Personal care implement

Abstract

A personal care implement may include a body member and a cover member. The body member may include a handle portion and a head portion, The handle portion may have a cavity and a first opening that forms a passageway into the cavity. The cover member may be coupled to the body member to close the first opening. The handle may have a hollow interior. The cover member may include a cover body and a cover grip member. The cover grip member may have a front side and a rear side, the rear side having a basin portion with a basin floor that is recessed. The cover grip member may have varied thickness at different locations thereof. The cover grip member may be thinner at the center and thicker along the periphery. The cover grip member may have a thickness gradient that decreases moving in a radially inward direction.

Description

PERSONAL CARE IMPLEMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 675,952, filed July 26, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Personal care implements such as toothbrushes arc commonly formed with a hard plastic body and an elastomeric grip. There is a desire in the industry to reduce the volume of materials used in such products to decrease product weight, material costs, and the like. The invention described herein seeks to reduce the amount of material used in personal care implements such as toothbrushes without negatively affecting consumer enjoyment during use of the same. The invention described herein may offer improvements for user experience and grip comfort during personal care activities.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention is directed to a personal care implement which may include a handle and a head. The handle may be formed from a body member and a cover member that are coupled together so that the handle has a hollow interior. The cover member may include a cover body formed from a rigid material and a cover grip member coupled to the cover body. The cover grip member may have variations in thickness to enhance grip feel and consumer experience during use of the personal care implement.

[0004] In one aspect, the invention may be a personal care implement comprising: a body member comprising a handle portion and a head portion, the handle portion comprising a cavity and a first opening that forms a first passageway into the cavity; a cover member configured to be coupled to the body member to close the first opening of the handle portion, the cover member comprising: a cover body comprising a front surface, a real' surface opposite the front surface, and an aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface; and a cover grip member coupled to the cover body to close the aperture, the cover grip member comprising a front side and a rear side, the rear side comprising a basin portion that is defined by a basin floorand an annular sidewall that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor, the basin floor being recessed relative to a distal end of the annular sidewall

[0005] In another aspect, the invention may be a personal care implement comprising: a personal care implement comprising: a head; a handle coupled to the head, the handle comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a cavity, a first opening in the front surface that forms a first passageway into the cavity, and a second opening in the rear- surface that forms a second passageway into the cavity; a first grip member coupled to the front surface of the handle to cover the first opening, the first grip member comprising a front side and a rear side; and a second grip member coupled to the rear surface of the handle to cover the second opening, the second grip member comprising a front side and a rear side, the rear side of the first and second grip members facing each other; wherein the rear side of each of the first and second grip members comprises a basin portion comprising a basin floor and an annular wall that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor, the basin floor being recessed relative to a distal end of the annular wall.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the invention may be a personal care implement comprising: a handle comprising a cavity and a front surface having a first opening that forms a first passageway into the cavity; a first grip member coupled to the front surface of the handle to cover the first opening, the first grip member comprising a front surface, a rear surface, and a first thickness measured between the front and rear surfaces, wherein for at least a central portion of the first grip member, the first thickness comprises a first thickness gradient that decreases moving in a radially inward direction from a periphery of the central portion of the first grip member towards a center of the central portion of the first grip member.

[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a personal care implement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the personal care implement of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a main structural body of the personal care implement of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a grip member of the personal care implement of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the grip member of FIG. 4;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI- VI of FIG. 4;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 4;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII- VIII of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of area IX of FIG. 8;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 9

[0019] FIG. 11 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 11.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0022] The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which arc to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to theexemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a personal care implement 1000 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplified embodiment, the personal care implement 1000 is a toothbrush, and more particularly a manual toothbrush. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the personal care implement 1000 may take on other forms and be used for other purposes in other embodiments. For example, the personal care implement 1000 may be an electric toothbrush in some alternative embodiments. In still other embodiments, the personal care implement 1000 may perform other functions, such as being a flosser device, a tooth scraper, a tongue cleaner, or any of the various other tools that are commonly used for oral care. In yet other embodiments, the personal care implement 1000 may be an implement used for personal care unrelated to the mouth, such as being a razor, an applicator, a hairbrush, or the like. The invention described herein relates predominately to the handle of the personal care implement 1000, and thus the invention can be incorporated into implements of varying types which have handles for gripping regardless of the functional task for which the implement is used.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the personal care implement 1000 may comprise a body member 100 that extends from a top end 101 to a bottom end 102 along a longitudinal axis A-A and a cover member 200 that is configured to be coupled to the body member 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the body member 100 comprises a handle portion 103 and a head portion 104. The cover member 200 may be configured to be coupled to the handle portion 103 of the body member 100. The handle portion 102 of the body member 100 and the cover member 200 may collectively form a handle 10 of the personal care implement 1000. The handle 10 may be at least partially hollow, with an empty space (i.e., air filled space) defined between the cover member 200 and the body member 100. The head portion 104 of the body member 100 may form a head 20 of the personal care implement. The body member 100 may be an integral, monolithic component that comprises the handle portion 103 and the head portion 104. The body member 100 may be formed from a rigid material, such as for example a hard plastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like, or wood, metal, or other rigid materials.

