EP1220626B1 - Brush, especially a tooth brush - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The following is an example of a toothbrush are explained, but it is in a similar This also applies to other bristled cleaning and Applicators, especially for dish brushes, Scrubbing brushes, washing brushes, toilet brushes, brooms, brushes, Applicator brushes for cream, powder, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, Spices or color or also for tillage brushes can be used, these applications according to the invention should be expressly included.

A manual toothbrush of conventional design has a plastic, elongated brush body, the rear section as Handle serves and the one at its front head end Bristle field with a variety of bristles, the Brush bodies are set. Essentially similar structure also has an electrically driven Toothbrush, but here the brush body is divided is in a basic part that receives the drive motor and serves as a handle, and an attachment that attaches to his front head carries the bristle field and has a gear, with which the movement of an output shaft of the drive motor in a swinging or spinning back and forth Movement of the bristle field can be implemented.

With a toothbrush, the bristle field is subject to use the greatest wear. Because worn or bent Bristles clean the teeth insufficiently and the gums To damage the toothbrushes is recommended three months to exchange. With conventional toothbrushes of the type mentioned, in which the bristle field with the Brush body is connected after wear of the bristles with manual toothbrushes the bristle body in its Whole and with electric toothbrushes the attachment part the transmission can be replaced. It's been a long time Time has been recognized that this approach is both uneconomical is also ecologically questionable.

To avoid these problems are so-called interchangeable toothbrushes have been developed in which the bristle field on a replaceable bristle carrier in particular in the form of a stable plastic plate that sits in a trough in the head of the Brush body is engaged. Since the dimensions of the Head of the toothbrush from handling and application technology Reasons are limited, the edge of the reduced Trough the size of the bristle field. While this limitation is still acceptable with manual toothbrushes them with electric toothbrushes, where the bristle field due to its construction, it is already smaller than with manual ones Toothbrushes is made with a very small bristle field correspondingly deteriorated cleaning performance of the toothbrush.

It has also been shown that in the trough and in the gaps between the brush body and the bristle holder Dirt and bacteria that can accumulate difficult to remove, so that the use of some Interchangeable toothbrushes from a hygienic point of view is questionable.

Around the replaceable bristle head securely on the brush body to keep it must be sufficiently stable and therefore hard be trained. So the problem with toothbrushes is that the sensitive oral mucosa when in use the toothbrush comes into contact with relatively hard components, which creates a risk of injury.

With conventional toothbrushes, the bristles are usually firmly held in the bristle holder, which is associated with the disadvantage is that the bristles in the axial direction during cleaning not at all and only in the transverse direction because of their Dodge intrinsic flexibility. When applying high cleaning forces become bristles essentially without cushioning on the teeth and gums transmitted, which can lead to injuries. Attempts have been made to resiliently bunch the bristles To store brush holders, the necessary constructions are very complex and require very expensive Production method.

In DE 298 21 819 U1, in the preamble of the claim 1, a hairbrush is described, one made of flexible plastic, cap-like bristle carrier, which has a variety of Bristles carries and on a projection of a brush body is put on. However, a disadvantage of this configuration is that that the bristle carrier over the entire surface of the bristle body rests and a very hard bearing is formed is.

US-A-5 345 646 shows a brush with a cap-like bristle holder made of a soft, elastic plastic with the brush body via a between the bristle holder and the brush body arranged coupling part is connected.

US-A-1 770 195 and US-A-3 007 441 each show a brush made up of a cap-like bristle holder a soft elastic plastic and a brush body consists.

DE 41 22 524 A describes a brush, the one Variety of bristle carriers has an additional Membrane are elastically supported in the brush body. However, this procedure is very complex and expensive.

The invention has for its object a brush to create the type mentioned, with a resilient bearing of the bristle holder relative to the brush body in constructive is easily achieved.

This object is achieved with a brush of the aforementioned Kind with the characterizing features of the claim 1 solved.

According to the invention, the bristle carrier carrying the bristle field is as a flexible cap, for example made of an elastomer Plastic made in the manner of a lid-like Cover on a projection, especially on the head of the brush body can be wound so that it has the projection encompasses and covers and as a result of tension forces, which in particular from the elastic deformation of the cap result on the tab is held securely, however can preferably be removed from this if necessary. The clamping or holding forces of the cap-like bristle carrier are determined by its deformability, the derive from its geometric design, its wall thickness and the elastic properties of its material result.

