EP3607854B1 - Oral hygiene tool, in particular a toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush.

An oral hygiene product with at least one application unit, with at least one handle unit, the at least one handle unit being formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component, has already been proposed.

The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of comfort and ergonomics. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. The document EP1927454 A1 discloses a handle unit which forms the base of the preamble of claim 1.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is defined by claim 1. Further embodiments are listed in the subclaims. The invention is based on an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit, with at least one handle unit, the at least one handle unit being formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component.

It is proposed that the soft component extends at least over a substantial part of a main extension of the at least one handle unit. Preferably, the soft component extends at least over 30%, preferably at least over 50%, preferably at least over 70% and particularly preferably at least over 90% of a main extension of the at least one handle unit. The soft component preferably extends over at least 30%, preferably at least over 50%, preferably at least over 70% and particularly preferably at least over 90% Main scope of the oral hygiene product. The oral hygiene product preferably consists of an application unit with bristles and the handle unit, the application unit in particular having a neck part which connects the application unit to the handle unit. All sub-elements can consist of at least one hard and/or one or more soft components. Preferably, the soft component forms a particularly continuous soft element, while the hard component forms a particularly continuous hard element.

The inventive design of the oral hygiene product can provide advantageous properties with regard to the ergonomics of the oral hygiene product. In particular, an advantageous grip of the handle unit can be achieved over an entire handle area. In particular, an advantageous hold, in particular slip resistance, can be provided reliably, regardless of a gripping position. The soft element preferably also forms at least part of the application unit. In particular, it is conceivable that the soft element forms at least one cleaning element, such as a massage element, a tongue cleaner, in particular on the back of the oral hygiene product, or the like. Preferably, the soft element forms all elements of the soft component of the handle unit and/or the application unit, at least apart from the cleaning element and/or bristles or the like. The soft component preferably forms at least one material connection with the hard component.

An “oral hygiene product” should in particular be understood to mean a toothbrush and/or an interdental cleaner and/or a flosser and/or a tongue cleaner and/or a toothpick. The oral hygiene product is advantageously designed as a toothbrush, in particular a manual toothbrush, preferably a children's toothbrush, advantageously a purely manual toothbrush. In particular, the oral hygiene product is different from an electric toothbrush. The oral hygiene product can be a disposable toothbrush, a reusable toothbrush or a replaceable toothbrush. The oral hygiene product in particular has a longitudinal axis which is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to a main extension direction of the oral hygiene product. The longitudinal axis preferably runs at least in sections within the oral hygiene product and especially due to its focus. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product is a central axis of the oral hygiene product and/or a central axis of the handle unit. A “central axis” of an object is intended to mean, in particular, an imaginary axis that runs within the object parallel to a main direction of extension of the object and intersects the object at a maximum of two points. “At least substantially parallel” here is intended to mean, in particular, an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, with the direction having a deviation from the reference direction, in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously smaller than 2°. A “main extension direction” of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object. In this context, a “main extension” of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, an extension of a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object.

In particular, the oral hygiene product has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 120 mm, advantageously of at least 140 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 165 mm and/or of at most 210 mm, advantageously of at most 190 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 185 mm, although other lengths, especially smaller or larger ones, are of course also conceivable. In particular, the oral hygiene product has a maximum width, in particular parallel to a width axis of the oral hygiene product, advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene product and/or the handle unit, of at least 8 mm, advantageously of at least 10 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 12 mm and/or at most 22 mm, advantageously at most 20 mm and particularly advantageously at most 17 mm. In particular, the oral hygiene product has a height, in particular measured parallel to a height axis of the oral hygiene product, advantageously measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or perpendicular to the main extension plane of the oral hygiene product, of at least 10 mm, advantageously of at least 12 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 15 mm and/or at most 30 mm, advantageously at most 25 mm and especially advantageously of a maximum of 19 mm. The term “height” here refers in particular to a state of the oral hygiene product in which it is placed, for example on a surface such as a table top, a sink, the top of a furniture or the like, in particular in such a way that the longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the surface . A “main extension plane” of an object is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid, which just completely encloses the object, and runs through the center of the cuboid.

The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning area which is intended for a tooth cleaning application, in particular in the user's mouth. Preferably, the cleaning area comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular at least one brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, preferably with several bristles and/or bristle bundles and/or sprayed cleaning elements and/or soft-elastic cleaning elements. However, the cleaning unit can also be designed, for example, as an interdental brush and/or as a single tuft (e.g. single large bundle of bristles) and/or as a sheet covered with dental floss, in particular as a flosser, or the like. Furthermore, the application unit advantageously has at least the neck element, which is preferably connected to the cleaning area, in particular directly and/or in one piece. “In one piece” should be understood to mean, in particular, at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, a molding process and/or another process that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, for example by manufacturing a casting and/or by production in a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. “Provided” is intended to mean, in particular, specifically designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

The oral hygiene product has in particular a front side and a back side, which are in particular arranged facing away from one another. The cleaning area is preferably arranged on the front of the oral hygiene product. The The front side is in particular a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and perpendicular to the width axis of the oral hygiene product. In particular, the side of the brush on which the thumb is placed is referred to as the front of the oral hygiene product. The front is usually the side towards which the bristle field is directed. The back advantageously corresponds to a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in an opposite viewing direction. The side of the toothbrush opposite the bristle field is called the back of the oral hygiene product. The left side of the oral hygiene product is in particular a side that is on the left when looking vertically at the front of the oral hygiene product.

The handle unit preferably has at least one handle element, which is advantageously intended to be held with one hand, in particular with a child's hand. The handle element is preferably designed to be waisted. This advantageously allows a secure hold and optimizes ergonomics. Particularly preferably, the handle element is elongated, with a longitudinal axis of the handle element advantageously corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The grip element is advantageously formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component. In particular, the grip element advantageously comprises at least one thumb grip area and/or at least one hand grip area. The thumb grip area is advantageously arranged on the front of the oral hygiene product and in particular on a front of the grip element. It is conceivable that the thumb grip area and/or the hand grip area have at least one element and/or a surface structure made of a soft component.

The grip area advantageously has at least one handle element, which is preferably formed from a soft component and/or is arranged on the back of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, a main extension direction of the handle element is arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The handle element advantageously has at least one surface structure element, particularly advantageously a plurality of surface structure elements, which are at least essentially identical or at least geometrically similar to the surface structure elements of the described above Thumb grip element are formed. Preferably, the surface structural elements of the handle element are arranged, in particular at least in pairs, in groups one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product.

Within the scope of this disclosure, almost any hard components and soft components come into question, which the person skilled in the art will combine and/or select as appropriate. Suitable hard components include styrene polymers such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene butadiene (SB) or the like. Furthermore, a hard component can include polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or the like, in particular in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In addition, polyester such as polyethylene terephtalate (PET), especially in the form of acid-modified polyethylenterephtalate (PETA), glycolmodified polyethylenterephtalat (PETG), polybutylene terephtalate (PBT), acid-modified polycylendimethyletonephtalate (PCT-A), Glycolmodified it polycyclohexylendimethylenterephatalate (PCT-G) or the like. Furthermore, the use of cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose butyrate (CB) or the like is conceivable. Furthermore, a hard component can, for example, polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12 or the like, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA) or the like. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and/or polyurethane (PU) can be used as a hard component and/or as a soft component. In particular, a hard component has a modulus of elasticity of at least 1000 N/mm ² and advantageously of at least 1300 N/mm ² and/or of at most 2400 N/mm ² and advantageously of at most 1800 N/mm ² . Polypropylene (PP) is preferably used as the hard component.

Hard components are advantageously used for stable and/or structural elements, in particular in the handle element and/or in a support element of the application unit and/or the fastening unit or the like. Preferably, the oral hygiene product or at least a base body of the oral hygiene product has a single hard component, which can be formed from one of the materials mentioned or from a mixture thereof. However, combinations of different hard components are also conceivable, whereby these can be processed, for example, in a two- and/or multi-component injection molding and/or glued and/or welded together, in particular ultrasonically welded. Alternatively or additionally, several hard components can be used that do not form a material bond in a two- and/or multi-component injection molding. In particular, it is conceivable that in this case a positive connection, for example in the form of at least one undercut and/or at least one opening and/or at least at least partial encapsulation or the like, is generated between hard components. It is conceivable here that, for example, a second hard component, which is in particular sprayed onto a first hard component, shrinks and/or shrinks after injection molding and advantageously forms a shrinkage connection. Suitable combinations can be, for example, polypropylene-polyester, polypropylene-styrene-acrylonitrile or other combinations.

Suitable soft components include, for example, thermoplastic styrene elastometers (TPE-S), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) or the like. It is also conceivable to use thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) or the like. Furthermore, a soft component can comprise, for example, at least one silicone. A soft component advantageously has a Shorte A hardness of at most 90, advantageously at most 50 and particularly advantageously at most 30. Preferably, at least one soft component forms at least one material connection with at least one hard component, in particular in at least one two- and/or multi-component injection molding, advantageously by means of at least one overmolding and/or overmolding.

