Body care product
By using paper materials and injection molding technology in body care products, combining shape and material matching connection methods, the existing products have been solved in the sustainability and separation and disposal problems, and the combination of high manufacturing and environmental protection has been achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380036275.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-03-01
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-01
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing body care products have shortcomings in terms of manufacturing, comfort and environmental protection, especially the use of toothbrushes, flosses, razors and applicators is not sustainable enough and is difficult to achieve effective separation and disposal.
Paper material is used as the main component of the handle unit, and through the connection method of shape fit, force fit and material fit, combined with injection molding and overmolding technology, a body care product with high manufacturing and good comfort is designed. The product can be made from renewable raw materials and is easy to separate and recycle after use.
The use of sustainable materials in body care products has been improved, the separation and disposal process of products has been simplified, while the manufacturing and comfort of the products has been improved, and the needs of environmental protection and manufacturability are met.
Smart Images

Figure CN119095523A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a body care product. Background Art
[0002] A body care product, in particular a toothbrush, a dental flosser, a razor, a shaving brush or an applicator, has been proposed, which has: at least one application unit; a handle unit, which has at least one handle body, which at least largely consists of paper material; and at least one connecting unit, which connects the application unit to the handle unit.
[0003] Oral hygiene devices are known from DE 20 20 20 000 613 U1, WO 2014 / 169398 A1, WO 2021 / 081438 A1 and DE 10 20 20 100 106 A1. Summary of the invention
[0004] The object of the invention is in particular to provide a universal device with improved properties in terms of manufacturability, comfort and environmental friendliness. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and improvements of the invention can be obtained from the dependent claims.
[0005] The invention relates to a body care product, in particular a toothbrush, a dental flosser, a razor, a smear brush or an applicator, which has at least one application unit, a handle unit, which has at least one handle body, which at least largely consists of a paper material, and at least one connecting unit, which connects the application unit to the handle unit. The applicator can also be understood as a mascara applicator.
[0006] It is proposed that the connection unit is at least partially provided for connection with the handle body of the handle unit in a form-fitting manner. In addition or as an alternative to the form-fitting connection, a force-fitting connection and / or a material-fitting connection can also be provided. In particular, it is conceivable that the connection unit is attached or alternatively at least partially bonded, welded, encapsulated or connected in a material-fitting manner to the handle body of the handle unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connection is carried out by means of injection molding and / or overmolding or by means of clamps, clips or rivets.
[0007] "At least to a large extent" should be understood in particular as at least one main component of the material of the handle body of the handle unit and / or the application unit being a paper material. Preferably, at least 50% by weight (weight percentage), preferably at least 70% by weight and particularly preferably at least 90% by weight of the handle body of the handle unit are composed of paper material. Particularly preferably, the handle body of the handle unit is composed entirely of paper material. In addition, in this context, "paper material" should be understood in particular as a preferably flat material, which is mainly composed of fibers, preferably plant sources. The material is preferably formed by dewatering a fiber suspension on a screen. The resulting fiber web is then particularly compacted and dried. Preferably, the material is made of pulp, wood pulp and / or waste paper. It is conceivable that paper can be replaced by another sustainable material such as wood or bamboo. The substitute is also preferably provided in a flat form at least as a raw material or a semi-finished product.
[0008] Preferably, the paper material is especially composed of fibers, wherein there are especially different processing possibilities. The paper material can also be processed. The paper material can be coated, for example, especially painted, for example, coated with a paint for improving the connection when connecting and / or for improving water resistance, and / or soaked. The paper material can be especially in a flat form, in a block form or in a liquid form to a cardboard form and / or consistency, wherein, starting from the shape, various processing is possible. In a flat form, the paper material can be wound, layered, pressed, laminated, slotted, embossed, folded, punched and / or granulated, i.e., especially coarse granulation or fine granulation. For connection, the paper material can be bonded, wherein preparation steps, such as granulation, etc., may be required, welded, such as especially by ultrasonic welding, sealed (hot or cold) or laminated, etc. For connection, a special layer may be required on the paper material to establish or improve the connection. The connection can be made using paper material or other materials or materials mentioned in this document. In a block form, the paper material can be mechanically processed, such as grinding, drilling or punching. In liquid form, paper material can be injected or injection molded, for example, especially by means of paper injection molding or paper injection or fiber injection. Here, paper material is formed in a cavity, especially similar to an injection molding process. Then, the injection piece is hardened or dried. Preferably, in the case of paper injection molding or paper injection or fiber injection on the paper material body, no post-processing is required, but these are possible, for example, mechanical post-processing can be performed, for example, by milling, drilling or punching. In the case of paper injection molding, it is also possible to envision injection molding of other parts or materials, for example, plastics overmolded with paper. Alternatively, plastic parts can also be injection molded onto paper materials by injection molding plasticized plastics (such as thermoplastics) onto paper materials in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. In short, the product structure of the body care product can be of various types, for example, especially made entirely of paper material, or in a hybrid technology, for example, made of paper material and plastic, especially, for example, with a replaceable head and / or with a paper handle unit and a plastic application unit. Other material combinations with paper may be plastics and / or metals as mentioned and / or organic materials such as wood, bamboo and / or inorganic materials such as stone, glass, etc. It should be noted that for simplicity, paper is described herein as the preferred material for the handle unit, but replacing paper with a material preferably consisting of a substantially sustainable component such as wood or bamboo is fully within the meaning of the present invention. The material of the handle unit is preferably provided in a flat form at least as a raw material or a semi-finished product.
[0009] The invention describes in particular that the paper material is preferably a flat material. Thus, the paper material can be used as described synonymously with wood, plywood or bamboo materials, which are preferably flat or processed corresponding to paper. Thus, the described embodiments with the paper material can be implemented synonymously with the above-mentioned alternative materials.
[0010] The various aspects of the invention are described in connection with a body which is preferably designed from a flat raw material. In principle, these aspects can also be transferred to a body with a larger volume, such as a cylindrical body (rod) or other volumes in a 3D form. This is used, for example, in connection with the described paper injection molding process or paper casting process or fiber casting process.
[0011] By designing the body care product according to the invention, advantageous properties in terms of ergonomics and manufacturability of the body care product can be provided. In particular, an ecologically advantageous body care product or a body care product consisting largely of sustainable materials can be provided. In particular, an advantageously simple separation or disposal of the body care product can be achieved.
[0012] Body care products are formed in particular by razors, in particular manual razors, brushes, in particular smear brushes for cosmetic applications such as hair dyeing, or applicators for medical applications, such as applicators in the dental field, such as smear brushes for auxiliary devices such as fillings, crowns, or applicators for cosmetic applications, such as mascara applicators and / or oral hygiene devices. The razor can be formed, for example, by a disposable razor or a reusable razor with replaceable blades. "Oral hygiene device" should be understood in particular as a toothbrush and / or a tongue cleaner or a dental flosser. Advantageously, the oral hygiene device is configured as a toothbrush, in particular a manual toothbrush. Here, the oral hygiene device can be in particular a disposable toothbrush (for single use), a reusable toothbrush (for multiple use) or a replaceable head toothbrush when configured as a toothbrush. However, the oral hygiene device can also be formed by a brush product generally. "Body care products" should be understood in particular as an oral hygiene brush and / or a cosmetic brush and / or a hairbrush and / or a household brush. As oral hygiene brushes, for example, manual toothbrushes, for example, reusable toothbrushes, replaceable head toothbrushes, plug-in toothbrushes for electric toothbrushes, disposable toothbrushes or single-tuft brushes or tongue cleaners or dental flossers are conceivable. As body care products, in particular cosmetic brushes, for example, mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, facial brushes, applicators, in particular massagers, cosmetic pencils, shaving brushes and / or wet shavers or other body care products are also conceivable.
[0013] In general, medical applicators constructed in a similar form to body care products can also be realized using the present invention, such as applicators in the dental field, such as application brushes for auxiliary devices for fillings, crowns, etc., or applicators for cosmetic applications, such as mascara applicators.
[0014] In the case of a toothbrush, it is particularly conceivable that the application unit consists of a base body and a bristle plate on which bristles and / or alternative cleaning elements are mounted. In addition, the application unit can consist of a base body that is overmolded with bristles or is occupied by bristles, or the application unit can be directly or individually injected without a base body. Preferably, the body care product consists of an application unit with bristles, a connecting unit and a handle unit, wherein the handle unit has a neck part in particular. All injection-molded sub-elements can consist of at least one hard component and / or one or more soft components and / or one or more injection-molded bristle materials.
[0015] The body care product has in particular a longitudinal axis, which is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the body care product. Preferably, the longitudinal axis extends at least in sections in the body care product and in particular extends through its center of gravity. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the body care product is the center axis of the body care product and / or the center axis of the handle unit. Here, the "center axis" of an object should be understood in particular as an imaginary axis that extends in the object parallel to the main extension direction of the object and intersects the object at at most two points. Here, "at least substantially parallel" should be understood in particular as an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2° relative to the reference direction. Here, the "main extension direction" of an object should be understood in particular as a direction that is parallel to the longest side of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely surrounds the object. In this context, the "main extension" of an object should be understood in particular as the extension of the longest side of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely surrounds the object.
[0016] Advantageously, the application unit has at least one cleaning area, which is arranged for tooth cleaning application, especially in the oral cavity of the user. Preferably, the cleaning area includes at least one cleaning unit. The cleaning unit can include a brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, which preferably has a plurality of bristles and / or bristle bundles and / or injection-molded cleaning elements or injection-molded bristles and / or soft elastic cleaning elements. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning unit can also be configured as a single cluster (i.e., for example, a single large bristle bundle), a tooth gap cleaning element (such as dental floss, toothpick, floss stick, etc.), etc. In addition, the application unit advantageously has at least a matrix, which is preferably particularly directly and / or monolithically connected to the cleaning area. Alternatively or additionally, the application unit has at least one smearing area, which is, for example, arranged for storing and releasing color, especially hair color. Alternatively or additionally, the application unit has at least one razor area with at least one blade. Alternatively or additionally, the application unit has at least one smearing area, which is for example arranged to store and release medium, in particular auxiliary devices for fillings, crowns, etc., in particular dental adhesives, dental primers, etc. The smearing area is configured as a smearing head, wherein the shape of the smearing head is preferably designed as a sphere or ellipse. The surface of the smearing head is designed with elements for smearing or storage and / or release of the supporting medium. Here, grooves for realizing this can be designed in the surface, for example, or the smearing head can be provided with flocking for realizing this. The grooves can be formed around the smearing head or only partially formed on some sub-surfaces. The grooves can be implemented as separate isolation elements, for example in the form of separate strips, or the grooves can be formed as continuous forms on the entire body, for example in the form of a spiral.
[0017] The design of the corresponding application head can be carried out by injection molding. The application head can be injection molded onto the handle body, which is thus overmolded, and the connection between the application head and the handle body is designed in this way.
[0018] "One-piece" is to be understood in particular as being connected at least in a materially compatible manner, for example by connecting processes such as welding processes, sealing processes, adhesive bonding processes, injection molding processes and / or other processes which appear to be appropriate to the person skilled in the art, and / or as being advantageously formed in one piece, for example by being manufactured from a casting and / or by being manufactured using a single-component or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously manufactured from a single blank. "Provided" is to be understood in particular as being specially designed and / or equipped. An object being provided for a specific function is to be understood as meaning that the object performs and / or carries out the specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.
[0019] Preferably, the handle unit has at least one handle element, which is advantageously arranged for holding with one hand. It is conceivable that the handle element is customized and / or configured with a concave surface area and / or a convex surface area at least in a region. The handle element preferably has a cross section forming a U-shaped profile at least in a region. This advantageously allows for secure holding and optimizes ergonomics. Particularly preferably, the handle element is configured as an elongated, wherein, advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the handle element corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the body care product. The handle element is at least substantially, in particular completely, composed of at least one paper material. Alternatively or additionally, the handle element and / or the handle unit can be at least partially composed of a hard component and / or by one or more soft components and / or by an injection molded bristle material. Preferably, the handle body is at least largely, in particular completely, composed of at least one paper material. In particular, the handle element advantageously includes at least one thumb handle area and / or at least one handle area. Advantageously, the thumb handle area is arranged on the front side of the body care product and is particularly arranged on the front side of the handle element. It is conceivable that the thumb grip region and / or the grip region has at least one element and / or a surface structure made of at least one paper material, at least one soft component and / or at least one hard component.
[0020] The plastics used for production, which consist of hard and / or soft components processed by injection molding, can be classified in particular as follows:
[0021] Conventional materials: Materials, essentially new materials, which are mainly petroleum-based.
[0022] • Sustainable materials: preferably bio-based, degradable and / or recyclable as listed below and described later.
[0023] o Bio-based materials: in particular materials made from more than 60%, preferably more than 80% and particularly preferably 100% renewable raw materials. Another possible additional property of bio-based materials, in particular bio-based materials, is that they are biodegradable. Preferably, these materials are not based on foods such as, in particular, corn.
[0024] o Biodegradable materials: Materials that are biodegradable according to current standards. This includes, in particular, compostability (industrial or non-industrial). Materials made from renewable raw materials can have this property.
[0025] oRecycled materials: Materials that come from recycling processes such as post-consumer recycled materials, post-industrial recycled materials, ocean waste plastics or social plastics.
[0026] The materials used can be recyclable materials. For recyclable materials, there is advantageously a possibility of recycling after use.
[0027] In the scope of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that almost any hard component and soft component that are appropriately combined and / or selected by those skilled in the art according to the purpose. As hard components, for example, styrene polymers such as styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene (ABS), styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene-butadiene (SB) etc. can be considered. In addition, hard components can include polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) etc., especially also in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In addition, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), especially in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA) or ethylene glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexene terephthalate (PCT-A), ethylene glycol-modified polycyclohexene terephthalate (PCT-G) etc. can be considered. In addition, it is conceivable to use cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose butyrate (CB) and the like. In addition, the hard component can include, for example, polyamide (PA), such as PA 6.6, PA6.10, PA 6.12 and the like, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA) and the like. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and / or polyurethane (PU) can be used as hard component and / or soft component. In particular, the hard component has a strength of at least 1000 N / mm 2 and advantageously at least 1300 N / mm 2 and / or up to 2400N / mm 2 and advantageously at most 1800 N / mm 2 As hard component, polypropylene (PP) is preferably used. At least some of the materials named under the hard component can be sustainable materials. In particular, the material with cellulose content is at least partially bio-based.
[0028] Advantageously, the hard component is used for stabilizing and / or structurally load-bearing elements, in particular in a handle element and / or in a connecting element of an application unit, etc. Advantageously, it is conceivable that the hard component used and the soft component used have different colors, so that surface structures, inscriptions, patterns, etc. can be realized by means of a suitable design of the base body and the soft element.
[0029] As soft components, for example, thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S), such as styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymers (SEBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBS), etc. can be considered. In addition, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), etc. can be considered. In addition, the soft component can include, for example, at least one silicone resin. Advantageously, the soft component has a Shore A hardness of at most 90, advantageously at most 50 and particularly advantageously at most 30. Preferably, at least one soft component forms at least one material combination with at least one hard component, especially in at least one two-component and / or multi-component injection molding, advantageously by means of at least one overmolding and / or overmolding. The materials mentioned under the soft component can be sustainable materials. The hard component, the soft component or the injection molded bristle material do not form a material combination with the paper material.
[0030] The body care product, when configured as a toothbrush, has a front side and a rear side, which are arranged in particular away from each other. Preferably, the cleaning area of the application unit is arranged on the front side of the body care product. The front side is in particular the visible side of the body care product in the viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body care product and perpendicular to the width axis of the body care product. The side of the brush on which the thumb is placed is in particular referred to as the front side of the body care product. The front side is also usually the side to which the bristle area points. The rear side advantageously corresponds to the visible side of the body care product in the relative viewing direction. The side of the toothbrush opposite to the bristle area is referred to as the rear side of the body care product. When the front side of the body care product is viewed vertically and the cleaning area is located at the top, the side located on the left side is in particular referred to as the left side of the body care product. When the front side of the body care product is viewed vertically, the side located on the right side is in particular referred to as the right side of the body care product. The end of the body care product on which the cleaning area is arranged is in particular referred to as the upper side. The end of the body care product closest to the handle area opposite to the upper side is in particular referred to as the lower side.
[0031] In this context, a "connection unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit that is arranged to provide a firm and / or releasable connection between two units, in particular components. Preferably, the connection unit connects the application unit to the handle unit. Preferably, the application unit and the handle unit are connected to each other for at least one use. Preferably, the connection unit can not only be formed by a separate unit, but can also be firmly connected to the handle unit and / or the application unit at least in part. At least one first element is "connected" to at least one other element, and it is to be understood in particular that the first element is advantageously connected to the other element by at least one force fit and / or at least one form fit, for example by riveting and / or snap connection and / or groove-tenon connection and / or rivet connection and / or clamping connection and / or another connection that is considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art, and / or is connected to the other element in a material fit manner, for example by a welding process and / or a sealing process and / or an adhesive process, an overmolding or injection molding process and / or a deformation process and / or other processes that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art. In this context, a "form-fit connection" is to be understood in particular as a connection in which adjacent surfaces of components that are form-fitted to each other exert a retaining force that acts in the normal direction of the surface. In particular, these components are in geometric engagement with each other. Preferably, a form fit is provided, in particular between the application unit and the handle unit, for example by means of geometric shapes that are adapted to each other. Therefore, a recess, a comb-like portion and / or a form-fit element can be provided, in particular, on the application unit, the handle unit and / or the connection unit. In particular, the form-fit connection can also be used only for the orientation of the connection possibilities, in order to achieve a simple connection during installation or in order to absorb harmful lateral forces, for example, during an adhesive connection. The orientation of the connection possibilities can be carried out in particular around the handle unit, for example in the case of a brush, on the front side, the rear side or the short side. When there are long sides and short sides in the case of a body care product, the orientation of the connection possibilities is carried out in particular on the long side.
[0032] The connecting unit has in particular the function of connecting the application unit or the interface of the application unit to the handle unit. The connecting unit has in particular a plurality of functions. In particular, the connecting unit is arranged to connect the handle unit and to hold the application unit. The connecting unit in particular constitutes an interface with the handle unit. Furthermore, the connecting unit may in particular comprise a replaceable system with which the application unit can be replaced. The connecting unit may also support the application unit movably. Furthermore, the connecting unit may have a holding geometry for gripping the body care product, for example during application. The connecting unit may have means for facilitating separation from the handle unit or the application unit (for example for professional handling). Therefore, in particular a combination of the various functions mentioned above may be envisaged, for example inside the introduction geometry or the support geometry and outside the retaining element.
[0033] In addition, it is proposed that the connection unit has at least one form-fitting element, which is arranged to engage in the groove of the application unit and / or the handle unit. Preferably, the form-fitting element is particularly arranged to provide a geometric engagement, wherein the form-fitting element is geometrically engaged in the groove so that in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the groove, the form-fitting element is completely surrounded by the member defining the groove. Preferably, the form-fitting element is directly defined by the limiting surface of the limiting groove of the application unit and / or the handle unit. Preferably, the form-fitting element can be formed, for example, by a locking pin, a rivet, a spring, etc. Preferably, the form-fitting element is arranged to engage in the groove of the application unit and / or the handle unit and in the groove, for example, by an undercut and / or by a bottom engagement, a form fit is generated, which exceeds the form fit transverse to the push-in direction into the groove. Thus, an advantageous connection unit can be provided in particular. An advantageous connection that can be easily established and stable can be provided in particular. Such a connection can preferably be established, which makes them unusable or non-reconnectable when separated from the handle unit or the application unit.
[0034] In addition, it is proposed that the handle body defines at least one through groove, which is arranged to receive at least one form-fitting element of the connecting unit. Thus, a form-fitting groove for a form-fitting element can be provided particularly advantageously. In addition, the form-fitting groove can be advantageously simply introduced into the base body. Preferably, the through groove is configured as a form-fitting element corresponding to the connecting unit. Preferably, the connecting unit is arranged for a form-fitting connection with the handle unit. The through groove is formed, for example, by a cylindrical, for example, cylindrical groove. At least one through groove extends completely through the handle body. Preferably, at least one through groove extends through the handle body perpendicular to the main extension plane of the handle body. The "main extension plane" of an object should be understood in particular as a plane that is parallel to the maximum side surface of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely surrounds the object and extends through the center of the cuboid. At least one through groove forms in particular a matching contour for the form-fitting element of the connecting unit. Alternatively or additionally, lateral cuts can also be formed on the handle body for the same purpose.
[0035] It is also proposed that the shape-fitting element is formed by a locking element. In this context, a "locking element" should be understood in particular as a spring elastic element for establishing a locking connection, which is arranged to be elastically deflected during installation. Preferably, the locking element is arranged to be elastically deflected during the fastening process, so that it is subsequently clamped in the corresponding locking element rear, especially in the locking groove, and particularly preferably behind the edge of the through groove by an internal clamping force. The locking element is particularly constituted by an element with an undercut, which is arranged to be clamped behind the corresponding element. Preferably, the locking element is arranged to extend through the through groove and be clamped behind the through groove on the handle body. The locking element is, for example, formed by a tongue. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the locking element is arranged on the handle body, and the corresponding element and / or groove are arranged on the connecting unit. Both elements can be particularly attached to the two units to be connected. The locking element is particularly clamped on the corresponding element or is clamped in the groove. The positioning of the locking element during installation is particularly carried out by a combination of sleeve setting and introduction. In particular, positioning and fixing are accomplished in one action. During production, in particular, the connecting unit, preferably together with the application unit, and the handle unit are each produced separately and then combined by snapping during assembly.
[0036] It is conceivable that at least one locking element is arranged and / or designed in various ways that are considered reasonable by those skilled in the art. In the case of multiple locking elements, a straight line arrangement can be performed, or in the case of three locking elements in particular, a triangle arrangement can be performed. The arrangement in the triangle is particularly more stable and swings less in the installed state than the arrangement in the straight line. In addition, it is possible to advantageously absorb torsional forces and shear forces. However, in particular, any arbitrary arrangement of the locking element can be conceivable. In the case of multiple locking elements, these locking elements can be particularly spring-loaded or arranged on a common spring arm individually. The locking elements can be particularly distributed and arranged on a common independent spring arm. However, it is also conceivable that multiple locking elements are provided, and these locking elements are each arranged on an independent spring arm. The locking element can not only be snapped into the groove of the main surface of the handle body, but also snapped into the groove in the side surface of the handle body. The locking element can be particularly stretched over the entire thickness or width of the handle body. In addition, it is conceivable that the locking element is arranged on the end of the longer tongue of the connecting unit, in particular in order to generate a lever force for a stable arrangement. Alternatively, the locking element can also be arranged on a rigid base of the connecting unit.Alternatively or additionally, in particular large locking elements can be provided.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the locking element is in particular mushroom-shaped with a handle section and a head section. Preferably, the mushroom-shaped locking element can be split and thus comprises two or more elastic sub-elements. The locking element or sub-element in particular comprises an undercut that holds the connecting unit on the handle unit. The handle body of the handle unit is in particular held between the surface of the connecting unit and the undercut on the locking element. Thereby, an advantageous mechanical connection can be provided in particular. Preferably, one to six locking elements are provided on the connecting unit, preferably one to three locking elements and particularly preferably exactly one locking element.
[0038] It is also proposed that the form-fitting element is formed by a rivet, in particular a plastic rivet. Preferably, the form-fitting element is arranged to extend through the through groove and deform, for example, compact, in particular melt (for example, by means of heat, ultrasound, etc.) behind the through groove. Thereby, a mushroom-shaped rivet structure can be produced. At least one through groove is in particular configured to correspond to at least one form-fitting element. The through groove in particular constitutes a matching contour with the form-fitting element. The form-fitting element is in particular formed by a cylindrical protruding shaft, wherein the form-fitting element in particular protrudes from the form-fitting contour of the connecting unit or is arranged in the form-fitting contour. In addition, at least one form-fitting element is also used in particular to position the connecting unit relative to the handle unit and / or to position at least one form-fitting element relative to the through groove. By designing the form-fitting element as a rivet, an advantageous mechanical connection can be provided in particular, which can only be loosened by breaking and therefore cannot be reconnected for the intended use.
