Removable toothbrush head and toothbrush with such a head

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush head, comprising a rigid and elongated base comprising two main faces connected to each other by a peripheral wall having two notches intended to cooperate with a toothbrush handle, to assemble the head to the latter in a removable manner, the base also comprising a hole, at one of its ends, opening into the peripheral wall and intended to receive a stabilizing tab carried by the toothbrush handle, and a cleaning organ attached to the base and comprising a plurality of flexible cleaning elements. State of the art

[0002] Removable toothbrush heads of this type have been known for a long time in the prior art.

[0003] For example, US patent 5224234 describes several embodiments of a brush head meeting the above characteristics. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, in particular, provide for a toothbrush with a handle comprising a grip extended by two arms, each of which includes an inwardly oriented tooth designed to cooperate with a notch in the head. The embodiment in Figures 14 and 15 further provides that the head includes lateral grooves in which the handle arms are housed in an assembled configuration. Apart from these specific features, the head has a rather conventional structure, that is, it carries a plurality of bristles whose bases are retained in the head in a standard manner.

[0004] This document presents various mechanical linkage options between the head and the handle, with varying degrees of robustness. The goal is to find a mechanical link that offers the best compromise between its durability and ergonomics, particularly when replacing the head if the cleaning elements become worn or deformed to function effectively.

[0005] In addition, while the mechanical link between the head and the handle must be robust, it is also important to ensure that the play between these two parts is as small as possible, in particular to avoid rotational movements of the head relative to the handle in various directions.

[0006] With regard to the toothbrush constructions presented in this previous document, it is noted that the quality of the mechanical connection depends in particular on the materials used, since these have a direct impact not only on the more or less elastic properties of the head and handle, but also on the manufacturing processes implemented, the tolerances of which are more or less important.

[0007] Publication FR2595221 describes an alternative system for attaching a handle to a conventional toothbrush head. This system features a handle with a longitudinal tab designed to fit into a corresponding hole in the head, and a pair of articulated side prongs operated by a push button to unlock the head. While this approach ensures a more secure attachment of the prongs to the head, it requires a more complex design and makes cleaning the end of the handle, where the prong control mechanism is located, more difficult.

[0008] Thus, there is still a need for a toothbrush with a removable head, allowing for prolonged use of the handle and therefore a reduction in waste, in which the mechanical link between the head and the handle is both robust and stable, while offering simplified manufacturing conditions, without diminishing the corresponding brushing quality. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] A main objective of the present invention is to propose a toothbrush head of alternative construction to that of the toothbrush heads already known in the prior art, capable of presenting a robust and stable mechanical connection with a suitable handle, while being produced by the implementation of a simple manufacturing process and allowing to obtain a quality of brushing at least equal to that of the toothbrushes already known.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates more particularly to a toothbrush head of the type mentioned above, characterized by the fact that the base has a first channel having an entrance in one of the main faces and communicating with the hole, by the fact that the cleaning element is elastically deformable and is made in one piece by overmolding at least a part of the base including the entrance of the first channel, and by the fact that the cleaning element includes a first anchoring portion arranged in the first channel and defining a stabilizing stop positioned in the extension of the hole, or at least partially inside the hole, so as to be able to be compressed by the stabilizing tab when the head is assembled to the handle.

[0011] Thanks to these features, the toothbrush head according to the invention can be manufactured using a relatively simple manufacturing process. Indeed, a simple overmolding operation allows for the production of the cleaning element, whose anchoring to the rigid base is reinforced by its anchoring portion arranged in the first channel, while simultaneously enabling the creation of a stabilizing stop designed to cooperate with a handle. Thus, the cooperation of the handle's stabilizing tab with the head's stabilizing stop ensures better retention of the head on the handle during use of the assembled toothbrush than in the case of prior art toothbrushes, notably by eliminating the risk of relative rotation between the head and the handle along an axis passing through the two notches, as well as play between the handle and the head in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] It can be particularly advantageous to provide that the first channel has an outlet opening into the other of the main faces, and that the first anchoring portion connects the main faces to each other, in order to ensure an even more robust mechanical connection between the cleaning element and the rigid base.

[0013] Furthermore, it may be even more advantageous to designate the first channel as comprising a main section, extending essentially parallel to the outer wall, and a branch extending from the main section to the hole defining the stabilizing stop. In this case, one may also provide that the bypass has a smaller cross-section than the hole to define a shoulder at the bottom of the latter, and that the stabilizing stop is at least partially arranged inside the hole, bearing against the shoulder.

