EP1000565B1 - Toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

The tooth-brush (100) head (12) has bristles (10) and is joined to a handle (14) by spring device acting as damping element (16,18,20,22) causing the head and handle to swivel relative to each other. The head and handle are sprung towards the longitudinal axis (24) of the brush. A spring element (22) has a blank wall with through-passage and is parallel with, or at right angles to, the longitudinal axis.

Description

The invention relates to a toothbrush with a bristle-bearing head part and a handle part, the head part with the handle part by means of a resilient device is connected such that the head part against the Handle part is pivotable, according to the preamble of claim 1.

DE 86 09 802 U is a toothbrush with an elastic bridge-like Connection element between the brush head and the handle known. This connecting element is only intended to have a limited force allow on teeth and gums when cleaning teeth, this limited force exerted by a hinge joint or achieved by a pressure sensor in the brush becomes. The latter measures the force exerted on the teeth, the measurement result then appears. However, this toothbrush is exclusive the head part can be pivoted against the handle part.

Toothbrushes are already known in which the head is against the handle spring in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the toothbrush can. However, such toothbrush suspensions have the disadvantage that that they are only in one direction, namely against bristle pressure on the head, cushion. Another disadvantage of conventional sprung Toothbrushes is that of equipping such a toothbrush with one Interchangeable head is extremely difficult because the interchangeable head locks partial stiffening of the toothbrush in a neck area Toothbrush, which undesirably a suspension of the Counteracts against the handle. It is therefore already suggested the replaceable head in the form of an interchangeable bristle zone perform. However, it depends on the corresponding Butt joints or surfaces to cause hygienically questionable heavy soiling the bristle zone. In addition, that with interchangeable head systems the cushioning of the toothbrushes in the event of head separations in the neck area not infrequently to the loosening of the interchangeable head connection by the Leverage leads.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved toothbrush of the type mentioned above, which the above Disadvantages eliminated.

This task is accomplished by a toothbrush of the abovementioned. Kind with those in the claim 1 marked features solved.

For this purpose, according to the invention it is provided according to claim 1 that the resilient Device as a one-part or multi-part spring element from one uniform material or several different materials is, the head part with the handle part in the direction of Longitudinal axis of the toothbrush is resiliently connected, and wherein the spring element any geometric shape with at least one opening has or is formed full-walled.

This has the advantage that both a result of brushing your teeth Pressure from above on the head part in the bristle direction as well as one on the front Pressure on the head section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush leads to a cushioning of the head part with respect to the handle part, whereby Injuries to the mouth are avoided more effectively.

Further developments of the toothbrush are preferably in the subclaims specified.

The full-walled or with at least one opening Spring element is parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush or in any other direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient device comprises a connection point between the head part and the handle part, which has a predetermined Has distance to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush and for example is designed as a joint or flexible connection.

Here you get a particularly good spring characteristic if the A first elevation formed integrally with the head part and a second elevation formed in one piece with the handle part includes which are hinged together.

The first and / or second elevation is expediently from one made of flexible material and, for example, arc-shaped, in particular quarter-circle shaped.

In a preferred alternative embodiment, the connection point an arcuate, especially semicircular, elevation a flexible material, which is integral with the headboard and the Handle part is connected.

In a preferred development of the invention, the resilient Device a spring element made of a flexible material, which is arranged between the head part and the handle part.

The spring element is integral with the handle part and / or the head part formed or alternatively releasable with the handle part and the head part connected.

The spring element is expediently ring-shaped, elliptical, disc-shaped or roller-shaped.

The spring element between the handle part and the head part of the toothbrush consists preferably of a plate-shaped body with two interconnected partial rings, the horizontal or vertical to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The spring element can also from a plate-shaped, square, circular, oval or another geometric two- or three-dimensional shape Shaped body with two lying on top of or next to each other Openings exist, the plate-shaped body horizontally or lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The number the openings in the plate-shaped body can be any be chosen and depends on the degree to be achieved Suspension.

