Manual toothbrush

Abstract

The manual toothbrush (1) comprises an elongated grip part (2) which defines a geometrical grip part longitudinal axis (10). The grip part (2) has a cavity (6) and a grip part end side (5) lying transversely to the grip part longitudinal axis (10). A recognition body (8) is fixed in a materially bonded manner on the grip part end side (5). Preferably, the recognition body (8) is formed as an insert which fits precisely in the cavity (6) when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the grip part longitudinal axis (10). The cavity may have a length (L) which is at least several times the length of the recognition body (8).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a manual toothbrush having an elongated grip portion defining a geometric longitudinal grip portion axis, the grip portion having a cavity and a grip portion terminal side lying transverse to the longitudinal grip portion axis. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the manual toothbrush. [Background technology]

[0002] Manual toothbrushes are found on the market in various forms, the popularity and consequent success of which among consumers depends on the cleaning action (especially the quality of the bristle area) on the one hand, and on the ease of use and aesthetic design on the other hand.

[0003] Manual toothbrushes are relatively easy to produce. Rather, a new toothbrush requires development of a good design, good material selection, and proper marketing. Since the toothbrush is in repeated contact with the body (saliva, teeth, gums), it is important that the materials used are of high quality.

[0004] Manufacturers and distributors of high quality toothbrushes are constantly confronted with counterfeit products. It is often not easy to see the difference between the original and the counterfeit. However, it is important for manufacturers to ensure that their high quality products are not confused with products of questionable origin and quality. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create a manual toothbrush belonging to the technical field mentioned at the beginning, which has a permanent identifier that is visible to the user and does not interfere with the user in the normal handling of the toothbrush. In addition, the production of the toothbrush should be as unaffected as possible by the type of identifier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The solution to this problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the manual toothbrush comprises an elongated grip part, which defines a geometrical grip part longitudinal axis, which has a cavity and a grip part end side lying transversely to the grip part longitudinal axis, at which the recognition body is fixed in a manually non-removable manner. A special embodiment of the manually non-removable fixing is a material-bonding fixing.

[0007] The advantage of this solution is that the toothbrush has a three-dimensional marking or identifier, which is not at all intrusive to the user when he holds the manual toothbrush in his hand. The identifier is fixed and therefore cannot be removed without destroying the product.

[0008] It is also an advantage that the recognition body is attached "inside" the grip end side and not "on" it, i.e., it does not have the shape of a cap that covers or surrounds the grip end area from the rear and outside.

[0009] The recognition body is fixed in a material-bonded manner, i.e. liquids cannot penetrate into the cavity in the grip part. Therefore, germs cannot penetrate either, and the grip part can be kept hygienically clean during use without problems. The material bond according to the invention can be achieved in various ways. The recognition body can, for example, be fitted precisely into the cavity in the sense of a "press fit". The recognition body can also be fixed, for example, with an adhesive. If the materials of the recognition body and the grip part are compatible, partial fusion is also possible.

[0010] Depending on the configuration of the identifier, the toothbrush can be clearly assigned: since the user usually sees the whole brush when purchasing, the user can look at the identifier if necessary to verify that this is the original product.

[0011] A further solution to this problem is a sealed sales package with a manual toothbrush, which comprises an elongated gripping part, which defines a geometrical gripping part longitudinal axis, which has a cavity and a gripping part end side lying transversely to the gripping part longitudinal axis, on which a recognition body is fixed so that it cannot be manually removed.

[0012] A sealed sales package is defined as one in which the manual toothbrush (if it is in the sealed sales package) can be removed or the identifiers can be tampered with and this will be evident by damage to the package. The manual toothbrush will, of course, be placed in a sealed sales package before it reaches the sales channel.

[0013] Preferably, the sealed sales package hygienically isolates the manual toothbrush from the environment. This is, for example, a completely sealed airtight plastic package. This may have the form of a blister pack or a self-supporting plastic package. A welded combination of a plastic tray and a cardboard cover is also possible.

