Oral hygiene instrument with multi-component handle.

Abstract

 

Description

1 / 25 Oral hygiene instrument with handle. MULTIPLE^0^ COMPONENTS FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Oral hygiene instruments, such as toothbrushes, are mass-produced items and therefore must allow for economical production. Toothbrushes made of a single plastic material and toothbrushes made of two plastic components, which are produced, for example, by a two-component injection molding process, are known. In the latter case, known toothbrushes generally comprise two parts: a first part made of a hard plastic material, for example, polypropylene; and a second part made of a resistant plastic material, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. Typically, the first part, which is made of hard plastic material, forms the structural portion of the handle and has a recess or channel formed in it. This recess is filled with the resilient plastic material, thus forming the second part which acts as an enveloping surface or covering.

[0002] Hard plastic and resilient soft plastic are selected so that they bond to each other at the surface where the two plastic parts touch. Compared to a toothbrush made of only one plastic material, this provides greater scope for design. However, since the two plastic materials bond to each other during the injection molding operation, there are restrictions on the selection of plastic materials and, consequently, on the design of the toothbrush.

[0003] A solution to the limitation of two plastic materials must relate to each other during the injection molding operation was introduced whereby a cable can be formed from two plastics that do not chemically bond to one another during the injection molding operation, but instead utilize a mechanical connection, such as by interlocking portions of the two plastic components or by shrinking one plastic component around the other.

[0004] There is a need for an instrument for oral hygiene and a method of manufacturing it that has a handle with greater design flexibility, is more economical to mass produce and / or offers comfort and control to the user during use. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure are directed to instruments for oral hygiene having a multi-component handle.

[0006] In one aspect, the invention may be an instrument for oral hygiene comprising an instrument for oral hygiene comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; a head at a distal end of the handle; at least one tooth cleaning element extending from the head; the handle comprising: a first component constructed of a first hard plastic, the first component comprising a first component opening; a second component constructed of a second hard plastic, the second component comprising the head and an anchor, the anchor located within the first component opening and comprising a second component opening; and a third component constructed of a first elastomeric material, the third component located within the second component opening.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention may be an instrument for oral hygiene comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; a head coupled to the handle; at least one tooth cleaning element extending from the head; the handle comprising: a first component constructed of a first rigid material, the first component comprising a first component opening; a second component constructed of a second material 3 / 25 The first component consists of a hard head, the second component comprising the head and an anchor, the anchor located within the first component opening and comprising a second component opening; and a third component disposed within the second component opening.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a method of forming an instrument for oral hygiene comprising: forming a first component of a first hard plastic, the first component having a first component opening; forming a second component of a second rigid plastic on the first component such that an anchor of the second component is located within the first component opening, the anchor comprising a second component opening; and forming a third component of a first elastomeric material on the second component opening.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention may be an instrument for oral hygiene comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; a head at the distal end of the handle; at least one tooth cleaning element extending from the head; the handle comprising: a first component constructed of a first hard plastic; and a second component constructed of a second hard plastic, the second component comprising a body portion and a plurality of strips extending from the body and forming a network of strips that encloses the first component.

[0010] In a further aspect, the invention may be an instrument for oral hygiene comprising: a handle, a head attached to the handle; at least one tooth cleaning element extending from the head; the handle comprising: a first component constructed of a first hard material; and a second component constructed of a second hard material, the second component comprising a plurality of strips that collectively form a network of strips enclosing the first component.

[0011] In a further aspect, the invention may be a method of forming an instrument for oral hygiene comprising: forming a first component from a first hard plastic; and forming a second component from a second rigid plastic in the first component, the second component comprising: a plurality of strips forming a strip network that encloses the first component; and a portion extending from the distal end of the first component, wherein the portion comprises a head of the instrument for oral hygiene.

[0012] Additional areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying figures, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of an instrument for oral hygiene according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1;

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1;

[0017] Figure 4 is a front view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1 with the handle in an exploded view;

[0018] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1 with the handle in an exploded state;

[0019] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a first component of the handle of the oral hygiene instrument of FIG. 1;

[0020] Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the first component of FIG. 6;

[0021] Figure 8 is a left side view of the first component; from FIG. 6, where the right side view is a mirror image;

[0022] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of a second component of the handle of the oral hygiene instrument of FIG. 1;

[0023] Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the second component of FIG. 9;

[0024] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene instrument of FIG. 1 taken along view XI-XI of FIG. 3, in which the tooth cleaning element assembly has been omitted;

