ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH AN ANGLED BRUSH HEAD

Abstract

An electric toothbrush (1) comprises a handle (2) and a removable head (3) comprising three segments (4, 5, 6). The handle (2) is defined by a first reference plane X'-X'' orthogonal to the handle and a second reference plane Y'-Y'' abutting the handle at its lower surface (2b) and perpendicular to X'-X''. The third segment (6) forms: A. an angle (α) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4'' of said first segment (4) abutting its lower side (4a); B. an angle (β) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5'' of said second segment (5) abutting its lower side (5a); and C. the reference plane 5'-5'' of said second segment (5) abutting its lower side forms an angle (γ) of 1 to 60° with said first reference plane. The first and second segments (4, 5) project upwards and inwards relative to the first reference plane (X'-X'') to define the angles (α), (β) and (γ). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH WITH ANGLED BRUSH HEAD Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to electric toothbrushes. Background to the invention

[0002] Electric toothbrushes are well known in the art and generally include a motor housed in the handle of the brush and a head, which may be replaceable.

[0003] Most electric toothbrushes perform cleaning by rapidly moving the brush head (hereinafter known as oscillating brushes), but some only vibrate (hereinafter known as vibrating brushes).

[0004] There are many types of oscillating brushes on the market and some have particular oscillating patterns, for example longitudinally oscillating elements, or they may have several brush heads, which include a rotating head and a laterally oscillating bristle array spaced from the brush handle.

[0005] Manual brushes with flexible heads are also well known.

[0006] A disadvantage of oscillating brushes is that the devices Electric brushes required for proper tooth brushing are expensive. A disadvantage of vibrating brushes, which are usually less expensive, is that they must vibrate considerably for cleaning. Such vibration is often uncomfortable for the user since the handle often vibrates as much as the head.

[0007] Document US2015289639 Al (Dr. Fresh LLC) discloses a toothbrush comprising a handle, a head having bristles and a neck portion. The neck portion is curved and is angled away from an axis of the handle and is angled in a direction toward the axis.

[0008] US-6,948,209 B2 (P&G, 2005) discloses an electric toothbrush with a flexible neck for lateral, backward and forward flexibility of a brush head, which is achieved by using polymer blends. By using a polymer blend in the neck, many degrees of flexibility in the neck region can be achieved.

[0009] Document US2017143460 Al (Latikka Lauri) discloses a brush head for an electric toothbrush, having a hollow body portion, a shaft rotating back and forth within the body portion, and a rotatable bristle holder driven in rotation back and forth by the shaft at the first end of the body part. The second end of the shaft includes a projection inclined at 20 to 70° with the axis of rotation of the shaft. The inclination is directed towards the axis of rotation of the shaft.

[0010] US-6,353,959 B1 (Thomas Andrew, 2002) describes a toothbrush suitable for use by an individual brushing someone else's teeth, as well as their own teeth. The toothbrush includes a handle, a neck, and a bristle head that is at an angle to the neck. The handle has indentations to make it easier for the user's fingers to grip and guide the brush, and the bristle head is an oval-shaped rounded head with bristles. The toothbrush moves in the mouth, thereby facilitating effective brushing when a person uses the brush to clean someone else's teeth and gums. The toothbrush has an oval-shaped bristle head extending from the neck at 142 to 155°.

[0011] Document WO0074522 Al (Unilever) describes an electric toothbrush having a flexible head.

[0012] The inner dental arch can be delicate and difficult to access with a conventional electric toothbrush because the neck and head of the brush are aligned with the handle of the brush. To overcome this difficulty and to facilitate the placement of the head of the electric toothbrush on all surfaces of the teeth, the present inventors have observed that an electric toothbrush of the invention facilitates access to almost the entire region of the mouth so that those with manual dexterity challenges can also clean teeth more effectively and easily. The areas considered to be the most difficult to access are the upper and lower inner arches and the teeth at the back of the mouth. Easier access means that the user can gain more control over the movements and force applied when brushing. Summary of the invention