[0014] Alternatively, if a customer wants to know about the bristles, grip shape, color, etc. of a manual toothbrush before purchasing it, the sealed sales package may have an opening to allow a customer to directly view certain parts of the manual toothbrush.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the base end of the gripping part and the identifiers are visible despite the packaging being sealed. In this sense, the sealed packaging may be transparent at the base end of the gripping part, or an opening may be formed in the opaque packaging, through which the identifiers are visible.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the recognition body is an insert which fits precisely into the cavity when viewed in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grip part. The insert has the advantage that it has an approximately cylindrical covering surface, whereby it can be inserted (by machine) into a precisely formed channel and is held there. The advantage of this embodiment is that the recognition body can be inserted very easily into the end side of the grip part in terms of production technology.

[0017] According to the mathematical definition, an approximately cylindrical covering surface is obtained by displacing a flat curve c0 lying in a plane E by a certain distance a0 along a straight line not lying in the plane E, so that two corresponding points of the original curve c0 and the displaced curve c1 are joined at a distance. The sum of these parallel distances forms the associated approximately cylindrical (covering) surface.

[0018] The identifier may be short in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gripping portion (e.g., shorter than its maximum lateral dimension), but it may also be advantageous if the identifier is at least as large in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gripping portion as its maximum lateral dimension (measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gripping portion).

[0019] The covering surface of the recognition body is advantageously designed so that the insertion takes place linearly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grip part.

[0020] It may be advantageous to provide fine ribs and appropriately arranged undercuts (grooves) on the approximately cylindrical covering surface of the channel-shaped cavity and / or on the approximately cylindrical covering surface (contour) of the recognition body, where the dimensions of the undercuts or ribs in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gripping part are of the order of about 1 / 10 mm, i.e. they are primarily purposeful irregularities and not actual mechanical detents. This allows for improved fixation without substantially changing the properties of the insert.

[0021] However, in a variant, it is also conceivable that the recognition body performs a small rotational movement (for example a few degrees) during insertion.

[0022] In one particular embodiment, it is contemplated that the recognition entity comprises an electronically detectable or readable element. This element may be a simple digital circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) in which a code is stored. The code may serve to allow the manufacturer to trace the manual toothbrush (place of manufacture, production batch, etc.).

[0023] However, it is not necessary that the element is a digital circuit. Metal elements (e.g., copper threads) that can be identified by a suitable detector may be embedded. The metal elements can be, for example, injected into the recognition body in a specific manner (number, size, orientation, embodiment) so that, upon analysis with a suitable measurement device, a characteristic signal is generated that serves as an identifier.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the recognition body has a polygonal contour transverse to the longitudinal axis of the grip part. By way of example, a simple rectangle or square can be mentioned. However, an octagonal contour, which is obtained by cutting off the corners of a rectangle or square, is also preferred. A cross (dodecagram) also comes into consideration as a preferred polygon. The advantage of polygons is that they can be easily handled in terms of production technology.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the contours of the grip part and the recognition body are geometrically similar to each other, i.e. if the grip part is octagonal transversely to its longitudinal axis, the recognition body also has an octagonal profile. Even if the cavity has an octagonal inner profile, the wall thickness of the grip part around the recognition body can be reduced by appropriately selecting the size of the recognition body.

[0026] In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the recognition body forms a cross-shaped profile and the cavity forms a cross-shaped profile channel that precisely matches the cross-shaped profile.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the length of the cavity is at least several times the length of the recognition body. This means that the grip part is hollow over a relatively long distance. In particular, the cavity in the grip part can extend substantially to the bristle plate of the grip part. This allows material to be saved if necessary.

[0028] However, it is also possible to fill the cavity with a material that increases the weight of the manual toothbrush. Thus, for example, a metal bar may be inserted into the part of the cavity of the plastic grip that is not occupied by the recognition body. Since the recognition body is fixed to the end side of the grip part in a material-bonding manner, moisture cannot penetrate into the cavity and corrosion of the metal bar cannot occur.

[0029] If the metal bar is shorter than the length of the cavity, then by proper positioning of the metal bar within the cavity, the weight distribution of the manual toothbrush can be determined as desired.

[0030] Preferably, the cavity extends over a length corresponding to at least half the length of the gripping part. If the identifier in such a case has a length not exceeding twice the lateral dimension, the gripping part has an advantageously large internal or hollow space.

