AU2013405984A1

AU2013405984A1 - Oral care implement

Info

Publication number: AU2013405984A1
Application number: AU2013405984A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Guangsheng GUO; Wenjin XI; Bo Zhang
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Current assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2013-11-25
Filing date: 2013-11-25
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-25
Also published as: RU2016120317A; TW201531264A; CN105722428A; EP3062657A4; CN105722428B; AU2013405984B2; US20160353871A1; MX2016006677A; EP3062657A1; WO2015074267A1

Abstract

An oral implement comprises a head (10) and a handle (12). The head (10) comprises a first face (14) and a plurality of cleaning elements (34, 36) extending therefrom, a proximal section (16) adjacent to the handle (12) and a distal section (18) remote from the handle (12). The head (10) further comprises a flexible bridge (20) coupling the distal section (18) to the proximal section (16), so that the distal section (18) is flexibly moveable relative to the proximal section (16). The flexible bridge (20) further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face (14); wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge (20) in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head (10).

Description

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 1 ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT BACKGROUND [00011 Oml care implements with various handle and head structures are known. However, it would be desirable to prvide an oml care impleme nt which c an provide inc reased e ase of ac cess to the bac k tee th for cleaning, while avoiding problems caused b ye xcess brushing pressure. BRIEF SJMMARY [0002] In one aspect the present invention provides an oral care implement comprising a head and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the fist face; wherein the head comptises a proximal section adjacent to the handle and a distal action remote from the handle; wherein the head further comprises a flexible bridge coupling the distal section to the proximal section so that the distal section is flexibly moveable relative to the proximal section, the flexible bridge further compising at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at le ast one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perp ndicular to a longitudinal axis of the head. [0003J Optionally a longitudinal axis of the distal section is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal sec tion b yan angle of from 8* to 15*. [00041 Optionally a longitudinal axis of the distal section is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal sec tion. [0005] Optionally the proximal action and the distal section each have a straight linear edge extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, wherein the straight linear edge of the distal section faces the straight linear edge of the proximal section, and wherein the flexible bridge couples the straight linear edge of the distal section to the stmight linear e dge of the proximal section so that the distal sec tion is fle xibly move able relative to the proximal action [00061 Optionally the flexible bridge c omprises an elastomeic material. Further optionally, the elastome ric material comprise s thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 2 [00071 Optionally the at le ast one elastomeric cleaning e leme nt is inte gnl with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. [0008] Optionally the proximal section and the distal section are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. [0009J Optionally the rigid plastic or resin material compriss polmropfAene. [00 10] Optionally the flex ible bridge compriss a bridging se ction formed from the rigid plastic or resin material, the bridging sec tion joining the proximal section to the distal section, wherein a ratio of a depth of the bridging section at its narrowest point to a depth of the proximal section is from 1:3 to 1:7. [0011J Optionally the bridging s action exte nds across an entire width of the head. [0012] Optionally the head further comprises a second face on an opposite side of the head to the first face, and wherein the bridging section is loc ate d between the first face and the sec ond face. [0013] Optionally a distance between the bridging section and the first face is greater than a distance between the bridging section and the second face. Further optionally, the distance between the bridging action and the first face is from 2 to 4 times greater than the distance between the bridging sec tion and the sec ond face. [0014] Optionally the fle xible bridge further comprio s an elastome ric material surrounding the at least one bridging section. [0015] Optionally the elastome ric mate rial comprios the rmoplastic e lastomer (TPE). [00 16] Optionally the at le ast one elastomeric cleaning e leme nt is inte gnl with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. [00 17] Optionally the at least one elastomeric cleaning ele ment is an elastome ric wall. [0018] Optionally the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a stright linear configurtion. [00191 Optionally the elastomeic wall has a distal edge remote from the first face, the elastomeric wall comprising at least one notch extending from the distal edge of the elastomeic wall towards the first face of the head. [0020] Optionally the elastomeric wall has a height measured from the fast face to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall, the least one notch extending from the distal edge towards the first face by a distance of from 58 to 728 of the height of the elastomeric wall.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 3 [00211 Optionally the plurality of cleaning elements composes a first plurality of cleaning elements extending from the proximal section, and a second plurality of cleaning elements extending from the distal sec tion. [0022J Optionally the first plumlity of cleaning ele ments c omprises tap red bristles. [0023J Optionally the second plurality of cleaning elements comprises tale red bristles. [00241 Optionally the tapered bristles are tufed in square tuft holes. [0025] Optionally a height of the first plurality of cleaning e lements is equal to a height of the second plurality of cleaning elements. [0026] Optionally the at le ast one e lastomeic cle aning e lement has a height which is e qual to the height of the first and second plurlitie s of cleaning ele ments. [0027] Optionally the at le ast one elastome ric c leaning ele ment has a he ight whic h is less than the height of the first and second plurlitie s of cleaning ele ments. [0028] Optionally the head further compris a second face located on an oppsite side of the head to the first fac e, the se cond fac e comprising a tissue cle anser. [0029] Optionally the tisue c leant r comprise s an e lasto meric material. [0030] Optionally the flexible bridge comprits the e lastomeic material and wherein the tissue cleanser is integral with the fle xible bridge. [0031] Optionally the head has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm. [0032J Optionally the head has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm. [0033] Optionally tle distal section has a length which is les than a length of the prximal section. Further optionally, the mtio of the length of the distal section to the length of the proximal action is fm 1:3 to 1:1.2. [0034 Optionally the handle includes a body option, and a ne ck portion conne cing the bead to the body portion. [0035J Optionally a longitudinal axis of the neck portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal sec tion of the head. [0036J Optionally a longitudinal axis of the body prtion is tilte d with re spect to a longitudinal ax is of the nec k portion by an angle of from 5* to 15*. [0037J Optionally the neck portion has a maximum width of fim 3 mm to 7 mm. [0038] Optionally the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 4 [00391 In anothe r aspect the present invention provide s orml care imple ment c omprising a he ad and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first fac e; wherein the head comprises a proximal sec tion adjace nt to the handle and a distal section remote from the handle; wherein the head further comprises a flexible bridge coupling the distal s action to the pox imal sc tion so that the distal section is fle xibly move able relative to the proximal section; wherein the plumlity of cleaning elements comprises a first pluality of cleaning elements extending from the proximal action, and a second plurality of cleaning ele ments e xtending from the distal section, at least one of the first and second plumlities of cleaning ele ments c omprising taere d bristle s. [00401 Optionally the first plumlity of cleaning elements comprises tapered bristles. [0041] Optionally the second plurality of cleaning elements comprises tapered bristles. [0042J Optionally the tapered bristles are tufed in square tuft holes. [0043] Optionally a height of the first plurality of cleaning elements is equal to a height of the second plurality of cleaning ele ments. [0044 Optionally a longitudinal axis of the distal section is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal sec tion b yan angle of from 8* to 15*. [00451 Optionally a longitudinal axis of the distal section is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal sec tion. [0046J Optionally the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element ex tends along the fle xible bridge in a dire action perpendicular to a longitudinal ax is of the head. [0047] Optionally the at least one elastomeric cleaning element is an elastomeric wall. [00481 Optionally the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a stmight linear configurtion. [0049J Optionally the elastomeric wall has a distal edge remote from the first face, the elastomeric wall comprising at least one notch extending from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall towards the first face of the head. [00501 Optionally the elastomeic wall has a height measured from the first face to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall, the least one notch extending from the distal edge towards the first face by a distance of from 52 to 72 of the height of the elastomeric wall.