It is advantageously conceivable that a hard component used and a soft component used have different colors, so that surface structures, labels, motifs and the like can be realized by means of a suitable design of the base body and soft element.

It is further proposed that the at least one application unit has a brush head, in particular a toothbrush head, which is formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component. In this way, advantageous protection of a user can be achieved during use. In particular, protection of the oral cavity can be achieved. The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head, with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously has at least one bristle carrier, for example a brush head base body. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventionally extruded bristles. Bristles can in particular comprise at least one hard component and/or at least one soft component. The bristles are preferably made at least partially or completely from polyamide (PA) and/or polyester (PBT), with any other materials being conceivable. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least some of the bristles have a point and/or a variable cross section. The bristles are preferably made of a single, especially mixed, material. However, bristles with several components are also conceivable, which can be produced and/or manufactured in particular by means of at least one coextrusion. The bristles can be produced and/or manufactured, for example, by means of extrusion, cutting to length and/or post-processing. In contrast to injected bristles or rubber-elastic massage and cleaning elements, which are manufactured by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed and inserted into the toothbrush handle using an adapted process, such as using the anchor punching process, the AFT process and/or the IMT procedure.

In particular, cylindrical or pointed bristles come into question, with any other cross-sections such as polygonal, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, star-shaped, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, rhombus-shaped or any other cross-sections being conceivable. In particular, different bristles can be used in a bristle bundle, but also different bristle bundles, in particular each with a specific type of bristles. Bristles and/or bristle bundles can be arranged regularly but also irregularly. In particular, bristles and/or bristle bundles arranged in groups and/or adjacently can be arranged with respect to at least one Features such as a length, a diameter, a material, a color, a material hardness, a geometry, a sharpening and the like, in particular alternately. The bristles preferably have a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.075 mm and/or at most 0.25 mm. The bristles advantageously have a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.002 mm ² and/or at most 0.2 mm ² . In the case of bristles that are used in the cosmetics sector, for example bristles of an additional application element, thinner bristles and/or bristles with a smaller cross section can also be used, in particular bristles with a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.02 mm and/or of at most 0.025 mm and/or with a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, of at least 0.001 mm ² and/or of at most 0.15 mm ² . In the case of tapered bristles, polyester (PBT) is particularly suitable as a material, whereby a tapering can be produced mechanically and/or chemically. However, other materials are also conceivable. The bristles are preferably straight in the longitudinal direction, but wavy and/or twisted and/or helical and/or twisted bristles are also conceivable, and in particular combinations of different bristles. Furthermore, bristles with a smooth surface are conceivable, as are bristles with a textured surface.

Furthermore, the bristles, in particular as bristle bundles, are preferably processed using at least one anchor punching process, an anchor free tufting process (AFT), an in-mold tufting process (IMT), a PTt process or the like, in particular on the bristle carrier attached. The bristle carrier preferably has a plurality of bristle receptacles, in particular drilled and/or injection molded, in particular holes for bristle bundles. In the case of anchor punching, for example, it is conceivable that a base body, in particular from a hard component, preferably the brush head, is first manufactured by means of injection molding, with blind holes for bristle bundles advantageously being formed during the injection molding. Of course, subsequent drilling of blind holes is also conceivable. Preferably, bristles or bundles of bristles are then folded and placed in a blind hole by means of at least one anchor attached, in particular by means of punching. Loop punching is also conceivable.

Alternatively, as mentioned, anchorless methods are also conceivable, with bristles or bristle bundles advantageously not being folded. In this case, bristles or bristle bundles are approximately half the length of an anchor punch. For example, it is conceivable that the bristle bundles are first separated, fused and/or their bristle ends are then overmoulded in particular to secure them. Bristle bundles can advantageously be brought together here. What is possible here is production using the in-mold tufting process (IMT), whereby a base body, for example the brush head and/or the handle unit and/or the fastening unit, is advantageously formed when the bristle ends are overmolded. It is also conceivable that, particularly in the context of integrated anchorless production, bristles are first overmolded with plates or the like and these platelets are then in turn overmolded, for example to form the brush head and/or the handle unit.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the application unit is composed of a base body and a bristle plate which is filled with bristles and/or alternative cleaning elements. For this purpose, bristle plates with through holes are first manufactured using injection molding, through which bristles are then guided. Preferably, the bristles are then connected on a back side, in particular fused, preferably with one another and/or with the corresponding bristle plate. Bristle plates bristled in this way can then be welded and/or glued to a base body, in particular a brush head, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding. A well-known manufacturing process in this context is the Anchor Free Tufting process (from G.B. Boucherie nv), which in particular enables bundles of bristles to be brought together. The underside of the bristle plate refers in particular to a side which is placed in a recess in the base body and points towards the underside of the oral hygiene product. Accordingly, the top of the bristle plate points towards the top of the oral hygiene product.

A further method for anchorless bristles is the production, in particular injection molding, of a brush head with through holes for bristles. bristles can then be guided through the through holes and fused on a back, in particular with each other and/or with the brush head. Preferably, the fused areas and/or the brush head are then overmolded, in particular with at least one soft component. For example, an AMR process (from GB Boucherie nv), which in particular does not allow bristle bundles to be brought together, or an AMR+ process, which in particular enables bristles to be brought together, come into question.

It is also conceivable to first produce a brush head with blind holes, for example by means of injection molding and/or by drilling the blind holes. In this case, bristles are in particular put together into bundles and fused and/or otherwise connected at one end. The brush head is then heated, in particular to a glass transition temperature of its material. Bundles of bristles can then advantageously be inserted into the blind holes and anchored to the brush head by pressing. In particular, the heated blind holes deform so that the bristle bundles are anchored in them. A well-known PTt process (from G.B. Boucherie nv) is suitable here, for example.

As an alternative or in addition to punched and/or glued bristles, molded bristles are also conceivable. These can be manufactured in particular during a multi-component injection molding together with the application unit, the handle unit and/or the fastening unit, or can be subsequently molded onto a base body of the application unit.

Another possible method for bristling the brush head is screwing it in. Here, for example, filament is fed from a roll, with in particular several strands of filament being wound on a roll. Several rollers are pre-tensioned for machine loading, because each filament in the brush corresponds to a strand of filament. The filaments are spread out correctly in width so that they are the width at which they are inserted into the brush. The filaments are pulled forward in such a way that they are then free for the next step, ie that a wire can be passed over them. A wire is then fed from a roll onto the machine, i.e. unwound and introduced into the process. The wire is cut to a length that is greater than the unwound length of the screwed-in brush; the final cutting takes place after Turn in. The wire is bent into a U so that the open side can then be pushed over the filaments to thread the bristles. The wire is held at the bottom of the U. The open end of the wire is then clamped so that the filaments hold between the pieces of wire. The filaments are cut to a length that is larger than the final length in the brush so that the brush can then be cut correctly when the filaments are screwed in. The wire is twisted so that the filaments are clamped between the wire and thus fixed. After the filaments are fixed in the wire, they are cut to the correct length and profiled. After the brush part is completed, the excess wire is cut off.

Preferably, materials of injected bristles do not form any material connection with other soft components and/or hard components of the oral hygiene product in an injection molding process, in particular a two- and/or multi-component injection molding. Rather, sprayed bristles are preferably connected to soft components and/or hard components by means of a positive connection, for example by means of at least one undercut and/or at least one opening and/or by means of at least partial encapsulation, with a shrink connection and/or a shrink connection being particularly conceivable. However, a connection using at least one material connection is also conceivable.

For all of the possible injection molding processes mentioned, single-, two- and/or multi-component injection molding is basically conceivable. Materials used, in particular different soft components and/or hard components, can, as mentioned, be connected in a cohesive and/or form-fitting manner. Forming articulated connections using suitable injection molding steps is also conceivable. In principle, for example, hot runner processes, cold runner processes and/or co-injection processes are possible.

Alternatively or in addition to a brush head covered with bristles, the application unit can also have at least one tongue cleaner and/or at least one alternative cleaning and/or massage element. These can each be formed from a soft component, from a hard component or from a combination of soft and hard components and/or can advantageously be produced and/or manufactured by means of injection molding.

Preferably, sprayed bristles are at least partially and advantageously completely formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U). It is conceivable here to use a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U), which can be modified in particular with regard to improved flow properties and/or rapid solidification, in particular rapid crystallization, advantageously even at higher temperatures. Of course, other materials are also conceivable, for example thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A) or the like. Materials for sprayed bristles advantageously have a Shore D hardness of at least 0 and particularly advantageously of at least 30 and/or of at most 100 and advantageously of at most 80. In particular, a Shore hardness of a material of sprayed bristles is advantageously higher than a Shore hardness of other soft components used, for example for handle elements, massage elements, other cleaning elements or the like.