[0031] Prominent Recognition According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the recognition object protrudes from the end side of the grip part. This allows the recognition object to be seen better. In addition, the recognition object can be felt, and the user does not have to turn the brush over when he wants to check the recognition object. This can also be easily detected by a photodetector. Therefore, it is possible to attach a surface design (structure) that can be read by a photodetector in a transverse direction to the longitudinal axis of the grip part.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the recognition bodies are sunk into the cavities, thereby forming a so-called "negative" on the end side.

[0033] A further special embodiment of the invention is that the recognition body extends less laterally to the longitudinal axis of the grip part than the grip part. If the recognition body is, for example, mushroom-shaped, the head of the mushroom extends less laterally to the longitudinal axis of the grip part than the end side of the grip part. The mushroom-shaped stem is, for example, formed as an insert.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the gripping end side is inclined at an angle to the gripping longitudinal axis, i.e., not at 90° but, for example, at 70° to the gripping longitudinal axis. Preferably, the identification body is inclined to the longitudinal axis as well. This may be advantageous when the manual toothbrush is sold in a package that is opaque from the bottom and transparent only from the side. The identification body is still somewhat visible from the side due to the inclined end side.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment, the recognition body is made of a different material than the grip part, for example made of a softer material than the grip part, in which case the recognition body is inserted into the cavity, like a wine bottle stopper, at the bottleneck.

[0036] However, the recognition body may also consist of a harder material than the grip part: if the grip part is made of opaque plastic, the recognition body may for example consist of metal or glass or plastic harder than the material of the grip part.

[0037] The grip may, for example, consist of an amorphous plastic (e.g. polyester, ABS, polycarbonate, etc.) and the identifier may consist of a crystalline plastic (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, etc.) In one particular embodiment, the grip consists of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a particular amorphous plastic, which is therefore transparent.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the grip part is substantially rod-shaped, i.e. it is substantially straight and its cross section preferably tapers gradually from the rear (grip part end side) towards the front (brush head). This has the advantage that the wall thickness formed between the cavity and the outside of the grip part is uniform or only varies gradually. This is particularly advantageous when the grip part is a plastic injection-molded part, which can be easily manufactured in this way and allows optimal savings in material.

[0039] Preferably, the cavity in the grip part has a cross section that tapers gradually from the rear (the grip part end side) to the front (the brush head). The cross section tapers, for example, linearly. This is advantageous in terms of production technology (easy manufacture).

[0040] The method according to the invention for manufacturing a manual toothbrush comprises two steps: 1. Manufacturing a grip portion having a cavity by a (first) injection molding tool 2. In a separate step, mechanically inserting the prepared identifier into the cavity.

[0041] The manufacture of the recognition body is separate from the grip part. Other materials may be used that can be manufactured by other methods. The joining is by material bonding.

[0042] Further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention can be seen from the detailed description below and the claims as a whole. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] The drawings are used to explain the embodiments. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a manual toothbrush before a recognition body is inserted. [Figure 2a] 2 is a schematic diagram of the cross section AA of the rear end of the grip portion before the recognition body is inserted. FIG. [Figure 2b]1 is a schematic diagram of the cross section AA of the rear end of the grip portion after the recognition body is inserted. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment having a recognition body with a cross-shaped profile. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a manual toothbrush having a protruding recognition body. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recognition body having a profile (structure) on its outer end surface. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mushroom-shaped recognition body. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a manual toothbrush having a recognition body and a short hollow space mounted flush with one another; [Figure 8a] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a manual toothbrush having a hollow recognition body and a long hollow space mounted flush with each other. [Figure 8b] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a manual toothbrush having a hollow recognition body and a long hollow space mounted flush with each other. [Figure 9a] 1 is an example of a sealed package with a manual toothbrush having a recognition entity. [Figure 9b] 1 is an example of a sealed package with a manual toothbrush having a recognition entity. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a blister package.