[0025] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1 taken along views XII-XII of FIG. 3;

[0026] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1 taken along views XIII-XIII of FIG. 3;

[0027] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1 taken along view XIV-XIV of FIG. 3; and

[0028] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the oral hygiene instrument in FIG. 1 taken along view XV-XV of FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0030] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention should be read together with the accompanying figures, which should be considered an integral part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed in this document, any reference to direction or orientation is intended merely for convenience of description and should not, in any way, limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as lower, upper, horizontal, vertical, above, below, top, bottom, and II I 6 / 25 The terms "bottom," as well as their derivatives (e.g., horizontally descending, ascending, etc.), should be interpreted as referring to the orientation described or shown in the figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require the apparatus to be constructed or operated in a specific orientation unless explicitly indicated. Terms such as "attached," "fixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or connected to one another, directly or indirectly, through intervening structures, as well as movable or rigid links or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments.Thus, the invention should not be limited to those exemplary embodiments that illustrate some possible and non-limiting combination of features that may exist individually or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined only by the claims.

[0031] In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a manual toothbrush and method of manufacturing the same, having a handle of multiple inventive components. However, in other forms, the invention may be in the form of other instruments for oral hygiene including a soft tissue cleaning instrument, an interproximal pick, a dental floss tool, a plaque scraper, a motorized toothbrush or other handle instrument designed for oral hygiene. It should also be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Referring first to Figures 1-3 simultaneously, a toothbrush 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 100 generally comprises a 7 / 25 The handle 110 and head 120. The handle 110 provides the user with a mechanism through which they can readily hold and manipulate the toothbrush 100. The handle 110 includes ergonomic features that provide a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort. The head 120 is attached to a distal end 102 of the handle 110 and includes a set of tooth cleaning elements 130, which are generically illustrated.

[0033] In general, the toothbrush 100 extends from a proximal end 101 (which is also the proximal end of the handle 110) to a distal end 103 along a longitudinal axis AA (illustrated in FIG. 3). Conceptually, the geometric longitudinal axis AA is a reference line that is, in general, coextensive with the three-dimensional centerline of the handle 110 (and the head body 120). Due to the fact that the handle 110 is a non-linear structure (as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis AA for the toothbrush 100 is also non-linear in the illustrated embodiment. However, the invention is not thus limited, and in certain embodiments, the toothbrush may have a simple linear arrangement and therefore a substantially linear longitudinal axis AA. As best seen in FIG. 12-15, cable 110 has a generally elliptical cross-sectional shape along its longitudinal length.Other cross-sectional forms can be used in other modalities.

[0034] The head 120 is connected to the distal end 102 of the handle 110. As discussed in more detail below, the head 120 and the handle 110 of the toothbrush 100 are preferably formed as an integral single-component structure using an injection molding process, which in the embodiment exemplified is the second component 300. More specifically, in the embodiment exemplified, the head 120 is integrally formed as part of the second component 300 of the handle 110. The second component 300 also comprises the neck 104 of the toothbrush 100. As exemplified, the neck is a portion of the handle 110 of the toothbrush 100 that is reduced in relation to the head 120 and the grip portion of the handle 110.

[0035] In other embodiments, the cable 110 and the head 120 may be formed as separate components that are operatively connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, a fitting assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesive thread or fasteners. Whether the head 120 is integrally formed as part of the second component 300 of the cable 110 or is a multi-piece assembly (including connection techniques) is not limiting to the present invention in all embodiments. Furthermore, other manufacturing techniques may be used in place of and / or in addition to injection molding to create the cable 110 and / or the head 120 (or components thereof), such as milling and / or machining.

[0036] The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 121 and a rear surface 122. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 of the head 120 may assume a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limitations of the present invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces 121, 122 may be flat, contoured, or combinations thereof. The front surface 121 and the rear surface 122 are connected by a peripheral surface 123.

[0037] The set of tooth cleaning elements 130, which are generically illustrated as a block, are provided and extend outward from the front surface 121 of the head 120 for cleaning contact with an oral surface, preferably teeth. While the set of tooth cleaning elements 130 is particularly suitable for brushing teeth, the set of tooth cleaning elements 130 can also be used to clean oral soft tissues such as a tongue, cheeks, instead of or in addition to teeth or gums. Examples / α£Λ 9 / 25 c %, * Common tooth cleaning elements include, without limitation, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, coated core bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, coextruded filaments, flat bristles, crimped bristles, antibacterial bristles and combinations thereof and / or structures containing such materials or combinations thereof.