In principle, the use of water-soluble polymers is also conceivable, for example for hard components, soft components, injected bristles or other elements of the oral hygiene product. Bioplastics can also be used, which can be obtained in particular from renewable raw materials. The raw materials that come into question here are corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, rubber, wood, the castor plant/miracle tree and the like. Corresponding possible raw materials could be, for example, cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin, chitosan or the like, from which corresponding bioplastics in particular can be synthesized.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the soft component extends continuously over a large part of the main extent of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, the soft component extends in particular uninterruptedly from the application unit over the handle unit. Preferably, the soft component extends uninterruptedly over at least 30%, preferably at least over 50%, preferably at least over 70% and particularly preferably at least over 90% of a main extent of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, in particular, an end region of the handle unit of the oral hygiene product facing away from the area of application is free of a soft component. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously high level of ergonomics for the oral hygiene product. There can be one in particular advantageous tangibility of the handle unit can be achieved over an entire handle area. In particular, an advantageous hold, in particular slip resistance, can be provided reliably, regardless of a gripping position. Preferably, the soft element forms all elements from the soft component of the fastening unit and/or the handle unit and/or the application unit, and/or bristles and/or alternative cleaning elements or the like.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the soft component forms at least 30% of an outer surface of the at least one handle unit. Preferably, the soft component forms at least 40% and particularly preferably at least 50% of an outer surface, in particular a projection of the outer surface, of the at least one handle unit. Preferably, a volume of the soft component of the oral hygiene product is at least 2 cm ³ , preferably at least 4 cm ³ , preferably at most 7 cm ³ and particularly preferably at most 5 cm ³ . Preferably, a volume of the hard component of the oral hygiene product is at least 7 cm ³ , preferably at least 9 cm ³ , preferably at most 12 cm ³ and particularly preferably at most 10 cm ³ . This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously high level of ergonomics for the oral hygiene product. In particular, an advantageous grip of the handle unit can be achieved over an entire handle area.

It is further proposed that the at least one handle unit has at least one thumb grip area with a grip surface made of the hard component and at least one structural element made of the soft component that projects beyond the grip surface. The structural element made of the soft component preferably projects beyond at least the gripping surface made of the hard component. The grip surface made of the hard component is in particular at least essentially flat. In particular, the grip surface made of the hard component forms a slight depression in the thumb grip area. In this context, the fact that the “structural element projects beyond the gripping surface” should be understood in particular to mean that the structural element projects beyond a directly adjacent gripping surface from the hard component. Preferably, the structural element in particular forms a local elevation compared to the grip surface made of the hard component. In this context, “at least essentially flat” should be understood to mean in particular that an imaginary cuboid, which just completely covers the surface, has a thickness of a maximum of 2 mm, preferably of a maximum of 1 mm and particularly preferably of a maximum of 0.5 mm. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously high level of ergonomics for the oral hygiene product.

It is further proposed that the at least one structural element is completely surrounded by the grip surface. Preferably, the at least one structural element is completely surrounded by the grip surface of the hard component. Preferably, the at least one structural element is completely surrounded by the grip surface made of the hard component in a plane of the grip surface. The at least one structural element is in particular designed to be free-standing. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously high level of ergonomics for the oral hygiene product.

The thumb grip area advantageously forms at least one structural element, in particular a plurality of, advantageously regularly arranged, structural elements, whereby in particular an advantageous grip can be achieved. A structural element is advantageously designed as an elevation, in particular with a flat surface and/or with straight side walls. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a structural element tapers towards an upper side, in particular conically. Structural elements can, for example, be cylindrical, pyramid-shaped, spherical segment-shaped, in particular hemispherical, ovoid segment-shaped or the like. Preferably, the structural elements are in particular sickle-shaped. A cross section (orientation in the plane between the top and bottom) of a structural element can be composed of different geometric figures, for example a semicircle and an adjacent rectangle. Polygonal, especially triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross-sections are also conceivable. Any free-form figures are also conceivable. Preferably, the structural elements of the thumb grip area are at least essentially identical to one another or at least geometrically similar.

In particular, the thumb grip area has a length, in particular at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 3 mm, advantageously of at least 5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 10 mm and/or of at most 35 mm, advantageously of at most 25 mm and especially advantageously of a maximum of 20 mm. In particular, the thumb grip area has a width, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 3 mm, advantageously of at least 4 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 6 mm and/or of at most 25 mm, advantageously of at most 20 mm and especially advantageously of a maximum of 15 mm. A single structural element in particular has a height, in particular perpendicular to a surrounding surface of the thumb grip area, of at least 0.2 mm, advantageously of at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 0.8 mm and/or of at most 3 mm, advantageously of at most 2 mm and particularly advantageously at most 1.5 mm. Furthermore, an individual structural element in particular has a width, in particular at least essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product between the left and right sides, of at least 2 mm, advantageously of at least 3 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 5 mm and/or of at most 15 mm, advantageously of a maximum of 12 mm and particularly advantageously of a maximum of 9 mm. In addition, an individual structural element in particular has a length, in particular at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 0.3 mm, advantageously of at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 1 mm and/or of at most 5 mm, advantageously of at most 3 mm and particularly advantageously at most 2 mm.

Preferably, a main extension direction of a structural element is arranged at least essentially perpendicular to a main extension direction of the thumb grip area. Furthermore, the main extension direction of the thumb grip area is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. Advantageously, at least two identically aligned structural elements are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or transversely thereto. Preferably, at least one to five, in particular two to three, identically aligned structural elements are in the longitudinal direction, preferably each in the longitudinal direction to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product with at least one further structural element, in particular designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, paired one behind the other, in particular at regular intervals are preferably arranged smaller than a length of a single structural element, preferably one Width and / or a length of centrally arranged structural elements is greater than a width and / or length of structural elements arranged at the edge of the thumb grip area and the width and / or length particularly preferably increases towards the middle of the thumb grip area with each structural element. “At least essentially identical” objects are intended to mean, in particular, objects that are constructed in such a way that they can each fulfill a common function and, apart from manufacturing tolerances, preferably differ in their construction by at most individual elements that are insignificant for the common function, and advantageously objects that, apart from dimensions and particularly advantageously at least apart from manufacturing tolerances and / or within the scope of manufacturing technology possibilities, are designed to be identical or geometrically similar, whereby identical objects should in particular also be understood to mean objects that are symmetrical to one another.

It is further proposed that the at least one grip unit has at least one boundary wall made of the soft component that at least essentially delimits the grip surface of the thumb grip area. Preferably, the boundary wall limits the grip surface of the thumb grip area in at least three directions. The boundary wall preferably surrounds the grip surface of the thumb grip area in a C-shape. In this context, a “boundary wall” is to be understood in particular as a web-shaped or shoulder-like elevation, which extends at least partially around the grip surface of the thumb grip area made of the hard component. The boundary wall is preferably connected in one piece to the other elements made of the soft component and is also made from this. This makes it possible in particular to provide an advantageous limitation of the thumb grip area.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one boundary wall projects beyond the at least one structural element of the thumb grip area. Preferably, a maximum distance of the boundary wall to the main extension plane of the oral hygiene product, measured perpendicular to the main extension plane, is greater than a maximum distance of the at least one structural element to the main extension plane of the oral hygiene product, perpendicular to the Main extension plane measured. Preferably, the boundary wall is more elevated relative to the grip surface of the thumb grip region made of the hard component than the at least one structural element is raised relative to the grip surface of the thumb grip region made of the hard component. Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one boundary wall limits the grip surface of the thumb grip area at least in the direction of the application unit. Preferably, the grip surface of the thumb grip area is free of any limitation by the boundary wall in a direction facing away from the application unit. Preferably, the grip surface of the thumb grip area is further limited to a left and/or right side by the boundary wall. In this way, an advantageous hold of a user's thumb in the thumb grip area can be achieved. In particular, slipping of the thumb can be safely avoided. In particular, it can be avoided that a user's thumb slips in the direction of the application unit over the thumb grip area.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one handle unit has at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface, which is at least largely formed from the soft component and has at least two islands from the hard component. Preferably, the at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface is arranged on a rear side of the grip unit facing away from the thumb grip area. Preferably, the at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface extends over a large part of the main extent of the grip unit. The at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface serves in particular to abut an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and/or a little finger of the user. In particular, the at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface forms a main grip surface. Preferably, the islands made of the hard component are flush with the soft component. The concavely curved, essential gripping surface preferably has several, in particular ten, islands made of the hard component. In particular, the islands are at least approximately circular. Preferably the islands vary in diameter. The islands preferably form, in particular, two parallel rows of five islands each along a longitudinal extent. The diameter of the islands increases particularly towards the two middle islands. This allows, in particular, an advantageously high level of ergonomics Oral hygiene products are provided. Furthermore, in particular, an advantageous ability to produce such a large area from the soft component can be achieved. Furthermore, excessive yielding of the grip surface when gripping can be avoided.