[0025] The handle 10 of the personal care implement 1000 is the portion that is gripped by a user during use, and the head 20 of the personal care implement 1000 is the portion that performs a particular function, such as tooth cleaning, shaving, application of a composition onto a surface, hair brushing, etc. In the exemplified embodiment, the head 20 is formed integrally with the handle portion 103 of the body member as a single unitary structure using a molding, milling, machining or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the handle 10 and the head 20 may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the ail, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. In still other embodiments, the head 20 may be detachable from the handle 10 such that replacement or refill heads may be utilized to prolong the lifespan of the handle 10 and / or enable the use of different heads with different functional components (different bristle configurations, or even different uses such as a toothbrush head and a shaver head).

[0026] The head 20 comprises a front surface 21 and a rear surface 22 opposite the front surface 21. In the exemplified embodiment, the personal care implement 1000 is a toothbrush and as such the head 20 of the personal care implement 1000 is provided with tooth cleaning elements 23 extending therefrom. In particular, the tooth cleaning elements 23 are coupled to the head 20 and extend from the front surface 21 of the head 20. The exact structure, pattern, orientation and material of the tooth cleaning elements 23 is not to be limiting of the present invention in all embodiments. As used herein, the term "tooth cleaning elements" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth and / or soft oral tissue (e.g., tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of “tooth cleaning elements” include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and / or structures containing such materials or combinations. Suitable elastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of the tooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material fromother manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used.

[0027] The tooth cleaning elements 23 of the present invention can be connected to the head 20 in any manner known in the art. For example, staples / anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT), anchor free tufting (AFT), or pressure, temperature, time (PTT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements / tooth engaging elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. In PTT, the filaments are arranged in a tuft pattern, and then the individual filaments are melted together to form tufts that have a mushroom shaped end. The tufts are then inserted into pre-cored holes of a toothbrush head. Next, pressure and heat are applied for a particular amount of time, during which the surface of the brush head shapes itself to enclose the mushroom shaped ends of the tufts, thereby holding them firmly. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this invention. The tooth cleaning elements 23 may include lamella formed from an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, or the like.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the head 20 may also include a soft tissue cleaner 24 coupled to or positioned on its rear surface 22. In certain other embodiments, the soft tissue cleaner 24 may include protuberances, which can take the form of elongated ridges, nubs, or combinations thereof. The soft tissue cleaner 24 may comprise a pad portion and a plurality of nubs protruding from the pad portion (see, for example, FIG. 8). The soft tissue cleaner 24 may be formed entirely from a thermoplastic elastomer or other elastomeric material. In some embodiments the personal care implement 1000 may not include any soft tissue cleanser, or a soft tissue cleaner formed by ridges, nubs, grooves, or the like may be formed directly into the hard plastic of the body member 100.

[0029] The body member 100 may be formed of a rigid plastic material, such as for example without limitation polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of course, the invention is not to be solimited in all embodiments and the body member 100 may be formed from other materials, such as wood, metal, or the like in various other embodiments. The handle 10 may comprise a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, over portions of or the entirety of the body member 100 to enhance the gripability of the handle 10 during use. For example, portions of the body member 100 and / or the cover member 200 that are typically gripped by a user’s fingers and / or palm during use may be overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to further increase comfort to a user.