[0038] The tooth cleaning element assembly 130 of the present invention can be attached to the head 120 in any manner known in the art. In the exemplified embodiment (see FIGS. 9-11), anchor-free tufting (AFT) is used to mount the cleaning elements. In this embodiment, the head body 120 comprises a depression (or basin) 125 to receive a cleaning element assembly comprising a support plate to which the tooth cleaning elements 130 are attached before being coupled to the head body 120. The support plate is then positioned within the depression 125 and attached to the head body 120, such as by ultrasonic welding, thermal fusion, mechanical fitting, or adhesion. The bristles (or other elastomeric elements) of the tooth cleaning element assembly 130 extend through the support. The free ends of the 130 tooth cleaning element assembly on one side of the backing plate perform the cleaning function.The ends of the 130 tooth cleaning element assembly on the other side of the tooth cleaning support plate are melted together by heat, thus keeping the 130 tooth cleaning element assembly in place for cleaning the teeth.

[0039] In other embodiments, the set of tooth cleaning elements 130 can be mounted to blocks or sections of tufts, extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block. In yet another embodiment, tuft holes can be formed in the body of the head and clamps, or other anchors, can be provided to secure the tufts. the ω bristles in this.

[0040] While not in the embodiment exemplified, the posterior surface 122 of the head 120 may also include additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleaner, in other embodiments. Such soft tissue cleaners are typically constructed of a TPE and include one or more projections, such as protrusions and / or ribs, to engage and massage oral soft tissues, such as the tongue.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cable 110 can be conceptually delineated in longitudinal sections comprising a proximal section 115, a middle section 116, and a neck section 117. The proximal section 115 is the portion or segment of the cable 110 that generally fits comfortably in the user's palm. The middle section 116 forms the portion or segment of the cable 110 that generally fits comfortably between the user's thumb and finger. The neck portion 117 forms the portion or segment of the cable 110 that connects to the head 120.

[0042] The proximal section 115 extends longitudinally from the proximal end 101 of the toothbrush 100 to the intermediate section 116. In the middle of the section 116 it extends longitudinally from the proximal section 115 to the neck section 117. The neck section 117 extends from the intermediate section 116 to the head 120. While the head 120 is illustrated as being enlarged relative to the neck section 117 of the handle 110, the head 120 may in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the neck section 117 of the handle 110.

[0043] As discussed in more detail below, the first component 200 is located within (and forms a part of) both the proximal section 115 and the intermediate section 116. The second component 300 is located within (and forms part of) each of the proximal section 115, the middle section 116, and the neck section 117. Furthermore, in the modality 11 / 25 For example, the first and third components 200, 400 are not located within the neck section 117. The third component 400 is located in (and forms part of) the intermediate section 116. As exemplified, the third component is only located in (and forms part of) the intermediate section 116.

[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8 simultaneously, the handle 110 is illustrated in an exploded state so that its three components are visible. The three components of the handle 110 include a first component 200, a second component 300, and a third component 400. In certain embodiments, the first component 200 may be considered a central structure, the second component may be considered an elongated handle body, and the third component may be considered a handle body. While the three components 200, 300, 400 are exemplified as forming the multi-component handle 110 of the toothbrush 100 in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments of the multi-component handle 110 of the toothbrush 100, the third component 400 may be omitted if desired. In one such embodiment, the second component 300 may be modified to assume the volume of the omitted third component 400.In yet another embodiment, the first component 200 can be modified to assume the volume of the omitted third component 400. In other embodiments, the multi-component handle 110 of the toothbrush 100 may include an additional component (besides the first, second and third components 200, 300, 400), such as a thermoplastic elastomer overlay, which is commonly referred to in the art as a handle cover.

[0045] In one embodiment, each of the first, second, and third components 200, 300, 400 is a fully formed single-component structure. A suitable forming method for forming the first, second, and third components 200, 300, 400 is injection molding. Naturally, in certain other embodiments, other techniques of 12 / 25 ê κ _ — ---6 - M2—íp •ß ífc., forming methods such as machining and / or milling can be used. In one embodiment, the first component 300 is formed from a first rigid plastic, the second component 400 is formed from a second rigid plastic, and the third component 400 is formed from an elastomeric material.