[0039] During manufacture, in particular, the handle unit and the connection unit are preferably provided separately. Then, the handle unit and the connection unit are merged, wherein, in particular, the form-fitting element extends through the through groove. Subsequently, at least one through-type shaft of the form-fitting element is deformed. Here, various deformation possibilities that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art can be envisioned, such as by pressure, wherein the form-fitting element is squeezed or compacted, or, for example, by pressure and heat or ultrasound, wherein the form-fitting element is deformed or compacted using a heated stamp. Here, the pressure is especially selected so that controlled compaction is performed. When applying pressure, the expansion of the compacted form-fitting element is especially controlled. Preferably, the stamp is not flat for this purpose, but concavely arched. The circular shape of the contact surface controls the material flow of the form-fitting element in particular. Preferably, the pressure is only explicitly applied in the region of at least one form-fitting element. Optionally, it is conceivable that the stamp is larger than the form-fitting element, the stamp is only partially contacted by at least one form-fitting element, and / or at the end position, the stamp contacts the entire surface instead of only contacting the form-fitting element. In order to establish a rivet connection, a head is particularly required. In order that pressure can be built up, the part to be pressed must in particular be supported. Preferably, the push head is arranged to bear against a supporting surface, in particular a connecting unit, and to provide a counterpressure. The geometry of the supporting surface on the main body can be integrated in particular into the overall product so that it is inconspicuous. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that instead of a large supporting surface, a plurality of smaller supporting surfaces that are inconspicuous are provided. The supporting surfaces can preferably be positioned differently. The structure and / or position of the supporting surface can influence its size. The supporting surface is located in a corresponding area associated with the product structure and the required pressure that must be withstood. In particular, when designing the connecting unit, it must be taken into account that a push head or a stop must be present when pressure is applied so that the form-fitting element does not deviate. The size (cumulative) of the supporting surface is at least as large as the cross-section of the part to be deformed, preferably larger.
[0040] In addition to heating the form-fit element by means of a heating stamp, it is also possible to heat the entire product or at least corresponding parts of the product, preferably contactlessly, for example by selectively introducing heat by means of a heating radiator, such as an infrared radiator.
[0041] As an alternative or additional solution to at least one form-fitting element of the connection unit, it is also conceivable that the connection unit is connected to the application unit and / or the handle unit by means of an adhesive connection and / or a sealing connection. Preferably, the connection unit can be connected to the handle unit, especially the handle body, by means of an adhesive connection. The adhesive connection is preferably combined with a form-fitting connection. Preferably, a recessed portion and / or a comb-shaped portion and / or a groove constituting a form-fitting contour are particularly provided between the connection unit and the application unit and / or the handle unit. A form-fitting contour is particularly provided on the handle body. In addition to the orientation of the unit, the form fit should also particularly absorb a part of the force when it is intended to be used, so that all the holding forces do not have to be supported by the adhesive. In particular, harmful shear forces can be absorbed. Therefore, the form-fitting contour particularly brings a better and more stable connection. In addition, the form-fitting contour prevents impurities from accumulating. Preferably, a form-fitting contour corresponding to the form-fitting contour of the handle unit is arranged on the connection unit. The positioning of the connection unit relative to the handle unit is particularly performed by the form-fitting contour. However, alternatively, it is also conceivable that the positioning of the unit is performed by a tool for connection establishment.
[0042] It is conceivable that various adhesives for adhesive connection that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art. The adhesive must be particularly suitable for the connection of paper materials and plastics. The adhesive can be formed in particular by a molten adhesive. In the case of adhesives, in particular, the open time and the curing time are important as parameters. The open time refers to the time period allowed from the beginning of the application of the adhesive to the merging of the joining parts and to the beginning of the curing time in the case of the adhesive process and the adhesive technology. In the case of a molten adhesive, the open time refers to the time when the liquid molten adhesive is distributed or distributed on the surface to be connected. Since the viscosity of the molten adhesive increases after application, the open time in the case of the molten adhesive is subject to time constraints. The curing time is a term in adhesive technology and is the time period required for the adhesive to reach the strength required for the expected load, or the time required for the adhesive to be converted from a liquid state to a solid state. If extrusion pressure is accumulated during the bonding process, the extrusion pressure can be eliminated after the curing time ends. In the case of some adhesives, the post-bonding time is still required before continuing the processing until the final strength is reached. After the curing time, the adhesive has reached its internal strength, i.e., cohesion. During processing, a particularly long open time is good, during which the adhesive can be applied and various parts can be gathered. For larger values, processing may be particularly slow. The open time cannot usually be accelerated from the outside, but is given by the adhesive. Therefore, an open time that is too long or too much time reserve will slow down the entire process. The open time is preferably longer than the curing time. The open time is especially 2 seconds to 40 seconds, preferably 5 seconds to 30 seconds. From the perspective of the curing time, it is especially considered that the shorter the better. Here, the curing time defines the time from the open time to the time when the adhesive has firmly connected the parts. During the curing time, for example, pressure is applied in particular so that the parts are merged in the final arrangement, or the positioning / position of the parts relative to each other is ensured without applying pressure. After the curing time, the parts are firmly connected. The curing time is especially 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, preferably 1 second to 5 seconds. The curing time is preferably shorter than the open time. During manufacturing, the time must be observed, especially when applying the adhesive.
[0043] In the case of adhesive connections, in particular, no full-surface application is provided, and the adhesive substance is distributed, for example, by pressing during the opening time. Various forms of application are conceivable that appear reasonable to a person skilled in the art, for example as adhesive points, as a plurality of adhesive points or as a weld bead. Spot or weld bead-like application and subsequent pressing generally do not lead to a complete full-surface distribution and are therefore sensible, in particular in combination with structures for absorbing forces.
[0044] The adhesive used for the adhesive connection should preferably be suitable for oral hygiene and therefore for foods. Furthermore, industrial applications should preferably be possible, so that applications in automatic systems are possible. Furthermore, the materials of the adhesive and the handle unit and / or the connecting unit should be compatible. With the aid of the adhesive connection, gap-free installation can be achieved in particular. Furthermore, the gap can be reliably filled in particular with the adhesive, since the adhesive is distributed under pressure. In particular, the presence of liquids in the gap can also be avoided. For better adhesion, surface structures on the handle unit and / or the connecting unit can also be envisaged in order to better retain the adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, a combination with a form-fitting connection can be envisaged so that certain forces can be mechanically absorbed.
[0045] As an alternative or additional solution to the form-fitting element and / or the adhesive connection, a plug connection can also be envisioned. Here, the application unit can be connected to the handle body, especially by being inserted and / or plugged into the handle body. Here, the body care product can especially have a connection unit configured as a plug connection unit, which is provided for the application unit to be releasably plugged with the handle unit. Here, it is also conceivable that the application unit is configured as a replaceable head, wherein the plug connection unit is directly arranged between the application unit and the handle unit. The plug connection unit is especially configured as a single piece with the application unit and / or as a single piece with the handle unit. Preferably, the plug connection unit has at least one first plug connection element and at least one second plug connection element corresponding to the first plug connection element, which is firmly connected to the handle unit, and the second plug connection element is firmly connected to the application unit. The application unit can be separated from the handle body by the plug connection unit. The plug connection unit is especially provided for providing a releasable or non-releasable locking connection. The first plug-in connection element in particular forms a locking continuation, while the second plug-in connection element forms a locking recess corresponding to the first plug-in connection element. However, alternative designs of the plug-in connection unit and / or other designs considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art are also conceivable.
[0046] As an alternative or in addition to the form-fitting element, a welded or sealed connection is also conceivable. For this purpose, ultrasonic welding processes, friction welding processes or sealing are conceivable, for example. For the welded connection, supporting means can be used in particular, such as lacquers and / or coatings on the paper material of the handle body, which enable the connection to be produced by welding. For the welding process, in particular, accessibility of the welding location is necessary, for example for an ultrasonic probe or a sealing die.
[0047] As an alternative or in addition to the form-fitting element, the connection can be realized by means of overmolding using plastic. Here, the handle body can be completely or partially overmolded. By overmolding, for example, a base body of a connection unit and / or an application unit and / or the entire application unit can be realized. In the case of a toothbrush, for example, a receiving part for a bristle plate, a brush head with bristle holes or a brush head with injection-molded bristles can be realized by means of overmolding.
[0048] For processing, the handle body is introduced into an injection mold, where it is subsequently overmolded.
[0049] When the handle body is introduced into the injection mold, the body is held in the mold and sealed in the boundary area between the overmolded part and the non-overmolded part. Sealing can be performed, for example, by pressing, for example, by pressing the mold onto the handle body and slightly pressing the handle body in this way. The pressure that thus accumulates on the handle body and acts between the handle body and the injection mold serves for sealing.
[0050] The pressure exerted by the injection mold or the cavity wall is generated by the difference in mass of the inserted handle body and the cavity wall. In the case of a cylindrical or hollow cylindrical handle body, the diameter difference is between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. Typically, the cavity wall per unit area is immersed in the surface of the handle body between 0.025 mm and 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.15 mm.
[0051] The connection between the handle body and the element formed by overmolding the handle body can be made in various ways.
[0052] The handle body can be connected to the overmolded body, for example, by means of a form fit or a force fit. Here, the form fit can be expressed in various ways. For example, the handle body may be deformed due to the injection pressure during injection, thereby forming an undercut, which stabilizes the connection. The deformation is planned and will only occur to the extent that no defects appear on the handle body. The form fit can also be formed in such a way that the injected plastic is close to the surface and also enters the holes and cavities in the surface and thus forms a form fit. In addition, grooves, for example in the form of blind holes, through holes, grooves, and grooves can also be formed on the handle body, which are circumvented or flowed by the plastic. A firm connection is formed. The handle body can also be prepared to such an extent that the surface is roughened in the contact area where the overmolding is realized. Thus, the connection on the surface can be improved.
[0053] Alternatively, overmolding and the connection with the main body of the minimized overmolding by means of form fit and / or force fit according to the above description can be carried out. This feasible solution is only used to establish the basis for further processing. For example, in order to apply a soft component, it is difficult to allow the soft component to be connected to the handle body made of paper material. Therefore, a hard component can be injected, which is applied to the paper material, and then the soft component is applied to the hard component. In this case, the hard component and the soft component achieve material matching.
[0054] Furthermore, the paper material can be pretreated to enable overmolding. Thus, a plastic film can be applied to the paper material within the scope of standard processes for paper processing. This plastic surface in turn enables overmolding with hard and / or soft components. In this case, the connection between the overmolding component and the plastic surface is a material connection. However, the surface of the paper material can also be treated in such a way that it is provided with an adhesion enhancer and thus material combinations that would otherwise not be possible are achieved.
[0055] Furthermore, as an alternative, auxiliary materials that support the connection during overmolding can be integrated directly into the paper material. Thus, a connection is achieved. For example, an adhesion enhancer can be integrated directly into the paper material.
[0056] Overmolding can be used in particular for paper materials and, as mentioned above, also for wood and bamboo.
[0057] During overmolding, the hard component and / or the soft component is injected at an injection pressure of 100 bar to 1000 bar, preferably 100 bar to 300 bar.
[0058] The overmolded body may undergo a special surface treatment before it is machined or not.
[0059] The overmolded bodies can have any shape. For example, they can be flat and completely or partially overmolded in sub-areas. In addition, the body can be a cylinder or a hollow cylinder (tube) and can be overmolded. In this case, it can be achieved that the overmolding is carried out at one end of the cylinder / hollow cylinder and, in the case of a hollow cylinder, it can be achieved that the mass of the overmolding material fills a part of the cavity. If a hollow cylinder is overmolded, the hollow cylinder is preferably supported in the inner area (cavity) by means of a stamp. The stamp moves into the cavity, supports the body and also defines the overmolding at the end, if the material components enter the cavity.
[0060] In particular, in the case of an overmolded handle body or body of flat design, it may be necessary to support the body so that the injected material component does not displace the handle body and the overmolding can be performed around the entire body. For this purpose, small support elements can be introduced, for example, into the corresponding cavity of the injection mold, which hold the body in place. The support elements are, for example, small cylinders, which are later flowed around by the overmolding component.
[0061] Furthermore, the body can be overmolded in multiple steps. This is, for example, as described above, where the second component is injection molded onto the first component connected to the paper material. In addition to this flat situation, insulating nodes can also be injection molded in the first step, which can serve as distance retainers relative to the cavity wall for another overmolding step, but can also serve as fixing points for the soft component. The soft component is injection molded onto the first component and the paper in the second step.
[0062] Furthermore, the injection molded body can be post-processed. For example, the body can be flocked.
[0063] The handle body made of paper material can be overmolded with plastic (hard component or soft component) for example, so as to form a dental flosser and fix the dental floss thread by overmolding. The dental floss thread is held in the end region of the handle body, i.e. in the head region of the U-shaped geometry with two legs or arms. Here, the corresponding legs are provided with plastic in their end regions, in which the dental floss thread is fixed. Here, on the one hand, the plastic overmoldes a part of the handle body, on the other hand, overmoldes the dental floss thread on the two legs respectively, and thus establishes the connection of the parts.
[0064] For this purpose, in the manufacture, a handle body made of paper material is provided, which is equipped with two sub-legs in the rear head area. The ends of the sub-legs are prepared for overmolding, and preferably, these ends are prepared symmetrically and equipped identically. Therefore, the corresponding legs in the end area can have a cross-sectional narrowing (in the direction of the wire later) and thus form a kind of cone. The cone can be provided with one or more undercuts on its side, or the cone can be provided with through holes in order to better fix the connection between the handle body made of paper material and the injection-molded plastic. The establishment of the undercuts and through holes is preferably carried out by means of stamping, and here it is carried out together with the stamping of the remaining contours. Here, the plastic is only applied in the end area and does not extend through the entire body.
[0065] The overmolding should be applied so that the transition is continuous. After the overmolding, a continuous main body surface should be formed. Preferably, the surface from the handle body made of paper material to the overmolded main body continues continuously or continuously. The material thickness of the handle body is preferably between the part of the paper material and the part of the overmolding, preferably constant. The increase in material thickness is preferably less than 50%, preferably less than 30%, most preferably less than 15%.
[0066] The thickness of the plastic material perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.4 mm, most preferably less than 1 mm.
[0067] In order to make the transition on the surface more continuous or to keep the material thickness more constant, the handle body made of paper material can be pressed in the area of the plastic interface. The paper material is thus denser and the material thickness is reduced. Here, the reduced part can then be filled with plastic.
[0068] Here, overmolding of dental floss filaments is prior art and can be obtained from current manufacture of dental flossers with a handle body made of plastic due to processing with plastic. The ends of the dental floss filaments can be melted.
[0069] The proportion of plastic should be kept as low as possible. Ideally, the proportion of plastic and dental floss should not exceed 5% by weight, so that product recycling in paper recycling or carton recycling is possible. Ideally, sustainable plastics are also used.
[0070] In the present case, application can also be achieved with a handle body made of wood or bamboo.
[0071] The advantage of this design of the dental flosser is that the paper material only has to be provided in one layer, rather than in multiple layers connected together. This greatly simplifies production.
[0072] The overmolding of the described paper material can also be used for other products, for example dental aids such as tongue depressors or for cutlery such as coffee stirrers, ice scoops and the like.
[0073] In principle, it is also possible to envision a combination of connection options, especially the above-mentioned connection options. Generally, a combination of various connection options is possible. Therefore, for example, a combination of a clamping connection and a snap connection can be envisioned, wherein the handle body is, for example, moved into the groove of the connection unit and is at least locked by means of a form-fitting element. In addition, guides can be provided in the connection unit, which guide the handle body laterally. The guides can also be implemented with additional form-fitting elements, or the form-fitting elements are only implemented laterally. In addition, a combination of a rivet connection and an adhesive connection can also be envisioned. In the case of a body care product having a handle unit consisting of a plurality of layers, it is conceivable that the connection unit is introduced or clamped between the layers of the handle unit, wherein these layers and the connection unit are connected. Here, these layers can be connected to the connection unit, for example, by means of a rivet connection, wherein, in particular, form-fitting elements for connecting to these layers are provided on the sides of the connection unit that are opposite to each other. Alternatively, these layers and the connection unit can also be connected only by bonding, welding or sealing. However, a combination of the above-mentioned various methods is preferred because the handle unit contains components that do not rest against the connection unit. In this context, body care products with a double shell are also conceivable, wherein two molded shells of the handle unit are arranged opposite one another so that a cavity is at least partially formed therebetween by the shells and wherein the connecting unit is clamped between the shells.
[0074] In addition, it is proposed that the application unit has at least one matrix, which is firmly connected to the connection unit. The matrix of the application unit can be formed, for example, by a bristle plate or a brush head in the case of a toothbrush. Alternatively, it is also possible to choose to connect with one or more degrees of freedom during the movement of the application unit (for example, an anti-rotation connection in the case of a wet shaver). The connection unit can be connected to the application unit, for example, by means of an adhesive connection. Other connection possibilities mentioned herein are also possible (for example, the connection possibilities described between the handle unit and the connection unit). Preferably, the connection unit can also contain the application unit, or an interface between the application unit and the connection unit can be provided. The interface of the handle unit and the interface of the application unit can be manufactured separately and then connected. Therefore, for example, the application unit and the connection unit can be manufactured and then connected, and subsequently, the application unit connected to the connection unit can be connected to the handle unit. As a result, an advantageous simple installation can be achieved in particular. The number of components can be kept small in particular.
[0075] In addition, it is proposed that the application unit has at least one substrate, which is replaceably connected to the connecting unit. The application unit can be connected to the connecting unit, for example, by a releasable plug connection and / or a locking connection. Preferably, the connecting unit has a first coupling element, and the application unit has a coupling element corresponding to the first coupling element. The first coupling element and the second coupling element particularly constitute a locking unit. Here, "locking unit" should be particularly understood as a unit having at least one locking element, which is elastically deflected during the fastening process so that it is then locked behind the corresponding locking element by an internal clamping force. In this context, "releasably" should be particularly understood as "separable in a non-destructive manner". Preferably, the application unit is particularly constituted as a replaceable toothbrush head, a replaceable shaver head, etc. in this context.
[0076] It is also proposed that the application unit has at least one base body, wherein the form-fitting element is formed in one piece with the base body of the application unit. Preferably, the connecting unit is formed in one piece with the application unit. Preferably, the connecting unit and the application unit are manufactured together, for example, using an injection molding method. This can particularly achieve an advantageously simple assembly. The number of components can particularly be kept low. In addition, an advantageously stable body care product can particularly be provided.
[0077] In the case where the body care product is designed as a toothbrush, the application unit has in particular a bristle area. Here, the bristle area can in particular be sleeved. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the application unit is riveted, wherein the bristle area is designed so that a matching retainer can be arranged in the area of the form-fitting element. The application unit has in particular a bristle plate. Here, the bristle area can be manufactured, for example, by anchor stamping, IMT, PTt or AFT methods. Here, it is also conceivable in particular that the bristle plate consists of a paper material, wherein the connection with the connecting unit can be established, for example, by means of bonding. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the bristle plate consists of plastic, in particular at least of a hard component, wherein the connection with the connecting unit can be carried out, for example, by means of welding, sealing, bonding, riveting, locking, deformation, snapping or a combination thereof. Here, the bristle plate can in particular directly have a connecting structure, such as a rivet, for connecting to the connecting unit and / or directly connecting to the handle unit. However, alternatively, a design scheme of the application unit without a bristle plate can also be conceivable, wherein the bristle area can still be manufactured by the AFT method. Here, the molten bath (which is present on the fastening side, i.e. the side of the bristles facing away from use) can be used in particular for anchoring the bristle area. Here, the application unit can be connected to the connection unit and / or directly connected to the handle unit by means of bonding, clamping or sealing or welding, riveting, locking, snapping or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the bristles can be punched into the bristle plate by means of anchoring or anchored in the bristle plate by means of IMT or PTt without anchoring. Here, conventional methods for providing bristle plates with bristle holes and bristles are known (e.g. anchoring punching method, IMT, PTt, etc.). Here, the application unit can be connected to the connection unit and / or directly connected to the handle unit by means of bonding, riveting or sealing or welding or a combination thereof. Here, the bristle plate can in particular directly have a connecting structure, such as a rivet, for connecting to the connection unit and / or directly connected to the handle unit. Alternatively, the bristles can be directly injection molded onto the base of the application unit (i.e., injection molded bristles made of injection molded bristle material). Here, the bristles and the application unit can be formed in a single piece. Here, one or more material components can be used. For example, hard components and / or soft components and / or injection-molded bristle materials can be used. The application unit can be connected to the connection unit and / or directly to the handle unit, for example, by means of sealing or welding, riveting, snapping, locking and / or overmolding or a combination thereof. In this case, the base body of the application unit can in particular directly have a connecting structure for connecting to the connection unit and / or directly to the handle unit, such as a rivet, which is injection-molded directly on the underside of the base body of the application unit.
[0078] The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously has at least one bristle carrier, for example a brush head matrix, in particular a matrix. In addition, it is proposed that the matrix of the application unit is completely composed of a hard component and constitutes a bristle carrier. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the body care product has a bristle plate received by the matrix, which bristle plate includes a plurality of bristle bundles. For this purpose, (for example for the AFT method) a bristle plate with through holes is first manufactured by injection molding, through which the bristles are then guided. Preferably, the bristles are then connected at least in bundles on the rear side, in particular melted, preferably connected to each other and / or connected to the corresponding bristle plate. The bristle plate bristled in this way can then be connected to the matrix, in particular the connecting unit, for example welded, sealed and / or bonded, or mechanically connected, by riveting, caulking, preferably by ultrasonic welding. For this purpose, the matrix preferably has a corresponding structure for receiving / connecting, which can be used to connect the bristle plate. Alternatively, the bristle plate can be connected to the handle body directly, ie without the need for an additional matrix, using the connection method mentioned herein. The bristle plate can also be equipped with bristles (anchoring stamping, PTt, IMT, etc.) by other methods.
[0079] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bristle plate is made of a paper material. The bristle plate can be punched out of a paper material. For this purpose, one or more layers of paper material can be provided, which form the body of the bristle plate. The grooves are then formed, for which a stamping process, cutting such as laser cutting, grinding / drilling or other suitable methods for processing paper materials can be used. The bristles are again connected to the bristle plate using the AFT method, wherein the bristle plate can then be fixed in corresponding grooves in the handle unit or on the handle unit.
[0080] The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head, with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously has at least one bristle carrier, such as a brush head matrix. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventionally extruded bristles. Here, the bristles may in particular comprise at least one hard component and / or at least one soft component. Preferably, the bristles are at least partially or entirely made of polyamide (PA) and / or polyester (PBT, PET, PTT), wherein any other material (for example the hard components listed) can be conceived, and the sustainable materials listed in this article (for example PLA or PTT) are also possible. In addition, it is conceivable that at least some of the bristles have a sharpening and / or variable cross-section on the use-side end. Preferably, the bristles are composed of a single material, in particular also of a mixed material. However, it is also conceivable to have bristles with multiple components, which can be manufactured and / or manufactured in particular by means of at least one coextrusion. The bristles can be manufactured and / or manufactured, for example, by means of extrusion, trimming and / or post-treatment. Unlike injection molded bristles or rubber-elastic massaging and cleaning elements produced by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed (for example their ends are ground and / or rounded) and used on the toothbrush handle by means of an adaptation method, for example by means of an anchor stamping method or an anchor-free method.
[0081] In particular, cylindrical or sharpened bristles with a circular cross section are conceivable, wherein any other cross section is conceivable, for example a polygon, triangle, rectangle, square, ellipse, star, trapezoid, cross, parallelogram, rhombus or any other cross section. In particular, different bristles in the bristle bundles can be used, and also different bristle bundles, in particular bristle bundles each having a specific type of bristles. Here, the bristles and / or bristle bundles can be arranged regularly, but also irregularly. In particular, the bristles and / or bristle bundles arranged in groups and / or adjacently can differ, in particular alternately, in at least one feature, such as length, diameter, material, color, material hardness, geometry, sharpening, etc. Preferably, the bristles have a diameter of at least 0.075 mm and / or at most 0.25 mm, in particular a diameter perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the bristles have a diameter of at least 0.002 mm 2 and / or up to 0.2 mm 2 In the case of bristles used in the cosmetic field, for example bristles of additional application elements, thinner bristles and / or bristles with a smaller cross section can also be used, in particular with a diameter of at least 0.025 mm and / or at most 0.2 mm, in particular with a diameter perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and / or with a diameter of at least 0.001 mm. 2 and / or up to 0.15 mm 2bristles having a cross-sectional area, in particular a cross-sectional area perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. In the case of sharpened bristles, polyesters (e.g. PBT, PET, PTT) are particularly suitable as material, wherein sustainable materials are also possible, wherein the sharpening can be produced mechanically and / or chemically. However, other materials are also conceivable. Preferably, the bristles are straight in the longitudinal direction, but corrugated and / or drilled and / or spiral and / or rotated bristles in the longitudinal direction are also conceivable, and in particular combinations of different bristles are also conceivable. In addition, bristles with a smooth surface are conceivable, as well as bristles with a structured and / or textured surface are conceivable.
[0082] Furthermore, the bristles, in particular as bristle bundles, are preferably processed by means of at least one anchoring stamping method or an anchor-free method such as PTt, in particular fastened to a bristle carrier. Preferably, the bristle carrier has a plurality of bristle receiving parts, in particular drilled and / or formed by an injection molding method, in particular holes for bristle bundles. In the case of anchoring stamping, it is conceivable, for example, that first a base body, in particular a base body made of a hard component, preferably a base body of a brush head, is made by means of injection molding, wherein, advantageously, blind holes for the bristle bundles are formed during injection molding. However, subsequent blind hole drilling is of course also conceivable. Preferably, the bristles or bristle bundles are then folded and fastened in the blind holes by means of at least one anchor, in particular by means of stamping. Annular stamping is also conceivable. The bristle carrier can be directly anchored to the handle unit or the connecting unit by means of overmolding as described. Here, the handle unit can be made, for example, of a paper material, a wood material or a bamboo material.