[0030] The handle 10 of the personal care implement 1000 may comprise a gripping portion 11, a neck portion 12, and a thumb grip portion 13. The thumb grip portion 13 may be located axially between the gripping portion 11 and the neck portion 12. The gripping portion 11 may comprise the bottom end 102 of the body member 101 and may extend to a bottom end the thumb grip portion 13. The neck portion 12 may extend from a top end of the thumb grip portion 13 to the head 20. Each of the gripping, neck, and thumb grip portions 11, 12, 13 may form an axial section of the handle 10, with the thumb grip portion 13 being located axially in between the gripping and neck portions 11, 12. The gripping portion 11 may be the axial portion of the handle 10 where the user’s fingers wrap around the handle 10 during use, the thumb grip portion 13 may be the axial portion of the handle 10 where the user’s thumb and forefinger are positioned during use, and the neck portion 12 may be connected directly to the head 20. The gripping portion 11 may have a greater length than each of the thumb grip and neck portions 12, 13. The thumb grip and neck portions 12, 13 may be similar in length to one another (plus or minus up to a 10% differential).

[0031] The cover member 200 may comprise a cover body 210 and a cover grip member 250 that is coupled to the cover body 210. The personal care implement 1000 may further comprise a body grip member 90. Further details of the cover member 200 and the body grip member 90 will be provided later with reference to FIGS. 4-7.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the body member 100 will be further described. The body member 100 may comprise a front surface 110 and a rear surface 111 opposite the front surface 110. The handle portion 103 of the body member 100 may comprise a cavity 120. The cavity 120 may be defined by a cavity floor 121 and a cavity sidewall 122 that extends from the cavity floor 121 to the front surface 110. The handle portion 103 of the body member 100 may comprise a first opening 123 that forms a passageway into the cavity 120. The first opening 123may be formed in the front surface 1 10 of the body member 100. The first opening 123 (and the cavity 120) may be elongated in a direction of the longitudinal axis A-A. The first opening 123 and the cavity 121 may extend continuously along the gripping portion 11 of the handle 10 and the thumb grip portion 13 of the handle 10.

[0033] The body member 110 may further comprise a second opening 130 in the rear surface 111. The second opening 130 may form a second passageway into the cavity 120. The body grip member 90 may be coupled to the body member 100 to cover / close the second opening 130. In an alternative embodiment, the second opening 130 and the body grip member 90 may be omitted.

[0034] As mentioned above, the cover member 200 comprises the cover body 210 and the cover grip member 250. The cover body 210 may comprise a front surface 211 and a rear surface 212 opposite the front surface 210. The cover body 210 may further comprise an aperture 213 that extends from the front surface 211 to the rear surface 212. The cover body 210 may be formed from a rigid material, such as any of the materials described above for the body member 100. The cover body 210 may be configured to be coupled to the body member 100 to cover / close the first opening 123. The cover body 210 may be sized to close / cover the entirety of the first opening 123 in the body member 110 when the cover body 210 is coupled to the body member 110. Thus, the size and shape of the cover body 210 may generally correspond with or match the size and shape of the first opening 123 in the body member 110. The cover body 210 may be coupled to the body member 100 using any known techniques, including without limitation ultrasonic welding, adhesion, mechanical engagement such as snap-fit, friction fit, interlocking parts, slidable attachment, or the like.

[0035] As noted above, the body member 100 and the cover member 200 collectively form the handle 10 of the personal care implement 1000. The cover member 200 closes the first opening 123 of the body member 100. As such, the handle 100 may be hollow due to the existence of the cavity 120 that is bounded by the cavity floor 121, the cavity sidewall 122, and the rear surface 212 of the cover body 210. In the exemplified embodiment, the cover member 200 extends along the entirety of the gripping portion 11 and the thumb grip portion 13 of the handle 10. However, the length / size of the cover member 200 may be modified in other embodiments. For example, the cover member 200 may be located only along the thumb grip portion 13 of the handle 10 in some embodiments, or along the thumb grip portion 13 and a part of the gripping portion 11.The larger the cover member 200, the larger the cavity 120, and therefore the greater the reduction in plastic.

[0036] The cover grip member 250 is configured to be coupled to the cover body 210. Specifically, the cover grip member 250 may be coupled to the cover body 210 to cover / close the aperture 213 in the cover body 210. When the personal care implement 1000 is fully assembled, the cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90 may face one another. The cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90 may be aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis A-A such that an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A intersects each of the cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90. The cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90 may be spaced apart from one another by a portion of the cavity 120. Thus, the cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90 may be capable of being flexed inwardly into the cavity 120 during use of the personal care implement 1000, which may result in an improved tactile experience for the user.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4-7, the cover grip member 250 will be described. In some embodiments, the body grip member 90 may be identical to the cover grip member 250. In such embodiments, FIGS. 4-7 and the description thereof is relevant to both the cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90. Thus, while the description of FIGS. 4-7 is made with reference to the cover grip member 250, such description may be applicable to the body grip member 90 as well.