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 5 [00511 Optionally the at le ast one e lastomenic cleaning eleme nt has a height which is e qual to a height of the first and second pluralities of cle aning elements. [0052J Optionally the at least o ne elastome ric cle aning e lement has a he eight which is less than a height of the first and second pluralities of cle aning elements. [0053J Optionally the flexible bridge c omprises an elastomeric material. Further optionally, the elastome ic material comprio s thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). [0054] Optionally the flexible bridge further composes at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perrendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, wherein the at le ast one e lastomeric cleaning eleme nt is integral with the elastomeic mate Uial of the flexible bridge. [00551 Optionally the proximal section and the distal section are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. Further optionally, the rigid plastic or resin material comprik s polypropylene. [0056J Optionally the flex ible bridge compriss a bridging se action formed from the rigid plastic or resin maternal, the bridging sec tion joining the proximal section to the distal section, wherein a ratio of a depth of the bridging section at its narrowest point to a depth of the proximal section is from 1:3 to 1:7. [0057J Optionally the bridging s action exte nds across an entire width of the head. [0058] Optionally the head further comprises a second face on an opposite side of the head to the first face, and wherein the bridging section is loc ate d between the first face and the sec ond face. [0059] Optionally a distance between the budging section and the fist face is greater than a distance between the bridging section and the second face. Further optionally, the distance between the bridging action and the first face is from 2 to 4 times greater than the distance between the bridging section and the second face. [00601 Optionally the flexible bridge further comprio s an elastome ic material surrounding the at least one bridging section. Further optionally, the elastomeric material comprises thennoplastic elastomer (TPE). [0061] Optionally the flexible bridge further composes at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 6 wherein the at le ast one e lastomeric cleaning eleme nt is integral with the elastomeric mate ial of the flexible bridge. [00621 Optionally the head further comprises a second face located on an oppsite side of the head to the first fac e, the o cond fac e comprising a tissue cle anser. [0063J Optionally the tissue c leans r comprise s an e lasto meric material. [00641 Optionally the flexible bridge comprises the elastomeic material and the tissue cleaner is integral with the flexible bridge. [00651 Optionally the head has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm. [0066] Optionally the head has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm. [0067J Optionally tie distal section has a length which is les than a length of the pox imal section. [0068] Optionally the mtio of the length of the distal section to the length of the poximl section is from 1:3 to 1:1.2. [0069J Optionally the handle includes a body option, and a ne ck potion cone citing the bead to the body portion. [0070J Optionally a longitudinal axis of the neck prtion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal sec tion of the head [0071J Optionally a longitudinal axis of the body prtion is tilte d with re sre t to a longitudinal ax is of the nec k prtion by an angle of from 5* to 15*. [00721 Optionally the neck portion has a maximum width of fiom 3 mm to 7 mm. [0073J Optionally the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm. [0074] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed de s ription provide d hereinafier. It should be understood that the de tailed de s ription 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. In particular, any of the various features of the oml care implement as discussed below in conne action withvarious e mbodiments could be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0075] The present invention will become moe fully understood from the detailed dec ription and the ac companying drwings, wherein: WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 7 [00761 Figure 1A illustrates a side view of a toothbrush in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0077] Figure 1B illustrates a front view of the toothbrush of Figure 1A. [0078] Figure 1C illustrates a re ar vie w of the toothbrush of Figure A. [0079] Figures 2A to 2F illustate a toothbrush head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0000] Figure 2A shows a front view of the head. [0001] Figure 2B shows a rear view of the head. [0002] Figure 2C shows a side view of the head. [0003] Figure 2D is a e rsp active vie w of the toothbrush he ad, illustmting the flexible movement of the distal section with respect to the proximal section. [0004] Figure 2E shows a perspective view of the tootlbnsh head in which the elastomeric material of the fle xible bridge has be en omitte d in order to show the budging structure. [0085] Figure 2F shows a side view of the toothbrush head of Figure 2E, in which the first and second pluralitie s of c leaning eleme nis have be en omitte d. [0006] Figures 3A to 3E illustrate a toothbrush head in accordance with another r e mbodiment of the present invention. [0007] Figure 3A shows a front view of the head. [0088] Figure 3B shows a rear view of the head. [0089] Figure 3C shows a side view of the head. [0090] Figure 3D is a e rsp active vie w of the toothbrush he ad, illustmting the flexible movement of the distal section with respect to the proximal section. [0091] Figure 3E shows a perspective view of the toothbrush head in which the elastomeric material of the fle xible bridge has be en omitte d in order to show the budging structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00921 The following description of the preferred e mbodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way inte nded to limit the invention, its applic action, or uses. [0093] As used throughout ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Anyvalue within the range c an be sele cte d as the terminus of the range. In addition, all re ferences cited here in are hereby incorpomte d by referenced in their entireties.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 8 In the event of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and that of a cited re ferenc e, the present disclosure controls. [0094] The description of illustative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connec tion with the acc ompanAng drawings, which are 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 deription and is not intended in any way to limit the srop of the present invention. Relative terms suc h as "lower," "upe <," "horizontal " "ve rtic al," "above," "below," "up" "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally" downwardlyy" "upwardly" etc.) should be c onstrued to re fer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drwing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the appatus be c onstructe d or op rate d in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed," "c connected " "couple d," "interconne cted," and similar refer to a relationship where in structures are secure d or attac hed to one another r either directly or indirec tly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or igid attachments or relationship, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustmtedbyreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expresly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some psible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in othe r combinations of features; the scope of the invention being de fined by the claims app nded hereto. [0095] In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a manual toothbrush, and method of manufacturing the same, having the inventive multi-comprnent handle. However, in other forms, the invention could be in the form of other oml care implements including a soft-tissue cleansing implement an inter-proximal pick, a flossing tool, a plaque scrapr, a powered toothbrush, or other ansate implement designed for oral care. It is also to be understood that other embodiments may be utilid, and that structural and functional modifications maybe made without departing from the score of the present invention. [0096] Figures 1A to 1C illustmte a toothbrush in ac cordance with an e embodiment of the present invention, whe rein a distal sec tion 18 of the head 10 (the distal se action 18 being remote fbm the handle 12) is coupled to a proximal section 16 of the head 10 (the proximal section 16 being WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 9 adjace nt to the handle 12) by a flexible bridge 20 so that the distal s action 18 is fle xiblymovable with respect to the proximal action 16 (as illustrated in Figure 2D). In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is tilted by an angle ca with respect to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16, the angle a being approximately 13*. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the longitudinal axis A-A of the body poition 22 of the handle 12 is tilted by an angle p with respc t to the longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion 24 of the handle 12. In this embodiment, the angle p is approximately 10. The longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the pox imal section 16 of the head 10. [0097] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C, the ratio of the length of the distal section 18 to the length of the proximal action 16 is approximately1:1.3, the distal section 18 having a length of 11.6 mm and the proximal section 16 having a length of 15.3 mm. The total length of the head 10 (as measured along the direction of the Y-Y axis) is 29.1 mm. The distal section 18 has a width of 9.3 mm and the proximal section 16 has a width of 10.7 mm. [009] The head 10 of the toothbrush of Figures 1A to 1C is shown in more de tail in Figures 2A to 2F. However, the head as shown in Figures 2A to 2F could also be used in other embodime nts of the present invention. It is also noted that the head as shown in Figures 3A to 3E could be used with the handle as illustrated in Figure s 1A to 1C. [0099] As illustrted in Figures 2A to 2F, the head 10 comprises a first face 14, with a plurality of cleaning elements extending therefrom. The plurality of cle anig elements compriss a first pluiality of cle aning ele ments 34 extending from the prox imal section 16, and a sec ond plurality of cle anig ele ments 36 e xtending from the distal oc tion 18. The first and s cond plurlitie s of cleaning ele ments 34 36 comprise tap red bristles tufled in square tuft holes 38, whic h tufl holes 38 have dimensions of 1.40 mm x 1.40 mm. The first pluality o f c leaning ele ments 34 have a length which is e qual to that of the second plumlity of cleaning ele ments 36. [0100] The he ad 10 include s square tufi holes 38 which are positione d in a grid arrangement of columns and rovs on the proximal and distal sections 16, 18. The centres of tuft holes 38 in adjacent columns are spaced apart by 2.50 mm in the distal action 18 and by 2.20 mm in the proximal section 16. The centres of tufi holes 38 in adjacent rows are spaced apart by 2.55 mm in both the proximal and distal sections 16, 18. The distal section 18 inc ludes a distal-most row 40 of tufl holes 38, wherein the centres of the tufi holes in the distal-most row 40 aie spaced WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 10 apart from one another by 2.2] mm. The distance between the centres of the tun holes in the distal-most ow 40 and a line joining the c entire s of the tuft holes in the row adjacent to the distal most row 40 is 2.43 mm. The proximal section 16 includes a proximal-most row 42 of tufi holes, wherein the centres of the tufi holes in the proximal-most row 42 are spaced apart from one another by2.20 mm. The distance between the c entres of the tuft holes in the proximal-most row 42 and a line joining the centres of the tufi holes in the row adjacent to the proximal-most row 42 is 2.66 mm. In the distal- and proximal-most rows 40, 42 the tufl holes 38 are offset with respect to the columns. The centres of the tufi holes in the distal-most row 40 are spaced at a distance of 1.10 mm from a line joining the c entres of the tuft holes of a c column dispo d on the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18. The centres of the tufl holes in the proximal-most row 42 are spaced at a distance of 1.10 mm from lines joining the centres of the tuft holes of each column of the proximal section 16. [0101] The head 10 furthe r comprik s a second face 32, which sec ond fac e 32 c omprises a tissue cleanser 44. The tissue c leans r 44 c ompises a plurality of nubs 46 for c leaning soft tissue s of the mouth. [0102] In this embodiment the distal action 18 and the proximal section 16 are formed of pxlypropylene. As illustrated in Figures 2D to 2F, the flexible bridge 20 comprises a bridging section 30 formed from the polypropylene, which bridging section 30 joins the proximal and distal s actions 16, 18 and is loc ated between the first face 14 and the second face 32. The ratio of the depth of the bridging section 30 at its narrove st point to the depth of the proximal section 16 is approximately 1:6. The depth of the proximal section 16 is equal to the depth of the distal section 18, and is 5.3 mm. The distance e between the bridging section 30 and the fist face 14 is approx imately 4 times the distance between the bridging se action 30 and the sec ond face 32. The flexible bridge 20 furthe r comprises an elastomeric material surrounding the bridging action 30, and the tissue cleaner 44 is inte gnl with the flexible bridge 20. [0103] Figures 3A to 3E illustrate a toothbrush head in accordance with another e embodiment of the pre ont invention. In this embodiment, the head 10 includes a proximal action 16 adjacent to the handle 12, and a distal section 18 remote from the handle 12. The proximal section 16 and the distal section 18 are joined by a flexible bridge 20. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is substantially aligne d with a longitudinal axis Y Y of the proximal section 16. The proximal section 16 and distal section 18 each have a straight WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 11 linear edge e xtending in a die tion rpndic ular to a longitudinal axis of the he ad 10, wherein the straight linear edge 48 of the distal action 18 faces the straight linear edge 50 of the proximal section 16. The flexible bridge 20 couples the straight linear edge 48 of the distal section 18 to the straight line ar edge 50 of the proximal s etion 16, so that the distal section 18 is flexiblymovable with respect to the proximal section 16 (as illustrated in Figure 3D). The ratio of the length of the distal action 18 to the length of the proximal section 16 is approximately 1:1.3, the distal section 18 having a length of 11.6 mm and the proximal section 16 having a length of 15.4 mm. The total length of the head 10 is 30.1 mm. The distal section 18 has a width of 9.3 mm and the proximal section 16 has a width of 10.7 mm. [01041 The flexible bridge 20 further comprises an elastomeric cleaning element 26 extending from the first face 14, which elastomeric cleaning element 26 extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a direc tion e rpendic ular to the longitudinal axis of the he ad 10. [0105] The elastomeric cleaning element 26 is an elastomeric wall extending along the flexible bridge in a straight, line ar configurtion, and has a distal edge remote from the first face. The elastomeric wall comprises a notch 28 extending from the distal edge towards the first face 14by a distance of about 6f8 of the height of the elastome ric wall. [0106] The proximal and distal sections 16, 18 are formed of polypropAene and the flexible bridge c omprises a bridging section 30 forme d of the plypropyle ne. The bridging section joins the poximal section 16 to the distal section 18, and is located between the fist face 14 and the second face 32. The second face 32 compriss a tissue cleaner 44. The flexible bridge 20 further compiss an elastomeric material surrounding the bridging section 30, and the tissue cleanser 44 is integrl with the flexible bridge 20. The tissue cleanser 44 comprise s a plurality of nubs, 46. [0107] The proximal action 16 comprises a first plurality of cleaning elements 34 extending from the first face 14, and the distal sec tion 18 comprise s a second plurality of c leaning eleme nts 36 extending from the first face 14. The first and second pluralities of cleaning elements 34, 36 comprise tapre d bristle s tufle d in gquaie tuft hole s 38, which tufi holes have dime nsions of 1.40 mm x 1.40 mm. The first plurality of cleaning e lements 34 have a length which is equal to that of the second plumlity of c leaning eleme nts 36. TIe head 10 includes square tufi hole s 38 which are positioned in a grid armngement of columns and rows on the proximal and distal sections 16, 18 (as described above in relation to the armngement of tuft holes 38 in Figures 2A to 2F). The WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 12 distal section 18 includes a distal-most row 40 of tuf holes 38 and the proximal section 16 includes a proximal-most row 42 of tufi holes wherein, in the distal- and proximal-most rows 40, 42, the tufl holes 38 are offset with respect to the columns (as describe d above in relation to the arangeme nt of tufl holes 38 in Figures 2A to 2F). [010] The elastome ic cleaning e lement 26 has a he ight which is less than the height of the first and second pluralities of cle aning eleme nts 34, 36. [0109] In one aspect, the present invention provides an oral c ae implement comprising a head 10 and a handle 12, the head 10 comprising a first face 14 and a plurality of cle aning eleme nts extending from the first face 14. The head 10 comprises a proximal section 16 adjacent to the handle 12, a distal section 18 remote from the handle 12, and a flexible bridge 20 coupling the distal section 18 to the proximal action 16 so that the distal section 18 is flexibly movable relative to the proximal section 16. The flexible bridge 20 further compriss at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 extending from the first face 14. The at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a direction perpendiculr to a longitudinal axis of the head 10. The elastomeric cleaning element 26 acts to plish the tooth surface s and cle an the tee th. [0110] The flexible bridge 20 allows the distal section 18 to move forward and backward relative to the proximal section 16 during use of the oral caie implement allowing the oral care implement to reach deep into the mouth to clean the back teeth. This flexibility also reduces or preve nts exce o pressure being applied to the back teeth whe n brushing. [0111] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 by an angle a of from 8* to 15*, from 9* to 14*, from 10* to 13*, or of about 13*. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis X X of the distal section 18 is tilted by the above angle a with re spe ct to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal sc tion 16 whe n the oml c are impleme nt is in a stressless state i.e. when no force e is being applied to the implement in order to cause the distal section 18 to move relative to the proximal section 16 (such as when the impleme nt is not in use). The distal section 18 can move with respct to the proximal section 16 upn application of force during us, but returns to its initial position with the axis X-X inclined by angle cc with respect to the axis Y-Y once any applied force has been re moved. The longitudinal axis X-X of the distal sc tion being tilted by angle c with respect to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 allows the head to fit WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 13 to the curve of the teeth, and the flexible bridge allows the head to adapt to the contours of the teeth]tooth surfac e. [0112] In othe r embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal action 16. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is substantiallyaligned With the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 when the oml care implement is in a stressless state i.e. when no force is being applied to the implement in order to cause the distal section 18 to move relative to the proximal sec tion 16 (such as when the implement is not in use). The distal section 18 can move with respect to the prox imal section 16 upn application of force during use, but returns to its initial position with the axis X-X substantially aligned with the axis Y-Y once any applied force has been removed. [0113] In some embodiments, the proximal section 16 and the distal section 18 each have a straight linear edge extending in a direc tion perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head 10, wherein the straight linear edge 48 of the distal section 18 faces the stmight linear edge 50 of the proximal section 16. In these embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 couples the straight linear edge 48 of the distal section 18 to the straight linear edge 50 of the proximal section 16 o that the distal s action 18 is flexibly move able relative to the pox imal section 16. [0114] In some e mbodiments, the handle 12 include s a body portion 22, and a neck portion 24 connecting the head 10 to the body portion 22. In various e mbodiments, a longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion 24 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 of the head 10. Invarious embodiments, a longitudinal axis A-A of the body portion 22 is tilted with respec t to the longitudinal axis Z-Z o f the neck portion 24 by an angle p of from 50 to 15*, from 6* to 14*, from 7 to 13*, from 8* to 12*, ftm 9* to 11*, or of about 10*. The provision of this angle p between the longitudinal axes A-A and Z-Z of the body portion 22 and the neck poition 24, respectively results in an ergonomic handle which allows the user to reach the back teeth more easily. [0115] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 by an angle a of from 8* to 15*, from 90 to 14*, from 10* to 13*, or of about 13*, and the longitudinal axis A-A of the body portion 22 is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion by an angle p of from 5* to 15*, from 6* to 14*, from 7* to 13*, from 8* to 12*, from 9* to 11*, or of about 10*.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 14 The provision of both angle p between the longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck prtion 24 and the longitudinal axis A-A of the body portion 22, and angle a be tween the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16, provides for improved reach of the oral care implement to clean the back teeth and rear-most areas of the mouth. [0116] In some embodiments, the body portion 22 comprises a thumb grip 52 located adjacent to the are a of conne action of the body prtion 22 to the neck poition 24. In one embodime nt, the body portion 22 comprise s the thumb grip 52 on one side thereof and a finge r grip area 54 on an oppsite side thereof, wherein the thumb grip 52 is located on the same side of the oral care imple ment as the first fac e 14 of the head 10. The thumb grip 52 may be embossedtexture d so as to provide an anti-slip aie a for increamd ease of grinppg of the oral care implement by a usr. Where the thumb grip 52 is embossed or textured, this may alo provide a massaging effect on the thumb of a user. In ome embodime nis, the thumb grip 52 composes an elastome ric material in order to provide a c omfortable gripping area. In such embodiments, the elastomeric material provides a gripping surface which is sofTer than the material (such as a rigid plastic or iesin material e.g. polypropyle ne) from whic h the body prtion andlor neck portion are formed. [0117] In some emboliments, the distal section 18 has a le ngth whic h is le ss than a length of the proximal section 16. In some embodiments, the distal action 18 has a length of from 9 mm to 13 mm, from 10 mm to 12.5 mrm, from 11 mm to 12 mm or of about 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the proximal action 16 has a length of from 14.5 mm to 17 mm, from 15 mm to 16 mm, or of about 15.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distal section 18 has a length of from 11 mm to 12 mm and tle proximal action 16 has a length of fmm 15 to 16 mm. The distal section 18 is thus able to cover the surface of a single tooth, thus providing improved ease of reach of the oml care implement to the back teeth in the mouth, while the proximal section 16 ensures an acceptable total length of the head. [0110] In various embodiments, the mtio of the le ngth of the distal section 18 to the le ngth of the proximal action 16 is from 1:3 to 1:1.2, from 1:2.5 to 1:1.25, from 1:2 to 1:1.3 or about 1:1.3. [0119] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises an e lastomeric material. Suitable elastome ric mate rials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). [0120] In various e mbodiments, the at least one elastomeric c leaning e lement 26 is inte gial with the elastomeic material of the flexible bridge 20.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 15 [0121] In various embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is an elastomeric wall. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a stmight, line ar configurtion. [0122] In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall has a distal edge remote from the first face 14, the elastomeric wall compriss at least one notch 28 extending from the distal edge of the elastomeic wall towards the fiist face 14 of the head 10. The notch 28 ensures that the elastomeic cleaning wall is of the correct level of ofIness to provide acceptable mouthfeel to the consumer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall Ins a height measured from the first face 14to the distal edge of the elastomeic wall, the least one notch28 extending from the distal edge towards the first face 14 by a distance of from 52 to 72 of the height of the elastomeric wall. The fIrther the notch 28 extends from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall towrds the first face, the greater the level of softness of the elastomeric wall. [0123] In some embodiments, the proximal section 16 ard the distal action 18 are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. In various embodiments, the igid plastic or resin material composes polypropylene. [0124] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 composes a bridging section 30 formed from the rigid plastic or resin material. The bridging section 30 joins the proximal se ction 16 to the distal section 18. The presence of the bridging action 30 can provide increasd ease of manufacture, for example if the head is injection-molded then the bridging section allows the proximal section 16 and the distal section 18 to be forme d inte grally conne cte d by the bridging section 30. A ratio of a depth Di of the bridging section 30 at its narrowest point to a depth D 2 of the proximal s ction 16 is from 1:3 to 1:7, from 1:3.5 to 1:6, or from 1:4 to 1:5, o that the distal section 18 is flexibly movable relative to the proximal section 16, despite being connected thereto by the bridging section 30. In some embodiments, the de pth D2 of the proximal section is from 4 ma to 6.5 mm, from 4.5 mm to 6 mm, or from 5 mm to 5.5 mm. The depth of the distal section 18 maybe the same as the depth of the proximal section 16. In some embodiments, the bridging action 30 exte nds across an entire width of the head 10. [0125] The length of the flexible bridge (in a dire action puallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16) maybe from 1.7 mm to 3.2 mm, from 2 mm to 3 rm, or from 2.3 mm to 2.7 mm. In some embodiments, a mtio of the le ngth of the flexible bridge 20 to the length of the distal action 18 is from 1:3 to 1:5, from 1:3.5 to 1:4.5, from 1:3.8 to 1:4.2, or about 1:4.

WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 16 This allows for the oral care implement to have sufficient bristle density along the length of the head for e ffective cleaning of the tee th, while providing an ac ceptable level of fle xibility of the distal section 18 relative to the proximal section 16. [0126] In some embodiments, the head 10 further compris a second face 32 on an oppsite side of the head 10 to the first face 14, and the bridging section 30 is located between the first face 14 and the second face 32. In some embodiments, a distance between the bridging section 30 and the first face 14 is gre ate r than a distanc e betv een the bridging sec tion 30 and the se condo face 32, providing the desired flexibility of movement of the distal section 18 relative to the proximal action 16. In some embodiments, the distance between the bridging section 30 and the first face 14 is from 2 to 4 times greater, from 2.5 to 3.5 times greater, or about 3 times greater than the distance between the bridging section 30 and the second face 32. [0127] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 further comprises an elastomeric mate rial surrounding the at least one bridging action 30. Examples of such elastomen matenals include, but are not limited to, the rmoplastic e lastomer (TPE). [0128] In some embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bndge 20. [0129] In some embodiments, the plurality of cleaning elements comprises a first plurality of cleaning elements 34 extending from the proximal section 16, and a second plurality of cleaning eleme nts 36 extending from the distal section 18. [0130] In some embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 comprises tapered bristles. In certain embodiments, the second pluralityof cleaning elements 36 comprises tapered bristles. In various embodiments, both the first and second pluralities of cle anig elements 34, 36 comprise tapered bristle s. In some embodime nts, portions of the first plumlity of cleaning elements 34 are tapered. In some embodiments, portions of the second plurality of cleaning elements 36 are tapered. In some embodiment, portions of the first and second pluralities of cleaning elements 34, 36 are tapered. [013 1] In ome embodiments, the first andlor second pluralities of c leaning ele ments 34, 36 are tapered. [0132] In some embodiments, the tapered bristles aie tufled in square tufi holes 38. The provision of the tapred bristles in the square tufi holes 38 allows the bristles to reach deep into the interdental areas in order to provide effective cleaning, whilst proAding bnstle softness for WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 17 optimal gum care. The provision of square tufi holes enhances cle aning of the tooth surfaces, as the contact area of the bristles of a paticular tufP on the tooth surface is greater for a square tufl hole than for a round tufi hole of similar dimensions. In some embodiments, the tuf holes on the first face 14 have dimensions of 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm; of 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm; of 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm; or of about 1.4 mm x 1.4 mm. In various embodiments, the head comprises tufi holes 38 which are psitioned in a grid management of columns (parallel to the longitudinal axes X-X and Y-Y of the proximal section 16 and the distal section 18) and rows (:erpendicular to the longitudinal axes X-X and Y-Y of the poximal section 16 and the distal section 18). In some embodiments, the distance between the centres of tufi holes in successive rows is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the centres of tufi holes in succesive columns on the distal section is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 ma, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, fim 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5 mm, and the distance between the centres of tufi holes in successive columns on the proximal action is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 mm. In some embodiments, the head includes a distal-most row 40 of tf holes 38 and a proximal-most row 42 of tuft holes 38, in which rows the tufi hole s are not aligne d With the columns forme d by tuft holes of other rows. In some embodiments, the tuft holes of the proximal- and distal-most raws 40, 42 are offset with resfec t to the columns. In some embodiments, tle centres of the tufi holes in the distal-most row 40 are spaced by a distance of from 0.5 mm to 1.5mm, from0.8 mm to 1.3 mm, from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm, or about 1.10 mm from a line joining the c entres of the tuft holes of a c olumn disposed on the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18. In some embodiments, the centres of the tuft holes in the proximal-most mw 42 are spaced by a distance of from0.5 mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm, from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm, or about 1.10 mm from lines joining the c entire s of the tufi holes of the columns of the proximal section 16 from which the tufR holes of the proximal-most row are offset. In some embodiments, the distance between the centres of the tuft holes in the distal-most row 40 and a line joining the centres of the tuf holes in the row adjacent to the distal-most row 40 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, fbm 2.2 mm to 2.8 mrm, from 2.3 mm to 2.5 mrm, or about 2.4 mm. In some embodime nts, the distanc e betui en the ce ntres of the tufl holes in the proximal-most row 42 and a line joining the centres of the tuft holes in the row adjacent to the proximal-most row 42 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.9 nun, from WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 18 2.4 mm to 2.8 mrm, or about 2.6 mm. In some embodime nis, the distare between the centres of the tufl holes in the distal-most row 40 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 ram, and the distance between the centres of the tuf holes in the proximal-most row 42 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 mm. [0133] In some e mbodiments, a height of the first plumlity of cleaning e lements 34 is e qual to a height of the second plurality of cle aning elements 36. [0134] In various embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 has a height which is e qual to the he ight of the first and s cond pluralities of cle aning e lements 34, 36. [0135] In other embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 has a height which is less than the height of the first and second pluralitie s of cleaning ele ments 34, 36. [0136] In some embodiments, head 10 further comprises a second face 32 located on an opposite side of the head 10 to the first face 14, the e cond face 32 comprising a tissue cleanser 44. In some embodiments, the tissue cleanser c ompises a plumlity of nubs 46 for cleansing soft tissues of the mouth e.g. the insides of the cheeks and lips, and the tongue. The inclusion of the tissue cleanser 44 allows the oral care implement to provide thorough cleaning of the oral cavity, with cleansing of sofi tissues as well as cleaning of the teeth. [0137] In some embodiments, the tisue cleanser 42 compriss an elastomeric material. Examples of suitable elastomeric material which maybe used for the tissue cleanser 42 include, but are not limited to thermoplastic elastome r (TPE). [0138] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises the elastomeric material and the tissue cleans r 42 is integrl with the flexible bridge 20. [0139] In certain e mbodiments, the he ad 10 has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm, from 25 mm to 35 mm, fiom 27 mm to 33 mm, or about 30 mm, or about 29 mm. In some e mbodiments, the head 10 has maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, fim 9 mm to 12 mm, or about 11 mm. In some e mbodiments, the distal sec tion 18 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 13 mm, from 7 mm to 12 mm, from 8 mm to 11 mm, or of about 9 mm. In some embodiments, the proximal section 16 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mn, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or about 11 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the distal section 18 is less than the maximum width of the proximal action 16. The compact he ad (and particularly the c ompact size o f the distal s action 18) also assists in reaching WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 19 of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as the back teeth, particularly for users having a smaller oral cavitysize than that for which many oral care implements are designed. [0140] In some embodiments, the neck portion 24 has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm, from 4 mm to 6 mm, or of about 5 mm. [0141] In some embodiments, the body portion 22 has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm, from 10 mm to 14 mm, from 11 mm to 13 mm, or of about 15 mm. [0142] In another aspe ct, the presnt invention provides an oral care implement comprising a head 10 and a handle 12, the head 10 comprising a first face 14 and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the first face 14. The head 10 comprises a proximal section 16 adjacent to the handle 12 and a distal section 18 remote from the handle 12. The head 10 further comprises a flexible bridge 20 coupling the distal section 18 to the proximal section 16 so that the distal section 18 is flexiblymoveable relative to the proximal section 18. The plurality of cleaning elements compriss a first plumlity of cleaning elements 34 extending from the proximal section 16, and a second plurality of cleaning elements 36 extending from the distal section 18, at least one of the first and second pluralities of cleaning eleme nts comprising tapered bristles. [0143] In some embodiments, the first plurality of cleaning elements 34 comprises tapered bristles. In certain embodiments, the second pluralityof cle aning elements 36 comprises tapered bristles. In various embodiments, both the first and second plumlities of cle anig elements 34, 36 comprise taperedbristles. [0144] In some embodiments, the tapered bristles ae tufed in square tufl holes 38. The provision of square tufi holes enhances cle aning of the tooth sifac es, as the contact area of the bristles of a particular tuft on the tooth surface is greater for a squae tufi hole than for a round tuft hole of similar dimensions. In some embodiments, the tuft holes on the first face 14 have dimensions of 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm x 2.0 mm; of 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm; of 1.2 mm x 1.2 mm to 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm; or of about 1.4 mm x 1.4 mm. In various embodiments, the head comprises tufi loles 38 which are positioned in a grid arrangement of columns parallel1 to the longitudinal axes X-X and Y-Y of the proximal section 16 and the distal section 18) and rows (perpendicular to the longitudinal axes X-X and Y-Y of the proximal section 16 and the distal sec tion 18). In some embodime nts, the distance between n the c entire s of tuft holes in succesive rows is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 20 to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the centres of tuft holes in successive c olumns on the distal section is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.6 mm, or about 2.5 mm, and the distanc e between the centres of tufl holes in successive columns on the proximal section is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 mm. In some embodiments, the head includes a distal most row 40 of tufl holes 38 and a proximal-most row 42 of tuft holes 38, in which M ws tle tuft holes are not aligned with the columns formed by tuft holes of other rows. In some embodiments, the tuft holes of the proximal- and distal-most rows 40, 42 are offset with respect to the columns. In some embodiments, the centres of the tuft holes in the distal-most row 40 are spaced by a distance of from 0.5 mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8 mm to 1.3 mm from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm, or about 1.10 mm from a line joining the c entries of the tufi holes of a column disposed on the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18. In some embodiments, the centres of the tuft holes in the proximal-most row 42 are spaced by a distance of from 0.5 mm to 1.5mm, from 0.8 mm to 1.3 rmtm, from 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm, or about 1.10 mm from lines joining the ce ntres of the tuft holes of the columns of the proximal section 16 from which the tufi holes of the proximal most row an offset. In some embodiments, the distance between the centres of the tuft holes in the distal-most row 40 and a line joining the c entire s of the tufi hole s in the row adjace nt to the distal-most row 40 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.8 mm, from 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm, or about 2.4 mm. In some e mbodiments, the distance between the centres of the tufi holes in the proximal-most row 42 and a line joining the centres of the tufi holes in the row adjacent to the proximal-most ow 42 is from 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm, from 2.2 mm to 2.9 mm, from 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm, or about 2.6 mm. In some embodime nts, the distance betwe en the ce ntres of the tufi holes in the distal-most row 40 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 mm, or about 2.2 mm, and the distance between n the c entire s of the tufl holes in the proximal-most row 42 is from 1.6 mm to 2.6 mm, from 1.8 mm to 2.5 mm, from 2.0 to 2.3 rm, or about 2.2 mm. [0145] In some e mbodiments, a height of the finst plurality of cleaning e lements 34 is e qual to a height of the second plumlity of cleaning elements 36. [0146] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 by an angle a. of from 8* to 150, from 9* to 14*, from 10* to 13*, or of about 13*. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis X- WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 21 X of the distal section 18 is tilted by the above angle a with re sp ct to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal oc tion 16 whe n the oml c are impleme nt is in a stressless state i.e. when no fore e is being applied to the implement in order to cause the distal section 18 to move relative to the proximal section 16 (such as when the impleme nt is not in use). The distal section 18 can move with respect to the proximal section 16 upon application of force during use, but returns to its initial position with the axis X-X inclined by angle cc with respect to the axis Y-Y once any applied force has been re moved. The longitudinal axis X-X of the distal action being tilted by angle cc with respect to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 allows the head to fit to the curve of the teeth, and the flexible bridge allows the head to adapt to the contours of the teeth/toothsurface. [0147] In other embodiments, a longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16. In these embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is substantially aligne d with the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 when the oml care implement is in a stressless state i.e. when no force isbeing appliedto the implement in order to cause the distalsection 18 to move relative to the proximal section 16 (such as when the implement is not in use). The distal section 18 can move with respect to the prox imal section 16 upn application of force during use, but returns to its initial position with the axis X-X substantially aligned with the axis Y-Y once any applied force has been re moved. [0148] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 extending from the first face 14, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head 10. The e lastomeric cle aning element 26 ac ts to clean the te eth and plish the tooth surfaces. [0149] In some e mbodiments, the at le ast one elastome ric cleaning eleme nt 26 is an elastomeric wall. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge 20 in a straight linear configuration. [0150] In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall has a distal edge remote from the first face 14, the elastomeric wall comprising at least one notch 28 extending from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall towards the fiist face 14 of the head 10. The notch 28 ensures that the elastomeric cleaning wall is of the correct level of toflness to provide acceptable mouthfeel to WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 22 the consumer. In some embodiments, the elastomeric wall Ins a height measured from the first face 14 to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall, the least one notch 28 extending from the distal edge towards the first face 14 by a distance of from 52 to 72 of the height of the elastomeric wall. The fIrther the notch 28 extends from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall towards the first face, the greater the level of softness of the elastomeric wall. [0151] In various embodiments, the at le ast one elastomeric cleaning element 26 has a height which is e qual to the he ight of the first and s cond pluralities of cle aning e lements 34, 36. [0152] In other embodiments, the at least one elastomeic cleaning element 26 has a height which is less than the height of the first and second pluralitie s of cleaning elements 34, 36. [0153] In various embodimerds, the flexible bridge 20 comprises an elastomeric material. Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer. [0154] In some embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cle aning element is integml with the elastome ric material of the flexible bndge 20. [0155] In some embodiments, the proximal section 16 ard the distal section 18 are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material. In various embodiments, the rigid plastic or resin material comprises polypropylene. [0156] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 composes a bridging section 30 formed from the igid plastic or resin material, the bridging section 30 joining the proximal section 16 to the distal section 18. The presence of the bridging section 30 can provide increased ease of manufacture, for example if the head is injection-molded then the bridging action allows the proximal section 16 and the distal section 18 to be forme d inte grally conne cte d by the bridging section 30. A ratio of a depth Di of the bridging section 30 at its narrowest point to a depth D 2 of the proximal section 16 is from 1:3 to 1:7, from 1:3.5 to 1:6, or from 1:4 to 1:5, so that the distal section 18 is flexibly movable relative to the proximal section 16, despite being connected thereto bythe bridging section 30. In some embodiments, the de pth D2 of the proximal section is from 4 mm to 6.5 mm, from 4.5 mm to 6 mm, or from 5 mm to 5.5 mm. The depth of the distal section 18 maybe the same as the depth of the proximal section 16. In some embodiments, the bridging s action 30 exte nds across an entire width of the head 10. [0157] The length of the flexible bridge (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16) maybe from 1.7 mm to 3.2 mm, from 2 mm to 3 mm, or from 2.3 mm to 2.7 mm. In some embodiments, a ratio of the length of the flexible bridge 20 to the length of WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 23 the distal section 18 is from 1:3 to 1:5, from 1:3.5 to 1:4.5, from 1:3.8 to 1:4.2, or about 1:4. This allows for the oral care implement to have sufficient bristle density along the length of the head for e ffective cleaning of the tee th, while providing an ac ceptable level of fle xibility of the distal section 18 relative to the proximal section 16. [0158] In some embodiments, the head 10 further compriss a second face 32 on an opposite side of the head 10 to the first face 14, and whe rein the bridging se action 30 is located between the first face 14 and the scond face 32. In some embodiments, a distance between the bridging section 30 and the first face 14 is greater than a distance between the bridging section 30 and the second face 32. In some embodiments, the distance between the bridging section 30 and the first face 14 is from 2 to 4 times greater, from 2.5 to 3.5 times greater, or about 3 times greater than the distance e betwe en the bridging section 30 and the second face 32. [0159] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 further comprises an elastomeric mate rial surrounding the at least one bridging action 30. Examples of such elastomeric matenals include, bi are not limited to thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the at least one elastomeric cleaning element 26 is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge 20. [0160] In some embodiments, head 10 further comprises a second face 32 located on an opposite side of the head 10 to the first face 14, the scond face 32 comprising a tissue cleanser 44. In some embodiments, the tissue cleanser c omprises a plurality of nubs 46 for cleansing soft tissues of the mouth e.g. the insides of the cheeks and lips, and the tongue. The inclusion of the tissue cleanser 44 allows the oral care implement to provide thorough cleaning of the oral cavity, with cleansing of sofB tissues as well as cleaning of the teeth. [0161] In some embodiments, the tissue cleanser 42 compriss an elastomeric material. Examples of suitable elastomeric material which maybe used for the tisue cleanser 42 include, but are not limited to thermoplastic elastome r. [0162] In some embodiments, the flexible bridge 20 comprises the elastomeric material and the tissue cleans r 42 is integral with the flexible bridge 20. [0163] In certain e mbodiments, the he ad 10 has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm, from 25 mm to 35 mm, from 27 mm to 33 mm, or about 30 mm, or about 29 mm. [0164] In some e mbodiments, the he ad 10 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or about 11 mm. In some e mbodiments, the distal section WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 24 18 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 13 mm, from 7 mm to 12 mm, from8 mm to 11 mm, or of about 9 mm. In some embodiments, the proximal section 16 has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm, from 7 mm to 13 mm, from 9 mm to 12 mm, or about 11 mm. In some embodiments, the max imum width of the distal sec tion 18 is le o than the maximum width of the proximal section 16. The compact he ad (and particularly the compact size of the distal section 18) also assists in reaching of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, such as the back teeth, particularly for users having a smaller oral cavity size than that for which many oral care implements are designed. [0165] In some embcdiments, the distal section 18 has a le ngth whic h is le ss than a length of the proximal section 16. In some embodiments, the distal section 18 has a length of from 9 mm to 13 mm, from 10 mm to 12.5 mm, from 11 mm to 12 mm or of about 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the proximal section 16 has a length of from 14.5 mm to 17 mrm, from 15 mm to 16 mm, or of about 15.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distal section 18 has a length of from 11 mm to 12 mm and tle proximal section 16 has a length of fmm 15 to 16 mm. The distal section 18 is thus able to cover the surface of a single tooth, thus providing improved ease of reach of the oral care implement to the back teeth in the mouth, while the proximal section 16 ensures an acceptable total length of the head. [0166] In various embodiments, the ratio of the le ngth of the distal section 18 to the le ngth of the proximal section 16 is from 1:3 to 1:1.2, from 1:2.5 to 1:1.25, from 1:2 to 1:1.3 or about 1:1.3. [0167] In some e mbodiments, the handle 12 include s a body prtion 22, and a neck portion 24 conne acting the he ad 10 to the body portion 22. [0168] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion 24 is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal s action 16 of the he ad 10. [0169] In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis A-A of the body portion 22 is tilted with respiec t to a longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck portion by an angle p of from 50 to 15*, from 6* to 14*, from 7* to 13*, from 8* to 12*, from 9* to 11t or of about 10*. The provision of this angle p betve en the longitudinal axes of the body prtion 22 and the neck 24 provide s an e rgonomic handle which allows the user to reach the back teeth moie easily. [0170] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 is tilted with respec t to a longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16 by an angle co of from 80 to 15*, of from 9* to 140, from 10* to 130, or of about 13*, and the longitudinal axis A-A of the body WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 25 prtion 22 is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck prtion by an angle p of from 5 to 15*, from 6 to 14*, from 7 to 13*, from 8 to 12*, from 9* to 1*, or of about 10. The provision of both angle p between the longitudinal axis Z-Z of the neck prtion 24 and the longitudinal axis A-A of the body portion 22, and angle a between the longitudinal axis X-X of the distal section 18 and the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the proximal section 16, provides for improved reach of the oral care implement to clean the back teeth and rear-most areas of the mouth. [0171] In ome embodime nts, the body portion 22 comprises a thumb grip 52 located adjacent to the are a of connection of the body portion 22 to the neck prtion 24. In one embodiment, the body portion 22 comprise s the thumb grip 52 on one side thereof and a finge rgrip area 54 on an opposite side thereof, wherein the thumb grip 52 is located on the same side of the oml care imple ment as the first fac e 14 of the head 10. The thumb grip 52 may be embossedtexture d so as to provide an anti-slip aie a for increasd ease of grinppig of the oral care implement by a usemr. Where the thumb grip 52 is embossed or textured, this may alo provide a massaging effect on the thumb of a user. In ome embodime nis, the thumb grip 52 composes an elastome ric material in order to provide a comfortable gripping area. In such embodiments, the elastomeric material provides a gripping surface which is sofMer than the material (such as a rigid plastic or 1esin material e.g. polypropyle ne) from whic h the body portion andlor neck portion are formed. [0172] In some embodiments, the neck portion 24 has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm, from 4 mm to 6 mm, or of about 5 mm [0173] In some embodiments, the body portion 22 has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm, from 10 mm to 14 mm, from 11 mm to 13 mm, or of about 15 mm. [0174] The inventive aspects discussed above may be pmcticed for a manual toothbrush or a powered toothbrush. In op ration, the previously deribed features, individually andor in any combination, may improve the control, performance, aesthetics and cost point of oma implements. Other constructions of toothbrush are possible. For example, the head may be replaceable or interchangeable on the handle. The head may include various oral surface engaging elements, such as inter-proximal Picks, brushes, flossing element plaque scrapper, tongue cleansers and sofi tissue massages. While the various features of the toothbrush work together to achieve the advantages previously de sribed, it is recognized that individual features WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 26 and sub-combinations of these features can be used to obtain some of the aforementioned advantages without the nece sity to adopt all of these fe atures in an oml c are implement. [0175] While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of can3ng out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and prmutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and structural and functional modifications maybe made without departing from the scoe of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inverdion should be construed broadly as set forth in the appe nded claims.