[0083] Alternatively, as already mentioned, an anchor-free method (e.g. PTt) is also conceivable, in which the bristles or bristle bundles are advantageously not folded. In this case, the bristles or bristle bundles have approximately half the length compared to the anchor punch. For example, it is conceivable here that the bristle bundles can first be melted individually and / or their bristle ends can in particular then be, for example, overmolded for their fastening or fixed by means of material compaction of the brush head. In this case, the bristle bundles can advantageously be merged.
[0084] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the application unit consists of a base body and a bristle plate, which is equipped with bristles and / or alternative cleaning elements. To this end, a bristle plate with through holes is first manufactured by injection molding, and the bristles are then guided through these through holes. Preferably, the bristles are then connected at least in bundles on the rear side, in particular melted, preferably connected to each other and / or to the corresponding bristle plate. The bristle plate bristled in this way can then be connected to the base body, in particular the brush head, for example welded, sealed and / or bonded, and / or mechanically connected, by riveting, caulking, preferably by ultrasonic welding or a combination thereof. To this end, the base body, in particular the brush head, preferably has a groove into which the bristle plate can be inserted. Alternatively, the bristle plate can also rest on the surface of the base body. In this context, as a known manufacturing method, the anchor-free tufting method (AFT) can be mentioned, which in particular enables the merging of bristle bundles. The lower side of the bristle plate refers in particular to the side that is located in the groove of the base body or on the base body and points in the direction of the back side of the body care product. Therefore, the upper side of the bristle plate points in the direction of the front side of the body care product. The base body can be composed of a hard component made of a sustainable material or a paper material. Alternatively, the base body can also be omitted, and the bristle plate can be directly connected to the handle body using the above method.
[0085] Alternatively, the bristle plate can be made of a paper material or a fiber or pulp or wood material. The bristle plate made of paper material is provided with an edge area outside the bristle area, and the edge area is provided with a connecting device such as a sealing varnish, glue, etc., which can seal or anchor the bristle plate with a handle unit or a substrate made of, for example, a paper material or a hard component or a sustainable material. Here, in particular, the edge area is connected to the handle unit or to the substrate. In addition, the edge area of the bristle plate can also be provided with an effective shoulder, thereby forming a groove on the rear side of the bristle plate, which ensures that the molten body of the bristles does not extend on the edge of the bristle plate or does not cover the edge area.
[0086] The bristle board made of paper material or wood is formed from flat paper or wood (such as plywood) by a suitable method. Possible methods are, for example, punching, laser cutting or cutting. The flat area of the bristle board has a thickness of 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.
[0087] Alternatively, a bristle plate can be produced together with the bristles / cleaning elements, preferably in one piece. Here, everything (e.g. the brush head and / or the receptacle for the bristle plate and / or the bristle plate and / or the bristles) can be produced in one injection molding process. Preferably, an injection molded bristle material is used for this purpose. In addition, hard components and / or soft components can also be used. The bristle plate can also be connected to the base body using the most diverse connection techniques mentioned above, for example by means of gluing, sealing, welding, caulking, riveting or a combination thereof.
[0088] Alternatively, the manufacture of a bristling element without a bristle plate can be provided. The manufacture or bristling of this element is similar to the manufacture of the bristle plate with which it is provided. The bristles are provided in the necessary configuration and melted at the ends of their fastening side. In this case, the melting must be such that a molten blanket of the bristle components is formed on all bristle bundles and any additional elements. The bristled element is then mounted or connected to the brush body / substrate. Here, in a design variant, the element is not provided with an additional bristle plate, but is itself stable on its own molten blanket. The molten blanket is formed by the molten ends of the fastening side of the bristles. The molten blanket essentially forms a plane or plate and is therefore used as a basis for connection to the substrate or directly to the handle unit. The molten blanket can also be formed in such a way that it has connecting elements in the form of protrusions, rivets, combs or other form-fitting elements. The molten blanket with bristle bundles can be manufactured with the aid of AFT or using another anchor-free bristling process. The element can also be connected to the base body or the handle unit using the most diverse connection techniques described above, for example by means of gluing, sealing, welding, caulking, riveting or a combination thereof. In this case, the base body can be provided with a recess, so that the molten blanket can be fastened in the recess in a sinking manner. However, in principle, fastening directly to the surface of the handle unit is also conceivable.
[0089] Instead of the bristle plate, the bristles / cleaning elements can also be directly injection molded on the base body or the handle unit. Therefore, the base body or the handle unit made of paper material is also directly overmolded, and the bristle plate or the injection molded bristles applied thereon in a single piece are fixed thereon.
[0090] As a further method for anchor-free bristling, the manufacture of a brush head with through-holes for the bristles can be considered, in particular injection molding. The bristles can then be guided through the through-holes and melted on the rear side, in particular melted together and / or melted with the brush head. Preferably, an overmolding of the molten area and / or the brush head is then carried out, in particular with at least one soft component.
[0091] As an alternative to a separate bristle plate, the bristle plate is formed as part of a substrate made of paper material or wood or is connected to it in one piece. Similarly, the brush head is also provided with a through hole in this variant as a possible design variant. In this case, the bristles can also be guided through the through hole and melted at least in bundles on the rear side, in particular melted to each other and / or to the brush head. The molten area or the rear side of the brush head can then be closed or covered by a covering element made of paper material in the following way, that is, the covering element is connected to the brush head. For this, the above-mentioned connection technology can be considered again.
[0092] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the brush head which first has a blind hole can be manufactured, for example, by means of injection molding and / or by means of drilling of a blind hole and / or by means of cutting / punching. In this case, the bristles are in particular combined into bundles and melted at one end and / or connected in another way. The brush head is then heated and / or moistened with water or steam. The bristle bundle can then advantageously be introduced into the blind hole on the connection side and anchored by means of pressing or compressing the brush head. In this case, in particular, the heated and / or moistened blind hole or brush head is deformed or compressed so that the bristle bundle is anchored therein. At the same time, the brush head may also be deformed. This method can be used for hard components, preferably by means of additional moistening, but can also be used for paper materials or wood.
[0093] Preferably, during the injection molding process, in particular during two-component and / or multi-component injection molding, the material of the injection-molded bristles does not materially match other soft and / or hard components and / or paper materials and / or wood and / or bamboo and / or other materials of the body care product. Preferably, more precisely, the injection-molded bristles are connected to the soft and / or hard components by means of form-fitting parts, for example by means of at least one undercut and / or at least one incision on the base of the application unit and / or by means of at least one at least partially overmolded part, wherein in particular shrinkage connections and / or shrinkage connections are conceivable. Furthermore, the plastic can additionally or alternatively penetrate at least partially into the surface of the paper material, wood material or bamboo material due to the heat and injection pressure during overmolding and / or roughen this surface and thus form a firm connection.
[0094] However, a connection by means of at least one integrally bonded part is also conceivable, in particular with an intimate or compatible plastic material or plastic component.
[0095] For all the possible injection molding processes mentioned, in principle, one-component, two-component and / or multi-component injection molding is conceivable. The materials used, in particular different soft components and / or hard components and / or injection molding bristle materials, can be connected here in a material-fitting and / or form-fitting manner as described above. It is also conceivable to form an articulated or movable or flexible connection by means of suitable injection molding steps. In principle, for example, hot runner processes, cold runner processes and / or co-injection processes are conceivable.
[0096] As an alternative or in addition to a brush head equipped with bristles, the application unit can also have at least one tongue cleaner and / or at least one alternative cleaning element and / or massage element. These can each consist of a soft component, a hard component or a combination of a soft component and a hard component and / or can be manufactured and / or manufactured advantageously by means of injection molding.
[0097] Injection molded bristle material: Preferably, the injection molded bristles consist at least partially and advantageously completely of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U). In this context, it is conceivable to use a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U), which can advantageously have been modified at higher temperatures, in particular with regard to improved flow properties and / or rapid curing, in particular rapid crystallization. Of course, other injection molded bristle materials are also conceivable, such as thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), polyethylene (PE), for example in the form of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), etc. Depending on the desired bristle properties, the listed hard components or soft components can in principle also be used as injection molded bristle material. The injection molded bristle material advantageously has a Shore D hardness of at least 0 and particularly advantageously at least 30 and / or at most 100 and advantageously at most 80. In particular, the Shore hardness of the injection-molded bristle material is advantageously higher than the Shore hardness of other soft components used, for example for handle elements, massage elements, other cleaning elements, etc. The material used to produce the injection-molded bristles can be a sustainable material.
[0098] In principle, it is also conceivable to use water-soluble polymers, for example for hard components, soft components, injection-molded bristles, tongue cleaners or other elements of body care products.
[0099] Likewise, bioplastics can be used for hard components, soft components and / or injection molding bristle materials, which bioplastics can be obtained in particular at least in part from renewable raw materials and / or are biodegradable, in particular compostable, and / or can consist of recycled and / or recyclable materials. Preferably, the material is formed in particular of plastic. Preferably, the biodegradable, in particular compostable, and / or recyclable and / or recyclable material is formed of bioplastics, in particular of plastics based on renewable raw materials and / or of biodegradable plastics. Therefore, the material can be in particular fossil-based and biodegradable, such as PVOH, PCL, PBAT, PET or PBS, based on renewable raw materials and biodegradable, such as PLA, PHA, cellophane or starch mixtures, or based on renewable raw materials and non-biodegradable, such as Ca, Bio-PE, Bio-PP, Bio-PA, Bio-PET. It is conceivable that various bioplastics that are considered reasonable by those skilled in the art, such as starch-based bioplastics, cellulose-based bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates, such as polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), aliphatic and / or aromatic copolyesters, or other bioplastics, such as lignin-based bioplastics. Preferably, the application unit or the handle unit is largely composed of biodegradable, especially compostable and / or recyclable materials. Preferably, the body care product is composed of only one component. In particular, the body care product has a hard component. The handle body of the handle unit can be at least partially composed of a hard component. The hard component and / or the soft component and / or the injection molding bristle material are advantageously composed of bioplastics, which can be obtained especially from renewable raw materials. As raw materials, corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, rubber, wood, castor plants, castor beans, etc. can be considered in particular. The corresponding possible raw materials can be, for example, cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin, chitosan, etc., and the corresponding bioplastics can be synthesized especially from these raw materials.
[0100] In the case of a body care product designed as a razor, the application unit has in particular a razor blade, wherein the razor blade can be manufactured not only directly connected to the connecting unit, but also can be designed replaceably, wherein the razor blade is replaceably mounted on the connecting unit. Alternatively, the razor blade can also be applied directly to the handle unit. In this case, the connection point must be specially processed, for example by compacting and / or surface treating the paper material.
[0101] Preferably, the application unit is at least partially formed in one piece with the connection unit. The connection can be designed to be rotatably movable. Preferably, in the case of a body care product designed as a shaver, a plurality of anchoring points are provided between the connection unit and the handle unit. In particular, a combination of the three connection possibilities can be envisaged here, namely riveting, clamping and / or lateral retention, and adhesive bonding, welding or sealing can also be envisaged as an alternative. In this case, the universal interface design allows in particular a simple model change, so that the connection unit and the application unit can be used for different handles. Different handles can in turn be combined with the same connection unit.
[0102] In the case of a body-care product designed as a brush, the bristles of the application unit can in particular be injection-molded directly onto the connecting unit and / or the handle unit.
[0103] In addition, it is proposed that the handle body of the handle unit has at least one head area, which is arranged to be attached to the application unit, wherein the handle body of the handle unit has at least a device in the form of a recess in the head area, which is arranged to position or orient the connection unit relative to the handle unit. These devices or recesses especially constitute a form-fitting profile. The recess is especially formed by a groove in the handle body, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. The handle body has a form-fitting profile, which corresponds to the form-fitting profile of the connection unit. The connection unit forms a certain form fit relative to the form-fitting profile of the adjacent handle unit by the geometry next to the form-fitting element. Preferably, a recess and / or a comb-shaped portion are especially provided between the connection unit and the handle unit, and these recesses and / or comb-shaped portions each constitute a form-fitting profile. The form-fitting profile should especially absorb a part of the force, so that all forces do not have to be supported by rivet connection and / or adhesive connection. In particular, harmful shear forces can be intercepted. Therefore, the form-fitting profile especially brings a better and more stable connection. Preferably, a form-fitting profile corresponding to the form-fitting profile of the handle unit is arranged on the connection unit. The connection unit is positioned relative to the handle unit in particular by means of a positive-locking contour.
[0104] It is also proposed that the handle body of the handle unit consists of at least one, preferably exactly one, layer of paper material. Preferably, the handle body is made in one piece. Here, the paper material can be formed as a single layer or as a plurality of layers. The multi-layer paper material can consist of a plurality of layers of paper of different thicknesses and / or different properties and / or at least partially of different materials, but it is also conceivable that the listed topics (thickness, properties, materials) of the individual layers are at least partially the same. Preferably, the multi-layer paper can form a layer, wherein the body can consist of one or more layers.
[0105] If multiple layers are used for the body care product, for example by fastening a connecting unit and / or an application unit between the layers, the layers are stacked such that the rounded edges of the layers are arranged facing outwards and the sharp edges of the layers are arranged on the inside or facing each other. This approach should be taken into account primarily if the layers of the handle unit are stamped out before they are connected or before the connecting unit and / or application unit is introduced.
[0106] Here, the outer lamella can have a different water repellent property from the inner lamella. The outer lamella can have a different color from the inner lamella. A single lamella or all lamellae can be made up of virgin fiber or primary fiber basically. A single lamella or all lamellae can be made up of secondary fiber basically. The paper material can have between 3 lamellae and 15 lamellae, preferably between 5 lamellae and 12 lamellae. Here, these lamellae can be made by bonding, lamination or pressing, especially without using adhesive.
[0107] Here, in particular, not all lamellae must be made of the same material. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable that the lamellae of external printing can be made of thinner paper, and / or the top lamellae can have different characteristics from the middle lamellae. Therefore, for example, the outer lamellae can have a coating, a paint or a print before processing. Alternatively or additionally, the different colors of the lamellae in the interlayer are also conceivable, so that the lamellae are clearly visible.
[0108] The finished body care product can be formed from multiple layers of paper material at least in various regions. For example, 2 layers, 3 layers, 4 layers, 5 layers or 6 layers can be formed. The number of layers will be multiplied accordingly.
[0109] The fiber orientation of the paper material is preferably in the longitudinal direction of the handle unit, so that kinking is reduced. The grammage of the paper material, in particular the entire layer, is in particular 700 g / m 2 and 2500g / m 2 Between, preferably 900g / m 2 and 1700g / m 2 According to DIN 6730, different paper materials can be distinguished according to their gram weight. Therefore, 225g / m 2 Hereinafter referred to as paper, and from 225g / m 2 It is called paperboard. Orally speaking, 250g / m 2 Hereinafter referred to as paper, from 150g / m 2 Up to 600g / m 2 Called paper box, from 500g / m 2It is called cardboard. For cartons, for example, solid cardboard or corrugated cardboard can be envisioned. In particular, cartons have various variants, especially also on a recycling basis. Preferably, the paper material, especially in the case of cartons, particularly preferably in the case of solid cardboard, is composed of virgin fibers and / or secondary fibers. Here, the virgin fibers or primary fibers are formed by new materials such as FSC wood. Secondary fibers are formed in particular by recycled paper or recycled cartons. Alternatively or additionally, other fillers, such as grass, bamboo, and sugar cane for straw paper, can also be envisioned. Paper is made of fibrous material, which is now mainly obtained from raw wood. In particular, there is also the possibility of wood-free cellulose. However, the preferred basis of the paper material is cellulose or pulp based on wood. Possible basic wood species are, for example, birch, poplar, beech, spruce, pine or eucalyptus. Alternatively, the paper material can also be obtained from grass, bamboo or papyrus. The most important fibrous materials are pulp, wood pulp and waste paper pulp. Due to the black ink of the printing press, some waste paper may not be suitable for oral hygiene. In addition to the fiber material or the fiber material mixture, the material can generally also contain fillers and further additives. The paper material as a whole or at least the individual plies can have a recycled portion of at least 80%, wherein the paper material as a whole or at least the individual plies can contain a portion of primary fibers. By using new materials or primary fibers, the properties of the paper material can be kept within a narrow range and better tear strength and thus stability can also be achieved. Various paper materials that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art can be conceived. In addition, it is conceivable that the paper material is coated, i.e. coated or uncoated in a coating manner, and / or structured, for example by a 3D profile. With the help of structuring and / or coating, the grip of body care products can be improved in particular. In particular, structuring can be achieved both in the paper material itself, for example by surface treatment and / or embossing, and in printing.
[0110] As mentioned before, the paper material can be replaced with other sustainable materials such as wood or bamboo. Possible wood types are also listed above.
[0111] The production of the paper material is preferably carried out without fiber injection or fiber injection molding in addition to the injection molding process or extrusion process, which is carried out at lower temperatures or lower pressures than the processing of thermoplastics. The temperature is in the range of up to 200° C. and the pressure is between 10 bar and 40 bar, preferably between 20 bar and 35 bar. In particular, no melting process of thermoplastics is involved in the production of the paper material.
[0112] The paper material can be provided in various ways that are considered reasonable by the person skilled in the art, for example in the form of sheets, in the form of blanks, in the form of coils, in the form of blocks or as particles or substrates. Here, the blocks can consist of carton material, for example, and be provided for mechanical processing, for example grinding. Thus, a volume body that is designed to be not too flat can be produced.
[0113] The paper material can have different densities or thicknesses depending on the application. Possible gram weights are, for example, paper boxes for toothbrushes, razors or brushes. Possible densities or thicknesses per layer can be between 700 g / m 2 Up to 2500g / m 2 , preferably 900g / m 2 Up to 1700g / m 2 When a plurality of layers are used, the sum of the grammages is shifted within a corresponding range. One, two, three, four or five paper material layers can be used. The layers can have different grammages and paper materials. The layers can have a plastic film. Preferably, the plastic film is covered on one or both sides by a paper material layer. The layers can be generated by folding a flat paper material. Two or more folds can be generated. The folds can be continuous or winding or the sides can be changed alternately (accordion).
[0114] Preferably, the paper material can be formed from a wood-free coated carton. In general, at least one surface of the paper material can be coated, printed, embossed, etc., respectively, depending on the application. For the paper material, in particular, a high tear strength and, at least in terms of application, a high water resistance are advantageous. The tear strength is between 20N and 100N, preferably from 30N to 60N.
[0115] In order to test the water resistance or water resistance of paper materials, an immersion test can be performed on them. For this purpose, the paper material is cut into predetermined strips, for example with a length of about 100 mm and a width of about 30 mm. The weight is measured from the strip. The strip is then immersed in a thermostatic water bath. The water bath has a temperature in the range of human body temperature and is correspondingly between 36° C. and 38° C. The strip is immersed for a predetermined period of time by 50 mm. The period of time is between 5 seconds and 180 seconds, 180 seconds representing the time recommended for brushing teeth with a toothbrush. The strip is then removed from the water bath and the water is drained off. Immediately after draining off, the strip is weighed. Here, the weight difference shows how much water has been absorbed in the paper material. The weight difference between dry and wet paper material depends on many factors. The structure of the paper material, its coating and treatment, the water temperature, the shape of the cut surface, etc. all contribute to these values.
[0116] The best or suitable paper material has a water absorption rate of from 5% to 12%, preferably from 6.5% to 9.5% directly after soaking when soaked or left in water with a heat of 36°C to 38°C for 60 seconds.
[0117] The non-paper portion of the total weight of the body care product is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 3%. The non-paper portion consists, for example, of plastic film and / or bristles and / or injection molded parts and / or metal parts such as metal wires or metal anchors.
[0118] Furthermore, additional treatments can be carried out, in particular on paper materials, to achieve additional properties. For example, a coating can be provided on the surface of the paper material in the form of a paint, an adhesive, a physical and / or chemical treatment or finishing for waterproofing.
[0119] Furthermore, fillers for paper materials are conceivable. In particular, insoluble fillers and soluble fillers are conceivable. Possible fillers are, for example, silver particles for antimicrobial additives, polymers for improving water resistance, for example in paper cup production, abrasives (increasing the coefficient of friction), for example to improve the cleaning properties if the paper material is used in a cleaning unit, or to improve the grip or haptics if the paper material is used in a handle unit, and / or magnetic particles for magnetic papers, for example for holding or storing or fixing body care products.
[0120] Additional fillers that dissolve during use may be the following active substances, which are incorporated into corresponding carriers and released:
[0121] a) Active substances with toothpaste-like effects: sorbitol, aromatic hydrocarbons, hydrated silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium monofluorophosphate, cretine, zinc sulfate, triclosan, glycerol, sodium saccharin, propylene glycol, disodium phosphate, aluminum oxide, trisodium phosphate, sodium fluoride, betaine, titanium dioxide, cellulose gum, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, etc.;
[0122] b) Active substances with antibacterial effects: sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium perborate, sodium hexametaphosphate, sodium benzoate, sodium stearate, etc.;
[0123] c) Active substances that indicate successful brushing by staining dental plaque on the tooth surface: glucose, maltodextrin, magnesium stearate, flavors, saccharin, microcrystalline cellulose, etc.;
[0124] d) flavoring active substances;
[0125] e) Odor-emitting active substances.
[0126] Other fillers may be pigments, which in the case of oral hygiene products are preferably food pigments.
[0127] Corresponding paper materials are already known, for example, cartons for drinking cups from Storaenso, which are food-safe, waterproof, compostable and printable. In addition, cartons from Kotkamills are known, which are made waterproof by means of dispersion and are still fully recyclable and compostable. In addition, carton tubes are known.
[0128] The paper material can be pre-treated, such as finishing. Here, "finishing" should be understood as the surface treatment of the paper material, such as this will make the paper material obtain a higher quality embossing. Finishing can be applied when, during or after the printing of the paper material. Finishing can be applied during or after the installation process of the paper material and other elements of the body care product. Finishing can be applied / realized partially at one or more positions or even comprehensively. Metallic effects, optical distinctions or product markings can be achieved, for example, by finishing. The reduction of the water absorption of the paper material can also be achieved by corresponding coatings. Here, the coating can be applied in a bath with a corresponding coating medium by dipping, for example, after the processing of the handle unit, such as stamping and / or forming. Other possibilities are, for example, spray coatings and / or the top layer of the handle body has a coating or paint on the outside. Here, coatings and / or paints must be particularly suitable for food. Therefore, paper materials or body care products manufactured therefrom can also be suitable for multiple uses. Finishing can be, for example, painting, where, for example, UV high gloss paint, texture paint, soft touch paint or glitter paint can be used. Finishing can also be flocking applied at least in part. The finishing can be embossing, for example silver film embossing or holographic embossing. The finishing can be a scented lacquer. As another possibility for pretreatment, for example, embossing of the paper material is provided.
[0129] The flocking of the above-mentioned paper material can also take over the function of the product. Thus, the flocking can be implemented in such a way that it can be used as an application unit. In this case, the flocking is to a certain extent a brushing process for equipping the product. The flocked locations have different surface roughnesses and can therefore be used as applicators or cleaning elements. In addition, certain gripping areas on the handle body can also be provided with flocking, so that the flocked locations have different grip properties, for example just have a better grip property and can therefore be used as a holding / gripping area.
[0130] Preferably, the handle body is layered from sheets, coils or blanks. Here, the layers of the handle body can be made in particular by merging a plurality of sheets and / or coils into one large sheet or one large layer. The layer can then be formed. Here, the layer can be deformed from the plane, wherein, in particular, relative to the main extension plane of the layer, a deformation angle of at least 10 °, preferably at least 20 ° and particularly preferably at least 30 ° is possible. Too large an angle in particular causes the paper material to spread out at the cutting and / or punching edge and / or the individual layers to tear at the bending position. Experimental series have shown that for the proposed layer thickness or grammage, a deformation angle of less than 60 °, preferably less than 45 °, particularly preferably less than 35 ° is reasonable.
[0131] For the same reasons, preferably radii are also provided at the edges that occur when deforming from a plane. These radii are preferably not chosen to be too small. Detailed experiments have shown that a minimum radius between 0.1 mm and 3.00 mm minimizes the problems listed.
[0132] Of course, larger radii of up to 20 mm, preferably up to 10 mm, can also be used during the deformation. These larger radii are primarily used to form a rounded, concave or convex (partial) contour of the handle unit in the extension direction. With the deformation from the plane, the stability of the paper material in this area increases and a U, V, T or L contour is formed. The larger the radius or the smaller the angle selected, the stronger the stabilization effect disappears.
[0133] The paper material can also be compacted more or less at least partially or locally by means of pressing, that is to say that a deformation of one or more layers can simultaneously bring about a compression of the volume. A higher compression brings about a higher density, a higher stability and a lower risk of water ingress. Compacting or compression in combination with deformation can significantly increase stability locally. Compared to the output thickness, the compression occurs by at least 20%, preferably by at least 35%, particularly preferably by up to 50%. The compaction is preferably carried out at the location of the handle unit that performs another or additional function. For example, the area on the paper material to which other elements (such as a connection unit, an application unit, a razor blade, a brush head, etc.) are attached or fixed can be strengthened thereby.
