EP3833219B1 - 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, wherein the at least one handle unit is formed partially from a soft component and partially 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 configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. The document EP1927454 A1 discloses an oral hygiene product which forms the basis of the preamble to the invention.

Advantages of the Invention

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 significant part of a main extent 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% 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 extension of the oral hygiene product. The oral hygiene product preferably consists of an application unit with bristles and the handle unit, the application unit having in particular a neck part which connects the application unit to the handle unit. All partial elements can consist of at least one hard and/or one or more soft component(s). The soft component preferably forms an in particular continuous soft element, while the hard component forms an in particular continuous hard element.

Advantageous properties in terms of ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided by the configuration of the oral hygiene product according to the invention. In particular, the grip unit can be advantageously gripped over an entire grip area. In particular, an advantageous hold, in particular an anti-slip effect, can be provided reliably, independently of a gripping position. In addition, the soft element preferably 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, such as in particular on the back of the oral hygiene product, or the like. The soft element preferably forms all elements made of soft components 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” is to be understood in particular as meaning 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 device is different from an electric toothbrush. The oral hygiene means can be a disposable toothbrush, a reusable toothbrush or a replaceable-head toothbrush. The oral hygiene product has, in particular, a longitudinal axis which is advantageously arranged at least essentially 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 because of 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 to be understood in particular as an imaginary axis that runs within the object parallel to a main extension direction of the object and intersects the object at a maximum of two points. "At least essentially parallel" is to be understood here in particular as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, with the direction relative to the reference direction deviating in particular by less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. A "main extension direction" of an object is to be understood in particular as a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of the smallest imaginary cuboid which just about completely encloses the object. In this context, a “main extent” of an object should be understood to mean, in particular, an extent of a longest edge of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just about 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 at least 140 mm and particularly advantageously at least 165 mm and/or at most 210 mm, advantageously at most 190 mm and particularly advantageously at most 185 mm, although of course other lengths, in particular smaller or larger, are 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 at most 19 mm. The term "height" refers here in particular to a state of the oral hygiene product in which it is placed, for example, on a surface such as a tabletop, a sink, a piece of 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 face of an imaginary cuboid which just about completely encloses the object and runs through the center point of the cuboid.

Advantageously, the application unit has at least one cleaning area which is provided for a tooth cleaning application, in particular in the mouth of the user. The cleaning area preferably comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular at least one brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, preferably with a plurality of bristles and/or bristle bundles and/or sprayed cleaning elements and/or flexible cleaning elements. However, the cleaning unit can also be designed, for example, as an interdental brush and/or as a single tuft (e.g. a single large bundle of bristles) and/or as a bow 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. The term "in one piece" should in particular be understood as being at least cohesively connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and/or another process that appears sensible to the person skilled in the art, and/or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a casting and/or by manufacturing in a one-component or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. “Provided” is to be understood in particular as being specially designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function is to 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 arranged in particular facing away from one another. The cleaning area is preferably arranged on the front side 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, that side of the brush on which the thumb is placed is referred to as the front side of the oral hygiene product. The front side is also normally the side towards which the bristle array is directed. The rear advantageously corresponds to a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction opposite thereto. The side of the toothbrush opposite the bristle field is referred to as the back of the oral hygiene product. The left side of the oral hygiene product refers in particular to a side that is on the left when you look perpendicularly 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 grip element is preferably designed in a waisted manner. This advantageously allows a secure hold and optimizes the ergonomics. The grip element is particularly preferably elongate, with a longitudinal axis of the grip element advantageously corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The gripping 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 handle area. The thumb grip area is advantageously arranged on the front side of the oral hygiene product and in particular on a front side of the grip element. It is conceivable that the thumb grip area and/or the handle area have at least one element and/or a surface structure made of a soft component.

Advantageously, the handle area 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. A main extension direction of the handle element is preferably arranged at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. Advantageously, the handle element has at least one surface structure element, particularly advantageously a plurality of surface structure elements that are at least essentially identical or at least geometrically similar to the surface structure elements described above Thumb grip element are formed. The surface structure elements of the handle element are preferably arranged in groups one behind the other, in particular at least in pairs, along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product.

Within the scope of this disclosure, almost any hard components and soft components are possible, which the person skilled in the art will suitably combine and/or select. Examples of suitable hard components are 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 also in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in particular in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A), glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-G) or the like are also suitable. 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, be polyamide (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 include more. 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 at least 1300 N/mm ² and/or at most 2400 N/mm ² and advantageously at most 1800 N/mm ² . Polypropylene (PP) is preferably used as the hard component.

Hard components are advantageously used for stable and/or structure-bearing elements, in particular in the handle element and/or in a carrier element of the application unit and/or the fastening unit or the like.

The oral hygiene product or at least one main body of the oral hygiene product preferably has a single hard component, which can be formed from one of the materials mentioned or else from a mixture thereof. However, combinations of different hard components are also conceivable, in which case these can be processed, for example, in a two-component and/or multi-component injection molding and/or glued and/or welded to one another, 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 form fit, for example in the form of at least one undercut and/or at least one opening and/or at least one at least partial encapsulation or the like, is produced between hard components. It is conceivable here that, for example, a second hard component, which is in particular injection-molded 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.

For example, thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S) such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS) or the like come into consideration as soft components. In addition, the use of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) or the like is conceivable. Furthermore, a soft component can include at least one silicone, for example. A soft component advantageously has a Shorte A hardness of at most 90, advantageously of at most 50 and particularly advantageously of at most 30. At least one soft component preferably forms at least one material connection with at least one hard component, in particular in at least one two-component 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, inscriptions, motifs and the like can be realized by means of a suitable design of the base body and soft element.

