Manual toothbrush having a flat head

Abstract

The present application relates to a manual toothbrush having an elongate handle part and a brush head. The brush head has a set of bristles with a plurality of bristle filaments. The handle part and the brush head are interconnected by a neck portion. In the extension direction of the bristle filaments, the brush head has a thickness which decreases in a longitudinal direction of the brush head from a first transition region between the neck portion and the brush head to a free end of the brush head, such that the thickness at the free end of the brush head is less than 80% of the thickness at the first transition region.

Description

[0001] Manual toothbrush with a flat head

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a manual toothbrush comprising a handle, a brush head, and a neck section connecting the handle to the brush head. The thickness of the brush head decreases from a first transition area located between the neck section and the brush head to a free end of the brush head.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Using a manual toothbrush is generally perceived as more pleasant if it is as small as possible, especially if the brush head is as thin as possible. A thin brush head usually feels better in the mouth than a thicker one.

[0006] Such toothbrushes are known, for example, from DE 10 2022 112 600 Al (Zahoransky AG).

[0007] Furthermore, a toothbrush should ideally have good spring properties to prevent excessive force from being applied to the gums, thus avoiding injuries or irritation of the gums.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to create a toothbrush belonging to the aforementioned technical field that enables pleasant tooth brushing and reduces irritation of the gums.

[0010] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the present invention, a manual toothbrush comprises an elongated handle and a brush head with bristles consisting of a plurality of bristle filaments. The handle and the brush head are connected to each other via a neck section. The brush head has a thickness in the direction of the extension of the bristle filaments that decreases in a longitudinal direction from a first transition region between the neck section and the brush head to a free end of the brush head, such that the thickness at the free end of the brush head is less than 80% of the thickness at the first transition region.

[0011] The tapered thickness of the brush head makes it feel significantly more comfortable in the mouth than a brush head with a constant thickness along its entire length. Furthermore, this tapered design gives the brush head a springy feel, reliably preventing excessive pressure on the gums. Finally, the decreasing thickness also gives the brush head a very delicate and elegant appearance.

[0012] In addition to the first transition area between the brush head and the neck section, the manual toothbrush has a second transition area located between the handle and the neck section.

[0013] The elongated handle is preferably a straight element with a round, oval, or polygonal, particularly square or octagonal, cross-section. The length of the handle is preferably 8 cm to 12 cm, particularly 9 cm to 11 cm. The handle can be made of solid material or, preferably, be hollow. In the hollow version, an opening at a free end of the handle—that is, the end not connected to the neck section—is sealed, in particular watertight, by means of a closing element. The hollow design saves material during manufacturing and reduces the weight of the manual toothbrush.

[0014] The handle section preferably has a width, i.e., an extent perpendicular to the direction of extension of the bristle filaments, of 1 cm to 1.5 cm. The thickness of the handle section, i.e., its extent in the direction of extension of the bristle filaments, is preferably also between 1 cm and 1.5 cm. The width and thickness of the handle section can be the same, but are preferably different. Preferably, the ratio of width to thickness of the handle section is between 1:0.9 and 1:0.7. The thickness and / or width of the handle section preferably decreases from the free end of the handle section towards the second transition area. That is, the handle section has a smaller thickness and / or width at the second transition area than at the free end. Preferably, the thickness and / or width of the handle section at the second transition area is 60% to 80%, and in particular 65% to 65%, of the thickness and / or width of the handle section at its free end.The decrease in thickness and / or width of the handle part preferably proceeds continuously from the free end to the second transition area.

[0015] The neck section is preferably made of solid material. At the second transition area, the neck section preferably has the same cross-section and dimensions as the handle section. This allows for a smooth transition from the handle section to the neck section. From the second transition area to the first transition area, the cross-section and dimensions of the neck section can change, preferably continuously. Preferably, the neck section has smaller dimensions at the first transition area than at the second transition area. This means that the thickness and / or width of the neck section at the first transition area is preferably smaller than the thickness and / or width of the neck section at the second transition area.