[0044] As a general rule, the same components are given the same symbols in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] 1 shows a manual toothbrush 1 consisting of a rod-shaped grip portion 2, a tapered neck portion 3, and a bristle plate 4. The bristle plate 4 is loaded with bristle tufts which project substantially perpendicular to the bristle plate 4. The neck portion 3 is a transition between the grip portion 2 and the bristle plate 4 which has a substantially constant cross section. The neck portion 3 tapers gradually from the grip portion 2 to the bristle plate 4. The grip portion 2, neck portion 3, and bristle plate 4 are one-piece injection molded parts made of plastic.

[0046] Fig. 2a shows a longitudinal section of the grip part 2 and neck part 3 of a manual toothbrush before the recognition body 8 is inserted. As can be seen from Fig. 2a, at the rear end of the grip part 3 there is a grip part end side 5 which closes the grip part 2 transversely to the grip part longitudinal axis 10. In this example, the plane defined by the grip part end side 5 is not perpendicular to the grip part longitudinal axis 10 but is inclined at an angle w. The angle w noted in Fig. 2a is, for example, 70° to 80°.

[0047] At the gripping portion end side 5 a cavity 7 opens out, which cavity 7 extends, for example, over the entire length of the gripping portion 3. That is to say, the gripping portion 3 is substantially tubular.

[0048] The inner surface 7 of the cavity 6 in the region of the gripping end side 5 is substantially smooth and has the shape of an approximately cylindrical hollow channel.

[0049] The recognition body 8 has in this example an octagonal contour 9, i.e. in a cross section perpendicular to the grip part longitudinal axis 10, the recognition body 8 shows an octagon. The covering surface of the recognition body is in this case an octagonal cylinder covering.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer end face 11 is inclined with respect to the grip portion longitudinal axis 10, as is the grip portion end side face 5. The inner end face 12 opposite the outer end face 11 is, for example, substantially parallel to the outer end face and thus is likewise inclined with respect to the grip portion longitudinal axis 10.

[0051] Fig. 2b shows diagrammatically the end of the grip part 2 into which the recognition body 8 is fitted. The coating surface (contour 9) corresponds exactly to the internal cross-section of the cavity 6 at the grip part end side 5. The recognition body 8 can therefore be machined into the cavity 6. The coating surface of the recognition body 8 and the inner surface of the cavity overlap in a material-bonding manner. The recognition body 8 can no longer be manually removed from the grip part.

[0052] In Fig. 2b the grip part 2 is shown after the insertion of the recognition body 8. The grip part end side 5 is aligned with the outer end face 11, i.e. the recognition body 8 does not protrude from the grip part end side 5. It can also be seen that the recognition body 8 is "within" the grip part end side 5. Transversely to the grip part longitudinal axis 10 the recognition body 8 does not extend (transverse dimension d in Fig. 2a) beyond the grip part end side 5 (transverse dimension D in Fig. 2a).

[0053] Figures 2a, b also show the manufacturing method. First (Figure 2a), the grip part 2 (including the neck part 3 and the bristle plate 4) and the recognition body 8 are manufactured separately (for example by injection molding). Afterwards (Figure 2b), the recognition body 8 is inserted into the cavity by machine. The recognition body 8 fits exactly inside the cavity of the grip part.

[0054] 3 shows an embodiment with a recognition body 16 of a cross-shaped profile. The recognition body 16 has, for example, a length at least twice its lateral dimension (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grip part). The cavity 15 in the grip part 13 opens on the grip part end side 14. It is sufficient that only the open area of ​​the cavity 15 forms a cross-shaped channel. In the area where the recognition body 16 does not enter or advance, the cavity can have an octagonal shape, as does the coated side of the grip part 13.

[0055] The recognition body 16 consists, for example, of ceramic. Alternatively, it may consist, for example, of stainless steel or of precious metals. Preferably, a two-component plastic is used.

[0056] 4 shows a longitudinal section of a manual toothbrush, where the gripping portion 17 is directly connected to the bristle plate 18 and tapers linearly from rear to front in cross section. A cavity 19 extends over the entire length of the gripping portion 17. The cavity 19 has the shape of, for example, a steeply inclined truncated cone or a steeply inclined mathematical truncated pyramid with an opening angle of 10°.