Furthermore, it is 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, in particular, an 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 body. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventionally extruded bristles. In this case, 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 from polyester (PBT), with any other materials being conceivable. It is also conceivable that at least some of the bristles have a point and/or a variable cross-section. The bristles are preferably made from a single material, in particular also from a mixed material. However, bristles with a plurality of components are also conceivable, which can be produced and/or produced in particular by means of at least one coextrusion. The bristles can be produced and/or produced, 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 produced by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed and used on the toothbrush handle using an adapted method, such as the anchor punching method, the AFT method and/or the IMT procedure.

Cylindrical or pointed bristles are particularly suitable, 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 differ with regard to at least one Characteristics 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 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 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 at most 0.15 mm ² . In the case of tapered bristles, polyester (PBT) is particularly suitable as the material, with tapering being able to 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. Bristles with a smooth surface are also 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 fastened. The bristle carrier preferably has a plurality of bristle receptacles, in particular drilled and/or formed in an injection molding process, in particular holes for bristle bundles. In the case of an anchor stamping, it is conceivable, for example, that first a base body, in particular from a hard component, preferably the brush head, is manufactured by means of injection molding, 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 bristle bundles are then folded and placed in a blind hole by means of at least one anchor attached, in particular by means of a stamping. Loop punching is also conceivable.

Alternatively, as mentioned, methods without anchors are also conceivable, in which case bristles or bristle bundles are advantageously not folded. In this case, bristles or bristle bundles are approximately half the length of an anchor punch. For example, it is conceivable here that the bristle bundles are initially separated, fused and/or their bristle ends are then, in particular, overmoulded to fasten them. Here, bundles of bristles can advantageously be brought together. Production using the in-mold tufting process (IMT) is possible, with a base body, for example the brush head and/or the handle unit and/or the fastening unit, advantageously being formed during the encapsulation of the bristle ends. It is also conceivable that, in particular in the context of an integrated anchorless production, bristles are first overmoulded with small plates or the like and these small plates are then again overmoulded, for example to form the brush head and/or the handle unit.

It is also conceivable that the application unit is composed of a base body and a bristle plate, which is fitted with bristles and/or alternative cleaning elements. For this purpose, bristle plates with through-holes are first produced by means of injection molding, through which bristles are then guided. Preferably, the bristles are then connected, in particular fused, on a rear side, preferably with one another and/or with the corresponding bristle plate. Bristle plates with bristles 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. In this context, the Anchor Free Tufting process (from GB Boucherie nv) should be mentioned as a known production process, which in particular enables bristle bundles to be brought together. In particular, a side that is placed in a recess in the base body and points in the direction of the underside of the oral hygiene product is referred to as the underside of the bristle plate. Correspondingly, the upper side of the bristle plate points in the direction of the upper side of the oral hygiene product.

As a further method for providing bristles without anchors, production, in particular injection moulding, of a brush head with through-holes for bristles can be considered. bristles can then be guided through the through-holes and fused on a rear side, in particular with one another and/or with the brush head. Preferably, the fused areas and/or the brush head are then sprayed over, in particular with at least one soft component. Here, 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 allows bristles to be brought together, are possible.

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 combined into bundles and fused and/or otherwise connected at one end. The brush head is then heated, in particular to a glass temperature of its material. Then bundles of bristles can advantageously be inserted into the blind holes and anchored to the brush head by pressing on them. In particular, the heated blind holes deform here, so that the bristle bundles are anchored in them. A well-known PTt method (from GB Boucherie nv) can be used here, for example.

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

Another possible method for providing bristles on the brush head is screwing it in. In this case, for example, filament is fed from a roll, with a number of filament strands in particular being wound up 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 correctly spread out in width to have the width in which they are fed into the brush. The filaments are pulled 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, ie unwound and fed 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 to length takes place after turning. 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 are held between the pieces of wire. The filaments are cut to a length greater than the end length in the brush so that the brush can then be cut correctly once the filaments are twisted. The wire is rotated 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 trimmed off.

In an injection molding process, in particular a two-component and/or multi-component injection molding, materials of injected bristles preferably do not form a material bond with other soft components and/or hard components of the oral hygiene product. Instead, injected bristles are preferably connected to soft components and/or hard components by means of a form fit, for example by means of at least one undercut and/or at least one opening and/or by means of at least partial overmoulding, with a shrinkage connection and/or a shrinkage connection being particularly conceivable. However, a connection by means of at least one material connection is also conceivable.

In principle, one-, two- and/or multi-component injection molding is conceivable for all the possible injection molding processes mentioned. Materials used, in particular of different soft components and/or hard components, can, as mentioned, be and/or be connected in a material-to-material and/or form-fitting manner. A formation of articulated connections by means of suitable injection molding steps is also conceivable. In principle, for example, hot runner processes, cold runner processes and/or co-injection processes are possible.

As an alternative or in addition to a brush head fitted 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 produced by means of injection molding.

Sprayed bristles are preferably made at least partially and advantageously entirely from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U). The use of a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U) is conceivable here, which can be modified in particular with regard to improved flow properties and/or rapid solidification, in particular rapid crystallization, advantageously even at relatively high 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 at least 30 and/or at most 100 and advantageously 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, further cleaning elements or the like.

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

Furthermore, it is proposed that the soft component extends continuously over a large part of a main extension of the oral hygiene product. The soft component preferably extends in particular without interruption from the application unit over the handle unit. The soft component preferably 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. In particular, an end region of the grip unit of the oral hygiene product that is remote from the area of application is preferably free of a soft component. In this way, in particular, an advantageously high degree of ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided. In particular, it can be a advantageous graspability of the handle unit can be achieved over an entire handle area. In particular, an advantageous hold, in particular an anti-slip effect, can be provided reliably, independently of a gripping position. The soft element preferably forms all elements from soft components 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. The soft component preferably 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. A volume of the soft component of the oral hygiene product is preferably 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 . A volume of the hard component of the oral hygiene product is preferably 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 . In this way, in particular, an advantageously high degree of ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided. In particular, the grip unit can be advantageously gripped over an entire grip area.

