of soft material or hard material or a combination of soft and hard material.

On the in Fig. 9 shown underside 28 of the handle 12 is a likewise elongated recess 30 visible. The recess bottom 50 of this elongated recess 30 forms the curved on the top 26 to the outside and in FIGS. 7 and 8 visible, extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13 web 40th

In Fig. 10 is a section through the handle 12 along the in Fig. 8 shown sectional plane X - X shown. In this case, the two recesses 30, which are open towards the upper side 26, are particularly visible with their two respective webs 40 on the underside 28 forming recesses 50. The upper side 26 is essentially formed by the recess base 50 or the corresponding web 40 of the recess 30 which is open toward the lower side 28. Laterally outside two substantially semi-circular cut surfaces of the grip ribs 60 are visible. The formed inside the handle 12 and in Fig. 10 With a dashed line delimited cavity 42 also has a nearly rectangular cross-section in this embodiment.

At the in FIGS. 7 to 9 shown embodiment of a toothbrush 10 is formed by an extending from the neck 20 to the head 16, from the top 26 to the bottom 28 continuous tongue recess 62 an elastically resilient tongue member 64. The tongue recess 62 initially runs almost in a straight line along the longitudinal axis of the neck 20, then opens in a loop shape in the head 16 and again runs at least approximately parallel along the longitudinal axis of the neck 20. In a loop area of the head 16, the tongue recess 62 extends almost parallel to the outer contour of the head 16. This area is like a the tongue member 64 surrounding frame body 66, occupied with bristles 18.

The characteristic of the present tongue element 64 is that bristles 18 are mounted laterally on the tongue element 64 as well as on the frame body 66 and possibly in the longitudinal direction behind the tongue element 64-ie in the free end region of the head 16. This means that in a lateral view in the transverse direction of the head 16, both on the frame body 66, as well as on the tongue member 64 bristles 18 are arranged visible.

The tongue member 64 stands, as in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11 shown on the top 26 on the frame body 66. The resulting distance, which is present between a bristle surface on the tongue element 64 and a bristle surface on the frame body 66, is between 0.3 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

In the sectional view of Fig. 11 the frame body 66 is represented by two semicircular cut surfaces. The cross-section of the tongue recess 62 tapers from the bottom 28 to the top 26 to serve as a directional guide in returning the tongue member 64 to its rest position, which is unloaded from the outside. The truncated tongue element 64 has a trapezoidal, almost rectangular cross-section. Fig. 8 and Fig. 11 clearly show that equivalent thicknesses, both the frame body 66 as well as the tongue element 64 are formed, which brings production technical advantages.

The shape of the tongue element 64 is designed so that radii of curvature greater than 3 mm are used to form the To reduce the risk of injury when using the toothbrush.

The width of the tongue recess 62 is on the upper side 26 of the toothbrush 10 in the neck region between 0.3 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and increases to the apex of the tongue recess 62 to 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably on 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm.

The flexibility of the tongue member 64 and the frame body 66 can be influenced in various ways. The material thicknesses, widths and geometric shapes of the respective bodies, as well as the material composition of hard and / or soft material are parameters that significantly influence the flexibility. Preferably, the frame body 66 is a combination of hard and soft material. The tongue member 64 is preferably made of hard material.

In Fig. 13 an alternative embodiment of a neck 20 and head 16 for a toothbrush 10 is shown. In this case, the tongue element 64 is fixedly connected to the frame body 66 at a tongue vertex 68 on the head 16, so that a bridge-like formation of the tongue element 64 occurs. The elastic deflectability of the tongue element 64 at its tongue vertex 68 with respect to the frame body 66 is reduced in this way. This material bridge can be made of soft material, hard material or a combination of hard and soft material. If only hard material is used, the material thickness can be massively reduced at this point and, for example, a film hinge can be formed, so that some flexibility is still allowed. Of course, it is also possible to form such tongue elements 64 with a free end region or with two fixed end regions in toothbrushes 10 with conventional handles.

The inventive handle 12 and the toothbrush body 14 of a toothbrush 10 according to the invention are produced together from plastic in an injection molding process. This procedure will be related later FIGS. 41 to 44 described in detail. In Fig. 12 is already shown a section through an injection molding tool 70 with a first tool half 72.1 and a second tool half 72.2. The sectional plane through the injection molding tool 70 corresponds approximately to the in Fig. 8 with X - X designated cutting plane through the toothbrush body 14 Fig. 12 shown section through the injection molding tool 70, the negative mold of in Fig. 10 shown cross-section of the handle 12 Fig. 8 represents.

The two open to the top 26 of the toothbrush 10 recesses 30 are formed by two tapered finger elements 74. This touching and thereby excludes a flow of plastic, engages another finger element 74 between the two, the second tool half 72.2 belonging finger elements 74 a. The contacting finger elements 74 in the finished handle 12 form the recesses 30 and the cavity 42. A non-hatched cavity 88, which is filled with plastic during manufacture, determines the shape of the wall 32, including the webs 40 and the grip ribs 60.

In the FIGS. 14 to 24 Further embodiments of tongue elements 64 are shown. At the in Fig. 14a shown embodiment of the head 16, two tongue recesses 62 extending from the head end portion of the neck 20 to the free end portion of the head 16. In this case, the tongue recesses 62 extend in the region of the head 16 at least almost parallel to each other. By tongue recesses 62, the tongue member 64 is formed like a bridge, wherein the two opposite end portions of the tongue member 64 are each firmly connected to the frame body 66.