[0014] Thanks to these additional features, by controlling the relative dimensioning between the hole and the bypass, it is possible to guarantee good anchoring of the stabilizing stop when it is at least partially housed in the hole, resting against the shoulder at the bottom of the hole.

[0015] Generally, it is preferable to design the base with multiple additional anchoring channels connecting the main surfaces, each filled with an additional anchoring portion of the cleaning element. This ensures good uniformity of the cleaning element's position across the entire base.

[0016] According to one embodiment variant, it can be provided that each of the main faces is at least partially overmolded by the cleaning element.

[0017] In this case, it can also be specified that the peripheral wall has an average height slightly greater than the average distance between the main faces, so that the main faces are slightly recessed from the peripheral wall along the direction of the head's thickness. This further improves the relative grip between the cleaning element and the base when using the corresponding toothbrush.

[0018] In general, it is advantageous to provide that at least part of the flexible cleaning elements are made in the form of strips generally oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0019] Furthermore, it can also be expected, in this case, that at least some of the slats will be slightly curved along their longitudinal direction.

[0020] As an alternative or in addition, it can also be provided that at least some of the strips have n cutouts, distributed in a substantially regular way along their length, defining n+1 cleaning portions capable of deforming independently of each other, n being between 1 and 10.

[0021] In general, we can also expect that a groove be made in the peripheral wall of the base, the groove extending on either side of the end of the base containing the hole, following at least half the length of the base, and that the notches be made at the bottom of the groove.

[0022] In general, it can be foreseen that the cleaning organ includes an elongated empty pouch, preferably traversing along the width of the cleaning organ and preferably extending along at least one third of the length of the base, so as to fulfill a suspension role.

[0023] Alternatively, it may be provided that the cleaning organ includes at least first and second empty pockets arranged symmetrically with reference to a median plane of the head substantially perpendicular to the main faces or in the extension of one another along the longitudinal direction of the base, being separated from one another by a flexible membrane made in one piece with the cleaning organ.

[0024] Thanks to these features, the cleaning organ can perfectly adapt to the curvature of the teeth during tooth brushing operations.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a toothbrush handle intended to cooperate with a toothbrush head according to the characteristics stated above, comprising a handle extended at one end by a connecting portion, itself extended by a two-armed fork, each arm of which is provided with a tooth intended to cooperate with a notch of the head, and comprising a stabilizing tab arranged in the extension of the connecting portion, between the arms of the fork, and intended to be inserted into the hole of the head.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a toothbrush comprising a head and a handle according to the above characteristics. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of a preferred embodiment that follows, made with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting example and in which: there figure 1 represents a simplified perspective view of a toothbrush according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; the figure 2 represents a simplified front view and partial cross-section, along a first plane of section, of the toothbrush of the figure 1 ; THE figures 3a and 3b represent simplified cross-sectional views, according to their respective second and third planes of section, of the toothbrush of the figure 1 ; there figure 4 represents a simplified front view of the toothbrush of the figure 1 in use; the figures 5a and 5brepresent simplified views, respectively front and perspective, of variant embodiments of the toothbrush of the figure 1 ; there figure 6 represents a simplified perspective view of an additional embodiment variant of the toothbrush of the figure 1 , and the figure 7 represents a simplified cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of the figure 6 , according to a cutting plan similar to that of the figure 3a . Method(s) of embodiment of the invention

[0028] There figure 1 represents a simplified perspective view of a toothbrush 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The toothbrush 1 is of the type comprising a handle 2 carrying an elongated head 4, which is removably attached to the handle 2. For this purpose, the handle 2 has a grip 6 extended at one end by a connecting portion 8, itself extended by a two-pronged fork 10 that connects to the head 4, as will be described in more detail below.

[0030] The head 4 includes a rigid base 12, partially overmolded by a cleaning element 14 comprising in particular a plurality of flexible cleaning elements 16.