[0016] The brush head has a bristle arrangement consisting of a multitude of bristle filaments, as is known. The bristle filaments project from the brush head on a first side and are all substantially parallel to one another. The bristle filaments preferably consist of a polymer material and are preferably divided into several bundles. The bundles preferably have a substantially cylindrical or slightly conical shape. On the first side of the brush head, the bundles preferably all have a substantially identical, round base. The bundles are preferably arranged in a geometric pattern on the first side of the brush head, in particular in several rows side by side. In the longitudinal direction of the manual toothbrush, the bundles of adjacent rows can be offset from each other by half a bundle diameter on the first side of the brush head.

[0017] The bristle filaments are preferably bonded to the first surface of the brush head, in particular by welding or fusing the bristle filaments to the first surface of the brush head. The thickness and width of the brush head and the neck section in the first transition area are preferably the same. This results in a smooth transition between the neck area and the brush head of the manual toothbrush.

[0018] The brush head preferably has an oval or polygonal shape. Preferably, however, the brush head is in the form of a stave. This means that the brush head widens from the first transition area to the free end, then has a constant width over a defined length, and has a rounded edge at the free end.

[0019] The width of the brush head is preferably greater, at least in the middle between its free end (i.e., the end not adjacent to the neck section) and the first transition area, than the width at the first transition area and preferably also greater than the width of the handle part at the second transition area. Preferably, the width of the brush head in the middle is between 0.8 cm and 1.5 cm, and particularly between 1 cm and 1.2 cm.

[0020] The brush head has a reduced thickness at its free end compared to the first transition region, with the thickness of the brush head at the free end being less than 80% of the thickness in the first transition region. However, the thickness of the brush head at its free end is preferably at least 40%, and more preferably at least 50%, of the thickness of the brush head in the first transition region.

[0021] The handle, neck section, and brush head are firmly connected to one another. Preferably, the handle, neck section, and brush head are formed in one piece, meaning that each of these elements represents a defined area of ​​a continuous part.

[0022] Preferably, the thickness of the brush head decreases continuously from the first transition area to the free end. This means that the thickness of the brush head decreases smoothly and uniformly from the first transition area to the free end. A second side of the brush head, opposite the first side with the bristles, can be straight and at an angle to the first side. Preferably, however, the second side of the brush head has a curve with a constant radius. This curve is convex relative to the first side. Preferably, the neck section has a thickness that decreases in the direction of the bristle filaments from the second transition area between the handle and the neck section to the first transition area, with the thickness of the neck section in the first transition area being between 20% and 40% of the thickness in the second transition area.

[0023] This reduction in the thickness of the neck section gives it excellent spring properties. These spring properties, in addition to the springiness of the brush head, further reduce the force exerted on the gums. This means that the combination of the reduced thickness of the brush head and the neck section creates a synergistic effect, enabling a significantly gentler brushing experience for the gums compared to conventional manual toothbrushes.

[0024] The thickness of the neck section preferably decreases continuously from the second transition area to the first transition area. This means that the thickness of the neck section decreases smoothly and uniformly from the second transition area to the first transition area. This results in the spring action of the neck section increasing with increasing distance from the second transition area to the first transition area.

[0025] Preferably, the neck section has a curve directed towards the bristle filaments. That is, the neck section has a curve that, when using the manual toothbrush, corresponds to the direction of the curvature of a row of teeth in the oral cavity. This allows for more comfortable brushing, as the skin of the cheeks needs to be stretched less to reach even the back molars or wisdom teeth with the brush head. Furthermore, the curve, together with the decreasing thickness of the neck section, creates a synergistic effect with regard to the spring action of the manual toothbrush.

[0026] Preferably, the outer radius of the curvature is between 10 cm and 18 cm, particularly between 12 cm and 16 cm. The outer radius of the curvature lies on one side of the neck section that points away from the bristle filaments, i.e., on the side of the neck section that adjoins the other side of the brush head. Preferably, the curvature of the outer radius is tangential to the adjacent side of the handle, meaning that the transition between the side of the handle and the curvature is smooth.

