Connector, handle and personal care implement for a personal care implement

Abstract

A connector for repeatedly attaching and detaching a head to a handle of a personal care implement is integrally formed as a single piece. The connector includes a first substantially cylindrical section, a second substantially cylindrical section, and an intermediate section connecting the first and second cylindrical sections. The intermediate section includes a snap-fit element having a base portion and a resilient arm extending from the base portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector for repeatedly attaching and detaching a head from a handle of a personal care tool. This disclosure also relates to a handle of a personal care tool including such a connector, and to a personal care tool comprising such a handle and a head. Background Technology

[0002] The head and handle of personal care tools, such as manual or electric / battery-powered toothbrushes, are well known in the art. Generally, bristle tufts or other cleaning elements for cleaning teeth and soft tissues in the mouth are attached to a bristle carrier or mounting surface designed for insertion into the user's mouth. The handle is typically attached to the head and is held by the user during brushing. Typically, the head of a manual toothbrush is permanently attached to the handle, for example, by injection molding the bristle carrier, handle, and neck connecting the head and handle in a single injection molding step. After the normal lifespan of the toothbrush, approximately three months of use, it is discarded. To provide an environmentally friendly / sustainable manual toothbrush that generates less waste when discarded, manual toothbrushes are known to include replaceable (i.e., repeatedly attached to and detachable from the handle) heads or head replacements. Consumers can reuse the handle and only purchase new head replacements instead of buying a brand new toothbrush. Such replacements are typically cheaper than conventional manual toothbrushes and generate less waste.

[0003] For example, a known manual toothbrush includes a handle to which a replaceable head is attached. The handle has a cavity into which the head can be inserted. To provide a sufficiently strong connection between the head and the handle, the brush head is formed with a neck having a coupling anchor having multiple grooves in a complementary engagement mechanism for engaging within a bushing in the handle.

[0004] However, this anchoring / engaging mechanism has a relatively complex external geometry that makes it difficult to clean after brushing. Toothpaste and slurry can accumulate in the grooves of the anchoring / engaging mechanism and may prevent the brush head from attaching precisely to the handle. Furthermore, this engagement mechanism does not provide sufficient torsional protection for the brush head on the handle during brushing.

[0005] Furthermore, connector solutions characterized by small plastic hooks that interact with corresponding holes are known. However, these plastic hooks loosen over time, and the user needs to actively push the hooks back parallel to pull the replacement to remove the brush head from the handle. This connector solution is neither intuitive nor convenient for consumers. Moreover, this connector is difficult to clean. Additionally, the engagement parts located within the brush replacement are necessary, leading to additional manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0006] If the brush head is not precisely attached / secured to the handle, for example because the connector is not adequately cleaned due to slurry and toothpaste buildup in the small grooves, and / or if the brush head twists open during brushing, the oral care tool will have poor maneuverability during brushing, thus hindering the user from reaching all areas of the mouth. Therefore, the overall maneuverability of the brush may be insufficient. However, to achieve and maintain good oral health, and to prevent gingivitis, it is important to thoroughly clean teeth and gums, especially in hard-to-reach areas (e.g., in the area of ​​the molars). Furthermore, the space between the teeth and periodontal tissues (the so-called gingival sulcus) must be thoroughly cleaned, which requires good and well-coordinated brushing technique that may not be achievable with the manual toothbrush described above.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector, a handle including such a connector, and a personal care tool that overcomes at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages, specifically a personal care tool including a replaceable head that is sufficiently strong to attach to the handle and does not rotate / twist to the side during use. Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector that is relatively easy to manufacture at low cost, while providing excellent flexibility, anti-torsion protection, and reliable head-to-handle retention even after prolonged use. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, a connector is provided for repeatedly attaching and detaching a head from the handle of a personal care tool. The connector is integrally formed as a single piece and includes a first substantially cylindrical section, a second substantially cylindrical section, and an intermediate section connecting the first and second cylindrical sections. The intermediate section includes a snap-fit ​​element having a base portion and a resilient arm extending from the base portion.

[0009] According to one aspect, a handle for a personal care tool is provided, the handle including such a connector.

