HANDLE FOR A PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENT AND PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENT

Abstract

A handle for a personal care implement has a longitudinal extension between a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is opposite the distal end and is closest to a head permanently or releasably attached to the handle. The handle has an external lateral surface with a three-dimensional surface structure, wherein the surface structure comprises at least two continuous wave bands with alternating concave and convex curvatures forming wave crests and wave troughs, respectively. The wave bands extend along the longitudinal extension of the handle.

Description

HANDLE FOR A PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENT AND PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENT Field of invention This description relates to a handle for a personal care implement. The handle has an external side surface with a three-dimensional surface structure. This description also relates to a personal care implement comprising such a handle. Background of the invention Personal care implements, such as toothbrushes, are well-known in the field. Generally, the tufts of bristles for cleaning teeth are attached to a bristle carrier or mounting surface of a brush head intended for insertion into the user's oral cavity. A handle is usually attached to the head, which the user holds while brushing. For effective use of a personal care implement, proper maneuverability is crucial. Generally, the shape, dimensions, and bending rigidity of the handle significantly impact maneuverability and user comfort. Typically, the handles of personal care implements, such as toothbrushes, are shaped like a straight rod that a user can easily grip and manipulate as needed. However, history has shown that such handles are neither comfortable to grip nor easy to maneuver within the user's oral cavity. For example, to achieve and maintain good oral health, and to prevent gingivitis, it is important to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, such as the back molar region. Furthermore, the spaces between the teeth and the periodontium, known as the gingival sulcus, must be thoroughly cleaned, which requires a good and well-coordinated brushing technique. It is known that insufficient removal of dental plaque in the gingival sulcus can cause gingivitis, that is, inflammation of the gum tissue. In addition, it is known that users employ different brushing techniques, and therefore, it is critical to identify the optimal ergonomics of a toothbrush handle to provide a comfortable feel during brushing when using all types of brushing techniques. It has also been observed in the past that toothbrushes can easily slip through the hand if they become wet during use, resulting in less comfort for the consumer and poor handling performance. Furthermore, the center of gravity of ordinary toothbrushes is relatively close to the brush head, particularly when the head is loaded with toothpaste. Because the center of gravity is so close to the brush head, the toothbrush bears the weight and can easily tip over once toothpaste is applied. The toothpaste can then stain the surface on which the brush is placed. To prevent the loaded toothbrush from tipping over, additional geometric structures, such as stops or support structures, are necessary. Some toothbrushes have such structures in the form of ridges attached to the head. However, these additional ridges can cause discomfort in the mouth during brushing and are less aesthetically pleasing. It is an objective of the present description to provide a handle for a personal care implement, e.g., a toothbrush handle, that overcomes at least one of the disadvantages mentioned above. It is also an objective of the present description to provide a personal care implement comprising such a handle. It is also an objective of the present description to provide an oral care implement that does not tip over when loaded with toothpaste and placed on a substantially flat surface. Furthermore, the implement for the MA / a / ZUZZ / υΊ ouou oral care should provide more comfort and a better perception of quality, as well as better maneuverability in the cavity for oral care during brushing. Brief description of the invention According to one aspect, a handle is provided for a personal care implement. The handle has a longitudinal extension that extends between a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is opposite the distal end and is closer to a head permanently or loosely attached to the handle. The handle further has an external lateral surface with a three-dimensional surface structure. The surface structure comprises at least two continuous wavebands with alternating concave and convex curvatures forming wave crests and wave troughs, respectively. The wavebands extend along the longitudinal extension of the handle. According to one aspect, a personal care implement is provided; the personal care implement comprises such a handle and a head. Brief description of the figures The invention is described in more detail below with reference to various embodiments and figures, where: Figure 1 shows a top-down view of an illustrative embodiment of an oral care implement comprising a handle according to the present description; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the oral care implement of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an elevated view of a wave section of the oral care implement handle of Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows cross-sectional views LL, MM, NN, 0-0, PP and QQ taken through the longitudinal extension of the oral care implement handle of Figure 1. Detailed description of the invention The handle according to the present description is suitable for use in connection with a personal care implement, for example, in connection with an oral care implement which may be a manual or electric toothbrush. As used in this description, “personal care implement” refers to any implement that can be used for personal hygiene purposes. Suitable examples include toothbrushes, dental floss, toothpicks, razors, and clippers. For example, a personal care implement may be manually operated or battery / electrically powered. If the implement is electrically powered, it may include a battery