Manual toothbrush

Abstract

The manual toothbrush (1) has an elongate handle part (2), by means of which a geometric longitudinal handle part axis (10) is defined. The handle part (2) has a recess (6) and a handle part end side (5) arranged transversely to the longitudinal handle part axis (10). An identifier body (8) is anchored in an integrally bonded manner in the handle part end side (5). The identifier body (8) is preferably formed as an insertion body, which, considered in the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal handle part axis (10), sits in the recess (6) with an accurate fit. The recess can have a length (L) which is at least a multiple of the length of the identifier body (8).

Description

[0001] Title: Manual toothbrush

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a manual toothbrush with an elongated handle part, by which a geometric handle part longitudinal axis is defined, wherein the handle part has a recess and a handle part end side which is transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a manual toothbrush.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Manual toothbrushes are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Whether a manual toothbrush is popular with consumers and thus successful depends on its cleaning effectiveness (especially the quality of the bristles) as well as its ease of use and aesthetic design.

[0007] Manual toothbrushes are relatively simple to produce. The effort required to develop a new toothbrush lies more in developing a good design, choosing good materials, and marketing it correctly. Because a toothbrush is in repeated contact with the body (saliva, teeth, and gums), it is important that the materials used are of high quality.

[0008] Manufacturers and distributors of high-quality toothbrushes are regularly confronted with counterfeits. It's not uncommon for the difference between the original and the copy to be unclear. However, it's important for the manufacturer that their high-quality products aren't confused with products of dubious origin and quality.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is to create a manual toothbrush belonging to the aforementioned technical field, which has a permanent identification that is visible to the user but does not interfere with the user's normal use of the toothbrush. Furthermore, the production of the toothbrush should, if possible, not be influenced by the type of identification.

[0011] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the manual toothbrush has an elongated handle portion defining a geometric longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The handle portion has a recess and a handle end portion extending transversely to the handle end portion. An identification element is permanently anchored in the handle end portion in a manually permanent manner. A special embodiment of a manually permanent anchoring is a material-bonded anchoring.

[0012] The advantage of this solution is that the toothbrush has a three-dimensional marking or identification, yet it doesn't bother the user in any way when holding the manual toothbrush. The identification body is anchored and therefore cannot be removed without destroying the product.

[0013] Another advantage is that the identification body is mounted "inside" rather than "on top" of the end of the handle. This means that the identification body is not shaped like a cap that overlaps or surrounds the end of the handle from behind and outside.

[0014] The identification body is anchored in a material bond, which means that no liquid can penetrate the recess in the handle. This means that no bacteria can penetrate and the handle can be kept hygienically clean during use. The material bond according to the invention can be achieved in different ways. The identification body can, for example, sit precisely in the recess in the sense of a "press-fit". It can also be fixed in place with an adhesive, for example. Melting is also possible if the material of the identification body and the handle are compatible. Depending on the design of the identification body, it is possible to clearly identify the toothbrush. Because the user normally sees the brush as a whole when purchasing it, they can see the identification body if necessary and be sure that it is an original product.

[0015] A further solution to the problem consists in a sealed sales package containing a manual toothbrush, wherein the manual toothbrush has an elongated handle portion defining a geometric longitudinal axis. The handle portion has a recess and a handle end portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in which an identification element is permanently anchored manually.

[0016] Sealed sales packaging is defined by the fact that the manual toothbrush (when in the sealed sales packaging) cannot be removed or the identification body tampered with without this being evident through damage to the packaging. The manual toothbrush is naturally placed in the sealed sales packaging before it enters the sales channels.

[0017] Ideally, the sealed sales packaging hygienically protects the manual toothbrush from the environment. This could be a completely enclosed, airtight plastic package, for example. This can take the form of a blister pack or a self-supporting plastic package. A welded combination of a plastic tray and cardboard cover is also possible.

[0018] Alternatively, the sealed sales packaging may have openings so that certain parts of the manual toothbrush can be seen directly if the customer wants to get an idea of ​​the bristles, the handle shape, the color, etc. before purchasing the manual toothbrush.

[0019] According to a special design, the base end of the handle and the identification body are visible despite the sealed packaging. In this sense, the sealed packaging can be transparent at the base end of the handle. Or an opening can be formed in a non-transparent packaging through which the identification body is visible. In a special design, the identification body is an insert body that fits precisely in the recess when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the handle's longitudinal axis. An insert body is characterized by its generally cylindrical outer surface and can therefore be inserted (mechanically) into a precisely formed channel and held there. An advantage of this design is that the identification body can be inserted into the end of the handle very easily from a production point of view.