[0013] According to a first aspect, a toothbrush is described comprising: (a) a handle having an upper surface and a lower surface; and (b) a replaceable head removably attachable to said handle, wherein: said replaceable head comprises three linear segments bent relative to each other, where: (i) a first segment is at one end remote from said handle and comprises tufts of bristles; ii) a second segment defines the neck of said head at one end proximate said handle and includes means for releasably attaching to said handle; and (iii) a third segment is between said first segment and the second segment, and where said handle is defined by a first reference plane X'-X” orthogonal to the handle and a second reference plane Y'-Y” abutting against the handle at its lower surface and perpendicular to X'-X”, where said third segment forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment abutting its lower side; B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment abutting its lower side; and C. the reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment abutting its lower side forms an angle (y) of 1 to 50° with respect to said first reference plane (X'-X”), wherein said first and second segments project upwardly and inwardly with respect to said first reference plane (X'-X”) to define said angles (a), (|3) and (y), said toothbrush being an electric toothbrush.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a replaceable head for removable attachment to a handle of an electric toothbrush is described, said head comprising three linear segments bent relative to each other, where: (i) a first segment is at one end remote from said handle and comprises tufts of bristles; ii) a second segment defines the neck of said head at one end proximate said handle and includes means for removably attaching to said handle; and iii) a third segment is between the first segment and the second segment, and wherein said third segment forms: a. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment abutting against its lower side; b. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment abutting against its lower side; and c. an internal angle (δ) of 130 to 179° relative to the 5'-5” reference plane of said second segment, wherein said first and second segments project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô).

[0015] According to a third aspect, there is described a kit of parts of an electric toothbrush, comprising: (a) a handle; and b) a replaceable head removably attachable to said handle (2), and c) optionally a battery, a charging cable and a set of instructions, in which: said replaceable head comprises three linear segments bent relative to each other, where: (i) a first segment is at one end remote from said handle and comprises tufts of bristles; ii) a second segment defines the neck of said head at one end proximate said handle and includes means for releasably attaching to said handle; and iii) a third segment is between said first segment and the second segment, and wherein said third segment forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment abutting its lower side; B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment abutting its lower side; and C. an internal angle (ô) of 130 to 179° relative to the 5'-5” reference plane of said second segment, where said first and second segments project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment so as to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô). Figures

[0016] The invention is now described in detail with reference to the following figures, provided by way of example, in which:

[0017] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is an embodiment of an electric toothbrush according to the invention.

[0018] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an embodiment of a replaceable head according to the invention.

[0019] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] describes a handle for an electric toothbrush as part of a kit according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] The invention relates to an electric toothbrush (1). The brush comprises a handle (2); and a replaceable head (3) which can be removably attached to the handle (2).

[0021] The head can be attached and then detached from the handle. Therefore, the handle can be used in combination with a variety of heads, thus considerably extending the service life of the handle compared to known toothbrushes. A used head can be discarded, and the handle can be used for a long time.

[0022] It is preferred that the cross-section of the handle be ergonomically adapted to be held comfortably in the hand.

[0023] The handle preferably includes a thumb rest which is made from a thermoplastic elastomer material and / or from a polypropylene material. These materials can be easily injection molded onto the heavy resin material, as discussed above. Such a thumb rest can provide improved handling properties to the brush handle, for example, non-slip properties to improve the maneuverability of the oral care instrument in wet conditions, for example, when the user is brushing their teeth. The thumb rest can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore A hardness of about 30 to about 60 or about 40 to prevent the oral care instrument from being too slippery when used in wet conditions.

[0024] It is preferred that the handle comprises a motor element which vibrates or oscillates the bristle tufts (8). The head has correspondingly movable bristles driven by the motor and a drive mechanism disposed within the cavity of the handle. Preferably, a shaft is disposed within the flexible neck which is operatively connected to the movable bristle holder and the motor. Replaceable head

[0025] Preferably, the head is made from a material having a density of 0.5 to 1.2 g / cm3, preferably 0.7 to 1.0 g / cm3. Preferably, the head is injection molded from a thermoplastic polymer, for example polypropylene. On the other hand, it is preferred that the handle is made from a denser material, with a density of 2.1 to 3.1 g / cm3, preferably 2.3 to about 2.8 g / cm3.