Since the cap-like bristle carrier according to the invention over the Projection and in particular the head of the brush holder and is not used in these, the results essential advantage that the surface of the bristle carrier larger than the surface of the protrusion overlapped by him is, so that a relatively large bristle field is formed can be.

The soft elastic and therefore very flexible plastic of the cap-like bristle holder is light in all directions deformable so that the bristles when cleaning workers are applied both in their axial direction and vertically can dodge springy.

Since the cap-like bristle carrier on the projection of the Brush body is held due to clamping forces result from its elastic deformation is education of gaps between the bristle holder and the brush body prevents and the accumulation of dirt and the resulting formation of bacteria avoided.

The cap-like covering the projection of the brush body Bristle holder serves because of its soft elastic Material at the same time as mucous membrane protection and brings the Another advantage is that the height of the brush can be kept low.

In the brush according to the invention it is provided that below and / or within the cap-like bristle carrier at least one cavity is formed. This cavity can on the one hand cause the bristle-bearing cover is resilient, the resilience is determined by the shape of the cavity and by means of a damping fluid to be filled into the cavity in the desired Way can be set. Alternatively the cavity can also be used to hold a Brush to be applied medium. In which Medium can be liquid or powdered cosmetics, deal with dentifrices etc. The feeding and application of the medium, for example, through breakthroughs in the flexible, cap-like bristle carrier, through hollow Bristles or bundles of bristles or by capillary action of bristle bundles.

A simple configuration of the cavity can be achieved if the cap-like bristle carrier so on the projection is placed that between the underside of the cover of the bristle carrier and the top of the projection there is a space forming the cavity, so that the cavity from the bristle holder and the brush body is limited.

In an advantageous development of the invention can be provided be that the cavity by means of a partition in each other is divided into separate chambers, in which preferably Media with different properties added are, if necessary, only when they leave be mixed in the respective chamber and with each other react. In addition, a can also be in the cavity Means can be arranged, that with an externally supplied Toothpaste or cleansing cream reacts and this way a means optimized for the intended purpose forms.

The amount of escaping from the cavity or chambers Medium depends on the deformation of the cavity and in particular the cover part delimiting this.

A foam insert can also be in the cavity or the chambers be arranged, either as a separate, prefabricated part inserted or during production the cap-like bristle carrier in a multi-component injection molding process injected or through molded foam is introduced. The foam insert serves on the one hand as an attenuator for the deformation of the bristle-bearing Cover part, in addition, the insert can also be soaked in a medium to be applied. Using A hydrophilic foam can be liquid or gaseous Media in the cavity in a foam-bonded Stored way. So enriched Foams can be handled and easily in particular, be interchangeable.

A storage space connected to it can form the cavity be assigned which contains a medium to be applied, released through a passage to the cavity is throttled in which a foam or sponge insert and evenly dosed delivery of the medium to the Bristle field is arranged.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, that the bristle carrier has an upper, preferably membrane-like Has cover that with on its top Bristles is provided and on its facing away from the bristles Bottom one preferably continuously and completely all-round, flexible, protruding edge or web carries, which is mounted on the cover part or in one piece with this is trained. The height of the web can vary over the circumference be constant or vary. When assembled the cap-like bristle carrier is the projection of the brush body below the cover and between the circumferential web arranged, which extends from the outside to the Head start spans. Alternatively or in addition to that, too a web can be provided, which extends from the inside to a wall creates a recess in the brush body.

The bristles are at least in some areas on the top the cover part arranged, this preferably is bristled all over. Additionally or alternatively the bristles can also at least in parts of the outside of the exciting from the outside against the lead Be arranged web.

In a possible embodiment, the cover part of the cap-like bristle carrier run substantially flat. However, it can also be provided that the cover part at least when assembled, a spatially structured one Takes configuration. On the one hand, this can achieved that the top of the projection of the brush body is superficially structured and flexible Cover part of the bristle holder on the structured Top of the projection is placed on the Structuring is pending and this follows. Here is thus the spatial course of the cover part in the assembled state through the surface design of the projection of the brush body certainly. Alternatively, it is also possible to structure the cover part itself superficially what either during the manufacturing process, for example when injection molding or when injecting the bristles, or by subsequent shaping, in particular pressing or deep drawing the initially flat cover part can.