It is further proposed that the at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface has an index finger grip area made of the soft component, in which the structural elements made of the soft component that project beyond the essential grip surface are arranged. The index finger grip area advantageously forms at least one structural element, in particular a plurality of, advantageously regularly arranged, structural elements, whereby in particular an advantageous grip can be achieved. A structural element is advantageously designed as an elevation, in particular with a flat surface and/or with straight side walls. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a structural element tapers towards an upper side, in particular conically. Structural elements can, for example, be cylindrical, pyramid-shaped, spherical segment-shaped, in particular hemispherical, ovoid segment-shaped or the like. Preferably, the structural elements are in particular sickle-shaped. A cross section of a structural element (orientation in the plane between the top and bottom) can be composed of different geometric figures, for example a semicircle and an adjacent rectangle. Polygonal, especially triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross-sections are also conceivable. Any free-form figures are also conceivable. Preferably, the structural elements of the index finger grip area are at least essentially identical to one another or at least geometrically similar.

In particular, the index finger grip area has a length, in particular at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 3 mm, advantageously of at least 5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 10 mm and/or of at most 45 mm, advantageously of at most 40 mm and especially advantageously of a maximum of 35 mm. In particular, the index finger grip area has a width between the left and right sides, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 3 mm, advantageously of at least 4 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 6 mm and / or of at most 25 mm, advantageously at most 20 mm and particularly advantageously at most 15 mm. A single structural element in particular has a height, in particular perpendicular to a surrounding surface of the index finger grip area, of at least 0.3 mm, advantageously of at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 0.9 mm and/or of at most 2.5 mm, advantageously of at most 2 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 1.5 mm. Furthermore, an individual structural element in particular has a width, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 2 mm, advantageously of at least 3 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 4 mm and/or of at most 18 mm, advantageously of at most 15 mm and particularly advantageously of a maximum of 12 mm. In addition, an individual structural element in particular has a length, in particular at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 0.3 mm, advantageously of at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 1 mm and/or of at most 3.5 mm , advantageously of at most 2.5 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 2 mm.

Preferably, a main extension direction of a structural element is arranged at least essentially perpendicular to a main extension direction of the index finger grip area. Furthermore, the main extension direction of the index finger grip area is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. Advantageously, at least two structural elements are arranged next to one another along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or transversely thereto. Advantageously, two to fourteen, in particular four to ten, structural elements are arranged next to one another along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or transversely thereto. Preferably, in the longitudinal direction, at least one to seven, in particular two to five, structural elements, preferably each transverse to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, are paired next to each other, in particular at regular intervals that are preferably smaller, with at least one further structural element, in particular designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product as a length of a single structural element, wherein preferably a width and / or a length of centrally arranged structural elements is greater than a width and / or length of edge structural elements and the width and / or Length particularly preferably increases towards the middle of the index finger grip area with each structural element.

It is further proposed that the at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface has a little finger grip area made of the soft component, in which the structural elements made of the soft component that project beyond the essential grip surface are arranged. Preferably, the little finger grip area is arranged on a side of the concavely curved, essential grip surface facing away from the index finger area. The index finger area is preferably arranged on a side of the concavely curved, essential grip surface that faces the application unit. Particularly preferably, the little finger grip area is arranged at a distance from the index finger grip area. The little finger grip area advantageously forms at least one structural element, in particular a plurality of, advantageously regularly arranged, structural elements, whereby in particular an advantageous grip can be achieved. A structural element is advantageously designed as an elevation, in particular with a flat surface and/or with straight side walls. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that a structural element tapers towards an upper side, in particular conically. Structural elements can, for example, be cylindrical, pyramid-shaped, spherical segment-shaped, in particular hemispherical, ovoid segment-shaped or the like. Preferably, the structural elements are in particular sickle-shaped. A cross section of a structural element (orientation in the plane between the top and bottom) can be composed of different geometric figures, for example a semicircle and an adjacent rectangle. Polygonal, especially triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross-sections are also conceivable. Any free-form figures are also conceivable. Preferably, the structural elements of the little finger grip area are at least essentially identical to one another or at least geometrically similar. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageously high level of ergonomics for the oral hygiene product.

The structural elements used in the different areas can in principle be similar or different in shape. This can result in a pattern that continues throughout the entire handle unit.

It is further proposed that the at least two islands are arranged between the index finger grip area and the little finger grip area. This makes it possible to provide an advantageously hard structure for gripping the oral hygiene product, particularly in an area for a middle finger and a ring finger of the user. This can ensure that the oral hygiene product is held securely, in particular in a stable manner.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one handle unit has at least one lateral tail made of the hard component, which is completely delimited by the soft component. Preferably, the at least one handle unit has a lateral tail on both sides (left and right) of the thumb grip area. The lateral tails border in particular on the boundary walls. Preferably, the at least one lateral tail extends along a dividing line, in particular a production-related mold dividing line, of the hard component of the oral hygiene product. The tail preferably has a curved shape. The lateral tail extends axially, in particular over the thumb grip area, all the way to the neck element. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide advantageous lateral stabilization in the injection molding process. In particular, advantageous demouldability can be provided.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one handle unit has at least one tongue made of the soft component, which extends over at least part of the lateral tail. Preferably, the at least one tongue extends from the soft component into the lateral tail. The at least one tongue extends in particular perpendicular to a main extension (from the front to the back) of the tail over a large part of the tail. Preferably, the tongue extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product over at least 40%, preferably over at least 50% and particularly preferably over at least 60% of the at least one lateral tail. Preferably, the at least one handle unit comprises at least six tongues made of the soft component, with three each extending over one of the side tails. In this way, advantageous protection of the lateral tail can be provided in particular. It can in particular collisions can be avoided. Furthermore, in particular advantageous ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided.

In addition, it is proposed that the at least one handle unit has a flat support surface on the back at an end facing away from the application unit, which serves to deposit the oral hygiene product in a defined manner. The support surface serves in particular to place the oral hygiene product flat on a surface such as a table top, a washbasin, the top of a furniture or the like, in particular in such a way that the longitudinal axis is arranged essentially parallel to the surface. Preferably, the support surface serves in particular to place the oral hygiene product on a back side. The support surface preferably borders in particular on the little finger grip area. The support surface preferably adjoins the concavely curved, essential grip surface on a back side of the oral hygiene product. The support surface is arranged in particular in an end region of the oral hygiene product, which is free of the soft component. The end region consists in particular entirely of the hard component. In this way, safe depositing of the oral hygiene product can be achieved. If the support surface is made from the hard component, the oral hygiene product can be deposited in a particularly reliable manner without tipping. Furthermore, it is proposed that the oral hygiene product has an imaginary support plane which extends free of intersections along at least two spaced points of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, the imaginary support plane extends through the support surface of the handle unit and at least one point or a support line or support surface in the neck element of the oral hygiene product. When the oral hygiene product is placed on a back side, the oral hygiene product lies in particular on the support surface of the handle unit and the at least one point in the neck element or the one support line or support surface of the oral hygiene product. When the oral hygiene product rests on the support level, the oral hygiene product is, in particular, tilt-free. In this way, safe depositing of the oral hygiene product can be achieved. Furthermore, it is proposed that the flat support surface extends parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene product and defines the imaginary support plane. The imaginary one preferably extends Support plane through the support surface of the handle unit and at least one point or a support line or support surface in the neck element of the oral hygiene product.

Furthermore, it is proposed that a maximum distance between a back of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicular to the support plane, is at least 3 mm. Preferably, the maximum distance between the back of the handle unit and the support plane is from 3 mm to 18 mm and preferably from 7 mm to 13 mm. Preferably, a maximum distance between the concavely curved, essential grip surface of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicular to the support plane, is at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm and particularly preferably at least 7 mm. The handle unit preferably has a strong curvature. A highest point of the handle unit in a stored state corresponds at least approximately to a highest point of the bristles of the application unit in a stored state. Preferably, a maximum distance between a highest point of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicular to the support plane, is at least 10 mm, preferably at least 13 mm and particularly preferably at least 16 mm. Preferably, a maximum distance between a highest point of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicular to the support plane, is a maximum of 30 mm, preferably at least 20 mm and particularly preferably at least 18 mm. The storage state is in particular a state in which the oral hygiene product is placed on a, in particular flat and/or smooth, preferably flat, surface, in particular with the back of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, in the storage state, the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product runs at least substantially parallel to the surface. This makes it possible, in particular, to advantageously easily pick up the oral hygiene product. In particular, at least partial gripping under the handle unit can be made possible. In this way, quick and safe depositing and picking up of the oral hygiene product can be achieved.

Preferably, the soft element from the soft component has a single injection point. The injection point is preferably arranged on the back of the oral hygiene product. The soft component advantageously finds its way from the handle unit into the brush head via at least one channel in the neck element.

In the transition area between the handle unit and the neck element, elements are advantageously incorporated into the handle, which can have a structure made up of two components. Several similarly shaped elements are preferably arranged one behind the other. The elements differ advantageously in size. This decreases particularly advantageously towards the head.

The elements are preferably oval in shape, but they can also have round or rounded shapes. The elements are preferably constructed in such a way that a filled core of soft component is formed, which is delimited by a ring of hard component. Outside this ring made of hard component, a further ring made of soft component is advantageously formed, which can also extend laterally to the geometry of the neck element and in particular can merge into the tongues described, which protrude into the tail. In particular, a core of the element on the surface of the end product has an extension in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush of at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 2 mm and at most 6 mm, advantageously at most 4 mm and particularly advantageously at most 3 mm. The extent of the core of the element perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is in particular at least 2 mm, advantageously at least 3 mm and at most 9 mm, advantageously at most 7 mm and particularly advantageously at most 6 mm. The ring around the core of the element advantageously has a width of at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 1 mm.