It is further proposed that the at least one grip 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 protrudes beyond the grip surface. The structural element made of the soft component preferably protrudes at least beyond the gripping surface made of the hard component. The gripping 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 indentation in the thumb grip area. The fact that the "structural element protrudes beyond the gripping surface" is to be understood in this context in particular as meaning that the structural element protrudes from the hard component beyond a directly adjoining gripping surface. In particular, the structural element preferably forms a local elevation compared to the gripping surface made of the hard component. In this context, “at least essentially flat” is to be understood in particular as meaning that an imaginary cuboid, which just about completely encompasses the surface, has a maximum thickness of 2 mm, preferably of at most 1 mm and particularly preferably of at most 0.5 mm. In this way, in particular, an advantageously high degree of ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided.

It is further proposed that the at least one structural element is completely surrounded by the gripping surface. The at least one structural element is preferably completely surrounded by the gripping surface made of the hard component. The at least one structural element is preferably completely surrounded by the gripping surface made of the hard component in one plane of the gripping surface. The at least one structural element is designed in particular to be free-standing. In this way, in particular, an advantageously high degree of ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided.

Advantageously, the thumb grip area forms at least one structural element, in particular a plurality of structural elements that are advantageously arranged regularly, as a result of which an advantageous grip can be achieved in particular. In this case, 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 be, for example, cylindrical, pyramidal, spherical segment-shaped, in particular hemispherical, ovoid segment-shaped or the like. The structural elements are preferably crescent-shaped in particular. A cross section (orientation in the plane between top and bottom) of a structural element can be composed of different geometric figures, for example a semicircle and an adjoining rectangle. Polygonal, in particular triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross sections are also conceivable. Any free-form figures are also conceivable. The structural elements of the thumb grip area are preferably 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 at least 5 mm and particularly advantageously at least 10 mm and/or at most 35 mm, advantageously at most 25 mm and especially advantageously not more than 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 at least 4 mm and particularly advantageously at least 6 mm and/or at most 25 mm, advantageously at most 20 mm and in particular advantageously of at most 15 mm. A single structural element has in particular a height, in particular perpendicular to a surrounding surface of the thumb grip area, of at least 0.2 mm, advantageously at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously at least 0.8 mm and/or at most 3 mm, advantageously of at most 2 mm and particularly advantageously at most 1.5 mm. Furthermore, a single structural element has in particular a width, in particular at least essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product between the left and right side, of at least 2 mm, advantageously of at least 3 mm and particularly advantageously of at least 5 mm and/or at most 15 mm of at most 12 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 9 mm. In addition, a single 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 at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously at least 1 mm and/or at most 5 mm of at most 3 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 2 mm.

A main direction of extent of a structural element is preferably arranged at least essentially perpendicular to a main direction of extent of the thumb grip area. Furthermore, the main extension direction of the thumb grip area is advantageously arranged at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. At least two identically aligned structural elements are advantageously arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or transversely thereto. Preferably, in the longitudinal direction at least one to five, in particular two to three, identically aligned structural elements, preferably in the longitudinal direction to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, are paired one behind the other, in particular at regular intervals, with at least one further structural element, in particular designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product are preferably smaller than a length of a single structural element, arranged, 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 center of the thumb grip area with each structural element. "At least essentially identical" objects are to be understood in particular as 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 at most in individual elements that are immaterial for the common function, and advantageously objects which, apart from dimensions and particularly advantageously at least apart from production tolerances and/or within the scope of production technology possibilities, are identical or geometrically similar in design, identical objects also being 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. The boundary wall preferably delimits the grip surface of the thumb grip area in at least three directions. The boundary wall preferably encloses the grip surface of the thumb grip area in a C-shape. In this context, a “limiting wall” is to be understood in particular as a ridge-like or step-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. In this way, in particular, an advantageous limitation of the thumb grip area can be provided.

It is also proposed that the at least one boundary wall protrudes beyond the at least one structural element of the thumb grip area. A maximum distance of the boundary wall from the main plane of extension of the oral hygiene product, measured perpendicular to the main plane of extension, is preferably greater than a maximum distance of the at least one structural element from the main plane of extension of the oral hygiene product, measured perpendicular to the Main extension level measured. The boundary wall is preferably higher than the grip surface of the thumb grip area made of the hard component than the at least one structural element is raised relative to the grip surface of the thumb grip area made of the hard component. Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one delimiting wall delimits the gripping surface of the thumb grip area at least in the direction of the application unit. The gripping surface of the thumb grip area is preferably free of a limitation by the boundary wall in a direction away from the application unit. Preferably, the gripping surface of the thumb gripping area is further bounded by the boundary wall on a left and/or right side. In this way, in particular, an advantageous hold of a user's thumb in the thumb grip area can be achieved. In particular, slipping of the thumb can be reliably avoided. In particular, it can be avoided that a thumb of the user slips over the thumb grip area in the direction of the application unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one handle unit has at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface which is formed at least to a large extent from the soft component and has at least two islands made from the hard component. The at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface is preferably arranged on a rear side of the gripping unit facing away from the thumb gripping area. The at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface preferably extends over a large part of the main extension of the grip unit. The at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface serves in particular to rest an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and/or a little finger of the user. In particular, the at least one concave, essential gripping surface forms a main gripping surface. The islands of the hard component are preferably 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 extension. A diameter of the islands increases particularly toward the middle two islands. In this way, in particular, an advantageously high level of ergonomics can be achieved Oral hygiene products are provided. Furthermore, in particular an advantageous manufacturability of such a large area from the soft component can be achieved. Furthermore, excessive yielding of the gripping surface when gripping can be avoided.