[0134] Areas on the handle unit that perform a function, such as a scraping edge, a scraping edge, a cutting edge, a toothpick tip, tactile elements such as for finger rests, characters, logos, etc. can also be reinforced.
[0135] The edges of the handle unit made of paper material can also be compressed or compacted and thus rounded so that they are less sharp.
[0136] A body care product in the form of a toothbrush can have another function integrated as part of the handle body on its side opposite to the application unit. For example, a toothpick tip can be formed. Thus, the body care product can perform two product functions or, in the present case, two oral hygiene functions. Here, the toothpick tip can be implemented as another symmetrical part of the handle body (symmetrical to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit), so that the toothpick tip is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. Alternatively, it is also possible to shape the toothpick tip asymmetrically (relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit), which, for example, contrasts with the rest of the handle body. In principle, the rest of the handle body can also be implemented asymmetrically (relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit). The asymmetric toothpick tip can, for example, be shaped as a sickle on the handle body.
[0137] In addition, it is conceivable that at least one layer is pretreated, printed or finished before processing (see additional embodiments in this article for this). Pretreatment, printing, finishing can only involve one sheet layer, which can also be implemented on one side or both sides by the entire layer. As a pretreatment, for example, embossing can be conceived, the purpose is to produce a structure on the surface of the final product. Alternatively or additionally, as a pretreatment, a coating can be conceived. For example, the inner side of each layer can be provided for bonding, and the outer side has moisture or waterproof protection. Therefore, each layer can have two sides with different coatings. Alternatively or additionally, as a pretreatment, printing can be conceived. In addition, it is conceivable that at least two layers are post-processed after manufacturing or installation. As a post-processing, for example, coating, printing, coating and / or lamination of the application unit can be conceived. Preferably, the application unit is directly connected to the handle body. The application unit and / or the connection unit are particularly inserted between these layers of the handle body in a design variant and connected together with the layer made of paper material, or anchored between these layers during layer connection.
[0138] Preferably, the handle body can be provided with decorations and / or coatings. Here, the decorations and / or coatings can extend through the entire handle body or only through a region. Here, different decorations or coatings on different parts of the handle body are also conceivable. The decorations and / or coatings can be applied on both sides of the front side and the rear side. The decorations and / or coatings can be applied comprehensively or only partially. Therefore, only partial waterproof coatings can be conceived in the corresponding exposed areas. Therefore, for example, only the cutting edge or, in the case of a toothbrush or a razor, only the area near the connecting unit or the application unit can be partially coated. The decorations and / or coatings may affect the characteristics of the handle body made of paper material. In addition to the main functions of the coating and / or decorations, the entire handle body also becomes harder. Therefore, soft paper can be made more stable and harder by this treatment. It is meaningful to combine at least partial deformation, compaction and coating to improve the stability of the handle unit.
[0139] The decoration can also be applied, for example, by printing, lamination, etc., such as by cold / hot stamping, inkjet, laser or digital printing. The burning / charring can be applied, for example, by means of a hot stamp or laser or by a combination of printing and coating. In the case of a combination, the printing is, for example, not waterproof, not scratch-resistant, etc., which can in turn be remedied by an additional coating.
[0140] The decoration and / or coating can be applied to a sheet or a layer before installation, in particular before stamping and / or before deformation. This has the advantage, in particular, that printing and / or coating can be carried out already during paper production, if necessary. Furthermore, coating can be carried out in the flat state before deformation. In order to avoid damage to the decoration or coating, it is conceivable that stamped edges, curved edges, folded edges or potential tearing locations are not provided with coating or are omitted.
[0141] Alternatively, the decoration and / or coating can be at least partially grooved at a later bending edge, folding edge, after applying and before installation, especially before deformation. Thus, when effective deformation occurs, the decoration and / or coating should not tear greatly.
[0142] Furthermore, the decoration and / or coating can be at least partially cut off after application and before installation, in particular before deformation, at a later bending edge, folding edge. As a result, the decoration and / or coating is cut at the corresponding position and the coating is not torn too much during deformation. A disadvantage here is that the inner layering of the paper material is exposed, which can lead to visual (other colors are visible) and functional (interruptions in the coating) disadvantages. However, this can be at least partially bridged by further coating after deformation.
[0143] Damage to the decoration can also be reduced when the decoration is applied on a flexible layer on the paper material. This means that a flexible layer of a plastic component such as polyethylene, polyamide or a sustainable plastic (e.g. in the form of a film) is applied or laminated to the paper material and then deformed. Due to the flexibility of the layer, damage is avoided or at least greatly reduced.
[0144] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that coating is carried out at least partially after deformation of the handle body, wherein coating must then be carried out in a 3D geometry. However, in this case, coating can be carried out on multiple components, wherein, when parts overlap each other, the covering position cannot be coated.
[0145] Preferably, a surface for attaching a marking is provided on the handle body. The marking can be applied, for example, in the form of printing or hot / cold embossing, laser marking. Here, the embossing can be applied directly, for example, when the remaining structure is formed. Therefore, no special embossing surface is required. The arrangement of the marking takes place in particular in areas with overflow shapes without contour jumps and therefore with a constant geometry. Preferably, the marking is integrated, for example, in a recess, in particular directly in the structure of the handle body, or is arranged in a stepped manner on the base.
[0146] In a preferred embodiment, the handle body is produced in particular by combining a plurality of paper layers into one layer, then applying a finishing process such as printing / painting, then punching, shaping, compacting the handle body, then applying a protective layer such as a protective coating, for example by means of dipping, spraying the handle body with a waterproof coating medium. The individual process steps are at least partially optional and can also be carried out in a different order than described above. Depending on the body care product, two or more layers can be combined into one handle unit.
[0147] Furthermore, film lamination, film covering and / or hot film embossing can be used. In this case, the paper material can be produced in particular from a plurality of layers with a film. In this case, matt films, glossy films or structured films can be used. As a result, the surface becomes particularly durable and acts in a visually attractive manner. Embossing / embossed film printing can be used, in which case, in particular, flat embossing or structured embossing is possible. Lamination or sealing can also be used for finishing.
[0148] Here, various designs of body care products considered reasonable by those skilled in the art can be envisioned in particular. The handle body can be manufactured and / or wound into a coil consisting of strips or bands in an unwinding manner by one or more paper material sheets and / or coils. In the case of multiple layers, the layers of the handle body can be connected to each other, for example, by bonding, sealing, welding and / or lamination. In addition, it is conceivable that at least one layer is pre-treated before processing. As a pre-treatment, for example, at least partial embossing of the paper material can be envisioned, with the purpose of generating a structure on the surface of the final product and / or generating a cavity in the handle body. Alternatively or additionally, a coating can be envisioned as a pre-treatment of the paper material. For example, the inner side of each layer of the paper material can be provided for bonding, while the outer side has moisture protection. Therefore, each layer can have two sides with different treatments or coatings. Alternatively or additionally, printing or finishing can be envisioned as a pre-treatment. In addition, it is conceivable that at least one layer is post-treated after manufacturing. As a post-treatment, for example, coating, printing and / or lamination can be envisioned. Alternatively or additionally, deformation and / or embossing and / or compacting, for example in particular by means of pressure and heat, for example for gripping geometries, is conceivable as post-processing.
[0149] The handle body can be configured as a rod or a tube. Here, one or more layers of paper material are wound. When implemented as a rod, the handle body is completely wound, so that the body is completely filled and in principle no cavity is formed in the body. When implemented as a tube, one or more layers of paper material are wound so that they are formed around the cavity. Just form a tube. In both cases, these layers are interconnected so that they stably hold each other and form a stable handle body, which can then be used further. Here, the application unit can be fastened to the handle body in the various ways described, including by overmolding.
[0150] Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least a portion of the surface of the body care product is post-treated. Possible methods are printing, dipping, spraying, etc. Here, it is conceivable that the body care product is dipped or painted to reduce water absorption, or the body care product is printed. Here, advantageous water resistance is especially reasonable because the application unit is made of paper. The body care product can also be applied. Of course, other methods described herein can also be used for finishing, for the use of fillers or the processing of paper materials.
[0151] The post-treatment may also include at least partially applying a body care agent, in particular a tooth care agent such as toothpaste, to the application unit. In addition, the surface of the application unit optimized for cleaning may also be produced by post-treatment, for example by applying an abrasive. An adhesive suitable for oral hygiene is used to fix the abrasive.
[0152] The post-treatment can be carried out in particular by immersing the corresponding part of the product in a fluid.
[0153] In addition, it is conceivable that the handle body of the handle unit has at least two layers of paper material, which are connected to each other in a layered manner. For this purpose, each layer can be prepared as a separate element and / or produced by bending the layer. Thus, the handle body can be manufactured particularly advantageously. A handle body that is advantageously stable and easy to manufacture can be provided in particular. A favorable handle shape can be provided in particular. Preferably, the handle body, in particular the entire handle unit, consists of at least two layers. Alternatively, in the case of at least two layers, these layers are preferably at least partially superimposed and arranged and connected to each other. Preferably, 2 to 6 layers, preferably 2 to 4 layers, are provided. However, 7 to 15 layers, preferably 8 to 12 layers, can also be provided. The layer thickness depends on the number of sheets, and therefore the number of layers also depends on this, so as to optimize the design stability. These layers can be composed of different paper materials, paper materials of different densities or grams. The paper material can contain additional film layers, in particular plastic film layers. Preferably, at least two layers are at least partially superimposed and arranged perpendicular to the main extension plane of these layers and connected to each other. At least two layers are adjacent to each other in particular with the largest surface. These layers can be connected to each other, for example, by bonding and / or sealing and / or pressing and / or welding and / or lamination. Here, pressure and / or heat and / or water (steam) are used. These layers can be connected to each other, especially when making body care products. During the connection of these layers, the application unit can be fixed between these layers.
[0154] The connection or sealing of the layers can be performed using different parameters. The preferred parameters when sealing the layers are listed below. The temperature moves within the range of 150°C to 210°C. The pressure is between 4000N / m 2 and 6000N / m 2 Between, preferably between 4400N / m 2 and 5100N / m 2 The sealing time is between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds, preferably between 1.5 seconds and 3.5 seconds.
[0155] Furthermore, the sealing stamp can be implemented unevenly during sealing. Here, a continuous or discontinuous surface and / or structure of the stamp can be provided. With such a structure, a sealing structure can be produced in interaction with a mating surface, which is sealed differently firmly or even differently clearly. Thus, a pressure curve can also be produced by the sealing surface, which changes at different areas of the handle body of the handle unit.
[0156] When sealing multiple layers, the sealing sequence can be further determined. For example, not all layers are sealed to each other at the same time. When sealing three layers, for example, the first two layers can be sealed first and the third layer can then be sealed to the other two layers. For four layers, for example, the first two layers can be sealed and then either each layer is sealed twice or the other two layers are subsequently sealed once. With step-by-step sealing, an optimal sealing of the individual layers can be achieved. In step-by-step sealing, the sealing parameters such as temperature, pressure, time, etc. can also be adapted individually for each sealing.
[0157] Preferably, the handle body is layered from a sheet, a coil or a blank. In addition, it is conceivable that at least two layers are pretreated, embossed, printed or finished before processing (see additional embodiments herein for this). Pretreatment, such as embossing, printing, finishing can only involve one layer. As a pretreatment, for example, deformation and / or embossing and / or compacting can also be conceived, the purpose of which is to produce a structure and / or a reinforcing curling or reinforcing rib on the surface of the final product. In addition, a cavity can be formed between the paper material layers by means of deformation and / or embossing and / or compacting of the paper material as described above. Here, for example, in the case of two layers, two opposite embossings or deformations are set at the same position of the handle body before connecting the paper material layers, so as to produce a handle body that is three-dimensional rather than flat at least in a sub-region. Instead of a cavity, the technology can also be used to specify a region or groove between the layers for a connecting unit and / or an application unit to be installed later. Alternatively, it is also possible to achieve only one embossing instead of two embossings, whereby the cavity becomes smaller and the deformation is only visible on one layer.
[0158] Deformation and / or embossing and / or compacting of the handle body is possible as described using a single layer or even after connecting multiple layers. It is thereby also possible to apply a surface structure or a bead for reinforcement. Thus, cavities can no longer be created. However, it is also possible to form a one-sided area or a depression or a groove for the connecting unit. The deformation then takes place convexly on one side and concavely on the other side, respectively.
[0159] Alternatively or additionally, as a pre-treatment, a coating can be envisaged. For example, the inner side of each layer of the flat paper material can be provided for bonding, while the outer side has moisture protection. Therefore, each layer can have two sides with different coatings or characteristics. Alternatively or additionally, as a pre-treatment, printing can be envisaged. In addition, it can be envisaged that at least two layers of the flat paper material are post-processed after connection. As a post-processing, coating, painting, impregnation, printing and / or lamination can be envisaged, for example. Preferably, the connecting unit or the application unit is directly connected to the handle body. The connecting unit or the application unit can be particularly inserted between these layers of the handle body and connected together with the layer of paper material. The application unit is particularly clamped between the layers to be connected to a certain extent. When connecting two layers of flat paper material, the overlapping part of the connecting unit or the application unit displaces the paper material at least partially. Thus, the retention of the connecting unit or the application unit is strengthened. The overlapping part of the connecting unit or the application unit can be deformed to increase the retention in the paper material. As mentioned above, it is also possible to manufacture structures and / or curling by means of embossing in this part to increase the retention of the application unit.
[0160] Alternatively, the connecting unit or application unit is applied to the specified layer on one side. Here, for example welding, sealing, lamination, bonding, riveting or other connecting technologies can be considered.
[0161] For a dental flosser or dental floss stick, the application unit can be clamped between layers. Here, the dental floss thread is fixed between the layers of paper material. The structure is described in the manufacture at the same time. A layer of paper material is provided. The layer is designed to be U-shaped in the front region. The dental floss thread is placed on the two legs of the U-shaped geometry and tensioned. Then, glue (e.g., point-type) is applied to the two legs of the dental floss thread and paper, and then another paper material layer is placed thereon. Therefore, the paper material and the dental floss thread are fixed to each other. In order to make the whole more stable as a dental flosser, another glue point can then be attached to the outer exit point of the dental floss thread from the layer of paper material combined respectively. The dental floss thread then protrudes on the two outer sides of the legs of the U-shaped geometry. The protruding length is cut to 1mm to 10mm, preferably 2mm to 6mm. Then, the loosened thread end can be melted, thereby forming a ball or mushroom-shaped portion of the dental floss material at the end adjacent to the paper material or adhesive / glue. In this way, a certain stop is produced when the dental flosser is used. The dental floss thread is introduced between the teeth and moves in the gaps between the teeth, which produces a certain pulling force on the thread. By means of the fixing by means of adhesive and / or material mushrooms as stops between the layers of paper material and / or at the edges of the layers of paper material, a good hold is achieved without the dental floss thread being torn or deformed too strongly between the legs of the U-shaped geometry.
[0162] Alternatively, the application unit, i.e. the dental floss thread, can be pre-treated. In the injection mold, a retaining element, for example in the form of a cylinder or a ball, is injection molded onto the dental floss thread. The ball is made of plastic, preferably made of thermoplastic. The balls for applying the unit are so far apart from each other that they are later located in the leg region of the U-shaped geometry. The ball can form a connecting unit. The layers on the paper material are prepared in parallel and are provided with through holes or recesses of the size of the diameter of the balls that are injection molded in the region of the legs. Then, at least one layer is provided with an adhesive, and the dental floss thread with the ball is inserted or positioned so that each ball is located in the leg or its through hole or recess. Then the second layer is placed on the first layer, and the line is clamped between the two. The through hole or recess of this layer is also located in the region of the ball, so that the ball is clamped between these layers. Alternatively, these layers can be connected by means of sealing or ultrasonic welding, and the balls can also be melted to a certain extent and the connection with the paper material is more obvious. The ball diameter corresponds to a size of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The through-holes or recesses accordingly also have a diameter in the same range.
[0163] As mentioned above, the dental floss thread can be cut off from both outer sides of the ball to 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 2 mm to 6 mm. Subsequently, the loosened thread ends can be melted to form a ball or mushroom of dental floss material at the end adjacent to the ball. This also leads to improved fixation of the dental floss thread, especially during use.
[0164] The pulled-out weight of the thread in the above-mentioned dental flosser is preferably greater than 5 kg, preferably greater than 7 kg, and most preferably greater than 8 kg.
[0165] In particular, an option is conceivable in which the number of layers of paper material varies. For example, there may be more layers in the anchoring area where a certain stability must be achieved than in the rest of the handle, or vice versa. Not every layer has to stretch over the entire area of the adjacent layers. Reduced layers can be located on the outside or arranged between larger layers. By arranging between the layers, damage caused by tearing can be avoided. In particular, there are no external interfering edges that could lead to a risk of injury.
[0166] As previously mentioned, these layers can generally be formed from the same sheet or blank by folding them and then sealing them. Thus, a hinged folded edge is formed. The folded layers can be identically constructed, but can also be smaller than the unfolded layers of the sheet or blank.
[0167] The folding or the definition of the sheet can be simplified by means of grooves or perforations. Preferably, the outer side of the fold remains intact. Preferably, the grooves or perforations are applied to the inner side of the fold. The folded layer has the advantage that less cut edges of the paper material are exposed to moisture and thus the water absorption in this respect is reduced.
[0168] Another possibility for protecting the cut edge of the paper material is curling. The single or multiple layers of the cut edge can be curled at least partially in the edge region. This gives the body care product additional stability and reduces the risk of injury, especially when used in the mouth. Another possibility is to process the cut edge later. Here, the sharp edge is rounded as much as possible. This can be done by means of a removal process (such as cutting, grinding, etc.) and / or by means of compaction.
[0169] The compaction of the edge is preferably carried out after cutting to round the edge. The cutting / punching of the paper material brings about that on the starting side (entry side) of the cutting, the edge is rounded, and on the end side (exit side) of the cutting, the edge becomes sharp. The knife is inserted into the paper material to cause rounding. In order to round the opposite sharp edge, the corresponding side is processed with a die. The edge is compacted by a die with a circular profile so that the sharp edge disappears. It can be achieved that the product consisting of only one paper material layer still has rounded edges on both sides. In the edge area, a higher density is thus achieved in the volume. However, when compacting, the matching profile needs to be supported by means of a supporting profile. For example, the already rounded edge is not pressed, but rests on the supporting profile. In addition, the supported profile can also be shaped more accurately by the supporting profile. For example, by pressing the pressed layer more accurately into the supporting profile, the profile is more accurately formed.
[0170] When using rounded edges on products consisting of multiple layers, it is important to note that the rounded edges are preferably located on the outside for the sake of user ergonomics. Here, the described post-processing by the stamping die can be omitted if the stamping layers are layered so that the corresponding entry sides of the stamping face outward, since these entry sides are already rounded as described due to the method. The outer edges are therefore rounded in the final product.
[0171] It is also proposed that the connection unit has at least one receiving groove, which is arranged to receive the front edge of the handle body of the handle unit facing the application unit. The receiving groove is particularly arranged to receive at least one edge of the handle body in a form-fitting manner or in a clamping manner. Preferably, the receiving groove extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. When using multiple receiving grooves, these receiving grooves are preferably arranged at an angle to each other, wherein the receiving grooves are still arranged symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the receiving groove is particularly arranged to receive the front edge of the handle body. Through the possible angled arrangement, the orientation of the handle unit relative to the connection unit is also achieved in parallel with the reception. It is conceivable that, for example, barbs in the form of recesses, grooves, undercuts are provided in the receiving groove, which improve the clamping. The receiving groove is particularly arranged to provide a clamping connection with the handle unit, especially the handle body. When the clamping connection is made, the handle unit is clamped in the receiving portion of the connection unit, especially the receiving groove. Here, the receiving portion is preferably made of plastic, so that the plastic of the connection unit is arranged on the outside, and the plastic receives the paper material of the handle unit on the inside. Here, the paper material can be pushed, for example, into a U-shaped element of the connection unit, which defines a receiving groove. The clamping connection can be combined particularly advantageously with the other connection possibilities mentioned in this document, so that displacement from the receiving part can be prevented. The term "substantially perpendicular" should here in particular define the orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction enclose an angle of 90° when viewed in particular in the projection plane, and the angle has a maximum deviation of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. In this way, a connection that is particularly easy to establish can be provided.
[0172] In addition, it is proposed that the handle body of the handle unit constitutes at least one stabilizing wall, which is angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit and extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. The stabilizing wall is preferably arranged on the outer edge of the handle body extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The stabilizing wall is angled perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit at an angle of at least 10°, preferably at least 20° and particularly preferably at least 30° relative to the main extension plane of the handle body. The stabilizing wall is angled perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit at an angle of less than 60°, preferably less than 45° and particularly preferably less than 35° relative to the main extension plane of the handle body. Preferably, the stabilizing wall constitutes the free outer edge of the handle body. However, it is also conceivable that the stabilizing wall is centrally formed in the handle body. In addition, another stabilizing structure can be provided in the handle body. The stabilizing structure can preferably be formed mainly in the longitudinal direction, in particular for improving the stability of the handle body or for better absorbing forces during the intended use. The stabilizing wall can also constitute at least one retaining surface. The stabilizing wall can be provided with a structure for this purpose. At least one retaining surface can be designed laterally on the handle body. The retaining surface is particularly arranged to simplify retention. In the region of the stabilizing wall, the surface in the cross section is in particular drawn deeper than the cross section of the handle body at other locations. Preferably, the handle body has a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped cross section in the region of the stabilizing wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit, preferably with an opening towards the rear or the front. In this way, an advantageously stable handle unit can be provided.
[0173] In addition, it is proposed that the connection unit has at least one bounding wall, which is arranged to at least partially bound and stabilize the stabilizing wall of the handle body. The bounding wall is particularly used to hold the stabilizing wall of the handle unit in place. The bounding wall extends in particular at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit. The bounding wall is preferably arranged on the outer edge of the connection unit that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The holding surface on the handle unit can be continued in the holding surface on the bounding wall of the connection unit. The bounding wall on the connection unit can be used as a support for the stabilizing wall of the handle unit. Here, for example, it is conceivable that the stabilizing wall of the handle unit abuts on the inner side on the bounding wall of the connection unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the stabilizing wall of the handle unit moves into the geometry directly on the bounding wall of the connection unit. Of course, the fixed connection between the bounding wall of the connection unit and the stabilizing wall of the handle unit can also be formed by means of auxiliary means, for example, by means of bonding, sealing, welding, clamping, locking, riveting, overmolding or other connection methods mentioned in this article. Thus, a handle unit that is advantageously stable can be provided in particular. In addition, advantageously high ergonomics can be provided. In particular, a secure grip of body care products can be achieved.
[0174] The connection unit can preferably have holding points, resting points or resting surfaces, which support the user of the product during application. Thus, for example, a finger or thumb rest can be provided in the case of a toothbrush or a brush. For this purpose, the connection unit can be pulled along the handle unit in length, wherein the extension forms a rest, in particular a thumb rest. Alternatively, in the case of a shaver, holding surfaces of the above embodiment can be provided, which provide additional gripping surfaces laterally on the narrow sides of the handle unit.
[0175] In addition, the connecting unit can contain one or more supporting elements like the delimiting walls, which are formed as part of the connecting unit. Here, the curved handle body can be abutted against the supporting elements, especially the corresponding delimiting walls. Here, the supporting elements support and ensure that the handle does not bend. Therefore, the structure of the handle body can be kept in shape. Here, the supporting elements, especially the delimiting walls, can be combined in particular with holding points, resting points or resting surfaces, so that, for example, the supporting elements can be used as supporting elements internally, while the supporting elements are used for holding externally.
[0176] The delimiting wall can be arranged centrally or eccentrically relative to the resting surface of the handle body on the connecting element in the direction of the height axis. This means that the delimiting wall can protrude through the handle body on the front side as well as on the rear side.
[0177] In addition, the delimiting wall can be equipped with a form-fitting element. The form-fitting element can be constructed in the form of a locking element. These form-fitting elements are arranged on the front side of the connecting unit and are designed in the form of a protruding element, preferably in the form of a protruding edge in the direction of the width axis. These elements are attached to the two delimiting walls and point toward each other or in the direction of the handle unit. These elements clamp the handle unit or the handle body relative to the connecting unit in the installed state. Here, the form-fitting element presses the handle body against the resting surface of the base of the application unit on the connecting unit. Preferably, the locking element is arranged to be elastically deflected during the fastening process so that it is then clamped behind the edge of the handle unit by an internal clamping force. The advantage of this design of the connection between the handle unit and the connecting unit is that the handle does not have to be provided with a through hole by additional stamping. The stamping is only performed along the outer contour.
