EP1506726A1 - Toothbrush with toothbrushhandle and toothpastereservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

The toothbrush has a brush body with grip part and toothpaste container (10) with dispenser head and container body, fitted into the part to form a grip (19). The grip part has an integrally formed shell-like container frame, which partially encloses the container body when the toothpaste container is fitted into it. The grip surface mainly retains its shape when subjected to loads during cleaning of teeth, independent of the container volume, and the toothpaste container, which has been removed from the grip part, is of almost the same shape before and after pressing out toothpaste.

Description

The invention relates to a toothbrush according to claim 1, a toothbrush body according to claim 15 and a Toothpaste container according to claim 16.

The toothbrush according to the invention relates to a toothbrush with a toothbrush body into which a toothpaste container can be used.

The use of toothbrushes and toothpaste is the Oral hygiene and gum massage. To this Way, the teeth brushing helps keep the teeth healthy as well as the mouth and throat area. According to the recommended daily use have users of Toothbrushes generally high in terms of a simple handling, an ergonomic design and a long service life with as optimal as possible Cleaning effect.

In terms of space-saving common storage or the transport, for example as a travel toothbrush, but also in particular in the sense of easy handling and ergonomics, are technical solutions in which one Toothbrush body with a toothpaste container (resp. conversely) to a toothbrush, especially advantageous. You can essentially have two groups differentiate between technical solutions.

The first group includes toothbrushes, toothpaste through a canal leading from a toothpaste container a neck of the toothbrush to the bristles on the head of the Toothbrush leads, is promoted. Such objects are for example in US-A-4199270 and US-A-4068974 described. This group of toothbrushes proves to be very user-friendly, but brings problems regarding toothpaste storage. For example, it may be due to an open channel end on the head the toothbrush to dehydrate or leak the Toothpaste come. In document US-A-4068974 this is Problem solved by the use of valves. The However, manufacturing this embodiment is expensive and higher costs.

In the second group of toothbrushes, the Toothpaste container for applying the toothpaste to the Bristle the head from a toothbrush body Toothbrush isolated. Such items are for example in US-A-6325076 and US-A-6227209 described. After applying the toothpaste is the Toothpaste container again with the toothbrush body connected. Unlike the first group, there is no channel in the neck of the toothbrush for the guidance of the toothpaste Head needed.

In document FR-A-2658400 a toothbrush is disclosed, in which a toothpaste tube has an end portion of the handle of Toothbrush forms. The toothpaste tube is through Screwing its dispensing head into a threaded hole on free end of a handle part with the handle firmly connected. After unscrewing the exposed Toothpaste tube, can by pressure on the toothpaste tube Toothpaste on the bristles of a head of the toothbrush to be brought.

Unlike a toothbrush with an exposed one Toothpaste tube is disclosed in document US-A-6227209 Toothbrush describe where the toothpaste container in a solid, cylinder-like sleeve, which with a Recess and provided at both ends with lids is located. The stable sleeve takes the loads brushing her teeth and guiding her over with her connected handle part and a neck to the head of the Toothbrush on. The recess comprises part of the Sleeve and a slot-like part in, the handle part facing lid. The recess serves on the one hand, insert the toothpaste container into the sleeve, and on the other hand, by means of a finger, through the Recess in the sleeve can engage, pressure on the exercise soft-elastic toothpaste container and thereby to push out the toothpaste. A detachable connection between the handle portion and that surrounded by the sleeve Toothpaste container is about an interaction of a through the recess part in the cover cross-thread on Dispensing head of the toothpaste container with a threaded hole in the ensured free end of the handle portion of the toothbrush. However, the screw connection proves itself in everyday life as impractical to handle.

This raises the task, a toothbrush with a easy to insert and remove toothpaste container to provide a simple structure with a has minimal number of items and cost is to produce.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a toothbrush solved with the features described in claim 1. The Task will continue through a toothbrush body according to the features of claim 15 and a Toothpaste container with the features of claim 16 solved.

Particularly preferred embodiments of the toothbrush are specified in the dependent claims.

The basic idea of the toothbrush according to the invention exists in it, a toothbrush with a toothbrush body and a toothpaste container usable therein to provide at a handle of the Toothbrush body a cup-like container mount is formed, which is inserted in the handle part Toothpaste container a container body partially encloses, and the container body over the Container mount protruding, stable handle shell part having. The handle shell part forms together with the Handle the surface of a handle of the toothbrush. Preferably, the container holder gives the Toothpaste container a one-to-one position in the handle. The handle retains its shape under loads that occur during brushing, regardless of Level of Zahnpastabehälter essentially at. The Holder of the toothpaste container in the handle part of the Toothbrush body allows a lot at the same time easy and quick removal and opening of the Toothpaste container. Preferably, the handle part with equipped with a locking pin, so that in the Handle part inserted toothpaste container a denser Closure of the toothpaste container is ensured. Out the removed from the handle part toothpaste container is it by means of a light finger pressure on one weakened, soft-elastic zone of the toothpaste container possible to push out the toothpaste. This weakened Zone is for example a recess on the Toothpaste container, on which the wall thickness of Toothpaste container is lower than the rest of the Container. The weakened zone is at one in the Handle part inserted toothpaste container of the Container socket covered.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine Zahnbürste mit einem Zahnbürstenkörper und einem darin eingesetzten Zahnpastabehälter;