[0046] The first suitable hard plastic for forming the first component 200 includes polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics, SAN, acrylic, ABS, BR, or any other of the hard plastics used in toothbrush manufacturing. The second suitable hard plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics, SAN, acrylic, ABS, BR, or any other of the hard plastics used in toothbrush manufacturing. As used herein, the term plastic may include a mixture of different plastics or a copolymer. The third component 400 is constructed of a first elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In certain embodiments, the first elastomeric material of the third component may have a durometer hardness on a Shore hardness scale of A11 to A15. Naturally, materials outside this hardness range could be used.As an example, a potential first elastomeric material for the third component 400 could be styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. However, other manufacturers may supply the SEBS material, and other materials may be used.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first hard plastic is different from the second hard plastic. In a further specific embodiment, the first hard plastic and the second hard plastic are different hard plastics that are chemically incompatible with each other, so that they do not form a chemical bond with each other during an injection molding process.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the rigid plastic that forms one of the first and second components is an opaque hard plastic, while the hard plastic that forms the other of the first and second components is a 13 / 25 / 13--¾ -S O a. / fa 5· p.^·'·.— ¾ d?· ^NΊ-# transparent (or light-transmissive) hard plastic. As used herein, the term transparent hard plastic includes hard plastics that are dyed with color but still allow light to transmit through them. Suitable transparent hard plastics include, without limitation, clear polyesters and clarified PP, such as polyethylene terephthalate or a copolyester, such as polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate, polyester (PCTA) or acrylonitrile styrene (SAN), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a cellulosic plastic such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). A suitable opaque hard plastic is opaque PP. However, opaque versions of the hard plastics listed above for the first and second hard plastics may also be used.

[0049] In a specific embodiment, the first hard plastic of the first component 200 is a transparent hard plastic, while the second rigid plastic of the second component 300 is an opaque rigid plastic. In such an embodiment, the first hard plastic of the first component 200 can be a transparent BR while the second hard plastic of the second component 300 can be an opaque PP.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first elastomeric material of the third component 400 and the second hard plastic of the second component 300 are selected to be chemically compatible with each other so that a chemical bond is formed between the first elastomeric material and the second hard plastic during an injection molding process. In one such specific embodiment, the first elastomeric material can be a TPE, while the second hard plastic can be PP.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 4-8 simultaneously, the first component 200 and its structural cooperation with the second and third components 300, 400 will be described in more detail. The first component 200 is an elongated structure which, when mounted inside the toothbrush handle 110, extends along the longitudinal axis AA. 14 / 25 Mjial · O / / / '% O ω (see FIG. 3). The first component 200 extends longitudinally from a proximal end 201 to a distal end 202. The first component 200 comprises an outer front surface 203, a rear outer surface 204, a left side outer surface 205, and a right side outer surface 206. As will be discussed in more detail below, when the toothbrush handle 110 is fully assembled (as shown in FIGS. 1-3), portions of each outer front surface 203, rear outer surface 204, left side outer surface 205, and right side outer surface 206 will remain exposed.Furthermore, in certain embodiments, where the first hard plastic is a transparent hard plastic, a first window 250 can be formed through the cable 110 through exposed portions 207, 208 of the first component 200 of the first and second opposing external surfaces 111, 112 of the cable 110 (which are the lateral surfaces) (see FIG. 13) . Furthermore, a second window 260 can be formed through cable 110 through exposed portions 209, 210 of the first component 200 of the third and fourth opposing external surfaces 113,114 of cable 110 (which are the front and rear surfaces) (see FIG. 13).

[0052] The first component 200 comprises a first component opening 211. As discussed in more detail below, the first component opening 211 is provided to receive an anchor 303 of the second component 300 when the cable 110 is assembled. As will become apparent from the discussion below, the mechanical cooperation between the anchor 303 of the second component 300 and a side wall 212 defining the first component opening 211 assists in ensuring a secure coupling between the first and second components 200, 300, especially when the first and second components 200, 300 are formed of chemically incompatible hard plastics, as described above.

[0053] In the example given, the first component opening 211 is a through hole that extends between the surface 15 / 25 The first component 200 may have its front outer surface 203 and rear outer surface 204. In other embodiments, the first component 211 opening may be a blind hole extending into the front outer surface 203 of the first component 200 or a blind hole extending into the rear outer surface 204 of the first component 200.

[0054] The first component opening 211 extends along a first axis BB. When cable 110 is assembled, the first axis BB will be transverse to the longitudinal axis AA. In a specific embodiment, the first axis BB may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis AA. In the exemplary embodiment, the side wall 212 comprises an annular structure that circumferentially encloses the first component opening 211 around the first axis BB. This annular structure terminates in an annular upper surface 216 that remains exposed when cable 110 is assembled.