As in Fig. 14c shown extending at right angles to the tongue recesses 62 and congruent on the top 26 and the bottom 28 of the head 16 each two Kopfrillen 76. The reduced between the Kopfrillen 76 material thickness forms two film-like hinges 78. The film-like hinges 78 divide the head 16 in three elastic mutually deflectable head segments 80. A deflection of the head segments 80 against each other is limited by the film-like hinges 78 associated limiting elements 82.

As in Fig. 14b and the sectional view in Fig. 14d shown, the tongue member 64 is offset relative to the frame body 66 in height. The bristles 18 fastened on the upper side 26 of the tongue element 64 protrude beyond the bristles 18 fastened to the frame body 66 and can thereby support the cleaning of interdental spaces.

Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of a toothbrush 10 with a neck 20 and a head 16 similar to that in FIG Fig. 9 shown embodiment. in the In contrast to this, the tongue element 64 is fastened here laterally in the region of the neck 20 on the frame body 66 by means of two tongue webs 84. These tongue webs 84 arranged almost centrally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tongue element 64 cause a rocking effect when the tongue element 64 is loaded, as a result of which the cleaning and massage of the oral cavity is additionally assisted. The distance of the tongue webs 84 from the separation point of the tongue element 64 in the neck region of the toothbrush 10 is between 35% and 65%, preferably 45% to 60% of the length of the tongue element 64.

Another embodiment of such a toothbrush 10 with rocker effect can be designed such that a plurality of tongue webs 84 are formed and the user by means of a severing of tongue webs 84 can adjust the flexibility or the rocker effect of his tongue element 64 itself. The tongue webs 84 can be made exclusively of hard material, exclusively of soft material or a combination of hard and soft material.

FIG. 16 to FIG. 21 show specific design possibilities of tongue elements 64. The loop area of the tongue recess 62 can be oval (in the head 16). Fig. 16 ), rhombus-shaped ( Fig. 17 ), balloon-like ( Fig. 18 ) and / or a pictogram with rounded, angular and / or rectilinear segments ( Fig. 19 to 21 ) be formed. Various designs of tongue elements 64, which may also be colored if necessary, improve the recognition of a particular toothbrush 10. Of course, in this embodiment too - analogously to Fig. 13 - of the Tongue vertex 68 are connected to the frame body 66.

In FIGS. 22 to 24 another embodiment of a multi-part head 16 is shown. The head 16 is from the neck 20 to the free end of the head 16 with a in the plan views of FIGS. 22 and 23 visible, slit-like, S-shaped curved tongue recess 62 provided. This tongue recess 62 forms two tine-like tongue elements 64, which are each provided with bristles 18 and are mutually independently deflectable. The tongue recess 62 has along its entire length a nearly constant width of 0.7 mm to 1 mm, preferably from 0.8 mm to 0.9 mm.

The two tine-like tongue elements 64 are zungenausnehmungsseitig at an angle less than 20 °, preferably less than 8 °, to a gap perpendicular, which is substantially perpendicular to the top 26 and the bottom 28, bevelled or rounded.

The two tongue elements 64 can have different material thicknesses, as in FIG Fig. 24 visible, and have different topographies on the top 26 and / or bottom 28. In order to avoid possible injuries in the mouth, form tangents in a longitudinal center plane which extends substantially parallel to and between the top 26 and the bottom 28 at Zungenausnehmungswänden 85 of the tongue recesses 62 an angle of not more than 45 °, preferably of a maximum of 36 °, with the longitudinal axis of the head 16.

Due to the S-shaped configuration of the tongue recess 62, portions of a tongue element 64 protrude beyond the longitudinal axis of the head 16 in the direction of the opposite tongue element 64. The longitudinal axis is surmounted by a maximum of 3 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm.

The two tongue elements 64 preferably have different flexibilities with respect to the neck 20 or the handle 12 and thereby convey different contact pressures via the bristles 18 to the tissues or teeth of the oral cavity when using the toothbrush 10. These different flexibilities can be achieved by the tongue elements 64 have different cross-sections in their neck region on the neck 20 and / or have a different arrangement and / or different proportions or structures of hard and / or soft materials.

Furthermore, embodiments of the in FIGS. 22 to 24 shown head 16 possible in which the two tongue elements 64 are V-shaped to each other. Their longitudinal axes can protrude from the neck 20 at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head 16 and / or the tongue elements 64 can be inclined in cross-section about the longitudinal axis of the head 16 and thereby preferably a V-shaped top 26 tapering towards the common tongue recess 62 of the head 16 shape. The respective angles between the upper sides 26 of the tongue elements 64 and the longitudinal center plane of the head 16, which extends substantially parallel between the upper side 26 and the lower side 28 of the head 16, preferably amount in each case less than 10 °. Such small angles are already sufficient to make the flexibility of the tongue elements 64 and thus the cleaning effect different.

In addition, the underside 28 of the toothbrush body 14 may be at least partially covered with a soft material at the head 16. The soft material preferably forms massage and / or cleaning elements 58, as they are for example in Fig. 23 are shown. Since the two tongue elements 64 are flexibly deflectable against each other and can thus better adapt to the surfaces in the mouth, an improved massage and cleaning effect is achieved.