Fig. 2

eine Längsschnittdarstellung des Zahnbürstenkörpers der Zahnbürste aus Fig. 1 entlang der Linie II-II mit eingesetztem Zahnpastabehälter;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht eines Zahnpastabehälters;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht eines Abgabekopfs und eines Teils eines Behälterkörpers eines Zahnpastabehälters;

Fig. 5

eine Schnittdarstellung einer weiteren Ausbildungsform des Abgabekopfes mit einem Teil des Behälterkörpers eines Zahnpastabehälters;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht eines Griffteils eines Zahnbürstenkörpers mit einem Halteelement und eines abgenommenen Zahnpastabehälters mit einer Griffmulde;

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Griffteils (teilweise transparent dargestellt) eines Zahnbürstenkörpers und eines eingesetzten Zahnpastabehälters mit einem Rastnoppen;

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Griffteils (teilweise transparent dargestellt) einer Zahnbürste mit einer Haltenase und eines eingesetzten Zahnpastabehälters;

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Griffteils einer Zahnbürste mit einem offnen Einschnitt am freien Ende des Griffteils und eines abgenommenen Zahnpastabehälters mit einem schienenartigen Steg in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht eines Zahnbürstenkörpers (teilweise transparent dargestellt) mit einem Zentrierstern und einem Dorn an einer Behälterfassung;

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht eines Zahnpastabehälters mit einer Griffmulde und einer Füllstandsanzeige;

Fig. 12

eine Draufsicht auf eine Zahnbürste mit einem Siegel, das über einen Teil des Griffteils und einen Teil des darin eingesetzten Zahnpastabehälters reicht, sowie darunter einer weiteren Ausführungsform mit einer Skinfolie;

Fig. 13

eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausbildungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit Rückhaltelementen aus Filamenten in einer ovalen Anordnung;

Fig. 14

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausbildungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit Rückhaltelementen aus Filamenten in einer kreisförmigen Anordnung;

Fig. 15

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausbildungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit hintereinander versetzten Rückhalteelementen, die einen sichelförmigen Querschnitt aufweisen;

Fig. 16

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausbildungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit einem Rückhalteelement aus C-förmig ineinandergreifenden Wänden; und

Fig. 17

eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausbildungsform eines Kopfes einer Zahnbürste mit einem rosettenartigen Rückhalteelement.

Particularly advantageous embodiments are shown purely schematically in the following figures:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a toothbrush with a toothbrush body and a toothpaste container inserted therein;

Fig. 2

a longitudinal sectional view of the toothbrush body of the toothbrush of Figure 1 along the line II-II with inserted toothpaste container.

Fig. 3

a side view of a toothpaste container;

Fig. 4

a view of a dispensing head and a part of a container body of a toothpaste container;

Fig. 5

a sectional view of another embodiment of the dispensing head with a part of the container body of a toothpaste container;

Fig. 6

a side view of a handle portion of a toothbrush body with a holding element and a removed Zahnpastabehälters with a recessed grip;

Fig. 7

a side view of another embodiment of a handle part (partially shown in transparent) of a toothbrush body and a toothpaste container inserted with a locking nubs;

Fig. 8

a side view of another embodiment of a handle portion (partially shown in transparent) of a toothbrush with a holding lug and a toothpaste container inserted;

Fig. 9

a plan view of another embodiment of a handle portion of a toothbrush with an open cut at the free end of the handle portion and a removed Zahnpastabehälters with a rail-like bridge in side view;

Fig. 10

a side view of a toothbrush body (partially shown in transparent) with a centering star and a mandrel on a container socket;

Fig. 11

a side view of a toothpaste container with a recessed grip and a level indicator;

Fig. 12

a plan view of a toothbrush with a seal that extends over a portion of the handle portion and a portion of the toothpaste container inserted therein, and underneath another embodiment with a skin film;

Fig. 13

a plan view of an embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with retaining elements made of filaments in an oval arrangement;

Fig. 14

a plan view of another embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with retaining elements made of filaments in a circular arrangement;

Fig. 15

a plan view of another embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with successively offset retaining elements having a crescent-shaped cross-section;

Fig. 16

a plan view of another embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with a retaining element of C-shaped interlocking walls; and

Fig. 17

a plan view of another embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with a rosette-like retaining element.