It is further proposed that the at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface has an index finger gripping area made of the soft component, in which the structural elements made of the soft component projecting beyond the essential gripping surface are arranged. Advantageously, the index finger grip area forms at least one structural element, in particular a plurality of structural elements, advantageously arranged regularly, as a result of which an advantageous grip can be achieved in particular. In this case, 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 be, for example, cylindrical, pyramidal, spherical segment-shaped, in particular hemispherical, ovoid segment-shaped or the like. The structural elements are preferably crescent-shaped in particular. A cross section of a structural element (orientation in the plane between top and bottom) can be made up of different geometric figures, for example a semicircle and an adjoining rectangle. Likewise, polygonal, in particular triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross sections are conceivable. Any free-form figures are also conceivable. The structural elements of the index finger grip area are preferably 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 at least 5 mm and particularly advantageously at least 10 mm and/or at most 45 mm, advantageously at most 40 mm and especially advantageously of at most 35 mm. In particular, the index finger grip area has a width between the left and right side, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 3 mm, advantageously at least 4 mm and particularly advantageously at least 6 mm and/or at most 25 mm, advantageously at most 20 mm and particularly advantageously at most 15 mm. A single structural element has in particular a height, in particular perpendicular to a surrounding surface of the index finger grip area, of at least 0.3 mm, advantageously at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously at least 0.9 mm and/or at most 2.5 mm, advantageously at most 2 mm and particularly advantageously at most 1.5 mm. Furthermore, a single structural element has in particular a width, in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, of at least 2 mm, advantageously at least 3 mm and particularly advantageously at least 4 mm and/or at most 18 mm, advantageously at most 15 mm and particularly advantageously of at most 12 mm. In addition, a single structural element 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 at least 0.5 mm and particularly advantageously at least 1 mm and/or at most 3.5 mm , advantageously at most 2.5 mm and particularly advantageously at most 2 mm.

A main direction of extension of a structural element is preferably arranged at least essentially perpendicular to a main direction of extension of the index finger grip area. Furthermore, the main extension direction of the index finger grip area is advantageously arranged at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. At least two structural elements are advantageously arranged next to one another along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or transversely thereto. Two to fourteen, in particular four to ten structural elements are advantageously arranged next to one another along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and/or transversely thereto. In the longitudinal direction, there are preferably at least one to seven, in particular two to five structural elements, preferably each transverse to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, paired with at least one other structural element, in particular mirror-symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product, paired next to one another, in particular at regular intervals, which are preferably smaller as a length of a single structure element, wherein preferably a width and/or a length of centrally arranged structure elements is greater than a width and/or length of structure elements at the edges 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 gripping surface has a small-finger gripping area made of the soft component, in which the structural elements made of the soft component projecting beyond the essential gripping surface are arranged. The little finger gripping area is preferably arranged on a side of the concavely curved, essential gripping surface that faces away from the index finger area. The index finger area is preferably arranged on a side of the concavely curved, essential gripping surface that faces the application unit. The little finger grip area is particularly preferably arranged at a distance from the index finger grip area. Advantageously, the little finger grip area forms at least one structural element, in particular a plurality of structural elements advantageously arranged regularly, as a result of which an advantageous grip can be achieved in particular. In this case, 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 be, for example, cylindrical, pyramidal, spherical segment-shaped, in particular hemispherical, ovoid segment-shaped or the like. The structural elements are preferably crescent-shaped in particular. A cross section of a structural element (orientation in the plane between top and bottom) can be made up of different geometric figures, for example a semicircle and an adjoining rectangle. Likewise, polygonal, in particular triangular, square, pentagonal or hexagonal cross sections are conceivable. Any free-form figures are also conceivable. The structural elements of the little finger grip area are preferably at least essentially identical to one another or at least geometrically similar. In this way, in particular, an advantageously high degree of ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided.

In principle, the structural elements used in the various areas can each be similar or different in shape. This can result in a pattern that continues across 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. As a result, an advantageously hard structure for gripping the oral hygiene product can be provided in particular 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.

It is also proposed that the at least one grip unit has at least one lateral tail made of the hard component, which is completely delimited by the soft component. The at least one grip unit preferably has a lateral tail on both sides (left and right) of the thumb grip area. The lateral tails in particular border on the boundary walls. The at least one lateral tail preferably extends along a parting line, in particular a production-related mold parting 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 up to the neck element. In this way, in particular, an advantageous lateral stabilization can be provided in the injection molding process. In particular, an advantageous demoldability can be provided.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one grip unit has at least one tongue made of the soft component, which extends over at least one part of the lateral tail. The at least one tongue preferably extends from the soft component into the lateral tail. The at least one tongue extends in particular perpendicularly to a main extension (from the front to the back) of the tail over a large part of the tail. The tongue preferably 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. The at least one handle unit preferably comprises at least six tongues made of the soft component, with three each extending over one of the lateral tails. In this way, advantageous protection of the lateral tail can be provided in particular. It can in particular bumping can be avoided. Furthermore, advantageous ergonomics of the oral hygiene product can be provided in particular.

In addition, it is proposed that the at least one handle unit has a flat contact surface on the back at an end facing away from the application unit, which is used for a defined placement of the oral hygiene product. The support surface is used in particular for laying the oral hygiene product flat on a surface such as a tabletop, a washbasin, the top of a piece of furniture or the like, in particular in such a way that the longitudinal axis is arranged essentially parallel to the surface. The support surface is preferably used in particular for placing the oral hygiene product on a rear side. Preferably, the support surface is particularly adjacent to the little finger gripping area. Preferably, the support surface on a rear side of the oral hygiene product borders on the concavely curved, essential gripping surface. The contact surface is arranged in particular in an end area of the oral hygiene product which is free of the soft component. In particular, the end area consists entirely of the hard component. In this way, in particular, the oral hygiene product can be put down safely. If the bearing surface is formed from the hard component, the oral hygiene product can be laid down without tilting, in particular in a reliable manner. It is also 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. The imaginary contact plane preferably extends through the contact surface of the handle unit and at least one point or a contact line or contact surface in the neck element of the oral hygiene product. When the oral hygiene product is placed on a back, the oral hygiene product rests in particular on the contact surface of the handle unit and the at least one point in the neck element or the one contact line or contact surface of the oral hygiene product. When the oral hygiene product rests on the support plane, the oral hygiene product is in particular free of tilting. In this way, in particular, the oral hygiene product can be put down safely. Furthermore, it is proposed that the planar support surface extends parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene product and defines the imaginary support plane. Preferably, the imaginary 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.

