EP4284213A1

EP4284213A1 - Toothbrush that can be disassembled

Info

Publication number: EP4284213A1
Application number: EP22701402.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marco ZAVALLONI
Original assignee: CURADEN AG
Current assignee: CURADEN AG
Priority date: 2021-01-27
Filing date: 2022-01-27
Publication date: 2023-12-06
Also published as: WO2022162080A1

Abstract

A toothbrush (1) that can be disassembled consists of precisely one head part (2), one grip part (3) and one connection part (4). These can be manually released from one another and manually plugged together. In the plugged-together state, the connection part (4) connects the head part (2) to the grip part (3) and lies between them. The connection part (4) comprises a head-part pin (42) and a grip-part pin (43). The head-part pin (42) and the grip-part pin (43) are arranged diametrically opposite each other. In the plugged-together state, the head-part pin (42) lies in a head-part recess (24) of the head part (2), and the grip-part pin (43) lies in a grip-part recess (34) of the grip part (3).

Description

Dismountable toothbrush

technical field

The invention relates to a toothbrush that can be dismantled into three parts and reassembled.

State of the art

There are various travel toothbrushes that can be taken apart or folded to save space.

The KR 103.1 13.152 discloses a collapsible manual toothbrush whose brush head has a pin that can be used in a tubular holder with a ring. The tubular holder is in turn used in a hollow handle. The shape and diameter of the pin on the brush head are thus constrained by the handle since both the holder and the pin are intended to be inserted into the handle. For a stable connection, the pin on the brush head must also be comparatively long, which is why this toothbrush is only a little shorter when divided than when assembled.

CN 104.939.495 discloses a manual toothbrush that can be dismantled, the brush head of which has a pin that can be inserted into a multi-part bayonet catch. A bayonet lock has comparatively small protrusions, edges and cavities that get dirty and stick to a toothbrush with toothpaste residue when used. Thorough cleaning is difficult due to the small size of the structures.

US 2020/237084 discloses a brush handle that can be dismantled and consists of several similar building blocks that can be plugged onto one another. Here is Due to the design, the length of the connecting pins and thus the stability of the resulting brush is limited.

On the one hand, travel toothbrushes should be as compact as possible when packed and, on the other hand, they should be as stable as possible when in use and fit well in the hand. It is difficult to meet these requirements at the same time: for maximum stability, a beam should support the parts to be connected over as long a distance as possible. For good usability, the handle should be a little longer than a hand's breadth and the neck of the toothbrush should also be about this length, as this is the only way to reach the molars comfortably. If you scale the well-known models to the desired lengths, they either become unstable, like US 2020/237084 and CN 104.939.495, or even when packed, they reach a length that almost corresponds to that of a conventional toothbrush, like the KR 103.1 13.152.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to create a toothbrush that belongs to the technical field mentioned at the outset and that can be dismantled and packed compactly, which can be assembled into a stable toothbrush with dimensions that correspond to the dimensions of toothbrushes that cannot be dismantled.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the toothbrush consists of exactly one head part, one handle part and one connecting part. These three parts can be manually detached from one another and manually assembled. In the assembled state, the connecting part connects the head part to the handle part and lies between the head part and the handle part. The connector includes a head pin and a handle pin. The head part pin and the handle part pin are arranged diametrically to one another. In the assembled state, the head part pin lies in a head part recess and the handle part pin lies in a handle part recess.

The header recess is a recess in the header. The handle part recess is a recess in the handle part. In contrast to the prior art, the invention thus uses three parts and not just two as in many cases. In addition, all pins are located on the connecting part: the head part and handle part are therefore not extended by pins or other connecting means. The bristles on the head part and a possible inclination of the head part mean that the pack size, even for travel toothbrushes with only two parts, corresponds in practice to about 3 toothbrush handle cross-sections in cross-section. Since the three-part structure according to the invention gives a great deal of freedom for the specific shape of the connecting part, the connecting part can be designed in such a way that it can take up the space between the bristles and the end of the head part that would otherwise remain empty. The pack size decreases in length and does not increase or only slightly increases in cross section.

The use of three parts also allows the handle part to be given a shape that is particularly easy to produce, so that the handle can also be produced economically from materials that are not typical for toothbrushes, such as wood, metal or ceramics. The head part can be exchanged independently of the handle and the connecting part assumes an adapter function, making it possible to use different designed head parts on the same handle.

In terms of production technology, the invention also has the advantage that the head part and connecting part can be produced in large numbers as plastic injection molded parts and that the handle is only attached in a subsequent production step.

However, it is not mandatory that the connecting part and handle part are already assembled by the manufacturer. Rather, there is also the option of offering a set consisting of a brush head, connecting part and several handle parts. The user then puts a selected handle part from this set onto the connecting part, whereby the connection can no longer be released manually after it has been put on ("single plug-in process").

A manual detachability and the ability to be plugged together means here that it can be conveniently operated by a normal user. On the one hand, the parts should be within reach and, on the other hand, the force required to disconnect and connect them should guarantee a secure connection when using the toothbrush, but at the same time controlled and comfortable connection and disconnection to allow. The force required for plugging and releasing is preferably in the range from 2 to 20 N, particularly preferably between 5 and 15 N. One of the two connections can be released with less force than the other. The plugging and unplugging of the connection between the head part and the connecting part preferably requires less force than the plugging and unplugging of the connection between the handle part and the connecting part.

For purposes of this specification, two pins are diametrically opposed if the longitudinal axes defined by those pins are substantially parallel, the pins share a common origin, and their free ends are spaced farther apart than their ends attached to the common origin. The longitudinal axis of a pin is preferably the principal axis of inertia of the pin with the smallest moment of inertia, determined under the assumption that the pin has a homogeneous mass distribution. In the sense of this description, two axes are preferably essentially parallel if the angle they enclose with one another is less than 10°, particularly preferably less than 2°.