located within an internal cavity of a handle housing. For example, electric toothbrushes offer the advantage of assisting users during brushing and can facilitate better cleaning of the teeth and gums, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. The handle, as described herein, has a longitudinal extension between a distal and a proximal end. The proximal end is opposite the distal end and is defined as the end closest to a head. The head can be permanently attached to the handle. Alternatively, the head can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the handle, e.g., by means of a snap-fit ​​locking mechanism that provides a sufficiently strong connection. ML / a / ZUZZ / U 1 ouou stability between the brush head and handle to allow a user to perform, for example, a brushing action. If the brush head can be attached freely, the handle of the personal care implement can be adapted for use over a longer period of time compared to common implements, such as ordinary toothbrushes that are discarded after approximately three months of use. The replacement brush head can be exchanged regularly. This provides a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable personal care implement that offers both high-quality handle solutions and cost-saving opportunities, since only the brush head needs to be replaced after a certain period of use. The handle has an external lateral surface with a three-dimensional surface structure that extends along its longitudinal length. This surface structure comprises at least two continuous wave bands with alternating concave and convex curvatures, forming wave crests and wave troughs, respectively. In other words, the alternating wave crests and wave troughs form depressions / grooves and elevations, respectively. These depressions and elevations extend radially from the center of the handle (the radial direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the handle). The wave bands extend along the longitudinal length of the handle, for example, over a length of approximately 90 mm to approximately 140 mm, or from approximately 100 mm to approximately 130 mm, or from approximately 110 mm to approximately 120 mm. The three-dimensional surface structure may feature 10 to 14 wave bands, or 12 wave bands, for example, arranged circumferentially side by side. Such a structure can provide enhanced gripping properties. The surface structure can also extend over the entire circumference of the handle to provide superior and comfortable handling properties. In other words, multiple wave bands can be arranged circumferentially side by side.If a user holds the handle in their hand, several grip styles and rotating handle positions are possible; all grip styles benefit from the same overall pleasant feel and improved handling properties during use. The wave bands can be separated from each other by a bridge / edge that extends along the longitudinal length of the handle. Two adjacent bridges / edges can define the width of a band. The alternating convex and concave curves along the length of the handle, in connection with the bridges / edges, also provide the handle with enhanced anti-slip properties during use, particularly in wet conditions. Handling, maneuverability, and rotation are significantly improved. If the personal care implement is an oral care tool, water, paste, and slurry can be easily drained during and after use, as each wave band can be provided without edges along its length. The maximum width can vary from approximately 3 mm to approximately 6 mm, or from approximately 4 mm to approximately 5 mm, or it can be approximately 4.4 mm, while the minimum width can vary from approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm, or it can be approximately 1.5 mm. One or more edges can extend along the length of the handle in a substantially sinusoidal manner when viewed from above on the outer side surface of the handle. In other words, the continuous wave bands can be positioned so that the maximum width of one wave band is adjacent to the minimum width of the adjacent wave band. If at least two bridges / edges are arranged sinusoidally and anticyclically relative to each other, such a surface structure provides additional anti-slip properties through its unique surface pattern / structure.Furthermore, the surface structure prevents accidental rolling or falling when the brush is placed on a surface, e.g., with toothpaste on the brush head. If the width of a wave band is approximately one-third of the handle diameter, this structure provides superior bristle properties. For example, the width of the wave band might be approximately 4 mm for a handle diameter of approximately 11.5 mm. The wave crest and / or wave valley can have a height of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm, or approximately 0.15 mm. An adjacent wave crest and wave valley, forming a wave section, can have a length of approximately 8 mm to approximately 15 mm, or approximately 11 mm to approximately 12 mm, or approximately 11.5 mm. Such a structure can provide superior rinsing capacity since the suspension and paste can hardly accumulate in the crevices formed by the smoothly alternating convex and concave curves. In addition, such wave bands provide adequate space to securely place the thumb / fingertip or other parts of the fingers in the crevices formed by the wave valleys. The wave bands can act as an integrated thumb rest during use of the personal care implement. The handle is provided with improved handling properties, e.g.With anti-slip properties to improve the maneuverability of the personal care implement in wet conditions, e.g., when the user is brushing their teeth. There is no need to provide a separate / additional thumb support, e.g., made from a thermoplastic elastomeric material and / or polypropylene. This surface geometry facilitates rotation of the handle in the hand while providing a secure position for the fingers, as the alternating concave and convex curves act as a gripping structure that prevents the implement from slipping. The wave bands can be arranged so that the wave crests and wave troughs alternate around the circumference of the handle. In other words, one wave band is offset from the next by a distance equivalent to half a wave section. Such a surface structure provides a uniform pattern. A user can grip the handle in any