In addition, in all of the embodiments, too a height-structured, topographical bristle due to different bristle lengths and / or bristle orientations be provided.

This can also result in the formation of a cavity or be supported that the brush body at least is sectionally cup-shaped and the cap-like Bristle carriers cover the cup-like area spans. If the brush body is generally cup-shaped and spanned by the cap-like bristle carrier and is covered, a very flat brush can be used form an inner cavity that is to be applied with an Medium filled or with cartridges, tablets or filled foam or sponge inserts can.

The resilience of the bristle field is largely dependent on the thickness of the membrane-like cover part is determined. The thinner wall this is carried out, the greater the possibility of deformation. For electrically operated toothbrushes has a thickness of the cover part in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm proved to be useful. That is the essential Advantage associated that the overall height of the brush can be kept very low. The deformability of the cap-like bristle carrier and in particular the cover part can also be adjusted by on the inside the bristle carrier and in particular the cover part Projections and / or recesses are formed. The protrusions form stiffeners that hinder the deformation, while the recesses are particularly soft to deform Define areas.

To prevent the bristle holder from being used when in use is very deformed and also to ensure that the bristle carrier in its initial position when not loaded can return on the inside of the bristle holder at least one that is supported on the brush body Be designed spring element. The deformation of the cover part in use takes place against the spring force of the spring element, that the cover part in its non-load Defaults. The spring element can preferably from a molded on the underside of the cover Bow or web can be formed.

In order to be able to clean inclined surfaces well, it is advantageous if the brush field tilts relative to the brush body is possible. This can be done in a simpler way Achieve that the web axially, i. essentially perpendicular to the cover part and the bristle field, is flexible. Because the inherent elasticity of the web is limited is the axial flexibility of the web can thereby support that this at least in sections as bellows is trained.

The outside of the projection of the brush body exciting bridge also serves as a protective cover and especially as mucosal protection for the user. In the In addition, elements can be integrated into the web Form impact protection and yield resiliently on contact. This can be achieved, for example, in that the Web elastically deformable on its outer peripheral surface Has projections that are ring-shaped, loop-shaped or can be formed into a perforated band.

In a possible embodiment it can be provided that the web extends in the edge region of the cover part. alternative However, it is also possible that the cover under Formation of a free cantilevered overhang on the side, i.e. protrudes radially beyond the web. These cantilevered Edge sections can be particularly flexible and so with a toothbrush for a gentle mucous membrane massage contribute. If an appropriately equipped brush hits an angled surface area when in use, the edge section lies relative to the cover part around so that the angled surface area on both abutting surfaces is cleaned at the same time.

Usually they are enough from elastic deformation of the cap-like bristle carrier resulting clamping and Frictional forces to secure this on the projection of the To hold the brush body. However, if necessary special engaging elements can be provided with which the Bristle holder is securely fixed to the brush body. This can be done, for example, on the inside of the web provided sealing projections with corresponding Recesses of the brush body engage, whereby rotation and / or lift-off protection is provided. alternative can the sealing projections on the brush body and Recesses to be formed on the web.

The dimensions of the cap-like bristle carrier are adapted to the respective application. On the one hand, one relatively flat cap with a short web Cover part may be provided, but it is also possible to cap-like bristle carrier in the shape of a stocking, i.e. For education to design an elongated cylinder with relatively long webs, like it is necessary to use an interdental brush or to form individual rotating bristle bundles.

The bristles can be prefabricated and in a conventional manner be attached to the bristle holder. However, it is an alternative also possible, the bristles in one piece with the bristle holder train and in particular together with this in a one-component process or two-component process to inject. Bristles can be different Shape, different material and different Alignment are formed on the bristle carrier.

Since the cap-like bristle carrier has a cavity, can in the case of deformation of the flexible bristle carrier in the Cavity pressure increase to adjust an indicator element be used. The indicator element can for example, be a displaceably mounted piston, which is pushed outwards when the cavity is raised and when the deformed bristle carrier is reset his starting position is retracted. That way a display of the contact pressure exerted by the user the bristles reached. Alternatively or in addition can be provided that the contained in the cavity Medium changes color when printing and therefore also one Pressure display.