[0026] The replaceable head comprises first, second and third linear segments (4, 5, 6) bent relative to each other. The first, second and third segments are continuous, i.e. without any break or connection between them and the three segments together form a continuous uninterrupted profile.

[0027] The replaceable head (3) can be removably attached to the handle (2). The replaceable head (3) comprises three linear segments (4, 5, 6) angled relative to each other. The first segment (4) is at one end (7) at a distance from the handle (2) and comprises tufts of bristles (8).

[0028] The tufts may be attached to the head by means of a hot tufting process. A method for manufacturing the head with tufts of filaments integrated into the head may comprise the following steps: in a first step, the tufts are formed by providing a desired amount of filaments. In a second step, the tufts are placed in a mold cavity such that the ends of the filaments that are supposed to be attached to the head extend into said cavity. The opposite ends of the filaments not extending into said cavity may be rounded-ended or unrounded-ended. For example, the filaments may be unrounded-ended in the case in which the filaments are gradually tapered filaments having a pointed tip. In a third step, the head is formed around the ends of the filaments extending into the mold cavity by an injection molding process, thereby anchoring the tufts in the head. Alternatively, the tufts may be anchored by forming a first portion of the head—a so-called “seal plate”—around the ends of the filaments extending into the mold cavity by an injection molding process before the remaining portion of the oral care instrument is formed. Before the injection molding process begins, the ends of the tufts extending into the mold cavity may optionally be melted or fused to assemble the filaments together into a molten mass or ball, such that the molten masses or balls are positioned within the cavity.The tufts may be held in the mold cavity by a mold bar having blind holes that correspond to the desired position of the tufts on the finished head of the oral care instrument. In other words, the tufts attached to the head by means of a hot tufting process are not doubled on a mid-portion along their length and are not mounted in the head using an anchor / staple. The tufts are mounted on the head by means of an anchorless tufting process.

[0029] Alternatively, the head may be provided with a bristle holder having at least one tuft hole, for example a blind-ended bore. A tuft comprising a plurality of filaments may be secured / anchored in said tuft hole by a stapling process / anchor tufting process. This means that the filaments of the tuft are bent / folded around an anchor, for example an anchor wire or an anchor plate, for example made from metal, in a substantially U-shaped manner. The filaments together with the anchor are pushed into the tuft hole so that the anchor penetrates the opposite side walls of the tuft hole, thereby anchoring / securing / attaching the filaments to the bristle holder. The anchor may be secured in the opposite side walls by positive engagement and friction. In the case where the tuft hole is a blind end bore, the anchor holds the filaments against a bottom of the bore.In other words, the anchor may lie on the U-shaped bend in a substantially perpendicular manner. Since the filaments of the tuft are bent around the anchor in a substantially U-shaped configuration, a first member and a second member of each filament extend from the bristle holder in one filament direction. The types of filament that can be used / are suitable for use in a stapling process are also referred to as "two-sided filament". Heads for oral care instruments that are manufactured by a stapling process can be provided in a relatively inexpensive and time-saving manner.

[0030] The second segment (5) defines the neck of said head (3) at one end (9) to proximity to said handle (2) and comprises means for removable attachment to the handle (2).

[0031] The removable attachment may be provided by a variety of means.

[0032] The function of the removable attachment is to allow a user to put mu A replaceable head is actually engaged with the handle so that the brush becomes usable. After a single use, the instrument can be set aside, without disassembling it, until the need arises the next time. A head may need to be changed in the case in which it is worn or when the user may want to change it for a related application, such as cleaning the tongue after brushing, with the same handle but changing the head.

[0033] In one aspect, the handle comprises an insert and the second segment of the head comprises a receiving opening which together are mutually engageable for removable attachment. Alternatively, the handle comprises a receiving opening and said second segment of the head comprises an insert and which together are mutually engageable for said removable attachment.

[0034] It is also preferred that the removable fastener comprises a clamping adjustment means, screw threads, bayonet or magnetic means for attachment with the correspondingly configured head.