way and in any orientation if the wave bands are provided around the entire circumference of the handle. The grooves provided by MA / a / ZUZZ / UI ouou the wave valleys serve as thumb supports while the bridges that separate each wave band from the other band can serve as a stop. The handle can have a substantially cylindrical shape, allowing for universal handling and ease of rotation of the handle in the hand during use. The handle may have a substantially flat lower surface at its distal end (with a 0° angle of pull), extending substantially perpendicular to the handle's length. This configuration allows the handle to be placed upright on its lower surface. For example, after using an oral care implement, the user usually stores the wet implement in a toothbrush cup to dry. However, in a standard toothbrush cup, the drained fluids collect and accumulate at the bottom, remaining in contact with the implement for a longer period. Since the cup is open only on one side, the toothbrush dries relatively slowly.Bacteria that thrive in moist environments can grow rapidly, contaminating the implement and ultimately rendering it unhygienic. However, a handle that can be placed on its underside provides a solution for hygienic storage and drying, allowing residual water, toothpaste slurry, and saliva to drain away. The implement can then dry quickly, inhibiting bacterial growth and making the oral care implement more hygienic. The implement, as described herein, is exposed to moist conditions for a significantly shorter period of time. The lower surface can be substantially circular with a certain diameter. The diameter can be from approximately 9 mm to approximately 14 mm, or approximately 11.5 mm, allowing for an attractive design, improved maneuverability and tactile comfort, and good stability when the implement is placed in a vertical position. A surface structure according to the present description can be provided by conventional manufacturing techniques, such as injection molding. For example, the handle incorporating the surface structure can be manufactured from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), and / or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile resin), e.g., by injection molding. The PET material can be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. The PP material can be translucent and / or opaque. The SAN material can be transparent, translucent, and / or opaque. The handle and / or surface structure may be provided with a high-gloss surface finish and / or erosion-polished to allow for easy rinsing of water, paste, and other residues, thus maintaining the implement clean and hygienic. Furthermore, a combination of a surface structure with variable surface angles, as described herein, with a high-gloss surface finish enhances light reflection, providing greater product appeal. If the personal care implement is a toothbrush, the dental cleaning elements, e.g., a bundle of filaments forming one or more tufts, can be attached to the brush head by a hot-tuft manufacturing process. A method for manufacturing the brush head with tufts of filaments embedded in it may comprise the following steps: In a first step, the tufts are formed by providing the desired quantity of filaments. In a second step, the tufts are placed in a mold cavity so that the ends of the filaments intended to be attached to the brush head extend into that cavity. The opposite ends of the filaments that do not extend into the cavity may have rounded or unrounded ends. For example, the filaments may have unrounded ends if they are tapered filaments with a pointed tip.In a third stage, the head is formed around the ends of the filaments extending into the mold cavity using an injection molding process, thus anchoring the tufts to the head. Alternatively, the tufts can be anchored by forming a first part of the head, called a "seal plate," around the ends of the filaments extending into the mold cavity using an injection molding process before forming the remaining part of the oral care implement. Before the injection molding process begins, the ends of the tufts extending into the mold cavity can optionally be melted or melt-bonded to join the filaments together into a molten mass or ball so that the molten masses or balls meet within the cavity.The tufts can be held in the mold cavity by a mold bar with blind holes that correspond to the desired position of the tufts on the finished head of the oral care implement. In other words, the tufts, attached to the head by a hot-insertion process, are not bent in the center along their length nor are they mounted to the head using an anchor / staple. The tufts are mounted to the head by an anchorless tufting process. Alternatively, the head of the oral care implement may be provided with a bristle carrier having at least one tuft hole, e.g., a blind-end bore. A tuft comprising a plurality of filaments may be attached / anchored in said tuft hole by a tuft-anchoring process. This means that the tuft filaments are twisted / bent around an anchor, e.g., an anchor plate or anchor wire, for example, made of metal, in a substantially U-shape. 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 securing / anchoring / fastening them in the bristle carrier. The anchor may be secured to the opposite side walls by positive and frictional coupling.If the tuft hole is a blind-ended hole, the anchor holds the filaments against the bottom of the hole. In other words, the anchor rests on the U-shaped bend at a substantially perpendicular angle. Since the tuft filaments bend around the anchor in a substantially U-shaped configuration, a first and second end of each filament extend from the bristle carrier in the filament direction. Filament types suitable for use in a stapling process are also called "double-sided filaments." Oral care implement heads manufactured using a stapling process can be provided in a relatively low-cost and time-efficient manner. The following is a non-limiting discussion of an illustrative modality of an oral care implement and parts thereof, according to the present description, where reference is made to the figures. Figures 1 and 2 show a top-down and perspective view of a personal care implement 10, respectively, in this specific modality a manual oral care implement, i.e., a toothbrush 10. The toothbrush 10 comprises a handle 12 and