[0178] Furthermore, a retaining element is also possible in the combination of a handle unit and a connecting unit. Thus, for example, a retaining element can be realized in a combination of elements of a handle unit and a connecting unit. For example, it is conceivable that the form-fitting element of the connecting unit is designed in a mushroom shape and extends through a through groove in the handle unit, wherein the mushroom-shaped form-fitting element is formed in such a way that, for example, the end that protrudes freely through the handle unit can also be used as a retaining element or thumb rest. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the form-fitting element is designed as a ring, which is laterally latched on the through groove, so that the through groove remains partially open. The through groove can then be used together with the annular form-fitting element as a thumb rest.
[0179] It is also proposed that the handle body of the handle unit is configured to be substantially S-shaped and swingable along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit. Preferably, the handle body is configured to be deformed relative to the planar design. Preferably, the handle body has an S-shaped longitudinal shape in the longitudinal section and / or in the longitudinal view. The contour of the handle unit is optimized in particular for user application and ergonomics. The handle body has in particular a continuous, continuous, rounded shape in the longitudinal direction. Particularly preferably, the handle body has an S-shaped swinging shape in the longitudinal direction. As a result, an advantageous ergonomic and stable handle unit can be provided in particular.
[0180] In addition, the handle body of the handle unit has a favorable transverse shape in the cross section along the transverse direction. The transverse shape can especially usually have a structure that has a positive influence on stability and continues continuously in the longitudinal direction. In addition, it is conceivable that the shapes can be transferred to each other in the longitudinal direction. The handle body is preferably symmetrically configured in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the transverse axis. Preferably, the shape of the transverse shape preferably extends from bottom to top to the neck area toward the connecting unit. Exemplary cross-sectional shapes can be, for example, U-shaped, T-shaped, Q-shaped, W-shaped, V-shaped, L-shaped or a combination of, for example, multiple shapes in the longitudinal direction. The corners of these transverse shapes or the resulting longitudinal edges are preferably rounded as described above. The handle body can, for example, have a wavy cross-sectional shape. In addition, multiple ring segments can be combined into a cross-sectional shape. In the top view, it is particularly conceivable to use any shape for the handle body, which is matched with the application. For example, it is conceivable to use a rectangle, square, oval, circular and / or triangle for the handle body in the top view. The above-mentioned shape elements can also be combined in the longitudinal direction. The shape of the handle body can in particular increase the stability, so that the forces generated under the load of the application unit can thus be absorbed. The handle unit can in particular absorb the elastic forces of a load of the application unit of up to 1500 g, preferably up to 2000 g. In this case, the application unit is fixed and the forces are measured at the rear end of the handle unit, in which case the handle unit must not be twisted and must be able to return to its original shape substantially elastically.
[0181] Preferably, the handle unit, in particular the handle body, can have a hanging groove. In particular, the hanging groove is designed in particular so that it does not interfere with the grip of the handle unit during application and can be used as a feature for hanging the product. The hanging groove is preferably designed in such a way that it is located on the handle end, which faces away from the application unit. In addition, it is also conceivable that the handle unit, in particular the handle body, has a pressable element for the sleeve; here, the element can be designed in such a way that it can be partially pressed out from the basic shape of the handle body. For this purpose, in particular a structure to be broken or broken, i.e. stamped, is produced. Here, in particular, only a line can be stamped in or a surface, in particular a crescent-shaped surface, can be stamped out, which partially exposes the element. The structure to be broken can be realized in particular, for example, by perforation or other weakening, so that the element can be pressed out manually. With the help of this element, the product can be suspended on the dental glass.
[0182] Preferably, the handle body of the handle unit has at least one layer of paper material, wherein the layer has embossing and / or deformation. During embossing, the paper material is at least partially deformed by pressure. Therefore, a three-dimensional design and / or surface structure can be realized on the surface of the paper material in a sub-region of the surface. It is also possible to realize a cavity or groove in the paper material layer by means of embossing. Therefore, a better stability and / or grip or anti-slip property of the handle body is achieved and the manual operation of the oral hygiene product is thus alleviated. In principle, all paper materials, such as wood and bamboo, can be embossed or compacted, whether in a flat, wound, laminated, sealed and / or welded state. Embossing or compacting can be supported by an embossing tool (female mold) by means of pressure and / or heat and / or water (steam), etc. Embossing or compacting can be carried out in a flat state when punching out the paper material. However, it is also possible to emboss on the already wound paper material. Embossing or compacting can also be a deep drawing, which also brings the above-mentioned design feasibility scheme. The deep drawing of the paper material can also be supported by means of a deep drawing tool with the aid of pressure and / or heat and / or water (steam) etc. Embossing or deep drawing can also give the paper material a shape that brings stability, such as a depression in the longitudinal direction of the handle part of a toothbrush, which makes the body more stable. In addition, specifically selected coatings such as lacquers etc. can generally influence and improve shape stability and stability.
[0183] In addition, it is conceivable that the body care product, in particular the handle body, has at least one layer, which is at least partially deformed and / or pressed and / or deep-drawn. At least one layer can be manufactured not only from one or more sheets or blanks of paper material and / or from coil unwinding. The body care product has a plurality of layers in particular. These layers, in particular the layers of the handle body, can be connected to each other, for example, by bonding, welding and / or lamination. In addition, it is conceivable that at least one layer is pretreated before processing. As a pretreatment, for example, embossing can be conceived, the purpose is to produce a structure on the surface of the final product. Alternatively or additionally, a coating can be conceived as a pretreatment. For example, the inner side of each layer can be provided for bonding, and the outer side has moisture protection. Therefore, each layer can have two sides with different coatings. Alternatively or additionally, printing can be conceived as a pretreatment. In addition, it is conceivable that at least one layer is post-processed after manufacturing. As a post-processing, for example, coating, printing and / or lamination can be conceived. However, correspondingly, alternative general basic shapes for the handle unit can also be conceived. At least one layer of the body care product is particularly deformed, preferably deep drawn, especially by means of pressure and heat. Thus, for example, a gripping geometry for better ergonomics is produced. A body care product with a large handle unit can be provided in particular. It is also conceivable that the handle unit consists of two assembled deep-drawn half shells, which surround the cavity in a mutually connected state. The connection of the half shells can be carried out, for example, by means of bonding, welding, sealing and / or plug-in. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a handle unit of a toothbrush in particular, for example. The layer thickness of the flat paper material is 0.5mm to 3.0mm, preferably 0.7mm to 2.5mm, particularly preferably 1.0mm to 2.0mm. As an alternative to the layer of paper material, a layer of flat wood or bamboo material can also be added. The layer thickness of the flat wood or bamboo material is 0.3mm to 3.0mm, preferably 0.5mm to 2.0mm, particularly preferably 0.7mm to 1.8mm. As mentioned above, the material of one, two or more layers can be combined into a handle unit.
[0184] Furthermore, it is conceivable that devices such as separation aids and / or predetermined breaking points are provided on the body care product, at which the body care product can be disassembled for disposal, separated or separated with or without the use of simple auxiliary devices (e.g. scissors, knives, screw cutters, etc.), so that the various components or materials can be separated at least partially by category for disposal. For example, gripping sheets can be implemented, for example, between the layers to be separated, perforations, removable continuations, by means of which the materials or layers can be separated. Alternatively or additionally, unconnected, unsealed or unwelded sections can be provided for separation. Furthermore, supporting perforations and / or grooves and / or recesses can be provided, for example for separation of an application unit or a connection unit from a handle unit, i.e., for example a brush and paper. Preferably, separation aids, such as, in particular, pull tabs, gripping sheets and / or perforations are provided on the body care product.
[0185] Preferably, devices or components or sub-areas can be designed on the connection unit or the application unit, which realize and / or display and / or simplify the separation of the connection element preferably composed of plastic and the handle unit preferably composed of paper material. Thus, separate disposal can be achieved in particular. Conversely, the connection unit can be implemented inseparable from the application unit. In the case of a razor, the connection unit and the application unit are disposed of in the waste accordingly. However, it is also conceivable that the blade of the plastic part is implemented detachably, so that the plastic part can be fed into a plastic collector. Thus, at least partial recycling can be achieved. For example, tabs, edges, protrusions, etc. can be provided on the connection unit, which tabs, edges, protrusions, etc. can be gripped well but will not interfere with normal application. Preferably, the tabs can be pulled, and the handle unit can be moved in the opposite direction to tear the parts, especially the handle unit and the connection unit apart from each other.
[0186] The peeling off of sub-areas or elements of the body care product or at least partial separation of materials (e.g. separation of the application unit from the handle part; separation of the injection-molded bristles or bristle plate from the head part) is only provided once (e.g. for separate disposal of the materials). Reconnection of the separated elements is preferably not provided.
[0187] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the handle body of the handle unit has at least one layer of paper material, which is configured to be at least partially folded. As a result, the handle body can be manufactured particularly advantageously. A handle body that is advantageously stable and easy to manufacture can be provided in particular. A particularly advantageous handle shape can be provided. Preferably, the layer is made of continuous, in particular cut paper and / or carton. The layer advantageously comprises at least one folding axis and / or at least one folding edge. The layer is preferably folded on at least one folding axis and / or at least one folding edge in the use state. Advantageously, the folding of the layer in the use state is simplified by at least one folding axis and / or folding edge, or the product obtains its shape only by folding, which shape is necessary for use. It is conceivable that the layer is configured to be perforated and / or grooved and / or embossed on the folding edges and / or folding axes to achieve a defined folding.
[0188] Preferably, the layer is divided into two sides, especially sublayers, by at least one folding axis. Preferably, at least one folding axis and / or folding edge extends parallel to the main extension direction of the body care product. It is also conceivable that at least one folding axis extends perpendicular to the main extension direction of the body care product. The folding edge can be implemented continuously or discontinuously, and in addition, the combination of perforation, slotting, and incision can form the folding edge. These elements can be arranged, for example, one after another. The folding edge can be implemented straight or curved. Thus, a customized shape can also be designed when the main body is installed. Here, the handle body can be folded from a paper sheet or a coil. In addition, the connection of the folding side can be carried out in particular by means of sealing or bonding or installation (for example, plugging, locking). If the folding side is plugged or locked to each other, recesses are formed, for example, on the corresponding surface, and these recesses can be pushed into each other during installation. A plug-in type tab is formed between the recesses on the same surface. If the recesses are pushed into each other, the plug-in type tabs are superimposed and slide, so that in the final stage, one plug-in type tab is located above another plug-in type tab or below another plug-in type tab.
[0189] By folding the side, especially the sublayer, a main body can be formed, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and forms a closed, especially triangular cross-section. Here, the triangle can be designed as equilateral or isosceles, wherein preferably symmetry with respect to the height axis is produced. What the orientation of the folding axis brings is how the surface is oriented. The folding axes can be parallel or tapered respectively. When the folding axes are designed to taper, the point where the distance between the folding axes is the smallest is preferably on the side of the brush head. Thus, a main body with advantageously high stability in the area of the application unit can be formed. The front side can be formed, for example, by folding axes extending in parallel, and the folding axis on the rear side is designed to taper toward the folding axis of the front side, so that a cone is formed in the side view. By folding, the sublayers are at least partially superimposed on each other, and in the final product, at least some of the sides of the product are guided twice so that a plurality of word layers are superimposed on each other on the defined side. This means that a plurality of, especially two sublayers are superimposed on each other on at least one side. By attaching a plurality of layers, the main body obtains better stability. The connection of these layers can be carried out as described, and these layers can also be bonded or sealed to each other, for example.
[0190] On the application side, the cutting edge poses a challenge. For example, when used as a razor or toothbrush in a humid environment, the cutting edge, which may not be treated, is an open part of the layer that can absorb moisture. Here, in order to form better protection and also better ensure durability, the application unit, in particular the base body of the application unit, can be configured with a connecting unit so that the connecting unit includes the end of the folding body on the application side, that is, the folding body is surrounded by the application unit with the connecting unit in the shape of a thimble. Here, the base body of the application unit and / or the connecting unit are especially made of a waterproof material. The application unit with the connecting unit, in particular the base body of the application unit, is preferably covered by a folded handle body. In this way, better protection of the cut open edge of the layer can be achieved.
[0191] The folding body can be used for various body care products, in particular for toothbrushes or razors.
[0192] As pretreatment, for example, embossing or compacting can be envisaged, with the aim of creating a structure on the surface of the final product. Alternatively or additionally, as pretreatment, coating can be envisaged. For example, the inner side of the layer can be provided for bonding, while the outer side has moisture protection. Thus, the layer can have two sides with different pretreatments, such as coatings. Alternatively or additionally, as pretreatment, printing can be envisaged. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one layer is post-treated after production. As post-treatment, for example, coating, printing and / or lamination can be envisaged. Preferably, the layers of the handle body are cut or punched.
[0193] As a body care product with a corresponding handle body, in particular a toothbrush is conceivable. The body care product is in particular flatly manufactured, wherein in particular grooves, embossings, perforations etc. are provided for folding before the first use. The grooves are in particular arranged in the folding axis. In addition, a combination of folding and subsequent connection is conceivable, for example by means of bonding, sealing, welding, gluing, lamination. In the case of a body care product in the form of a toothbrush, the origami-style body care product can form a paper frame. Alternatively or additionally, the body care product can include cleaning elements made of paper material when it is in the form of a toothbrush. The cleaning elements can be arranged on a bristle plate made of plastic, wood or paper material, wherein the bristle plate is arranged or fixed on the paper material of the handle body.
[0194] The body care product is made in particular of a flat paper material, wherein in particular the groove is provided for folding before first use. The groove is arranged in particular in the folding axis. The body care product can be folded in particular into a triangular or pyramidal or conical structure during use. Optionally, in the case of a folded body care product, a frame made of paper material can also be provided on the inside, while on the outside the casing surrounds the frame.
[0195] As another body care product with a corresponding handle body, a toothbrush can be envisioned (these feasible solutions can also be similarly used for other body care products such as wet shavers). The paper material is prepared as a layer with appropriate grooves, perforations, etc., so that the corresponding product can then be folded. The toothbrush made of paper material in this way can be manufactured with different cross-sectional profiles. For example, the product can constitute a closed profile, such as a triangle, a quadrilateral or generally an n-gonal profile, an open profile, such as a U-shaped profile, a V-shaped profile, a W-shaped profile, a T-shaped profile, an L-shaped profile or a profile combined thereby in the use state. Finally, the profile forms a body, which forms the handle body of the toothbrush. Here, the profile can also be used, for example, to form a facade on the back side of the toothbrush so that the toothbrush can be placed on the surface and then not wound around its own axis. The grooves, perforations, etc. prepared for folding do not necessarily have to be guided on the entire body, they can also end on the surface, so that, for example, rounded corners are subsequently produced. The installation of the product can be carried out in various ways. For example, the product can be already installed, or the end user (user) can install the product after purchase or before use. The second variant can bring various advantages in terms of the space required in the packaging, because the body care product in a flat state is smaller than the volume of the installation. During installation, different positions of the layer are connected to each other to form a bulky body or handle part. These layers can be directly connected using adhesive strips, adhesives or other suitable devices for connection. The bristle area can be already installed on the handle, or it can also be fixed only by the installation of the handle, such as by bonding. Before installation, it is also possible to separate certain positions of the layer made of paper material. In addition, it is possible to design such elements that these elements can form a closed or semi-open cavity in the ready-to-use state of the body of the product. Therefore, certain tabs are formed, which are inserted into the opening and fixed therein so that the opening is subsequently closed. The folding can be designed in different directions, preferably, most of the folding around the folding axis occurs in the longitudinal direction. However, folding in the transverse direction can also be prepared, such as when the elements for packaging are folded to each other. In addition, such elements can be provided, which are folded so that, for example, the handle body is closed on the side of the application unit (such as the bristle area). Such tabs are further designed so that they are placed in a specific frame around the sublayer. In this case, the webs bring about a further stabilization of the sublayers relative to one another.
[0196] Furthermore, it is possible to provide the paper material layer in the flat state (before folding) with a structure or other surface coating or the like in order to produce surface elements in the end product which meet certain properties, for example with a higher friction.
[0197] The handle body may be provided with a surface structure to improve the tactile sensation or the holding. For example, for example, nubs may be provided on the surface of the handle body, which are formed by embossing of the rest of the body. The surface structure may be integrated into various different areas of the handle body, for example into the mentioned holding surface or into another surface.
[0198] Embossing is carried out as described above with the aid of pressure and / or heat. The paper layer can be slightly moistened, for example with water (steam), to simplify shaping. In this way, the product can be given a shape extending in another dimension, such as a handle body with a kink or angle in this other dimension, by treatment with heat, moisture and pressure.
[0199] Alternatively or additionally, the connecting section of the application unit can be designed as an interface for a replaceable component, for example a replaceable head for a manual toothbrush.
[0200] Alternatively, the handle body can already be made of printed paper material. Thus, a colored final product can be produced without post-processing.
[0201] Furthermore, it is proposed that the handle body of the handle unit has at least one layer of paper material, which is designed to be at least partially folded, wherein the handle body has a stowed position, in which the inner side of the layer is oriented outwards, and an operating position, in which the outer side of the layer is oriented outwards. Thus, the handle unit can be folded inwards, especially in the form of a package, and folded outwards for use. It is particularly conceivable here that the handle body is combined with a package. Preferably, the layer forms at least a part of the packaging of the body care product in the illustrated state. Preferably, the bringing of the handle body from the stowed position into the operating position is irreversible, since some elements may have to be separated in order to reach the operating position from the stowed position.
[0202] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the base body of the application unit comprises an injection-molded bristle region. In particular, directly injection-molded bristles are conceivable. These bristles can be produced together with the application unit, the handle unit and / or the coupling unit, in particular during multi-component injection molding, or can be subsequently injection-molded onto the base body of the application unit. In contrast to conventional bristles, injection-molded bristles are not extruded, but rather formed by means of an injection molding process. Special materials are used for this purpose. Injection-molded bristles can be injection-molded directly onto paper material or wood, that is to say, the material is inserted into an injection mold and then overmolded.
[0203] In addition, it is conceivable that the body care product is at least partially ground from a paper material. Here, the body care product is especially at least partially made of a solid cardboard, which is ground into a defined shape. Here, it is especially conceivable that at least one solid cardboard is post-processed after grinding. The solid cardboard can also be formed by multiple layers of paper material. As post-processing, for example, coating, printing and / or lamination can be conceived. Preferably, at least the handle unit is composed of solid cardboard. It is conceivable that various solid cardboards that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art are conceivable, such as finned cardboard in particular. In this context, as a body care product, a stamped toothbrush can be conceived in particular. For this purpose, a block made of paper material is especially ground into a contour, wherein holes are drilled in the subsequent brush head. During manufacturing, in particular in the first step, the components of the handle unit and the application unit are ground and drilled from a block made of paper material. Then, the handle unit and / or the application unit can be optionally printed and painted.
[0204] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the body care product is at least partially injection-molded from a paper material. Here, the paper material is processed in particular using a process similar to injection molding. However, the processing of the paper material takes place at significantly lower temperatures and injection molding pressures. Corresponding methods are known, for example, in the case of the PurePaperPak, a structural paper packaging. Here, a particularly environmentally friendly use of raw materials is possible, wherein the ingredients originate from nature, in particular consist of 100% natural resources. The raw materials consist in particular of industrial starch, preferably potatoes, paper fibers, water, including mixtures. The paper mixture thus produced is then used for further processing by means of injection molding technology. Paper injection molding is carried out in particular in three steps. In a first step, injection takes place, wherein the paper mixture is injected into an aluminum mold. In a second step, a baking process takes place, wherein the paper mixture is baked, in particular heated, in the mold. In a third step, demoulding takes place, wherein the finished packaging can be removed. In addition, the so-called Packaging is known. Packaging is especially food-certified In this context, a punched toothbrush is particularly conceivable as a body care product. For this purpose, the toothbrush body, in particular the handle unit, is injection molded, in particular from a paper material. During manufacture, in particular in a first step, the handle unit is injection molded from a paper material. The handle unit and / or the application unit can then optionally be printed and painted.
[0205] For injection molding using paper materials, in particular paper with starch (industrial starch) and solvent can be used for the material. The components are mixed and processed by a corresponding injection molding machine. The material is mixed in a ratio of 25% to 70%, preferably 30% to 40% of paper, 20% to 40%, preferably 25% to 35% of starch and 5% to 40%, preferably 10% to 35% of solvent. As starch, industrial starch such as corn or potatoes can be used. As solvent, polyvinyl alcohol is especially used. In order to mix the components, these components are dissolved in water, mixed, and the resulting liquid / substance is dried and then processed into granules.
[0206] The paper material of the body care product, in particular the handle unit, can also be injection molded separately from at least one functional component using an injection molded part, so that it can then be connected to the paper material in a downstream process. This is useful for the examples already mentioned (e.g., a brush head with injection molded bristles or a bristle plate with conventional / extruded filaments, used as a toothbrush, interdental cleaner, dental flosser, etc.). Here, means for connecting to the paper material are provided on at least one injection molded part with at least one functional component. The connection is then carried out by gluing, bonding, sealing, riveting, deformation, etc.
[0207] If one or more layers of paper material are used, these layers can of course be processed as described elsewhere herein before or after injection molding or connection using the various methods mentioned in this document (folding, deforming, embossing, grooved, finishing, coating, etc.).
[0208] As an alternative to the winding of the paper material, in particular, extrusion of the paper material is also conceivable to produce a cylindrical structure. As an alternative to the grinding of the paper material, in particular, rotation of the paper material is also conceivable to produce a rotationally symmetrical geometry.
[0209] Furthermore, special surfaces of the paper material can be produced. In particular, different surfaces can be produced on different sides, for example in terms of color or surface properties.
[0210] According to the disclosure of the invention, the connection by welding does not have to be carried out over the entire contact surface. Thus, for example, tear tabs and / or certain edge positions or edge regions cannot be welded. Furthermore, for example, welding can also be carried out only at the edges, while the inner surface is omitted. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to omit welding, for example in order to create mobility. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to intentionally weld in order to create mobility, in particular in the area of the folded edges. Alternatively or additionally, welding can also be carried out only in the area of the interface with the application unit, for example only in the connecting section of the base body.
[0211] It is also proposed that the paper material has a water-repellent coating and / or impregnation. A corresponding coating and / or impregnation can also achieve a reduction in the water absorption of the paper material. Thus, the paper material can also be used for a variety of applications. Here, the impregnation can be carried out, for example, with the aid of plastics and / or waxes, etc.
[0212] It is also proposed that the paper material is embodied in a painted and / or printed manner. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve an advantageous personalization of the paper material. In particular, an advantageously simple printing can be achieved on the paper material. In particular, a finishing process can be achieved. The finishing process can be, for example, a painting, where, for example, UV high-gloss lacquer, textured lacquer, soft-touch lacquer or glitter lacquer can be used. Alternatively or additionally, the paper material can have a print. The paper material can, for example, have a print on a water-based lacquer, which is environmentally friendly compared to conventional lacquers.
[0213] The center of gravity of the entire body care product is shifted towards the application unit compared to conventionally manufactured body care products. The handle unit made of paper material has a lower weight in the manufacture according to the invention, while the elements in the area of the application unit retain their weight.
[0214] The center of gravity of the entire body care product is in particular in the range of 25% to 45%, preferably 30% to 40%, of the total length of the body care product, measured from the upper end. The total weight of the body care product is in particular 0.5 g to 15 g, preferably 1 g to 8 g. In the case of a body care product designed as a toothbrush, the weight is in particular 4 g to 15 g, preferably 5 g to 8 g. In the case of a body care product designed as a razor, the weight of the handle unit is in particular 5 g to 8 g, preferably 3 g to 12 g.
[0215] In addition, various packagings for body care products that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art can be envisioned. For example, conventional plastic blisters or packaging made of paper materials can be envisioned. In the case of packaging made of paper materials, the use of plastics can be particularly greatly reduced.
[0216] The invention also relates to a method for producing a body care product.
[0217] In this context, the body care product according to the invention should not be limited to the above-mentioned applications and embodiments. In particular, the body care product according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units different from the number mentioned herein and / or any reasonable combination thereof to perform the functional modes described herein. In addition, in the case of numerical ranges given in the present disclosure, the values within the mentioned limits should also be considered to be disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.