According to a preferred embodiment, in the assembled state, the head part pin is held in the head part recess of the head part in such a way that the head part and connecting part are connected in a manually detachable manner. At the same time, the handle part pin is held in the handle part recess of the handle part in such a way that the connecting part and handle part cannot be detached manually.

In concrete terms, such a toothbrush is characterized as follows: a) It consists of exactly one head part, one handle part and one connecting part. b) The head part and the handle part can be manually detached from one another and manually plugged together due to the connecting part, c) so that in the assembled state the connecting part connects the head part) to the handle part and lies between them, the connecting part i) comprises a head part pin and a handle part pin and ii) the head part pin and the handle part pin are arranged diametrically to each other. d) In the assembled state, the head part pin lies in a head part recess of the head part and can be manually released from the head part recess. e) The handle part pin lies in a handle part recess of the handle part and cannot be detached manually from the handle part recess.

The connection between the head part and the connecting part can thus be repeatedly manually released and manually coupled. On the other hand, the connection between the handle part and the connecting part is sufficiently strong so that it does not come loose when the user holds the toothbrush by the handle part and exerts force on the head part. The connecting part thus remains connected to the handle part.

The head part and the connecting part are preferably both made of a relatively stiff and durable plastic. This makes it possible to design the repeatedly detachable connection between the head part and the connecting part in a wear-resistant manner.

In a particular embodiment, they are made of the same plastic. This is an economically simple way of minimizing the effects of wear.

The three parts are produced separately. The connecting part and handle part are then coupled and are thus permanently connected manually. Usually will.

This type of embodiment, in which the connecting part and handle part are permanently connected to one another (in the sense of a one-way plug-in connection), is particularly advantageous if the handle is to be made of a material that cannot be manufactured with such precision that a repeatedly detachable plug-in connection is realized can be. The invention uses the knowledge that it is technically much easier to create a stable plug-in connection between two material bodies if the plug-in connection cannot be released manually (one-way plug-in connection). Advantageously, use can be made of the fact that irreversible material deformation is caused by a sharp, protruding part when the connecting part and handle part are plugged together in the handle part recess Pin the element (e.g. claw projection) on the handle part. This can be a preferred solution for attaching a wooden handle. Conversely, it is also conceivable that the irreversible material deformation occurs on the handle part pin, for example if the handle part consists of a very hard material (ceramic, metal, hard metal) and if sharp protruding elements (eg claw projections) are formed in the handle part recess.

In a particular embodiment, the header pin and header recess have a complementary n-sided cross-section. The n-cornered cross-section provides an anti-rotation longitudinal guide. This means that the head part cannot twist about its longitudinal axis in an uncontrolled manner when it is placed on the connecting part.

Instead of an n-sided cross section, longitudinal guide elements are also conceivable in the sense of tongue and groove or ribs and grooves on the head part pin and head part recess.

The cross section is e.g. 4, 6 or 8 corners. The cross section is preferably such that there are only one or two attachment options. In this sense, a rectangular cross-section offers two attachment options. A trapezoidal cross-section only one attachment option.

Instead of an n-cornered cross-section, cross-sectional shapes can also be selected that are, for example, partially rounded (semicircle, ellipse) or have indentations such as a rectangular cross-section with grooves or a double-T shape.

A special type of embodiment consists in that the head part recess has a cross section that tapers in the longitudinal direction in a longitudinal area and the head part pin comes into a press fit when inserted into this longitudinal area. In this way it can be achieved that the free end of the head part pin is clamped in a defined position when the head part is placed onto the connection part (in particular on a shoulder of the connection part) in a positive manner. An advantage of the tapered cross section is that at the beginning of the insertion there is enough play between the head part pin and the head part recess so that even inexperienced users can easily (and without exact aiming) put the parts together.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a) the handle part pin or b) the handle part recess has claw projections which, after the handle part pin has been inserted into the handle part recess for the first time, allow manual disassembly of the handle part and prevent connecting part. The claw projections can also c) be formed both on the handle part pin and in the handle part recess and dig into the respective other part.

The toothbrush is preferably a manual toothbrush: the head part has a field of bristles at its end opposite the head part recess. The handle part is a passive component. In particular, the handle part does not include an electric motor.

Since a manual toothbrush can be made lighter and more compact without an electric motor, it is more suitable as a travel toothbrush. In another embodiment, however, a motor can be arranged in the handle part, the vibrations of which are transmitted to the head part pin via a shaft mounted in the connecting part and running in particular through the handle part pin and thus causing the head part to vibrate in the assembled state.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting part has a collar. The collar forms a stop for the head part and the handle part.

The collar stabilizes the connection and prevents buckling movement between the head part and the handle part during use. This relieves the grip part pin and the head part pin. In addition, this prevents the connecting part from being inadvertently pushed further into the handle part recess or the head part recess than intended. The collar also makes it easier to grip the connecting part. The collar can also stand out visually from the handle part and the head part and can be used for individual identification of the toothbrush. For example, the name of the user can be engraved in the collar. Since the headboard, which is a consumable part, can be separated from the collar, the collar can be used for many years.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the collar continuously connects the outer surfaces of the head part and handle part in the assembled state.

A continuous connection of the outer surfaces means that there are no cracks or holes at the transition between the head part, connecting part and handle part. In this embodiment, the collar is flush with the head part and the handle part and the outside of the collar has no cracks or holes. This continuation of the outer surface of the Toothbrush makes cleaning easier, as water and toothpaste residue cannot find any starting points. In order to protect the interior of the toothbrush even more effectively against dirt, the collar can also be provided with an O-ring or a thin sealing lip as a seal towards the head part and towards the handle part.

In a preferred embodiment, the collar is produced separately from the handle part pin and the head part pin and particularly preferably also consists of a different material from the handle part pin and the head part pin. The collar is particularly preferably slipped onto the one-piece combination of handle part and head part pin and is prevented from slipping off there in particular by a protrusion that forms the complementary section of the concave section of the edge of the head part.