a head 14 that is integrally formed with the handle 12. The handle 12 of the toothbrush 10 has a longitudinal extension 16 that extends between a distal end 18 and a proximal end 20. The proximal end 20 is opposite the distal end 18 and is closest to the head 14 permanently attached to the handle 12. The handle 12 has an external lateral surface 22 with a three-dimensional surface structure 24. The surface structure 24 comprises at least two continuous wavebands 26 with alternating concave and convex curvatures forming wave crests 28 and wave troughs 30, respectively. The wavebands 26 extend along the longitudinal extent 16 of the handle 12. The surface structure 24 may comprise from 10 to 14, preferably 12, continuous wavebands 26. The alternating convex and concave curvatures forming wave crests 28 and wave troughs 30, respectively, are illustrated in the cross-sectional views LL to QQ of Figure 4 in conjunction with Figure 1. ML / a / ZUZZ / U 1 ouou A wave crest 28 and an adjacent wave valley 30 form a wave section 36 (see Figure 3). Each wave section 36 can be approximately 8 mm to approximately 15 mm long, or approximately 11 mm to approximately 12 mm, or approximately 11.5 mm long. Alternating wave crests 28 and wave valleys 30 form depressions / grooves and elevations, respectively. The wave crests 28 extend from the center 52 of the handle in a radial direction 54 to provide enhanced gripping properties. While the wave crests 28 can provide anti-slip properties, the wave valleys 30 can serve as grooves for positioning and supporting the fingers / thumb. The wave crest 28 can have a height 38 of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm, or of approximately 0.15 mm to approximately 1.5 mm, or of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1 mm, or approximately 0.15 mm. The wave trough 30 can have a height 40 of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm, or of approximately 0.15 mm to approximately 1.5 mm, or of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1 mm, or approximately 0.15 mm. The wave bands 26 are separated from each other by a rim / bridge 32 that extends along the longitudinal extension 16 of the handle 12. Two adjacent rims 32 define the width extension 34 of a band 26 (see Figure 3). The maximum width extension 341 can be from approximately 3 mm to approximately 6 mm, or from approximately 4 mm to approximately 5 mm, or approximately 4.4 mm. The minimum width extension 342 can be from approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the edges 32 extend along the length 16 of the handle 12 in a substantially sinusoidal manner when viewed from a top-down perspective on the outer lateral surface 22 of the handle 12. The edges 32 are arranged sinusoidally and anticyclically relative to each other, such that a maximum width 341 of one waveband 26 is adjacent to the minimum width 342 of the adjacent waveband 26. In other words, one waveband 26 is offset toward the next adjacent band by a distance equivalent to half a wave section 36. Consequently, the wave crests 28 and wave troughs 30 alternate along a circumference 42 of the handle 12 and provide a uniform pattern / surface structure 24. This alternating structure provides enhanced anti-slip properties.The wave bands 26 can act as integrated thumb rests while using the toothbrush 10. The toothbrush 10 can be held and rotated in any position while still providing the same grip benefits. Furthermore, the surface structure 24 prevents unintentional rolling or falling when the toothbrush 10 is placed on a surface, e.g., with toothpaste on the brush head 14. If the width 34 of a wave band 26 is approximately one-third of the handle diameter 50, such a structure provides superior grip properties. For example, the width 34 of the wave band 26 can be approximately 4 mm for a handle diameter 50 of approximately 11.5 mm. The handle 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape 44 with a substantially flat lower surface 46 at the distal end 18 of the handle 12. The lower surface 46 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension 16 of the handle 12. The lower surface 46 has a substantially circular shape 48. The diameter 50 of the circular lower surface 46 can be from approximately 9 mm to approximately 14 mm, or approximately 11.5 mm. The handle 12 can be easily placed on the lower surface 46 in a vertical position for hygienic storage and drying, thus allowing residual water, toothpaste slurry, and saliva to drain away. The toothbrush 10 can dry quickly, thereby inhibiting bacterial growth and making the brush more hygienic. The toothbrush 10 is exposed to wet conditions for a significantly shorter period of time. Toothbrush 10 can be manufactured by injection molding. For example, the handle 12, which includes the surface structure 24, can be manufactured from any ML / a / ZUZZ / UI ouou of the following materials: PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene) and / or SAN (styrene acrylonitrile resin). The material may be transparent, translucent and / or opaque, with or without metallic effects. In addition, the handle 12 can be provided with a high-gloss surface finish and / or erosion polished to allow for easy rinsing of water, paste, and other residues to keep the implement clean and hygienic. A surface structure 24 with variable surface angles provided by alternating wave crests and wave valleys, as described herein, along with a high-gloss surface finish, enhances light reflection, providing greater product appeal. In the context of this description, the term “substantially” refers to an arrangement of elements or characteristics that, while theoretically they might be expected to exhibit exact correspondence or behavior, may, in practice, embody something slightly less than exact. As such, the term denotes the degree to which a quantitative value, measurement, or other related representation may differ from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the matter under discussion. The dimensions and values ​​described herein should not be understood as strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​stated. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions shall mean both the stated value and a functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension described as “40 mm” shall be understood to mean “approximately 40 mm.”