A toothbrush according to the invention with one in one Toothbrush body 5 inserted toothpaste container 10 is in a plan view and in Fig. 2 in a Longitudinal view shown. The toothbrush body 5 consists of a stocked with bristles 14 head 12, a Neck 16 and a subsequent handle portion 18. Der Handle 18 has at its, the head 12 opposite Area a container socket 20, in the detachable one Handle cup part 22 having toothpaste container 10th is used. The handle portion 18 and the toothpaste container 10 together form a handle 19.

An axis in continuation of the bristles 14 bearing side of the head 12, closes with the longitudinal axis of the used toothpaste container 10 an angle α smaller as 60 °, preferably less than 30 °. Based on these small angulation are those at the onset of Toothpaste container 10 occurring in the handle portion 18, on Neck 16 and the handle portion 18 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Toothbrush acting bending forces limited and a high Pressure on the bristles 14 while holding the Toothbrush body 5 is avoided.

The head 12 is with bristles 14 or bristle tufts equipped and has a soft-elastic retaining element 24 for a partial retention of toothpaste 26 am Head 12 up. The head 12 or preferably the bristled Part of the head 12, can alternatively also be interchangeable be. He is in this case detachable with the neck 16 or connected to a head 12 attached to the receiving part.

The arcuate neck 16, opposite to the free end of the Bristles 14 is curved, joins the head 12 at. He ends at the transition to the handle portion 18 in a direction the free ends of the bristles 14 following increase 28 before a thumb rest 30. The neck 16 and the handle 18 contain a stable, structuring hard component, preferably chemically against toothpaste 26 and Mouthwash resistant plastic, like Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), thermoplastic copolymers made of styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN), Isoplast, Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polypropylene (PP). The Tensile elastic modulus of the preferably used Polypropylene is preferably greater than 1200Mpa. Thereby is a sufficient stability of the handle part 18 at Guarantees loads during brushing.

In circumferential grooves of the neck 16 are soft-elastic Damping elements 90 integrated, which has a larger Elasticity of the neck cause 16 and the neck 16 dampening occurring bending forces.

The thumb rest 30 is with nubs 32 and / or dents off provided soft elastic plastic. Combined with the sloping towards the free end of the handle 19 Side of the increase 28, it prevents one Cleaning movement a slipping of the applied thumb in Direction of the head 12.

As shown in Fig. 2, the encloses on the handle portion 18th trained container socket 20 in the handle part 18th inserted toothpaste container 10 a shovel part a container body 42 of the toothpaste container 10. An in the container holder 20 formed closure pin 36th protrudes accurately into an outlet opening 34 at one Dispensing head 38 of the toothpaste container 10. The Locking pin 36 serves to tightly close the Toothpaste container 10. The outlet opening 34 has a Diameter smaller than 6mm, preferably smaller than 3mm. This diameter is chosen to guide the user to economical consumption of toothpaste 26 to stop and a Leakage of the toothpaste 26 from the toothpaste container 10 to prevent.

The head 12 facing part of the container holder 20th encloses in the form of a funnel-shaped recess Dispensing head 38 of the toothpaste container 10 completely. These complete enclosure of the dispensing head 38 is concerned at least 5% of the length of the toothpaste container 10. The Opening the funnel-shaped recess in the direction of free end of the handle portion 18 preferably has a minimum radius of 10mm. This makes it possible for the Recess and in particular the environment of Locking pin 36, for example by means of a Cotton swab to clean.

The further continuation of the shovel-like enclosure of the toothpaste container 10 is in the example shown asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle 19 shaped. On the bottom, not bristles 14 bearing side the toothbrush covers the container holder 20 about 2/3 the length of the toothpaste container 10 and supports characterized mechanically a holder of the toothpaste container 10. The wall thickness of the handle portion 18 is on this lower side correspondingly large. The cover Alternatively, a smaller part or even, like for example, shown in Fig. 8, the entire lower side of the toothpaste container 10. With respect to FIG. 2 remaining third of the length of the handle 19 on the bottom side of the toothbrush is through the Handle shell part 22 formed itself. On the opposite upper, bristles 14 bearing side of the Toothbrush, the handle shell part 22 is about 1/3 of Surface of the handle 19 dar. Alternatively, this Share also be smaller or larger.

The shaped by the shovel-like enclosure Sidewalls have a maximum wall thickness less than 5mm. The wall thickness preferably decreases continuously up to the free end of the handle shell part 22, so to a transition to the used Toothpaste container 10. Thus, the container frame 20 to dampen a plastering pressure a certain flexibility awarded.

The handle shell part 22 of the toothpaste container 10th closes on the entire outside of the handle 19 preferably accurately fitting and almost infinitely along one in the view shown in Fig. 2 S-shaped, annular end face 43 to the container socket 20 of the Handle 18 on. The end face 43 may alternatively also be designed such that in the side view of 2 shown side line a straight line, Step line, arcuate line or one of the mentioned Line shapes is composite line. Preferably an angle β from a connecting line of a top, designated in Fig. 2 with A point of Sideline, to a lowest point marked B on the lower side of the toothbrush, and the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container 10 in the direction of the free end of the Handle 19 formed when inserted toothpaste container 10 is greater than 90 °.