It is also proposed that a maximum distance between a rear side of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicularly to the support plane, is at least 3 mm. The maximum distance between the rear of the handle unit and the support plane is preferably from 3 mm to 18 mm and preferably from 7 mm to 13 mm. A maximum distance between the concavely curved, essential gripping surface of the gripping unit and the support plane, measured perpendicularly to the support plane, is preferably 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 laid-down state corresponds at least approximately to a highest point of the bristles of the application unit in a laid-down state. A maximum distance between a highest point of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicularly to the support plane, is preferably at least 10 mm, preferably at least 13 mm and particularly preferably at least 16 mm. A maximum distance between a highest point of the handle unit and the support plane, measured perpendicularly to the support plane, is preferably a maximum of 30 mm, preferably at least 20 mm and particularly preferably at least 18 mm. The placement state is in particular a state in which the oral hygiene product is placed on a particularly flat and/or smooth, preferably planar, surface, in particular with the back of the oral hygiene product. The longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product preferably runs at least essentially parallel to the surface in the storage state. In this way, in particular, an advantageously simple picking up of the oral hygiene product can be achieved. In particular, it can be made possible, at least partially, to reach under the handle unit. In this way, in particular, the oral hygiene product can be put down and picked up quickly and safely.

The soft element made of the soft component preferably 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 in 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 advantageously differ 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 of this ring made of hard components, another ring made of soft components is advantageously formed, which can also extend further to the side of the geometry of the neck element and in particular 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 at least 1 mm.

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

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

The oral hygiene agent according to the invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, to fulfill a function described herein, the oral hygiene product according to the invention can have one of a number of individual elements mentioned herein, Have components and units deviating number and / or any meaningful combination thereof. In addition, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values lying within the specified limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used as desired.

Of course, the design variants shown in this document are exemplary. Within the scope of the invention, the individual forms 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 description of the drawings. In the drawings an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful 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:

1

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

2

a rear side of the oral hygiene product in a schematic perspective view,

3

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

4

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

figure 5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along line XX in FIG figure 9 ,

11

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

12

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

13

a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product along the cutting line XIII-XIII in FIG figure 4 ,

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

a rear side of the main body of the oral hygiene product in a schematic representation and

18

a schematic sectional view of the main body of the oral hygiene product along the section line XVIII-XVIII in FIG figure 15 .

Description of the embodiment

The figure 1 shows a front side 60 of an oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic perspective representation. In the present case, the oral hygiene means 10 is designed as a toothbrush, in particular as a children's toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10 can also be designed as a disposable toothbrush or as a replaceable-head toothbrush. Additionally, the oral hygiene device 10 could be embodied 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 partially formed from a soft component 16 and partially from a hard component 18 .

The following will refer to the Figures 1 to 14 12, which show different views of the oral hygiene product 10. FIG. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference symbols in all figures. The figure 2 shows a rear side 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 rear 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 a further side 70, in particular a right long side, of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation with the mold parting line 114 shown figure 9 shows a schematic sectional representation of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line IX-IX in FIG figure 4 . The figure 10 shows a schematic sectional representation of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XX in FIG figure 9 . The figure 11 shows a schematic sectional representation of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XI-XI in FIG figure 4 . The figure 12 shows a schematic sectional representation of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XII-XII in FIG figure 4 . The figure 13 shows a schematic sectional representation of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XIII-XIII in FIG figure 4 . Finally shows the figure 14 a schematic sectional view of the oral hygiene product 10 along the section line XIV-XIV in FIG figure 5 .

The oral hygiene product 10 has a longitudinal axis 72, a height axis 74 and a width axis 76 (see FIG. 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 backside 62 on a flat surface such that longitudinal axis 72 is parallel to the surface, height axis 74 is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 72 and perpendicular to surface and width axis 76 . The width axis 76 is 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 has in particular a bristle carrier. The brush head 20 is partially formed from a soft component 16 and partially 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 tufts of bristles. For reasons of clarity are in the Figures 1 to 14 the bristle bundles not shown. At least one circular recess 78 is formed on the front side 60 of the brush head 20 . The at least one recess 78 is provided to accommodate a bundle of bristles. In principle, the at least one recess 78 can also have a different shape. Any suitable bristles can be used as the bristles, which, as described above, can be punched, for example using the anchor punching method. The structure of the brush head 20 or at least the front side 60 of the brush head 20 is different in other bristling methods. 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 includes at least one in the present case Neck element 80, which in particular connects the brush head 20 to the handle unit 14.

The application unit 12 is arranged on the upper side 66 of the oral hygiene product 10 . The application unit 12 forms an uppermost point of the oral hygiene product 10. The application unit 12 is formed partly from a soft component 16 and partly from a hard component 18. With regard to suitable soft and hard components 16, 18, reference is made to the above description. In the present case, the hard component 18 is a polypropylene (PP), for example. 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 partially formed from the soft component 16 and essentially from the hard component 18 . The brush head 20 is formed at least essentially from a hard component 18 on the front side 60 .