[0038] In the exemplified embodiment, the cover grip member 250 is an injection molded part formed from an elastomeric material, such as including without limitation a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, or the like. The cover grip member 250 may have a Shore A hardness in a range of 28 to 95. The cover grip member 250 comprises a front side 251 and a rear side 252 opposite the front side 251. The cover grip member 250 may comprise a peripheral edge 255 that extends between the front and rear sides 251, 252. The front side 251 comprises a front surface 253 of the grip member 250 and a plurality of protuberances 254 protruding from the front surface 253. In the exemplified embodiment, each of the plurality of protuberances 254 is a nub that extends from the front surface 253. The nubs may be cylindrical, tapered, or of other shapes and dimensions. In other embodiments, the protuberances 254 may comprise one or more of nubs, ridges, bumps, or the like. In other embodiments, the protuberances 254 may be omitted and replaced with grooves or grooves may be included on thefront surface 253 along with the protuberances 254. The front surface 253 may be arcuate, and more specifically convex.

[0039] In the exemplified embodiment, the rear side 252 comprises a rear surface 259 and a basin portion 260 that is defined by a basin floor 261 and an annular sidewall 262 that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor 261. The basin floor 261 may be arcuate, and more specifically concave, in some embodiments. The annular sidewall 262 may extend from the basin floor 261 to a distal end 263. The annular sidewall 262 may comprise an outer surface 264 and an inner surface 265. The inner surface 265 of the annular sidewall 262 may form a continuous and fully enclosed boundary of the basin portion 260. The basin floor 261 may be recessed relative to the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262. The annular sidewall 262 may surround the basin floor 261 for a full 360°. The annular sidewall 262 may be a continuous, uninterrupted wall structure that surrounds the basin floor 261. That is, in some embodiments there may be no gaps in the annular sidewall 262. There may also be no openings that extend from the outer surface 264 of the annular sidewall 262 to the inner surface 265 of the annular sidewall 262.

[0040] The distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 may be a continuous surface having a closed geometrical shape. The closed geometrical shape may be circular or oval in the exemplified embodiment, although other shapes such as square, rectangular, or the like may be used in other embodiments. The basin floor 261 may be located along a central portion of the rear side 252 that is set radially inward from the peripheral edge 255 of the cover grip member 250. The basin portion 260 may define an empty air-filled space. Furthermore, as described below, when the cover grip member 250 is coupled to the cover body 210, the basin portion 260 may remain an empty air-filled space such that no portion of the cover body 210 (or the body member 100) may be positioned within the basin portion 260 of the rear side 252 of the cover grip member 250.

[0041] In the exemplified embodiment, the cover grip member 250 may have a first thickness T1 measured from the front surface 253 of the cover grip member 250 to the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262. The cover grip member 250 may have a second thickness T2 measured from the front surface 253 of the cover grip member 250 to the basin floor 261. The first thickness T1 may be greater than the second thickness T2. In some embodiments, the first thickness T1 may be at least 1.5 times greater than the second thickness T2. The secondthickness T2 may be in a range of 0.25mm to 2.0mm, and more specifically 0.5mm to 1 ,6mm. The protuberances 254 may not be included in the thickness calculations, which arc instead measured between the front and rear surfaces 253, 259 as described herein.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, the annular sidewall 262 may be set radially inward relative to the peripheral edge 255. Thus, the cover grip member 250 may comprise a central portion 256 that comprises the basin floor 261, an intermediate annular portion 257 that comprises the annular sidewall 262 and circumferentially surrounds the central portion 256, and an outer annular portion 258 that circumferentially surrounds the intermediate annular portion 257. The outer annular portion 258 may comprise the region that extends radially from an outer surface 264 of the annular sidewall 262 to the peripheral edge 255. The central portion 256 may be a circular / oval portion located in a center region of the cover grip member 250. The intermediate annular portion 257 may be an annular / ring-shaped portion that is located between the central portion 256 and the outer annular portion 258. Either one of the intermediate and outer annular portions 257, 258 individually or both of the intermediate and outer annular portions 257, 258 collectively may form a peripheral portion of the cover grip member 250 that circumferentially surrounds the central portion 256.