The elements preferably contain at least some structures that consist of soft components. The soft component is advantageously guided from the back of the base body to the front through openings in the base body. In this way, it can form isolated islands on the front of the base body.

In addition to the decorative element that is created by the rings, the structure in the injection molding process has the function of stabilizing the base body during the overmolding so that it stays in the right place.

The oral hygiene product according to the invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, in order to fulfill the functionality described herein, the oral hygiene product according to the invention can have one of a number of individual elements mentioned herein, Components and units have a different number and/or any sensible combination thereof. In addition, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the stated limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used in any way.

Of course, the design variants shown in this document are examples. Within the scope of the invention, the individual characteristics and elements of these design variants can be combined with other design variants without departing from the scope of this invention. The scope of the invention is defined solely by the claims.

drawings

Further advantages result from the following drawing description. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings. The drawings, description and claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into further sensible combinations.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderseite eines Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine Rückseite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine Seite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 4

eine Vorderseite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 5

eine Rückseite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6

eine Oberseite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7

eine Unterseite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 8

eine weitere Seite des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung mit einer dargestellten Formtrennlinie,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie IX-IX in der Figur 4,

Fig. 10

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie X-X in der Figur 9,

Fig. 11

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie XI-XI in der Figur 4,

Fig. 12

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie XII-XII in der Figur 4,

Fig. 13

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie XIII-XIII in der Figur 4,

Fig. 14

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie XIV-XIV in der Figur 5,

Fig. 15

eine Vorderseite eines Grundkörpers des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 16

eine Seite des Grundkörpers des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 17

eine Rückseite des Grundkörpers des Mundhygienemittels in einer schematischen Darstellung und

Fig. 18

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Grundkörpers des Mundhygienemittels entlang der Schnittlinie XVIII-XVIII in der Figur 15.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a front side of an oral hygiene product in a schematic perspective view,

Fig. 2

a back of the oral hygiene product in a schematic perspective view,

Fig. 3

a side of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation,

Fig. 4

a front side of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of the back of the oral hygiene product,

Fig. 6

a top side of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation,

Fig. 7

a bottom side of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation,

Fig. 8

another side of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation with a mold dividing line shown,

Fig. 9

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along section line IX-IX in the Figure 4 ,

Fig. 10

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along the section line XX in the Figure 9 ,

Fig. 11

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along the section line XI-XI in the Figure 4 ,

Fig. 12

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along section line XII-XII in the Figure 4 ,

Fig. 13

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along section line XIII-XIII in the Figure 4 ,

Fig. 14

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along section line XIV-XIV in the Figure 5 ,

Fig. 15

a front side of a base body of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation,

Fig. 16

a side of the base body of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation,

Fig. 17

a back of the base body of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation and

Fig. 18

a schematic sectional view of the base body of the oral hygiene product along section line XVIII-XVIII in the Figure 15 .

Description of the exemplary embodiment

The Figure 1 shows a front side 60 of an oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic perspective view. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10 is designed as a toothbrush, in particular as a children's toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10 can also be designed as a disposable toothbrush or as a replaceable head toothbrush. In addition, the oral hygiene product 10 could be designed as a flosser, a single-tuft brush, an interdental cleaner, a tongue cleaner or the like. Furthermore, combined oral hygiene products are conceivable that have at least two different functions combine, for example a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massage elements, an interdental cleaner with a flosser or the like.

The oral hygiene product 10 has at least one application unit 12. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10 has at least one handle unit 14. The at least one handle unit 14 is formed partly from a soft component 16 and partly from a hard component 18.

Below we will refer to the Figures 1 to 14 Referenced, which show different views of the oral hygiene product 10. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all of the figures and accordingly are not provided with reference numbers in all of the figures. The Figure 2 shows a back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic perspective view. The Figure 3 shows a side 64, in particular a left long side, of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 4 shows a front side 60 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 5 shows a back side 62 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 6 shows a top side 66 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 7 shows an underside 68 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 8 shows another side 70, in particular a right long side, of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation with the mold separating line 114 shown Figure 9 shows a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line IX-IX in the Figure 4 . The Figure 10 shows a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XX in the Figure 9 . The Figure 11 shows a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XI-XI in the Figure 4 . The Figure 12 shows a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along section line XII-XII in the Figure 4 . The Figure 13 shows a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XIII-XIII in the Figure 4 . Finally, it shows Figure 14 a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XIV-XIV in the Figure 5 .

The oral hygiene product 10 has a longitudinal axis 72, a height axis 74 and a width axis 76 (cf. 7). The longitudinal axis 72 is arranged parallel to a main extension direction of the oral hygiene product 10. Is this Oral hygiene product 10 is placed with the back 62 on a flat surface so that the longitudinal axis 72 is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 74 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 and perpendicular to the surface and the width axis 76. The width axis 76 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 and perpendicular to the height axis 74. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 140 mm to 210 mm and preferably of 165 mm to 185 mm. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10 has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, of 12 mm to 25 mm and preferably 15 mm to 19 mm. In addition, the oral hygiene product 10 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 17 mm.

The at least one application unit 12 has a brush head 20. In the present case, the brush head 20 is designed as a toothbrush head. The brush head 20 in particular has a bristle holder. The brush head 20 is formed partly from a soft component 16 and partly from a hard component 18. The brush head 20 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 8 mm to 17 mm and preferably 10 mm to 15 mm. The brush head 20 includes at least one cleaning area that includes a plurality of bristle bundles. For reasons of clarity, in the Figures 1 to 14 the bristle bundles not shown. At least one circular recess 78 is formed on the front 60 of the brush head 20. The at least one recess 78 is intended to accommodate a bundle of bristles. In principle, the at least one recess 78 can also be designed differently. Any suitable bristles can be used as bristles, which can be punched using the anchor punching process, for example, as described above. The structure of the brush head 20 or at least the front 60 of the brush head 20 is different in other bristle processes. Bristle bundles can differ in terms of their length, their composition, their number of bristles, a bristle material, a color, a surface structure and the like. Likewise, angles at which the bristles and/or the bristle bundles are arranged relative to one another or to a surface of the brush head 20 can vary between bristles and/or between bristle bundles. Furthermore, the application unit 12 in the present case includes at least one Neck element 80, which in particular connects the brush head 20 to the handle unit 14.

The application unit 12 is arranged on the top 66 of the oral hygiene product 10. The application unit 12 forms a top point of the oral hygiene product 10. The application unit 12 is partly formed from a soft component 16 and partly from a hard component 18. Regarding suitable soft and hard components 16, 18, reference is made to the description above. In the present case, the hard component 18 is, for example, a polypropylene (PP). In addition, in the present case the soft component 16 is, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. In particular, the brush head 20 and/or the neck element 80 is formed partly from the soft component 16 and essentially from the hard component 18. The brush head 20 is formed on the front 60 at least essentially from a hard component 18.

In principle, the application unit 12 can have at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element can in particular have knobs and/or slats. The tongue cleaner element is preferably arranged on the back 62 of the brush head 20, in particular this can be arranged on a ring made of a soft component 16 and/or on an island made of a hard component 18.

The neck element 80 forms a transition between the application unit 12 and the handle unit 14. The neck element 80 is partly formed from the hard component 18 and partly from the soft component 16. The lower end of the neck element 80 is partially formed all around from the soft component 16. The lower end of the neck element 80 is at least partially resilient.

The soft component 16 extends at least over a substantial part of a main extension of the at least one handle unit 14. The soft component 16 extends continuously over a large part of a main extension of the oral hygiene product 10. The soft component 16 forms at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and particularly preferably at least 50 % of an outer surface of the at least one handle unit 14. The soft component 16 forms from the neck element 80 to the brush head 20 laterally on a left long side and a right long side of the oral hygiene product 10 one strand 82, 84 each. The soft component 16 forms a ring-like structure 86 on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10, which surrounds the brush head 20 and the neck element 80 and is self-contained. Viewed from the back 62, an island 88 made of the hard component 18 forms on the surface of the neck element 80 and the brush head 20. The island 88 made of the hard component 18 forms a line-like shape along the longitudinal axis 72 on the neck element 80 when viewed from the back 62, which merges into a rounded shape in the area of the brush head 20. The edge area of the brush head 20 is framed on the back 62 in particular with the soft component 16. The strand 82, 84 made of the soft component 16 has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, which is greater than its width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76.