In a preferred embodiment, the head part pin and the head part recess are designed in such a way that the head part pin can engage in the head part recess.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle part pin and the handle part recess are designed in such a way that the handle part pin can engage in the handle part recess.

Snap-in connections have the advantage that the user can initially place the head part and connection part or handle part and connection part correctly in relation to one another and then only has to exert more force very locally and briefly in order to establish or release the connection. The movement can be more controlled. In addition, the click-like feeling gives the user confirmation that the desired connection has been established.

In other embodiments, the connection between the head part and the connecting part or between the handle part and the connecting part is made solely by frictional adhesion. Since there is no need for depressions and projections, production is easier.

In a preferred embodiment, an edge of the outer surface of the head part that faces the connecting part and the abutment of the head part on the collar of the connecting part are shaped in a complementary manner to one another.

The complementary design results in a flush joint between the headboard and the connecting piece, which is uninterrupted all the way around. In particular, this edge of the outer surface of the head part and the stop of the head part on the collar form a latching connection. With this snap-in connection, either the edge of the outer surface of the head part or the stop of the collar has a concave section. Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the head part pin, the concave section widens again after a narrowing.

In this way, the section that is complementary thereto can engage by pressure in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Once snapped in place, the head part and connecting part can be separated again by exceeding a threshold value of a tensile force along the longitudinal axis of the head part pin.

More preferably, the edge of the outer surface of the head portion has the concave portion.

In a preferred embodiment, an edge of the outer surface of the handle part facing the connection part and the stop of the handle part on the collar of the connection part are shaped in a complementary manner to one another.

The complementary design allows for a flush joint, which is uninterrupted all the way around, between the handle part and the connecting part.

In particular, this edge of the outer surface of the handle part and the stop of the handle part on the collar form a latching connection in cooperation. With this latching connection, either the edge of the outer surface of the handle part or the stop of the collar has a concave section. Viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin, the concave section widens again after a narrowing.

In this way, the section complementary thereto can snap into place by applying pressure in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin. Once engaged, the handle part and connecting part can be separated again by exceeding a threshold value of a tensile force along the longitudinal axis of the handle part.

Particularly preferably, the edge of the outer surface of the handle part has the concave section. In these embodiments, the latching connection occurs on the outside of the toothbrush and is therefore visually recognizable and controllable for the user. In addition, corresponding parts can be produced easily, since the narrowing and the widening that the locking connection requires are formed by the shape of an easily accessible outer edge and the likewise easily accessible collar.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking connection between the handle part and the connecting part is formed by a projection spring-loaded on the connecting part. The tab can snap into a recess in the handle recess when the connector and handle are mated.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking connection between the head part and the connecting part is formed by a projection spring-loaded on the connecting part. The shelf can snap into a notch in the header recess when the connector and header are mated.

In this embodiment, the locking connection is inside the toothbrush, which minimizes the length of the gaps on the surface of the toothbrush and thus makes it more difficult for dirt and water to penetrate.

The use of a spring element, for example a plastic clip, allows a low-wear latching connection that can be easily dosed in terms of the locking force.

In other embodiments, on the other hand, only the flexibility of the material of the toothbrush parts is used to enable the latching connection.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface of a convex shell of the grip part, which covers the grip part recess, has a normal that encloses an angle of greater than 0° with the direction defined by the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin in the assembled state. The included angle is in particular between 15° and 75°, preferably between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably between 40° and 50°.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface of a convex shell of the head part, which covers the head part recess, has a normal which forms an angle of greater than 0° with that defined by the longitudinal axis of the head part pin in the assembled state The included angle is in particular between 15° and 75°, preferably between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably between 40° and 50°.

The end of the handle part and/or the end of the head part, which in each case interacts with the connecting part, is therefore beveled in these embodiments. On the one hand, this bevel makes it easier to insert the connecting part and, on the other hand, shows the user how the parts of the toothbrush should be arranged in relation to one another. Furthermore, the bevel, together with a snap lock, prevents twisting of the handle part or head part relative to the connecting part: twisting would in fact require it to be pulled out, which the snap lock prevents. Furthermore, the bevel stabilizes the toothbrush against a buckling movement at the transition between the handle part and the connecting part or at the transition between the head part and the connecting part.

If the included angle is small, then these advantageous effects are only slightly pronounced, but if the angle is very large, the length of the toothbrush parts increases without offering any advantage to the user. The claimed angle intervals have proven to be the best compromise between small pack size and stability.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the convex shell of the head part, which covers the head part recess, and the surface of the convex shell of the handle part, which covers the handle part recess, lie parallel to one another in the assembled state. The collar of the connecting part is preferably at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the head part pin and to the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin.

Due to the parallel orientation of the two surfaces, the connecting part and in particular the collar of the connecting part can be designed to be more compact than in another arrangement. In addition, this makes it easier for the user to recognize the correct orientation of the parts of the toothbrush relative to one another. This embodiment also makes it possible to completely dispense with a collar on the connecting part or to design the collar in such a way that it does not contribute to the outer surface of the toothbrush when it is plugged together.

In particular, the collar is at an angle to both longitudinal axes if it forms an angle of more than 10°, in particular an angle, with each of the two longitudinal axes between 15° and 75°, preferably between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably between 40° and 50°. The alignment of the collar, that is to say the axis which is compared with the longitudinal axis of the respective pin, is preferably determined from the reduced shape of the collar. The reduced shape of the collar is the convex envelope of those sections of the connecting part which contribute to the outside of the toothbrush when assembled and at the same time lie outside the convex envelopes of the head part and handle part when assembled. The reduced shape of the collar is therefore in many cases the shape of the connecting part without the pins and without any sections of latching connections that bind parts of the outside of the toothbrush. The handle portion pin and the head portion pin protrude through surfaces of the reduced form of the collar when the reduced form of the collar is superimposed on the connector. The normal to the surface through which the handle pin protrudes at the point where the longitudinal axis of the handle pin pierces through it preferably defines the orientation of the collar on the handle side and is accordingly compared to the longitudinal axis of the handle pin. The normal to the surface through which the header pin protrudes where the longitudinal axis of the header pin pierces through it preferably defines the orientation of the collar on the header side and is compared accordingly to the longitudinal axis of the header pin.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle pin is longer than the head pin.