[0035] In one aspect, it is preferred that the removable fastener in the handle comprises a shaft provided with a card slot and the corresponding head has a resilient clip provided on a cavity wall of the connecting cavity where the resilient clip can be engaged with the card slot.

[0036] Alternatively, the removable attachment comprises a bayonet member and a female connector; the bayonet being included in the handle and the female connector being formed within the head.The female connector preferably comprises a shaft, an opening and first and second channels, which channels are positioned transversely to each other, wherein each channel comprises: a first channel portion extending axially from the opening and having a first transverse dimension, and a second channel portion extending axially from the first channel portion having a second transverse dimension greater than the first transverse dimension; and the bayonet member comprises a shaft and first and second projections, which projections are positioned diametrically opposite each other, wherein each projection extends outwardly from the bayonet member, is receivable axially by a respective first channel portion and is receivable transversely by a respective second channel portion.

[0037] The bayonet member may be inserted into the female connector by first aligning each of the first and second projections with the first channel portion respective and then moving the bayonet element axially into the female connector. Once the bayonet element has been moved axially into the female connector so that each projection moves through the respective first channel portion and into the respective second channel portion, the bayonet element can be rotated about its axis relative to the female connector so that each projection moves transversely over the respective second channel portion. The head can be removably attached to the handle, when the bayonet is received by the female connector.

[0038] The third segment (6) is between said first segment (4) and the second segment (5).

[0039] The first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment (6) to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô). By the expressions "upwardly and inwardly" it is meant that the segments (4, 5) are inclined in a direction oriented towards the brush head and the bristle tufts (8).

[0040] The handle (2) is defined by a first reference plane X'-X' ' orthogonal to the handle and a second reference plane Y'-Y” abutting against the handle at its lower surface (2b) and perpendicular to X'-X”.

[0041] Orthogonal also means perpendicular and abutting implies being in contact or having a point of contact such as a tangent in contact with a circle.

[0042] The third segment (6) of the head forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment (4) abutting against its lower side (4a); B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting against its lower side (5a); and C. the reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting against its lower side forms an angle (y) of 1 to 60° relative to said first reference plane (X'-X”), wherein said first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly relative to said first reference plane (X'-X”) in order to define said angles (a), (|3) and (y).

[0043] It is preferred that the angle (a) is from 5 to 25°. It is preferred that the angle (|3) is from 5 to 35°. It is preferred that the angle (y) is from 15 to 60°.

[0044] Preferably, the first segment (4) of the head has a length of 3 to 35 mm. Preferably, the second segment (5) has a length of 5 to 50 mm. It is further preferred that the segment (5) of said replaceable head (3) has a rectangular, square, circular, oval or trapezoidal cross-section. The second segment (5) defines the neck of the head (3) at one end (9) proximate to said handle (2), i.e. (opposite at the bristle end), and comprises means for removable attachment with said handle (2).

[0045] Preferably, the third segment (6) has a length of 3 to 35 mm. The third segment (6) is between said first (4) and second (5) segment and has a reference plane 6'-6”.

[0046] The reference plane (6'-6”) defines an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of the first segment (4), an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of the second segment (5) and the reference plane 5'-5” of the second segment (5) forms an angle (y) of 1 to 50° with respect to the first reference plane (X'-X”).

[0047] The invention also relates to a replaceable head (3) for removable attachment to a handle (2) of an electric toothbrush (1), said head (3) comprising three linear segments (4, 5, 6) bent relative to each other, where: i) a first segment (4) is at one end (7) remote from said handle (2) and comprises tufts of bristles (8); ii) a second segment (5) defines the neck of said head (3) at one end (9) proximate to said handle (2) and comprises means for releasable attachment to said handle (2); and iii) a third segment (6) is between said first segment (4) and the second segment (5), and where said third segment (6) forms: a. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment (4) abutting against its lower side (4a); b. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting against its lower side (5a); and c. an internal angle (ô) of 130 to 179° relative to the 5'-5” reference plane of said second segment (5), wherein said first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment (6) to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô).

[0048] Preferably, the internal angle (δ) is from 135 to 160°, more preferably from 140 to 160°.