[0020] According to the mathematical definition, a generally cylindrical surface is obtained by translating a plane curve cO, which lies in a plane E, along a straight line not in the plane E, by a fixed distance aO, and by connecting any two corresponding points on the original curve cO and the translated curve d by a line segment. The totality of these parallel lines forms the corresponding generally cylindrical (surface) surface.

[0021] The identification body can be short in the direction of the handle's longitudinal axis (e.g., shorter than its maximum transverse dimension). However, it can also be advantageous if it is at least as long in the direction of the handle's longitudinal axis as its maximum transverse dimension (measured perpendicular to the handle's longitudinal axis).

[0022] The outer surface of the identification body is advantageously designed so that the insertion takes place in a straight line in the direction of the handle part's longitudinal axis.

[0023] It may be advantageous to provide a fine rib and a suitably positioned undercut (groove) on the generally cylindrical surface of the channel-shaped recess and / or on the generally cylindrical surface (contour) of the identification body. The dimension of the undercut or rib in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle part is on the order of approximately 1 / 10 mm. This is therefore primarily a deliberate unevenness and not an actual mechanical notch. This can improve anchoring without substantially changing the nature of the insert.

[0024] As a variant, it is also conceivable for the identification body to perform a small rotational movement (e.g., a few degrees) when inserted. In a special design, the identification body contains an electronically detectable or readable element. This element can be a simple digital circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) on which a code is stored. The code can be used by the manufacturer to make the manual toothbrush traceable (place of manufacture, production batch, etc.).

[0025] However, it is not necessary for the element to be a digital circuit. Metal elements (e.g., copper wires) can also be embedded, which can be identified with suitable detectors. The metal elements can, for example, be cast into the identifier body in a special way (number, size, orientation, material) so that, when analyzed with a suitable measuring device, a characteristic signal is generated that serves as identification.

[0026] According to a special design, the identification body has a polygonal contour in a direction perpendicular to the handle's longitudinal axis. A simple quadrilateral or square is an example. However, octagonal contours are also preferred, resulting from the truncated corners of a rectangle or square. A cross (twelve-sided) is also considered a preferred polygon. The advantage of polygons is that they are easy to handle in terms of production technology.

[0027] According to a special design, the contours of the handle and the identification body are geometrically similar. Thus, if the handle is octagonal across its longitudinal axis, the identification body also has an octagonal profile. If the recess also has an octagonal inner profile, the wall thickness of the handle around the identification body can be made thinner by appropriately selecting the size of the identification body.

[0028] A special embodiment of the invention consists in that the identification body forms a cross profile and the recess forms a cross profile channel that fits exactly to the cross profile.

[0029] The length of the recess is particularly preferably at least a multiple of the length of the identification body. This means that the handle part is hollow over a longer distance. In particular, the recess in the handle part can extend substantially as far as the bristle plate of the handle part. This can save material if necessary. However, it is also possible to fill the recess with a material that increases the weight of the manual toothbrush. For example, a metal rod can be inserted into the part of the recess of a plastic handle not occupied by the identification body. Because the identification body is firmly anchored in the end of the handle part, no moisture can penetrate into the recess and no corrosion of the metal rod can occur.

[0030] If the metal rod is shorter than the length of the recess, the weight distribution of the manual toothbrush can be determined as desired by appropriately positioning the metal rod in the recess.

[0031] Preferably, the recess extends over a length corresponding to at least half the length of the handle part. If, in such a case, the identification body has a length that is no more than twice the transverse dimension, then the handle part has an advantageously large interior space or cavity.

[0032] Protruding Identification Body: According to a special embodiment of the invention, the identification body protrudes beyond the end of the handle. This makes the identification body more easily recognizable. Furthermore, it can be felt, and the user does not have to turn the brush over to check the identification body. It can also be easily detected with a light barrier. This makes it possible to apply a surface design (structure) that can be read with a light barrier perpendicular to the handle's longitudinal axis.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the identification body is recessed into the recess, creating a "negative" at the end.

[0034] Another special embodiment of the invention consists in the identification body being less extended transversely to the handle part's longitudinal axis than the handle part itself. For example, if the identification body is mushroom-shaped, the mushroom head is less extended transversely to the handle part's longitudinal axis than the handle part's end. The stem of the mushroom-shaped handle is then shaped, for example, as an insert body.