[0057] A metal rod 20 is inserted into the cavity 19. The metal rod 20 fills the cavity 19 substantially up to the identification body 21. The latter has its outer end 22 projecting from the grip end face 23 by a projection V, which is, for example, 1 to 2 mm.

[0058] Preferably, the protrusion is less than half the length of the recognition body 16 .

[0059] The protrusion V is preferably equal to or smaller than one-fourth of the maximum lateral dimension of the grip portion terminal side surface.

[0060] The recognition body 22, in the embodiment shown, has a length at least approximately corresponding to its maximum lateral dimension (based on the longitudinal axis of the grip portion). Preferably, the recognition body 16 is at least twice as long as its maximum lateral dimension.

[0061] 5 shows a particular embodiment of the present invention based on a longitudinal section of the rear end of the gripping portion 24 and the recognition body 26. The recognition body 26 has a characteristically profiled outer end surface 27. The characteristic profile protrudes from the gripping portion end side surface 25 and can serve for identification in optical scanning.

[0062] 5 also illustrates an embodiment in which the void 29 in the grip portion 24 is shorter (based on the grip portion longitudinal axis) than the identifier 26, where the identifier 26 completely fills the void and in addition protrudes from the grip portion end side 25.

[0063] 5, an NFC chip 28 is also embedded in the recognition object 26, which can be read by an NFC reader (not shown). In this way, technical information can be stored on the manual toothbrush.

[0064] In Fig. 6, for example, a mushroom-shaped recognition body 30 is shown. It should be noted that the head does not expand with its outer end surface 31 (seen transversely to the longitudinal axis of the grip) beyond the end surface 32 of the grip. The mushroom-shaped stem is formed as an insert (with a substantially cylindrical covering surface). According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the recognition body 30 protrudes (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grip) from the end surface 32 of the grip.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the channel-shaped cavity 33 has a length L that is significantly shorter than the length of the grip part measured from the base end (A) to the neck transition (B). For example, the length L is about 2 / 3 to 3 / 4 of the length of the grip part. In this way, sufficient stability of the grip part is possible while at the same time saving material. The neck transition (B) is visible from the outside, for example, by the beginning of a significant taper in cross section. The recognition body 34 is clamped into the end of the cavity 33. Its outer end is flush with the base end of the grip part, which runs at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the grip part.

[0066] Fig. 8a shows an embodiment in which the channel-shaped cavity 35 has a length L that is significantly longer than the length of the gripping portion measured from the base end (A) to the neck transition (B). That is, the cavity 35 extends into the neck portion 37, and the cavity 35 has a higher conicity in the neck portion 37 than in the gripping portion. The neck portion 37 extends to the bend angle (C) at the transition between the neck portion and the brush head. The longer cavity length makes it possible to optimize the weight distribution of the manual toothbrush, if necessary. In particular, the cavity can be filled area by area with a material that has a higher density than the gripping portion.

[0067] 8b shows an enlarged view of the rear end of the grip part. In the open area 38, the free cross section of the cavity is larger than the adjoining inner area of ​​the cavity 35. This forms a shoulder 39 which serves as a stop for the recognition body 36. The length of the open area 38 thus corresponds to the length of the recognition body 36. The recognition body 36 is thereby placed in the cavity with its outer end flush with the base end of the grip part.

[0068] Fig. 9a shows a sealed package with a manual toothbrush having an identification body. The manual toothbrush 39 may be formed, for example, like one of the embodiments described above. The manual toothbrush 39 is stored in a sealed package consisting, according to Fig. 9a, 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, shape-stable and forms the hollow space necessary to accommodate the manual toothbrush 39. According to a preferred embodiment, the package is sealed such that the contents are substantially air-tight packed. This has the advantage that the manual toothbrush is not only protected from unwanted tampering with the identification body, but also remains hygienic until the opening of the package.

[0069] Fig. 9b shows an embodiment in which several manual toothbrushes 42 are stored in a common sealed packaging 43. The packaging may consist of cardboard. In the region of the base end of the manual toothbrushes 42, the packaging 43, which is not transparent per se, has an opening 44 through which the identification body is visible from the outside. The cover 43.1 is formed, for example, by a cardboard sheet glued with the rest of the packaging.