An outlet valve can also be created by means of the pressure increase in the cavity for one to be applied contained in the cavity Medium are opened, which ensures that medium can only escape from the cavity if the user exerts appropriate pressure on it.

The deformation of the flexible bristle holder can also be done directly used to adjust an actuator by changing the displacement that occurs during deformation of parts of the wall of the cap-like bristle carrier directly in the adjustment of a mechanical Pointer is implemented.

Fig. 1

den grundsätzlichen Aufbau des vorderen Endes einer Zahnbürste mit aufgesetztem kappenartigen Borstenträger,

Fig. 2

eine Bürste.mit aufgesetztem Borstenträger im Schnitt,

Fig. 3

eine Abwandlung der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine Abwandlung der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

einen Borstenträger gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 6

einen Borstenträger mit einer abgewandelten Geometrie im Schnitt,

Fig. 7

einen Borstenträger mit einer Aussteifung im Schnitt,

Fig. 8

einen Borstenträger mit einer Ausnehmung im Schnitt,

Fig. 9

einen Borstenträger mit einem Federelement im Schnitt,

Fig. 10

einen Borstenträger mit einem alternativen Federelement im Schnitt,

Fig. 11

einen Borstenträger mit einem verformbaren Steg im Schnitt,

Fig. 12

einen Borstenträger mit seitlichen Schutzelementen im Schnitt,

Fig. 13

eine Unteransicht des Borstenträger gemäß Fig. 12,

Fig. 14

eine alternative Ausgestaltung des Borstenträgers gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 15

eine Abwandlung des Borstenträgers gemäß Fig. 14,

Fig. 16

eine weitere alternative Ausgestaltung des Borstenträgers gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 17

eine Abwandlung des Borstenträgers gemäß Fig. 16,

Fig. 18

eine Unteransicht eines Borstenträgers mit Drehsicherung,

Fig. 19

eine Unteransicht eines Borstenträgers mit einer alternativen Ausgestaltung der Drehsicherung,

Fig. 20

einen strumpfförmigen Borstenträger im Schnitt,

Fig. 21

einen Borstenträger mit Eingriffssicherung im Schnitt,

Fig. 22

eine Alternative eines Borstenträgers mit Eingriffssicherung im Schnitt,

Fig. 23

einen Borstenträger auf tellerförmigem Vorsprung,

Fig. 24

einen Borstenträger aus mehreren Komponenten im Schnitt,

Fig. 25

einen Borstenträger aus mehreren Bauteilen im Schnitt,

Fig. 26

eine Bürste mit napfförmigem Bürstenkörper im Schnitt,

Fig. 27

einen Borstenträger mit Hohlraum im Schnitt,

Fig. 28

einen Borstenträger mit Hohlraum und Stauraum im Schnitt,

Fig. 29

einen Horizontalschnitt durch einen Borstenträger mit einem Mehrkammer-Hohlraum,

Fig. 30

einen Borstenträger mit angespritzten Borsten im Schnitt,

Fig. 31

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Borstenträgers mit Indikatorelement,

Fig. 32

eine alternative Ausgestaltung des Borstenträgers gemäß Fig. 31,

Fig. 33a und 33b

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Borstenträgers mit einem alternativen Indikatorelement in zwei Funktionszuständen,

Fig. 34a und 34b

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Borstenträgers mit einem alternativen Indikatorelement in zwei Funktionszuständen,

Fig. 35a und 35b

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Borstenträgers mit einem alternativen Indikatorelement in zwei Funktionszuständen,

Fig. 36a und 36b

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Borstenträgers mit einem alternativen Indikatorelement in zwei Funktionszuständen,

Fig. 37

einen Bürstenkörper mit zwei aufgesetzten Borstenträgern im Schnitt,

Fig. 38

eine Weiterentwicklung der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 37 und

Fig. 39a und 39b

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Borstenträgers mit einem Ventil in zwei Funktionszuständen.