[0031] There figure 2 represents a simplified front view, in partial section along a first cutting plane, of the toothbrush 1, while the figures 3a and 3b represent simplified cross-sectional views of the toothbrush 1, according to the respective second and third planes of section. More precisely, only the head 4 is shown in cross-section in the view of the figure 2, according to a cutting plane substantially coinciding with a median horizontal plane (referenced by P1 on the figure 3a , "horizontal" referring to the orientation of the toothbrush when placed on a stand with its cleaning elements oriented vertically) of its rigid base 12. The figure 3a represents a view along a cutting plane substantially coinciding with a vertical and longitudinal median plane of the toothbrush 1 (referenced by P2 on the figure 2 ), while the figure 3b represents a view along a vertical and transverse cross-section of the toothbrush 1 (referenced by P3 on the figure 2 ).

[0032] This is particularly evident from the view of the figure 2that each arm of the fork 10 includes a tooth 20 intended to cooperate with the head 4 to ensure the assembly of the latter onto the handle 2. In addition, the handle 2 includes a stabilizing tab 22 provided between the arms of the fork 10, in the extension of the connecting portion 8.

[0033] The views of figures 2, 3a and 3b allow us to better highlight the construction of the head 4. In particular, it appears that the base 12 comprises two main faces 24, 26 connected to each other by a peripheral wall 28. The latter advantageously has an average height slightly greater than the average distance separating the main faces 24, 26 from each other, such that the main faces 24, 26 are located slightly recessed relative to the peripheral wall 28 along the direction of the thickness of the head 4.

[0034] The peripheral wall 28 has a groove 30 extending on either side of the end of the base 12 located on the handle side 2, along slightly more than half the length of the base 12. Furthermore, two notches 32 are provided at the bottom of the groove 30, at its two ends. In addition, a hole 34 is provided in the peripheral wall 28 at the end of the base 12 located on the handle side 2.

[0035] The arrow illustrated on the figure 2symbolizes the assembly of the head 4 to the handle 2. It is understood that the groove 30 is designed to facilitate the insertion of the head 4 between the two arms of the fork 10, until the teeth 20 are positioned opposite the notches 32 and fit into them to lock the head 4 onto the handle 2. At the same time, the stabilizing tab 22 fits into the hole 34 to improve the strength of the mechanical connection between the handle 2 and the head 4. In the assembled configuration of the toothbrush 1, the arms of the fork 10 are advantageously housed at least partially in the groove 30 and thus contribute to the secure attachment.

[0036] The base 12 also includes a plurality of anchoring channels 36 connecting its main faces 24, 26 to one another, the function of which will be explained later. In particular, a first channel 36a comprises a main portion, extending in a direction essentially parallel to the envelope of the peripheral wall 28, in other words, vertical according to the orientation defined above, and a branch 38, extending from the main portion to the hole 34. The first channel 36a could also be inclined alternatively, as could the other anchoring channel(s) 36. The branch 38 has a smaller cross-section than that of the hole 34 and, possibly, than that of the main portion.

[0037] It also appears from these cross-sectional views that the cleaning element 14 is made in one piece and comprises a film 40, at least partially covering the main face 24, anchoring portions 42, filling the anchoring channels 36, 36a, an intermediate portion 44, covering the other main face 26 of the base 12, and the flexible cleaning elements 16. The intermediate portion 44 acts as a buffer between the base 12 and the flexible cleaning elements 16, as will be explained in more detail later. It appears, in particular, that figures 2 and 3athat the anchoring portion 42, housed in the first anchoring channel 36a, is extended by a transverse portion housed in its branch 38, to define a stabilizing stop 46 located here at the bottom of the hole 34, preferably but optionally. This latter is intended to be compressed by the stabilizing tab 22 of the handle 2 when it is inserted into the hole 34, thus further reinforcing the stability of the mechanical connection between the handle 2 and the head 4 of the toothbrush 1 according to the present invention, in particular by preventing any risk of relative rotation between the handle 2 and the head 4 along the axis passing through the notches 32.The difference in dimensions provided between the sections of the hole 34 and the bypass allows a shoulder to be defined at the bottom of the hole 34 against which the stabilizing stop 46 can rest under the effect of the pressure it receives from the stabilizing tab 22, when the toothbrush is assembled, thus improving the anchoring of the stabilizing stop 46 at the bottom of the hole 34 and reducing the play between the handle 2 and the head 4 in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] It is clear from the above that the main function of the first anchoring channel 36a is to allow the placement of a stabilizing stop 46 at the bottom of the hole 34 or opposite it, during the overmolding of the cleaning element 14. This implies, as a sole condition of realization, that the first anchoring channel 36a and the hole 34 communicate with each other, possibly but not necessarily via a branch 38. Thus, the stabilizing tab 22 can bear against a portion of the cleaning element 14, deforming it by compression, to improve the mechanical hold between the handle 2 and the head 4 of the toothbrush 1, whether this portion is located in the hole 34 or in its extension.