[0218] Of course, the design variants shown in this document are exemplary. Within the scope of the invention, the individual features and elements of these design variants can be combined with other design variants without departing from the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0219] Further advantages result from the following description of the drawings. Six embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain many combined features. It will also be appropriate for a person skilled in the art to consider these features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. In the drawings:
[0220] Figure 1A A handle unit of a body care product according to the invention in the form of a toothbrush is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0221] Figure 1B The handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0222] Figure 1C The previous top view shows the handle unit of the body care product according to the present invention;
[0223] Figure 1D The following top view shows the handle unit of the body care product according to the present invention;
[0224] Figure 1E A handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line AA;
[0225] Figure 1F An application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0226] Figure 1G An application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0227] Figure 1H An application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line BB;
[0228] Fig. 1I A body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0229] Figure 1J A body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0230] Figure 1KA body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line CC;
[0231] Figure 2A An alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention in the form of a toothbrush, in particular a travel toothbrush, is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0232] Figure 2B An alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0233] Figure 2C The previous top view shows an alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention;
[0234] Figure 2D The following top view shows an alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention;
[0235] Figure 2E An alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line DD;
[0236] Figure 2F An alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0237] Figure 2G An alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0238] Figure 2H An alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0239] Fig.2I An alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0240] Figure 2J An alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line EE;
[0241] Figure 3A A further alternative body care product according to the invention having a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit in the first alternative design is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0242] Figure 3BA further alternative body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D front view with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit in a second alternative design;
[0243] Figure 3C A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit in a third alternative design is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0244] Figure 4A A further alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention in the form of a shaver is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0245] Figure 4B A further alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0246] Figure 4C The previous top view shows a further alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention;
[0247] Figure 4D A further alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a side view;
[0248] Figure 4E The following top view shows another alternative handle unit of the body care product according to the invention;
[0249] Figure 4F A further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0250] Figure 4G A further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0251] Figure 4H The previous top view shows a further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention;
[0252] Fig. 4I A further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a side plan view;
[0253] Figure 4J The following top view shows a further alternative application unit and a connecting unit of a body care product according to the invention;
[0254] Figure 4K A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0255] Figure 4L A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0256] Figure 4M The previous top view shows a further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit;
[0257] Figure 4N A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a side view;
[0258] Fig.4O A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line FF;
[0259] Figure 5A A further alternative handle unit for a body care product according to the invention in the form of an applicator brush is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0260] Figure 5B A further alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0261] Figure 5C A further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0262] Figure 5D A further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0263] Figure 5E A further alternative application unit and a connecting unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line GG;
[0264] Fig. 5F A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0265] Figure 5G A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0266] Figure 5H A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic sectional view along the section line HH;
[0267] Fig. 6A A further alternative handle unit of a body care product according to the invention in the form of a shaver is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0268] Figure 6B A further alternative application unit and a connection unit of a body care product according to the invention are shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0269] Figure 6C A further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit, an application unit and a connection unit is shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0270] Fig. 7A shows a cross section of a further alternative body care product according to the invention with a handle unit in an alternative embodiment in an unfolded state;
[0271] Figure 7B A further alternative body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D front view in an unfolded state with a handle unit and an application unit in an alternative design;
[0272] Figure 7C A handle unit and an application unit of a body care product according to the invention designed as a toothbrush are shown in a schematic 3D front view;
[0273] Fig.7D The handle unit and the application unit of a body care product according to the invention designed as a toothbrush are shown in a schematic 3D rear view;
[0274] Fig. 8A The handle unit and the application unit of the body care product according to the invention, which is designed as a dental flosser, are shown in an exploded view;
[0275] Figure 8B Shows the installed assembly Fig. 8A products;
[0276] Fig. 9 A further alternative body care product according to the invention is shown in a schematic 3D view;
[0277] Fig. 10A The handle unit and the application unit of the body care product according to the invention in the form of a dental flosser are shown in a top view; and
[0278] Fig. 10B Shown in top view Fig. 10A A product with a cutaway showing the application area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0279] Below, reference Figures 1A to 1K , these figures show different views and stages of production of a body care product 10a. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0280] Figure 1A The handle unit 14a of a body care product 10a is shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10a is formed by an oral hygiene device. In the present case, the body care product 10a is designed as a toothbrush.
[0281] The body care product 10a has an application unit 12a. The body care product 10a also has a handle unit 14a, which has a handle body 16a. The body care product 10a also has a connecting unit 18a, which connects the application unit 12a with the handle unit 14a.
[0282] The body care product 10a has a longitudinal axis 42a, a height axis 46a and a width axis 48a. The longitudinal axis 42a is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44a of the body care product 10a. If the body care product 10a is placed on a flat surface with the rear side 50a so that the longitudinal axis 42a is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 46a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42a and perpendicular to the surface and the width axis 48a. The width axis 48a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42a and perpendicular to the height axis 46a. In the present case, the body care product 10a has a length of 140 mm to 210 mm and preferably 165 mm to 185 mm, measured in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 42a and parallel to the resting surface. The body care product 10a also has a maximum height of 12 mm to 25 mm and preferably 15 mm to 19 mm, measured in particular parallel to the height axis 46a and perpendicular to the resting surface. The body care product 10a also has a width at the widest point of 10 to 25 mm and preferably 13 to 18 mm, in particular parallel to the width axis 48a.
[0283] The application unit 12a forms a brush head for the body care product 10a. In the present case, the application unit 12a is designed as a toothbrush head. The application unit 12a has, in particular, a base body 26a designed as a bristle carrier. The base body 26a of the application unit 12a consists entirely of a plastic component, a material for injection molding bristles. However, it is also conceivable that the base body 26a of the application unit 12a is formed by a hard component and a soft component. The base body 26a of the application unit 12a constitutes a bristle carrier. The application unit 12a also has a plurality of bristles 78a formed together with the base body 26a. The application unit 12a is manufactured by an injection molding method and constitutes a base body 26a and a bristle bundle 54a, which consists of bristles 78a. The bristle bundle 54a can also be received in the base body 26a as an alternative. Alternatively, a recess can be formed on the front side 58a of the base body 26a. The recess is provided for receiving a bristle bundle 54a, which is fixed by a conventional anchoring stamping method. The base body 26a has a large number of recesses in this case. The recess is formed by bristle holes. As bristles for the bristle bundle 54a, any suitable bristles can be considered, which, as mentioned above, can be stamped, for example, by an anchoring stamping method. In principle, it is also conceivable to use AFT. In the case of AFT, a groove is provided in the base body 26a, which is provided for receiving a bristle plate parallel to the handle unit 14a. The bristle plate is manufactured in particular by means of injection molding, wherein the bristle plate has been bristled before fastening. The bristle plate is arranged to be anchored in the groove of the base body 26a and / or arranged outside the groove, in particular by means of welding or also by means of other connection technologies. The bristle bundle 54a can be more different in terms of its length, its composition, its number of bristles, bristle material, color, surface structure, etc.
[0284] The application unit 12a is arranged on the upper side of the body care product 10a. The application unit 12a forms the uppermost point of the body care product 10a. The application unit 12a consists completely of a plastic component, here a material for injection molding bristles. However, it is also conceivable that the application unit 12a consists partly of a hard component and partly of a soft component. With regard to suitable soft and / or hard components, reference is made to the above description.
[0285] The handle unit 14a is provided for being gripped by an operator. The handle unit 14a has a handle body 16a. The handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a has a head region 28a. The handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a also has a handle region 72a and a neck region 60a arranged between the handle region 72a and the head region 28a. The head region 28a is provided for attaching the application unit 12a. The handle unit 14a has at least one handle surface 56a, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16a. The handle surface 56a extends from the neck region 60a of the handle body 16a on the front side 58a to the lower end of the body care product 10a on the lower side. The handle surface 56a extends through the handle region 72a of the handle body 16a. The handle surface 56a constitutes a ridge or convex shape on the front side 58a along the longitudinal axis 42a. The ridge shape is reversely constituted on the rear side 50a along the longitudinal axis 42a. The handle body 16a is formed concave on the rear side 50a in the area of the handle surface 56a. The handle body 16a has an elliptical basic shape in the area of the handle surface 56a. The handle body 16a is three-dimensionally deformed to form a raised convex shape. The handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a also has two stabilizing walls 36a, 36a', which are angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit 14a and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a of the handle unit 14a. The stabilizing walls 36a, 36a' are each angled relative to the rest of the handle body 16a by folding edges 77a, 77a'. The central area of the handle body 16a is arranged between the stabilizing walls 36a, 36a'. The stabilizing walls 36a, 36a' each extend through the handle area 72a and the neck area 60a of the handle body 16a. The stabilizing walls 36a, 36a' are arranged on an outer edge of the handle body 16a extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a. The stabilizing walls 36a, 36a' are angled perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40a of the handle unit 14a at an angle of at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, relative to a main extension plane of the handle body 16a. The stabilizing walls 36a, 36a' each form a free outer edge of the handle body 16a.
[0286] In the center or rear area of the handle surface 56a, a label and / or a logo can be arranged in particular. The handle body 16a forms a platform 62a on the handle surface 56a. The platform 62a is used to receive the label and / or the logo. The platform 62a is at least partially arranged centrally on the handle surface 56a. The platform 62a is arranged in the area of the maximum width of the body care product 10a.
[0287] From the bottom to the top, the maximum width of the body care product 10a is arranged in the first 30% of the main extension of the body care product 10a. After the maximum width, the body of the body care product 10a decreases continuously in width backwards to the rear end. After the maximum width, the body of the body care product 10a decreases continuously in width forwards toward the application unit 12a, the handle unit 14a and the width of the neck region 60a to the head attachment of the head region 28a. The handle unit 14a has an approximately uniform material thickness in height, in particular parallel to the height axis 46a.
[0288] The handle body 16a also has a substantially constant material thickness. The handle body 16a also has a first groove 64a, which extends from the application unit 12a to the platform 62a through the neck area 60a above the handle surface 56a on the front side 58a. The first groove 64a extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a of the handle unit 14a in the middle. The first groove 64a has an at least approximately constant cross-section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a, wherein the first groove 64a partially tapers in the neck area 60a. The first groove 64a has a trapezoidal cross-section that widens toward the front side 58a. A first web-shaped protrusion 66a corresponding to the first groove 64a is formed on the rear side 50a of the handle body 16a. Here, the first web-shaped protrusion 66a is produced in particular by constant material thickness when the first groove 64a is manufactured.
[0289] The handle body 16a also has a second groove 68a, which extends from the lower end of the handle unit 14a facing the application unit 12a through the handle surface 56a to the platform 62a on the front side 58a. The second groove 68a extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a of the handle unit 14a. The second groove 68a has an at least approximately constant cross section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a. The second groove 68a has a trapezoidal cross section that widens toward the front side 58a. The second groove 68a extends substantially aligned with the first groove 64a, wherein the first groove 64a and the second groove 68a are interrupted by the platform 62a. A second web-shaped protrusion 70a corresponding to the second groove 68a is formed on the rear side 50a of the handle body 16a. Here, the second web-shaped protrusion 70a is produced in particular by a constant material thickness when the second groove 68a is manufactured.
[0290] The handle body 16a consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16a consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a has at least one layer 30a of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16a consists of exactly one layer 30a of a paper material, but a multi-layer structure is also conceivable.
[0291] The handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a is configured to be substantially S-shaped and swiveled along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit 14a. The handle body 16a has an S-shaped longitudinal shape in a longitudinal section and / or in a longitudinal view. The contour of the handle unit 14a is optimized for user application and ergonomics. The handle body 16a has a continuous, continuous, rounded shape in the longitudinal direction.
[0292] The body care product 10a further comprises a connection unit 18a. The connection unit 18a is provided for a positive connection with the handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a. In addition to the positive connection, a force-fit connection and / or a material-fit connection can also be provided.
[0293] In particular, it is conceivable that the connecting unit 18a is additionally at least partially bonded, welded or encapsulated with the handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connection is established by means of injection molding and / or overmolding or by means of a clamp.
[0294] The connecting unit 18a has at least one form-fitting element 20a, 20a'. The connecting unit 18a has, for example, two form-fitting elements 20a, 20a'. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are arranged to engage in grooves 22a, 22a' of the application unit 12a and / or the handle unit 14a, respectively. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are arranged to engage in grooves 22a, 22a' of the handle unit 14a, respectively. The grooves 22a, 22a' of the handle unit 14a are formed by through grooves 24a, 24a'. The handle body 16a defines two through grooves 24a, 24a'. The through grooves 24a, 24a' are introduced into the head area 28a of the handle body 16a. The through grooves 24a, 24a' are arranged successively along the longitudinal axis 40a of the handle unit 14a. The through grooves 24a, 24a' are arranged in the first groove 64a. The through grooves 24a, 24a' are arranged to receive the form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' of the connecting unit 18a. The through grooves 24a, 24a' are each formed by cylindrical grooves 22a, 22a'. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' also have a cylindrical basic shape. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are each formed by rivets. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are each formed by plastic rivets. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' each have an axis and a form-fitting head 74a, 74a' in a state connected to the handle unit 14a. The form-fitting heads 74a, 74a' of the form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' have an enlarged diameter relative to the through grooves 24a, 24a' and are arranged on the side of the handle unit 14a facing away from the application unit 12a. The form-fitting heads 74a , 74a ′ of the form-fitting elements 20a , 20a ′ prevent the connection unit 18a from being retracted and thus prevent the connection unit 18b from being removed from the handle unit 14a .
[0295] During manufacture, a handle unit 14a and a connecting unit 18a are provided. Subsequently, the handle unit 14a and the connecting unit 18a are combined, wherein the form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' extend through the through grooves 24a, 24a'. Subsequently, the through-type shaft of the form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' is deformed. Here, various deformation possibilities that are considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art can be envisaged, for example by pressure, wherein the form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are squeezed or compacted, or by pressure and heat, wherein the form-fitting elements 20b, 20a' are deformed or compacted using a heated stamp. Here, the pressure is especially selected so that a controlled compaction is performed. When applying pressure, the expansion of the compacted form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' is controlled. Preferably, the stamp is not flat for this purpose, but concavely arched. The circular shape of the contact surface controls the material flow of the form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' during deformation.
[0296] The handle body 16a of the handle unit 14a also has a recess in the head area 28a, which is provided for positioning the connection unit 18a relative to the handle unit 14a. The recess is formed by a sub-area of the first groove 64a. The recess is formed by an elongated recess in the head area 28a, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 40a of the handle unit 14a. The connection unit 18a has a web 76a corresponding to the recess or the first groove 64a, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42a of the body care product 10a through most of the extension of the connection unit 18a. The web 76a has a trapezoidal cross section. In addition, the web 76a widens in the central area. The shape of the web 76a is adapted to the shape of the first groove 64a in the head area 28a. The shape-matching elements 20a, 20a' are arranged on the web 76a. The recess and the web 76a are provided for pre-positioning the connecting unit 18a on the handle unit 14a and also for partially absorbing transverse forces. The connection of the recess and the web 76a constitutes a form-fit connection of the connecting unit 18a. The form-fit elements 20a, 20a' constitute a further form-fit connection of the connecting unit 18a and the handle unit 14a.
[0297] The application unit 12a has a base body 26a. The base body 26a is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18a. The base body 26a is connected to the connecting unit 18a in one piece. The base body 26a is formed in one piece with the connecting unit 18a. The connecting unit 18a is integrated into the base body 26a. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are formed in one piece with the base body 26a of the application unit 12a. The form-fitting elements 20a, 20a' are formed in one piece with the base body 26a of the application unit 12a. The web 76a is also formed in one piece with the base body 26a of the application unit 12a. The bristle bundle 54a is formed at the base body 26a or together with the base body 26a.
[0298] The structure of the body care product 10a is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0299] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 6C Four further embodiments of the invention are shown in FIG. The following description is essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, wherein reference can be made to other embodiments, in particular Figures 1A to 1K In order to distinguish the embodiments, Figures 1A to 1K The letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiments is represented by FIG. 2A to FIG. 6C For components with the same names, in particular for components with the same reference numerals, reference can also be made in principle to the drawings and / or other embodiments, in particular Figures 1A to 1K Description of embodiments of the present invention.
[0300] Below, reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2J , which show different views and stages of production of a body care product 10b. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0301] Figure 2A The handle unit 14b of the body care product 10b is shown in a schematic stereoscopic view. The body care product 10b is formed by an oral hygiene device. The body care product 10b is designed as a toothbrush in the present case. The body care product 10b is designed as a disposable toothbrush. The body care product 10b is designed as a travel toothbrush and / or a compact toothbrush. The body care product 10b has formed a tip on its side opposite to the application unit 12b, which tip forms a further application unit to a certain extent. The tip serves as a toothpick tip, so that the body care product 10b has two oral hygiene functions.
[0302] The body care product 10b has an application unit 12b. The body care product 10b also has a handle unit 14b having a handle body 16b. The body care product 10b also has a connection unit 18b connecting the application unit 12b with the handle unit 14b.
[0303] The body care product 10b has a longitudinal axis 42b, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 42b is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44b of the body care product 10b. If the body care product 10b is placed on a flat surface with the rear side 50b so that the longitudinal axis 42b is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42b and is arranged perpendicular to the surface and the width axis. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42a and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the body care product 10b has a length of 60mm to 100mm and preferably 75mm to 90mm, especially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42b and parallel to the resting surface. The body care product 10b also has a maximum height of 6mm to 15mm and preferably 8mm to 12mm, especially parallel to the height axis and perpendicular to the resting surface. The body care product 10b also has a width of 7mm to 15mm and preferably 9mm to 13mm, especially parallel to the width axis, at the widest point.
[0304] The application unit 12b forms a brush head for the body care product 10b. In the present case, the application unit 12b is designed as a toothbrush head. The application unit 12b has, in particular, a base 26b designed as a bristle carrier. The base 26b forms a connection with the connecting unit 18b. The base 26b of the application unit 12b forms a bristle carrier. The application unit 12b also has a plurality of bristles 78b arranged on the base 26a. The bristles 78b are injection molded onto the base 26b. The bristles 78b consist of a material for injection molding bristles, which also forms the base 26d. The application unit 12b also has a functional element 80b arranged on the base 26b and located between the bristles 78b. The functional element 80b is formed, for example, by a capsule for receiving mouthwash and / or toothpaste, which is arranged to break during use and release the contents.
[0305] The handle unit 14b is provided for being grasped by the operator. The handle unit 14b has a handle body 16b. The handle body 16b of the handle unit 14b has a head area 28b. The handle body 16b of the handle unit 14b also has a handle area 72b and a neck area 60b arranged between the handle area 72b and the head area 28b. The head area 28b is provided for attaching the application unit 12b. The handle unit 14b has at least one handle surface 56b, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16b. The handle surface 56b forms a concave shape on the front side 58b along the longitudinal axis 42b. The handle body 16b is formed as a convex shape in the area of the handle surface 56b on the rear side 50b. The handle body 16b has an elliptical basic shape in the area of the handle surface 56b. The handle body 16b is formed in a three-dimensionally deformed manner. The handle body 16b of the handle unit 14b also has two stabilizing walls 36b, 36b', which are angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit 14b and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40b of the handle unit 14b. The stabilizing walls 36b, 36b' are each angled toward the front side 58b relative to the rest of the handle body 16b by a folding edge 77b, 77b', so that a recess extending through the entire handle body 16b is generated on the front side 58b. A central area of the handle body 16b is arranged between the stabilizing walls 36b, 36b'. The stabilizing walls 36b, 36b' each extend through the handle area 72b, the neck area 60b and the head area 28b of the handle body 16b. The stabilizing walls 36b, 36b' are arranged on the outer edge of the handle body 16b extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40b. The stabilizing walls 36b, 36b' are angled perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40b of the handle unit 14b at an angle of at least 10°, preferably at least 20° relative to a main extension plane of the handle body 16b. The stabilizing walls 36b, 36b' each constitute a free outer edge of the handle body 16b.
[0306] The handle body 16b consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16b consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16b of the handle unit 14b has at least one layer 30b of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16b consists of exactly one layer 30b of a paper material.
[0307] The body care product 10b further comprises a connection unit 18b. The connection unit 18b is provided for a positive connection with the handle body 16b of the handle unit 14b.
[0308] The connecting unit 18b has at least one form-fitting element 20b, 20b'. The connecting unit 18b has, for example, two form-fitting elements 20b, 20b'. The form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' are arranged to engage in grooves 22b, 22b' of the application unit 12b and / or the handle unit 14b, respectively. The form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' are arranged to engage in grooves 22b, 22b' of the handle unit 14b, respectively. The grooves 22b, 22b' of the handle unit 14a are formed by through grooves 24b, 24b'. The handle body 16b defines two through grooves 24b, 24b'. The through grooves 24b, 24b' are introduced into the head area 28b of the handle body 16b. The through grooves 24b, 24b' are arranged successively along the longitudinal axis 40b of the handle unit 14b. The through grooves 24b, 24b' are respectively introduced into the cylindrical protrusions of the handle body 16b, which respectively form annular protrusions 82b, 82b' around the through grooves 24a, 24b' on the front side 58b and annular recesses 84b, 84b' around the through grooves 24b, 24b' on the rear side 50b. The recesses 84b, 84b' each form a step in the through grooves 24b, 24b'. The through grooves 24b, 24b' are arranged to receive the shape-fitting elements 20b, 20b' of the connecting unit 18b. The through grooves 24b, 24b' are each formed by cylindrical grooves 22b, 22b'. The shape-fitting elements 20b, 20b' also have a cylindrical basic shape. The shape-fitting elements 20b, 20b' are each formed by rivets. The form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' are each formed by a plastic rivet. The form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' each have an axis and a deformed form-fitting head 74b, 74b' in a state connected to the handle unit 14b. The form-fitting heads 74b, 74b' of the form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' have an enlarged diameter relative to the through grooves 24b, 24b' and are arranged on the side of the handle unit 14b facing away from the application unit 12b. The form-fitting heads 74b, 74b' of the form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' prevent the connection unit 18b from retracting. The form-fitting heads 74b, 74b' of the form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' each extend around the through grooves 24b, 24b' into the recesses 84b, 84b' and therefore preferably do not protrude through the other handle surface 56b.
[0309] The handle body 16b of the handle unit 14b also has a recess in the head area 28b, which is arranged to position the connection unit 18b relative to the handle unit 14b. The recess is formed by an elongated recess in the head area, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 40b of the handle unit 14b. The connection unit 18b has a web 76b corresponding to the recess or the first groove 64b, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 42b of the body care product 10b through most of the extension of the connection unit 18b. The web 76b has a trapezoidal cross section. The shape of the web 76b is adapted to the shape of the first groove 64b in the head area 28b. The shape-fitting elements 20b, 20b' are arranged on the web 76b. The recess and the web 76b are arranged to pre-position the connection unit 18b on the handle unit 14b and also to partially absorb lateral forces. The connection of the depression with the web 76b forms a positive connection of the connecting unit 18b. In addition, the annular projections 82b, 82b' can also be used for form fit. For this purpose, an annular depression (not further visible) can be arranged in the web 76b around the form-fitting elements 20b, 20b', into which the annular projections 82b, 82b' engage. The form-fitting elements 20b, 20b' form a further positive connection of the connecting unit 18b with the handle unit 14b.
[0310] The application unit 12b has a base body 26b. The base body 26b is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18b. The base body 26b is connected to the connecting unit 18b in one piece. The base body 26b is connected to the connecting unit 18b, in particular the web 76b, by means of an adhesive connection and / or a welded connection.
[0311] The structure of the body care product 10b is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0312] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C A further alternative body care product 10c according to the invention is shown in each case. The body care product 10c is formed by an oral hygiene device. The body care product 10c is designed in the present case as a toothbrush.
[0313] The body care product 10c has an application unit 12c. The body care product 10c also has a handle unit 14c having a handle body 16c. The body care product 10c also has a connection unit 18c connecting the application unit 12c with the handle unit 14c.
[0314] The handle unit 14c is provided for gripping by an operator. The handle unit 14c has a handle body 16c. The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c has a head region 28c. The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c also has a handle region 72c and a neck region 60c arranged between the handle region 72c and the head region 28c. The head region 28c is provided for attaching the application unit 12c.
[0315] The handle body 16c consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16c consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c has at least one layer 30c of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16c consists of exactly one layer 30c of a paper material, but a multi-layer structure is also conceivable.
[0316] The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c is configured to be substantially S-shaped and swiveled along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit 14c. The handle body 16c has an S-shaped longitudinal shape in a longitudinal section and / or in a longitudinal view. The contour of the handle unit 14c is optimized for user application and ergonomics. The handle body 16c has a continuous, continuous, rounded shape in the longitudinal direction.
[0317] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Each shows Figures 1A to 1K Therefore, only the differences between the different designs of the handle unit 14c are described below, especially with respect to Figures 1A to 1K The handle unit 14a of the first embodiment has the following differences compared to the handle unit 14a of the first embodiment.
[0318] Figure 3AThe handle unit 14c of the embodiment of the present invention has at least one handle surface 56c, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16c. The handle surface 56c constitutes a raised shape or a convex shape on the front side 58c along the longitudinal axis 42c. The raised shape is reversely constituted on the rear side along the longitudinal axis 42c. The handle body 16c is formed as a concave shape in the region of the handle surface 56c on the rear side. The handle body 16c has an elliptical basic shape in the region of the handle surface 56c. The handle body 16c is three-dimensionally deformed to constitute a raised convex shape. The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c also has two stabilizing walls 36c, 36c', which are angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit 14c and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c. The stabilizing walls 36c, 36c' are each angled relative to the rest of the handle body 16c by folding edges 77c, 77c'. The central area of the handle body 16c is arranged between the stabilizing walls 36c and 36c'. The stabilizing walls 36c and 36c' extend through the handle area 72c and the neck area 60c of the handle body 16c respectively. The handle body 16c also has a substantially constant material thickness. The handle body 16c also has a groove 64c, which extends from the application unit 12c to the lower end of the handle unit 14c through the neck area 60c above the handle surface 56c on the front side 58c. The groove 64c extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c in the middle. The groove 64c has an at least approximately constant cross-section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c, wherein the groove 64c partially tapers in the neck area 60c. The groove 64c has a trapezoidal cross-section, which widens toward the front side 58c. A web-shaped protrusion corresponding to the groove 64c is formed on the rear side of the handle body 16c. In this case, the web-shaped projection is produced in particular by a constant material thickness during the production of the groove 64 c .