Further details and features of the invention are apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

the basic structure of the front end of a toothbrush with a cap-like bristle carrier,

Fig. 2

a brush with the bristle holder in the cut,

Fig. 3

a modification of the configuration according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

a modification of the configuration according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 5

a bristle carrier according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 6

a bristle carrier with a modified geometry in section,

Fig. 7

a bristle carrier with a stiffener in the cut,

Fig. 8

a bristle carrier with a recess in section,

Fig. 9

a bristle carrier with a spring element in section,

Fig. 10

a bristle carrier with an alternative spring element in section,

Fig. 11

a bristle carrier with a deformable web in section,

Fig. 12

a bristle carrier with lateral protective elements in section,

Fig. 13

12 shows a bottom view of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 12,

Fig. 14

an alternative embodiment of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 15

a modification of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 14,

Fig. 16

another alternative embodiment of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 2,

Fig. 17

16 shows a modification of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 16,

Fig. 18

a bottom view of a bristle holder with rotation lock,

Fig. 19

2 shows a bottom view of a bristle carrier with an alternative embodiment of the anti-rotation device,

Fig. 20

a stocking-shaped bristle carrier in the cut,

Fig. 21

a bristle holder with anti-tamper protection on average,

Fig. 22

an alternative of a bristle holder with tamper-evident cut,

Fig. 23

a bristle carrier on a plate-shaped projection,

Fig. 24

a bristle carrier made of several components on average,

Fig. 25

a bristle carrier made of several components on average,

Fig. 26

a brush with a cup-shaped brush body in section,

Fig. 27

a bristle carrier with a hollow section,

Fig. 28

a bristle carrier with cavity and storage space in the cut,

Fig. 29

a horizontal section through a bristle carrier with a multi-chamber cavity,

Fig. 30

a bristle carrier with molded bristles on average,

Fig. 31

2 shows a sectional illustration of a bristle holder with indicator element,

Fig. 32

an alternative embodiment of the bristle carrier according to FIG. 31,

33a and 33b

2 shows a sectional illustration of a bristle carrier with an alternative indicator element in two functional states,

34a and 34b

2 shows a sectional illustration of a bristle carrier with an alternative indicator element in two functional states,

35a and 35b

2 shows a sectional illustration of a bristle carrier with an alternative indicator element in two functional states,

36a and 36b

2 shows a sectional illustration of a bristle carrier with an alternative indicator element in two functional states,

Fig. 37

a brush body with two attached bristle carriers in section,

Fig. 38

a further development of the design according to FIGS. 37 and

39a and 39b

a sectional view of a bristle carrier with a valve in two functional states.

Figure 1 shows the front part of a toothbrush 10 with a serving as a handle brush body 11 on his front end of a block-like serving as a support Has projection 11a. Above the projection 11a is a flexible, cap-like bristle carrier 13 put on, the carries a large number of bristles 12 on its upper side. As FIG. 1 shows, the bristle carrier 13 comprises a flat, membrane-like cover part 13a, which on its top Bristles 12 carries, and has in the edge area on it Bristles 12 underside facing downward, circumferential web 13b. The bristle carrier 13 is in its inner dimensions are slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the protrusion 11a so that it is under elastic deformation be placed on the projection 11a without play can. Due to the elastic deformation of the Bristle carrier 13 with its circumferential web 13b from the outside on the projection 11a and is held securely on this.

The bristles 12 can run parallel or at an angle to one another, in the latter case, they laterally over the Protrude bristle holders and thus enlarge the work surface. Alternatively, it is also possible to use the bristles in each case bend in and / or in different directions align or arrange crosswise.

According to FIG. 2, the bristle carrier 13 with its cover part 13a convex and at a distance from the surface the projection 11a arranged so that between the Bristle carrier 13 and the projection 11 formed a cavity 14 is. When the bristles 12 are subjected to pressure from the outside the bristle carrier 13 can yield resiliently inwards, whereby the fluid contained in the cavity 14, for example Air dampens the deformation of the bristle carrier 13. In further training 3 can be provided in the cavity 14 to introduce a foam body 15, which by its Intrinsic elasticity the deformation of the bristle carrier 13 attenuates. The foam body 15 can be applied with a Medium in liquid or gaseous form, the medium passing through in the cover part 13a of the bristle carrier 13 formed passages 16 (Figure 4) to the outside can kick.

Fig. 5 shows that the bristle carrier 13 on the top of the cover part 13a and also on the outer surface of the Web 13b carries bristles 12. According to FIG. 6, the Web 13b to form an elongated, stocking-shaped Hollow body can also be relatively long.