[0055] The side wall 212 of the first component 200 comprises a first transverse protrusion 213 and a second transverse protrusion 214 located adjacent to the first component opening 211 and extending from the rear outer surface 204 of the first surface component 200. The first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 are circumferentially separated from each other around the first axis BB. In the embodiment shown, the first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 are located on opposite sides of the opening of the first component 211, but may be in other locations in other embodiments. When the cable 110 is assembled, the first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 respectively extend into the first and second transverse openings 313, 314 of the anchor 303 (shown in FIG. 11).Furthermore, when cable 110, the first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 are located on opposite sides of the second component opening 304 of the second component 300. As can be seen in Fig. 11, the first and second. Transverse protrusions 213, 214 extend through the first and second transverse openings 313, 314 to form portions of an inner surface that define the second component opening 304 (discussed in more detail below). As a result of the above mechanical cooperation, the first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 further assist in ensuring a secure coupling between the first and second components 200, 300. While in the exemplified embodiment, two transverse protrusions 213, 214 are exemplified, in other embodiments more or less than two transverse protrusions may be used. In still other embodiments, the transverse protrusions may be omitted entirely.

[0056] As can also be seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the side wall 212 of the first component nests within a groove 310 formed on an outer surface 309 of the anchor 303 of the second component 300, thus further assisting in ensuring a secure coupling between the first and second components 200, 300.

[0057] The first component 200 further comprises a longitudinal protrusion 215 extending from the distal end 202 of the first component 200. When the cable 110 is assembled, the longitudinal protrusion 215 extends into a longitudinal recess 316 formed in a transverse wall 315 of the second component 300 (see FIG. 11). When the cable 110 is assembled, the longitudinal protrusion 215 will be incorporated within a second component 300.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5 and 9-12, certain structural details of the second component 300 will be described together with its structural cooperation with the first and third components 200, 400. The second component 300 is an elongated cable structure that generally comprises a body portion 301 and a strip network 302 extending longitudinally from the body portion 301. The body portion 301 further comprises an anchor 303 which, as discussed above, extends 17 / 25 up to the first opening component 211 when cable 110 is assembled.

[0059] The body portion 301 is located within (and forms part of) the intermediate section 116 and neck section 117 of the handle 110, while the strip network 302 is located within (and forms part of) the proximal intermediate section 115 of the handle 110 (see FIG. 3). The body portion 301 also comprises the toothbrush head 120 in the embodiment exemplified as discussed above.

[0060] The anchor of the second component 300 comprises a second component opening 304. In the embodiment given, the second component opening 304 is a through hole extending between a front outer surface 305 and a rear outer surface 306 of the second component 300. In other embodiments, the second component opening 304 may be a blind hole extending into the front outer surface 305 of the second component 300 or a blind hole extending into the rear outer surface 306 of the second component 300.

[0061] The second component opening 304 extends along a second axis CC. When cable 110 is assembled, the second axis CC is transverse to the longitudinal axis AA. In a specific embodiment, the second axis CC may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis AA. In certain embodiments, when cable 100 is assembled, the first and second axes BB, CC may be substantially parallel to each other and / or substantially coextensive.

[0062] In the embodiment exemplified, the second component opening 304 has a cross-sectional area (cross-section measured for the second axis BB) that decreases with increasing depth of the opposite rear and front outer surfaces 305, 306 of the second component 300. As a result, a vertex edge 311 is formed which is incorporated by the third component 400 within the cable 100. This structure assists with retention of the third component 400 within the ^0 / 'β' second component aperture 304. In other embodiments, however,'^1' the cross-sectional area of ​​the second component aperture 304 (measured transversely to the second axis BB) may be substantially constant, may be scaled, or may increase and decrease repetitively.

[0063] In the embodiment exemplified, the anchor 304 comprises a side wall 307 that defines an annular structure that circumferentially encloses the second component opening 304 around the second axis CC. The side wall 307 comprises an inner surface 308 that defines the second component opening 304 and an outer surface 309. A groove 310 (or channel) is formed from the outer surface 309 of the anchor 304. As discussed above, the side wall 212 of the first component 200 is nested within the groove 310 when the cable 110 is assembled.

[0064] The side wall 307 (which defines an annular structure in the embodiment exemplified) comprises an upper surface 312 that remains exposed on the front outer surface 104 of the cable 110. Furthermore, when the cable 110 is assembled, the side wall 307 of the anchor 303 isolates the third component 400 from the first component 200 (best shown in FIG. 11-12), except for the terminal surfaces of the transverse protrusions 213, 214 of the first component 200.