In a preferred embodiment, the extent of the grip part pin, measured in at least two main directions of the grip part, is larger than the head part pin.

The extensions of the grip part pin are particularly preferably different in the two main directions of the grip part. The main directions of the handle part are perpendicular to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the handle part pin.

Preferably, the length of the pins is measured starting from the reduced form of the connecting part: the length of a pin is its extent outside the reduced form of the connecting part, measured in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

By making one pin longer than the other, connecting and disconnecting the toothbrush can be made easier. In particular when the connection between the head part and the connecting part requires a greater expenditure of force to be made and/or released the longer handle part pin can on the one hand increase the stability on the handle part side and on the other hand serve to ensure that the connecting part is easy to grip for inserting and removing it from the head part. In this embodiment, by pulling on the head part and handle part, the handle part would come loose and release the longer handle part pin. By pulling on the head part and handle part pin, the connecting part then detaches from the head part and the toothbrush is completely disassembled.

If the grip part pin is also larger than the head part pin in two mutually perpendicular directions, the main grip pin directions, a user is prevented in a simple manner from erroneously putting the grip part pin in the head part recess because it does not fit. If the two expansions are also different, incorrect orientation of the handle part relative to the connecting part is also prevented when it is inserted into the handle part recess.

The extension of a pin in one direction is preferably the length of the projection of the pin in this direction.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one cross section of the head part pin in a head part fixing area has no rotational symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis of the head part pin and the head part recess is designed to be complementary to the head part pin, at least in an area in which the head part fixing area is in the assembled state.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one cross section of the grip part pin in a grip part fixing area relative to the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin has no rotational symmetry, and the grip part recess is formed complementary to the grip part pin, at least in an area in which the grip part fixing area is in the plugged-in state.

Rotational symmetry is to be understood here in a broader sense and includes all forms that are imaged back onto themselves after being rotated through an angle about the longitudinal axis. 2-fold or 3-fold rotational symmetries should therefore also be excluded in this embodiment. If the cross section of a pin lacks any rotational symmetry and the associated recess also lacks due to the complementary design, the orientation of pin and recess to one another is clearly predetermined. In this preferred embodiment, the user cannot therefore put the relevant part of the toothbrush together incorrectly.

In a preferred embodiment, a normal to the end surface of the head-part pin and the longitudinal axis of the head-part pin enclose an angle greater than 0°, in particular an angle between 15° and 75°, preferably an angle between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably an angle between 40° and 50° in.

In a preferred embodiment, a normal of the end surface of the grip part pin closes an angle of greater than 0° with the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin, in particular an angle between 15° and 75°, preferably an angle between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably an angle between 40° and 50° in.

According to this embodiment, at least one of the pins is beveled at its end. This design makes it easier to put together, since the bevel can serve as a guide surface for the user and the beginning of the pin is smaller than the recess into which it is inserted. The recess is thus easier to hit.

In a preferred embodiment, the head part and the connecting part are made of the same plastic.

In this way it is achieved in a simple manner that both parts have the same hardness and that one of the parts does not wear the other excessively when plugged together.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the handle part is made from a different material than the head part and the connecting part, or consists of a material mixture. The handle part can in particular be made of wood or metal or ceramics or of a combination of materials (eg two or more material bodies joined together with a material bond). Since the processing of such materials is complex compared to plastics, the three-part form allows the wearing parts to be separated from a more complex handle. The use of a Connecting piece minimizes the effort involved in shaping that has to be done on the handle part.

In another preferred embodiment, all parts are made of the same plastic. This allows no wear and tear to occur even when the connecting part is inserted into the handle part.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle part and the head part have at least partially an octagonal inner and outer cross section and the head part pin and the handle part pin each have an octagonal outer cross section complementary to the respective inner cross section. In particular, all interior angles of these interior and exterior cross sections are of equal size.

An octagonal external cross-section for the handle of toothbrushes has proven to be particularly advantageous for usability. Due to the ergonomics, the user grips the toothbrush with such a handle almost automatically in such a way that an optimal cleaning result is easily achieved.

With regard to the ability to be plugged together, it is also particularly easy to produce the head part and handle part as hollow cylinders and at the same time the shape deviates sufficiently from a circle to prevent twisting in a plug connection and the edges are sufficiently blunt that the pens can be held comfortably: If the edges of the pens are too pointed, they cut into the fingertips when gripping, which is uncomfortable for the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the head part pin is equipped with at least one, preferably several ribs which increase the friction between the head part pin and the head part recess when plugged together and which preferably run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the head part pin.

In a preferred embodiment, the grip part pin is equipped with at least one, preferably several, ribs that increase the friction between the grip part pin and the grip part recess in the assembled state and that preferably run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin. Especially if the toothbrush is frequently taken apart and put back together, the latching mechanism can become less stable over time due to signs of wear. Without a locking mechanism, the pin or recess can wear over time to the point where the connection becomes loose. The ribs proposed in this embodiment can have a spring-like effect and somewhat compensate for such wear: if the toothbrush is new, they deform more when pushed in, if the wear is advanced, they deform less. In addition, the wear of the ribs means that the material is distributed more evenly: over time, a narrow area with high contact pressure becomes a large area with less contact pressure. Since both the surface and the pressure influence the friction, the wear can be compensated for over a long period of time and a secure connection between the connecting part and the head part and/or the handle part can be ensured.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention result from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show:

Fig. 1a-b The view of the toothbrush in the assembled state and in the disassembled state from a first side

Fig. 2a-b The toothbrush from Figure 1, in the same states, but viewed from the other side.