Claims

1. An oral care impleme nt c ompnsing a head and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a pluralityof cleaning elements extending from the first face; wherein the head composes a proximal section adjacent to the handle and a distal section remote from the handle; wherein the head further comprises a flexible bridge coupling the distal section to the proximal oc tion so that the distal sec tion is flexibly moveable relative to the proximal section, the flexible bridge further comprising at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at le ast one elastomeic cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction prp ndicular to a longitudinal axis of the head.

2. The oral caie implement of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the distal action is tilted with respec t to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section by an angle of from 8* to 15*.

3. The oral caie implement of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the distal action is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal section.

4. The oal care implement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximal action and the distal section each have a straight linear edge extending in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, wherein the straight linear edge of the distal section faces the straight line ar edge of the proximal sec tion, and wherein the flexible bndge couples the straight linear edge of the distal section to the straight linear edge of the proximal action so that the distal section is fle xiblymoveable relative to the proximal sec tion.

5. The oral care implement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible bridge comprises an elastome ric mate trial.

6. The oral care implement of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric material comprises thermoplastic elastomer. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 28

7. The oral care implement of anyone of claims 5 to 6, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning ele ment is inte gral with the e lastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

8. The oral care implement of anyone of claims 1 to 7, wherein the proximal action and the distal section are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material.

9. The oral c are impleme nt of claim 8, whe rein the rigid plastic or re sin mate rial comprises polypropyAene.

10. The oral care implement of any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the flexible bridge composes a bridging section formed from the rigid plastic or resin material, the bridging section joining the proximal section to the distal section, wherein a ratio of a depth of the bridging section at its narrowest point to a depth of the proximal sec tion is from 1:3 to 1:7.

11. The oral care implement of claim 10, wherein the bridging action extends across an entire width of the head.

12. The oral care implement of any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the head further comprises a second face on an opposite side of the head to the first face, and wherein the bridging section is located be tween the first face and the second face.

13. The oral care implement of claim 12, wherein a distance between the bridging section and the first face is gre ate r than a distance e betwe en the bridging section and the second face.

14. The oml care implement of claim 13, wherein the distance between the bridging section and the first face is from 2 to 4 times greater than the distance between the bridging section and the second face.

15. The oral care implement of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the flexible bridge furthe r comprise s an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridging sec tion. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 29

16. The oml care implement of claim 15, wherein the elastomehic material composes thermoplastic elastomer.

17. The oral care implement of any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein the at least one elastome ric c leaning eleme nt is integrl with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

18. The oral can implement of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the at least one elastomenc c leaning eleme nt is an elastomenc wall.

19. The oral care implement of claim 18, wherein the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configurtion.

20. The oral c are impleme nt of any one o f claims 18 to 19, whe rein the elastome ric wall has a distal edge remote from the first face, the elastomeric wall comprising at least one notch extending from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall towards the first face of the head.

21. The oral care implement of claim 20, wherein the elastomeric wall has a height measured from the first face to the distal edge of the elastomeric 'nll, the least one notch extending from the distal edge towards the first face by a distance of from 518 to 728 of the height of the elastomeric wall.