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 lamellae. The tongue cleaner element is preferably arranged on the rear side 62 of the brush head 20; in particular, it 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 partially formed from the hard component 18 and partially from the soft component 16 . The lower end of the neck member 80 is partially formed of the soft component 16 all around. 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. From the neck element 80 to the brush head 20, the soft component 16 forms laterally on a left longitudinal side and a right longitudinal side of the oral hygiene product 10 each have a strand 82, 84 from. The soft component 16 forms a ring-like structure 86 on the rear side 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 rear 62 , an island 88 of the hard component 18 forms on the surface of the neck element 80 and the brush head 20 . Viewed from the rear 62 , the island 88 made of the hard component 18 forms a line-like shape on the neck element 80 along the longitudinal axis 72 , which transitions into a rounded shape in the region 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 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 grip 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 and protruding beyond the grip surface 24. The at least one structural element 26, 28 is completely surrounded by the gripping surface 24. The gripping 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 gripping 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 . With this configuration of the oral hygiene product 10, an advantageously adapted thumb shape can be achieved. The dished shape is inverted along the longitudinal axis 72 toward the underside 68 . In particular, lettering could be arranged in a central area of the gripping surface 24 . The lettering can be applied to the oral hygiene product 10 in particular by embossing. The soft component 16 preferably forms lettering in the hard component 18 , in particular by penetrating it from the rear side 62 . Advantageously, the surface remains flat. The thumb grip area 22 is arranged on the front side 60 of the oral hygiene product 10 . The thumb grip area 22 comprises a plurality of structural elements 26, 28, only some of which are provided with reference symbols 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 26, 28 is 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 gripping 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, the size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, structural elements arranged centrally being larger than those arranged at the edge. In addition, in particular half of the structural elements are aligned along the longitudinal axis 72 in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to the other half of the structural elements. In particular, in a central area of the thumb grip area on the longitudinal axis 72, the orientation of the structural elements changes. A radius of each of the crescent-shaped structural elements 26, 28 points in the direction of the central area of the thumb grip area. The structural elements 26, 28, which are mirrored 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 from one to five structural elements 26, 28 and preferably from 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 gripping surface 24. The structural elements 26, 28 each have a lower height at the outer ends of the structural element 26, 28, in particular in the direction of the width axis 76, than in the middle of the structural element 26, 28 on. 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 protrudes beyond the at least one structural element 26, 28. The at least one boundary wall 30 bounds the gripping surface 24 at least in the direction of the application unit 12. The thumb grip area 22 comprises the boundary wall 30. The boundary wall 30 runs out 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 step towards the gripping surface 24 . In relation to the direction of the vertical axis 74, in the direction of the front side 60, the boundary wall 30 protrudes 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 gripping surface 24 . The at least one structural element 94 is arranged on the front side 60 of the oral hygiene product 10 . The additional handle area 92 has a plurality of structural elements 94, only some of which are provided with reference symbols 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 structural elements, in particular two to eight, and preferably three to five structural elements. The at least one structural element 94 is formed at least substantially flush with the gripping surface 24 and has, in particular, 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 cambered in the width direction in the additional grip area. Furthermore, the size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72 within the additional grip area 92, structural elements arranged centrally being larger than those arranged at the edge. An inner radius of the at least one crescent-shaped structural element 94 points in the direction of the underside 68. The structural elements arranged in the additional grip 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. At the outer ends of the structural element 94, in particular in the direction of the width axis 76, the at least one structural element 94 has a shorter length than in the middle of the structural element 94.

The at least one handle unit 14 has at least one concavely curved, essential handle surface 32 . The at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface 32 is formed at least to a large extent 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 gripping surface 32 runs on the rear side 62 from the underside 68 to the neck element 80. The at least one concavely curved, essential gripping surface 32 has an index finger gripping area 38 made of the soft component 16. The structural elements 40 , 42 made of the soft component 16 and projecting beyond the main gripping surface 32 are arranged in the index finger grip area 38 . The gripping surface 32 forms a depression 96 in the index finger gripping 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 continuing geometries of the soft component 16, both in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in the direction of the width axis. The sink 96 itself has a rounded shape. The index finger gripping area 38 has at least one structural element 40, 42 protruding beyond the gripping 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 rear side 62 of the oral hygiene product 10. The at least one structural element 40, 42 forms an at least essentially planar 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 symbols 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 essentially protrudes beyond the gripping surface 32 and has in particular a crescent-shaped cross section, with any other geometries, in particular straight or wavy lines, being conceivable.

Deepenings are also conceivable. Furthermore, the size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, structural elements arranged centrally being larger than those arranged at the edge. In addition, in particular half of the structural elements are aligned along the longitudinal axis 72 in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to the other half of the structural elements. The orientation of the structural elements changes in particular in a central area of the index finger gripping 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 area of the index finger grip area 38. The structural elements arranged mirrored over the central area of the index finger grip area 38 each have a similar shape, but in particular are not shaped 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. In particular, the structural elements have different heights. The height of the structural member varies across the individual structural member due to the lowered gripping 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, it being possible for the surface of the structural element to 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 essentially 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 handle surface 32 . The at least one concave, essential gripping surface 32 has a little finger gripping area 44 made of the soft component 16 . The structural elements 46 , 48 made of the soft component 16 and projecting beyond the main gripping surface 32 are arranged in the little finger grip area 44 . The gripping surface 32 forms a depression 98 in the little finger gripping area 44 along the longitudinal axis 72 .