[0065] As mentioned above, the side wall 307 of anchor 303 comprises the first and second transverse openings 313, 314 which extend from the inner surface 308 to the outer surface 309. These first and second transverse openings 313, 314 are provided to receive the first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 of the first component 200 when cable 110 is assembled (see FIG. 11). As can be seen, in this embodiment, the terminal surface of the first and second transverse protrusions 213, 214 form the portions of the inner surface that define the second component opening 304 of anchor 303. Whereas in the embodiment exemplified, two transverse openings 313, 19 / 25 314 are exemplified; in other embodiments, more or fewer than two transverse openings may be used. In still other embodiments, the transverse openings may be omitted entirely.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11, the second component 300 further comprises an inner transverse wall 315. A longitudinal recess 316 is formed from the transverse wall 315 of the second component 300. When the cable 110 is assembled, the longitudinal protrusion 215 of the first component 200 extends into and is located within the longitudinal recess 316, thus assisting in ensuring a secure coupling between the first and second components 200, 300. In the embodiment exemplified, the longitudinal protrusion 215 is incorporated within the cable 110.

[0067] Now referring to FIGS 4-5 and 9-15, the second component 300 further comprises the strip network 302. The strip network 302 is formed by a plurality of strips which, when the cable is assembled, wrap around the first component 200 to help ensure that the first and second components 200, 300 are firmly coupled.

[0068] In the example given of the strip network 302, the strip network 302 comprises a first longitudinal strip 321, a second longitudinal strip 322, and a third longitudinal strip 323. As can be best seen in FIGS. 13-14, when the cable 110 is assembled, the first, second, and third longitudinal strips 321, 322, 323 are arranged around the first component 200 in a circumferentially separated manner around the longitudinal axis AA. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third strips 321, 322, 323 may be substantially equi-separated from each other. In another embodiment, the spacing between the first, second, and third strips 321, 322, 323 may not be substantially equal.

[0069] The first strip 321 extends longitudinally from the body portion 301 of the second component 300 towards the proximal end 101 of the cable 110 until it joins with the second strip 322 at the end proximal 101. Similarly, the second strip 322 extends longitudinally from the body portion 301 of the second component 300 towards the proximal end 101 of the cable 110 until it joins the first strip 321 at the proximal end 101. As a result, the first and second strips 321, 322 collectively form a first strip 324 that wraps around the proximal end 201 of the first component 200 and also forms a portion of the proximal end 101 of the cable 110.

[0070] The third strip 323 also extends longitudinally from the body portion 301 of the second component 300 towards the proximal end 101 of the cable 110. However, at a distance from the proximal end 101 of the cable, the third strip divides / branches into a first branch 325 and a second branch 326. The first branch 325 of the third strip 323 converges with the first strip 321 at a first strip node 327. As a result, the third strip 323 and the first strip 321 collectively form a second strip 328 which forms a circle (together with the body portion 301) on a first lateral surface 111 of the cable 110. Similarly, the second branch 326 of the third strip 323 converges with the second strip 322 at a second strip node 329. As a result, the third strip 323 and the first strip 321 collectively form a third strip 330 that forms a circle (together with the body portion 301) on a second lateral surface 112 of the cable 110.Furthermore, as can be seen, the first, second and third strips 321, 322, 323 also collectively form a circle 331 on the rear outer surface 114 of cable 110. It should be noted that while one embodiment of a strip network 302 is exemplified, the strip network 302 can assume a wide range of possible structural manifestations.

[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 15 simultaneously, where the first component 200 is constructed of a first hard plastic that is substantially transparent and the second component 300 is constructed of a second plastic disc that is substantially opaque, the plurality 21 / 25 strips 321, 322, 323 define a first window 250 through the first component 200 of the first and second side surfaces 111, 112 of cable 110 and a second window 260 through the front and rear surfaces 113, 114 of cable 110.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 simultaneously, the first component 200 is provided with a plurality of grooves 250 that are formed on the outer surface of the first component 200. These grooves 250 are provided so that when the cable 110 is assembled, the plurality of strips 321, 322, 323 will be located therein, thus assisting in ensuring that secure coupling is achieved between the first and second components 200, 300, even when chemically incompatible materials are used.