According to a further embodiment, the spring element consists of a plate-shaped, square, circular, oval or another geometric two- or three-dimensional shape Shaped body with three openings, the plate-shaped body lying horizontally or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush is.

The spring element can also consist of a on the handle part of the toothbrush molded plate-shaped body with an opening an approximately arc triangular configuration, on which the The head part is formed in the larger arch area of the opening, whereby in this embodiment, the molded body horizontally or is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.

Another embodiment is that the spring element a plate-shaped body with a teardrop-shaped opening exists, the horizontal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush is lying, the shape of the molded body being any Design in two-dimensional or three-dimensional design may have.

Fig. 1

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einer federnden Vorrichtung in montiertem Zustand,

Fig. 2

in einer Seitenansicht die Zahnbürste gemäß Fig. 1 in zerlegtem Zustand,

Fig. 3

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform, der federnden Vorrichtung in montiertem Zustand in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

in einer Seitenansicht die Zahnbürste gemäß Fig. 3 in zerlegtem Zustand,

Fig. 5

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem vollflächigen Federelement,

Fig. 6

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem ringförmigen Federelement,

Fig. 7

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem ovalen Federelement,

Fig. 8

in einer Seitenansicht eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Zahnbürste mit einem ovalen Federelement,

Fig. 9

in einer Seitenansicht eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Zahnbürste mit einem ovale Federelement,

Fig. 10

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem doppelringartig ausgebildeten Federelement,

Fig. 11A

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem Federelement mit zwei übereinander liegenden Durchbrechungen,

Fig. 11B

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem Federelement mit zwei nebeneinander liegenden Durchbrechungen,

Fig. 12

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem kreisförmigen Federelement mit drei Durchbrechungen,

Fig. 13

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem Federelement mit einer bogendreieckförmigen Durchbrechung, und

Fig. 14

in einer Seitenansicht eine Zahnbürste mit einem Federelement mit einer tropfenförmigen Durchbrechung.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show in

Fig. 1

a side view of a toothbrush with a resilient device in the assembled state,

Fig. 2

1 in a disassembled state,

Fig. 3

in a side view a toothbrush with a further embodiment, the resilient device in the assembled state in a side view,

Fig. 4

3 shows the toothbrush according to FIG. 3 in a disassembled state,

Fig. 5

a side view of a toothbrush with a full-surface spring element,

Fig. 6

a side view of a toothbrush with an annular spring element,

Fig. 7

a side view of a toothbrush with an oval spring element,

Fig. 8

a side view of a further embodiment of a toothbrush with an oval spring element,

Fig. 9

a side view of a further embodiment of a toothbrush with an oval spring element,

Fig. 10

a side view of a toothbrush with a double ring-shaped spring element,

Figure 11A

a side view of a toothbrush with a spring element with two openings lying one above the other,

Figure 11B

in a side view a toothbrush with a spring element with two adjacent openings,

Fig. 12

a side view of a toothbrush with a circular spring element with three openings,

Fig. 13

in a side view a toothbrush with a spring element with an arc triangular opening, and

Fig. 14

in a side view a toothbrush with a spring element with a teardrop-shaped opening.

FIGS. 1 to 12 show various preferred embodiments by way of example a toothbrush, shown in the figures and the following Description the same parts each with the same reference numerals are.

The embodiment of a toothbrush 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a bristle 10-carrying head part 12 and a handle part 14. Am The head part 12 is a first elevation 16 and the handle part 14 has a second one Elevation 18 formed in one piece, both elevations in connection their articulated design act as a damping element. The two arm-like elevations 16, 18 are quarter-circle-shaped trained and in their respective open ends facing each other provided with hinge means such that the two elevations 16 and 18 are releasably articulated. About the resulting hinge-like joint 20, the handle part 14 and the head part 12 against each other pivotable.

The handle part 14 and the head part 12 are detachable with one another via the joint 20 connected so that after appropriate wear of the bristles 10 the head part 12 is interchangeable. The head part 12 is thereby, as in Fig. 2 illustrates, by a new head or an alternative care part interchangeable.