[0070] 10 shows diagrammatically a manual toothbrush 45 according to the invention contained within a blister pack 46. The blister pack is formed by a flexible plastic film which encases the manual toothbrush 45.

[0071] The options collected in Fig. 5 (dimensions of the cavity, profiled end side, NFC chip) can of course be used independently of each other. It can also be intended in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4 that the cavity in the grip part is just as big as the part of the recognition body that is to be sunk in the grip part. That is to say, in the finished manufactured state, there is no hollow space in the grip part. That is to say, in the embodiment of Fig. 4, instead of a metal bar there will be the material of the grip part (solid body).

[0072] As a modification of FIG. 2a, the inner surface 7 of the cavity 6 in the region of the gripping portion end side 5 may also have annular circumferential ribs in order to improve the material bond to the corresponding annular region.

[0073] In the embodiment, the material connection between the recognition body and the grip part is provided mainly on the substantially cylindrical covering surface of the recognition body. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the material connection (e.g. by gluing or welding) may also be provided on the inner end surface of the recognition body.

[0074] To recap, in short, the present invention provides a simple toothbrush with a recognition body that can be used for a variety of purposes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 Manual Toothbrush 2 Grip section 3 Neck 4 Hair Plate 5 Grip end side 6 Vacancies 7. Inside 8 Recognizer 9. Contours 10 Grip section vertical axis 11 Outer end surface 12 Inner end surface 13 Grip section 14 Grip end side 15 Vacant Space 16 Recognizer 17 Grip section 18 Hair Plate 19 Vacant Space 20 metal rod 21 Recognizer 22 Outer edge 23 Grip end surface 24 Grip section 25 Grip end side 26 Recognizer 27 Outer end face 28 NFC chip 29 Vacant Space 30 recognition body 31 Outer end face 32 Grip end side 33 Vacant Space 34 Recognizer 35 Vacant Space 36 Recognizer 37 Neck 38 Opening area 39 Manual Toothbrush 40 Plastic Tray 41 Cardboard Sheet 42 Manual Toothbrush 43 Packaging 43.1 Cover 44 Aperture 45 Manual Toothbrush 46 Blister Packaging A Base End B Neck transition C bending angle D Horizontal dimension E plane L Length V protrusion w Angle

Claims

1. A manual toothbrush (1) comprising an elongated grip portion (2) defining a geometrical longitudinal grip portion axis (10), the grip portion (2) having a cavity (6) and a grip portion end side (5) lying transversely to the grip portion longitudinal axis (10), characterized in that a recognition element (8) is fixed to the grip portion end side (5) in a manner that makes it impossible to manually remove it, in particular by means of a material bond.

2. 2. The manual toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the recognition body (8) is an insert that fits exactly within the cavity (6) when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (10) of the grip portion.

3. 2. The manual toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the recognition entity (26) includes an electronically detectable or readable element (28).

4. 2. A manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition body (16) has a polygonal contour transversely to the longitudinal axis (10) of the gripping part.

5. 2. A manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the length (L) of said cavity is at least several times the length of said recognition body (8).

6. 2. A manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (6) extends over a length (L) corresponding to at least half the length of the grip part (2).

7. 2. The manual toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein the recognition body (21) protrudes (V) from the end side surface (23) of the grip portion.

8. 2. The manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition body (8) extends less (d) laterally to the longitudinal axis (10) of the gripping portion than the gripping portion (2, D).

9. 2. A manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping portion end side (5) is inclined at an angle (w) relative to the gripping portion longitudinal axis (10).

10. 2. The manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition body (8) is made of a material different from that of the grip part (2).

11. 2. A manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping portion (17) is substantially rod-shaped and preferably has a cross section that gradually tapers from rear to front.

12. 2. A manual toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (19) in the gripping portion (17) has a cross section that gradually tapers from rear to front.

13. 13. A method for manufacturing a manual toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the gripping portion having a cavity is manufactured using a first injection molding tool, and the recognition body is mechanically inserted into the cavity in a separate step.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identifier is manufactured using a second injection molding tool, and then the identifier is inserted into the cavity of the grip portion in a materially bonded manner.

15. A sealed sales package containing a manual toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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