[0043] On the rear side 252 of the cover grip member 250, the annular sidewall 262 may protrude relative to the rear surface 259 along the outer annular portion 258. That is, the rear surface 259 of the cover grip member 250 along the outer annular portion 258 of the cover grip member 250 may be recessed relative to the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262. Thus, the annular sidewall 262 may protrude from the rear surface 259 along the central portion 256 and the outer annular portion 258. In some embodiments, the thickness of the cover grip member 250 along the intermediate annular portion 257 (i.e., the first thickness Tl) may be greater than the thickness of the cover grip member 250 along the central and outer annular portions 256, 258 (i.e., the second thickness T2 and a third thickness T3 measured along the outer annular portion 258).

[0044] In the exemplified embodiment, the rear surface 259 of the cover grip member 250 along the outer annular portion 258 comprises a first annular region 267 that is adjacent to the annular sidewall 262 and a second annular region 268 that surrounds the first annular region 267. The second annular region 268 may extend radially from the first annular region 267 to the peripheral edge 255. The first annular region 267 of the rear surface 259 of the cover grip member 250 maycircumferentially surround the annular sidewall 262. The first annular region 267 may extend generally perpendicularly (i.c., at an angle between 85° and 95°) relative to the outer surface 264 of the annular’ sidewall 262. The second annular region 268 may be angled downwardly relative to the first annular region 267. An obtuse angle between 130° and 170° may be exist between the first and second annular regions 267, 268.

[0045] The basin floor 261 may be located at a first elevation relative to the first side 251 of the cover grip member 250, the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 may be located at a second elevation relative to the first side 251 of the cover grip member 250, and a rear surface 259 of the cover grip member 250 along the outer annular portion 258 may be located at a third elevation relative to the first side 251 of the cover grip member 250. In the exemplified embodiment, the third elevation is located between the first and second elevations, as best shown in the transverse-cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 6.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, various cross-sectional views of the personal care implement 1000 taken through the cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90 are illustrated. As noted above, the cover grip member 250 is coupled to the cover member 210 and covers / closes the aperture 213 in the cover member 210. Furthermore, the body grip member 90 is coupled to the body member 100 and closes / covers the second opening 130 in the rear surface 111 of the body member 100. The cover grip member 250 and the body grip member 90 may be aligned with and in facing relation to one another and spaced apart from one another by a portion of the cavity 120.

[0047] When the cover grip member 250 is coupled to the cover body 210, the rear surface 259 of the cover grip member 250 along the outer annular portion 258 is in direct surface contact with the front surface 211 of the cover body 210. This may facilitate the attachment of the cover grip member 250 to the cover body 210. In the exemplified embodiment, the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 and the basin floor 261 of the basin portion 260 of the cover grip member 250 are not in direct contact with the cover body 210. The cover grip member 250 may be injection molded directly onto the cover body 210, or the cover grip member 250 may be manufactured separately from the cover body 210 and later affixed thereto using welding, adhesives, or other techniques.

[0048] In the exemplified embodiment, the basin portion 260 remains as an empty, air-filled space even when coupled to the cover body 210. That is, no portion of the body member 100and no portion of the cover body 210 extends into the basin portion 260 of the cover grip member 250. In fact, there is no structure (other than air) located within the space defined between the inner surface 265 of the annular sidewall 262 and the basin floor 261. The central portion 256 of the cover grip member 250 that comprises the basin portion 260 has a reduced thickness relative to the intermediate annular portion 257 of the grip cover member 250 to facilitate a desirable flexibility of the central portion 256 of the cover grip member 250 during use of the personal care implement 1000.

[0049] The outer surface 264 of the annular sidewall 262 may be in abutting contact with an inner edge 217 of the cover body 210 that surrounds the aperture 213. The distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 may be flush with the rear surface 212 of the cover body 210. As a result, the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 may form a continuous surface with the rear surface 212 of the cover body 210. The distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 and the rear surface 212 of the cover body 210 may form a smooth and seamless continuous surface. In an embodiment, the interface between the distal end 263 of the annular sidewall 262 and the rear surface 212 of the cover body 210 may be free of gaps, spaces, protrusions, or the like.