[0039] Alternatively, it is also possible to have the stabilizing tab 22 be longer than the hole 34, and the stabilizing stop 46 be positioned in line with the hole 34 instead of being at least partially housed within it. In this case, of course, a bypass 38 is not necessary, especially since it could obstruct the passage of the stabilizing tab 22 due to its reduced transverse dimensions compared to those of the hole 34. The stabilizing tab 22 would then bear directly against the anchoring portion 42 housed inside the first anchoring channel 36a, the region of the anchoring portion 42 facing the hole 34 defining the stabilizing stop 46 in this case.

[0040] The anchoring channels 36 improve the mechanical hold between the base 12 and the cleaning element 14, in particular by connecting the film 40 to the intermediate portion 44, to sandwich the base 12. Although only two anchoring channels 36 have been illustrated here, those skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in choosing a different number according to their own needs, it being noted that the more homogeneous the distribution of the anchoring channels over the entire extent of the base, particularly towards its periphery, the better the mechanical hold of the cleaning element on the base.

[0041] A person skilled in the art will of course be able to foresee the production of a base 12 having only the first anchoring channel 36a as the sole anchoring channel, depending on the materials used respectively for the base 12 and for the cleaning element 14, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, the level of adhesion between the base 12 and the cleaning element 14 will depend on the materials selected, and it is possible to choose material combinations such that the provision of anchoring channels is superfluous to ensure the proper attachment of the cleaning element 14 to the base 12.

[0042] It is evident from the foregoing, as well as from the function of the first anchoring channel 36a, that its shape and dimensions may differ from those of the other anchoring channels 36, when there are several. Indeed, a person skilled in the art will not encounter any particular difficulty in adapting this instruction to their specific needs, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, it should be noted that, for example, when a branch 38 is provided to connect the first anchoring channel 36a and the hole 34, the portion of the cleaning element 14 located in the branch 38 and in the hole 34 (the stabilizing stop 46) inherently improves the anchoring of the portion of the anchoring element 42 located in the first anchoring channel 36a compared to the anchoring elements located in the other anchoring channels 36, which have the same shape.Thus, a better anchoring effect would be obtained at the level of the first anchoring channel 36a, even if the latter did not extend over the entire height of the base 12 and opened into only one of its main faces 24, 26. Moreover, more generally, that is to say even without the presence of a branch 38, it is clear that it is not mandatory for the first anchoring channel 36a to open simultaneously onto both main faces 24, 26 of the base 12. As mentioned above, one function of the anchoring channels, in general, is to improve the hold of the cleaning element 14 on the base 12, but their presence is not essential depending on the materials used since certain material pairs may exhibit a sufficient level of relative adhesion.

[0043] The flexible cleaning elements 16 are here made in the form of strips generally oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the base 12. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that only some of the flexible cleaning elements 16 take this strip shape, the others being able to take any other suitable shape. As is particularly apparent in the figures 3a and 3b , the height of the flexible cleaning elements 16 can vary depending on the width and / or length of the base 12.

[0044] It emerges, more specifically, from the figure 3athat the cleaning element 14 comprises, in its intermediate portion 44, an elongated empty pocket 48, preferably extending along at least one-third of the length of the base 12, and preferably traversing the width of the cleaning element 14, so as to fulfill a suspension role by increasing the ability of the intermediate portion 44 to deform and therefore the ability of the flexible cleaning elements 16 to deform in order to better conform to the teeth during brushing. In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 3b By way of non-limiting example, the intermediate portion 44 comprises first and second empty pockets 50 that are similar to each other. The first and second empty pockets 50 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane P2 of the head 4, being separated from each other by a thin, flexible membrane 52, which is also formed in one piece with the cleaning organ 14.

[0045] Alternatively, the second empty pocket could be located in line with the first empty pocket, with a membrane interposed between them. Both would then have a width equal to the width of the cleaning element 14, allowing passage across its width. In this case, the empty pockets could, of course, each have a length less than one-third of the length of the base 12. Other combinations are conceivable without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims. For example, two adjacent rows of empty pockets could be provided, following the width of the cleaning element 14, each row advantageously comprising two or three empty pockets in line with one another. The various adjacent empty pockets would then be separated in pairs by a membrane made in one piece with the cleaning element 14.

