toothbrush

Abstract

The toothbrush according to the invention is designed to be elastic and reversibly deflectable in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm). If the maximum permissible cleaning force on the teeth and gums is exceeded, small but perceptible movements occur between the individual transverse ribs (Qs) in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm). These movements are easily felt by the user's fingers resting on them, thus allowing the cleaning force to be constantly monitored, controlled, and limited. Furthermore, due to the coordinated design of the transverse ribs (Qs) (essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid) and the essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa), there is no risk of pinching or chafing of the skin of the fingers, even when the recommended cleaning force is significantly exceeded.and wherein the surface and volumetric contact between all features in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm) and the fingers resting thereon is consistently / permanently good, comfortable, stable, non-slip and secure, regardless of which specific tooth area in which specific quadrant of the dentition is being brushed or cleaned. The toothbrush according to the invention, in particular a mechanical manual toothbrush, can be manufactured to a high standard and routinely using both single-component and multi-component technologies (with the exception of bristles).

Description

[0001] The state of the art includes so-called "elastic" toothbrushes, which have the property of protecting the teeth and gums from excessive force and / or excessive cleaning power during the tooth cleaning process.

[0002] From WO 2005 / 048 772 A1, a toothbrush is known, consisting of a handle and a neck located in the immediate axial extension of the handle, such that a brush head with bristles attached to it is present on the upper, free end of the neck, wherein a finger recess is present in the upper area of ​​the handle facing the neck, at least on one side of the handle, wherein at least on one side of the finger recess several essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses are present, each arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the finger recess, wherein the cross-section of the toothbrush is thereby thinned in the same area below each such recess, and / or wherein the cross-sectional thinnings are created, wherein a transverse rib, essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid, is present between each of the two adjacent transverse recesses.wherein the same transverse rib also runs transversely with its longer base side, and / or transversely with the longer side of its base surface to the longitudinal extension of the finger groove, the respective heights of the individual transverse ribs being different.

[0003] Such a construction of crossbars and cross-recesses, each with varying heights of the crossbars in the finger groove area, is assembled asymmetrically, with the same features being unevenly distributed. It refers only to the inner, hard skeleton of the toothbrush handle as an unfinished semi-finished product. During the manufacturing process, however, these temporarily present cross-recesses are filled with a filler material until the toothbrush is ready for use. As a result, these same cross-recesses no longer exist as a functional feature in the finished toothbrush. Consequently, such a hard skeleton with crossbars in the finger groove area is not sufficiently flexible and is only unevenly arranged, so that the user of the toothbrush cannot receive any perceptible feedback through their fingers when brushing with excessive force.

[0004] Although an elastic and only partially controllable toothbrush is known from DE 42 23 697 C2, which has elasticity in the area of ​​the thumb support, it has the following disadvantages: The surfaces of the numerous thumb support nubs are uniformly flush with the surface in the same plane and in the shape of a cuboid, which can only achieve an insufficient and / or imprecise contact surface with the outer skin of the fingers, especially the index finger and thumb.

[0005] Such a cuboid shape for the numerous, protruding thumb rest nubs is very difficult to produce using a plastic injection molding process. Ejecting the finished part from the mold often results in unsightly, uneven surfaces, streaks, edges, and burrs, leading to a high rate of rejects. This cuboid shape, combined with numerous gaps and dead corners, is also detrimental to hygiene and / or the cleaning of the toothbrush itself from accumulated (and sometimes dried) toothpaste residue and other dirt. The same applies to other classic thumb rest shapes, especially when all such nubs on a single plane are of identical height.The adjacent, cuboid, protruding and uniformly flat thumb support nubs in the same plane are also insufficiently spaced from each other in the axial direction, which can lead to bruising and / or pinching of the surfaces of the index finger and / or thumb when excessive cleaning force is applied.

[0006] German patent DE 39 23 495 C1 discloses a toothbrush in which the thumb rest has hollow, semicircular slots, but these slots are filled with an elastic plastic compound on the surface of the thumb rest, forming an essentially flat surface. However, this flat surface is not suitable for providing the fingers with any precise tactile information about the brushing force (and / or pressure) applied to the teeth and gums. These slots and the associated elastic filling compound are located only on the side facing the bristles, which alone is poorly suited to serve as a tactile surface.