[0050] As noted above, the body grip member 90 may have an identical (or substantially similar) structure to the cover grip member 250. In particular, the body grip member 90 may comprise a front side 91 and a rear side 92, with the rear side 92 facing the cavity 120. The body grip member 90 may have protuberances 99 protruding from the front side 91. The rear- side 92 of the body grip member 90 may comprise a basin portion 93 that is defined by a basin floor 94 and an annular sidewall 95 that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor 94. The annular sidewall 95 may be a continuous sidewall that surrounds the basin floor 94 for a full 360°. The basin portion 93 may be an empty, air filled space. With the body grip member 90 coupled to the body member 100 as shown in FIGS. 8-10, the basin cavity 93 may remain empty such that no portion of the body member 100 or any other structure extends into the basin cavity 93.

[0051] In the exemplified embodiment, there are no structural features in either the basin portion 260 of the cover grip member 200 or the basin portion 92 of the body grip member 90. Only air is located in the basin portions 260, 92. This ensures that the relatively thin central portions of the cover grip member 200 and the body grip member 90 maintain maximum flexibility, unimpeded by any structural features. The exact thickness of the various sections / regions of thecover grip member 200 and the body grip member 90 may be adjusted to achieve a specified or desirable flexibility for enhanced user comfort during use of the personal care implement 1000.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a personal care implement 2000 will be described in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The description of the personal care implement 1000 above is applicable to the personal care implement 2000 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, except with regard to the specific differences described herein below.

[0053] The personal care implement 2000 comprises a handle 2100 comprising a front surface 2101, a real' surface 2102, and a cavity 2103. The handle 2100 further comprises a first opening 2104 that forms a first passageway into the cavity 2103 and a second opening 2105 that forms a second passageway into the cavity 2103. The first and second openings 2104, 2105 may be in axial and transverse alignment with one another so that the first and second openings 2104, 2105 in combination with the cavity 2103 forms a through -hole that extends from the front surface 2101 of the handle 2100 to the rear surface 2102 of the handle 2100.

[0054] The personal care implement 2000 may comprise a first grip member 2200 coupled to the handle 2100 to cover / close the first opening 2104 and a second grip member 2300 coupled to the handle 2100 to cover / close the second opening 2105. The handle 2100 may be formed from a rigid material (polypropylene, polyethylene, hard plastic, metal, wood, etc.) and the first and second grip members 2200, 2300 may be formed from an elastomeric material (thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, rubber, etc.

[0055] The first grip member 2200 may comprise a front surface 2201 and a rear surface 2202 opposite the front surface 2201. The first grip member 2200 may have a thickness measured between the front and rear surfaces 2201, 2202. The second grip member 2300 may comprise a front surface 2301 and a rear surface 2302 opposite the front surface 2301. The second grip member 2300 may have a thickness measured between the front and rear surfaces 2301, 2302. The first and second grip members 2200, 2300 may be coupled to the handle 2100 so that the rear surfaces 2202, 2302 of the first and second grip members 2200 face one another (and face the cavity 2103).

[0056] The first grip member 2200 may have a central portion 2205 and a peripheral portion 2206. The peripheral portion 2206 may be an annular portion that circumferentially surrounds the central portion 2205 and extends radially from the central portion 2205 to a peripheral edge 2207 of the first grip member 2200. The second grip member 2300 may have a central portion2305 and a peripheral portion 2306. The peripheral portion 2306 may be an annular portion that circumferentially surrounds the central portion 2305 and extends radially from the central portion 2305 to a peripheral edge 2307 of the second grip member 2300.

[0057] The first grip member 2200 may have a thickness gradient at least along the central portion 2205 thereof. That is, the thickness of the first grip member 2200 may be non-constant along at least the central portion 2205 thereof. The thickness gradient may comprise the thickness of the first grip member 2200 as measured between the front and rear surfaces 2201, 2202 decreasing moving in a radially inward direction from a periphery 2210 of the central portion 2205 (the periphery being an arbitrary location where the central portion 2205 and the peripheral portion 2206 meet) to a center 2211 of the central portion 2205. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first grip member 2200 may decrease continuously along at least the central portion 2205 thereof moving in the radially inward direction.