[0073] While the example embodiment of the toothbrush 100 has a second component 300 comprising both the anchor 303 and the strap network 302, in certain embodiments the strap network 302 may be omitted. In other embodiments, the anchor 303 may still be omitted. In such embodiments, corresponding modifications may be made to the first component 200 to compensate for said omissions. For example, if the anchor 303 is omitted, the third component 400 may be located directly in the first component opening 211.

[0074] Turning now to FIGS. 1-2, 5 and 11-12 simultaneously, the third component 400 will be described in more detail. The third component 400 is a generally bulbous body that projects outward from the openings 211, 304 of the first and second components 200, 300. The third component 400 fills the second opening of component 304 of the second component 300 and thus takes the shape of the second opening of component 304. The third component 400 has a convex front surface 471 and a convex back surface 472, which resemble an oval or elliptical shape. The bulbous shape of the third component 400 allows the user to reliably roll and control cable 110 22 / 25 between the thumb and index finger during use. The third component 400 may also be non-bulbous or have any number of shapes, such as circular, a true oval shape, and the like.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the third component 400 has a multiplicity of finger grip protrusions 473 projecting from the front and rear surfaces 471, 472. The finger grip protrusions 473 provide a tactile feature to increase friction on the user's finger surfaces and thus enhance the user's ability to grip the handle 110, particularly under wet conditions. The finger grip protrusions 473 are preferably provided in a desired conical or frusto-conical shape for improved grip performance. In other embodiments, other rough and geometric surfaces could be used.

[0076] A method for manufacturing toothbrush 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first component created in the manufacture of toothbrush 100 is the first component 200. To create the first component 200, a first mold is provided having a first mold cavity and at least one port / nozzle for injecting the first hard plastic in a liquefied state into the first mold cavity. In one embodiment, a single port is used to inject the first liquefied hard plastic, which may be BR. The first mold cavity has a volume that is of size and shape to correspond to the first component 200 as described above and illustrated in this document. The first mold may be a two-part mold, as is known in the art. Once the first mold cavity is created / provided, first liquefied hard plastic is injected into the first mold in order to fill the first mold cavity.The first liquefied hard plastic is allowed to cool to a suitable temperature in order to form the first component 200, as described above and illustrated in this document, for further manipulation.

[0077] Once the first component 200 is created (and allowed) 23 / 25 £ JZL— •c F'6— 'c> o ω & °- Rob··------. $ cJ Χ·,·^ adequately cool for further handling), the first component 200 is supported by one or more clamping members that engage at least one or more contact points on the first component 200, or at least one set of arms.

[0078] Once the clamping member is correctly supporting the first component 200, the first component 200 is positioned within a second mold cavity of a second mold. This positioning can be effected by moving the first component 200 into the second mold cavity or by creating the second mold cavity around the first component 200 while supporting the first component 200 in a stationary manner, which can be accomplished by translating and mating several parts of the second mold into position so that the second mold cavity is formed in the first component 200. The second mold cavity has a volume that is sized and shaped to correspond to the second component 300. One or more ports are present in the second mold to inject the second hard plastic in a liquefied state into the second mold cavity. In one embodiment, a single port is used to inject liquefied PP.

[0079] Once the first component 200 is in the correct position within the second mold cavity (and the second mold cavity is properly sealed), the second liquefied rigid plastic (which may be PP) is injected into the second mold cavity so as to fill the remaining volume of the second mold cavity not occupied by the first component 200. The second liquefied rigid plastic forms the strip network 302 around the first component 200 and the anchor 303 within the first component opening 211 (as described above).

[0080] The second liquefied hard plastic is then allowed to cool to a suitable temperature, thus forming the second component 300 around the first component 200, as described above. The first component 200 and the second component 300 form % 24 / 25 O5r f / 'jw Rub'_J^— χ.,.Χ collectively a cable assembly. If the first and second plastics are selected so as to be chemically incompatible with each other, the second rigid plastic of the second component 300 will not chemically bond with the first hard plastic of the first component 400 during the injection molding process.

[0081] Once the cable assembly is sufficiently fresh for further handling, at least the intermediate section 116 is positioned within a third mold cavity of a third mold. When in the third mold cavity, the first elastomeric material in a liquefied state is injected to fill the same to fill the second component opening 304, which is enclosed by a suitable mold, through a gate. The first elastomeric material, in one embodiment, chemically bonds to the second hard plastic of the second component 300 during this injection molding process.