[0027] Preferably, the curvature has an inner radius that is smaller than the outer radius. The inner radius is located on the side of the neck section that points in the direction of the bristle filaments, i.e., the side of the neck section that adjoins the first side of the brush head. The curvature of the inner radius is preferably not tangential to an adjacent surface of the handle. This means that the surface of the neck section curved with the inner radius is at an angle to the adjacent surface of the handle. This angle is preferably between 1° and 3°. Accordingly, the manual toothbrush has a kink in the second transition area between the surface of the neck section curved with the inner radius and the adjacent surface of the handle. By using different radii and angles, the thickness of the neck section can be easily reduced.

[0028] Preferably, the width of the neck section decreases from the second transition area to the first transition area, wherein the width of the neck section at the first transition area is between 30% and 75%, preferably between 40% and 60% of the width at the second transition area.

[0029] The width of the neck section is the extent of the neck section perpendicular to the direction of extension of the bristle filaments.

[0030] Reducing the width allows the neck section to be designed with a more delicate appearance. Furthermore, reducing the width of the neck section also improves its spring properties, as the cross-section of the neck section is thereby further reduced.

[0031] Preferably, the thickness of the brush head at the free end is between 1 mm and 4 mm, particularly between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm. This thickness at the free end of the brush head gives it a visually appealing, delicate shape, while still providing sufficient material thickness to prevent breakage during normal use. The thickness of the brush head at the first transition area is preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, particularly between 2.3 mm and 3 mm. By selecting this thickness at the first transition area in combination with the aforementioned thickness at the free end of the brush head, the brush head exhibits optimal spring properties.

[0032] Preferably, the neck section at the second transition area has a thickness of 6 mm to 12 mm, in particular 7.5 mm to 9.5 mm.

[0033] Preferably, the brush head has a recess in which a carrier plate with a plurality of holes is attached.

[0034] The bristle filaments are preferably attached in the bores of the backing plate, and then the backing plate is positioned in the recess and secured therein. Preferably, the brush head has a circumferential rim that surrounds the recess, so that the backing plate is mechanically fixed laterally by the rim. This allows the backing plate to absorb greater horizontal forces in the plane of the first side of the brush head, thus reliably preventing the backing plate from unintentionally detaching under high horizontal forces, which can occur particularly during circular movements of the brush head across tooth surfaces.

[0035] The carrier plate is preferably fixed in the recess by a form-fit and / or force-fit connection. A form-fit connection can be achieved, for example, by means of snap-fit ​​elements on the carrier plate that engage in corresponding recesses in the edge region of the recess. A force-fit connection can be achieved, for example, by welding or bonding the carrier plate in the recess.

[0036] The bristle filaments are preferably divided into several bundles, with each bundle being inserted into a bore in the carrier plate and connected to the carrier plate, in particular by a material bond.

[0037] The bond can be achieved by welding the bristle filaments to the carrier plate. Preferably, however, the bristle filaments are fused to the underside of the carrier plate at their end, which is inserted into a bore. Preferably, the bristle filaments are fused to the brush head simultaneously. This allows the carrier plate to be attached to the brush head via the fused ends of the bristle filaments. In this embodiment, the molten ends of the bristle filaments thus serve both to attach the bristle filaments to the carrier plate and the brush head, as well as to attach the carrier plate to the brush head. This simplifies the manufacture of the manual toothbrush, since the attachment of the bristle filaments and the carrier plate to the brush head can be carried out in a single step.

[0038] Preferably, the handle, neck section, and brush head are formed as a single piece. This allows the manual toothbrush to be manufactured with as few parts as possible, and the unit consisting of the handle, neck section, and brush head can be produced particularly easily and efficiently using injection molding.

[0039] Preferably the handle part, the neck section and the brush head are made of the same material as the bristle filaments, and preferably the carrier plate is also made of the same material.