[0010] According to one aspect, a personal care tool is provided, the tool including a head and a handle according to the present disclosure, the head being reusable to and detachable from the handle via a connector according to the present disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to various embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A perspective view of an example embodiment of a personal care tool according to the present disclosure is shown, the personal care tool including a head, a handle, and a connector; Figure 2 A perspective view of the first connector embodiment is shown; Figure 3It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic side view of the connector; Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic top view of the connector; Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a connector that is inserted into the hollow portion of the head; Figure 6 A perspective view of the second connector embodiment is shown; Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 6 Side view of the second connector implementation scheme; Figure 8 A side view of the third connector implementation is shown; Figure 9 A side view of the fourth connector implementation is shown; Figure 10 A perspective view of the fifth connector implementation is shown; Figure 11 It shows according to Figure 10 Side view of the fifth connector implementation scheme; Figure 12 A side view of the sixth connector implementation is shown; Figure 13 A side view of the seventh connector embodiment is shown; Figure 14 A perspective view of the eighth connector embodiment is shown; and Figure 15 A side view of the ninth connector implementation is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The personal care tool according to this disclosure includes a handle and a head for performing personal care routines. The head can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the handle via a connector. The personal care tool according to this disclosure can be any type of personal care tool, such as a wet razor, trimmer, nail polisher, or oral care tool, such as a toothbrush, either manual or electric. Alternatively, the personal care tool can be a proximal pick, plaque scraper, chemical applicator, or tissue / tongue cleaner.

[0013] The head of a personal care tool can be any type of replaceable replacement, such as a razor blade holder, trimmer, or oral care replacement, including but not limited to brush head replacements, interdental or toothpick replacements, tongue / tissue cleaner replacements, and chemical applicator replacements. The brush head may include at least one dental cleaning element, such as a bristle tuft and / or an elastomeric element, attached to a mounting surface of the head.

[0014] The head can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the handle via the connector. According to this disclosure, the connector is integrally molded as a single, non-separable piece without damaging the connector. This means the connector can be manufactured in a single injection molding step, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing production costs.

[0015] The connector, integrally molded as a single piece, includes a first substantially cylindrical segment and a second substantially cylindrical segment, wherein the first substantially cylindrical segment and the second substantially cylindrical segment are connected by an intermediate segment. The first substantially cylindrical segment, the intermediate segment, and the second substantially cylindrical segment are arranged in a continuous sequence and define a longitudinal length extension of the connector.

[0016] The head of a personal care tool may have a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being defined as the end closest to the handle. The proximal end of the head may include a hollow portion for receiving a portion of a connector (e.g., a first generally cylindrical segment and an intermediate segment). The hollow portion of the head may have an inner wall whose geometry / profile substantially corresponds to the outer geometry / profile of a portion of the connector to be inserted into the hollow portion of the head.

[0017] Relative to the connector, the substantially cylindrical section is defined by a three-dimensional body having a longitudinal length extension and a cross-sectional area extending substantially perpendicular to that longitudinal length extension. This cross-sectional area has a substantially constant shape along the longitudinal length extension. Since the connector can be manufactured using an injection molding process, the substantially cylindrical section also includes a section / body having a draft angle of up to 10°. In other words, the substantially cylindrical section also includes a section / body that tapers towards the proximal end closest to the head once the head is attached to the connector. Additionally, another substantially cylindrical section may taper towards the distal end closest to the shank.

[0018] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first substantially cylindrical segment and / or the second substantially cylindrical segment can have any shape, such as substantially circular, elliptical, rectangular, semi-circular, circular with flat portions, convex, or concave. The cross-sectional area can also have a polygonal shape, such as a square or triangle. This geometry provides a robust and simple structure that is easy to clean after use with personal care tools. Furthermore, due to the relatively simple external geometry, this connector can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0019] The middle section of the connector includes a snap-fit ​​element for securely locking the head to the connector via a snap-fit ​​locking mechanism. The snap-fit ​​element includes a base portion and a resilient arm extending from the base portion. When the head is attached to the connector, the resilient arm elastically engages with a corresponding groove provided in the inner wall of the hollow portion of the head. This engagement provides a sufficiently strong connection and stability between the head and the handle to allow the user to perform personal care routines (e.g., brushing teeth). Additionally, the snap-fit ​​element acts as an anti-torsion protection device. If a lateral force is applied to the head of the personal care tool, the asymmetrical structure / geometry of the snap-fit ​​element prevents the head from rotating laterally relative to the handle. This connector provides a sufficiently strong connection and stability between the head and the handle, for example, to allow the user to perform oral care routines or shaving / trimming actions.