In an environment of 10mm around the transition from the handle part 18 to Griffschalenteil 22 are all tangential surfaces the surface at angles to each other, preferably are less than 45 °. Advantageously, also occur no sharp edges.

The almost stepless continuation of the grip surface prevents the ingress of water, other liquid or solids and thus contamination of the Dispensing head as well as the toothpaste container 10th toothpaste 26. The almost stepless Continuation is also special for ergonomic reasons advantageous and prevents the teeth brushing an appearance from pressure points on the palm.

In case of load (normally plaster pressure from 2N to 5N) when brushing the handle shell portion 22 of the reserves in the toothbrush body 5 inserted toothpaste container 10th its shape virtually unchanged. The case before all on the bristled 14 side of the Toothbrush occurring forces, in particular of the Handballens, from the handle shell part 22, over the Container socket 20 to the handle portion 18 and further over the Neck 16 to the head 12 and transferred to the bristles 14. The Walls of the container holder 20 prevent loading with inserted toothpaste container 10 bulging or Buckling of the container body 42 and thus contribute to Maintaining the shape of the toothpaste container 10 at.

In Fig. 3 is a preferred embodiment of Toothpaste container 10 shown. He has one drop-shaped basic form on the handle shell part 22 protrudes. The thus formed, annular circumferential end face 43 is inserted Toothpaste container 10 preferably almost accurately on a corresponding end face of the Container socket 20 on. As material for the Toothpaste containers 10 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonate (PC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), preferably Polyolefins, in particular polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene (PE) can be used.

The toothpaste container 10 is by a plugging movement with the dispensing head 38 in the direction of the head 12 of the Toothbrush body 5, almost along the longitudinal axis of Pointing toothbrush, into the handle part 18 of the Toothbrush body 5 used. The direction can depending on the embodiment of the holder of Toothpaste container 10 on the toothbrush body 5, against the Be inclined longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. Also in Dependence of the design of the holder can be a additional latching movement almost in the direction of Longitudinal axis of the toothbrush or perpendicular to this Direction, for the purpose of locking the Toothpaste container 10 in the handle 18, be required. Alternatively, with a bayonet or Drehrasthalterung the toothpaste container 10 in the handle portion 18 the Plug movement along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush with a rotational movement of preferably less than 45 ° to the To supplement longitudinal axis. To remove the Toothpaste container 10 made the movements in reverse order against the direction of movement when inserting.

The toothpaste container 10 can be repeated in the handle part 18 are inserted or removed. To fill up of the included toothpaste 26, is the To refill toothpaste container 10 by the user or it a refill can be purchased.

The wall thickness of the toothpaste container 10 can over the entire scope vary. To after removing the Toothpaste container 10, a pressing out of the toothpaste 26th to allow, is the wall thickness of the container body 42 preferably less than a few places less than 2mm. At these locations, the wall has a tensile elastic modulus below 1400MPa when using the Container materials polyethylene and polypropylene. The In particular, sites can be on the side of the toothpaste container 10 formed indentations 52, which in the following in Related to Fig. 6 and Fig. 11 described in more detail become. The wall thickness of the handle shell part 22 is preferably larger than that of the remaining one Container body 42 to the stability of the shape during to guarantee the use. Can be supported Dimensional stability by addition to the toothpaste container 10th molded or applied ribs 78. The Toothpaste container 10 itself is a hollow body, the for example by means of injection molding, injection blow molding, Extrusion blow molding, rotational molding, etc. produced becomes.

Depending on the chosen manufacturing process, in particular However, during extrusion blowing, can at one Mold separation line of the toothpaste container 10 Brewing arise. These brows can be through Post-processing techniques are removed or reduced. In any case, the shape separation line of the Container body 42 preferably not on the handle shell part 22 but in the inserted state maximum of the Container mount 20 enclosed part of the Toothpaste container 10. In this way, the brows can or remaining bumps the user when Do not disturb brushing your teeth.

The outer dimensions of the toothpaste container 10 are so selected that in the inserted into the handle portion 18 state, the handle 19 simply held in the hand and at the Cleaning operations can be performed. The largest diameter of the cross section of the toothpaste container 10 perpendicular to Longitudinal axis is less than 25mm, the length is smaller than 100mm. The ratio of the diameter to the length is less than 1: 2, preferably 1: 4.

The toothpaste container 10 takes about 20% to 60% of the Total length of toothbrush with inserted Toothpaste container 10 a. Its volume is smaller than 50ml, preferably between 10ml to 30ml, and amounts to between 45% to 95% of the volume of the handle 19. A Volume of 30ml toothpaste 26 is enough for 30 to 60 Cleaning operations off. These volume ratios are one optimal compromise between an ergonomically shaped Handle 19 (in terms of diameter and length) and one enough for as many cleaning operations as possible Toothpaste 26.