Fig. 3a The head part of the toothbrush according to Figure 1 in cross section.

Fig. 3b The connecting part of the toothbrush according to Figure 1 in cross section.

Fig. 3c The handle part of the toothbrush according to Figure 1 in cross section. 4a-c Three cross sections through the head part of the toothbrush according to FIG. 1, the cross section shown in FIG. 4a being close to the bristles and the cross section according to FIG. 4c showing the end close to the connecting part.

Figure 5a The view of the connector looking at the header pin.

FIG. 5b The view of the connecting part, looking at the handle part pin.

6a-c Three cross sections through the handle part of the toothbrush according to FIG. 1, the cross section shown in FIG. 6a being close to the connecting part and the cross section according to FIG. 6c being close to the foot of the toothbrush.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a connecting piece.

FIG. 8 a-f another embodiment of a toothbrush that can be plugged together in different views.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of the claw projections on the grip part pin;

Figure 10a, b is a schematic representation of the press fit connection between

Headboard pin and headboard recess..

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

FIG. 1a shows a toothbrush 1 according to the invention in a side view and in the assembled state. The toothbrush 1 consists of a head part 2, a connecting part 4 and a handle part 3, which combine to form a continuous outer surface. A bristle field 36 is located at the upper end of the head part 2 . At the lower end of the head part 2 , this abuts at its edge 25 against the stop 412 which is formed by the collar 41 of the connecting part 4 . Edge 25 and stop 412 are complementary to each other. The edge 25 has a concave portion 26 which widens again after a taper 261 along the longitudinal axis of the headpiece pin 42 . That Connector 4 includes a complementarily shaped portion 4126 which cooperates with concave portion 26 to form a snap fit.

FIG. 1b shows the toothbrush 1 from FIG. 1a in the separated state. While the appearance of head part 2 and handle part 3 is essentially unchanged, since the only difference is that the inside of head part 2 can now be seen through concave section 26, which is shown in Figure 1a through section 4126 and head part pin 42 is covered.

In contrast to this, significantly more details can now be seen in the connection part 4: Starting from the collar 41, a handle part pin 43 extends in the direction of the handle part 3. On the handle part web 43 there is a spring-loaded protrusion 44 which, together with a depression 341 in the handle part recess 34, forms a Snap lock can form.

Extending from the collar 41 in the diametrical direction is the head portion pin 42, which is partially covered by the complementarily shaped portion 4126 in this view.

In FIGS. 2a and 2b, the toothbrush 1 from FIGS. 1a and b can be seen from the other side. This means that neither the concave section 26 nor the complementary section 4126 can be seen. Instead, the stop of the head part 412 and the stop of the handle part 413 and the edges of the head part 25 and handle part 35 extend parallel to one another and at a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 1 and to the longitudinal axes of the head part pin 421 and the handle part pin 431. In Figure 2b , showing the disconnected condition, the header pin 42 is unobscuredly visible in this view. The longitudinal axes of the head part pin 421 and the grip part pin 431 are drawn in: In the present example, the longitudinal axes 421 and 431 are slightly offset, but parallel to one another.

The handle part 3 has a constant cross section. In the case shown, the foot is flat and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle part 3, while the end facing the connecting part 4 is bevelled. The handle part 3 also has a handle part recess 34, which cannot be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The convex shell of the handle part 3 is thus a cylinder with the cross section of the handle part 3, which terminates vertically at one end and at the other end with a bevel. The handle part recess 34 is of This slope covers and the normal of this area of the convex shell represents the normal 31 over the handle part recess.

In the case of the head part 2, a similar convex hull results. The concave recess 26 does not image in the convex hull since it is a concave portion. However, the brush field 36 and the orientation of the slope lead to differences in the convex shell of handle part 3 and head part 2. The co-arrow recess 24 is covered by the slope and the normal of this area of the convex shell represents the normal 21 over the head part recess 24.

The reduced form of the connecting part 4 results from looking at those sections of the connecting part 4 that represent the outside of the toothbrush 1 in the assembled state: It is the outside of the collar 41 and the complementary section 4126. Since the complementary section 4126 is in the However, in the assembled state it lies within the convex envelope of the head part 2, it is excluded when determining the reduced form. The reduced shape is thus only determined by the outside of the collar 41 and is accordingly a cylinder with the cross-section of the toothbrush, which ends bevelled at both ends. The length of the handle part web 43 and the head part web 42 is measured from the end surface of this cylinder corresponding to the respective web.

The end 435 of the handle part pin 43 and the end 425 of the head part pin 42 are also bevelled, but in the example shown to a lesser extent than the reduced shape of the connecting piece 4 or head part 2 or handle part 3. In the case of the handle part pin 43, the bevel is also oriented differently than the convex shell in the area of the head part recess 24 or in the area of the handle part recess 34 or the inclined ends of the reduced form of the connecting piece 4.

FIG. 3a shows the head part 2 of the toothbrush 1 according to FIG. 1 in cross section: In the example shown, the head part 2 is essentially hollow, but has a section in which the head part recess 24 is formed. The example shown is a blind hole. FIG. 3b shows the connecting part 4 of the toothbrush according to FIG. 1 in cross section. Since this is homogeneous here, the same structures appear as in the side view of FIG. 2b.

FIG. 3c shows the handle part 3 of the toothbrush 1 according to FIG. The handle part recess 34 has a recess 341 at some distance from the opening, which can cooperate with the spring-loaded projection 44 and thus form a snap connection.

4a, 4b and 4c show cross sections through the head part 2 of the toothbrush 1 according to FIG. In the example shown, the head part 2 has the shape of an octagonal hollow cylinder.

FIG. 4b shows a second cross section of the head part 2. This runs through the rear region of the head part recess 24: the head part recess 24 has a trapezoidal cross section. In order to save weight, the head part recess 24 is formed in a cuboid, which in turn is attached in the upper area of the hollow cylinder, as shown in FIG. 4a.