The depression 98 is partially formed from the soft component 16 and partially from the hard component 18 . The depression 98 is formed from the hard component 18 in particular in the area in the direction of the underside 68 . The depression 98 is formed from the soft component 16 in particular in the little finger grip area 44 . The depression 98 has a transition between the soft component 16 and the hard component 18, with the transition forming a shoulder 100. The depression 98 runs in a rounded manner into the continuing geometries of the soft component 16 . 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 rear side 62 of the oral hygiene product 10 . The at least one structural element 46, 48 forms an at least essentially planar 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, in particular from one to five structural elements and preferably from 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 protrudes beyond the gripping 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, the size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, with structural elements arranged in the direction of the underside 68 being larger than structural elements 46, 48 arranged in the direction of the upper side 66. A radius of the at least one crescent-shaped structural element 46, 48 points in the direction of the underside 68. The im Structural elements arranged on 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. In particular, the structural elements have different heights. The Structural member height varies across the individual structural member due to the lowered gripping 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 gripping surface 32. The height of the at least one structural element 46, 48 corresponds at least essentially 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 center of the structural element 46, 48.

Furthermore, the grip 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 comprises 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 essentially flush with the gripping surface 32. The at least two islands 34, 36 preferably each have a rounded and/or oval shape when viewed from the rear side 62, any other geometries with a closed contour being conceivable. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 has a number, in particular from four to sixteen structural elements and preferably from six to twelve structural elements. The structural elements are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis 72 in two rows, in particular spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 72 and on a slight curve bent inwards to the longitudinal axis 72 . In the middle and ring finger grip area 102, the at least one structural element 104 is mirrored about the longitudinal axis 72 and forms a second symmetrical structural element 106, with 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 The structural elements arranged in the middle and ring finger grip area 102 are each shaped similarly but in particular are not shaped identically. Furthermore, the size of the structural elements changes along the longitudinal axis 72, structural elements arranged centrally being larger than those arranged at the edge. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 is formed substantially of the soft component 16 except for the islands 34, 36 which are formed of the hard component 18. FIG. The middle and ring finger grip area 102 also includes an entire central section of the oral hygiene product 10, which can be grasped with one hand, for example, when used.

Specifically, in a held state, a thumb rests in the thumb grip area 22, an index finger rests in the index finger grip area 38, a middle finger and a ring finger 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, however, the oral hygiene product 10 can also be used by a user with the fingers placed in a position other than that intended.

The at least one handle unit 14 has a flat support surface 58 on 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 plane. The imaginary support plane extends free of intersections along at least two spaced points/areas 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 bearing surface 58 is formed from 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 rear side 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 bearing surface 58 is intended to To store oral hygiene products 10 on an imaginary support plane. The oral hygiene product 10 has a contact point 108, preferably a contact line and particularly preferably a contact surface. The contact point 108, in particular one contact surface, is formed from a hard component 18. The contact point 108, in particular the contact surface, is arranged on the rear side 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 bearing surface 58 and the bearing point 108, in particular the bearing surface, form a support for the oral hygiene product 10 on an imaginary bearing plane. The support surface 58 is advantageously relatively wide so that the oral hygiene product 10 rests stably on an imaginary support plane. A maximum distance between a rear side 62 of the handle unit 14 and the support plane, measured perpendicularly to the support plane, is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 7 mm and particularly preferably at least 9 mm.

In a laid-down position, the oral hygiene product 10 has an empty space 110 between the handle unit 14 and the imaginary support plane. The void 110 has a height, particularly parallel to the height axis 74, of 3 mm to 18 mm, and preferably 7 mm to 13 mm. The grip unit 14 has a comparatively extreme bend in an area above the index finger grip area 38 on the rear side 62 . The contact point 108 and/or a contact line and/or a contact surface and the contact surface 58 are at 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 device 10 has a plurality of bulges and indentations distributed along the longitudinal axis 72 thereof. 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 off, but straight transitions are also conceivable. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10 is designed to be curved when viewed on its side 64, 70, as a result of which spring properties in particular of the application unit 12 advantageously result in a known manner. A person skilled in the art will adjust the shape of the oral hygiene product 10 appropriately and in relation to the application.

In the present case, all elements of the oral hygiene product 10 are made from the soft component 16 in a common injection molding step. The oral hygiene product 10 has at least one soft element made of the soft component 16, which forms at least part of the handle unit 14 and advantageously of 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 on the underside 68 of the oral hygiene product 10 without interruption from the handle unit 14, in particular the little finger grip area 44, over the neck element 80 to the application unit 12 (the top side 66). The soft element has a single injection point 112 . The injection point 112 of the soft element is arranged on the back 62 of the oral hygiene product 10 . 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 gripping 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 is at 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 of 25 mm to 35 mm.

The oral hygiene product 10 is produced using two negative molds. The oral hygiene product 10 has a mold parting line 114 for this purpose. The mold parting line 114 runs the entire length of the oral hygiene product 10 and is figure 8 and 16 shown explicitly. A mold parting line 114 running over the soft component 16 differs from a mold parting line 114 running over the hard component 18 , with the mold parting line 114 running over the hard component 18 also being used in part to demould 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 parting line 114 runs in the central height area of the oral hygiene product 10. The mold parting line 114 runs along the widest point in the cross section of the oral hygiene product 10. Good mold release in the injection mold can thus advantageously be achieved. The negative molds can thus advantageously removed from the oral hygiene product 10 without an undercut having to be overcome.

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 longitudinal side and on a right longitudinal 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 vertical 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 parting line 114 runs at least partially in the middle of the lateral tail 50,52, with the mold parting line 114 leaving the lateral tail 50, 52 in the lower region in the direction of 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 partially formed from a soft component 16 and partially 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 rear side 62 . The at least one decorative element 116 is supplied with the soft component 16 from the rear side 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 ring-shaped structure made of the hard component 18.

The decorative element 116 forms an island 118 of the soft component 16 in its center. 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 protrudes from the hard component 18 into the laterally arranged tail 50, 52. The tongue 54, 56 protrudes 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 .