The geometry, the wall thickness, and the material of the Handle shell portion 22 of the toothpaste container 10 are such chosen that the toothpaste container 10 in open and emptied condition, when loaded with a force of 10N on the handle shell part 22 by means of a center patched, almost perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Toothpaste container 10, in the direction of one in Fig. 3 with 100th designated arrow pointing pin of 18mm Diameter, cause a deformation of 1 to 5mm becomes. At a load of 50N, the deformation should of the handle shell part 22 is about 5mm. The Deformations are also reflected in the empty state Removing the load again at least almost completely back.

Two embodiments of the dispensing head 38 of the Toothpaste container 10 are in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in a compared with FIG. 3 enlarged representation shown. there is an internally circumferential locking groove 44 of a cap 45, preferably made of a stiffer plastic material than that of the toothpaste container 10, on one circumferential locking bead 46 of a neck-shaped tapered part of the container body 42 engaged. Alternatively, the cap 45 with a locking bead 46th and the neck-shaped tapered part of the Container body 42 may be equipped with a locking groove 44. The neck-shaped tapered part of the container body 42 and the cap 45 together form the dispensing head 38th In addition to this two-piece embodiment of the dispensing head 38, is also a one-piece to the container body 42nd molded design possible.

To expire the toothpaste 26 from the Toothpaste container 10 or a drying of the toothpaste 26th in toothpaste container 10 prior to first use prevent various embodiments of the Cap 45 of the dispensing head 38 a sealed Outlet opening 34. By a closure of Outlet opening 34 is one of the toothbrush body. 5 separate production as well as a sale / purchase of the Toothpaste container 10 possible. In Fig. 4 is a solution shown in a film 48 made of plastic or metal is mounted in front of the outlet opening 34. alternative can, as shown in Fig. 5, the toothpaste container 10th through a membrane 50 made of the material of Toothpaste container 10 and the cap 45 or by a thermoplastic elastomer directly in the manufacturing process be closed.

Fig. 6 shows a toothbrush body 5 with a removed toothpaste container 10. One with 52 marked indentation marked on the toothpaste container 10 a particularly elastic site, for example due to a smaller wall thickness at this point, the Press the toothpaste 26 from the toothpaste container 10 is provided. The marking of the recess 52 for the User is done for example by a net-like Surface structure. Alternatively, of course, are others Surface structures possible. The marker can additionally by a colored design or by sprayed soft-elastic elements done. The Indentations 52 and or the markings of Indentations 52 can be an additional adhesive function have. The adhesive function for holding the Toothpaste container 10 in the handle part 18 is replaced by a Cooperation of the adhesive elements with the inner wall of the Container socket 20 or there attached adhesive elements allows.

Strip-shaped ribs 78 on the handle part 18 and on Handle shell part 22 serve on the one hand to increase the Dimensional stability of the handle portion 18 and the Toothpaste container 10, as well as a better one Hold in the user's hand. Also a better one Halt serve on the outside of the side walls of the Handle part 18 attached, soft-elastic Support elements 54.

In FIGS. 7 to 9, preferred embodiments of FIGS Holder of the toothpaste container 10 in the handle portion 18 of the Toothbrush body 5 shown.

Preferably, these brackets are biased. Of the Preload is less than 50N, preferably less than 20N, to simply remove the Toothpaste container 10 from the container holder 20 to enable. This leader also serves to seal Cavities in the container socket 20 against penetrating Water or impurities by means of Toothpaste container 10.

In Fig. 7 is a holder by a cooperation an at least partially circumferential latching projection 56th the container socket 20 with a locking groove 57 on the dispensing head 38 of the toothpaste container 10 is shown. The locking projection 56 preferably has a triangular or semicircular cross section (Rastwulst). Alternatively or In addition, the holder by a locking nubs 58, in a not shown opening or Raststufung the Container socket 20 engages done. In the case of one Reststufung can by pressure on the handle shell part 22nd in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush body 5 of Toothpaste container 10 from a first latching step in a second, closer to the head 12 located Raststufe be pushed. This will simultaneously the Locking pin 36 inserted into the outlet opening 34 and the toothpaste container 10 closed. There are more Forms of latching or snapping possible, the guarantee a secure and multiple detachable bracket. In particular, co-operative for this purpose Ribs 78, nubs 32, protrusions or dents on corresponding positions on the handle part 18 and on Toothpaste container 10 may be attached. Preferably the toothpaste container 10 is unique in the Container socket 20 positioned.

Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a holder the toothpaste container 10 in the handle portion 18. Here is the Slipping out of the toothpaste container 10 through the Cooperation of a retaining lug 67 with a corresponding Forming the toothpaste container 10 prevents. The hook-shaped retaining lug 67 is in the free end of the formed scoop-like container socket 20 and in Direction of the head 12 biased. Alternatively, the Retaining lug 67 and the corresponding shape also on a closer closer to the head 12 location the container holder 20 may be formed.