[0049] The invention also relates to a kit of parts for an electric toothbrush (1), comprising: (a) a handle (2); and (b) a replaceable head (3) removably attachable to said handle (2), and c) optionally a battery, a charging cable and a set of instructions, in which: said replaceable head (3) comprises three linear segments (4, 5, 6) bent relative to each other, where: i) a first segment (4) is at one end (7) remote from said handle (2) and comprises tufts of bristles (8); ii) a second segment (5) defines the neck of said head (3) at one end (9) proximate to said handle (2) and comprises means for releasable attachment to said handle (2); and iii) a third segment (6) is between said first segment (4) and the second segment (5), and wherein said third segment (6) forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment (4) abutting against its lower side (4a); B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting against its lower side (5a); and C. an internal angle (δ) of 130 to 179° relative to the 5'-5” reference plane of said second segment (5), wherein said first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment (6) in order to define said angles (α), (|3) and (δ).

[0050] All preferred features of the replaceable head and handle have already been described previously.

[0051] We are interested in [Fig.1].

[0052] Here we see an electric toothbrush (1) comprising an elongated handle (2) having an upper surface (2a) and a lower surface (2b). The upper surface is the one on the bristle side and the lower surface is on the lower or opposite side of the handle.

[0053] The replaceable head (3) is attached to the handle (2) at the marked point (9) but the attachment is not visible in this figure since the attachment is concealed. The handle (2) comprises a motor (also invisible) which vibrates or oscillates the tufts of bristles (8). The handle (2) comprises an insert (10) and the second segment (5) comprises a receiving opening (11) which together can engage each other for said removable attachment. The features (10, 11) are not visible in this view.

[0054] In the embodiment, the replaceable head (3) comprises three linear segments (4, 5, 6) angled relative to each other. The first segment (4) is at one end (7) remote from (or opposite or distal to) said handle (2). The first segment comprises tufts of bristles (8).

[0055] The second segment (5) defines the neck of the head (3) at one end (9) near (close) to the handle (2). The second segment has the means for removable attachment with the handle (2).

[0056] The third segment (6) is between the first segment (4) and the second segment (5).

[0057] The handle (2) is defined by a first orthogonal reference plane X'-X' ' (i.e. at right angles) to the handle and a second reference plane Y'-Y” abutting (i.e. contacting, like the way a tangent contacts a circle) the handle at its lower surface (2b) and is perpendicular to X'-X”.

[0058] This third segment (6) forms an angle (a) of 1 to 30° (here approximately 15°) with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment (4) coming into abutment against its lower side (4a).

[0059] Furthermore, the third segment (6) also forms an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° (here 25°) with a reference plane 5'-5” of the second segment (5) abutting its lower side (5a). The reference plane 5'-5” of the second segment (5) abutting its lower side forms an angle (y) of 1 to 50° (here about 35°) with respect to the first reference plane (X'-X”).

[0060] The first and second segments (4, 5) project upwards and inwards relative to the first reference plane (X'-X”) in order to define the angles (a), (|3) and (Y)-

[0061] The shaded portion marked as (A) may be present in the handle portion (2) or alternatively included in the head portion (3). The profile of the other portion (2 or 3, where applicable) may be formed correspondingly inclined or straight.

[0062] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of a replaceable head according to the invention.

[0063] Here we observe a head (3) comprising three linear segments (4, 5, 6) bent relative to each other.

[0064] The angles (a), (|3) and (y) are more visible and understandable in this figure. Furthermore, observed in the present view, it is also found that the third segment (6) of the head (3) forms an internal angle (ô) of 130 to 179° relative to the reference plane 5'-5” of the second segment (5). In the present figure, (ô) is approximately 150°.

[0065] The first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment (6) in order to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô).

[0066] [Fig. 3] shows a handle for an electric toothbrush as part of a kit according to the invention. The handle is provided with a plurality of buttons (12, 13) intended to control the functions of the brush (1), which may be as simple as buttons for turning on or off or changing the operating mode of the brush. The handle (2) is provided with an insert (10) for mutually engage for said removable attachment with the second segment (5) of the head (3) which comprises a receiving opening (11). The opening and the head are not included in this figure.