FIG. 4c shows a third cross section of the head part 2. This runs through the front area of the head part recess 24: The head part recess 24 is unchanged compared to FIG. 4b. In the area of the third cross-section, however, is the concave section 26, which can be seen in this cross-sectional view as an interruption in the hollow cylinder.

In another embodiment, the head part recess 24 is formed by the interior of the hollow cylinder: In this embodiment, the cross sections 4a and 4b would be the same and the cross section 4c would look like FIG. 4a with the interruption shown in FIG. 4c.

FIG. 5a shows the view of the connecting part 4 in such a way that the head part pin 42 is viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the head part pin. The connecting part 4 continues the shape of the head part 2 in its outer shape and appears in FIG Projection correspondingly octagonal. The head part pin 42 has a trapezoidal shape and is therefore formed in a manner complementary to the head part recess 24 . The section 4126 complementary to the concave section 26 of the head part 2 appears in the selected projection as a rectangle at the edge of the connecting part 4.

FIG. 5b also shows a view of the connecting part 4, but this time in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin 43, with the grip part pin 43 being viewed. Since the longitudinal axes of the handle part pin 431 and the head part pin 421 run parallel to one another in the case of the toothbrush shown, FIGS. 5a and 5b show the front and back side of the connecting part 4. The outer shape is correspondingly the same. Due to the different viewing direction, however, the head part pin 42 and the complementary section 26 are now covered, while the handle part pin 43 covered in FIG. 5a is visible. The cross section of the handle pin 43 is also a trapezoid. However, the extent of the grip part pin 43 is greater in two mutually perpendicular grip part main directions 433a, b than the extent of the head part pin 42 in these two directions. In addition, the cross section of the grip part pin 43 is asymmetrical, since the two inclined sides have different lengths.

FIG. 5b also shows the board 44, which is mounted on a spring in the form of a plastic band. The handle pin 43 has a recess below the projection 44 into which the projection 44 can be pushed during insertion or withdrawal.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show three cross sections through the handle part 3 of the toothbrush 1 according to Figure 1. The cross section shown in Figure 6a is close to the connecting part 4 and it crosses the depression 341 which, together with the projection 44 of the connecting part 4, forms a snap-in connection forms. The indentation 341 is worked into the grip part recess 34, which otherwise remains the same. The cross-section of the grip part recess 34 is complementary to the grip part pin and is correspondingly also trapezoidal. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 6b, which shows a cross section that runs through an area in which the grip part recess 34 still exists, but not the depression 341. At the foot end of the handle part 3, the handle part 3 is designed homogeneously in the example shown. The cross section 6c accordingly shows no structures inside the handle part 3. Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of a connecting piece 4: The collar 41 is designed in the same way as in the toothbrush 1 according to Figure 1. The handle part pin 43 also essentially corresponds to the handle part pin 43 from Figure 1: It was only supplemented by ribs 45 which reduce friction of the grip part pin 43 in the grip part recess 34. The head part pin 42 is shifted in relation to the embodiment from FIG. 1 in such a way that the longitudinal axes of the grip part pin 43 and the head part pin 42 are the same. In addition, the latching connection on the outside of the toothbrush 1, as formed by the concave section 26 and the section 4126 complementary thereto, has been replaced by a projection 44. The connecting piece 4 according to FIG. 7 can thus interact with the handle part 3 of FIG. 1, but is dependent on an adapted head part 2.

Figure 7 also shows handle part fixing area 434 and head part fixing area 424: These are those parts of handle part pin 43 or head part pin 42 that are in contact with handle part recess 34 or head part recess 24 on all sides and thus prevent a buckling at the transition between Prevent head part 2 and connecting part 4 or between handle part 3 and connecting part 4. In FIG. 7 it is assumed that the handle part recess 34 and the head part recess 24 are designed as blind holes with a constant cross section and both have depressions 341 for producing the locking connections.

A second embodiment of a toothbrush 1b is shown in FIGS. 8a-f, specifically in different views in order to illustrate the different characteristics of the plug-in system.

FIG. 8a shows the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b in the assembled state in a plan view in which the bristle field 36 is viewed obliquely from above. Similar to FIG. 1, the head part 2 with the bristle area 36 can also be seen here, which merges into the handle part 3 via the collar 41 of the connecting part 4 . The toothbrush 1b appears to the user to be on par with a conventional, one-piece toothbrush in terms of its dimensions and its stability. The collar 41 appears on the outside as a band running obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 1b and thus represents an easily recognizable, decorative identification feature. The toothbrush 1b has an octagonal cross section, which offers the user particularly good ergonomics. To make brushing your teeth easier, the end of the head part 2 that carries the bristle field 36 is also inclined slightly relative to the longitudinal axis of the rest of the toothbrush in such a way that the angle between the longitudinal axis of the rest of the toothbrush and the longitudinal axis of the end of the head part 2 that carries the bristle field is less than 180° on the same side of the toothbrush lies like the bristle field 36.

FIG. 8b shows the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b in the disassembled state in a top view in which the bristle field 36 is viewed obliquely from above.

In particular, this view provides a view of the head part recess 24 , which is delimited by the edge of the outer surface of the head part 25 . The toothbrush 1b has a concave section 26 of the edge 25 delimiting the outer surface of the head part, which lies on the rear side of the toothbrush 1b. This concave section 26 can also be seen in this view: its shape roughly corresponds to the combination of a circle and a rectangle, with the width of the rectangle being slightly smaller than the diameter of the circle. For example, here the width of the rectangle is about 80% of the diameter of the circle. The length of the rectangle roughly corresponds to the diameter of the circle. Rectangle and circle are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that the center of the circle lies on the center of one of the short sides of the rectangle. The head part recess 24 is oval in cross section.