The container holder 20 can continue on centering for easier insertion of the toothpaste container 10 in the container socket 20 have. In Fig. 9 is a such centering shown. It is in one open incision 70 in the free end of the Blade-like container socket 20 in the longitudinal direction running, rail-like bridge 68 of the Toothpaste container 10 slidably guided. It is possible to develop this kind of centering so that they are self-locking, for example by a Wedge-like tapering of the incision 70, at the same time Locking the toothpaste container 10 used in the Container socket 20 is used.

Another form of centering can, as in Fig. 10 shown by a centering star 60 in the Container socket 20 done. Preferably, this is Centering star 60 concentrically around the locking pin 36th educated. A closure, such as a foil 48 or a membrane 50, as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, is at the first use of the toothpaste container 10 by the locking pin 36, as shown in Fig. 2, or by an additional, in extension of the plug 36 attached mandrel 40 open.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 10 is also with equipped with a number of soft-elastic elements. So is a discharge head gasket 86 to dense Closing the outlet opening 34 of the Toothpaste container 10 in the container holder 20 of the Handle 18. The dispensing head seal 86 is used at the same time as a pad or damper and facilitates that Inserting and removing the toothpaste container 10. Ein another soft-elastic sealing element 88 is along the frontal surface at the free end of the handle part 18th appropriate. By the concern of the end face 43 of the inserted toothpaste container 10 on the sealing element 88th is the penetration of liquid or solid substances, especially prevented by water. More soft-elastic Elements in the form of damping elements 90 are, as already in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 described in circumferential grooves in the neck 16 of the toothbrush body 5 integrated. This will be a flexible zone in the area of the neck 16 with a soft-elastic Damping created. At the head 12, on the Bristles 14 opposite side, is located additionally a soft-elastic massage element 91, which are used for massage of the gums can.

Preferably, all soft-elastic elements are such formed and arranged or by channels with each other connected to it via a single injection point in a single step in injection molding can be produced.

The toothpaste container 10 can according to FIG. 11 with a level indicator 72 may be equipped. To this Purpose is the toothpaste container 10 of transparent or made of translucent plastic, giving a Conclusion on the still in the toothpaste container 10th amount of toothpaste 26 allowed. By comparison from a preferably toothpaste container 10 attached scale 76 with the toothpaste container 10th visible amount of toothpaste 26, can approximate the Number of still with the toothpaste container 10th located amount of toothpaste 26 to be performed Cleaning operations are determined. The scale 76 may alternatively also on the handle part 18, preferably on the blade-like End portion of the handle portion 18 on the lower, the bristles 14 be facing away from the side. It can In addition, a not shown window or a Recess in the lower side of the handle part 18th be integrated, giving a view of the container body 42 and thus on the Zahnpastamenge therein is released. This is a reading of the Level also used in the handle part 18 Toothpaste container 10 possible.

In addition to the level indicator 72 can be on Griffschalenteil 22 ribs 78, nubs 32, protrusions or dents, preferably of the same material of which Toothpaste container 10 itself is made to be attached. These elements can also be found on other parts of the Toothbrush, in particular on the handle 18, are. she serve a better grip of the hand by preventing Slipping the hand during the cleaning process, make it easier Inserting and removing the toothpaste container 10 and show finger rest and pressure points to the user, for example, for pushing out the toothpaste 26, to. The On the other hand, elements on the toothbrush body 5 are preferably by injection molding of non-slip, soft-elastic Materials attached. Both the handle shell part 22, as also all other externally visible parts of the Toothpaste brush can be labeled 80, characters or any monochrome and color designs, for Example of brand information, also preferably from soft-elastic material, be provided.

To the user the first use of the toothpaste container 10, as shown in the upper figure of FIG. 12, a seal 92 may be mounted over the handle portion 18 and the handle shell portion 22 is sufficient. The Seal 92 may be made of a material, for example otherwise using the handle 19 use is made preferably be injected, or from another Material consisting, glued in the form of a label be. The seal 92 preferably has a tab 94 for Cutting the seal. The tab 94 covers the End face 43 partially off and is due to a Perforation, which approximately parallel to the end face 43 runs, easy to cut. In the picture below From Fig. 12, an embodiment is shown in which a Skin film 96 performs the same function. It stretches Approximately from the thumb rest 30 to the half length of the handle shell part 22 and encloses the entire circumference of the toothbrush. Before the first Remove the toothpaste container 10 from the Container mount 20, the seal must be 92, the label or the skin sheet 96 are severed. The seal 92, the Etiquette and the skin film 96 can be printed with lettering, Signs, brand information, etc. must be provided.