Claims

1. A handle (12) for a personal care implement (10), the handle (12) having a longitudinal extension (16) extending between a distal end (18) and a proximal end (20), the proximal end (20) being opposite the distal end (18) and closer to a head (14) permanently or releasably coupled to the handle (12), the handle (12) further having an external lateral surface (22) with a three-dimensional surface structure (24), wherein the surface structure (24) comprises at least two continuous wavebands (26) with alternating concave and convex curvatures forming wave crests (28) and wave troughs (30), respectively, the wavebands (26) extending along the longitudinal extension (16) of the handle (12).

2. A handle (12) of claim 1, wherein the surface structure (24) comprises from 10 to 14, preferably 12 continuous wave bands (26).

3. A handle (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wavebands (26) are separated from each other by an edge (32) extending along the longitudinal extension (16) of the handle (12), two adjacent edges (32) defining an extension of the width (34) of a waveband (26).

4. A handle (12) of claim 3, wherein a maximum width extension (341) is from approximately 3 mm to approximately 6 mm, preferably from approximately 4 mm to approximately 5 mm, more preferably approximately 4.4 mm.

5. A handle (12) of claim 3 or 4, wherein a minimum width extension (342) is from approximately 1 mm to approximately 3 mm, preferably approximately 1.5 mm. MA / a / ZUZZ / υΊ ouou 6. A handle (12) of any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the rim (32) extends along the longitudinal extension (16) of the handle (12) in a substantially sinusoidal manner when viewed from a top-down view over the outer side surface (22) of the handle (12).

7. A handle (12) of claim 6, wherein at least two edges (32) are arranged in a sinusoidal and anticyclic manner relative to each other.

8. A handle (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein a wave crest (28) and an adjacent wave trough (30) form a wave section (36), the wave section (36) having a length (37) of approximately 8 mm to approximately 15 mm, preferably from approximately 11 mm to approximately 12 mm, more preferably approximately 11.5 mm.

9. A handle (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wave crest (28) has a height (38) of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm, preferably approximately 0.15 mm, and / or the wave trough (30) has a height (40) of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 2 mm, preferably approximately 0.15 mm.

10. A handle (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the wavebands (26) are arranged so that the wave crests (28) and wave troughs (30) alternate along a circumference (42) of the handle (12).

11. A handle (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (12) has a substantially cylindrical shape (44).

12. A handle (12) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (12) has a substantially flat lower surface (46) at the distal end (18) of the handle (12), the lower surface (46) extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (16) of the handle (12).

13. A handle (12) of claim 12, wherein the lower surface (46) has a substantially circular shape (48), preferably with a diameter (50) of approximately 9 mm to approximately 14 mm, more preferably approximately 11.5 mm.

14. A personal care implement (10) comprising a handle (12) according to any of the preceding claims and a head (14).

15. A personal care implement (10) according to claim 14, wherein the personal care implement (10) is an oral care implement (10), preferably a toothbrush (10).

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