The connecting part 4 can also be seen better in this view: in addition to the collar 41, the head part pin 42 and the handle part pin 43 can now also be seen. These are covered by the head part 2 or the handle part 3 in FIG. 8a. The collar 41 ends on the side facing the grip part pin 43 with the stop of the grip part 413 . The stop of the handle part 413 is a flat surface of the collar 41 which adjoins the outside of the collar 41 and through which the handle part pin 43 pushes in the middle. The grip part pin 43 terminates with an end surface 435 which is beveled relative to the longitudinal axis of the grip part pin.

In the case of the toothbrush 1b, the spring-loaded projection 44 is formed on the sides of the handle part pin: the projection 44 is formed by three slightly raised strips lying parallel to one another. The suspension results from the shape of the handle part pin, which is in a central area is divided by a central bore into two mutually parallel side walls which are connected to one another only in the area of the end surface 435 and the stop of the handle part 413.

The handle pin 43 also has a series of ribs 45 which here run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle pin. A first set of ribs 45 extends from the end surface 435 of the handle pin while a second set of ribs 45 extends from the stop of the handle 413 . In the present case, each group includes four ribs 45, which are arranged uniformly along the circumference of the handle part pin.

FIG. 8c shows the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b in the assembled state in a top view in which the rear side of the toothbrush 1b is viewed obliquely from below.

Analogously to Figure 8a, the head part 2, the handle part 3 and the collar 41 of the connecting part 4 can also be seen here. In addition, this view can now also be seen how the complementary section 4126 of the stop of the head part on the connecting part 4 in the assembled state in the concave portion 26 engages the edge of the outer surface of the head part 25 and supplements it in such a way that the surface of the toothbrush 1b is continuously continued.

FIG. 8d shows the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b in the disassembled state in a top view in which the rear side of the toothbrush 1b is viewed obliquely from below.

In particular, this view provides a view of the handle part recess 34 which is delimited by the edge of the outer surface of the handle part 35 . In its cross section, the handle part recess 34 has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners.

In this view, the concave portion 26 of the edge of the outer surface of the head portion 25 can be better identified on the head part 2, so that the taper 261, which represents the part of the concave section 26 determined by the rectangle compared to the part determined by the circle, can be seen leaves.

The connecting part 4 can also be seen better in this view: in addition to the collar 41, the head part pin 42 and the handle part pin 43 can now also be seen. These are covered by the head part 2 or the handle part 3 in FIG. 8c. The collar 41 closes on the the side facing the head part pin 42 with the stop of the head part 412. The stop of the head part 412 is a flat surface of the collar 41, which adjoins the outside of the collar 41 and through which the head part pin 42 pushes in the middle. The head part pin 42 terminates with an end surface 425 which is beveled relative to the longitudinal axis of the head part pin.

On the back of the toothbrush 1b, the complementary section 4126 of the stop of the head part 412 also extends from the collar 41 . This complementary portion 4126 is complementary to the concave portion 26 of the edge of the outer surface of the head part 25 .

FIG. 8e shows the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b in the disassembled state from behind and FIG. 8f shows the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b in the disassembled state from the side. The same structures as in FIGS. 8a, b, c and d can be seen.

In the second embodiment of the toothbrush 1b, the head part 2 and the grip part pin 43 and the head part pin 42 are essentially made of the same plastic, apart from the bristles. The material of the collar 41 of the connecting part 4 and the handle part 3 is selected by the user: for example, a handle part 3 made of wood can be combined with a collar 41 made of silver or a semi-precious stone, or a ceramic handle part 3 with a collar 41 made of bamboo . The collar 41 of the connecting part 4 is secured by the complementary section 4126 against slipping over the head part pin and by the ribs arranged on the stop of the handle part against slipping over the handle part pin. At the same time, however, the ribs allow the collar 41 to be pushed on and pulled off, which facilitates the production of the collar 41 and the rest of the connecting part 4 and allows the collar 41 to be reused when the rest of the connecting part 4 is replaced.

FIG. 9 illustrates a connecting part in which the grip part pin 43 has two claw projections 46.1, 46.2. (Only half of the connecting part is shown: the head part pin is not shown since it can be designed according to an embodiment already described above.) When the handle part pin 43 is pushed with its end face 435 first into the handle part recess (not shown in Figure 9), dig themselves the claw projections 46.1, 46.2 into the wall of the handle part recess. They are clamped in such a way that the connecting part can no longer be detached manually from the handle part.

The claw projections 46.1, 46.2 are, e.g.

The claw projections are shown oversized in FIG. In reality it can be sufficient if they protrude e.g. 0.5 - 1 mm outwards.

If, in the embodiment of FIG. 8b, the spring-loaded projections 44 are replaced by claw projections as in FIG. 9, the result is a toothbrush consisting of three parts, the handle part being manually non-detachably connected to the connecting part, but the connecting part being manually connected to the head part is detachably connected. If you manually pull the head and handle in opposite directions, the connector will remain on the handle and the head will disengage from the connector.

The claw projections are used in particular when the handle part is made of a material--such as wood--that is less hard than the plastic of the connecting part.

However, it is also possible to make the springing of the spring-loaded projections 44 so taut that the clamping is so strong after the handle part and connecting part have been joined together for the first time that the two parts can no longer be released manually.

FIGS. 10a, b show the preferred clamping fit between the head part pin 42 and the head part recess 24 of the head part 2. FIG. 10a shows the section AA from FIG. 10b. The header pin 42 has a rectangular cross-section in this example. It is complementary in cross-section to the cross-section of the channel-shaped head-part recess 24. As can be seen from Figure 10b, the head-part recess 24 tapers in a longitudinal region L of the head part 2. The head-part pin 42 has a substantially constant cross-section in such a way that when it is fully inserted into the headboard recess 24 jammed in the clamping area 50 (tight fit). The inner cross-section of the head-part recess thus tapers in a length region L at least to the cross-section of the head-part pin 42 or even more, in order to enable a press fit.