[0319] Figure 3BThe handle unit 14c of the embodiment of the present invention has at least one handle surface 56c, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16b. The handle surface 56c constitutes a raised shape or a convex shape on the front side 58c along the longitudinal axis 42c. The raised shape is reversely constituted on the rear side along the longitudinal axis 42c. The handle body 16c is formed as a concave shape in the area of the handle surface 56c on the rear side. The handle body 16c has an elliptical basic shape in the area of the handle surface 56c. The handle body 16c is three-dimensionally deformed to constitute a raised convex shape. The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c also has two stabilizing walls 36c, 36c', which are angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit 14c and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c. The stabilizing walls 36c, 36c' are each angled relative to the rest of the handle body 16c by folding edges 77c, 77c'. The central area of the handle body 16c is arranged between the stabilizing walls 36c, 36c'. The stabilizing walls 36c, 36c' extend through the handle area 72c and the neck area 60c of the handle body 16c respectively. The handle body 16c forms a platform 62c on the handle surface 56c. The platform 62c is used to receive a label and / or a logo. The platform 62c is at least partially arranged centrally on the handle surface 56c. The platform 62c is arranged in the area of the maximum width of the body care product 10c. The handle body 16c also has a substantially constant material thickness. The handle body 16c also has a first groove 64c, which extends from the application unit 12c on the front side 58c through the neck area 60c above the handle surface 56c to the platform 62c, wherein the first groove 64c smoothly leads to the platform 62c. The first groove 64c extends centrally parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c. The first groove 64c has at least approximately constant cross section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c, wherein the first groove partially tapers in the neck region 60c. The first groove 64c has a trapezoidal cross section, which widens toward the front side 58c. A first web-shaped protrusion corresponding to the first groove 64c is formed on the rear side of the handle body 16c. Here, the first web-shaped protrusion is especially produced by constant material thickness during the manufacture of the first groove 64c. The handle body 16c also has a second groove 68c, which extends from the lower end of the handle unit 14c facing the application unit 12c on the front side 58c through the handle surface 56c to the platform 62c, wherein the second groove 68c smoothly leads to the platform 62c. The second groove 68c extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c in the middle. The second groove 68c has at least approximately constant cross section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c. The second groove 68c has a trapezoidal cross section which widens toward the front side 58c.The second groove 68c extends substantially aligned with the first groove 64c, wherein the first groove 64c and the second groove 68c are interrupted by the platform 62c. A second web-shaped projection corresponding to the second groove 68c is formed on the rear side of the handle body 16c. Here, the second web-shaped projection is produced in particular by a constant material thickness during the manufacture of the second groove 68c.
[0320] Figure 3CThe handle unit 14c has at least one handle surface 56c, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16c. The handle surface 56c constitutes a raised shape or a convex shape on the front side 58c along the longitudinal axis 42c. The raised shape is reversely constituted on the rear side along the longitudinal axis 42c. The handle body 16c is formed as a concave shape in the area of the handle surface 56c on the rear side. The handle body 16c has an elliptical basic shape in the area of the handle surface 56c. The handle body 16c is three-dimensionally deformed to constitute a raised convex shape. The handle body 16c of the handle unit 14c also has two stabilizing walls 36c, 36c', which are angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit 14c and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c. The handle body 16c smoothly transfers from the central area to the stabilizing walls 36c, 36c' without folding edges, wherein the stabilizing walls 36c, 36c' are angled relative to the rest of the handle body 16c. The central area of the handle body 16c is arranged between the stabilizing walls 36c, 36c'. The stabilizing walls 36c, 36c' each extend through the handle area 72c and the neck area 60c of the handle body 16c. The handle body 16c forms a platform 62c on the handle surface 56c. The platform 62c is used to receive a label and / or a logo. The platform 62c is used as a resting surface for the palm. The handle body 16c also has a thumb handle 104c. The thumb handle 104c is arranged in the transition from the handle area 72c to the neck area 60c. The handle body 16c also has a substantially constant material thickness. The handle body 16c also has a first groove 64c, which extends from the application unit 12c through the neck area 60c to the thumb grip 104c on the front side 58c, wherein the first groove 64c smoothly leads to the thumb grip 104c and the rotating edge of the first groove 64c. The first groove 64c extends centrally parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c. The first groove 64c has an at least approximately constant cross section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c, wherein the first groove partially tapers in the neck area 60c. A first web-shaped projection corresponding to the first groove 64c is formed on the rear side of the handle body 16c. Here, the first web-shaped projection is produced in particular by a constant material thickness during the production of the first groove 64c. The handle body 16c also has a second groove 68c, which extends on the front side 58c from the center of the handle area 72c to the thumb grip 104c, wherein the second groove 68c smoothly leads to the thumb grip 104c and the revolving edge of the second groove 68c. The second groove 68c extends centrally parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c of the handle unit 14c. The second groove 68c has an at least approximately constant cross section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40c. The second groove 68c extends substantially aligned with the first groove 64c, wherein the first groove 64c and the second groove 68c are interrupted by the thumb grip 104c.A second web-shaped projection corresponding to the second groove 68c is formed on the rear side of the handle body 16c. Here, the second web-shaped projection is produced in particular by a constant material thickness during the manufacture of the second groove 68c.
[0321] The structure of the body care product 10c is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0322] Below, reference FIG. 4A to FIG. 4O , which show different views and stages of production of a body care product 10d. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0323] Figure 4A A handle unit 14d of a body care product 10d is shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10d is designed in the present case as a shaver.
[0324] The body care product 10d has an application unit 12d. The body care product 10d also has a handle unit 14d having a handle body 16d. The body care product 10d also has a connection unit 18d connecting the application unit 12d with the handle unit 14d.
[0325] The application unit 12d forms the razor head of the body care product 10d. The application unit 12d has, in particular, a base body 26d configured as a blade carrier. The base body 26d of the application unit 12d consists entirely of a hard component. However, it is also conceivable that the base body 26d of the application unit 12d consists of a hard component and a soft component. The base body 26d of the application unit 12d constitutes a static blade carrier, which is configured to receive a blade head 86d movably, in particular pivotably. The application unit 12d has a blade head 86d arranged on the base body 26d. The base body 26d has three articulated arms 87d, 87d', 87d", which are configured to receive a blade head 86d pivotably. The blade head 86d can be connected to the base body 26d in a replaceable manner.
[0326] The handle unit 14d is provided for being gripped by an operator. The handle unit 14d has a handle body 16d. The handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d has a head area 28d. The handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d also has a handle area 72d. The head area 28d is provided for attaching the application unit 12d. The handle unit 14d has at least one handle surface 56d, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16d. The handle surface 56d extends from the head area 28d of the handle body 16d on the front side 58d to the lower end of the body care product 10d on the lower side. The handle surface 56d extends through the handle area 72d of the handle body 16d. The handle surface 56d constitutes a partial raised shape or a partial convex shape on the front side 58d along the longitudinal axis 40d. The raised shape is reversely constituted on the rear side 50d along the longitudinal axis 42d. The handle body 16d is formed as a partial concave shape in the area of the handle surface 56d on the rear side 50d. The handle body 16d has an I-shaped basic shape in the area of the handle surface 56d in the top view. The entire handle body 16d is particularly configured as a partial Y-shape or T-shape in the top view. The handle body 16d is three-dimensionally deformed to form a raised convex shape. The handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d also has two stabilizing walls 36d, 36d', which are angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit 14d and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40d of the handle unit 14d. The stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' are angled relative to the rest of the handle body 16d by folding edges 77d, 77d'. The central area of the handle body 16d is arranged between the stabilizing walls 36d, 36d'. The stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' extend through the handle area 72d of the handle body 16d. The stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' are arranged on the outer edge of the handle body 16d extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40d. The stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' are angled perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40d of the handle unit 14d at an angle of at least 60°, preferably at least 80° relative to a main extension plane of the handle body 16d. The stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' each constitute a free outer edge of the handle body 16d.
[0327] The stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' also form retaining surfaces 96d, 96d'. The retaining surfaces 96d, 96d' are designed for this purpose laterally outside the stabilizing walls 36d, 36d'. The retaining surfaces 96d, 96d' are provided in particular to simplify retaining.
[0328] The handle body 16d also has a substantially constant material thickness. The handle body 16d also has a groove 64d, which extends from the application unit 12d through the handle surface 56d to the lower side of the handle unit 14d on the front side 58d. The groove 64d extends centrally parallel to the longitudinal axis 40d of the handle unit 14d. The groove 64d has an at least approximately constant cross section along the extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40d, wherein the groove 64d widens slightly toward the application unit 12d. The groove 64d has a trapezoidal cross section, which widens toward the front side 58d. A web-shaped protrusion 66d corresponding to the groove 64d is formed on the rear side of the handle body 16d. Here, the web-shaped protrusion 66d is produced in particular by a constant material thickness during the manufacture of the groove 64d.
[0329] The handle body 16d consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16d consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d has at least one layer 30d of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16d consists of exactly one layer 30d of a paper material, but a multi-layer structure is also conceivable.
[0330] The body care product 10d further comprises a connecting unit 18d. The connecting unit 18d is provided for a positive connection with the handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d.
[0331] The connecting unit 18d has a form-fitting element 20d. The form-fitting element 20d is arranged to engage in the groove 22d of the application unit 12d and / or the handle unit 14d. The form-fitting element 20d is arranged to engage in the groove 22d of the handle unit 14d. The groove 22d of the handle unit 14d is formed by a through groove 24d. The handle body 16d defines the through groove 24d. The through groove 24d is introduced into the head area 28d of the handle body 16d. The through groove 24d is arranged in the groove 64d. The through groove 24d is arranged to receive the form-fitting element 20d of the connecting unit 18d. The through groove 24d is formed by a cylindrical groove 22d. The form-fitting element 20d also has a cylindrical basic shape. The form-fitting element 20d is formed by a locking element. The locking element is mushroom-shaped and has a handle section 88d and a head section 90d. The locking element is further separated so that two elastic sub-elements are produced. The form-fitting element 20d is arranged in a cylindrical recess 92d of the connecting unit 18d. When the connecting unit 18d is connected to the handle unit 14d, the recess 92d enables an elastic deflection of the form-fitting element 20d. The form-fitting element 20d is arranged to clamp the handle body 16d against a rest surface 102d of the base body 26d. The rest surface 102d is formed in particular by a surface corresponding to the underside of the head region 28d of the handle body 16d, on which the handle body 16d can rest over a large area.
[0332] The handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d has a projection 66d in the head region 28d on the rear side 50d, which projection 66d is provided for positioning the connecting unit 18d relative to the handle unit 14d. The projection 66d is provided to engage in a recess 94d of the connecting unit 18d.
[0333] The connecting unit 18d also has at least one receiving groove 32d, 32d'. The connecting unit 18d has two receiving grooves 32d, 32d'. The receiving grooves 32d, 32d' are arranged on the outer joint arms 87d, 87d" of the base body 26d of the application unit 12d. The receiving grooves 32d, 32d' are each configured to receive a front edge 34d of the handle body 16d of the handle unit 14d facing the application unit 12d. The handle body 16d has, in particular, a Y-shaped basic shape, wherein, in particular, the two outer front edges are received by the receiving grooves 32d, 32d'.
[0334] The receiving grooves 32d, 32d' are provided for receiving at least one edge of the handle body 16d in a clamping manner. The receiving grooves 32d, 32d' extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40d of the handle unit 14d. It is conceivable that, for example, barbs are provided in the receiving grooves 32d, 32d', which improve the clamping. The receiving grooves 32d, 32d' are provided for providing a clamping connection with the handle body 16d. Here, the receiving grooves 32d, 32d' are made of plastic, so that the plastic of the connecting unit 18d is arranged on the outside, which plastic receives the paper material of the handle unit 14d on the inside. The receiving grooves 32d, 32d' each form a U-shaped groove, which is open toward the handle unit 14d.
[0335] During production, the handle unit 14d and the connecting unit 18d are provided. The handle unit 14d and the connecting unit 18d are then joined, wherein the front edge of the handle body 16d is pushed into the receiving groove 32d, 32d' at a slight angle. The handle body is then pivoted into the end position, wherein the form-fitting element 20d extends from the rear side 50d through the through groove 24d and is locked with the handle body 16d on the front side 58d of the handle unit 14d by means of the head section 90d.
[0336] The connecting unit 18d also has at least one delimiting wall 38d, 38d'. The connecting unit 18d has two delimiting walls 38d, 38d'. The delimiting walls 38d, 38d' extend at an angle to the main extension plane of the connecting unit 18d and are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40d of the handle unit 14d. The delimiting walls 38d, 38d' extend from the receiving grooves 32d, 32d' in the direction of the handle unit 14d. The delimiting walls 38d, 38d' are arranged on the outer edge of the connecting unit 18d, in particular the base 26d of the application unit 12d, which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42d. The delimiting walls 38d, 38d' are angled perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting unit 18d at an angle of at least 60°, preferably at least 80°, relative to the main extension plane of the connecting unit 18d. The delimiting walls 38d, 38d' each constitute the free outer edge of the handle body 16d. In addition, the boundary walls 38d, 38d' each extend in the direction of the lower side. The delimiting walls 38d, 38d' are provided for at least partially delimiting and stabilizing the stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' of the handle body 16d. For this purpose, the stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' in the installed state bear internally against the delimiting walls 38d, 38d' in the region facing the application unit 12d. The retaining surfaces 96d, 96d' on the stabilizing walls 36d, 36d' continue into the retaining surfaces 98d, 98d' on the delimiting walls 38d, 38d' of the connecting unit 18d.
[0337] The application unit 12d has a base body 26d. The base body 26d is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18d. The base body 26d is connected to the connecting unit 18d in one piece. The base body 26d is formed in one piece with the connecting unit 18d. The connecting unit 18d is integrated into the base body 26d. The form-fitting element 20d, the receiving grooves 32d, 32d' and the delimiting walls 38d, 38d' are formed in one piece with the base body 26d of the application unit 12d. The form-fitting element 20d, the receiving grooves 32d, 32d' and the delimiting walls 38d, 38d' are formed in one piece with the base body 26d of the application unit 12d. The recess 94d is also formed in one piece with the base body 26d of the application unit 12d.
[0338] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the application unit 12d has at least one base body 26d, which is replaceably connected to the connecting unit 18d. Here, it is particularly conceivable that the entire application unit 12d is designed as a replaceable blade, for example.
[0339] The body care product 10d has a longitudinal axis 42d, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 42d is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44d of the body care product 10d. If the body care product 10d is placed on a flat surface with the rear side 50d so that the longitudinal axis 42d is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42d and is arranged perpendicular to the surface and the width axis. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42d and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the body care product 10d has a length of 100mm to 160mm and preferably 130mm to 150mm, especially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42a and parallel to the resting surface. The body care product 10d also has a maximum height of 10mm to 25mm and preferably 12mm to 18mm, especially parallel to the height axis and perpendicular to the resting surface. The body care product 10d also has a width of 25mm to 50mm and preferably 30mm to 45mm, especially parallel to the width axis, at the widest point.
[0340] The structure of the body care product 10d is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0341] Below, reference FIG. 5A to FIG. 5H , which show different views and stages of production of a body care product 10e. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0342] Figure 5A A handle unit 14e of a body care product 10e is shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10e is designed in the present case as a brush, in particular as an applicator brush.
[0343] The body care product 10e has an application unit 12e. The body care product 10e also has a handle unit 14e, which has a handle body 16e. The body care product 10e also has a connection unit 18e, which connects the application unit 12e with the handle unit 14e.
[0344] The application unit 12e forms a brush head for the body care product 10e. The application unit 12e has in particular a base body 26e designed as a bristle carrier. The base body 26e of the application unit 12e consists completely of a hard component. However, it is also conceivable that the base body 26e of the application unit 12e is formed from a hard component and a soft component. The application unit 12e also has a plurality of bristles 100e arranged on the base body 26e. The bristles 100e are injection-molded onto the base body 26e on the upper side.
[0345] The handle unit 14e is provided for being gripped by an operator. The handle unit 14e has a handle body 16e. The handle body 16e of the handle unit 14e has a head area 28e. The handle body 16e of the handle unit 14e also has a handle area 72e. The head area 28e is provided for attaching the application unit 12e. The handle unit 14e has at least one handle surface 56e, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16e. The handle surface 56e extends from the head area 28e of the handle body 16e on the front side 58e to the lower end of the body care product 10e on the lower side. The handle surface 56e extends through the handle area 72e of the handle body 16e. The handle surface 56e constitutes a partially bent shape on the front side 58e along the longitudinal axis 42e. The bent shape is reversely constituted on the rear side 50e along the longitudinal axis 42e. The handle body 16e has a rectangular basic shape for example. The handle body 16e also has a substantially constant material thickness.
[0346] The handle body 16e consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16e consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16e of the handle unit 14e has at least one layer 30e of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16e consists of exactly one layer 30e of a paper material.
[0347] The body care product 10e further comprises a connection unit 18e. The connection unit 18e is provided for a positive connection with the handle body 16e of the handle unit 14e.
[0348] The connecting unit 18e has a form-fitting element 20e. The form-fitting element 20e is arranged to engage in a groove 22e of the application unit 12e and / or the handle unit 14e. The form-fitting element 20e is arranged to engage in a groove 22e of the handle unit 14e. The groove 22e of the handle unit 14e is formed by a through groove 24e. The handle body 16e defines the through groove 24e. The through groove 24e is introduced into the head area 28e of the handle body 16e. The through groove 24e is arranged to receive the form-fitting element 20e of the connecting unit 18e. The through groove 24e is formed by a cylindrical groove 22e. The form-fitting element 20e also has a cylindrical basic shape. The form-fitting element 20e is formed by a rivet. The form-fitting element 20e is formed by a plastic rivet. The form-fitting element 20e has a shaft and a form-fitting head 74e, 74e' in a state connected to the handle unit 14e. The form-fitting head 74e, 74e' of the form-fitting element 20e has an enlarged diameter relative to the through-recess 24e and is arranged on the side of the handle unit 14e facing away from the application unit 12e. The form-fitting head 74e, 74e' of the form-fitting element 20e prevents the connection unit 18e from being retracted. The form-fitting element 20e is arranged on a triangular continuation of the connection unit 18e, which extends in the direction of the bottom side.
[0349] The connecting unit 18e also has at least one receiving groove 32e. The receiving groove 32e is arranged in the area of the bristles 100e. The receiving groove 32e is arranged to receive a front edge 34e of the handle body 16e of the handle unit 14e facing the application unit 12e. The receiving groove 32e is arranged to receive at least one edge of the handle body 16e in a clamping manner. The receiving groove 32e extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 40e of the handle unit 14e. It is conceivable that, for example, barbs are arranged in the receiving groove 32e, which improve the clamping. The receiving groove 32e is arranged to provide a clamping connection with the handle body 16e. Here, the receiving groove 32e is made of plastic, so that the plastic of the connecting unit 18e is arranged on the outside, and the plastic receives the paper material of the handle unit 14e on the inside. Here, the receiving groove 32e is configured as a U-shaped groove, which is open toward the handle unit 14e.
[0350] During manufacture, a handle unit 14e and a connecting unit 18e are provided. Then, the handle unit 14e and the connecting unit 18e are merged, wherein the front edge 34e of the handle body 16e is slightly pushed into the receiving groove 32e at an angle. Then, the handle body 16e is pivoted to the end position, wherein the form-fitting element 20e extends through the through groove 24e. Subsequently, the through-type shaft of the form-fitting element 20e is deformed. Here, various deformation feasible schemes considered reasonable by a person skilled in the art can be envisaged, such as by pressure, wherein the form-fitting element 20e is squeezed or compacted, or by pressure and heat, wherein the form-fitting element 20e is deformed or compacted using a heated stamp. Here, the pressure is especially selected so that controlled compaction is performed. When applying pressure, the expansion of the compacted form-fitting element 20e is controlled. Preferably, the stamp is not flat for this purpose, but concavely arched. The circular shape of the contact surface controls the material flow during the deformation of the form-fitting element 20e in particular.
[0351] The application unit 12e has a base body 26e. The base body 26e is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18e. The base body 26e is connected to the connecting unit 18e in one piece. The base body 26e and the connecting unit 18e are formed in one piece. The connecting unit 18e is integrated into the base body 26e. The form-fitting element 20e and the receiving groove 32e are formed in one piece with the base body 26e of the application unit 12e. The form-fitting element 20e and the receiving groove 32e are formed in one piece with the base body 26e of the application unit 12e.
[0352] The body care product 10e has a longitudinal axis 42e, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 42e is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44e of the body care product 10e. If the body care product 10e is placed on a flat surface with the rear side 50e so that the longitudinal axis 42e is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42e and is arranged perpendicular to the surface and the width axis. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42e and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the body care product 10e has a length of 100mm to 150mm and preferably 125mm to 145mm, especially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42e and parallel to the resting surface. The body care product 10e also has a maximum height of 10mm to 25mm and preferably 12mm to 18mm, especially parallel to the height axis and perpendicular to the resting surface. The body care product 10e also has a width of 15mm to 35mm and preferably 20mm to 40mm, especially parallel to the width axis, at the widest point.
[0353] The structure of the body care product 10e is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0354] Below, reference FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, which show different views and manufacturing stages of a body care product 10f. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0355] Fig. 6A A handle unit 14f of a body care product 10f is shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10f is designed as a shaver in the present case.
[0356] The body care product 10f has an application unit 12f. The body care product 10f also has a handle unit 14f, which has a handle body 16f. The body care product 10f also has a connection unit 18f, which connects the application unit 12f to the handle unit 14f.
[0357] The application unit 12f forms a razor head for the body care product 10f. The application unit 12f has, in particular, a base body 26f configured as a blade carrier. The base body 26f of the application unit 12f consists entirely of a hard component. However, it is also conceivable that the base body 26f of the application unit 12f consists of a hard component and a soft component. The base body 26f of the application unit 12f constitutes a static blade carrier, which is configured to receive a blade head 86f movably, in particular pivotably. The application unit 12f has a blade head 86f arranged on the base body 26f. The base body 26f has three articulated arms 87f, 87f', 87f", which are configured to receive a blade head 86f pivotably. The blade head 86f can be connected to the base body 26f in a replaceable manner.
[0358] The handle unit 14f is provided for being grasped by the operator. The handle unit 14f has a handle body 16f. The handle body 16f of the handle unit 14f has a head area 28f. The handle body 16f of the handle unit 14f also has a handle area 72f. The head area 28f is provided for attaching the application unit 12f. The handle unit 14f has at least one handle surface 56f, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16f. The handle surface 56f extends from the head area 28f of the handle body 16f on the front side 58f to the lower end of the body care product 10f on the lower side. The handle surface 56f extends through the handle area 72f of the handle body 16f. The handle surface 56f constitutes a partial raised shape or a partial convex shape on the front side 58f along the longitudinal axis 40f. The raised shape is reversely constituted on the rear side along the longitudinal axis 42f. The handle body 16f is formed as a partial concave shape in the area of the handle surface 56f on the rear side 50f. The handle body 16f has an I-shaped basic shape in the region of the handle surface 56f in a top view. The entire handle body 16f is particularly configured as a partial Y-shape or T-shape in a top view. The handle body 16f is three-dimensionally deformed to form a raised convex shape.
[0359] The handle body 16f also has a substantially constant material thickness. The handle body 16f also has a groove 64f, which extends from the application unit 12f through the handle surface 56f to the lower side of the handle unit 14f on the front side 58f. The groove 64f extends centrally parallel to the longitudinal axis 40f of the handle unit 14f. The groove 64f has an at least approximately constant cross section along an extension parallel to the longitudinal axis 40f, wherein the groove 64f widens slightly toward the application unit 12f. The groove 64f has a trapezoidal cross section, which widens toward the front side 58f. A web-shaped protrusion corresponding to the groove 64f is formed on the rear side 50f of the handle body 16f. Here, the web-shaped protrusion is produced in particular by a constant material thickness during the manufacture of the groove 64f.
[0360] The handle body 16f consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16f consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16f of the handle unit 14f has at least one layer 30f of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16f consists of exactly one layer 30f of a paper material, but a multi-layer structure is also conceivable.
[0361] The body care product 10f further comprises a connecting unit 18f. The connecting unit 18f is provided for a positive connection with a handle body 16f of a handle unit 14f.