The bristle-carrying upper side 26 of the head 16 is preferably formed by hard material of the toothbrush body 14. To the toothbrush body 14 more plastics may be sprayed as hard material and / or soft material for the formation of massage and / or cleaning elements 58. These support and supplement the conventional bristles 18 in their cleaning function.

Due to the curved shape of the tongue recess 62 and the additional, preferably asymmetrically shaped Anspritzungen it is possible to adjust the flexibility of the individual tongue elements 64 independently.

At the in Fig. 25 to Fig. 27 shown embodiment of a toothbrush 10, the handle 12 is provided with six arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis of the handle 12, substantially rectangular, lowered recesses 30. Their recess openings 54 are each enlarged in the direction of the end regions of the handle 12.

On the side of the handle 12 are also elongate, over almost the entire hand rest section 22 extending, lateral recesses 30 are formed. The recess bottoms 50 of these laterally arranged recesses 30 form, viewed from the upper side 26, two respectively pointed, circular-segment-like webs 40. These are shown as slightly curved and substantially parallel to the underside 28 in the side view of FIG Fig. 26 clearly visible.

In addition, further recesses 30 are formed on the handle 12, which are open to the bottom 28 and offset along the longitudinal axis of the handle 12 to the opposite them on the top 26 recesses 30 are arranged. The staggered recesses 30 form and in turn lead into the cavity 42.

The surrounded by the webs 40 and recess walls 52 cavity 42 is in the sectional views of FIGS. 28 and 29 shown. The figures show cross sections of the handle along the in FIGS. 26 and 27 Plotted sectional planes XXVIII - XXVIII and XXIX - XXIX. The section plane XXVIII - XXVIII extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the handle 12 and intersects a recess 30 open towards the top 26. The recess 30 is formed like a blind hole and bounded by recess walls 52 and the recess bottom 50, which forms the web 40. The elongated, laterally arranged on the handle body 13 and also open to the top 26 recesses 30 are not laterally bounded outside by Ausnehmungswände 52. With the two recesses 30 open towards the bottom 28, they form angled passages 86. The recess bottoms 50 of the laterally arranged, open to the top 26 Recesses 30 form webs 40 with a circular segment-shaped cross-sectional area. They can be made of soft material, hard material or a combination thereof. The longitudinal axis of the centrally formed in the handle body 13 cavity 42 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13. The cavity 42 has, as in FIGS. 28 and 29 shown a substantially rectangular cross section.

The cutting plane XXIX - XXIX runs as in FIGS. 26 and 27 shown on the top 26 through a web 40 and on the bottom 28 through a recess opening 54 therethrough.

In Fig. 30 is the two-part injection molding tool 70 for the preparation of the toothbrush 10 from FIGS. 25 to 29 shown in a sectional view. The selected cutting plane corresponds to the one in FIGS. 26 and 27 with XXIX - XXIX designated cutting plane. Accordingly, the in Fig. 30 shown sectional view of the injection mold 70 is a negative mold of the in Fig. 29 In this case also limit finger elements 74, 72.2 of the first tool half in the second half of the tool 72.2 and two cut finger elements 74 extending from the second tool half 72.2 in the first tool half 72.1, the cavity 88 (mold cavity). The finger elements 74 form in the finished handle 12, the recesses 30. By contacting the finger elements 74 of the first tool half 72.1 and the second tool half 72.2, the angled passages 86 and the cavity 42 are formed.

In FIGS. 31 and 32 a further embodiment of a handle 12 according to the invention is shown. In each case run on the top 26 and the bottom 28 circumferential grooves 90 and grooves. The grooves 90 of the top 26 and the bottom 28 are congruent with each other. In the grooves 90 are, as in particular in Fig. 32 visible, staggered recesses 30 arranged. The recesses 30 of the grooves open to the top 26 26 and the recesses 30 of the open towards the bottom 28 grooves 90 are, as in in Fig. 31 truncated area, offset from each other. The cutting plane for the in Fig. 31 the area shown in section is in Fig. 32 denoted by XXXI - XXXI. By offset from each other formed recesses 30 are offset from each other in the grooves 90 arranged webs 40 are formed, which in turn the in Fig. 31 surrounded by dashed lines cavity 42. As in Fig. 32 shown, the grooves 90 may be opened oval or formed like a line.

In FIGS. 33 to 39 a further embodiment of a toothbrush 10 is shown. In this embodiment, both circumferential grooves 90, as well as oval elongated grooves 90 on the top 26 and the bottom 28 are formed. This embodiment may be equipped with both a hollow handle 12 and a conventionally filled handle. In addition, on the handle 12, in particular in the area of the thumb rest 24, through-holes 92, which pass from the upper side 26 to the lower side 28, are formed. These through holes 92 may also be disposed in grooves 90. As in Fig. 33 shown is the Handle 12 provided in the hand rest section 22 with an open to the bottom 28 Sacklochausnehmung 94.

FIGS. 37 to 39 show cross sections of in FIGS. 33 to 36 shown toothbrush, wherein the respective cutting planes in Fig. 36 with XXXVII - XXXVII to XXXIX - XXXIX. Clearly visible are the centrally through the handle body 13 passing through holes 92. In the cross section of Fig. 39 is the bottom opening 28 towards blind opening 94 cut. In all three sectional views of FIGS. 37 to 39 are also on the top 26 and bottom 28 congruent opposing grooves 90 visible.