[0035] In a special design, the end of the handle is angled to the handle's longitudinal axis. This means that the end of the handle is not at 90° to the handle's longitudinal axis, but rather, for example, at 70°. Preferably, the identification body is similarly angled to the longitudinal axis. This can be advantageous if the manual toothbrushes are sold in packaging that is opaque from below and only transparent from the side. Thus, the identification body is still recognizable to a certain extent from the side due to the angled end.

[0036] According to a special embodiment, the identification body is made of a different material than the handle. For example, the identification body is made of a softer material than the handle. In this case, the identification body fits into the recess like the cork of a wine bottle in the neck.

[0037] However, the identification body can also be made of a harder material than the handle. If the handle is made of an opaque plastic, the identification body can be made of metal, glass, or a plastic that is harder than the handle.

[0038] The handle can be made of an amorphous plastic (such as polyester, ABS, or polycarbonate), and the identification body of a crystalline plastic (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyoxymethylene). A special design involves the handle being made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a special amorphous plastic that makes it transparent.

[0039] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the handle portion is essentially rod-shaped. It is thus essentially straight, with its cross-section preferably tapering successively from the rear (handle portion end) to the front (brush head). This has the advantage that the wall thickness formed between the recess and the outer surface of the handle portion is uniform or only changes gradually. This is particularly advantageous when the handle portion is a plastic injection-molded part. This makes it easy to manufacture and allows for optimal material savings.

[0040] Preferably, the recess in the handle has a cross-section that gradually tapers from the back (handle end) to the front (brush head). The cross-section is, for example, linearly tapered. This is advantageous from a production point of view (simple manufacture). A method according to the invention for producing a manual toothbrush comprises the following two steps:

[0041] 1. The handle part with a recess is produced using a (first) injection molding tool

[0042] 2. In a separate step, the prepared identification body is mechanically inserted into the recess.

[0043] The identification body is manufactured separately from the handle. Different materials can be used, which are manufactured using different processes. The assembly is done by a material bond.

[0044] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

[0045] Short description of the drawings

[0046] The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

[0047] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a manual toothbrush before inserting the identification body;

[0048] Fig. 2a, b a schematic representation of the section AA through the rear end of the

[0049] Handle part before and after inserting the identification body;

[0050] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment with

[0051] Cross-profile-like identification body;

[0052] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a

[0053] Manual toothbrush with protruding identification body;

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross section through an identification body with a

[0055] Profile (structure) on the outer end surface;

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-section through a mushroom-shaped identification body. Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of a manual toothbrush with flush-fitted

[0057] Identification body and short cavity;

[0058] Fig. 8a, b a sectional view of a manual toothbrush with a flush-fitted hollow identification body and long cavity;

[0059] Fig. 9a, b Examples of sealed packages containing manual toothbrushes with identification body;

[0060] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a blister pack.

[0061] In principle, identical parts in the figures are provided with identical reference symbols.

[0062] Ways to implement the invention

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a manual toothbrush 1 consisting of a rod-shaped handle part 2, a tapered neck part 3 and a bristle plate 4. The bristle tufts are inserted into the bristle plate 4 and protrude essentially perpendicular to the bristle plate 4. The neck part 3 is the transition between the handle part 2, which has an essentially constant cross-section, and the bristle plate 4. The neck part 3 tapers successively from the handle part 2 to the bristle plate 4. Handle part 2, neck part 3 and bristle plate 4 are a one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic.

[0064] Fig. 2a shows a longitudinal section through the handle part 2 and the neck part 3 of the manual toothbrush before the identification body 8 is inserted. As can be seen from Fig. 2a, at the rear end of the handle part 3 is the handle part end face 5, which closes off the handle part 2 transversely to the handle part's longitudinal axis 10. In the present example, the plane defined by the handle part end face 5 is not perpendicular to the handle part's longitudinal axis 10, but inclined at an angle w. The angle w shown in Fig. 2a is, for example, 70°-80°.

[0065] A recess 7 opens into the end face 5 of the handle part, which extends, for example, over the entire length of the handle part 3. The handle part 3 is therefore essentially tubular.

[0066] The inner surface 7 of the recess 6 in the area of ​​the handle end 5 is essentially smooth and has the shape of a generally cylindrical hollow channel. In the present example, the identification body 8 has an octagonal contour 9. This means that in cross-section perpendicular to the handle longitudinal axis 10, the identification body 8 has an octagon. The outer surface of the identification body in this case is an octagonal cylinder.

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer end surface 11 is oblique to the handle part longitudinal axis 10 in the same way as the handle part end side 5. The inner end surface 12 opposite the outer end surface 11 is, for example, substantially parallel to the outer end surface and thus also oblique to the handle part longitudinal axis 10.