[0020] The base portion may include a flat portion from which an elastic arm extends. The elastic arm may include a first segment and a second segment. The first segment may be in the form of a hemisphere, and the second segment may be in the form of a bridging member connecting the first segment to the base portion. When the head is attached to the connector, the second segment / bridging member can apply force to the first segment / hemispheroid in a direction toward the outer surface of the connector and toward the inner wall of the hollow portion of the head. Hereinafter, the radial force is defined by a force applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length extension of the connector. In other words, the bridging member can act as a spring, thereby applying force to the hemisphere, pushing the hemisphere outward so that the hemisphere can engage in a corresponding groove provided in the inner wall of the head. Once the head snaps into the connector, the head is fixed to the shank / connector in the axial direction. In other words, the head is fixed to the shank until a specific / predetermined pull-out force is applied. The connection between the head and the connector is strong enough to enable well-coordinated personal care routines, such as brushing techniques, without the head detaching from the handle. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​element allows the head to be easily attached to and detached from the handle. The hemispherical part of the snap-fit ​​element can have a diameter of approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, or approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm, providing a sufficiently small size while achieving good retention.

[0021] The connector can be made of a plastic material, such as a polymer material, having an elastic modulus of about 5 N / mm² to about 15 N / mm², or about 10 N / mm². This material provides an appropriate amount of elasticity for snap-fit ​​elements, particularly bridging elements, thereby achieving adequate fixation and stability of the head during use of the personal care tool, while allowing easy removal of the head from the handle after use. Additionally, the elastic arm made of this material provides sufficient tactile feedback when the head is attached to the connector. Materials can be selected from a list including: PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), POM (polyoxymethylene), PA (polyamide, such as PA6, PA6.6, PA12), PP (polypropylene), PK (polyketone), PS (polystyrene), LCP (liquid crystal polymer), PC (polycarbonate), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PCR (post-consumer recycled material), and any mixtures thereof. This material allows for the correct amount of deformation during attachment / removal operations. In addition, fillers can be added to the material. Fillers can be selected from a list including glass, carbon, and / or minerals. Fillers / filler particles can be in the form of fibers, spheres, and / or balls. Fillers can be added to the material in amounts up to 60% by weight, or from about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight, thereby adjusting the desired stiffness and elasticity of the connector. Generally, the stiffness and elasticity of the material used to manufacture the connector according to this disclosure can be adjusted by selecting appropriate plastic materials, filler materials, filler geometry, filler amount, and filler-matrix bonding. Surprisingly, it has been found that using PBT materials containing about 30% by weight of glass fiber provides excellent elastic properties for the connectors discussed above. Alternatively, any of the materials listed above, containing about 5% by weight to about 60% by weight of glass fiber and / or minerals, can be used to reinforce the material composition.

[0022] The bridging element of the snap-fit ​​component can have a thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm to about 1.2 mm. Surprisingly, it has been found that for the use of personal care tools, the bridging element, having this size and made of a plastic material with an elastic modulus of about 5 N / mm² to about 15 N / mm², or about 10 N / mm², optimizes the elasticity of the snap-fit ​​component.

[0023] The bridging element of the snap-fit ​​component can extend from the base portion at an angle of approximately 10° to approximately 30°, or approximately 20° to approximately 25°. Furthermore, the bridging element can be curved. The elasticity of the bridging element can be further adjusted by adjusting the angle and / or curvature.

[0024] The first and second substantially cylindrical sections of the connector may be eccentrically positioned relative to the longitudinal length extension of the connector, thereby providing enhanced anti-torsion protection to prevent the head from rotating in the lateral direction when lateral forces are applied to the head (e.g., during manual brushing motion using the so-called "Bass" brushing method).

[0025] In other words, the first substantially cylindrical segment and the second substantially cylindrical segment may each have a first longitudinal central axis and a second longitudinal central axis, defined as axes of symmetry of the first substantially cylindrical segment and the second substantially cylindrical segment, respectively. The first substantially cylindrical segment and the second substantially cylindrical segment may be positioned / arranged relative to each other such that the first longitudinal central axis of the first cylindrical segment is offset from the center by approximately 1 mm to approximately 2.5 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2 mm, relative to the second longitudinal central axis of the second cylindrical segment. In other words, the center of the first substantially cylindrical segment is offset / eccentrically located from the longitudinal central axis of the second substantially cylindrical segment by approximately 1 mm to approximately 2.5 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 2 mm.

[0026] This connector can be easily manufactured, for example, by injection molding, and provides sufficient torsional stability for the personal care tool if lateral forces are applied to the head.

[0027] Furthermore, the eccentric / off-center positioning of the connector's essentially cylindrical sections allows for precise positioning of the brush head onto the shank. The geometry of the head is clearly defined. If the shank includes the connector, the two eccentric / off-center essentially cylindrical sections act as guiding elements when the user attaches the head to the shank. In other words, these two essentially cylindrical sections allow for a precise fit between the head and the shank.