[0007] Two other toothbrushes, according to DE 38 40 136 C1 and CH 679 268 A5, also feature elastic elements that allow the brush head to deflect essentially in the direction of the bristles. DE 38 40 136 C1 incorporates a leaf spring in the neck area for this purpose. However, both of these solutions have the disadvantage that the brush head deflections cannot be precisely perceived by the user's fingers. Therefore, the cleaning power and / or pressure are not perceptible and thus cannot be controlled. Furthermore, the surfaces of elastic elements are unsuitable for this purpose, as they are either straight (in DE 38 40 136 C1) or U-shaped (in CH 679 268 A5).

[0008] Toothbrushes in which the thinned neck is the elastic part, such as US 4 520 526 A or DE 36 40 898 C1, might not function well even if the neck were sufficiently (thinner) dimensioned, because the brush head would be practically uncontrollable and the risk of neck breakage would be too high.

[0009] It is known from the state of technology and science that the maximum permissible cleaning force during tooth brushing and / or dental cleaning should not exceed approximately 1.5 Newtons to a maximum of approximately 2.0 Newtons, which corresponds in industrial and commercial terms to values ​​of approximately 150 grams to a maximum of approximately 200 grams, specifically with regard to adults and adolescents with otherwise healthy gums and teeth, whereby these values ​​must be further reduced in the case of diseased / sensitive gums and diseased / sensitive teeth.

[0010] However, scientists disagree on the maximum permissible brushing force for children's teeth, as this depends on many factors such as the child's age, the health of their teeth and gums, their motor and cognitive abilities, and / or those of their parents. Generally, however, it can be assumed that the maximum permissible brushing force for children is lower, or significantly lower, than for adults and / or adolescents.

[0011] Over the past 35 years, the applicant has extensively and thoroughly analyzed and investigated the cleaning performance of all types of toothbrushes, including many electric and ultrasonic toothbrushes, but focusing primarily on manual toothbrushes, such as the one at hand. In particular, the applicant has analyzed and investigated the manual toothbrushes that were, and still are, commercially available from the prior art, referred to as "elastic toothbrushes," in their many commercial and designer variations. The applicant has consistently found that, without exception, these same toothbrushes achieve largely unacceptably high levels of cleaning force during practical tooth cleaning, ranging from approximately 2.0 Newtons (approximately 200 grams) to approximately 7.0 Newtons (approximately 1000 grams).(700 grams), and a particular disadvantage is that users / consumers cannot consciously perceive this important fact, as the human hand is inherently a poor "force measuring instrument." In all such cases, users / consumers are left with only the so-called "pain method" to determine and / or monitor the brushing force applied. However, this is by far the worst method for determining and monitoring brushing force, as it risks numerous diseases and damage to the teeth and gums, as well as many further illnesses and damage, especially in the medium and / or long term.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of creating a truly elastic and controllable toothbrush for adults, teenagers and children, in which the deflection of the brush head in case of excessive brushing force can be felt and controlled with the fingers, thus allowing the brushing force to be constantly monitored during tooth cleaning, and / or always corrected and limited, and that the manufacture of such a toothbrush can be carried out routinely in a high-quality manner using a single-component plastic technology, and / or a multi-component technology.

[0013] This problem is solved in a toothbrush by the characterizing features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the toothbrush are specified in the dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the Fig. 1 - 5 are shown and are described with reference to the drawings as follows:

[0014] It shows Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the toothbrush according to the invention in a complete side view.

[0015] It is a toothbrush consisting of a handle (Hg) and a neck (H) located in the immediate axial extension of the handle, such that a brush head (Bk) with bristles (Bo) attached to it is present on the upper, free end of the neck, wherein a finger groove (Fm) is present at least on one side of the handle (Hg) in the upper area facing the neck (H), wherein at least on one side of the finger groove (Fm) several essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa) are present, each arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the finger groove, wherein the cross-section of the toothbrush is thereby thinned in the same area below each such recess, and / or whereby the cross-sectional thinnings (V) are created.wherein between each of the two adjacent transverse recesses (Qa) there is a transverse rib (Qs) essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid, wherein the same transverse rib (Qs) also extends transversely with its longer base side, and / or transversely with the longer side of its base surface (Gr) to the longitudinal extension of the finger groove, wherein the respective heights of the individual transverse ribs (Qs) are different, such that an imaginary, inwardly curved arc-shaped line (BL) runs essentially through the geometric center of each top surface (Df) of each individual transverse rib (Qs), wherein all corners and edges present on the entire toothbrush are rounded, and / or flattened.