[0046] There figure 4represents a simplified front view of the toothbrush 1 in use, and allows to better illustrate the role played by the intermediate portion 44 and its empty pocket 48, in particular how the great ability of the intermediate portion 44 to deform allows to keep all the flexible cleaning elements 16 in contact with the teeth, including in areas where the teeth have a significant curvature, maintaining the orientation, almost individually for each flexible cleaning element 16, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding contact surface on the teeth.

[0047] THE figures 5a and 5b represent simplified views, respectively front or top and perspective, of variant embodiments of the toothbrush 1, more specifically of alternative ways of making its flexible cleaning elements 16.

[0048] As illustrated in the top view of the figure 5a It can be anticipated that at least some of the blades will be slightly curved along their longitudinal direction, such that they appear concave when viewed from handle 2. The blades may or may not have a constant thickness along their length. Alternatively, the curvature of the blades could also be reversed compared to the illustration in the figure 5a that is to say that the blades could appear convex when observed from handle 2, or even any handle.

[0049] Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that at least some of the strips have n cuts, distributed in a substantially regular manner along their length, defining n+1 cleaning portions capable of deforming independently of each other, n being between 1 and 10. Three cutting planes D have been symbolized on the figure 5a, resulting in the creation of four independent cleaning portions per blade, as illustrated on the figure 5b Thanks to this feature, the 16 flexible cleaning elements are able to adapt even more to the details of the teeth during brushing.

[0050] THE Figures 6 and 7 represent simplified views, respectively in perspective and in section along a vertical longitudinal median cutting plane, of an additional embodiment variant of the toothbrush 1, more specifically of an alternative way of making its cleaning organ 14.

[0051] The variant implementation of the Figures 6 and 7differs essentially from the previous variants in that the cleaning organ 14 has a limited extent following the general plan of the base 12. Indeed, the cleaning organ 14 here has a limited number of flexible cleaning elements 16 arranged on the portion of the periphery of the base 12 located near the handle 2. These flexible cleaning elements 16 are then combined with additional flexible cleaning elements 116 of a more conventional type, for example nylon strands, one end of which is made attached to the base 12 in any known and suitable way.In this case, it is preferable that the additional flexible cleaning elements 116 be directly attached to the base 12, because the rigidity of the latter guarantees better holding of the flexible cleaning elements 116 than if they were inserted into a compressible portion of the head 4, in particular into an intermediate portion 44 of the cleaning organ 14, as described in relation to the previous variants.

[0052] The variant implementation of the Figures 6 and 7 has been represented, in an illustrative but not limiting way, without the presence of a derivation 38. Indeed, according to the variant illustrated, the first anchor channel 36a communicates directly with the hole 34 and the region of the anchor portion 42 which is located in this anchor channel 36a, opposite the hole 34, directly defines the stabilizing stop 46.

[0053] It could also be provided, as an option and depending on the materials chosen to make the base 12 and the cleaning element 14, that the base 12 includes one or more additional anchoring channels (not visible) to improve the holding of the cleaning element 14 on the base 12, in particular by ensuring good homogeneity over the entire extent of the cleaning element 14 in the general plane of the base 12.

[0054] Thanks to these characteristics, the variant of Figures 6 and 7 allows the advantages of the present invention to be obtained as presented above while combining two different types of flexible cleaning elements 16 and 116.

[0055] As regards the manufacture of toothbrush 1, various types of biocompatible materials can be used for the different components without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0056] As for the handle 2, it could, for example, be made of metal (stainless steel, gold, etc.) or carbon fiber. The handle may have a constant or variable thickness, notably with a connecting portion 8 which has a thickness of approximately 2.5 to 5 mm when the handle is made of stainless steel. The stabilizing tab 22 may have sides (as visible in the view of the figure 2 ) measuring for example about 2 to 3mm each, and a thickness of the same order of magnitude as that of the connecting portion 8.

[0057] Regarding the head 4, its rigid base 12 can be made of any material with sufficient rigidity, for example, a thermoplastic (ABS), a resin to allow for 3D printing, wood, metal, carbon fiber, etc. The cleaning element 14 can be made of any material with sufficient elasticity, for example, an elastomer such as rubber, TPE, or silicone. At least the flexible cleaning elements 16 can be loaded with abrasive microparticles to increase their wear resistance or even their abrasive power. Generally, the flexible cleaning elements 16 should have a height of approximately 10 mm or less to limit their deformation during tooth brushing.