[0028] The first substantially cylindrical segment may have a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the second substantially cylindrical segment. For example, the first substantially cylindrical segment in the hollow portion at the proximal end of the head to be inserted may have a substantially circular cross-sectional area with a diameter of about 4 mm to about 6 mm, preferably about 5 mm, while the second substantially cylindrical segment in the hollow portion at the proximal end of the handle to be inserted may have a substantially circular cross-sectional area with a diameter of about 8 mm to about 10 mm, preferably about 9 mm.

[0029] The first substantially cylindrical section, the second substantially cylindrical section, and / or the intermediate section may include a flat portion extending along the length of the connector. This flat portion provides additional torsional protection for the personal care tool. The likelihood of the head rotating relative to the handle may be even smaller if a lateral force is applied to it.

[0030] The first substantially cylindrical segment and the second substantially cylindrical segment each have a first outer surface and a second outer surface, and the first substantially cylindrical segment and the second substantially cylindrical segment can be arranged relative to each other such that a portion of the first outer surface and a portion of the second outer surface are substantially linearly aligned. A flat portion optionally including a snap-fit ​​element can be arranged opposite to the substantially linearly aligned first and second outer surfaces. This connector has an easy-to-clean external geometry. The connector is robust, easy to use, and can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner.

[0031] The handle of the personal care tool has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being opposite to the distal end and closest to the head when attached to the handle. The proximal end of the handle may include a hollow portion / groove into which a portion of a second, substantially cylindrical segment is secured, for example, by a press-fit process and / or gluing. If a connector is formed as part of the handle, the connector can be used for an extended / longer period of time. Compared to the handle, the head, with its relatively simple structure and relatively low cost, can be replaced frequently, for example, every three months. New head replacements can be purchased at a relatively low cost.

[0032] The proximal end of the handle may have a beveled surface. Such a beveled surface provides additional torsional protection for the personal care tool during use. The beveled surface and cross-sectional area of ​​the handle may define an angle α of approximately 15° to approximately 30°, or approximately 18° to approximately 28°, or approximately 25°. This cross-sectional area is defined by a region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length extension of the handle. Surprisingly, this angled / beveled surface has been found to provide excellent torsional protection. Furthermore, when the head is removed from the handle, the angled / beveled surface allows fluids (such as toothpaste slurry and saliva) to drain after use of the personal care tool, thus preventing such fluids from accumulating over time.

[0033] To allow for a sufficiently good fit of the brush head on the connector in the event of manufacturing tolerances, the inner wall of the hollow portion of the head may include at least one rib or two ribs arranged opposite each other to precisely adjust the head on the connector / handle. Furthermore, the at least one rib prevents air compression within the hollow portion of the head, which could act as a spring or provide additional resistance when the head is snapped onto the connector / handle.

[0034] At least a portion of the head (e.g., the neck / shaft and bristle carrier) may be at least partially made of a material with a density of about 0.5 g / cm³ to about 1.2 g / cm³, or about 0.7 g / cm³ to about 1.0 g / cm³, or about 0.9 g / cm³. For example, the head may be injection molded from a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., polypropylene with a density of about 0.9 g / cm³). In contrast to the head, the handle may be at least partially made of a material with a significantly higher density (i.e., a density of about 2.1 g / cm³ to about 3.1 g / cm³, or about 2.3 g / cm³ to about 2.8 g / cm³, or about 2.5 g / cm³ to about 2.7 g / cm³).

[0035] The handle material can be relatively heavy to provide users with a high-quality perception and comfortable feel during the use of the personal care tool. Typically, especially in the personal care or health fields, users are accustomed to products having a specific weight that guarantees high product quality and provides comfort during use. Therefore, this personal care tool offers this superior perception of product quality.

[0036] Furthermore, because the handle material can have a higher density than the head material, the center of gravity / weight is located within the handle (even when the head is loaded with, for example, toothpaste). This allows the user to perform well-coordinated brushing techniques / use and provides an improved sensory experience during use / brushing. The center of gravity, located in the center of the handle, provides a personal care tool with better balance and prevents it from tipping over / loading the head once toothpaste or other fluids are applied. According to this disclosure, the personal care tool has the advantage of having its center of gravity at or very close to the wrist joint pivot point when the user applies different grips / brushing techniques. A balanced tool is easier to control, for example, in the mouth, allowing for more precise and accurate brushing movements, which results in better cleaning.

[0037] While the relatively expensive handles of personal care tools are suitable for longer periods of use compared to common tools (such as manual toothbrushes) that are discarded after about three months of use, the relatively inexpensive brush replacements can be replaced periodically, for example, after about three months. This provides cost-effective and environmentally sustainable high-quality personal care tools with improved disposal characteristics.