Claims

Claims

1. A toothbrush (1) comprising: a) a handle (2) having an upper surface (2a) and a lower surface (2b); and b) a replaceable head (3) removably attachable to said handle (2), wherein: said replaceable head (3) comprises three linear segments (4, 5, 6) angled relative to each other, wherein: i) a first segment (4) is at one end (7) remote from said handle (2) and comprises tufts of bristles (8); ii) a second segment (5) defines the neck of said head (3) at one end (9) proximate to said handle (2) and comprises means for removably attaching it to said handle (2);and iii) a third segment (6) is between said first segment (4) and the second segment (5), and wherein said handle (2) is defined by a first reference plane X'-X' ' orthogonal to the handle and a second reference plane Y'-Y' ' abutting the handle at its lower surface (2b) and perpendicular to X'-X”, wherein said third segment (6) forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment (4) abutting its lower side (4a); B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting its lower side (5a);and C. the reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting its lower side forms an angle (y) of 1 to 60° with respect to said first reference plane (X'-X”), wherein said first and second segments (4, 5) project upwards and inwards with respect to said first reference plane (X'-X”) in order to define said angles (a), (|3) and (y), said toothbrush being an electric toothbrush.;

2. A toothbrush (1) according to claim 1, wherein said angle (a) is 5 to 25°.

3. A toothbrush (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said angle (|3) is 5 to 35°.

4. A toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12. which said angle (y) is 15 to 60°. Toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said first segment (4) has a length of 3 to 35 mm. Toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said second segment (5) has a length of 5 to 50 mm. Toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said third segment (6) has a length of 3 to 35 mm. Toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said second segment (5) of said replaceable head (3) has a rectangular, square, circular, oval or trapezoidal cross-section. A toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said handle (2) comprises a motor which vibrates or oscillates the tufts of bristles (8). Toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said handle (2) comprises an insert (10) and said second segment (5) comprises a receiving opening (11) which together are mutually engageable for said removable attachment. Toothbrush (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said handle (2) comprises a receiving opening (11) and said second segment (5) comprises an insert (10) and which together are mutually engageable for said removable attachment. Replaceable head (3) for removable attachment with a handle (2) of an electric toothbrush (1), said head (3) comprising three linear segments (4, 5, 6) angled relative to each other, wherein: i) a first segment (4) is at one end (7) remote from said handle (2) and comprises tufts of bristles (8); ii) a second segment (5) defines the neck of said head (3) at one end (9) proximate to said handle (2) and comprises means for releasable attachment to said handle (2); and iii) a third segment (6) is between said first segment (4) and the second segment (5), and wherein said third segment (6) forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a reference plane 4'-4” of said first segment (4) abutting its lower side (4a); B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5) abutting its lower side (5a); and C. an internal angle (ô) of 130 to 179° with respect to the reference plane 5'-5” of said second segment (5), wherein said first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly relative to said third segment (6) to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô).

13. A kit of parts for an electric toothbrush (1) comprising: a) a handle (2); and b) a replaceable head (3) removably attachable to said handle (2), and (c) optionally a battery, a charging cable and a set of instructions, wherein: said replaceable head (3) comprising three linear segments (4, 5, 6) bent relative to each other, where: i) a first segment (4) is at one end (7) remote from said handle (2) and comprises tufts of bristles (8); ii) a second segment (5) defines the neck of said head (3) at one end (9) proximate to said handle (2) and comprises means for releasable attachment to said handle (2); and iii) a third segment (6) is between said first segment (4) and the second segment (5), and wherein said third segment (6) forms: A. an angle (a) of 1 to 30° with a 4'-4” reference plane of said first segment (4) abutting its lower side (4a); B. an angle (|3) of 1 to 40° with a 5'-5” reference plane of said second segment (5) abutting its lower side (5a); and C. an internal angle (ô) of 130 to 179° with respect to the 5'-5” reference plane of said second segment (5), wherein said first and second segments (4, 5) project upwardly and inwardly with respect to said third segment (6) in order to define said angles (a), (|3) and (ô).

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