In the area of the joint 20 there is also an annular spring element 22 provided, which to a corresponding resilient connection between the head part 12 and the handle part 14 leads, as follows still executed, the spring element have different configurations can. Here, a resilient relative movement takes place between Handle part 14 and head part 12 against each other not only when the bristles are pressed 10 but also along a longitudinal axis 24 (Fig. 1) of the toothbrush 100 by correspondingly compressing the spring element 22 at an end pressure on the head part 12, for example in Arrow direction 26 (Fig. 1).

So if a user brushing his teeth with the end face 28 of the Bumps the head part 12 of the toothbrush 100 in the mouth, the head part 12 springs elastic against the handle part 14 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24, so that an injury to the mouth area by hitting the forehead area 28 is effectively avoided. This elastic suspension towards the longitudinal axis 24 is additionally supported in that the Joint 20 spaced from the longitudinal axis 24 by a predetermined length is. The elevations 16 and 18 are also expedient made of flexible or elastic material.

The spring element 22 is detachable between the head part 12 and the handle part 14 arranged so that the spring element 22 depending on the wishes of the user possibly interchangeable with a harder or softer spring element 22 is.

3 and 4 show a further embodiment of the toothbrush 200, a division of the handle part 14 and head part 12 not being provided here is. Instead, the head part 12 and the handle part 14 are integral with an arcuate elevation 30 connected to each other. This is preferred made of a flexible or elastic material. The spring element 22 is also preferably detachable in the toothbrush 200 here inserted between the head part 12 and handle part 14 and allowed by appropriate Choice of the material a predetermined spring characteristic, which can also be changed by simply replacing the spring element 22 is. The head part 12 is compressed with respect to the handle part 14 by bending the elevation 30, whereby the spring element 22nd is compressed. As can be seen directly from FIGS. 3 and 4, this results by the inventive design of the toothbrush 200 a resilient Movement of the head part 12 against the handle part 14 not only under pressure on the bristles 10, but also under pressure on the end face 28 of the Head part 12 of the toothbrush 200, for example in the direction of the arrow 26th

Here, the head part 12 is also deflected in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24 achieved, which in a corresponding way a risk of injury Mouth area of a user when bumping with the end face 28 of the Toothbrush 200 decreased.

The embodiment of the toothbrush 300 shown in FIG. 5 differs is different from that previously described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 Embodiment 200 in that instead of an annular A disk-shaped spring element 22 is used, the spring element 22 also as a resilient-elastic spherical Body can be formed; also other geometrical shapes are possible. With a spherical configuration of the spring element it is an advantage if e.g. the head part 12 and the handle part 14 of the toothbrush are directly connected to the spherical body without the elasticity is lost. The opposite ends of the head part 12 and the handle part 14 can accommodate the spherical Body bowl-shaped, e.g. spherical cap-shaped his. The connection and mounting of the two parts 12 and 14 can then by means of a connecting wire, a spring steel rod or a Plastic rod or the like. 60 (Fig. 5), so that both parts 12 and 14 are held together without the flexibility of the spring element get lost.

6 is the toothbrush 400 no direct connection between the handle part 14 and the head part 12 intended. The handle part 14 and the head part 12 are only through the spring element 22 connected to each other. Here is the spring element 22 both with the head part 12 and with the handle part 14 releasably connected.

In alternative embodiments, the spring element 22 is fixed to the Handle part 14 and detachable with the head part 12 (Fig. 7), detachable with the handle part 14 and fixed to the head part 12 (Fig. 8) or fixed to both the head part 12 and the handle part 14 (Fig. 9) connected.

The handle part 14 and / or the head part 12 of the toothbrush are 100 to 700 for example, by means of one or two-component production. The spring element 22 is preferably made of a specially designed for it Task selected material. Here is the spring element 22, for example, in a two-component process made of a soft component. Alternatively, the spring element 22 also made of the same material as handle part 14 and head part 12, if they are made of a suitable, resilient material are.