Fig. 40 shows a further embodiment of a toothbrush 10 according to the invention. The construction of this embodiment is essentially analogous to that in FIG Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 However, the respectively open to the top 26 and bottom 28 recesses 30 are not aligned identically. The recesses 30 provided with rectangular recesses 54 are each arranged about their longitudinal axes, which are aligned at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the handle body 13, rotated against each other. On the one hand, this increases the recognizability of a specific toothbrush 10 and, on the other hand, leads to a characteristic configuration of the cavity 42 formed by the recesses 30.

In the FIGS. 41 to 44 1 shows an injection molding tool 70 used for producing a handle 12 according to the invention or a toothbrush 10 according to the invention. As already mentioned, the injection molding tool 70, a first mold half 72.1, which in a plan view in Fig. 42 is shown, and a second tool half 72.2, which in a plan view in Fig. 41 is shown on. The two tool halves 72.1 and 72.2 are used to make the in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5 shown toothbrush 10 with the in Fig. 41 respectively. Fig. 42 shown front surfaces placed on each other to inject in an injection molding plastic components in the integrally formed after the folding of the two tool halves 72.1, 72.1 integral cavity 88. The injection of the plastic takes place via an in Fig. 43 drawn injection funnel 96, which is open to the cavity 88, and leads to the finished toothbrush 10 for the formation of the injection point 46. Hard materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), acrylobutadiene-styrene (ABS), etc., Are used as plastic for spraying the toothbrush body 14 including the handle body 13 preferably polypropylene (PP) is used. In the case of using polypropylene (PP), the plastic has a modulus of elasticity of 1000 N / mm ² to 2400 N / mm ² , preferably 1300 N / mm ² to 1800 N / mm ² .

As in the sectional view of Fig. 43 Visible, engage the finger elements 74, which belong respectively to the first and second tool half 72.1, 72.2, in such a way that a flow of plastic is excluded at their contact surfaces 100. Due to the exclusion of plastic between the contact surfaces 100, the recesses 30 are cured in the Plastic body connected to form the cavity 42 together.

As in the Fig. 44 shown cross section along in Fig. 43 With XLIV - XLIV designated cutting plane, run the individual finger elements 74 each conically at an angle between 5 ° to 15 °, preferably of 10 °, and are aligned along a Entformungsrichtung E for separating the tool halves 72.1, 72.2. The ring-segment-shaped cavity 88 in the sectional view forms the cavity 42 surrounding wall 32 on the finished handle body 13. A finger head 102 of the finger elements 74 forms the later recess bottom 50 which spaces the opposing adjacent recesses 30 in the form of a web 40. The corresponding cross section of the finished toothbrush body 14 is in Fig. 5 shown.

Alternatively to the in FIGS. 41 to 44 shown injection molding tool with fixed, along the Entformungsrichtung E aligned finger elements 74, it is also possible to form the finger elements 74 as pull-out slides or cores. As a result, the finger elements 74 can be aligned at almost random angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 88 and recesses 30 can be formed at any desired position in the grip body 13. As a result, the recesses 30 in the hardened plastic body can be shaped as desired in relation to one another in the circumferential direction as well as in the longitudinal direction of the grip body 13.

The material thickness of the wall 32 is determined by the extent of the cavity 88 and the size of the finger elements 74 certainly. It can be adapted for different user groups according to the respective load. In addition to the size of the finger elements 74 and their shape can vary greatly and be adapted to the given needs. Their extent, however, should be chosen so that the stability of the entire handle body 13 is not excessively reduced.

Through the recesses 30 and the cavity 42 formed by them, a volume and weight savings compared to a completely filled with plastic handle between 35% to 55% is achieved. Values between 1.35: 1 and 2.2: 1 result for the volume ratio between a completely filled and a hollow toothbrush body 14 according to the invention.

The finger elements 74 may be configured not only to vary along the handle 12 from the recess 30 to the recess 30, but also to vary the cross section of each finger element 74 along its longitudinal direction. In this case, cross-sectional shapes that are oval, circular, crescent-shaped, crescent-shaped, square, n-shaped or equipped with the outlines of animals or figures can be used.

Due to differently shaped finger elements 74 and their different arrangement also different designs of contact surfaces 100 between adjacent finger elements 74 and various recessed walls 52 are generated. Consequently, the cavities 42 with different cross-sections, for example, square, circular, crescent-shaped, sickle-shaped, oval, rectangular and n-shaped and are provided with the outlines of figures and animals are formed.

On account of the reduced material volume fraction in the case of a handle 12 according to the invention or a toothbrush 10 according to the invention, on the one hand the material costs can be reduced and the cycle time, that is, the service life on the injection molding machine in the production of such a body, can be reduced since the injected plastic body cools faster. These advantages lead to an optimization of the manufacturing costs of the handle 12 and the toothbrush 10 while maintaining a voluminous and ergonomically advantageous external shape. In addition, due to the reduced wall thicknesses, the risk of inclusions or sink marks can be reduced or even avoided. In addition, the effect of heat shrinkage of the plastic body is reduced and high quality surfaces with more uniform product quality can be provided, especially among products from different cavities 88 of the injection molding tool.

Due to the lateral arrangement of the embossing field 38, a further step is necessary before demoulding the plastic body from the injection molding tool 70 in the demoulding direction E. The embossing field 38 is formed by a side slide, which must be pulled before demoulding mentioned. In the injection mold in FIGS. 41 and 42 this page slider is not shown. In comparison with the arrangement of the embossing field 38 on the toothbrush in Fig. 2 However, it can be concluded that this is arranged in the region of the handle 12 to be formed.