[0058] Thanks to the characteristics just described, it is possible to create an eco-friendly toothbrush because its handle is infinitely reusable, with only the head requiring periodic replacement. Furthermore, the toothbrush head according to the invention can be manufactured relatively simply, potentially in large quantities, while still offering optimal properties for effective tooth brushing. Finally, it should also be noted that, thanks to their characteristics and the materials that can be used in their manufacture, the handle and head of the toothbrush according to the present invention can advantageously be sterilized with steam.

Claims

1. A head (4) for a toothbrush (1), comprising a base (12), rigid and elongated, including two main faces (24, 26) interconnected by a peripheral wall (28) having two notches (32) for cooperating with a toothbrush handle (2) to removably assemble the head (4) thereto, said base (12) also comprising a hole (34), at one of its ends, opening into said peripheral wall (28) and intended to receive a stabilizing tab (22) carried by the toothbrush handle (2), and a cleaning member (14) integral with said base (12) and comprising a plurality of flexible cleaning elements (16), characterized in that said base (12) comprises a first channel (36a) having an inlet in one of said main faces (24) and communicating with said hole (34), in that said cleaning member (14) is elastically deformable and is integrally formed by overmolding at least a portion of said base (12) including the inlet of said first channel (36a), and in that said cleaning member (14) comprises a first anchoring portion (42) arranged in said first channel (36a) and defining a stabilizing abutment (46) positioned in the prolongation of said hole (34), or at least partially inside said hole (34), so as to be able to be compressed by the stabilizing tab (22) when the head (4) is assembled to the handle (2).

2. Head (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first channel (36a) has an outlet opening into the other (26) of said main faces, and in that said first anchoring portion (42) connects said main faces (24, 26) to each other.

3. Head (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first channel (36a) comprises a main portion, extending in a direction essentially parallel to the envelope of said peripheral wall (28), and a diversion (38), extending from said main portion to said hole (34) to define said stabilizing abutment (46).

4. A head (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that said diversion (38) has a smaller cross-section than that of said hole (34) to define a shoulder at the end thereof, and in that said stabilizing abutment (46) is at least partially arranged inside said hole (34) in abutment against said shoulder.

5. Head (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (12) comprises a plurality of additional channels (36), of the anchoring type, connecting said main faces (24, 26) to one another, and each of which is filled by an additional anchoring portion (42) of said cleaning member (14).

6. Head (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said main faces (24, 26) is at least partially overmolded by said cleaning member (14).

7. Head (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that said peripheral wall (28) has an average height slightly greater than the average distance separating said main faces (24, 26) from one another, so that said main faces (24, 26) are slightly set back from said peripheral wall (28) in the direction of the thickness of the head (4).

8. Head (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of said flexible cleaning elements (16) is made in the form of lamellae generally oriented along a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of said base (12).

9. Head (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least some of said lamellae are slightly curved along their longitudinal direction.

10. Head (4) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least some of said lamellae have n cuts, distributed substantially evenly along their length, defining n+1 cleaning portions capable of deforming independently of one another, n being between 1 and 10.

11. Head (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a groove (30) is provided in said peripheral wall (28) of said base (12), said groove (30) extending on either side of the end of said base (12) having said hole (34), along at least half the length of said base (12), and in that said notches (32) are provided at the bottom of said groove (30).

12. Head (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cleaning member (14) comprises an elongated empty pocket (48) extending along at least one third of the length of said base (12) so as to fulfil a suspension role.

13. Head (4) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said cleaning member (14) comprises at least first and second empty pockets (50) arranged symmetrically with reference to a median plane of said head (4) substantially perpendicular to said main faces (24, 26) or in prolongation of each other along the longitudinal direction of said base (12), being separated from each other by a flexible membrane (52) integral with said cleaning member (14).

14. Handle (2) for a toothbrush (1) intended to cooperate with a toothbrush head (4) according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a handle (6) extended at one end by a connecting portion (8), itself extended by a fork (10) with two arms, each arm of which is provided with a tooth (20) intended to cooperate with a notch (32) on the head (4), and comprising a stabilizing tab (22) arranged in the prolongation of said connecting portion (8), between said arms of said fork (10), and intended to be inserted into the hole (34) of the head (4).

15. Toothbrush (1) comprising a head (4) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a handle (2) according to claim 14.