The following will refer to the Figures 15 to 18 Referred to, which show different representations of the base body 120. FIG. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference symbols in all figures. In addition, for reasons of clarity, not all of the Figures 1 to 14 introduced reference numbers shown. With appropriate reference, reference is made to these same figures for this purpose. The figure 15 shows a front side 60 of a main body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The figure 16 shows a side 70, in particular a right longitudinal side, of the main body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The figure 17 shows a rear side 62 of the main body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 in a schematic representation. The figure 18 shows a schematic sectional representation of the main body 120 of the oral hygiene product 10 along the cutting line XVIII-XVIII in FIG figure 15 .

In the production of the oral hygiene product 10, the base body 120 is produced in an injection molding process in a first production step. In a second manufacturing step, the base body 120 is overmoulded with at least one additional component, in particular a soft component 16 .

The base body 120 has at least one opening. A first opening 122 is arranged in the decorative element 116 . The first breakthrough 122 points in the direction of the elevation axis 74 has an hourglass shape. This enables the base body 120 to be demoulded in an advantageous manner. A second opening 124 and a third opening 126 are arranged in the handle unit 14 . The second opening 124 is arranged in particular between the thumb grip area 22 and the forefinger grip area 38 . The third opening 126 is arranged between the additional grip area 92 and the little finger grip area 44 . If lettering is implemented, at least one further opening can also be arranged between the gripping surface 24 and the middle and ring finger gripping 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 utilized during the injection molding process of further components, for example soft components. During the production of the oral hygiene product 10, the soft component 16 passes from its injection point 112 at least through an opening from the rear 62 to the front 60 of the base body 120. In the area of the handle unit 14 on the rear 62, the base body 120 is at least essentially complete with the Soft component 16 coated, with the exception of the islands 34, 36 in the middle and ring finger grip area 102 and the bearing 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 main body 120 also 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 formed with at least one opening, the opening being provided in particular for supplying 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 arranged on the rear side 62 . The injection point 130 is arranged on the longitudinal axis 72 . The injection point 130 is at 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 of 13 mm to 22 mm. When the oral hygiene product 10 is in a finished state, the injection point 130 of the base body 120 is overmoulded with the soft component 16 . The injection point 130 of the base body 120 is in arranged in an area of the injection point 112 of the soft element and less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, away from it.

Reference 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

bearing surface

60

front

62

back

64

Page

66

top

68

bottom

70

Page

72

longitudinal axis

74

elevation 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

Unit volume

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

decoration element

118

Island

120

body

122

breakthrough

124

breakthrough

126

breakthrough

128

channel

130

injection point

Claims (16)

1. Oral hygiene means (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 made partly of a soft component (16) and partly of a hard component (18),

   wherein

   the soft component (16) extends at least over a substantial portion of a main extension of the at least one handle unit (14),

   characterised in that

   the at least one handle unit (14) comprises at least one sidewise streak (50, 52) of the hard component (18), which is completely delimited by the soft component (16).
2. Oral hygiene means (10) according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the at least one application unit (12) comprises a brush head (20) formed partly from a soft component (16) and partly from a hard component (18).
3. Oral hygiene means (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that
   the soft component (16) extends continuously over a large portion of a main extension of the oral hygiene means (10).
4. Oral hygiene means (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least one handle unit (14) comprises at least one thumb-gripping region (22) with a gripping surface (24) made of the hard component (18) and at least one structural element (26, 28) made of the soft component (16) and protruding beyond the gripping surface (24), the at least one structural element (26, 28) of the at least one thumb-gripping region (22) being completely surrounded by the gripping surface (24).
5. Oral hygiene means (10) according to claim 4,
   characterised in that

   the at least one handle unit (14) comprises at least one delimiting wall (30) made of the soft component (16), which at least substantially delimits the gripping surface (24),

   the at least one delimiting wall (30) protruding beyond the at least one structural element (26, 28) of the at least one thumb-gripping region (22).
6. Oral hygiene means (10) according to claim 5,
   characterised in that
   the at least one delimiting wall (30) delimits the gripping surface (24) of the at least one thumb-gripping region (22) at least towards the application unit (12).
7. Oral hygiene means (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least one handle unit (14) comprises at least one concavely-curved essential gripping surface (32), which is at least largely formed from the soft component (16) and comprises at least two islands (34, 36) of the hard component (18).
8. Oral hygiene means (10) at least according to claims 4 and 7,
   characterised in that
   the at least one concavely-curved essential gripping surface (32) is arranged on a rear side (62) of the handle unit (14) facing away from the thumb-gripping region (22).
9. Oral hygiene means (10) at least according to claim 7,
   characterised in that
   the at least one concavely-curved essential gripping surface (32) comprises an index-finger gripping region (38) made of the soft component (16), in which the structural elements (40, 42) made of the soft component (16) are arranged, which protrude beyond the essential gripping surface (32).
10. Oral hygiene means (10) at least according to claim 7,
    characterised in that
    the at least one concavely-curved essential gripping surface (32) comprises a little-finger gripping region (44) made of the soft component (16), in which the structural elements (46, 48) are arranged which are made of the soft component (16) and protrude beyond the essential gripping surface (32).
11. Oral hygiene means (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 means (10) according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the at least one handle unit (14) comprises at least one tongue (54, 56), which is made of the soft component (16) and extends over the lateral streak (50, 52).
13. Oral hygiene means (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 support surface (58), which serves for the oral hygiene means (10) being put down in a defined manner.
14. Oral hygiene means (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised by
    an imaginary support plane extending along at least two spaced-apart points of the oral hygiene means (10) free of intersection points.
15. Oral hygiene means (10) at least according to claim 13,
    characterised in that
    the planar support surface (58) extends parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene means (10) and defines an imaginary support plane.
16. Oral hygiene means (10) according to claim 13 or 14,
    characterised in that
    a maximum distance between a rear side (62) of the handle unit (14) and the support plane, measured perpendicularly to the support plane, is at least 3 mm.

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