In those embodiments in which the spring element 22 individually trained and positively releasable between the handle part 14 and the head part 12 can be arranged (Fig. 1 to 5), there is the particular advantage that the spring element 22 interchangeable and in the property of its spring characteristic is individually selectable. Is of particular advantage an annular shape of the spring element 22. This makes it possible the spring action practically at every point of the ring 22 and in each Initiate direction without changing the spring properties. Various can be determined about material hardness, ring thickness and type of cross-section Achieve feather effects. Also via multi-component production this effect can be achieved. A predetermined color of the ring 22 can Provide information about its properties or just the respective one Mark or individualize toothbrush 100 to 700. The two parts the toothbrush - handle part 14 and head part 12 - are either on the ring 22 hung in or e.g. joined together above the ring. By pressure the head part 12 tends to fold onto the bristle field 10 against the handle part 14 scissors-like in the figures down, but what due to the spring element 22 is cushioned.

If the spring element 22 is fixed or integrally formed on the head part 12 is (Fig. 8), the exchange of the head part 12 is always complete the spring element 22. Since also the spring element 22 over time this type of exchange is particularly advantageous when worn.

Another advantage of the head separation according to the invention in the area of resilient device is that the separation point when brushing teeth remains outside the oral cavity and is thus protected from gross contamination is. This separation point is also easy to flush easy to clean and can withstand heavy permanent loads.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 9 results from the complete one-piece design of the toothbrush 700 with or without integrated Spring element a particularly effective cushioning of pressure and Impacts on the head part 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24, for example in the direction of arrow 26.

In addition to the annular configuration of the spring element 22, there are also others Geometries possible, which may be the specific requirements of the Function of the toothbrush 100 to 700 are adjusted. The Spring elements 22 may be two or three-dimensional. Is this Spring element plate-shaped, then it can be between the Handle part 14 and the head part 12 horizontally or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush may be arranged lying down.

Furthermore, the spring element 22 is, for example, in addition to influencing the spring characteristic with a "core" made of solid material. Alternatively, the spring element 22 is filled in one or two components educated.

The spring element 22 in a soft embodiment can entirely be replaced with a hard plastic without support. That is, as is well known the spring or damping elements consist in toothbrushes from e.g. Rejuvenations in the plastic, if only from a hard Plastic material are made. If the spring or damping elements on the other hand made of an elastomer, i.e. a more rubbery one Plastic, they are always made using the hard second component stiffened to a degree necessary for the function, since the elastomer alone would be too soft. In contrast, the annular spring element 22 can be made of suitable mono material for the function. This can be tough Elastomer or some other plastic.

10 is between the head part 12 and the handle part 14, a spring element 22 is arranged, which consists of a plate-shaped Shaped body 22a made of two interconnected partial rings 50, 51, so that the two ring openings merge into one another. This plate-shaped body can be horizontal or vertical be arranged lying to the longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush.

11A shows an embodiment in which the spring element 22 is made of a plate-shaped body 22b with two superimposed Openings 52, 52 'exist, the plate-shaped here as well Shaped body 22b horizontally or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush 100 can be. This molded body 22b with its two openings 52, 52 'can also be between the head part 12 according to FIG. 11b and the handle part 14 of the toothbrush 100 so that the two Openings 52, 52 'are side by side.

The number of openings in the spring element 22 can be as desired his. In addition, the plate-shaped molded body can have a square, circular, oval or another geometric two or three dimensional Have shape.

In the toothbrush 100 according to FIG. 12, the spring element 22 can be made of one plate-shaped, square, circular, oval one another geometric two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape 22c consist of three openings 52, 52 ', 52 ". If the molded body 22c is plate-shaped, it can be between the head part 12 and the handle part 14 of the toothbrush 100 horizontally or lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 13, the spring element 22 consists of a plate-shaped on the handle part 14 of the toothbrush 100 Shaped body 22d with an opening 53 having an approximately triangular shape or drop-shaped design on which the head part 12 is formed in the larger arch region 53 'of the opening. Also in this embodiment, the plate-shaped body 22d can be horizontal or lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush 100 his.

Another embodiment of the toothbrush 100 is shown in FIG. 14. Here, the spring element 22 consists of a plate-shaped molded body 22e with a teardrop-shaped opening 54, the molded body also in this embodiment horizontally or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush 100 is lying down.