The at least one handle unit 14 has at least one thumb grip area 22 with a grip surface 24 made of the hard component 18 and at least one structural element 26, 28 made of the soft component 16 that projects beyond the grip surface 24. The at least one structural element 26, 28 is completely surrounded by the grip surface 24. The grip surface 24 runs on the front side 60 from the thumb grip area 22 to the lower end of the oral hygiene product 10 on the underside 68. The grip surface 24 forms a cambered or concave shape along the longitudinal axis 72. The grip surface 24 forms a depression 90 in the thumb grip area 22 along the longitudinal axis 72. This design of the oral hygiene product 10 allows an advantageously adapted thumb shape to be achieved. The cambered shape is reversed along the longitudinal axis 72 in the direction of the underside 68. In particular, a lettering could be arranged in a central area of the grip surface 24. The lettering can in particular be applied to the oral hygiene product 10 by embossing. The soft component 16 preferably forms a lettering in the hard component 18, in particular by penetrating it from the back 62. Advantageously, the surface remains flat. The thumb grip area 22 is on the front 60 of the oral hygiene product 10 arranged. The thumb grip area 22 comprises a plurality of structural elements 26, 28, only some of which are provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. In the present case, the thumb grip area 22 has six structural elements arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis 72. The at least one structural element 26, 28 is formed from a soft component 16. The at least one structural element is 26, 28 in particular connected in one piece to the soft component 16. In the present case, the at least one structural element 26, 28 is designed as a material elevation projecting beyond the grip surface 24 and in particular has a crescent-shaped cross section, with any other geometries, in particular straight or wavy lines, being conceivable. Deepenings are also conceivable. Furthermore, a size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, with centrally arranged structural elements being larger than those arranged at the edges. In addition, in particular half of the structural elements along the longitudinal axis 72 are aligned mirror-inverted to the other half of the structural elements. The orientation of the structural elements changes, particularly in a central area of the thumb grip area on the longitudinal axis 72. A radius of the crescent-shaped structural elements 26, 28 each points in the direction of the central area of the thumb grip area. The structural elements 26, 28 arranged in a mirrored manner over the central area of the thumb grip area are each shaped similarly, but in particular are not shaped symmetrically. Each half of the structural elements 26, 28 has a number, in particular of one to five structural elements 26, 28 and preferably of two to three structural elements 26, 28. The structural elements 26, 28 each have a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 3 mm to 12 mm and preferably from 5 mm to 9 mm. The structural elements 26, 28 each have a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, of 0.5 mm to 2 mm and preferably from 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm. The height of the structural elements 26, 28 varies over the individual structural element 26, 28 due to the cambered grip surface 24. The structural elements 26, 28 each have a lower height than in the outer ends of the structural element 26, 28, in particular in the direction of the width axis 76 the middle of the structural element 26, 28. The at least one structural element 26, 28 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 0.3 mm to 3 mm and preferably of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The at least one handle unit 14 has at least one boundary wall 30 made of the soft component 16 that at least essentially delimits the handle surface 24. The at least one boundary wall 30 projects beyond the at least one structural element 26, 28. The at least one boundary wall 30 limits the grip surface 24 at least in the direction of the application unit 12. The thumb grip area 22 includes the boundary wall 30. The boundary wall 30 ends in the direction of the underside 68. The boundary wall 30 has a height at the upper end of the boundary wall 30, in particular parallel to the height axis, of 0.5 mm to 3 mm and preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm. The boundary wall 30 forms a shoulder to the grip surface 24. Based on the direction of the height axis 74, in the direction of the front side 60, the boundary wall 30 projects beyond the at least one structural element 26, 28.

The handle unit 14 has at least one additional handle area 92 in a lower area of the handle unit 14. The additional handle area 92 has at least one structural element 94. The at least one structural element 94 is formed from the soft component 16. The at least one structural element 94 is completely surrounded by the grip surface 24. The at least one structural element 94 is arranged on the front 60 of the oral hygiene product 10. The additional handle area 92 has a plurality of structural elements 94, of which only some are provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. In the present case, the additional handle area 92 has three structural elements 94 arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis 72. The additional handle area 92 has a number of, in particular, two to eight structural elements and preferably three to five structural elements. The at least one structural element 94 is at least essentially flush with the grip surface 24 and in particular has a crescent-shaped cross section, with any other geometries, in particular straight or wavy lines, being conceivable. Deepenings are also conceivable. The grip surface 24 is designed to be cambered in the width direction in the additional grip area. Furthermore, a size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72 within the additional handle area 92, with centrally arranged structural elements being larger than those arranged at the edges. An inner radius of the at least one crescent-shaped structural element 94 points towards the underside 68. The structural elements arranged in the additional handle area 92 are each shaped similarly but not identically. The at least one structural element 94 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 3 mm to 12 mm and preferably of 5 mm to 9 mm. The at least one structural element 94 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 0.3 mm to 3 mm and preferably of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The at least one structural element 94 has a shorter length at the outer ends of the structural element 94, in particular in the direction of the width axis 76, than in the middle of the structural element 94.

The at least one handle unit 14 has at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface 32. The at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface 32 is at least largely formed from the soft component 16 and has at least two islands 34, 36 made from the hard component 18. The at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface 32 is arranged on a rear side 62 of the grip unit 14 facing away from the thumb grip area 22. The grip surface 32 runs on the back 62 from the underside 68 to the neck element 80. The at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface 32 has an index finger grip area 38 made of the soft component 16. The structural elements 40, 42 made of the soft component 16 which project beyond the essential grip surface 32 are arranged in the index finger grip area 38. The grip surface 32 forms a depression 96 in the index finger grip area 38 along the longitudinal axis 72. The depression 96 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, in particular from 20 mm to 60 mm and preferably from 30 mm to 45 mm. The depression 96 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, in particular from 5 mm to 15 mm and preferably from 7 mm to 12 mm. The depression 96 runs in a rounded manner into the further geometries of the soft component 16, both in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in the direction of the width axis. The depression 96 itself has a rounded shape. The index finger grip area 38 has at least one structural element 40, 42 that projects beyond the grip surface 32. The at least one structural element 40, 42 is formed from a soft component 16. The at least one structural element 40, 42 is in particular connected in one piece to the soft component 16. The at least one structural element 40, 42 is arranged on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10. The at least one structural element 40, 42 forms an at least substantially flat transition over the depression 96 parallel to the width axis 76. The index finger grip area 38 has a plurality of structural elements 40, 42, only some of which are provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. In the present case, the index finger grip area 38 has eight structural elements arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis 72. The index finger grip area 38 has a number of, in particular, two to fourteen structural elements and preferably four to ten structural elements. In the present case, the at least one structural element 40, 42 is designed as a material elevation that at least substantially projects beyond the grip surface 32 and in particular has a crescent-shaped cross section, with any other geometries, in particular straight or wavy lines, being conceivable.

Deepenings are also conceivable. Furthermore, a size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, with centrally arranged structural elements being larger than those arranged at the edges. In addition, in particular half of the structural elements along the longitudinal axis 72 are aligned mirror-inverted to the other half of the structural elements. The orientation of the structural elements changes, particularly in a central area of the index finger grip area 38 on the longitudinal axis 72. A radius of the at least one crescent-shaped structural element 40, 42 points in the direction of the central region of the index finger grip region 38. The structural elements arranged in a mirrored manner over the central region of the index finger grip region 38 are each shaped similarly, but in particular are not formed symmetrically. The at least one structural element 40, 42 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 3 mm to 15 mm and preferably of 4 mm to 12 mm. The at least one structural element 40, 42 has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, of 0.5 mm to 2 mm and preferably of 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm. The structural elements in particular have different heights. The height of the structural element varies across the individual structural element due to the lowered grip surface 32. The structural elements 40, 42 each have a lower height at the outer ends of the structural element, in particular in the direction of the width axis, than in the middle of the structural element, wherein the surface of the structural element can merge into the gripping surface 32 at the outer ends of the structural element. The height of the at least one structural element 40, 42 corresponds at least substantially to the depth of the depression 96. The at least one structural element 40, 42 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 0.5 mm to 2 mm and preferably of 1 mm up to 1.7 mm. The at least one structural element 40, 42 preferably has a crescent-shaped cross section. The at least one structural element 40, 42 has a shorter length at the outer ends of the structural element 40, 42, in particular on the left and right, than in the middle of the structural element 40, 42.

In addition, the handle unit 14 has at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface 32. The at least one concavely curved, essential grip surface 32 has a little finger grip area 44 made of the soft component 16. The structural elements 46, 48 made of the soft component 16 which project beyond the main grip surface 32 are arranged in the little finger grip area 44. The grip surface 32 forms a depression 98 in the little finger grip area 44 along the longitudinal axis 72.