[0038] In the past, it has been observed that after using personal / oral care tools, users typically store the damp tools in, for example, toothbrush cups to dry. However, in typical toothbrush cups, the drained fluid is collected and accumulates at the bottom of the cup, and the fluid remains in contact with the toothbrush for an extended period. Because the cup is only open on one side, the toothbrush dries relatively slowly. Bacteria living in damp conditions / environments can grow rapidly, contaminating the toothbrush and ultimately making it unhygienic. Therefore, a solution is needed for the hygienic storage and drying of toothbrushes, allowing residual water, toothpaste slurry, and saliva to drain from the brush. The brush should dry quickly to inhibit bacterial growth.

[0039] The head can be made of non-magnetic or non-ferromagnetic material, while the handle can be made of magnetic and / or ferromagnetic material. Magnetic / ferromagnetic materials not only have a relatively high density and therefore a relatively heavy weight, which provides the aforementioned benefits for personal care tools, but also allow the tool to be magnetically attached to a magnetic holder. The magnetic / ferromagnetic material of the handle allows for hygienic storage of the personal care tool. If the tool is magnetically attached to a magnetic holder, residual liquids (e.g., water), toothpaste paste, and saliva can be drained from the tool. The tool dries relatively quickly. Therefore, bacterial growth is significantly reduced, making the tool more hygienic. The tool is exposed to moist conditions for a significantly shorter period of time.

[0040] For example, a magnetic retainer can take the form of a flat disc that can attach to a wall. This flat disc represents an easy-to-clean surface. Furthermore, the user simply needs to bring the personal care tool close to the magnetic retainer, and the tool automatically attaches. Precise positioning or threading is not required as in a regular (toothbrush) retainer. Because magnetism is provided only in the handle and not in the head, the head portion cannot accidentally attach to the magnetic retainer, thus reducing the risk of the magnetic retainer getting dirty.

[0041] If the head of a personal care tool is a toothbrush head, dental cleaning elements, such as bundles of filaments forming one or more clusters, can be attached to the head via a thermal tufting process. A method of manufacturing a head having a filament cluster embedded in the head may include the following steps: In a first step, forming a cluster by providing a desired amount of filaments. In a second step, placing the cluster in a mold cavity such that the ends of the filaments to be attached to the head extend into the cavity. The opposite ends of the filaments not extending into the cavity may be end-rounded or not end-rounded. For example, in the case of tapered filaments with sharp tips, the filaments may be not end-rounded. In a third step, the head is formed around the ends of the filaments extending into the mold cavity by an injection molding process, thereby anchoring the cluster in the head. Alternatively, the cluster can be anchored by forming a first portion of the head (a so-called "sealing plate") around the ends of the filaments extending into the mold cavity using an injection molding process before forming the rest of the oral care tool. Before initiating the injection molding process, the ends of the clusters extending into the mold cavity can optionally be melted or fused together to join the filaments together in a fused body or molten ball, such that the fused body or molten ball is located within the cavity. The clusters can be held in the mold cavity by a molding bar with blind holes corresponding to the desired location of the clusters on the finished head of the oral care tool. In other words, clusters attached to the head by the thermal tufting process do not overlap along their middle portion and are not installed in the head using anchors / pins. A tufting process without anchors can be used to attach the clusters to the head.

[0042] Alternatively, the head of the oral care tool may be provided with a bristle carrier having at least one tufting hole (e.g., a blind-end hole). A tuft comprising multiple filaments can be secured / anchored in this tufting hole by a binding process / anchoring tufting method. This means that the filaments of the tuft are bent / folded in a substantially U-shape around an anchor, for example, made of metal, such as an anchor cable or anchor plate. The filaments are pushed together with the anchor into the tufting hole such that the anchor penetrates the opposite sidewall of the tufting hole, thereby anchoring / secured / fastening the filaments to the bristle carrier. The anchor can be secured in the opposite sidewalls by positive friction engagement. In the case of a blind-end hole, the anchor holds the filament against the bottom of the hole. In other words, the anchor can be positioned substantially vertically above the U-shaped bend. Because the filaments of the tuft are bent in a substantially U-shaped configuration around the anchor, the first and second branches of each filament extend from the bristle carrier along the filament direction. The type of filament that can be used / suited for use in binding processes is also known as "double-sided filament". Heads for oral care tools manufactured using binding processes can be provided in a relatively low-cost and time-efficient manner.