[0068] Fig. 2b schematically shows the end of the handle part 2 with the inserted identification body 8. The outer surface (contour 9) is precisely matched to the inner cross-section of the recess 6 on the handle part's end face 5. The identification body 8 can therefore be mechanically driven into the recess 6. The outer surface of the identification body 8 and the inner surface of the recess then lie firmly against one another. The identification body 8 can no longer be manually removed from the handle part.

[0069] Fig. 2b shows the handle part 2 after the identification body 8 has been inserted. The handle part end face 5 is aligned with the outer end surface 11. The identification body 8 therefore does not protrude beyond the handle part end face 5. It can also be seen that the identification body 8 is "in" the handle part end face 5. Transversely to the handle part longitudinal axis 10, the identification body 8 is less extended (transverse dimension d in Fig. 2a) than the handle part end face 5 (transverse dimension D in Fig. 2a).

[0070] Figures 2a and b also illustrate the manufacturing process. First (Fig. 2a), the handle part 2 (including the neck part 3 and the bristle plate 4) and the identification body 8 are manufactured separately (e.g., by injection molding). Then (Fig. 2b), the identification body 8 is mechanically inserted into the recess. The identification body 8 fits precisely into the recess in the handle part.

[0071] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment with a cross-profile-like identification body 16. This is, for example, at least twice as long as its transverse dimension (perpendicular to the handle part's longitudinal axis). The recess 15 in the handle part 13 opens into the handle part's end face 14. It is sufficient if only the opening area of ​​the recess 15 forms a cross channel. In the area into which the identification body 16 does not penetrate or advance, the recess can have an octagonal shape similar to the almond-shaped side of the handle part 13.

[0072] The identification body 16 is made of ceramic, for example. Alternatively, it can be made of stainless steel or a precious metal. A two-component plastic is preferably used.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a manual toothbrush. The handle portion 17 is directly connected to the bristle plate 18 and tapers linearly from back to front in cross-section. The recess 19 extends the entire length of the handle portion 17. It has, for example, the shape of a steep-sided truncated cone or a steep-sided mathematical truncated pyramid with an opening angle of 10°.

[0074] A metal rod 20 is inserted into the recess 19. This rod essentially fills the recess 19 up to the identification body 21. The latter protrudes with its outer end 22 by a projection V beyond the handle end surface 23. The projection is, for example, 1 - 2 mm.

[0075] Preferably, the overhang is less than half the length of the identification body 16.

[0076] The overhang V is preferably not more than a quarter of the maximum transverse dimension of the handle end.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the identification body 22 has a length that corresponds at least approximately to its largest transverse dimension (relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle part). Preferably, the identification body 16 is at least twice as long as its largest transverse dimension.

[0078] Fig. 5 illustrates a particular embodiment of the invention by means of a longitudinal section through the rear end of the handle part 24 and the identification body 26. The identification body 26 has a characteristically profiled outer end surface 27. The characteristic profile protrudes beyond the handle part end side 25 and can be used for identification during optical scanning.

[0079] Fig. 5 also illustrates the embodiment in which the recess 29 in the handle part 24 is shorter than the identification body 26 (relative to the handle part's longitudinal axis). Here, the identification body 26 completely fills the recess and also protrudes beyond the handle part's end face 25.

[0080] Furthermore, Fig. 5 schematically shows an NFC chip 28 embedded in the identification body 26. This can be read with an NFC reader (not shown). In this way, production-related information can be stored in the manual toothbrush.

[0081] Fig. 6 illustrates, for example, a mushroom-shaped identification body 30. It should be noted that the head, with its outer end surface 31 (viewed transversely to the handle part's longitudinal axis), is less extended than the handle part's end face 32. The stem of the mushroom-shaped design is formed as an insert body (with a generally cylindrical outer surface). According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the identification body 30 protrudes beyond the handle part's end face 32 (in the direction of the handle part's longitudinal axis).

[0082] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment in which the channel-shaped recess 33 has a length L that is significantly shorter than the length of the handle part measured from the base end (A) to the neck transition (B): For example, the length L is approximately 2 / 3 - 3 / 4 of the length of the handle part. This width makes it possible to achieve sufficient stability of the handle part while simultaneously saving material. The neck transition (B) can be recognized from the outside, for example, by the fact that the cross-section begins to taper noticeably. The identification body 34 is inserted with a clamp fit in the end of the recess 33. Its outer end is flush with the base end of the handle part, which runs diagonally to the longitudinal axis of the handle part.