[0016] It shows Fig. 2. The area of ​​the immediate finger groove (Fm) in side view, specifically in an enlarged schematic representation, from which it can be seen that on both sides of the finger groove (Fm) there are several essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa) arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent of the finger groove, whereby the cross-section of the toothbrush is thinned in the same area below each such recess, and / or whereby the cross-sectional thinnings (V) are created, wherein between each of the two adjacent transverse recesses (Qa) there is a transverse rib (Qs) held essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid, wherein the same transverse rib (Qs) also runs transversely with its longer base side, and / or transversely with the longer side of its base surface (Gr) to the longitudinal extent of the finger groove, wherein the respective heights of the individual transverse ribs (Qs) are different, namely as follows:that an imaginary, inwardly curved arc-shaped line (BL) passes substantially through the geometric center of each top surface (Df) of each individual crossbar (Qs), with all corners and edges present on the entire toothbrush being rounded and / or flattened.

[0017] In this process, all features in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm) are selected and determined such that the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm) physically behaves as a kind of axially extending leaf spring – in particular due to the cross-sectional thinnings (V) – whereby this same leaf spring then bends accordingly on the teeth and gums during use and when the recommended cleaning force is exceeded, essentially only in a plane that is parallel to the plane of extension of the bristles (Bo). The reversible deflections of the neck (H) and the brush head (Bk) attached to its free end – with the bristles attached thereto – also occur essentially only in a plane that is parallel to the plane of extension of the bristles (Bo).

[0018] If the recommended and / or maximum permissible brushing force on the teeth and gums is exceeded, small but perceptible movements occur between the individual transverse ribs (Qs) in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm). These movements are easily felt by the user's fingers resting on them, thus allowing the brushing force to be constantly monitored, controlled, and limited. Furthermore, the coordinated design of the transverse ribs (Qs) (essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid) and the essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa) eliminates any risk of pinching or chafing of the skin of the fingers, even when the recommended brushing force is significantly exceeded. Finally, the surface and volumetric contact between all features in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm) and the fingers resting on it remains consistently good, comfortable, and stable.It is non-slip and safe, regardless of which specific area of ​​the teeth in which specific quadrant of the dentition is being brushed and / or cleaned.

[0019] It shows Fig. 2. Furthermore, schematically represented by the reference symbol (BL) is an imaginary, inwardly curved, arc-shaped line (BL) which essentially runs through the geometric center of each surface (Df) of each individual transverse rib (Qs), thus enabling a comfortable, secure, non-slip and stable grip of the fingers on and between the transverse ribs (Qs) during practical tooth cleaning, and thus ensuring that if the recommended brushing force and / or the maximum permissible brushing force is exceeded, the fingers are continuously and very well positioned to perceive the changing distances between the individual transverse ribs through only slight, harmless irritations on the surfaces of the fingers, and which will directly result in the user reducing the brushing force very quickly and / or instantaneously.Thus, tooth cleaning is continuously and effectively monitored, limited, and controlled with regard to the recommended maximum brushing force, and corrected and / or adjusted very quickly as needed, so that such a toothbrush according to the invention can also be described as a learning toothbrush, which applies to adults and adolescents as well as children (in particular), since children should learn to apply and use the correct brushing force as early as possible, whereby all these groups of people, including children, will develop a lasting feeling for applying the correct brushing force for tooth cleaning after just a few days of using the toothbrush according to the invention.

[0020] The one in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 illustrates the advantageous, double-sided design of the finger recess (Fm) with all its features, although in principle a single-sided design of the finger recess (Fm) is also possible for the invention, for example for special constructive, aesthetic, and / or design reasons.