[0043] The following is a non-limiting discussion of exemplary embodiments of personal care tools and parts thereof according to the present disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 A personal care tool 10 is shown, which in this specific embodiment is a manual toothbrush 10. The personal care tool 10 includes a handle 12 with a connector 14 attached and a head 16. The head 16 (in this example, a toothbrush head 16) can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the handle 12 via the connector 14.

[0045] Figures 2 to 4 A perspective view, a side view, and a top view of a first embodiment of connector 14 according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 5 A first connector embodiment 14 is shown, inserted into the hollow portion 17 of the head 16. The first connector embodiment and any connector embodiments discussed subsequently are integrally molded as a single piece, for example, by injection molding. The connector 14 may be made of a plastic material, such as a polymer material, having an elastic modulus of about 5 N / mm² to about 15 N / mm², or about 10 N / mm².

[0046] Each connector embodiment discussed herein includes a first generally cylindrical segment 18, a second generally cylindrical segment 20, and an intermediate segment 22 connecting the first cylindrical segment 18 and the second cylindrical segment 20. The first generally cylindrical segment 18, the intermediate segment 22, and the second generally cylindrical segment 20 are arranged in a continuous sequence and together define a longitudinal length extension 30 of the connector 14. The first generally cylindrical segment 18 and the second generally cylindrical segment 20 are positioned off-center relative to the longitudinal length extension 30 of the connector 14.

[0047] The first substantially cylindrical segment 18 and the second substantially cylindrical segment 20 each have a length extension and cross-sectional regions 36 and 38 extending substantially perpendicular to the length extension. The cross-sectional region 36 of the first substantially cylindrical segment 18 and the second cross-sectional region 38 of the second substantially cylindrical segment 20 are substantially circular. The cross-sectional region 36 of the first substantially cylindrical segment 18 is larger than the cross-sectional region 38 of the second substantially cylindrical segment 20. The first cross-sectional region 36 may have a diameter of about 4 mm to about 6 mm, or about 5 mm, while the second cross-sectional region 38 may have a diameter of about 8 mm to about 10 mm, or about 9 mm. The first substantially cylindrical segment 18 and the second substantially cylindrical segment 20 may be arranged relative to each other such that a portion of their outer surfaces are substantially aligned vertically to provide anti-torsional protection.

[0048] An elongated extension 23 may be disposed at the bottom 19 of the second generally cylindrical section 20. The elongated extension 23 allows the connector 14 to be securely attached within the handle 12. The elongated extension may have a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second generally cylindrical section 20. The cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated extension may taper along its length toward the end to be inserted into the handle 12. Furthermore, as shown in the first connector embodiment, the elongated extension 23 may include a rib 29 and an anti-torsion protection device, the rib acting as an orientation feature during insertion of the connector into the hollow portion of the handle.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the handle 12 of the personal care tool 10 has a distal end 54 and a proximal end 56, with the proximal end 56 being closest to the head 16 that can be attached to the handle 12. The proximal end 56 of the handle 12 includes a hollow portion / groove into which at least a portion of the second substantially cylindrical section 20 of the connector 14 is secured, for example, by a press-fit process and / or gluing.

[0050] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the proximal end 56 of the handle 12 includes a chamfered surface 60. The cross-sectional region 62 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length extension of the handle and the chamfered surface 60 may define an angle α of about 15° to about 30°, or about 18° to about 28°, or about 25°.

[0051] An inclined plane 22 is arranged between the intermediate section 22 and the second substantially cylindrical section 20. This inclined plane has a cross-sectional area that extends beyond the cross-sectional areas of both the intermediate section 22 and the second substantially cylindrical section 20. The inclined plane 22 acts as a stop surface when the second substantially cylindrical section 20 is inserted into the hollow portion / groove in the handle 12, for example, by press fitting and / or gluing.

[0052] In each of the connector embodiments discussed herein, the intermediate section 22 includes a snap-fit ​​element 24 having a base portion 26 and a resilient arm 28 extending from the base portion 26. The resilient arm 28 has a first section 32 and a second section 34, the first section 32 being in the form of a hemisphere 32, and the second section 34 being a bridging element 34 connecting the first section / hemispheroid 32 to the base portion 26. Because the bridging element 34 is made of a resilient material, it applies force to the first section / hemispheroid 32 in an outward direction / towards the outer surface 80 of the connector 14. In other words, if the head 16 is snapped onto the connector 14, the resilient bridging element 34 will push the hemisphere 32 toward the inner wall 38 of the hollow portion 17 of the head 16. At least a portion of the resilient arm 28 (the hemisphere 32 in this embodiment) may be received by a groove 77 provided in the inner wall 38 of the hollow portion 17 of the head 16. The shape of the groove 77 corresponds to the shape of the hemisphere 32. In other words, when the head 16 is attached to the handle 12, the hemisphere 32 is pushed outward by the bridging member 34 and stops in the corresponding groove 77 provided in the inner wall 68 of the head 12. The snap-fit ​​element 24, which performs the snap-fit ​​locking mechanism, provides a sufficiently strong connection and stability between the head 16 and the handle 12 in the axial direction (i.e., along the longitudinal length extension of the connector 14 and the personal care tool 10).