[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates the thickness gradient of the first and second grip members 2200, 2300 in the longitudinal / axial direction. FIG. 12 illustrates the thickness gradient of the first grip member 2200 (the same thickness gradient exists in the second grip member 2300) in the transverse direction. In the exemplified embodiment the thickness of the first and second grip members 2200, 2300 decreases moving towards a center of the first and second grip member 2200, 2300 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0059] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first grip member 2200 may decrease continuously moving radially inward from the peripheral edge 2207 thereof to the center 2211 thereof. Similarly, the thickness of the second grip member 2300 may decrease continuously moving radially inward from the peripheral edge 2307 thereof to the center 2311 thereof. Thus, the thickness gradient may exist along the entirety of the first and / or second grip members 2200, 2300, rather than only along central portions thereof. In some embodiments the thickness of the first and / or second grip members 2200, 2300 at the thinnest point may be between 0.2mm and 2.0mm, or between 0.2mm and 1.5mm or between 0.2mm and 1.0mm, or between 0.2mm and 0.7mm, or between 0.2mm and 0.5mm, or between 0.2mm and 0.3mm. The thinnest point of the first and / or second grip members 2200, 2300 may be located at the centers 2211, 2311 thereof.

[0060] The thickness gradient may be formed by having the front surface 2201 and the rear surface 2202 have different radiuses of curvature. The front surface 2201 and the rear surface 2202 may both be arcuate. The front surface 2201 may be convex and the rear surface 2202 maybe concave. Furthermore, the front surface 2201 may have a first radius of curvature and the rear surface 2202 may have a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature may be greater than the second radius of curvature. As a result, the rear surface 2202 may move further away from the front surface 2201 moving in a direction away from the center 2211 of the first grip member 2200. Stated another way, the rear surface 2202 has a greater slope moving in a direction away from the center 2211 than the front surface 2201. This creates an increase in the thickness of the first grip member 2200 moving in the direction away from the center 2211. The same attributes may be found in the second grip member 2300.

[0061] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

[0062] While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A personal care implement comprising: a body member comprising a handle portion and a head portion, the handle portion comprising a cavity and a first opening that forms a first passageway into the cavity; a cover member configured to be coupled to the body member to close the first opening of the handle portion, the cover member comprising: a cover body comprising a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, and an aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface; and a cover grip member coupled to the cover body to close the aperture, the cover grip member comprising a front side and a rear side, the rear side comprising a basin portion that is defined by a basin floor and an annular sidewall that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor, the basin floor being recessed relative to a distal end of the annular sidewall.

2. The personal care implement according to claim 1 wherein basin portion defines an empty airfilled space, and wherein no portion of the body member and no portion of the cover body extends into the basin portion.

3. The personal care implement according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the front side of the cover grip member comprises a front surface, wherein the cover grip member has a first thickness measured from the front surface to the distal end of the annular sidewall and a second thickness measured from the front surface to the basin floor, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness.

4. The personal care implement according to claim 3 wherein the first thickness is at least 1.5 times greater than the second thickness.

5. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the annular sidewall comprises an inner surface that forms an annular side boundary of the basin portion, theinner surface of the annular sidewall forming a continuous and fully enclosed boundary of the basin portion, the annular sidewall circumferentially surrounding an entirety of the basin floor.

6. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the cover grip member comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion that circumferentially surrounds the central portion, and wherein the central portion comprises the basin portion.

7. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the annular sidewall of the basin portion extends from the basin floor to the distal end, the distal end of the annular sidewall being a continuous surface having a closed geometrical shape.

8. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the front side of the cover grip member comprises a front surface and a plurality of protuberances extending from the front surface.

9. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 8 further comprising; the rear side of the cover grip member comprising an outer annular portion that circumferentially surrounds the annular sidewall, a rear surface of the cover grip member along the outer annular portion being recessed relative to the distal end of the annular sidewall.

10. The personal care implement according to claim 9 wherein the basin floor is located at a first elevation relative to the first side of the cover grip member, the distal end of the annular sidewall is located at a second elevation relative to the first side of the cover grip member, and the rear surface of the cover grip member along the outer annular portion is located at a third elevation relative to the first side of the cover grip member, the third elevation being between the first and second elevations.

11. The personal care implement according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the rear surface of the cover grip member along the outer annular portion is in direct surface contact with the front surface of the cover body to facilitate attachment of the cover grip member to the cover body,and wherein the rear surface of the cover grip member is flush with the distal end of the annular sidewall of the cover grip member to form a smooth and seamless continuous surface.

12. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising: the body member comprising a rear surface having a second opening that forms a second passageway into the cavity; and a body grip member coupled to the body member to close the second opening.