An initial use can also be unlocked by unlocking a second, the seal 92, the etiquette or the Skin film 96 covered or otherwise sealed Rest position, the full insertion of the Toothpaste container 10 is taken in the handle part 18 must be done. At the transition to the new Latching position of the mandrel 40 opens the film 48 or Membrane 50 at the dispensing head 38 of the toothpaste container 10th

To apply adhesive labels are certain minimum Curvature radii of the surface of the handle shell part 22nd he wishes. In the direction of the longitudinal axis of the Toothpaste container 10 is the radius of curvature of this Reason greater than 50mm and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis bigger than 10mm.

The toothpaste 26 located in the toothpaste container 10 is to the specific requirements of the toothbrush Voted. Thus, the viscosity of the toothpaste 26 and the size of the outlet opening 34 of the toothpaste container 10 adjusted so that even in a vertical position the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container 10 when opened, downwardly directed outlet opening 34 no or very little toothpaste 26 comes out.

Since the dimensions of the toothpaste container 10 are smaller than those known, usual toothpaste tubes, is the Concentration of cleaning substances, flavorings, etc. in the toothpaste 26 for the toothbrush according to the invention about twice as high as in well-known Toothpaste. In particular, the toothpaste 26 too Cleaning and bleaching beyond Hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of less than 20%, preferably between 3% to 15% by volume contain. Of course, the toothpaste 26 can also be used at Toothbrushing with toothbrushes of known type can be used.

In order to allow the toothpaste 26 to be pushed out of the toothpaste container 10 as simply as possible, the toothpaste 26 is provided with a dynamic viscosity which is lower than the conventional toothpaste. The dynamic viscosity should preferably be in the following ranges when measured by a Couette viscometer at a toothpaste temperature of 25 ° C: Shear rate (1 / s) 10 50 100 200 Dyn. Viscosity (Pa s) 2 - 15 0.7 - 8 0.5 - 5 0.4 - 5

A flow of toothpaste 26 from the head 12 of the Toothbrush is prevented by retaining elements 24, for example in those shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 Embodiments are integrated in the head 12. she not only serve the retention of the applied ones Toothpaste 26, but at the same time make a metered delivery of toothpaste 26 to the surrounding Bristle field. The retaining elements 24 can on the one hand from walls 84, as shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, consist. The walls 84 are preferably made of rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or others made of elastic plastics. The Shore A hardness of Walls 84, like all soft-elastic elements should the toothbrush, smaller than 70, preferably smaller than 50 be. On the other hand, the retaining elements 24 can also from tufts 82 very thin filaments, as shown in Fig. 13 and 14, with a diameter of less than 0.175 mm, preferably smaller than 0.15mm. The Retaining elements 24 are at least partially of bristles 14 or bristle tufts surround and are located preferably almost in the middle of the head 12.

Between the walls 84 and the tufts 82 of filaments formed, upward in the direction of the free bristle ends Open channels take up the toothpaste 26. The channels have at their openings to the surrounding bristle field preferably at least a width of 1.5mm. The maximum height of the retaining elements 24 is preferably less than 12mm. They are, as shown in Fig. 2, thus smaller than the longest bristles 14. The retaining elements 24 are visible to the consumer, for example by a colored mark. The soft elastic walls 84 and the tufts 82 can at the same time the cleaning and massage of the teeth and the Serve gums. Of course, too Toothbrushes of known type with such Equip retaining elements 24.

In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are an oval and a circular arrangement of narrow tufts 82 of Filaments shown. In these embodiments, the Retaining elements 24 almost centrally on the head 12th positioned and of conventional bristles 14 and / or Surrounded by bristle tufts.

FIGS. 15 to 17 show labyrinth-like arrangements of FIG Retaining elements 24 with soft-elastic walls 84. In 15 are the walls 84 with crescent-shaped cross section, opened in their longitudinal directions against each other and staggered. Here is the elongated arrangement also almost centered on the elongated head 12 positioned and of conventional bristles 14 and / or Surrounded by bristle tufts.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a retaining element 24 shown with two C-shaped walls 84. The openings The C-forms interlock in such a way that they are an S-shaped Channel up, towards the free Bristle ends is open, forming. The walls 84 and the canal are arranged on an oval basic form. The longitudinal axis the basic shape is nearly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the Head 12. The retaining element 24 extends over the entire width of the head 12.

Fig. 17 shows a retaining element 24 with a rosette-type arrangement of soft-elastic walls 84. The Walls 84 have a crescent-shaped cross-section and are mounted in the free end region of the head 12.

The preparation of the toothbrush according to the invention takes place preferably automated in an injection molding plant, which with a vibrating conveyor, in particular for Transport of the closed toothpaste containers 10, Is provided. The toothpaste container 10 can at a made separate place, filled with toothpaste 26 and be closed. The insertion of toothpaste containers 10 in the handle part 18 is preferably also automatically, directly at the injection molding plant. alternative the toothpaste container 10 also at one of the Injection molding subsequent, automatically supplied Bristle plant to be mounted. Seal 92, labels or Skinfolien 96 are directly at the Beborstungsanlage applied to the toothbrushes.