After a solidification of the handle body 13 and the toothbrush body 14, if used, initially movable slide pulled out and then the tool halves 72.1, 72.2 separated from each other. In order to demold the plastic body optimally, not shown Vorstosser and ejector are arranged in the tool halves 72.1, 72.2, which push out the plastic parts during and after opening of the injection molding tool 70 in the Entformungsrichtung E.

The Vorstosser, as well as the ejector, press outside on the outside directed circumference on the webs 40 of the respective toothbrush side. The Vorstosser cause the toothbrush body when opening the injection mold 70, that is, when separating the tool halves 72.1, 72.2, in a predetermined mold half 72.1, 72.2 adhere. For this purpose, they are removed from the mold during the opening of the injection molding tool 70 by means of the feeders from the one half of the cavity 88. The ejectors finally cause the demoulding from the other tool half 72.1, 72.2.

In each tool half 72.1, 72.2 are for this purpose two to fifteen, preferably two to eight Vorstosser or ejector, which are directed on the one hand on the webs 40, but on the other hand also in the neck and head region of the toothbrush to be sprayed 10 are arranged and at the demolding pressure on the respective bodies exercise so that the demolding can be completed.

The pre-and ejector move along the Entformungsrichtung E of the injection molding tool 70. The Vorstosser and the ejector move parallel to Entformungsrichtung E but in opposite directions. The Vorstosser move in Entformungsrichtung E, the ejector this direction.

The ejected plastic bodies are then preferably removed from the cavity 88 by a robot and either transferred into a further cavity, preferably the same injection molding tool 70 for molding further hard materials and / or soft materials, or removed from the mold for further processing outside the injection molding tool 70

When molding further plastic components, it should be noted that the hollow or skeletal structure of the plastic body must be supported in a further cavity against the injection pressure during injection molding of further plastic materials. In particular, the finger elements 74 already used in the production of the grip body 13 or the toothbrush body 14 are suitable for this purpose. They are in turn retracted into the cavity 42 in order to protect them from the penetration of the further plastic materials and at the same time to support the contour.

As soft materials for forming soft elements on the handle 12, for example, the webs 40, the neck 20 or the head 16, for example, polyethylene (PE-LD, PE-HD), polyurethane (PUR) and preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are used. The Shore A hardness of the soft material used is preferably less than 90. Especially in the hand support portion 22 arranged soft elements in the form of ribs and / or Nubs made of a soft material increase the comfort of use of the toothbrush 10 substantially, since liquid is removed by the surface topography generated and slipping of the hand from the handle 12 is avoided. Advantageously, injection points for the soft material can also be selected in the recesses 30 or in the cavity 42. Preferably, however, this is selected on the outer surface in the rear third of the handle body 13.

For attaching conventional bristles 18 on the head 16 punching methods are preferably used. The bristles 18 are conventionally made of polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT) and can be placed together with soft-elastic massage or cleaning elements 58 in a bristle field whose length is between 15 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 24 mm and 30 mm become. The bristle field is preferably at least partially equipped with conventional bristles 18. The soft-elastic massage and cleaning elements 58 are preferably mounted on an elastically deflectable tongue element 64.

In the process of bristling, the head 16, and particularly the elastically deflectable tongue elements 64, must be housed in a headgear 104 as shown in FIG FIGS. 45 to 51 is shown mechanically fixed.

In FIGS. 45 and 46 For example, the headgear 104 is initially shown without a clamped head 16. The head holder 104 has a base plate 106, which is equipped on one side with two laterally movable fixing pins 108 and an angled clamping bracket 110. Between the fixing pins 108 and the clamping bracket 110, two clamping strips 112 are arranged, which in their shape and Material thickness are adapted to the tongue recesses 62. Also located between the clamping bars 112 is a clamping pad 114 projecting above the base plate 106 to support and position the tongue member 64 projecting above the frame body 66 in the toothbrush 10.

When inserted into the head holder 104 head 16 engages, as in FIGS. 47 and 48 shown, the clamping bracket 110 on the top 26 over the free end portion of the head 16, while the two fixing pins 108 by their minimum distance between them only the tapered neck 20, but not the widened head 16 can accommodate between them. The distance between the locating pins 108 and the clamping bracket 110 is adapted to the length of the head 16. In addition, the clamping bracket 110 is guided around the free end region of the head 16 in order to prevent a deflection of the head 16 about one of the fixing pins 108. In the clamped state of the head 16, the terminal strips 112 engage from the bottom 28 in the tongue recess 62 and the Klemmpodest 114 supports the tongue member 64. Due to the narrowing of the tongue recess 62, caused by the engagement of the terminal strips 112 in the tongue recess 62, the entire Head 16 including the tongue element 64 are clamped by means of the laterally movable fixing pins 108. This state of a clamped in the head holder 104 head 16 is in the sectional view of Fig. 49 shown. The selected cutting plane is XLIX - XLIX in Fig. 48 indicated and extends transversely through the head 16. In addition, not shown lateral clamping elements can be used, which also press on the frame body 66.