[0040] By making all parts from the same material, the recycling of the manual toothbrush is significantly simplified, as the individual parts do not need to be disassembled beforehand in order to be returned to the appropriate product cycle.

[0041] Preferably, the material is a biodegradable polymer material, in particular a polyamide.

[0042] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention can be derived from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

[0043] Brief description of the drawings

[0044] The drawings used to illustrate the exemplary embodiment show:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a manual toothbrush according to the invention in a

[0046] Side view;

[0047] Fig. 2 shows the manual toothbrush according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a top view;

[0048] Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the manual toothbrush 1 according to Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a second embodiment of a manual toothbrush according to the invention in a side view;

[0049] Fig. 5 shows the manual toothbrush of the second embodiment according to Fig. 4 in a

[0050] Top view;

[0051] Fig. 6 shows the manual toothbrush of the second embodiment in a perspective view.

[0052] Opinion;

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a close-up of the brush head according to the first or second

[0054] embodiment of the manual toothbrush according to the invention;

[0055] Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal section through the brush head according to Fig. 7;

[0056] Fig. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of a support plate.

[0057] Basically, identical parts in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0058] Ways to implement the invention

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a manual toothbrush 1 according to the invention in a side view. The manual toothbrush 1 comprises a handle 1, a brush head 3, and a neck section 6 extending between the handle 2 and the brush head 3. The handle 2, the neck section 6, and the brush head 3 are formed in one piece and thus represent parts of a single component. The handle 2 has a substantially octagonal cross-section and is chamfered at its free end 10, i.e., the end that does not merge into the neck section 6. In the embodiment shown, the handle 2 is designed as a hollow body, with the free end 10 of the handle 2 being closed by means of a closing part 17 (see Fig. 2). A bristle arrangement 4, consisting of several bundles of bristle filaments (see Figs. 7 & 8), is arranged on a first surface 18 of the brush head 3.The bristle filaments extend from the first surface 18. Preferably, the bristle filaments are made of the same material as the handle part 2, the neck section 6, and the brush head 3.

[0060] The neck section 6 is connected to the brush head 3 in a first transition area 7 and to the handle 2 in a second transition area 8. The thickness of the brush head 3 decreases from the first transition area 7 to a free end 9 of the brush head 3. This means that the brush head 3 has a first thickness D1 at the first transition area 7, which is greater than a second thickness D2 at the free end 9 of the brush head 3. The thickness of the neck section 6 also decreases from the second transition area 8 to the first transition area 7. This means that the neck section 6 has a third thickness D3 at the second transition area 7, which is greater than the first thickness D1 of the neck section 7 at the first transition area 7. It should be noted that in the first transition area 7, both the brush head 3 and the neck section 6 have the same first thickness D1.Furthermore, the thickness of the handle section 2 also decreases from its free end 10 towards the second transition area 8. This means that the handle section 2 has a fourth thickness D4 at its free end 10, which is greater than the third thickness D3 of the handle section 2 at the second transition area 8. It should be noted that both the neck section 6 and the handle section have the same third thickness D3 in the second transition area. Due to the reduction in thickness of the brush head 3 and the neck section 6, the manual toothbrush 1 exhibits flexible properties. These reliably prevent excessive force from being applied to the gums during brushing.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the first thickness D1 at the first transition area 7 is 2.5mm, the second thickness D2 at the free end 9 of the brush head 3 is 1.5mm, the third thickness D3 at the second transition area 8 is 8mm and the fourth thickness D4 at the free end 10 of the handle part 2 is 11mm.