[0021] It shows Fig. 2 Furthermore, the reference numerals (BL) in this specific embodiment also schematically indicate that the finger grooves (Fm) with the transverse ribs (Qs) and the transverse recesses (Qa) located thereon on the side facing away from the bristles - on the one hand - and on the side facing the bristles - on the other hand - have the different degrees of curvature of the respective imaginary, inwardly curved arc-shaped line (BL), although the toothbrush according to the invention can of course also have the identical curvatures of the imaginary, inwardly curved arc-shaped line (BL) on both sides, which depends overall on the specific requirements for the respective design, manufacture and use of the toothbrush according to the invention.

[0022] It shows Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a simple, basic embodiment of the immediate area of ​​the finger groove (Fm) in a top view. It shows several essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa) arranged transversely to the axial longitudinal extent of the finger groove, wherein between each pair of adjacent transverse recesses (Qa) there is a transverse rib (Qs) held essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid, wherein the same transverse rib (Qs) also extends transversely with its longer base side, and / or transversely with the longer side of its base surface (Gr) to the longitudinal extent of the finger groove.

[0023] It is also evident that the respective length and width of the outer contours of the crossbar (Qs) on its base (Gr) are longer and / or larger than the respective length and width of the outer contours of the crossbar (Qs) on its top surface (Df). This is due to the shape of the crossbar (Qs), which essentially has the form of an irregular truncated pyramid. This simple and basic embodiment, in which the width of the handle (Hg), the neck (H), and the area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) have an identical width in plan view (Br1), naturally in no way restricts the scope of the invention, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0024] It shows Fig. 4 schematically in a further embodiment, and / or in an advantageous further development of the toothbrush, the immediate area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) in a top view, where it is visible that the area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) has a widening (Br2) in comparison with the width (Br1) of the neck (H), and / or of the handle (Hg) in their respective immediate axial connection area to the finger recess (Fm), and where it is also visible that the immediate area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) in the top view has the outer contour (Ak) which is essentially oval in shape, and / or essentially the shape of an elongated ellipse truncated on both sides, wherein in this case the respective lateral outer contours of each transverse rib (Qs) on its base surface (Gr) are identical, and / or substantially identical, and / or symmetrical, like the respective immediately adjacent part of the outer contour (Ak) of the finger recess (Fm).

[0025] It shows Fig. 5 the same as the Fig. 4, namely by adding, and / or clarifying the extent of the outer contour (Ak) of the finger groove (Fm), which is essentially oval in shape, and / or essentially the shape of an elongated ellipse truncated on both sides, wherein in that case the respective lateral outer contours of each transverse rib (Qs) on its base (Gr) are identical, and / or essentially identical, and / or symmetrical, like the immediately adjacent part of the outer contour (Ak) of the finger groove (Fm).

[0026] They show Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, that the outer contours of each transverse web (Qs) on its respective top surface (Df) are essentially symmetrical to the corresponding outer contours of the same transverse web (Qs) on its base surface (Gr).

[0027] The exemplary embodiments not shown are the shapes of the finger recess (Fm) in top view, which have a complex form and whose number is naturally unlimited. These include in particular the complex, curved shapes, which, for example, consist of curves joined together section by section.

[0028] The in the Fig. 4 and Fig. The exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, and / or the advantageous further development of the toothbrush according to the invention with a widening (Br2) of the area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) in top view enables an increased and more stable contact in terms of area and volume between the fingers of the user and the surfaces of the transverse ribs (Qs) and the surfaces of the transverse recesses (Qa) in practical applications.

[0029] The use of multi-component plastic technology in the manufacture of the complete toothbrush according to the invention (with the exception of bristles), particularly in the area of ​​the finger groove (Fm), and in particular through the use of one and / or more elastomers with good, reversibly springy properties and with a higher coefficient of friction, enables improved and more stable contact between the fingers and / or the surfaces of the user's hand and the surfaces of the complete handle (Hg) of the toothbrush according to the invention, wherein the respective surfaces of the transverse ribs (Qs) and the transverse recesses (Qa) are of particular importance.