[0083] Fig. 8a shows an embodiment in which the channel-shaped recess 35 has a length L that is significantly longer than the length of the handle portion measured from the base end (A) to the neck transition (B). The recess 35 thus extends into the neck portion 37, being more conical in the neck portion 37 than in the handle portion. The neck portion 37 extends to a bend angle (C) at the transition between the neck portion and the brush head. The greater length of the recess makes it possible to optimize the weight distribution of the manual toothbrush if necessary. In particular, the recess can be partially filled with a material that has a higher density than the handle portion.

[0084] Fig. 8b shows an enlarged section of the rear end of the handle. In the mouth area 38, the free cross-section of the recess is larger than in the adjacent inner area of ​​the recess 35. This creates a shoulder 39 that serves as a stop for the identification body 36. The length of the mouth area 38 thus corresponds to the length of the identification body 36. As a result, the identification body 36 sits in the recess with its outer end flush with the base of the handle.

[0085] Fig. 9a shows a sealed package containing a manual toothbrush with an identification body. The manual toothbrush 39 can, for example, be designed as in one of the embodiments described above. According to Fig. 9a, it is housed in a sealed package consisting of a cardboard cover in the form of a cardboard sheet 41 and a transparent plastic tray 40. The plastic tray 40 is, for example, dimensionally stable and forms the cavity required to accommodate the manual toothbrush 39. According to a preferred embodiment, the package is sealed such that the contents are packaged essentially airtight. This has the advantage that the manual toothbrush is not only protected against unwanted tampering with the identification body, but also remains hygienic until the package is opened.

[0086] Fig. 9b shows an embodiment in which several manual toothbrushes 42 are housed in a common sealed package 43. The package can be made of cardboard. In the area of ​​the base end of the manual toothbrushes 42, the inherently non-transparent package 43 has openings 44 through which the identification body is visible from the outside. The cover 43.1 is formed, for example, by a cardboard sheet that is glued to the rest of the package.

[0087] Fig. 10 schematically shows a manual toothbrush 45 according to the invention in a blister pack 46. The blister pack is formed by a flexible plastic film that conforms to the manual toothbrush 45.

[0088] The options summarized in Fig. 5 (recess dimensions, profiled end face, NFC chip) can, of course, be used independently of one another. The recess in the handle portion can also be configured to be just as large as the portion of the identification body to be countersunk into the handle portion. This means that in the finished state, the handle portion has no hollow space. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the handle portion material would be present instead of the metal rod (solid body).

[0089] In a modification of Fig. 2a, the inner surface 7 of the recess 6 in the region of the handle part end side 5 can also have annular circumferential ribs in order to improve the material bond on the corresponding annular areas.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiments, the material bond between the identification body and the handle portion is primarily formed at the generally cylindrical outer surface of the identification body. In the example shown in Fig. 5, however, the material bond (e.g., by gluing or welding) can also be formed at the inner end surface of the identification body. In summary, it can be stated that the invention provides a simple toothbrush with an identification body that can be used for various purposes.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Manual toothbrush ( 1) with an elongated handle part (2) by which a geometric longitudinal axis ( 10) of the handle part is defined, wherein the handle part (2) has a recess (6) and a handle part end side (5) positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis ( 10) of the handle part, characterized in that an identifying element (8) is manually and indistinguishably anchored in the handle part end side (5), in particular by a material bond.

2. Manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the identifying body (8) is an insertable body which, viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (10) of the handle part, fits precisely into the recess (6).

3. Manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the identifier (26) contains an electronically detectable or readable element (28).

4. Manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the identifying body (16) has a polygonal contour in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (10) of the handle part.

5. Manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the recess (L) is at least a multiple of the length of the identifier body (8).

6. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (6) extends over a length (L) which corresponds to at least half the length of the handle part (2).

7. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifier body (21) protrudes beyond the handle end (23) (V).

8. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifying body (8) is less extended (d) transversely to the longitudinal axis (10) of the handle part than the handle part (2, D).

9. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle end side (5) is at an angle (w) oblique to the longitudinal axis (10) of the handle.

10. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifying body (8) is made of a different material than the handle part (2). 1 1. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle part (17) is essentially rod-shaped and preferably has a cross-section that tapers successively from back to front.

12. Manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (19) in the handle part (17) has a cross-section that tapers successively from back to front.

13. Method for manufacturing a manual toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims Claims characterized in that the handle part with a recess is produced using a first injection molding tool and the identifier is mechanically inserted into the recess in a separate step.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the identifier is produced with a second injection molding tool and that the identifier is then inserted into the recess of the handle part in a material-locking manner.

15. Sealed sales packaging containing a manual toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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