22. The oml care implement of anyone of claims 1 to 21, wherein the pluralityof cleaning elements comprises a fist plumlity of cleaning elements extending from the proximal section, and a second plurality of cle anig elements extending from the distal section.

23. The oral c are imple ment of claim 22, wherein the fast plurality of cle aning e leme nts comprises tapered bristles.

24. The oml care imple ment of any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the second plumlity of cleaning ele ments c omprises tapered bristles. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 30

25. The oml care implement of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the tapered bristles are tufted in square tufI holes.

26. The oral care implement of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein a height of the first plunlity of cle aning e lements is equal to a height of the second plurality of cleaning ele ments.

27. The oral caie implement of claim 26, wherein the at least one elastomeic cleaning element has a height which is equal to the height of the fist and e cond plumlities of cleaning elements.

28. The oral caie implement of claim 26, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element has a height which is less than the height of the first and sc ond plumlities of cleaning eleme nts.

29. The oml care impleme nt of anyone of claims 1 to 28, wherein the head further composes a se cond fac e loc ate d on an opposite side of the he ad to the finst face, the sec ond face comprising a tissue cle anser.

30. The oml care implement of claim 29, wherein the tissue cleanser comprises an elastomeric material.

31. The oml care implement of claim 30, wherein the flexible bridge comprises the elastome ric mate rial and wherein the tissue c le anser is integral with the flexible bridge.

32. The oml care implement of any one of claims I to 31, where in the be ad has a le ngth of from 20 mm to 40 mm.

33. The oral care impleme nt of any one of c laims I to 32 wherein the head has a maximum width of from 5 mm to 15 mm. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 31

34. The oml caie implement of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the distal section has a length which is less than a length of the proximal section.

35. The oral care implement of claim 34, wherein the ratio of the length of the distal section to the length of the proximal section is from 1:3 to 1:1.2.

36. The oral care implement of anyone of claims I to 35, wherein the handle includes a body portion, and a neck portion connecting the head to the bodyprition.

37. The oml c are implement of claim 36, whe iin a longitudinal axis of the ne ck portion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal section of the head.

38. The oral care implement of any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein a longitudinal axis of the body portion is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the neck poition by an angle of from 5* to 15*.

39. The oml care implement of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the neck portion has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm.

40. The oml care imple ment of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm.

41. An oral care impleme nt c omprising a head and a handle, the head comprising a first face and a pluralityof cleaning elements extending from the first face; wherein the head comptises a proximal section adjacent to the handle and a distal section remote from the handle; wherein the head further comprises a flexible bridge coupling the distal section to the proximal s action so that the distal se ction is flexibly move able re lative to the proximal se ction; wherein the }iumlity of cleaning elements composes a first plurality of cleaning e leme nts extending from the proximal section, and a second plumlity of cleaning elements extending from WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 32 the distal section, at least one of the first and second pluralities of cleaning elements comprising tapered bristles.

42. The oral care implement of claim 41, wherein the first plurality of cleaning elements comprises tapred bristles.

43. The oral c are impleme nt of any one o f claims 41 and 42, whe rein the s cond plumlity of cleaning ele ments c omprises tapred bristles.

44. The oml cae implement of any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the tapred bristles are tufted in square tuft holes.

45. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein a height of the first plumlity of cle aning e lements is equal to a height of the second plurality of cleaning ele ments.

46. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein a longitudinal axis of the distal section is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal action by an angle of from 8* to 15*.

47. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein a longitudinal axis of the distal section is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal section.

48. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a dii action prpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head.

49. The oral cale implement of claim 48, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning eleme nt is an e lastomeric wall. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 33

50. The oral care implement of claim 49, wherein the elastomeric wall extends along the flexible bridge in a straight, linear configuration.

51. The oral care implement of anyone of claims 49 to 50, wherein the elastomeric wall has a distal edge remote from the first face, the elastomeric wall comprising at least one notch extending from the distal edge of the elastomeric wall towards the first face of the head.

52. The oral care implement of claim 51, wherein the elastomeric wall has a height measured from the first face to the distal edge of the elastomeric wall, the least one notch extending from the distal edge towards the first face by a distance of from 518 to 7M8 of the height of the elastomeric wall.

53. The oral care implement of any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element has a height which is equal to a height of the first and second plumlities of cleaning elements.

54. The oral care implement of any one of claims 48 to 52, wherein the at least one elastomeic cleaning element has a height which is les than a height of the first and second plumlities of cleaning elements.

55. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 54, wherein the flexible bridge comprises an elastome ric material.

56. The oral care implement of claim 55, wherein the elastomelic material composes thermoplastic elastomer.

57. The oral care implement of any one of claims 55 to 56, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric cleaning element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a diiection perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, and wherein the at least one elastome ric c leaning eleme nt is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 34

58. The oral care implement of anyone of claims 41 to 57, wherein the proximal section and the distal section are formed from a rigid plastic or resin material.

59. The oral cae impleme nt of claim 58, wherein the rigid plastic or re sin material comprises polypropyAene.

60. The oral care implement of any one of claims 58 to 59, wherein the flexible bridge composes a bridging section formed from the rigid plastic or resin material, the bridging section joining the proximal section to the distal section, wherein a ratio of a depth of the bridging section at its narrowest point to a depth of the proximal sec tion is from 1:3 to 1:7.

61. The oral care implement of claim 60, wherein the bridging action extends across an entire width of the be ad.

62. The oral care implement of any one of claims 60 to 61, wherein the head further comprises a second face on an opposite side of the head to the first face, and wherein the bridging section is located be tween the fst face and the second face.

63. The oml care implement of claim 62, wherein a distance between the bridging section and the fist face is gre ate r than a distanc e betwe en the bridging section and the second face.

64. The oml care implement of claim 63, wherein the distance between the bridging section and the first face is from 2 to 4 times greater than the distance between the budging section and the second face.

65. The oral care implement of any one of claims 60 to 64, wherein the flexible bridge furthe r comprise s an elastomeric material surrounding the at least one bridging sec tion.

66. The oml care implement of claim 65, wherein the elastomeric material composes thermoplastic elastomer. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 35

67. The oral care implement of any one of claims 65 to 66, wherein the flexible bridge further comprises at least one elastomeric clearing element extending from the first face, wherein the at least one elastomeric cleaning element extends along the flexible bridge in a direction erpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head, and wherein the at least one elastome ric c leaning eleme nt is integral with the elastomeric material of the flexible bridge.

68. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 67, wherein the head further comprises a second face loc ated on an opposite side of the head to the first face, the second face comprising a tissue cleanser.

69. The oral care implement of claim 68, wherein the tissue cleanser comprises an elastome ric material.

70. The oral care implement of claim 69, wherein the flexible bridge comprises the elastome ric mate rial and wherein the tissue c le anser is integral with the flexible bridge.

71. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 70, wherein the head has a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm.

72. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 71 wherein the head has a width of from 5 mm to 15 mm.

73. The oral care implement of anyone of claims 41 to 72, wherein the distal section has a length which is less than a length of the proximal section.

74. The oral care implement of claim 73, wherein the ratio of the le ngth of the distal section to the length of the proximal section is from 1:3 to 1:1.2.

75. The oral care implement of any one of claims 41 to 74, wherein the handle includes a body portion, and a neck portion connecting the head to the bodyportion. WO 2015/074267 PCT/CN2013/087758 36

76. The oml c are implement of claim 75, wheie in a longitudinal axis of the ne ck protion is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the proximal section of the head.

77. The oml cae implement of any one of claims 75 to 76, whe rein a longitudinal axis of the body portion is tilted with respect to a longitudinal axis of the neck prtion by an angle of from 5* to 15*.

78. The oral care implement of any one of claims 75 to 77, whe rein the neck portion has a maximum width of from 3 mm to 7 mm.

79. The oml care imple ment of any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein the body portion has a maximum width of from 9 mm to 15 mm.