[0030] The toothbrush according to the invention enables, through the essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa) arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the finger recess, in conjunction with the transverse ribs (Qs) placed between them, which are essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid, an overall improved cleaning of the toothbrush itself (and / or the handle) from toothpaste residue and other dirt, specifically in the important area of ​​the one-sided and / or two-sided finger recess (Fm), where all edges and corners are rounded and / or flattened, and where, according to the invention, there are no otherwise difficult-to-clean dead corners, crevices, and / or the like.

[0031] The toothbrush according to the invention, in particular a mechanical manual toothbrush, can be manufactured to a high quality and routinely using both single-component technology (with the exception of bristles) and multi-component technology (with the exception of bristles).

[0032] The scope of protection of the toothbrush according to the invention also includes toothbrushes that have an electric vibration operation but do not have an electrical device for detecting and monitoring the cleaning force.

Claims

[1] A toothbrush comprising a handle (Hg) and a neck (H) located in an immediate axial extension of the handle, such that a brush head (Bk) with bristles (Bo) attached to it is located on an upper, free end of the neck, wherein a finger recess (Fm) is provided in an upper area of ​​the handle (Hg) facing the neck (H) at least on one side of the handle (Hg), wherein at least on one side of the finger recess (Fm) several essentially trough-shaped transverse recesses (Qa) are provided, each arranged transversely to the longitudinal extension of the finger recess, wherein the cross-section of the toothbrush is thinned in the same area below each such recess, and / or whereby cross-sectional thinnings (V) are created,wherein between each of the two adjacent transverse recesses (Qa) there is a transverse rib (Qs) which is essentially in the form of an irregular truncated pyramid, wherein the same transverse rib (Qs) also extends transversely with its longer base side, and / or transversely with the longer side of its base surface (Gr) to the longitudinal extension of the finger groove, wherein the respective heights of the individual transverse ribs (Qs) are different, wherein an imaginary, inwardly curved arc-shaped line (BL) passes essentially through a geometric center of each top surface (Df) of each individual transverse rib (Qs), wherein all corners and edges present on the entire toothbrush are rounded, and / or flattened. [2] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by, that on both the side facing away from the bristles (Bo) and on the side facing the bristles (Bo) of the handle (Hg) there is a finger recess (Fm) with the transverse ribs (Qs) and the transverse recesses (Qa) located on it. [3] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by , that the area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) has a widening (Br2) in top view, in comparison with a width (Br1) of the neck (H), and / or of the handle (Hg) in their respective immediate axial connection area to the finger recess (Fm). [4] Toothbrush according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized by, that the immediate area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) in a top view has an outer contour (Ak) which is essentially oval in shape, and / or essentially in shape of an elongated ellipse truncated on both sides, wherein in such a case the respective lateral outer contours of each transverse rib (Qs) on its base (Gr) are identical, and / or essentially identical, and / or symmetrical, like an immediately adjacent part of the outer contour (Ak) of the finger recess (Fm). [5] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by , that the immediate area of ​​the finger groove (Fm) is constructed using a two-component technique. [6] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by , that the immediate area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) is built using a three-component technique, and / or a four-component technique, and / or a multi-component technique. [7] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by, that the immediate area of ​​the finger recess (Fm) in a top view has an outer contour (Ak) which has an essentially complex shape, wherein in such a case the respective lateral outer contours of each transverse rib (Qs) on its base surface (Gr) are identical, and / or essentially identical, and / or symmetrical, like an immediately adjacent part of the outer contour (Ak) of the finger recess (Fm). [8] Toothbrush according to claim 1, and / or claim 2 characterized by , that the imaginary, inwardly curved, arc-shaped lines (BL) exhibit different curvatures both on the side facing away from the bristles (Bo) - on the one hand - and on the side of the handle (Hg) facing the bristles (Bo) - on the other hand. [9] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by that the toothbrush according to the invention is built as a children's toothbrush. [10] Toothbrush according to claim 1 characterized by, that the complete toothbrush according to the invention, with the exception of bristles (Bo), in particular the entire area of ​​the finger groove (Fm), is manufactured using a multi-component technique, wherein at least one component consists of a material with a higher coefficient of friction, and in particular of an elastomer which has good, reversibly springy properties.

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