[0053] To adjust the elasticity of the elastic arm 28, the second section 34 / bridging member 34 may have a thickness 35 of about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm to about 1.2 mm. The first section 32 / hemispherical member 32 may have a diameter of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0054] The base portion 26 may include a flat portion 40 from which the elastic arm 28 extends. The flat portion 40 may extend along the length of the base portion 26. To further adjust the elasticity of the elastic arm 28 / bridging member 34, the bridging member 34 may extend from the base portion 26 at an angle β of about 10° to about 30°, or about 20° to about 25°.

[0055] Connector 14 and the personal care tool 10 including such connector 14 allow the head 16 to be easily attached to and removed from the handle 12. The user can attach the head 16 to the handle 12 with a simple linear movement. Utilizing the specific design of the off-center, substantially cylindrical segments 18, 20 and the beveled surface 60 of the handle 12, the head 16 automatically rotates to the correct orientation (within tolerances) during the attachment movement. Therefore, the consumer is not forced to precisely position the head on the handle before snapping the head 16 onto the handle 12. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​element 24 provides precise retention of the head 16 and provides the consumer with clear tactile feedback that the head 16 is securely fastened. The head 16 can be easily removed without any synchronized action with other elements (e.g., unlocking mechanisms). Additionally, connector 14 is easy to clean.

[0056] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Perspective and side views of the second connector embodiment 114 are shown respectively. The second connector embodiment 114 is similar to the first connector embodiment 14, but includes a wedge 100 as an additional anti-torsion protection device. The wedge 100 is arranged at the bottom of the flat portion 40 and abuts the inclined plane 21.

[0057] Figure 8 A side view of the third connector embodiment 214 is shown. The third connector embodiment 214 is similar to the second connector embodiment 114, but includes a bridging member 234 with a slight concave curvature to adjust the flexibility of the snap-fit ​​element 24 and the bending stiffness of the bridging member 234.

[0058] Figure 9 A side view of the fourth connector embodiment 314 is shown. Similarly, the fourth connector embodiment 314 is similar to the second connector embodiment 114, but includes a bridging member 334 with a slight convex curvature to adjust the flexibility of the snap-fit ​​element 24 and the bending stiffness of the bridging member 334.

[0059] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Perspective and side views of the fifth connector embodiment 414 are shown respectively. The fifth connector embodiment 114 is similar to the first connector embodiment 14, but the hemisphere 32 of the snap-fit ​​element 24 is connected not only to the base portion 26 via a bridging member 34, but also via a second bridging member 37 to further adjust the flexibility and bending stiffness of the snap-fit ​​element 24. The second bridging member 37 is arranged opposite to the bridging member 34 and connects the hemisphere 32 to the base portion 26.

[0060] Figure 12A side view of the sixth connector embodiment 514 is shown. The sixth connector embodiment 514 is similar to the second connector embodiment 114, but the elongated extension 123 disposed at the bottom 19 of the second generally cylindrical section 20 does not include any ribs. Figures 2 to 7 Compared to the elongated extension 23 shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the elongated extension 123 of the sixth connector embodiment 514 tapers toward the bottom 19 of the second substantially cylindrical section 20 along its length extension to increase the retaining force when the connector 14 is inserted into the shank 12, for example by molding the shank material onto a portion of the connector 14.

[0061] Figure 13 A side view of the seventh connector embodiment 614 is shown. The seventh connector embodiment 614 is similar to the second connector embodiment 114; however, the elongated extension 223 disposed at the bottom 19 of the second generally cylindrical section 20 includes two sub-sections 2231 and 2232: a first sub-section 2231 having a generally cylindrical shape that does not taper in any direction; and a second sub-section 2232 having a cross-sectional area that tapers towards the first sub-section 2231 along its length extension. The first sub-section 2231 is disposed between the second generally cylindrical section 20 and the second sub-section 2232 of the elongated extension 223. Similarly, this geometry of the elongated extension 223 increases the retaining force, for example, by molding the shank material onto a portion of the connector 14 when the connector 14 is inserted into the shank 12.