The spring element 22 or the joint 20 is preferably in one piece trained and consists of a uniform material, e.g. an appropriate one Plastic. However, there is also the possibility of the spring element 22 to form in several parts, then the individual parts are positively and positively connected. This multi-part The spring element then preferably consists of different and / or different materials, e.g. made of plastics with different Shore hardnesses.

Claims (17)

1. A tooth brush with a head part (12) carrying bristles (10) and with a handle part (14), the head part (12) being connected with the handle part (14) by means of a resilient device in such a way that the head part (12) is pivotable against the handle part (14), the resilient device being configured as an one-piece or a multipiece spring element (22) made of an homogeneous material or of several different materials and the spring member (22) showing any geometrical form with at least one opening or being configured as a massive part,
   characterized in that the head part (12) is additionally resiliently connected with the handle part (14) in direction of a longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush.
2. A tooth brush according to claim 1,
   characterized in that a first elevation (16) on the head part (12) and a second elevation (18) on the handle part (14) are configured in one piece as juncture points between the head part (12) and the handle part (14), both elevations (16, 18) being configured arcuated, especially in form of a quarter of a circle and being provided in their respectively open ends turned to each other with articulation means in such a way that both elevations (16, 18) are detachably hinged the one with the other, whereby the handle part (14) and the head part (12) are pivotable against each other about the thus resulting hinge-type articulation (20) and that a ring-shaped ring body (22) is placed as a spring element (22) in the area of the articulation (20).
3. A tooth brush according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that the massive spring member (22) or the spring member (22) provided with at least one opening runs parallel or perpen-dicularly to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush or in any other direction.
4. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 2 to 3,
   characterized in that the juncture point between the head part (12) and the handle part (14) shows a predetermined distance to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush.
5. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 2 to 4,
   characterized in that the juncture point is configured as a flexible junction (30).
6. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 2 to 5,
   characterized in that the first and/or the second elevation (16, 18) is made of a flexible material.
7. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 2 to 6,
   characterized in that the juncture of the tooth brush shows an arcuated or a semicircular elevation (30) made of a flexible material which is connected in one piece with the head part (12) and the handle part (14).
8. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that the resilient device comprises a spring member (22) made of a flexible material which is placed between the head part (12) and the handle part (14).
9. A tooth brush according to claim 8,
   characterized in that the spring member (22) is configured in one piece with the handle part (14) and/or the head part (12).
10. A tooth brush according to claim 8,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) is detachably connected with the handle part (14) and the head part (12).
11. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 9 to 10,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) is configured ring-shaped, elliptical, disk-shaped or cylindrical.
12. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) is made of a plate-shaped moulded body (22a) made of two partial rings (50, 51) connected with each other which is placed horizontally or vertically to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush (100).
13. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) consists of a plate-shaped, square, circular, an oval moulded body (22b) or of a moulded body (22b) showing another geometrical two-dimensional or three-dimensional form with two openings (52, 52') placed superimposed or side by side, the plate-shaped moulded body (22b) being placed horizontally or vertically to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush (100).
14. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) consists of a plate-shaped, square, circular, an oval moulded body (22c) or of a moulded body (22c) showing another geometrical two-dimensional or three-dimensional form with three openings (52, 52', 52"), the plate-shaped moulded body (22c) being placed horizontally or vertically to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush (100).
15. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) consists of a plate-shaped moulded body (22d) moulded on the handle part (14) of the tooth brush (100) with an opening (53) with an approximately arcuated triangular configuration on which the head part (12) is moulded in the biggest arc area (53') of the opening, the plate-shaped moulded body (22d) being placed horizontally or vertically to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush (100).
16. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) consists of a plate-shaped moulded body (22e) with a drop-shaped opening (54) which is placed horizontally or vertically to the longitudinal axis (24) of the tooth brush (100).
17. A tooth brush according to one of the claims 1 to 16,
    characterized in that the spring member (22) is configured as a spherical body made of a resilient material with restoring ability.

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