[0062] The neck section 6 also has a curvature 14, meaning that the neck section 6 is bent between the second transition region 8 and the first transition region 7. The curvature is essentially directed in the direction of the bristle filaments. This means that the curvature is concave relative to the direction of extension of the bristle filaments. The neck section 6 has an outer radius RI and an inner radius R2. The outer radius RI defines the curvature on the side of the neck section 6 opposite the bristle arrangement 4, while the inner radius defines the curvature on the side of the neck section 6 facing the bristle arrangement 4. In the second transition region 8, the outer radius RI is tangential to the handle section 2, meaning that the surface of the neck section curved with the outer radius RI transitions smoothly into the adjacent surface of the handle section 2.The surface of the neck section 6, which is curved with the inner radius R2, has an angle α to the adjacent surface of the handle part 2 in the second transition region 8. This angle is preferably 1° to 3°. The inner radius R2 is smaller than the outer radius RI. The ratio of outer radius RI to inner radius R2 is selected such that, in combination with the angle α, the thickness of the neck section 6 decreases to the desired extent. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer radius RI is 240 mm, the inner radius R2 is 80 mm, and the angle α is 1°.

[0063] The curved design of the neck section 6 improves the springiness of the manual toothbrush 1, and also makes brushing with the manual toothbrush 1 feel more comfortable, since the inclination of the brush head 3 relative to the handle 2 essentially corresponds to the curved shape of a row of teeth in a dentition. As a result, compared to a manual toothbrush without a curve, the user's cheek is stretched less or not at all during brushing.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the manual toothbrush 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. As can be seen in Fig. 2, not only does the thickness of the handle 2 and the neck section 6 decrease towards the brush head 3, but also their width, that is, their extent in a direction transverse to the direction of extension of the bristle filaments of the bristle assembly 4. The neck section 6 therefore has a smaller first width Bl at the first transition area 7 than a third width B3 at the second transition area 8. Similarly, the handle 2 has a smaller third width B3 at the second transition area 8, which corresponds to the third width B3 of the neck section 6, than a fourth width B4 at the free end 10 of the handle 2. The width of the handle 2 decreases continuously from the free end 10 to the second transition area 8.The width of the neck section 6 also decreases steadily from the second transition area 8 to the first transition area.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the first width Bl at the first transition area 7 is 6mm, the third width B3 at the second transition area 8 is 11mm and the fourth width B4 at the free end 10 of the handle part 2 is 14mm.

[0066] In contrast, the brush head, in the plane perpendicular to the direction of extension of the bristle filaments of the bristle arrangement 4, essentially has the shape of a stage. That is, the width of the brush head 3 increases from the first transition region 7 from the first width Bl to a second width B2, with the brush head 3 having the second width B2 essentially over its entire length. Only in the region of the free end 9 of the brush head 3 does it have an edge curved with a continuous radius. The second width B2 of the brush head 3 is 12 mm in the embodiment shown.

[0067] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the manual toothbrush 1, which is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The delicate design of the brush head 3 and the curved shape of the neck section 6 are clearly visible in this figure.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a manual toothbrush 1 according to the invention in a side view. In contrast to the first embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3, the neck section 6 does not have an outer radius RI, but rather the surface of the neck section 6 opposite the bristle arrangement 4 has a bend 15. However, the surface of the neck section 6 lying in the direction of the bristle arrangement 4 is curved with an inner radius R2, as in the first embodiment.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a top view of the manual toothbrush according to the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 4. It is also clearly visible in this figure that the design of the second embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3, particularly with regard to the reduction in the width of the handle section 2 and the neck section 6. Furthermore, it is evident that the end piece 17 is decorated.

[0070] Figure 6 shows the second embodiment of the manual toothbrush in a perspective view. This figure clearly shows how the opening of the hollow handle 2 is closed at the free end 10 by means of the end piece 17. This reliably prevents water from entering the interior of the handle 2, while retaining the advantage of the hollow design, namely the reduced weight.