[0062] Figure 14 A perspective view of the eighth connector embodiment 714 is shown. The eighth connector embodiment 714 is similar to the second connector embodiment 114, but the elongated extension 323 disposed at the bottom 19 of the second generally cylindrical section 20 has a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape that tapers gradually along the length of the elongated extension 323 in the direction toward the bottom 19 of the second generally cylindrical section 20. Similarly, this geometry of the elongated extension 323 increases the retaining force, for example, by molding the shank material onto a portion of the connector 14 when the connector 14 is inserted into the shank 12.

[0063] Figure 15 A side view of the ninth connector embodiment 814 is shown. The ninth connector embodiment 814 is similar to the second connector embodiment 114, but instead of ribs, the elongated extension 423 includes a plurality of through holes 90 arranged along the length of the elongated extension 423. If shank material is injection molded around the elongated extension 423, the shank material can flow through the through holes 90, thereby tightly anchoring the connector 814 in the shank material / matrix.

[0064] In the context of this disclosure, the term "substantially" refers to an arrangement of elements or features that, while theoretically expected to exhibit precise consistency or behavior, may in practice make something appear somewhat imprecise. Similarly, the term represents the degree to which quantitative values, measurements, or other relevant representations may differ from the stated reference without causing a change in the fundamental function of the subject matter.

[0065] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and the range surrounding its functional equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Claims

1. A connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) for repeatedly attaching (16) to and detaching from a handle (12) of a personal care tool (10), said connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) being integrally formed as a single piece, said connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) includes a first substantially cylindrical section (18), a second substantially cylindrical section (20) and an intermediate section (22) connecting the first cylindrical section (18) and the second cylindrical section (20), wherein the intermediate section (22) includes a snap-fit ​​element (24) having a base portion (26) and an elastic arm (28) extending from the base portion (26).

2. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to claim 1, wherein the connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) is made of a plastic material, preferably a polymer material, said material having an elastic modulus of about 5 N / mm² to about 15 N / mm², preferably about 10 N / mm².

3. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic arm (28) has a first segment (32) and a second segment (34, 234, 334), the first segment (32) having the form of a hemisphere (32), and the second segment (34, 234, 334) being a bridging member (34, 234, 334) connecting the first segment (32) to the base portion (26), and the bridging member (34, 234, 334) applying force to the first segment (32) in a direction toward the outer surface (80) of the connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814).

4. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to claim 3, wherein the bridging element (34, 234, 334) has a thickness (35) of about 0.3 mm to about 1.5 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm to about 1.2 mm.

5. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the bridging member (34, 234, 334) extends from the base portion (26) at an angle β of about 10° to about 30°, preferably about 20° to about 25°.

6. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the bridging element (34, 234, 334) is bent.

7. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the hemisphere (32) has a diameter (33) of about 1 mm to about 5 mm, preferably about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

8. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first substantially cylindrical segment (18) and the second substantially cylindrical segment (20) and the intermediate segment (22) define a longitudinal length extension (30) of the connector (14), and the first substantially cylindrical segment (18) and the second substantially cylindrical segment (20) are eccentrically positioned relative to the longitudinal length extension (24).

9. The connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first substantially cylindrical segment (18) has a cross-sectional area (36) smaller than the cross-sectional area (38) of the second substantially cylindrical segment (20).

10. A handle (12) for a personal care tool (10), the handle (12) comprising a connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. The handle (12) according to claim 10, wherein the handle (12) has a distal end (54) and a proximal end (56), the proximal end (56) being closest to the head (16) to which the handle (12) can be attached, the proximal end (56) of the handle (12) including a hollow portion (58), a portion of the connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) being secured to the hollow portion.

12. The handle (12) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the proximal end (56) of the handle (12) includes a chamfered surface (60).

13. The handle (12) according to claim 12, wherein the handle (12) has a longitudinal length extension (64) and a cross-sectional region (62) extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length extension (64), and the chamfered surface (60) and the cross-sectional region (62) define an angle α of about 15° to about 30°, preferably about 18° to about 28°, and more preferably about 25°.

14. A personal care tool (10) comprising a head (16) and a handle (12) having a connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, the head (16) being reciprocally attachable to and detachable from the handle (12) via the connector (14, 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714, 814).

15. The personal care tool (10) of claim 14, wherein the head (16) includes a hollow portion (17) having an inner wall (68), and the inner wall (68) includes a groove (77) for receiving at least a portion of the resilient arm (28).

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