Alternatively or additionally, the tongue element 64 can be fixed to the clamping modem 114 during the bristling process by means of suction. A suitable head holder 104 is in FIGS. 50 and 51 shown. Approximately in the center of the clamp 114 opens in this device, an open intake manifold 116. As in 51 shown when clamping the head 16, the tongue member 64 on the Klemmpodest 114 and thereby closes the intake manifold 116. In order to prevent lifting of the tongue member 64, a negative pressure is generated in the intake manifold 116. The head 16 is fixed together in this arrangement by the clamp strap 110, the suction 116 and the movable fixing pins 108 for the bristles.

After injection molding of the handle body 13 and the toothbrush body 14 of a hard material, optionally a folding of the plastic body in a further cavity for molding one or more hard and / or soft materials and a subsequent bristles of the head 16 is an embossing or labeling of the handle 12 in the designated embossing field 38 (see also Fig. 2 ). For the embossing of the preferably laterally arranged on one side of the handle 12 embossing field 38 of the handle body 13 must be supported again in order to withstand the pressure of a stamping tool and thereby prevent deformation or even destruction of the handle 12.

The embossing field 38 is designed as a recessed into the wall 32 surface from which, for example, a relief relief stands out and this recessed area, but not beyond the outer contour of the handle 12 protrudes. The embossing field 38 and possibly the Font relief are already produced during injection molding by means of side slides. The depth of the embossing field 38 is variable and can thus be adapted to the rounded outer contours. The embossing field 38 is preferably rectangular and has a size of 35 mm X 9 mm, preferably 27 mm X 6.25 mm. In this case, the longer side of the embossing field 38 is preferably aligned along the longitudinal direction of the handle 12.

The present method of making a handle 12 for a toothbrush 10 can also be used to make personal care handgrips 12 with a handle 12 and a treatment head, such as wet razors, hairbrushes, etc. Of course, the discussed embodiments of the handle 12 may also be used for these personal care products to optimize material usage and cycle times. The application of the listed embodiments for heads 16, for example with tongue elements 64 or bridge-like tongue elements 64, preferably takes place in manual toothbrushes 10. However, use of such heads 16 in electric, rotating electric, vibratory or sonic toothbrushes is nevertheless possible.

Both a toothbrush 10 according to the invention and other personal care appliances can be described by means of those described below and in FIG FIGS. 52 to 56 packaged group packaging 118 are presented and presented. In the Fig. 52 shown group packaging 118 has eight individual packages 120, each with a toothbrush 10. The group package 118 can also be used for 4, 6, 10 or 12 individual packages 120. each Single package 120 is equipped with a blister carrier 122 and a blister cap 124.

The blister carrier 122 is preferably made of paper, cardboard, plastic material or a metal foil. In the case of a plastic material used, this is preferably the same material used for the blister cap 124. Accordingly, the blister carrier 122 and blister cap 124 may be made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polysterol (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The plastic material is preferably at least translucent or transparent. The blister carrier 124 may further consist of two plastic layers between which, for example, a cardboard is inserted or welded. When using a metal foil as a blister carrier 122 is preferably used as the material aluminum.

Each individual package 120, which preferably receives a personal care device, in this case a toothbrush 10, is provided with a mounting recess 126, which is intended for the passage of a fastener, and allows a suspended presentation of the individual packaging 120. The present group packaging 118 has the advantage that, in an overall presentation of many sales objects, each can be removed individually and in any order without destroying the remaining group packaging 118. In addition, the individual packages 120 separated from the group package 118 can also be suspended separately and presented individually. In a For example, toothbrushes 10 of various colors, models, degrees of hardness, various accessories, spare heads for electric or manual toothbrushes, interdental products, hairbrushes, etc., may be mixed or presented as a group of similar products.

At the in Fig. 52 shown group packaging 118, the blister carrier 122 of the individual packages 120 are rectangular in shape and separated from each other by a gap 128. The blister carrier 122 are attached only with one of their shorter sides on the group carrier 130 and free on the other three sides. As a result, the individual packages 120 are much easier and more comfortable to extract from the group package 118. Between the blister carrier 122 and the group carrier 130, a dividing line 132 is formed. In the illustrated embodiment of the group packaging 118, the dividing line 132 is perforated in order to be able to separate the individual packaging 120 from the group carrier 130 even more easily and without destroying the individual packaging 120 or the group packaging 118.

The group carrier 130 is also rectangular in shape and equipped with two further mounting recesses 126. By attaching the individual packages 120 along their shorter sides on a longer side of the group carrier 130 results in a comb-like arrangement. The blister carriers 122 are made of the same material or the same sheet as the group carrier 130, but connected only by a perforated position.

The mounting recesses 126 of the group carrier 130 are designed as a single or double hole. They correspond to standardized "Euro" holes. By means of the fastening recesses 126, hooks, cords, wires or other fastening means, preferably so-called "euro" hooks, can be guided for a suspended presentation.

The group carrier 130 has a fold line 134 that connects the two longer sides and runs parallel to the columns 128 in the middle. The fold line 134 divides the group carrier 130 into two approximately equal parts. By folding the group carrier 130 along the fold line 134, the back sides of these two parts of the group carrier 130 and rear sides of the blister carrier 122 connected to them come into contact. Due to the symmetrical design of the group packaging 118 with respect to the folding line 134, the two fastening recesses 126 of the group carrier 130 reach congruently one above the other. In cooperation with a fastening element, the group packaging 118 can thus be presented on both sides.