The bristles 12 can cover the entire surface on the outside of the Bristle carrier 13 may be arranged or only partial areas ingest from this. In addition, the bristles have the same or different length and with their Tip sections an envelope surface of any topography form.

In the embodiment of the bristle carrier shown in FIG. 7 13 is on the underside of the cover part 13a a projection 18 serving as stiffening is formed by the deformation properties of the cover part 13a change under external load and to the desired application adjust. During the projection 18 the Alternatively, the stiffness of the cover part 13a can be increased According to FIG. 8, recesses 19 are also provided in the cover part 13a be, which reduce the rigidity of the cover part.

According to Figures 9 and 10 are on the underside of the cover 13a spring elements 20 attached or molded, which are supported on the top of the projection 11a.

The spring elements 20 are when the cover part is subjected to external loads 13a and ensure that the After relieving the cover part back into its starting position is pushed back. According to FIG. 9, the spring element 20 from a band-like, with both ends on the cover part 13a held bracket formed while according to Figure 10 as a spring element 20 a double S-shaped support is provided is attached to the cover part 13 at its upper end and rests with its lower end on the projection 11a.

According to FIG. 11, the web 13b of the bristle carrier 13 is in sections formed as bellows 21, whereby it it is possible that the cover part 13a with the bristles 12 Can tilt relative to the projection 11a without there is a risk that the bristle carrier 13 from the projection 11a slides down. That way, a good one resilient contact of the bristles also on an oblique, to be cleaned Area possible.

The one in the assembled state on the side surface of the projection 11 adjacent web 13b also serves as a protective cover and especially with a toothbrush as a mucous membrane protection. According to FIGS. 12 and 13, it is additionally provided that that the web 13b on its outer peripheral surface has elastically deformable projections 22, which according to FIG 13 by a sectionally wavy configuration of the web 13b are formed.

Figures 14 and 15 show two embodiments, at which the cover part 13a to form a cantilever Edge section 13c laterally or radially outwards protrudes beyond the web 13b. That way, the one with Bristles 12 provided work surface enlarged and due the flexibility of the cantilevered edge section 13c these can be attached to a curved or angled one Lay the surface well against this and clean it. According to Figure 15 is provided in training that the cantilever Edge sections 13c in their outer areas below Formation of an outwardly convex section are turned down.

The deformability of the bristle carrier 13 is among other things determined by its geometric design. To the circulating Web 13b, which is essentially the holding function exercises sufficiently stable and at the same time to enable easy deformability of the cover part 13a, these two sections can have different wall thicknesses have, as shown in Figure 16. there the somewhat stronger web 13b goes continuously into the relatively thin cover part 13a about. To prevent excessive deformation in the central area of the To avoid cover part 13a can again in this area a larger wall thickness in the form of a reinforcement 18 is provided be as shown in Figure 17.

Around the bristle carrier 13 against rotation on the projection 11a is to be held, according to FIG. 18, on the inside of the web 13b, a single recess 30 is provided, which with a accordingly shaped, not shown nose of the projection 11a can engage. Alternatively, according to Figure 19 can also be provided that the inner peripheral surface of the web 13b polygonal and in particular according to the Representation is octagonal and on one correspondingly formed polygonal projection becomes.

FIG. 20 shows the bristle carrier 13 as an elongated, stocking-shaped cylinder with a relatively small cover part 13a, which configured a triangular top Bristle wear. Such a bristle carrier can be bristled Cap for an interdental brush or as a replacement cap for electric toothbrushes with individual, yourself rotating bristle bundles can be used.

Around the cap-like bristle carrier 13 on the projection 11a is to be secured in the configuration according to FIG. 21 the inside of the web 13b is an inwardly facing, circumferential one Engagement nose 23 formed in a corresponding manner trained recess of the projection 11 a snap is. 22, the upper portion 11a1 of the protrusion 11a bulges outwards on the outside and is covered by under the web 13b of the flexible bristle carrier 13. In a further embodiment according to FIG. 23, the projection is 11a plate-shaped and is by the attached, cap-like bristle carrier 13 with its web 13b undermined.