13. The personal care implement according to claim 12 wherein the body grip member comprises a front side and a rear side, the rear side comprising a basin portion that is defined by a basin floor and an annular sidewall that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor.

14. The personal care implement according to claim 13 wherein the basin portion of the body grip member defines an empty air-filled space, and wherein no portion of the body member and no portion of the cover member extends into the basin portion of the body grip member.

15. A personal care implement comprising: a head; a handle coupled to the head, the handle comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a cavity, a first opening in the front surface that forms a first passageway into the cavity, and a second opening in the rear surface that forms a second passageway into the cavity; a first grip member coupled to the front surface of the handle to cover the first opening, the first grip member comprising a front side and a rear side; and a second grip member coupled to the rear surface of the handle to cover the second opening, the second grip member comprising a front side and a rear side, the rear side of the first and second grip members facing each other; wherein the rear side of each of the first and second grip members comprises a basin portion comprising a basin floor and an annular wall that circumferentially surrounds the basin floor, the basin floor being recessed relative to a distal end of the annular wall.

16. The personal care implement according to claim 15 wherein the basin portion of each of the first and second grip members defines an empty air-filled space, and wherein no portion of the body member and no portion of the cover member extends into the basin portion of the first and second grip members.

17. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 16 wherein the first grip member has a first thickness measured between the front and rear sides along the basin portion and a second thickness measured between the front and rear sides along the annular wall, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, and wherein the second grip member has a first thickness measured between the front and rear sides along the basin portion and a second thickness measured between the front and rear- sides along the annular- wall, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness.

18. The personal care implement according any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the front side of the first grip member comprises a front surface and a plurality of protuberances protruding therefrom, and wherein the front side of the second grip member comprises a front surface and a plurality of protuberances protruding therefrom.

19. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the head and the handle are formed from a rigid material and wherein the first and second grip members are formed from an elastomeric material.

20. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein, for each of the first and second grip members, the annular wall comprises an inner surface that continuously circumferentially surrounds the basin floor for a full 360°.

21. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein, for each of the first and second grip members, the basin portion and the annular wall are located radially inward relative to a peripheral edge.

22. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 21 wherein each of the first and second grip members comprises a central portion that comprises the basin portion and a peripheral portion that comprises the annular wall, the peripheral portion circumferentially surrounding the central portion.

23. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 22 further comprising: a body member comprising the head and a rear portion of the handle, the body member comprising: a front surface comprising an elongated opening; and a rear surface comprising the second opening; and a cover member coupled to the body member to cover the elongated opening, the cover member forming a front portion of the handle, the cover member comprising the first opening.

24. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 15 to 23 further comprising tooth cleaning elements coupled to the head.

25. A personal care implement comprising: a handle comprising a cavity and a front surface having a first opening that forms a first passageway into the cavity; and a first grip member coupled to the front surface of the handle to cover the first opening, the first grip member comprising a front surface, a rear surface, and a first thickness measured between the front and rear surfaces, wherein for at least a central portion of the first grip member, the first thickness comprises a first thickness gradient that decreases moving in a radially inward direction from a periphery of the central portion of the first grip member towards a center of the central portion of the first grip member.

26. The personal care implement according to claim 25 further comprising: the handle comprising a rear surface having a second opening that forms a second passageway into the cavity; and a second grip member coupled to the rear surface of the handle to cover the second opening, the second grip member comprising a front surface, a rear surface, and a secondthickness measured between the front and rear surfaces, wherein for at least a central portion of the second grip member, the second thickness comprises a second thickness gradient that decreases moving in a radially inward direction from a periphery of the central portion of the second grip member towards a center of the central portion of the second grip member.

27. The personal care implement according to claim 26 wherein the cavity and the first and second openings form a through-hole that extends from the front surface of the handle to the rear surface of the handle.

28. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the first grip member comprises a plurality of protuberances protruding from the front surface, and wherein the first grip member is formed from an elastomeric material.

29. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 25 to 28 further comprising: the handle comprising a body member and a cover member, the body member defining the cavity and having a front opening and the cover member coupled to the body member to cover the front opening and enclose the cavity, wherein the cover member comprises the first opening and the first grip member.

30. The personal care implement according to any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein the first thickness gradient comprises the first thickness of the first grip member decreasing continuously in the radially inward direction from the periphery of the central portion of the first grip member to the center of the central portion of the first grip member.

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