[0082] The inventive aspects discussed above can be implemented by a manual toothbrush or a motorized toothbrush. In operation, the features described above, individually and / or in any combination, can improve the control, grip, performance, aesthetics, and cost point of oral implements. Other toothbrush constructions are possible. For example, the head 120 can be interchangeable or replaceable in the handle 110. The head 120 can include various oral surface engagement elements, such as an interproximal pick, brushes, dental floss element, plaque scraper, tongue cleaners, and soft tissue massagers.While the various features of the 100 brush work together to achieve the advantages described above, it is recognized that the individual characteristics and sub-combinations of these features can be used to obtain some of the above advantages without the need to adopt all of these features in one oral hygiene instrument.

[0083] As used throughout the document, the intervals 25 / 25 These terms are used as a shorthand way to describe each and every value that falls within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the end of the range. Furthermore, all references cited in this document are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of a conflict between a definition in this disclosure and one cited by reference, the definition in this disclosure shall prevail.

[0084] Although the invention has been described in relation to specific examples that include presently preferred ways of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be interpreted broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Oral hygiene instrument (100) comprising: a handle (110) extending along a longitudinal axis (AA); a head (120) coupled to the handle (110); at least one tooth cleaning element (130) extending from the head (120); the handle (110) comprising: a first component (200) constructed of a first hard plastic; and a second component (300) constructed of a second hard plastic, the second component (300) comprising a plurality of strips (321, 322, 323) which collectively form a strip network (302) that encloses the first component (200); characterized in that the first component (200) has an exposed portion (209, 210) on a front surface of the cable (110), the exposed portion (209, 210) being elongated along the longitudinal axis.

2. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the strip network (302) comprises a plurality of strip nodes (327, 329).

3. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising: the head (120) is located at a distal end of the handle (110); and the second component (300) comprises a body portion (301) and a plurality of strips (321, 322, 323) extending from the body portion (301).

4. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 3, characterized in that the plurality of strips extends longitudinally from the body portion (301) towards the proximal end of the handle (110). Petition 870220051071, dated 10 / 06 / 2022, page 12 / 15 2 / 4 5. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first component (200) comprises a longitudinal protrusion (215) extending from a distal end of the first component (200), the second component (300) comprising a longitudinal recess (316) in a transverse wall (315) of the second component (300), and the longitudinal protrusion (215) located within the longitudinal recess (316).

6. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plurality of strips comprises a first longitudinal strip (321), a second longitudinal strip (322) and a third longitudinal strip.

7. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 5, characterized in that the third strip (323) branches into a first branch (325) that converges with the first strip (321) and a second branch (326) that converges with the second strip (322).

8. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and second strips (321, 322) collectively form a first strip (324) that wraps around the proximal end (201) of the first component (200).

9. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first and third strips (321, 323) collectively form a second strip (328) which forms a link on a first lateral surface (111) of the handle (110).

10. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the second and third strips (321, 323) collectively form a third strip (330) which forms a link on a second lateral surface (112) of the handle (110).

11. Instrument for oral hygiene (100), according to any Petition 870220051071, dated 10 / 06 / 2022, page 13 / 15 3 / 4 one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the network of strips (302) comprises at least one strip (324) that wraps around the proximal end (201) of the first component (200).

12. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first component (200) comprises a plurality of grooves (250) formed on an outer surface of the first component (200), the plurality of strips located within the plurality of grooves (250).

13. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first hard plastic is transparent and the second hard plastic is opaque.

14. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 13, characterized in that the plurality of strips defines a first window through the first component (100) from the first and second opposite outer surfaces (207, 208) of the handle (110); and in that the plurality of strips defines a second window (260) through the third and fourth opposite outer surfaces (209, 210) of the handle (110).

15. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to claim 14, characterized in that the first outer surface (207) of the handle (110) is a first lateral surface of the handle (110), the second outer surface (208) of the handle (110) is a second lateral surface of the handle (110); the third outer surface (209) of the handle (110) is a frontal surface of the handle (110) and the fourth outer surface (210) of the handle (110) is a posterior surface of the handle (110).

16. Instrument for oral hygiene (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first component (200) comprises a first component opening (211) and the second component (300) comprises an anchor (303) extending within the first component opening (211), the anchor (303) comprising a second component opening (304), and wherein the handle Petition 870220051071, dated 10 / 06 / 2022, page 14 / 15 4 / 4 (110) further comprises a third component (400) disposed within the second component opening (304).

17. Oral hygiene instrument (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first hard plastic and the second hard plastic are chemically incompatible with each other, so that a chemical bond is not formed between the first and second plastics during an injection overmolding process. Petition 870220051071, dated 10 / 06 / 2022, p. 15 / 15

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