The depression 98 is partly formed from the soft component 16 and partly from the hard component 18. The depression 98 is formed from the hard component 18 in particular in the area towards the underside 68. The depression 98 is formed from the soft component 16, particularly in the little finger grip area 44. The depression 98 has a transition between the soft component 16 and the hard component 18, the transition forming a shoulder 100. The depression 98 runs in a rounded manner into the further geometries of the soft component 16. The little finger grip area 44 has at least one structural element 46, 48 which projects beyond the grip surface 32. The at least one structural element 46, 48 is formed from a soft component 16. The at least one structural element 46, 48 is in particular connected in one piece to the soft component 16. The at least one structural element 46, 48 is arranged on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10. The at least one structural element 46, 48 forms an at least substantially flat transition over the depression 98 parallel to the width axis 76. The little finger grip area 44 has a plurality of structural elements 46, 48, only some of which are provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. In the present case, the little finger grip area 44 has three structural elements arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis 72. The little finger grip area 44 has a number of, in particular, one to five structural elements and preferably two to three structural elements. In the present case, the at least one structural element 46, 48 is designed as a material elevation that at least substantially projects beyond the grip surface 32 and in particular has a crescent-shaped cross section, with any other geometries, in particular straight or wavy lines, being conceivable. Deepenings are also conceivable. Furthermore, a size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, with structural elements arranged towards the bottom 68 being larger than structural elements 46, 48 arranged towards the top 66. A radius of the at least one crescent-shaped structural element 46, 48 points towards the bottom 68. The in Structural elements arranged in the little finger grip area 44 are each shaped similarly, but in particular are not shaped symmetrically. The at least one structural element 46, 48 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 3 mm to 15 mm and preferably of 5 mm to 12 mm. The at least one structural element 46, 48 has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and preferably of 0.7 mm to 1.3 mm. The structural elements in particular have different heights. The The height of the structural element varies over the individual structural element due to the lowered grip surface 32. The at least one structural element 46, 48 has a lower height at the outer ends of the structural element 46, 48, in particular in the direction of the width axis 76, than in the middle of the structural element 46, 48, with the surface of the structural element 46, 48 at the outer Ends of the structural element 46, 48 can merge into the grip surface 32. The height of the at least one structural element 46, 48 corresponds at least substantially to the depth of the depression 98. The at least one structural element 46, 48 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 0.5 mm to 2 mm and preferably of 1 mm up to 1.7 mm. The at least one structural element 46, 48 preferably has a crescent-shaped cross section. The at least one structural element 46, 48 has a shorter length at the outer ends of the structural element 46, 48, in particular in the direction of the width axis 76, than in the middle of the structural element 46, 48.

Furthermore, the handle unit 14 has at least one middle and ring finger grip area 102. In the present case, the middle and ring finger grip area 102 is arranged on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 includes a plurality of structural elements, not all of which are provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. The at least one structural element 104 forms an island 34 from the hard component 18, the island 34 being completely surrounded by the soft component 16. The at least two islands 34, 36 are at least substantially flush with the grip surface 32. The at least two islands 34, 36 preferably each have a rounded and/or oval shape when viewed from the back 62, with any other geometries with a closed contour being conceivable. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 has a number of, in particular, four to sixteen structural elements and preferably six to twelve structural elements. The structural elements are arranged symmetrically in two rows relative to the longitudinal axis 72, in particular spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 72 and on a slight, inwardly curved curve relative to the longitudinal axis 72. In the middle and ring finger grip area 102, the at least one structural element 104 is mirrored on the longitudinal axis 72 and forms a second symmetrical structural element 106, these two structural elements 104, 106 each forming two islands 34, 36. The at least two islands 34, 36 are arranged between the index finger grip area 38 and the little finger grip area 44. The in Structural elements arranged in the middle and ring finger grip area 102 are each shaped similarly but in particular are not shaped identically. Furthermore, a size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, with centrally arranged structural elements being larger than those arranged at the edges. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 is essentially formed from the soft component 16, with the exception of the islands 34, 36, which are formed from the hard component 18. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 further comprises an entire central section of the oral hygiene product 10, which can be grasped with one hand, for example when used.

In particular, in a held state, a thumb comes to rest in the thumb grip area 22, an index finger comes to rest in the index finger grip area 38, a middle finger and a ring finger come to rest in the middle and ring finger grip area 102, and a little finger rests on the little finger. Grip area 44 for lying down. In principle, the oral hygiene product 10 can also be used by a user with the fingers in a position other than the intended one.

The at least one handle unit 14 has a flat support surface 58 at an end facing away from the application unit 12. The flat support surface 58 serves to place the oral hygiene product 10 in a defined manner. The oral hygiene product 10 has an imaginary support level. The imaginary support plane extends free of intersections along at least two spaced points/surfaces of the oral hygiene product 10. The flat support surface 58 extends parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene product 10 and defines an imaginary support plane. The flat support surface 58 is crescent-shaped. The flat support surface 58 is made of a hard component 18. The flat support surface 58 is arranged on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10. The flat support surface 58 is arranged on the underside 68 of the oral hygiene product 10. The flat support surface 58 in particular forms a lower end of the oral hygiene product 10 on the back 62 in the direction of the underside 68. The flat support surface 58 has a width, in particular parallel to the width axis 76, of 5 mm to 18 mm and preferably of 8 mm to 12 mm. The flat support surface 58 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 2 mm to 10 mm and preferably of 3 mm to 7 mm. The flat support surface 58 is intended to do this Place oral hygiene product 10 on an imaginary support level. The oral hygiene product 10 has a support point 108, preferably a support line and particularly preferably a support surface. The support point 108, in particular the one support surface, is formed from a hard component 18. The support point 108, in particular the support surface, is arranged on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10. The support point 108, in particular the support surface, is arranged in the area of the neck element 80. The support surface 58 and the support point 108, in particular the support surface, form a storage for the oral hygiene product 10 on an imaginary support level. The support surface 58 is advantageously relatively wide so that the oral hygiene product 10 rests stably on an imaginary support level. A maximum distance between a back side 62 of the handle unit 14 and the support plane, measured perpendicular to the support plane, is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 7 mm and particularly preferably at least 9 mm.

In a stored position, the oral hygiene product 10 has an empty space 110 between the handle unit 14 and the imaginary support level. The empty space 110 has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, of 3 mm to 18 mm and preferably of 7 mm to 13 mm. The handle unit 14 has a comparatively extreme bend in an area above the index finger grip area 38 on the back 62. The support point 108 and/or a support line and/or a support surface and the support surface 58 have a distance, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 110 mm to 160 mm and preferably of 125 mm to 140 mm.

The oral hygiene product 10 has a plurality of bulges and indentations that are distributed along its longitudinal axis 72. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10 has three bulges and two constrictions when viewed on its front side 60. Transitions between bulges and constrictions are preferably rounded, but straight transitions are also conceivable. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10 is designed to be curved when viewed on its side 64, 70, which advantageously results in particular spring properties of the application unit 12 in a known manner. The person skilled in the art will adapt the shape of the oral hygiene product 10 to suit the purpose and application.

In the present case, all elements of the oral hygiene product 10 are manufactured from the soft component 16 in a common injection molding step. The oral hygiene product 10 has at least one soft element from the soft component 16, which forms at least part of the handle unit 14 and advantageously the application unit 12. Preferably, the soft element forms all of the soft component elements of the oral hygiene product 10. The soft element can also form the bristles and/or cleaning elements of the application unit 12.

The soft element extends uninterruptedly on the underside 68 of the oral hygiene product 10 from the handle unit 14, in particular the little finger grip area 44, via the neck element 80 to the application unit 12 (the upper side 66). The soft element has a single injection point 112. The injection point 112 of the soft element is on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10 arranged. The injection point 112 is arranged on the longitudinal axis 72. The injection point 112 is arranged in an area below the middle and ring finger grip area 102. The injection point 112 is arranged between the middle and ring finger grip area 102 and the little finger grip area 44. The injection point 112 has a distance from the free end on the underside 68, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 20 mm to 40 mm and preferably from 25 mm to 35 mm.

The oral hygiene product 10 is produced using two negative molds. The oral hygiene product 10 has a mold separation line 114 for this purpose. The mold parting line 114 runs over the entire length of the oral hygiene product 10 and is in Figure 8 and 16 explicitly shown. A mold parting line 114 running over the soft component 16 differs from a mold parting line 114 running over the hard component 18, in particular the mold parting line 114 running over the hard component 18 being partially used to demold the soft component 16. The mold parting line 114 has a curved shape along the length of the oral hygiene product 10, the curved shape at least substantially following the shape of the oral hygiene product 10. The mold separation line 114 runs in the middle height range of the oral hygiene product 10. The mold separation line 114 runs along the widest point in the cross section of the oral hygiene product 10. This can advantageously achieve good demoldability in the injection molding tool. The negative forms can can thus advantageously be removed from the oral hygiene product 10 without having to overcome an undercut.

The at least one handle unit 14 has at least one lateral tail 50, 52 made of the hard component 18. The at least one lateral tail 50, 52 is completely delimited by the soft component 16. The at least one lateral tail 50, 52 is formed on a left long side and on a right long side of the oral hygiene product 10 and is preferably curved based on the shape of the handle. The at least one lateral tail 50, 52 is formed from the hard component 18. The at least one lateral tail 50, 52 has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, in particular from 35 mm to 80 mm and preferably from 45 mm to 65 mm. The at least one lateral tail 50, 52 has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis 74, in particular from 1 mm to 5 mm and preferably from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The lateral tail 50, 52 advantageously forms a support geometry for an injection molding process of the soft component 16. The mold separation line 114 runs at least partially in the middle of the lateral tail 50, 52, with the mold separation line 114 leaving the lateral tail 50, 52 in the lower region towards the front side 60 .