The bristle carrier 13 can be made of a uniform material consist. As shown in Figures 24 and 25, However, the cover part 13a and the web 13b can also be made of different, flexible plastics, in particular by means of a two-component injection molding process become. In this way, the material properties of the individual areas very well to their necessary when using Function can be adjusted. Alternatively (Fig. 25) you can the cover part 13a and the web 13b also prefabricated and subsequently by welding, gluing, clawing or connected in any other way.

As already explained above, there is between the projection 11a of the brush body 11 and the cap-like bristle carrier 13 a cavity 14 is formed. The formation of the cavity 14 is supported when the projection 11a of the brush body 11 sectionally cup-shaped or in it Entire is formed by a bowl as shown in figure 26 is shown. There is one in the cavity 14 Foam insert used.

Figure 27 shows an embodiment, wherein between the inner wall of the web 13b of the bristle carrier 13 below a further partition 13d runs from the cover part 13a, so that the cavity 14 within the bristle carrier 13 between the upper cover 13a and the lower partition 13d is formed. In the further development shown in FIG. 28 is below the cavity 14 in which a foam insert 24 is arranged, a storage space 25 for a applying medium trained. The cavity 14 is from the storage space 25 through a partition 31, the openings 26 is provided, separately. The medium can of that Storage space 25 through the passages 26 in the foam insert 24 of the cavity 14 flow and from this over Passages 16 in the upper cover part 13a to the bristles 12 delivered.

As FIG. 29 shows, the cavity 14 can be closed by internal ones Partitions 32 in several separate chambers 14a, 14b, 14c can be divided, the different, only at Absorb media flowing out and then reacting can.

Figure 30 shows an embodiment in which the bristles not prefabricated by a spinning process and then on the Bristle carriers are mounted, but in one piece with them manufactured in a one- or two-component injection molding process become.

FIGS. 31 to 36b show different configurations, where the result of deformation of the bristle carrier 13 Pressure in the cavity 14 occurring pressure increase by means of an indicator is displayed. According to Figure 31 is in one section-shaped portion 13e of the web 13b of the bristle carrier 13, a displaceable piston 27 is arranged. If the user touches the bristles 12 or the cover part 13a presses (arrow D), the volume of the cavity 14 is reduced so that the internal pressure rises. This pushes the piston 27 outwards, as indicated by arrow S in Figure 34. The pushed out Piston 27 can be perceived by the user the amount of displacement of the piston 27 the internal pressure of the Cavity 14 and thus the external pressure applied by the user displays. The piston 27 can by its displacement however also to trigger further mechanical, acoustic and / or serve electrical signals.

According to Figure 32 is on the underside of the cover part 13a formed as a spring 20 support formed on the top of the projection 11a. Here too is in a piston 27 is displaceable in a passage of the web 13b stored with its inner end with the spring 20 in Plant stands. If the user from the outside on the bristles 12 or the cover part 13a presses (arrow D), the spring gives way 20 laterally and thereby moves the piston 27th outwards, as indicated by the arrow S.

According to FIG. 33a, there is one in the web on the outside 13b molded, tube-shaped passage 36 a thin-walled closure membrane 28 formed, which increases with increasing Internal pressure in the cavity 14 in the manner of a balloon inflates, as indicated in Figure 33b, thereby displaying the user applied to the bristles Pressure (arrow D) is given.

According to FIGS. 34a and 34b, a passage 37 is directly in the wall of the web 13b and formed by the inflatable Sealing membrane 28 closed, which - like Figure 38b shows - with increased internal pressure in the cavity 14 bulges outwards. The closure membrane 28 as Prefabricated separate component and then in the passage 37th be mounted, but it is also possible to use the sealing membrane 28 integrally molded onto the web 13b.

A similar closure membrane 28 can also be in one Passage 34 of a closing the underside of the bristle carrier 13 Cover 33 may be formed (Figure 35a), the bulges downwards with increased internal pressure (FIG. 35b).

According to the embodiment of Figures 36a and 36b an indicator rod 29 is displaceably guided in the cover 33, which is molded onto the cover part 13a at its upper end is. If the cover 13a by applying a external pressure is deformed, pushes itself the indicator rod 29 down out of the cover 33 (Fig. 36b) what directly as a pressure indicator or in the Way used to trigger a corresponding signal can be.