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the brush head 3 according to the first or second embodiment of the manual toothbrush 1 according to the invention. The brush head 3 has a recess 11 on the first surface 18. A support plate 12 is received in this recess 11, and the support plate 12 is firmly connected to the brush head 3. The support plate 12 has a plurality of bores (see Fig. 9), in each of which a bundle 16 of bristle filaments is attached. The entirety of the bundles 16 of bristle filaments forms the bristle arrangement 4 of the manual toothbrush 1. The bundles 16 are arranged in several adjacent rows, with neighboring bundles 16 being offset from each other by half a bundle width in the longitudinal direction of the brush head 3.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal section through the brush head 3 according to Fig. 7. The arrangement of the carrier plate 12 within the recess 11 of the brush head 3 and the arrangement of the bundles 16 of bristle filaments in the carrier plate 11 are clearly visible. Preferably, the bundles 16 of bristle filaments are fused with the carrier plate 11, whereby the carrier plate 12 is simultaneously firmly connected to the brush head 3 in the recess 11 by means of the melt of the bristle filaments.

[0073] Fig. 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of a carrier plate 12, which can be used in a manual toothbrush 1 according to the first or second embodiment.

[0074] The carrier plate 12 is essentially flat and has a multitude of bores 13. The edges of the carrier plate 12 follow the curves of the outermost bores 13, so that the outer contour of the carrier plate 12 is essentially wave-shaped. It is understood that the recess 11 of the brush head 3 is shaped accordingly so that the carrier plate 12 can be received in it with essentially no play.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Manual toothbrush with an elongated handle (2) and a brush head (3) with a bristle arrangement (4) comprising a plurality of bristle filaments, wherein the handle (2) and the brush head (3) are connected to each other via a neck section (6), characterized in that the brush head (3) has a thickness in the direction of the extension of the bristle filaments which decreases in a longitudinal direction of the brush head (3) from a first transition area (7) between the neck section (6) and the brush head (3) to a free end (9) of the brush head (3), such that the thickness (D2) at the free end (9) of the brush head (3) is less than 80% of the thickness (D1) at the first transition area (7).

2. Manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness of the brush head (3) decreases continuously from the first transition area (7) to the free end (9) of the brush head (3).

3. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the neck section (6) has a thickness in the direction of the extension of the bristle filaments, which decreases from a second transition area (8) between the handle part (2) and the neck section (6) to the first transition area (7), wherein the thickness (D1) of the neck section (6) in the first transition area (7) is between 20% and 40% of the thickness (D3) in the second transition area (8).

4. Manual toothbrush according to claim 3, characterized in that the thickness of the neck section (6) decreases continuously from the second transition area (8) to the first transition area (7).

5. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the neck section (6) has a curvature (14) directed in the direction of the bristle filaments.

6. Manual toothbrush according to claim 5, characterized in that an outer radius (RI) of the curvature (14) is between 10 cm and 18 cm, in particular between 12 cm and 16 cm.

7. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the width of the neck section (6) decreases from the second transition area (8) to the first transition area (7), wherein the width (Bl) of the neck section (6) at the first transition area (7) is between 30% and 75%, preferably between 40% and 60% of the width (B3) at the second transition area (8).

8. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the thickness (D2) of the brush head (3) at the free end (9) is from 1 mm to 4 mm, in particular from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

9. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the thickness (Dl) of the brush head (3) at the first transition area (7) is from 2 mm to 6 mm, in particular from 2.3 mm to 3 mm.

10. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the neck section (6) at the second transition area (8) has a thickness (D3) of 6 mm to 12 mm, in particular of 7.5 mm to 9.5 mm. 1 1 . Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the brush head (3) has a recess (11) in which a carrier plate (12) with a plurality of bores (13) is attached.

12. Manual toothbrush according to claim 11, characterized in that the bristle filaments are divided into several bundles (16), wherein each bundle (16) is inserted into a bore (13) of the carrier plate (12) and is connected to the carrier plate (12), in particular by a material bond.

13. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the handle part (2), the neck section (6) and the brush head (3) are formed in one piece.

14. Manual toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the handle part (2), the neck section (6) and the brush head (3) are made of the same material as the bristle filaments, wherein preferably the carrier plate (12) is also made of the same material.

15. Manual toothbrush according to claim 14, characterized in that the material is a biodegradable polymer material, in particular a polyamide.

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