The at least one handle unit 14 has at least one tongue 54, 56 made of the soft component 16. The at least one tongue 54, 56 extends over the lateral tail 50, 52. The neck element 80 forms at least one decorative element 116. In the present case, the neck element 80 forms three decorative elements 116. The at least one decorative element 116 is formed partly from a soft component 16 and partly from a hard component 18. The at least one decorative element 116 is arranged at the lower end of the neck element 80. The hard component 18 of the at least one decorative element 116 forms an annular, in particular oval, structure. The at least one decorative element 116 can be supplied with the soft component 16 at least partially from the back 62. The at least one decorative element 116 is supplied with the soft component 16 from the back 62 during the production of the oral hygiene product 10. The at least one decorative element 116 advantageously serves to support the base body 120 in an injection molding process of the soft component 16. The soft component 16 of the at least one decorative element 116 surrounds the annular structure made of the hard component 18.

The decorative element 116 forms an island 118 made of the soft component 16 in the middle. The at least one decorative element 116 is completely surrounded by the soft component 16. The soft component 16, which surrounds the at least one decorative element 116, forms the tongue 54, 56 in the direction of the left long side and the right long side. The tongue 54, 56 is formed from the soft component 16. The tongue 54, 56 projects into the laterally arranged tail 50, 52 from the hard component 18. The tongue 54, 56 projects in particular beyond the mold parting line 114.

The oral hygiene product 10 has at least one, in particular exactly one, base body 120 made of the hard component 18, which forms at least part of the handle unit 14 and the application unit 12. In the present case, the base body 120 forms all of the hard components 18 of the oral hygiene product 10.

Below we will refer to the Figures 15 to 18 Reference is made to the different representations of the base body 120. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all of the figures and accordingly are not provided with reference numbers in all of the figures. In addition, for reasons of clarity, not all of them are included Figures 1 to 14 introduced reference numbers shown. If appropriate reference is made, reference is made to these same figures. The Figure 15 shows a front side 60 of a base body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 16 shows a side 70, in particular a right long side, of the base body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 17 shows a back side 62 of the base body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The Figure 18 shows a schematic sectional view of the base body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XVIII-XVIII in the Figure 15 .

When producing the oral hygiene product 10, the base body 120 is produced in an injection molding process in a first manufacturing step. In a second manufacturing step, the base body 120 is overmolded with at least one further component, in particular a soft component 16.

The base body 120 has at least one opening. A first breakthrough 122 is arranged in the decorative element 116. The first breakthrough 122 points in the direction the height axis 74 has an hourglass-shaped shape. This enables advantageous demoulding of the base body 120. A second opening 124 and a third opening 126 are arranged in the handle unit 14. The second breakthrough 124 is arranged in particular between the thumb grip area 22 and the index finger grip area 38. The third breakthrough 126 is arranged between the additional grip area 92 and the little finger grip area 44. If a lettering is implemented, at least one further opening can also be arranged between the grip surface 24 and the middle and ring finger grip area 102. In addition to the openings, flow around the base body 120, in particular in the area of the neck element 80, is advantageously used during the injection molding process by other components, for example soft components. When producing the oral hygiene product 10, the soft component 16 passes from its injection point 112 at least through a breakthrough from the back 62 to the front 60 of the base body 120. The base body 120 is at least essentially completely connected to the base body 120 in the area of the handle unit 14 on the back 62 Soft component 16 is covered, with the exception of the islands 34, 36 in the middle and ring finger grip area 102 and the support surface 58. The soft component 16 has a minimum thickness over the hard component 18, in particular from 0.1 mm to 2 mm and preferably from 0.2 mm to 1 mm on. The base body 120 further has at least one channel 128, which is arranged in an area of the middle and ring finger grip area 102 of the grip unit 14. The channel 128 extends along the longitudinal axis 72. The channel 128 can be designed with at least one opening, the opening being intended in particular to supply a lettering with a soft component 16. However, this breakthrough is not shown in the present figures.

The base body 120 has a single injection point 130. The injection point 130 of the base body 120 is on the back 62 arranged. The injection point 130 is arranged on the longitudinal axis 72. The injection point 130 has a distance from the free end on the underside 68, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 72, of 8 mm to 28 mm and preferably from 13 mm to 22 mm. In a finished state of the oral hygiene product 10, the injection point 130 of the base body 120 is overmolded with the soft component 16. The injection point 130 of the base body 120 is in a region of the injection point 112 of the soft element and less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, away from it.

Reference symbol list

10

Oral hygiene products

12

Application unit

14

Handle unit

16

Soft component

18

Hard component

20

brush head

22

Thumb grip area

24

Grip surface

26

Structural element

28

Structural element

30

boundary wall

32

Grip surface

34

Island

36

Island

38

Index finger grip area

40

Structural element

42

Structural element

44

Little finger grip area

46

Structural element

48

Structural element

50

tail

52

tail

54

Tongue

56

Tongue

58

Support surface

60

front

62

back

64

Page

66

Top

68

bottom

70

Page

72

Longitudinal axis

74

height axis

76

Latitude axis

78

recess

80

Neck element

82

strand

84

strand

86

structure

88

Island

90

sink

92

Additional grip area

94

Structural element

96

sink

98

sink

100

Paragraph

102

Middle and ring finger grip area

104

Structural element

106

Structural element

108

Support point

110

white space

112

injection point

114

Mold parting line

116

Decorative element

118

Island

120

Basic body

122

breakthrough

124

breakthrough

126

breakthrough

128

channel

130

injection point

Claims (17)

1. Oral hygiene product (10), in particular toothbrush,

   with at least one application unit (12),

   with at least one handle unit (14), the at least one handle unit (14) being formed partly from a soft component (16) and partly from a hard component (18), wherein the soft component (16) extends at least over a substantial portion of a main extent of the at least one handle unit (14),

   characterised in that

   the at least one handle unit (14) has at least one thumb gripping region (22) with a gripping area (24) made of the hard component (18) and a plurality of structure elements (26, 28) made of the soft component (16) and rising above the gripping area (24), wherein

   the structure elements (26, 28) of the at least one thumb gripping region (22) are completely encompassed by the gripping area (24).
2. Oral hygiene product (10) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the at least one application unit (12) comprises a brush head (20), which is formed partly from a soft component (16) and partly from a hard component (18).
3. Oral hygiene product (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the soft component (16) extends continuously over a large portion of a main extent of the oral hygiene product (10).
4. Oral hygiene product (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least one handle unit (14) has at least one delimiting wall (30) made of the soft component (16) and at least substantially delimiting the gripping area (24).
5. Oral hygiene product (10) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the at least one delimiting wall (30) rises above the at least one structure element (26, 28) of the at least one thumb gripping region (22).
6. Oral hygiene product (10) at least according to claim 4,
   characterised in that
   the at least one delimiting wall (30) delimits the gripping area (24) of the at least one thumb gripping region (22) at least towards the application unit (12).
7. Oral hygiene product (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least one handle unit (14) has at least one concavely curved essential gripping area (32), which is at least largely formed from the soft component (16) and has at least two islands (34, 36) of the hard component (18).
8. Oral hygiene product (10) at least according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the at least one concavely curved essential gripping area (32) is arranged on a rear side (62) of the handle unit (14) facing away from the thumb gripping region (22).
9. Oral hygiene product (10) at least according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the at least one concavely curved essential gripping area (32) has an index-finger gripping region (38) made of the soft component (16), in which the structure elements (40, 42) made of the soft component (16) and rising above the essential gripping area (32) are arranged.
10. Oral hygiene product (10) at least according to claim 7,
    characterised in that
    the at least one concavely curved essential gripping area (32) has a little-finger gripping region (44) made of the soft component (16), in which the structure elements (46, 48) made of the soft component (16) and rising above the essential gripping area (32) are arranged.
11. Oral hygiene product (10) according to claims 9 and 10,
    characterised in that
    the at least two islands (34, 36) are arranged between the index-finger gripping region (38) and the little-finger gripping region (44).
12. Oral hygiene product (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the at least one handle unit (14) has at least one lateral streak (50, 52) of the hard component (18), which is completely delimited by the soft component (16).
13. Oral hygiene product (10) according to claim 12,
    characterised in that
    the at least one handle unit (14) has at least one tongue (54, 56) made of the soft component (16), which extends over the lateral streak (50, 52).
14. Oral hygiene product (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the at least one handle unit (14) has at an end facing away from the application unit (12) a planar resting area (58) which serves for a defined deposition of the oral hygiene product (10).
15. Oral hygiene product (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised by
    an imaginary resting plane, which extends free from points of intersection along at least two spaced-apart points of the oral hygiene product (10).
16. Oral hygiene product (10) at least according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    the planar resting area (58) extends parallel to a main plane of extent of the oral hygiene product (10) and defines an imaginary resting plane.
17. Oral hygiene product (10) according to claim 14 or 15,
    characterised in that
    a maximum distance between a rear side (62) of the handle unit (14) and the resting plane, measured perpendicularly to the resting plane, is at least 3 mm.

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