In the group package 118, in order to increase the stability in the folded position, the two parts of the group carrier 130 may be attached to each other. This attachment can be done by means of different attachment media. Thus, for example, staples, in particular metal staples, adhesives, rivets, welds and the like, can be used to fasten the two parts of the group support 130 back to back together or to fix them to one another.

In Fig. 53 another embodiment of a group package 118 is shown. In this case, six individual packs 120 are each fastened to a group carrier 130 via one of their shorter sides. The group carrier 130 here has two fold lines 134 running parallel to one another. The fold lines 134 also run parallel to the columns 128. They subdivide the group carrier 130 into three substantially equal parts, to which two individual packages 120 are assigned.

In a folding of the two outer parts of the group carrier 130 along the fold lines 134 by 120 ° in the direction of the blister carrier 122 is a in Fig. 54 shown presentation body 136 formed. The presentation body 136 is tubular in shape and has a triangular outline. Two adjacent parts of the folded group carrier 130 enclose an angle of 60 °. The blister covers 124 of the individual packaging 120 are directed outwards and allow a three-sided presentation of personal care equipment. By means of the three fastening recesses 126 in the group carrier 130, fastening means in the form of threads 138 are respectively pulled and brought together on a hook 140. In this way, the tubular or tower-like presentation body 136 can be presented hanging.

In Fig. 55 another embodiment of a group package 118 is shown. In each case, pairs of individual packages 120 are attached to the frame-like surrounding group carrier 130 along one of their shorter sides. The remaining pages of the Individual packages 120 are separated by columns 128 from each other or from the frame-like group carrier 130.

In each case between pairs of individual packaging 120, fold lines 134 which run parallel to the gaps 128 between the individual packages 118 are formed on the group carrier 130. Each part of the group carrier 130 has a fastening recess 126 above the dividing lines 132.

Above the group carrier 130, triangular roof segments 142 are additionally formed between the fold lines 134. Each of these roof segments 142 has a trapezoidal fixing strip 144 on one of its free sides. Another fixing strip 144 is attached to the outside of the group carrier 130.

If the group carrier 130 is then folded along the fold lines 134 in each case by 90 ° in the direction of the blister carrier 120, a tower-like presentation body 136 results. The presentation body 136 is in Fig. 56 shown and extends due to the equally spaced folding lines 134 above a square outline.

The roof segments 142 are likewise angled relative to one another about the further fold lines 134 formed between them and the group carrier 130 such that a closed, tapered roof 146 is formed. By means of the fixing strips 144, adjacent roof segments 142 or parts of the group carrier 130 coming into contact with the fold can be fastened to each other. This attachment increases the stability of the tower-like presentation body 136 and lets it stand upright on its own. The presentation body 136 may be similar as in Fig. 54 shown with threads 138 are provided and hung on a hook 140 and presented four-sided.

Alternatively, presentation body 136 are conceivable, whose pages each have only one or more than two individual packages 120 and / or their group support 130 is subdivided by further fold lines 134 in a larger number of parts, so that by folding the group support 130 presentation body 136 with a n-shaped plan, where n may preferably take the values 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

Claims (38)