Claims (16)

Toothbrush with a toothbrush body (5) and a toothpaste container (10), wherein the toothbrush body (5) has a head (12) equipped with bristles (14), a neck (16) and a grip part (18) adjoining the neck (16) which, together with the handle part (18) removably inserted, a dispensing head (38) and a container body (42) having toothpaste container (10) forms a handle (19), characterized in that the handle part (18) has a shell-like container mount (20) is integrally formed, which in the handle part (18) inserted toothpaste container (10) enclosing the container body (42) partially. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the container body (42) via the container socket (20) projecting handle shell part (22) which forms together with the handle part (18) in the inserted state an at least almost continuous surface of the handle (19) , Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the surface of the handle (19) substantially maintains its shape under load occurring during brushing, irrespective of the level of the toothpaste container (10), and in that the handle (18 ) removed toothpaste container (10) before and after the pressing out of toothpaste (26) has at least almost the same shape. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the handle part (18) at least approximately completely encloses the dispensing head (38) of the inserted toothpaste container (10) and asymmetrically its container body (42), such that the container holder (20) the lower, bristle-facing side of the handle portion (18) surrounds and laterally supports the container body (42) at least to its longitudinal center, and the handle shell portion (22) forms at least a portion of the surface of the handle (19) on the upper, bristle-facing side , Toothbrush according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one part of the container body (42) different from the handle shell part (22) is thinner-walled and thus more flexible than the remaining part of the container body (42) in order to move out of the handle part (18) removed toothpaste container (10) to push out the toothpaste (26) from the toothpaste container (10), and that the thin-walled part in the handle part (18) inserted state of the container holder (20) is covered. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the handle part (18) and the toothpaste container (10) is provided with holding elements, such that when in the handle part (18) inserted toothpaste container (10) of the toothpaste container (10) on Grip member (18) is held by cooperation of the holding elements, which act as adhesive elements, between which sufficient static friction, or as a latching projection (56) and latching groove (57) for latching, or as a latching nubs (58) and a corresponding Raststufung, or as hook-shaped retaining lug (67) and a corresponding shape are formed. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the handle part (18) inserted toothpaste container (10) has a closure pin (36) of the handle part (18) has an outlet opening (34) on the dispensing head (38) of the toothpaste container (10). tightly closed. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the grip part (18) has on its peripheral free end face a sealing element (88) which cooperates with inserted toothpaste container (10) with a circumferential end face (43) of the toothpaste container (10) to prevent water from escaping to the dispensing head (38) and / or that the container socket (20) has a soft-elastic dispensing head seal (86) on the plug (36) to prevent toothpaste (26) from leaking out of the toothpaste container (26). 10) to prevent. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in a at least approximately in the longitudinal direction of the handle portion (18) extending incision (70) of the container holder (20) engages a rail-like web (68) of the toothpaste container (10), and / or that in a centering star (60) of the handle part (18) of the toothpaste container (10) is inserted. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the grip part (18) is provided with a mandrel (40) which is intended, when first inserting the toothpaste container (10) into the container holder (20), a closure (48 , 50) on the dispensing head (38) of the toothpaste container (10). Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least a part of the toothpaste container (10) is transparent or translucent, so that an amount of toothpaste (26) located therein is visible, and a scale (76) on the toothpaste container (10 ) or at the blade-like end portion of the handle portion (18), which preferably has a window or recess for viewing the toothpaste container (10), is mounted to form a level indicator (72). Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the handle part (18) and / or the handle shell part (22) ribs (78), nubs (32), projections or dents on the handle part (18) preferably made of a non-slip , which are made of soft elastic material. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the viscosity of the toothpaste container (10) located toothpaste (26) and the size of the outlet opening (34) are set such that in a vertical position of the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container (10) opened, downwardly directed outlet opening (34) no or very little toothpaste (26) emerges. Toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the head (12) is provided with a retaining element (24) for partially retaining the toothpaste (26) applied thereon. Toothbrush body for a toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the toothbrush body (5) has a bristle (14) equipped head (12), a neck (16) and a to the neck (16) adjoining the handle part (18 ), on which a shell-like container mount (20) is formed, which is intended to receive a toothpaste container (10) inserted into the grip part (18) and partially enclose the toothpaste container (10) inserted, and in that the grip part (18) destined to form a handle (19) together with the inserted toothpaste container (10). Toothpaste container for a toothbrush according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the toothpaste container (10) has a dispensing head (38) and a container body (42) with a handle shell part (22) and is intended to be detachable into a bowl-like container holder (10). 20) of a handle portion (18) of the toothbrush to be used, wherein the handle shell portion (22), which substantially maintains its shape under loads occurring during brushing, regardless of the level of the toothpaste container (10), together with the handle portion (18 ) forms the surface of a handle (19).

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