[0362] The connecting unit 18f has a shape-fitting element 20f, 20f' at each delimiting wall 38f, 38f'. The shape-fitting element 20f, 20f' is arranged to clamp the handle body 16f against the resting surface 102f of the base body 26f. The resting surface 102f is formed in particular by a surface corresponding to the lower side of the head area 28f of the handle body 16f, on which the handle body 16f can rest over a large area. The resting surface 102f is formed in the edge area of the base body 26f. The shape-fitting element 20f, 20f' is arranged to surround the handle body 16f. The shape-fitting element 20f, 20f' is formed as a protruding edge on the delimiting wall 38f, 38f' and is therefore slightly elastically supported. The edge is oriented substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis 42f of the body care product. The shape-fitting element 20f, 20f' is arranged to partially engage in the groove 22f, 22f' of the handle body 16f. The recesses 22f, 22f' of the handle body 16f are formed by lateral recesses.
[0363] The handle body 16f of the handle unit 14f has a projection 66f in the head region 28f on the rear side 50f, which projection 66f is provided for positioning the connecting unit 18f relative to the handle unit 14f. The projection 66f is provided to engage in a recess 94f of the connecting unit 18f.
[0364] The connecting unit 18f also has at least one receiving groove 32f, 32f'. The connecting unit 18f has two receiving grooves 32f, 32f'. The receiving grooves 32f, 32f' are arranged on the outer joint arms 87f, 87f" of the base body 26f of the application unit 12f. The receiving grooves 32f, 32f' are each configured to receive a front edge 34f of the handle body 16f of the handle unit 14f facing the application unit 12f. The handle body 16f has, in particular, a Y-shaped basic shape, wherein, in particular, the two outer front edges 34f are received by the receiving grooves 32f, 32f'.
[0365] The receiving grooves 32f, 32f' are provided for receiving at least one edge of the handle body 16f in a clamping manner. The receiving grooves 32f, 32f' extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 40f of the handle unit 14f. It is conceivable that, for example, barbs are provided in the receiving grooves 32f, 32f', which improve the clamping. The receiving grooves 32f, 32f' are provided for providing a clamping connection with the handle body 16f. Here, the receiving grooves 32f, 32f' are made of plastic, so that the plastic of the connecting unit 18f is arranged on the outside, which plastic receives the paper material of the handle unit 14f on the inside. The receiving grooves 32f, 32f' each form a U-shaped groove, which is open toward the handle unit 14f.
[0366] During production, the handle unit 14f and the connecting unit 18f are provided. The handle unit 14f and the connecting unit 18f are then joined, wherein the front edge of the handle body 16f is pushed slightly at an angle into the receiving groove 32f, 32f'. The handle body 16f is then pivoted into the end position, wherein the form-fitting elements 20f, 20f' are then clamped and thus secure the handle body 16f.
[0367] The connecting unit 18f also has at least one delimiting wall 38f, 38f'. The connecting unit 18f has two delimiting walls 38f, 38f'. The delimiting walls 38f, 38f' extend at an angle to the main extension plane of the connecting unit 18f and are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 40f of the handle unit 14f. The delimiting walls 38f, 38f' extend from the receiving grooves 32f, 32f' in the direction of the handle unit 14f. The delimiting walls 38f, 38f' are arranged on the outer edge of the connecting unit 18f, in particular the base 26f of the application unit 12f, which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42f. The delimiting walls 38f, 38f' are angled perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting unit 18f at an angle of at least 60°, preferably at least 80°, relative to the main extension plane of the connecting unit 18f. The delimiting walls 38f, 38f' each constitute the free outer edge of the handle body 16f. In addition, the boundary walls 38f, 38f' each extend in the direction of the lower side. Holding surfaces 98f, 98f' are formed on the delimiting walls 38f, 38f' of the connecting unit 18f.
[0368] The application unit 12f has a base body 26f. The base body 26f is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18f. The base body 26f is connected to the connecting unit 18f in one piece. The base body 26f is formed in one piece with the connecting unit 18f. The connecting unit 18f is integrated into the base body 26f. The form-fitting elements 20f, 20f', the receiving grooves 32f, 32f' and the delimiting walls 38f, 38f' are formed in one piece with the base body 26f of the application unit 12f. The form-fitting elements 20f, 20f', the receiving grooves 32f, 32f' and the delimiting walls 38f, 38f' are formed in one piece with the base body 26f of the application unit 12f. The recess 94f is also formed in one piece with the base body 26f of the application unit 12f.
[0369] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the application unit 12f has at least one base body 26f, which is replaceably connected to the connecting unit 18f. Here, it is particularly conceivable that the entire application unit 12f is designed as a replaceable blade, for example.
[0370] The body care product 10f has a longitudinal axis 42f, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 42f is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44f of the body care product 10f. If the body care product 10f is placed on a flat surface at the rear side so that the longitudinal axis 42f is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42f and is arranged perpendicular to the surface and the width axis. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42f and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the body care product 10f has a length of 100mm to 160mm and preferably 130mm to 150mm, especially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42f and parallel to the resting surface. The body care product 10f also has a maximum height of 10mm to 25mm and preferably 12mm to 18mm, especially parallel to the height axis and perpendicular to the resting surface. The body care product 10f also has a width of 25mm to 50mm and preferably 30mm to 45mm, especially parallel to the width axis, at the widest point.
[0371] The structure of the body care product 10f is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0372] Below, reference 7A to 7D , which show different views and stages of production of a body care product 10g. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0373] Figure 7C and Fig.7D A finished body care product 10 g is shown in each. Figure 7C and Fig.7D A handle unit 14g of a body care product 10g with an application unit 12g is shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10g is formed by an oral hygiene device. In the present case, the body care product 10g is designed as a toothbrush.
[0374] The body care product 10g has an application unit 12g. The body care product 10g also has a handle unit 14g, which has a handle body 16g. The body care product 10g also has a connection unit 18g, which connects the application unit 12g with the handle unit 14g.
[0375] The body care product 10g has a longitudinal axis, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 42g is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44g of the body care product 10g. If the body care product 10g is placed on a flat surface at the rear side so that the longitudinal axis 42g is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42g and is arranged perpendicular to the surface and the width axis. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42g and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the body care product 10g has a length of 140mm to 210mm and preferably 165mm to 185mm, especially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42g and parallel to the resting surface. The body care product 10g also has a maximum height of 12mm to 25mm and preferably 15mm to 19mm, especially parallel to the height axis and perpendicular to the resting surface. The body care product 10g also has a width of 10mm to 25mm and preferably 13mm to 18mm, especially parallel to the width axis, at the widest point.
[0376] The application unit 12g forms a brush head for the body care product 10g. In the present case, the application unit 12g is designed as a toothbrush head. The application unit 12g has in particular a base body 26g which is designed as a bristle carrier. The base body 26g forms a connection with the connecting unit 18g. The base body 26g of the application unit 12g forms a bristle carrier. The application unit 12g also has a plurality of bristles 78g arranged on the base body 26g. The bristles 78g are injection molded onto the base body 26g. The bristles 78g consist of a material for injection molding bristles, which also forms the base body 26g.
[0377] The handle unit 14g is provided for gripping by an operator. The handle unit 14g has a handle body 16g. The handle body 16g of the handle unit 14g has a head region 28g. The handle body 16g of the handle unit 14g also has a handle region 72g and a neck region 60g arranged between the handle region 72g and the head region 28g. The head region 28g is provided for attaching the application unit 12g. The handle unit 14g has at least one handle surface, which constitutes a surface of the handle body 16g. The handle body 16g is formed from Fig. 7A or Figure 7BThe unfolded state shown is folded into a three-dimensional body. The handle body 16g has a rectangular or trapezoidal cross section in the folded state, which is composed of four sides of the base 16g. The base 16g is configured as a hollow in the folded state. The base 16g is especially composed of a paper sheet, which can be composed of multiple layers or sublayers. The base 16g has a front wall 104g, two side walls 106g and a rear wall 108g assembled from multiple tabs 110g. Two closed tabs 114g are also arranged on the rear wall 108g, and the two closed tabs 114g are arranged to close the upper and lower sides of the base 16g in the folded state. The closed tabs 114g close the cavity formed by the front wall 104g, the side walls 106g, 106g' and the rear wall 108g on the upper and lower sides.
[0378] exist Fig. 7A A section of paper material for a handle unit 16g is shown in . Here, the application unit 12g has not yet been fastened to the section. The tabs 110g of the base body 16g are each connected to the outer edge of the side wall. The base body 16g has three tabs 110g on each side, for example. The tabs 110g are partially separated by recesses 112g. Each long side is provided with two recesses 112g, which each define a tab 110g. The tabs 110g are formed by plug-in tabs, which are arranged to be inserted into each other through the recesses 112g on the rear side. During installation, the recesses 112g are pushed into each other so that the tabs 110g are stacked on top of each other, one on top and one on the bottom. This can be done in Fig.7D Thus, the sub-layers 116g of the rear wall 108g are fixed to each other.
[0379] When folding around the folding axis, the sublayers 16g of the front wall 104g, the side walls 106g, 106g' and the rear wall 108g are folded onto each other so that these sublayers 116g form a three-dimensional body. A square cross section is formed. In short, instead of providing four sublayers 116g, five sublayers are provided, so that two of these sublayers 116g can overlap. The overlap occurs on the side where the sublayers 116g are fixed to each other. The cross section is fixed to each other, for example, by bonding or by one or more tabs pushed into each other. In the example shown, the sublayers 116g of the rear wall 108g are inserted into each other. The tabs 110g can be locked geometrically in the final product due to their geometry and the geometry of the cross section, so that they can be effectively prevented from sliding out.
[0380] The tabs 110g are further designed so that they are placed in a specific frame around the double-layer rear wall 108g. Here, the tabs 110g further stabilize the sub-layers 116g relative to each other.
[0381] The handle body 16g comprises a folding axis transverse to the main extension direction for the sublayers 116g which close the interior space to a certain extent (after folding). These sublayers 116g, which are designed as closure tabs 114g, are located in the region of the end where the application unit 12g is located and at the end opposite to the application unit 12g when viewed along the main extension direction 44g. These end tabs 114g close the end of the application unit 12g and the interior of the opposite end to a certain extent. These closure tabs 114g are only "folded" and not further fixed.
[0382] The handle body 16g consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16g consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16g of the handle unit 14g has at least one layer 30g of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16g consists of exactly one layer 30g of a paper material.
[0383] The body care product 10g further comprises a connecting unit 18g. The connecting unit 18g is provided for a positive connection with the handle body 16g of the handle unit 14g.
[0384] The connection unit 18g is connected to the handle body 16g at the rear side. The connection is preferably produced by gluing or welding.
[0385] The application unit 12g has a base body 26g. The base body 26g is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18g. The base body 26g is connected to the connecting unit 18g in one piece. The base body 26g is produced in one step during the injection molding process and is connected to the connecting unit 18g.
[0386] The structure of the body care product 10g is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers as mentioned in the description.
[0387] Below, reference FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B , which show different views of an alternative body care product 10h according to the invention. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures.
[0388] Fig. 8A A handle unit 14h of a body care product 10h is shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10h is formed by an oral hygiene device. In the present case, the body care product 10h is designed as a dental flosser.
[0389] The body care product 10h has an application unit 12h. The body care product 10h also has a handle unit 14h having a handle body 16h. The body care product 10h also has a connection unit 18h that connects the application unit 12h with the handle unit 14h.
[0390] The application unit 12h forms a dental floss thread of the body care product 10h. In the present case, the application unit 12h is designed as a dental floss thread. The application unit 12h has in particular a base body 26h designed as a thread. The base body 26h forms a connection with the connecting unit 18h. The connecting unit 18h is formed by a plastic ball that is injection-molded onto the dental floss thread.
[0391] The handle unit 14h is provided for being grasped by an operator. The handle unit 14h has a handle body 16h. The handle body 16h of the handle unit 14h has a head area 28h. The handle body 16h of the handle unit 14h also has a handle area 72h and a neck area 60h arranged between the handle area 72h and the head area 28h. The head area 28h is provided for attaching the application unit 12h. The head area 28h is configured as a U-shaped geometry with two legs or arms. The handle body 16h has a flat basic shape in the final state, which is divided into two legs 118h, 118h' toward the application unit 12h. The handle unit 14h has at least one handle surface 56h, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16h.
[0392] The handle body 16h consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16h consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16h of the handle unit 14h can have at least one layer 30h of a paper material, which is formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16h consists of exactly one layer 30h of a paper material.
[0393] The head region 28h is designed as a U-shaped geometry with two legs 118h, 118h'. The legs 118h, 118h' are each provided with a through hole 120h, which is necessary for anchoring the application unit 12h. The through hole 120h is formed on both legs 118h and is formed identically on both layers 30h that are later combined.
[0394] The application unit 12h comprises two connecting units 18h, which are designed in the form of balls 122h. The balls 122h are located in the region of the ends of the individual application units 12h, where the connection with the handle body 16h is then established. The balls 122h are inserted into the through-holes 120h of the layer 30h, which are then connected to the second layer 30h by means of bonding, sealing, welding, etc. This occurs in that the balls 122h are each located in the through-holes 120h of the other layer 30h. The balls 122h are located in the through-holes 120h between the layers 30h in the final product. The application unit 12h or the dental floss thread is clamped and fixed by this design so that it cannot be torn in the direction of the free space of the U-shaped geometry, because this area is clearly used for application.
[0395] The application unit 12h has a base body 26h. The base body 26h is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18h. The base body 26h is connected to the connecting unit 18h in one piece. The base body 26h is connected to the connecting unit 18h by means of an adhesive connection and / or a welded connection.
[0396] Below, reference Fig. 9 ,Should Fig. 9 A schematic three-dimensional view of a body care product 10i according to the invention is shown.
[0397] Fig. 9 A handle unit 14i and an application unit 12i of a body care product 10i are shown in a schematic perspective view. The body care product 10i is formed by an applicator for liquid or viscous media. In the present case, the body care product 10i is designed as an applicator for oral care media or medical media.
[0398] The body care product 10i has an application unit 12i. The body care product 10i also has a handle unit 14i, which has a handle body 16i. The body care product 10i also has a connecting unit 18i, which connects the application unit 12i to the handle unit 14i.
[0399] The body care product 10i has a longitudinal axis 42i, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 42i is arranged parallel to the main extension direction 44i of the body care product 10i. The longitudinal axis 42i corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the handle body 16i. The height axis and the width axis are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42i. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42i and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the body care product 10i has a length of 60mm to 100mm and preferably 75mm to 90mm, especially parallel to the longitudinal axis 42i. Due to the preferred symmetrical design of the product, the height dimension and the width dimension (in the direction of the height axis and the width axis) are the same. The height dimension or the width dimension is 2mm to 8mm and preferably 2mm to 5mm.
[0400] The application unit 12i forms an applicator head. In the present case, the application unit 12i is formed as an applicator head. The application unit 12i has in particular a base body 26i formed as a body made of a soft component. The base body 26i forms a connection with the connecting unit 18i. The connecting unit 18i can be understood as an element that is injection-molded together with the applicator head.
[0401] The handle unit 14i is provided for gripping by an operator. The handle unit 14i has a handle body 16i. The handle body 16i of the handle unit 14i has a head region 28i. The handle body 16i of the handle unit 14i also has a handle region 72i and a neck region 60i arranged between the handle region 72i and the head region 28i. The head region 28i is provided for attaching the application unit 12i. The handle unit 14i has at least one handle surface 56i, which constitutes a surface of the handle body 16i.
[0402] The handle body 16i consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16i consists completely of a paper material. The handle body 16i of the handle unit 14i can have at least one layer 30i of a paper material, which is formed in a wound manner and thus forms the handle body 16i.
[0403] The application unit 12i is made into a body made of a soft component. The body is designed to be spherical or elliptical. Grooves or depressions 124i are formed on the surface of the body of the application unit 12i. The grooves or depressions 124i are used to temporarily store the medium to be applied. The medium to be applied is transported from the receiving point to the application site by means of the grooves or depressions 124i. The application unit 12i can also be flocked to improve application.
[0404] The application unit 12i has a base body 26i. The base body 26i is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18i. The base body 26i is connected to the connecting unit 18i in one piece. The base body 26i is connected to the connecting unit 18i by means of overmolding.
[0405] The structure of the body care product 10i is provided with multiple sheets and multiple layers, as mentioned in the description.
[0406] Below, reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , these figures show two views of a body care product 10j.
[0407] Fig. 10A The handle unit 14j of a body care product 10j is schematically shown in a top view. The body care product 10j is formed by an oral hygiene device. In the present case, the body care product 10j is designed as a dental flosser.
[0408] The body care product 10j has an application unit 12j. The body care product 10j also has a handle unit 14j, which has a handle body 16j. The body care product 10j also has a connecting unit 18j, which connects the application unit 12j to the handle unit 14j. The connecting unit 18j is formed in the present case as an overmolding, which connects the handle unit 14j to the application unit 12j.
[0409] The application unit 12j forms a dental floss thread of the body care product 10j. In the present case, the application unit 12j is designed as a dental floss thread. The application unit 12j has in particular a base body 26j designed as a thread. The base body 26j forms a connection with a connecting unit 18j. The connecting unit 18j is formed by a plastic part that is injection-molded onto the dental floss thread and that connects the thread to the connecting unit 18j on the one hand and to the handle unit 14j on the other hand.
[0410] The handle unit 14j is provided for being gripped by an operator. The handle unit 14j has a handle body 16j. The handle body 16j of the handle unit 14j has a head region 28j. The handle body 16j of the handle unit 14j also has a handle region 72j and a neck region 60j arranged between the handle region 72j and the head region 28j. The head region 28j is configured as a U-shaped geometry with two legs or arms. The handle body 16j has a flat basic shape in the final state, which is divided into two legs 118j, 118j' toward the application unit 12j. The handle unit 14j has at least one handle surface 56j, which constitutes the surface of the handle body 16j.
[0411] The handle body 16j consists at least largely of a paper material. The handle body 16j of the handle unit 14j can have at least one layer 30j of a paper material. This layer can be formed in a three-dimensional manner. The handle body 16j consists of exactly one layer 30j of a paper material.
[0412] The head region 28j is designed as a U-shaped geometry with two legs 118j, 118j'. The two legs are partially formed by a connecting unit 18j, which is an overmolded body. The connecting unit 18j is injection molded onto the handle body 16j on each of the legs 118j, 118j'. The legs 118j, 118j' are each provided with a continuation 126j, 126j' constituting an undercut, which is necessary for anchoring the connecting unit 18j. The legs 118j, 118j' each exemplarily have a dovetail-shaped continuation 126j, 126j'. Alternatively, the continuation 126j, 126j' constituting the undercut can also be replaced by a through hole.
[0413] The anchoring of the floss thread takes place in a known manner, as it can be fixed in the case of a dental flosser made of plastic. The ends of the floss thread on the outside of the legs 118j, 118j' can be melted / burned and thus form a spherical shape, which makes tearing from the connecting unit 18j more difficult.
[0414] exist Fig. 10BIn the top view of the application area shown in the cutaway view in FIG. 1 , the material attachment of the connection unit 18j to the handle body 16j and the dental floss thread can be clearly seen. In the cutaway handle body 16j, a continuation 126j, 126j' can be seen on each of the legs 118j, 118j', which extends into the connection unit 18j. The continuation 126j, 126j' is each formed by a pin. The continuation 126j, 126j' is overmolded and provided with undercuts, which support the anchoring of the connection unit 18j. It can also be seen how the dental floss thread is guided through the connection unit 18j and melted at the end.
[0415] The application unit 12j has a base body 26j. The base body 26j is firmly connected to the connecting unit 18j. The base body 26j is connected to the connecting unit 18j by means of overmolding.
[0416] Description of reference numerals:
[0417] 10 Body Care Products
[0418] 12 Application Units
[0419] 14 Handle unit
[0420] 16 handle body
[0421] 18 Connection unit
[0422] 20 Form-fitting components
[0423] 22 grooves
[0424] 24 Through groove
[0425] 26. Substrate of the application unit
[0426] 28 Head area of the handle unit
[0427] 30th floor
[0428] 32 receiving slots
[0429] 34 front edge
[0430] 36 Stable wall
[0431] 38 Defining Wall
[0432] 40 Longitudinal axis of handle unit
[0433] 42 Longitudinal axis of body care products
[0434] 44 Main extension direction
[0435] 46 Height axis
[0436] 48 Width axis
[0437] 50 rear side
[0438] 54 bristle bundles
[0439] 56 Handle surface
[0440] 58 front
[0441] 60 Neck area
[0442] 62 Platform
[0443] 64 slots
[0444] 66 bulge
[0445] 68 slots
[0446] 70 bulge
[0447] 72 Handle area
[0448] 74 Form-fitting head
[0449] 76 belly plate
[0450] 77 Folded Edge
[0451] 78 Bristles
[0452] 80 functional elements
[0453] 82 bulge
[0454] 84 Depression
[0455] 86 blade head
[0456] 87 Articulated Arm
[0457] 88 handle section
[0458] 90 Header segment
[0459] 92 Depression
[0460] 94 Depression
[0461] 96 Keep Surface
[0462] 98 Keep Surface
[0463] 100 Bristles
[0464] 102 Shelf Surface
[0465] 104 front edge
[0466] 106 Sidewall
[0467] 108 Back Wall
[0468] 110 splice
[0469] 112 Notch
[0470] 114 Closed tab
[0471] 116 Sublayer
[0472] 118 Legs
[0473] 120 Through hole
[0474] 122 balls
[0475] 124 Depression
[0476] 126 Continuation
Claims
1. A body care product, in particular a toothbrush, a razor or a smear brush, comprising: at least one application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j); a handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j), the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j) having at least one handle body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j), the handle body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j) having at least one handle body (16a; 16b; 16c ; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j) at least largely consists of paper material; and at least one connecting unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i; 18j), which connects the application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) to the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j), It is characterized in that The connecting unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i; 18j) is at least partially configured to be connected to the handle body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16h; 16i; 16j) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j) in a shape-fitting manner.
2. The body care product according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The connecting unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18g; 18h; 18i; 18j) has at least one form-fitting element (20a, 20a'; 20b, 20b'; 20d; 20e; 20f, 20f'; 20h, 20h'), the form-fitting element (20a, 20a'; 20b, 20b'; 20d; 20e; 20f, 20f'; 20h, 20h') h') is configured to engage into a groove (22a, 22a'; 22b, 22b'; 22d; 22e; 22f, 22f'; 22h, 22h') of the application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12g; 12h; 12i; 12j) and / or the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14h; 14i; 14j).
3. The body care product according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The handle body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e) defines at least one through groove (24a, 24a'; 24b, 24b'; 24d; 24e), and the through groove (24a, 24a'; 24b, 24b'; 24d; 24e) is configured to receive the at least one shape-fitting element (20a, 20a'; 20b, 20b'; 20d; 20e) of the connecting unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e).
4. The body care product according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The form-fitting element (20d; 20f, 20f') is formed by a locking element.
5. The body care product according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The form-fitting elements (20a, 20a'; 20b, 20b'; 20e) are formed by rivets, in particular plastic rivets.
6. A body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12h) has at least one substrate (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26h), and the substrate (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26h) is firmly connected to the connecting unit (18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18f; 18h).
7. A body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The application unit (12d) has at least one base body (26d) which is replaceably connected to the connecting unit (18d).
8. The body care product according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12h) has at least one base body (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26h), wherein the form-fitting element (20a, 20a'; 20b, 20b'; 20d; 20e; 20f, 20f'; 20h; 20h') is formed in one piece with the base body (26a; 26b; 26c; 26d; 26e; 26f; 26h) of the application unit (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d; 12e; 12f; 12h).
9. A body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The handle body (16a; 16b; 16c) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c) has at least one head area (28a; 28b; 28c), and the head area (28a; 28b; 28c) is configured to be attached to the application unit (12a; 12b; 12c), wherein the handle body (16a; 16b; 16c) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c) has at least one recess in the head area (28a; 28b; 28c), and the recess is configured to position the connecting unit (18a; 18b; 18c) relative to the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c).
10. The body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The handle body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e; 16f; 16g; 16i; 16j) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14f; 14g; 14i; 14j) consists of exactly one layer (30a; 30b; 30c; 30d; 30e; 30f; 30g; 30i; 30j) of paper material.
11. A body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The connecting unit (18d; 18e; 18f) has at least one receiving groove (32d, 32d'; 32e; 32f, 32f'), and the receiving groove (32d, 32d'; 32e; 32f, 32f') is configured to receive a front edge (34d; 34e; 34f) of the handle body (16d; 16e; 16f) of the handle unit (14d; 14e; 14f) facing the application unit (12d; 12e; 12f).
12. A body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The handle body (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) forms at least one stabilizing wall (36a, 36a'; 36b, 36b'; 36c, 36c'; 36d, 36d'), which is angled with the main extension plane of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d) and extends at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (40a; 40b; 40c; 40d) of the handle unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d).
13. The body care product according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The connecting unit (18d) has at least one delimiting wall (38d, 38d'), which is provided for at least partially delimiting and stabilizing the stabilizing wall (36d, 36d') of the handle body (16d).
14. A body care product according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The handle body (16a; 16c) of the handle unit (14a; 14c) is configured to be swung substantially in an S-shape along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit (14a; 14c).
15. A method for producing a body care product (10a; 10b; 10c; 10d; 10e; 10f; 10g; 10h; 10i; 10j) according to any of the preceding claims.
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