Figure 37 shows an embodiment in which the projection 11a of a brush body 11 of two different ones A cap-like bristle carrier 13 is placed on each side is. If the interior of the projection 11a according to Figure 38 by means of a partition 11a2 in two separated from each other Chambers is divided into these different Arrange media, each with its own Bristle holder 13 is assigned so that the user depending after aligning the brush either one or the other Can apply medium.

According to the embodiment shown in Figures 39a and 39b is a passage 16 in the cover member 13a provided by means of an adjustable valve element 35 can either be closed or opened. The Valve element 35 is over an integrally formed band 34 stored on the underside of the cover part 13a and can with elastic deformation of the band 34 between the Closing and opening positions can be adjusted.

Claims (28)

1. Brush, in particular tooth brush, comprising a brush body (11) and a bristle carrier (13) supporting a plurality of bristles (12) and being retained on the brush body (11), wherein the bristle carrier (13), consisting of soft-elastic plastic material, is formed as a cap and can be placed over a projection (11a) of the brush body (11),
   characterized in that at least one cavity (14) is formed below and/or within the bristle carrier (13).
2. Brush according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (14) is delimited by the bristle carrier (13) and the brush body (14).
3. Brush support according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a damping fluid is received in the cavity (14).
4. Brush according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a medium (15) to be applied is received in the cavity (14).
5. Brush according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one passage (16) for the medium (15) is formed in the bristle carrier (14).
6. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the cavity (14) is subdivided into separate chambers (14a, 14b, 14c) by means of a dividing wall (13d).
7. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 6, characterized in that a foamed insert (24) is disposed in the cavity (14).
8. Brush according to claim 7, characterized in that the foamed insert (24) is soaked with a medium to be applied.
9. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 8, characterized in that a storage region (25) for a medium to be applied is formed below the cavity (14) and communicates with the cavity (14) via at least one passage (26).
10. Brush according to claim 1 to 9, characterized in that the bristle carrier (13) is retained on the brush body (11) in a removable fashion.
11. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 10, characterized in that the bristle carrier (13) can be drawn over the projection (11a) of the brush body (11).
12. Brush according to claim 1 to 11, characterized in that the bristle carrier (13) comprises a covering part (13a) provided with a continuous peripheral bridge (13b) which can be clamped onto the projection (11a) of the brush body (11) from the outside.
13. Brush according to claim 12, characterized in that the bristles (12) are disposed, at least in partial areas, on the upper side of the covering part (13a) and/or the outside of the bridge (13b).
14. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 13,
    characterized in that the upper side of the projection (11a) of the brush body (11) has a surface structure and the bristle carrier (13) can be disposed onto the projection (11a) such that it abuts said structure and follows same.
15. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 14,
    characterized in that the covering part (13a) has a surface structure.
16. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 15,
    characterized in that the brush body is formed as a cap.
17. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 16,
    characterized in that the inner side of the covering part (13a) is provided with projections (18) and/or recesses (19).
18. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 17,
    characterized in that at least one spring element (20), supported on the brush body (11), is formed on the inner side of the bristle carrier (13).
19. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 18,
    characterized in that the bridge (13b) is axially flexible.
20. Brush according to claim 19, characterized in that the bridge (13b) is formed, at least sectionally, as a bellows (21).
21. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 20,
    characterized in that the bridge (13b) is elastically deformable in the radial direction.
22. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 21,
    characterized in that the bridge (13b) comprises elastically deformable projections (22) on its outer peripheral surface.
23. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 22,
    characterized in that the covering part (13a) projects laterally, radially beyond the bridge (13b) thereby forming a freely protruding edge section (13c).
24. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 23,
    characterized in that the bristle carrier (13) is held on the brush body (11) in a non-rotatable fashion.
25. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 24,
    characterized in that sealing elements (23) are formed on the inner side of the bridge (13b) for engagement with corresponding recesses of the brush body (11).
26. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 25,
    characterized in that the bristles (12) are formed as one piece with the bristle carrier (13).
27. Brush according to claim 26, characterized in that the bristles (12) are injection-molded on or in.
28. Brush according to any one of the claims 1 through 27,
    characterized in that an indicator element (27;28;29) is adjustably disposed on the bristle carrier (13) which can be actuated by deformation of the bristle carrier (13).

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