1. Handle for a toothbrush (10), having an elongate handle body (13) with a cavity (42) enclosed by a wall (32), characterized in that the handle body (13) is formed in one piece and the wall (32) has at least two recesses (30) which pass through it, are offset in relation to one another and open out into the cavity (42).
2. Handle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the recesses (30) are offset in relation to one another in the circumferential direction of the handle body (13).
3. Handle according to Claim 2, characterized in that the recesses (30) are offset in relation to one another in the circumferential direction of the handle body (13) so as to form a rectilinear through-passage through the cavity (42).
4. Handle according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the recesses (30) are arranged on opposite sides of the handle body (13), preferably in a formation in which they are offset through at least more or less 180° in the circumferential direction.
5. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the recesses (30) are offset in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13).
6. Handle according to Claim 4 and Claim 5, characterized in that the recesses (30) formed on the same side are arranged preferably along a rectilinear line and are offset in each case in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13) in relation to the recesses (30) which are formed in the opposite side or are offset in the circumferential direction.
7. Handle according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that recesses (30) offset in relation to one another in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13) are spaced apart from one another by webs (40) of the wall (32), and the webs (40) preferably have an essentially identical material thickness and/or extent in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13).
8. Handle according to Claim 7, characterized in that the web (40) and the walls (32) have an at least approximately constant material thickness of 1 mm to 5.5 mm, preferably of 2 mm to 4 mm.
9. Handle according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the web (40), on a top side (26) on which the toothbrush (10) is fitted with bristles (18), has a minimum extent in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13) of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably of 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, and the webs (40), on an underside (28) located opposite the top side (26), have a minimum extent in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13) of 1 mm to 7 mm, preferably of 2 mm to 5.5 mm.
10. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cavity (42) is closed at least on one side in the longitudinal direction of the handle body (13).
11. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the recesses (30) and/or cross sections of the cavity (42) are oval, circular, halfmoon-shaped, sickle-shaped, square and/or n-sided and/or form outlines of figures and/or animals.
12. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the recesses (30) of an individual handle (12) have different shapes and/or dimensions.
13. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the recesses (30) have the same shape and are adapted in dimension, in accordance with their position on the handle body (13), to the circumference of the handle body (13).
14. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cavity (42) is elongate, and the longitudinal axis of the cavity (42) extends coaxially in relation to the longitudinal axis of the handle body (13).
15. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, on its rounded outer contour, the handle body (13) has an embossing panel (38) for applying text laterally, preferably on one side or two sides.
16. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the handle body (13) and/or the webs (40) is/are produced from hard material, soft material or a combination of hard and soft materials.
17. Toothbrush having a toothbrush body (14) which is provided with a handle (12) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, this handle having recesses (30) and a cavity (42), with a neck (20) adjoining the handle (12), and with a head (16) which is arranged on the neck (20), opposite the handle (12), and is covered with bristles (18) on its top side (26)
    characterized in that an elastically resilient tongue element (64) is formed in the head (16) and/or neck (20) by at least one tongue recess (62) which is continuous from the top side (26) to the opposite underside (28), which tongue element can be deflected relative to a remaining frame body (66).
18. Toothbrush according to Claim 17, characterized in that the bristles (18) are fitted on the tongue element (64) and/or on the frame body (66).
19. Toothbrush according to Claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the elasticity of the tongue element (64) and of the frame body (66) can be set independently of one another by means of different material thicknesses and combinations of hard and/or soft material.
20. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 17 to 19, characterized in that rubber-elastic massage and/or cleaning elements (58) are arranged on the tongue element (64).
21. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the width of the tongue element (64) in the region of the neck (20) is between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably between 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm, and in the region of the head (16) is between 5.5 mm and 8.5 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 7 mm.
22. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 17 to 21, characterized in that two tongue recesses (62) extend from the neck (20) to the head (16) and, in so doing, form a bridge-like tongue element (64).
23. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the tongue element (64) is connected to the frame body (66) via a flexible tongue web (84).
24. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the tongue recess (62) is formed so as to be of all-round configuration in the head (16) and interrupted at the neck (20), such that a free end is formed in the head (16) and a fixed end is formed at the neck (20).
25. Method of producing a handle for a toothbrush (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, in the case of which plastic is injected, in an injection-molding process, into a continuous cavity (88) of an injection mold (70), characterized in that the cavity (88) is bounded, in part, by finger elements (74) which, in the closed state of the injection mold (70), are in sealing contact, in certain sections, to prevent the throughflow of plastic and which form, in the finished handle (12), the recesses (30) and the cavity (42) in the handle body (13).
26. Method according to Claim 25, characterized in that the finger elements (74) taper conically, preferably at an angle between 5° and 15°, preferably of 10°.
27. Method according to Claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the injection mold (70) has mold halves (72.1, 72.2) which can be separated in a demolding direction (E), and the finger elements (74) are fixed in the mold halves (72.1, 72.2) such that they run in the demolding direction (E).
28. Method according to Claim 27, characterized in that a number of finger elements (74) are formed in a comb-like manner in the mold halves (72.1, 72.2) and are offset in relation to one another such that, when the mold halves (72.1, 72.2) are put together, the finger elements (74) of the first mold half (72.1) engage between the finger elements (74) of the second mold half (72.2) and are in contact therewith.
29. Method according to Claim 27 or 28, characterized in that in each case one mold half (72.1, 72.2) is provided with 2 to 10, preferably with 2 to 5, ejectors in order to lift the solidified plastic part out of the mold half (72.1, 72.2).
30. Method according to Claims 25 to 29, characterized in that the finger element (74) is designed as a movable slide or core.
31. Method according to one of Claims 25 to 30, characterized in that in each case a number of finger elements (74) and/or a finger element (74) have/has different cross-sectional shapes and dimensions along the longitudinal axis.
32. Method according to one of Claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the handle body (13) and in particular also the webs (40) are produced in the injection-molding process from hard material, soft material or a combination of hard and soft materials.
33. Method according to Claim 32, characterized in that a single injection point (46) is used for applying the hard material and/or the soft material by injection in a free end region of the handle (12) which is to be formed.
34. Method according to Claim 32 or 33, characterized in that, if use is made of a number of hard materials and/or soft materials, the finger elements (74) and/or slides are at least partially or fully moved in again, prior to a further material being injected, in order to keep the cavity (42) free and to support the handle body (13) in relation to the injection pressure.
35. Method according to one of Claims 25 to 34, characterized in that, during injection molding, an embossing panel (38) is formed on side surfaces of the toothbrush (10) by means of one or more lateral slides.
36. Method according to one of Claims 25 to 35, characterized in that text is applied to the handle (12) by means of a hot stamping process, wherein in order to support the handle body (13) during the stamping process, support elements are moved into the recesses (30) of the handle (12).
37. Method of producing a toothbrush according to one of Claims 17 to 24, having a toothbrush body (14) which has a handle (12) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, the handle being produced by a method according to one of Claims 25 to 36, and also has a neck (20) adjoining the handle (12), and also a head (15) which is arranged on the neck (20), opposite the handle (12), and is covered with bristles (18) on a top side (26), characterized in that the toothbrush body (14) is produced integrally with the handle (12), which has a cavity (42), in an injection-molding process, from a hard material or a soft material or a combination of hard and soft materials.
38. Method according to Claim 37, characterized in that, for the flitting of bristles (18) to the head (16) and in particular to the flexible tongue element (64), the head (16) and in particular the flexible tongue element (64) are clamped on a base plate (106) or negative form of the head (16) by means of fixed and/or deflectable clamping means (108, 110, 112, 114) and/or by means of suction attachment.

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