In summary, the cross-section of the toothbrush can vary along its length and has been presented here as being constant, primarily for purposes of illustration. The cross-sectional shape can also vary and can, for example, be round, square, oval or have any irregular shape. The cross-sectional shape can vary over the length of the toothbrush, so that, for example, a rather angular handle changes into an increasingly oval shape, so that the head part largely has an oval or round cross-section, which flattens and widens again in the area of the brush field. The cross-sectional shape and length of the head part pin and the handle part pin can also be selected significantly differently than shown here. Snap-in connections can be dispensed with entirely or they can be designed differently: For example, the handle part can also have a concave section in the edge of its outer surface which interacts with a complementary section on the side of the connection part facing the handle part. All three parts of the toothbrush can be made of the same material, in particular a plastic. However, it is also possible that only the connecting part and the head part are made of plastic and the handle part is made of a material that is particularly appealing to the touch or look, such as wood or metal, for example.

Claims

28

patent claims

1. Toothbrush (1), a) consisting of exactly one head part (2), one handle part (3) and one connecting part (4), b) which can be manually detached from one another and manually plugged together, c) so that when plugged together the connecting part (4) connecting the head portion (2) to and lying between the handle portion (3), d) the connecting portion (4) comprising i) a head pin and a handle pin (43) and ii) the head pin (42) and the handle pin (43) are arranged diametrically to one another and e) in the assembled state the head part pin (42) lies in a head part recess (24) of the head part (2) f) and the handle part pin (43) in a handle part recess (34) of the handle part (3) lies.

2. Toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that in the assembled state the head part pin (42) lies in the head part recess (24) of the head part (2) and can be released manually and the handle part pin (43) in the handle part recess (34) of the handle part (3 ) and cannot be solved manually.

3. Toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head part pin (42) and the head part recess (24) have a complementary n-cornered cross-section, in particular a 4-cornered, 6-cornered or 8-cornered cross-section.

4. Toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head part recess (24) in a longitudinal region in the longitudinal direction has a tapering cross-section and the head part pin (42) comes into a press fit when it is inserted into this longitudinal area. Toothbrush according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle part pin and/or the handle part recess have claw projections which prevent the handle part and connecting part from being disassembled manually after the handle part pin has been inserted into the handle part recess for the first time. Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting part (4) has a collar (41) which forms a stop for the head part (2) and the handle part (3) and, in particular, when plugged together, outer surfaces of the head part (2) and Handle part (3) constantly connects with each other. Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) the head part pin (42) and the head part recess (24) are designed in such a way that the head part pin (42) can engage in the head part recess (24) and/or b) the handle part pin (43 ) and the handle part recess (34) are designed such that the handle part pin (43) can engage in the handle part recess (34). Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) an edge of the outer surface of the head part (2) facing the connecting part (4) and the stop of the head part (2) on the collar (41) of the connecting part (4) are shaped complementarily to one another and b) the edge of the outer surface of the head part (2) and the stop of the head part (2) on the collar (41) form in particular a latching connection in which either the edge of the outer surface of the head part (2) or the stop of the collar (41) form a has a concave section (26) which, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the head part pin (42), widens again after tapering and/or c) an edge of the outer surface of the handle part (3) facing the connection part (4) and the stop of the handle part (3) on the collar (41) of the connection part (4) are shaped complementarily to one another and d) the edge of the outer surface of the handle part (3 ) and the abutment of the grip part (3) on the collar (41) form in particular a snap-in connection in which either the edge of the outer surface of the grip part (3) or the abutment of the collar (41) has a concave section which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the Handle part pin (43) considered, widens again after a taper. . Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, a) wherein the locking connection between the handle part (3) and the connecting part (4) is formed by a projection (44) which is spring-loaded on the connecting part (4) and which has a depression (341) in can snap into the grip part recess (34) when the connecting part (4) and the grip part (3) are plugged together and/or b) the latching connection between the head part (2) and the connecting part (4) being spring-loaded on the connecting part (4). tab (44) is formed which can snap into a recess in the header recess (24) when the connector (4) and header (2) are mated.

10. Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of a convex shell of the handle part (3) which covers the handle part recess (34) has a normal (31) which is at an angle of greater than 0° with that through the longitudinal axis ( 431) of the grip part pin (43) in the assembled state, the included angle being in particular between 15° and 75°, preferably between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably between 40° and 50°.

1 1 . Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of a convex shell of the head part (2) which covers the head part recess (24) has a normal (21) which is at an angle of greater than 0° with that through the longitudinal axis (421) of the head part pin (42) in the assembled state, the included angle being in particular between 15° and 75°, preferably between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably between 40° and 50°. Toothbrush (1) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the surface of the convex shell of the head part (2) that covers the head part recess (24) and the surface of the convex shell of the handle part (3) that covers the handle part recess (34), are parallel to one another when plugged together and preferably the collar (41) of the connecting part (4) is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the head part pin (42) and to the longitudinal axis of the handle part pin (43). Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) the handle part pin (43) is longer and/or b) measured in at least two main handle part directions (433a, b) has a greater extent than the head part pin (42), c) the extents in the two main directions (433a, b) of the grip part are preferably different and d) the main directions (433a, b) of the grip part being perpendicular to one another and to a longitudinal axis (431) of the pin (43) of the grip part. Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) at least one cross section of the head part pin (42) in a head part fixing region (424) has no rotational symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis (421) of the head part pin (42) and b) the head part recess (24) has at least in an area in which the head part fixing area (424) lies in the assembled state, is designed to be complementary to the head part pin (42). 32 and/or c) at least one cross section of the handle part pin (43) in a handle part fixing area (434) has no rotational symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis (431) of the handle part pin (43) and d) the handle part recess (34), at least in a region in which the Handle part fixing area (434) is in the assembled state, is designed to be complementary to the handle part pin (43).

15. Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims a) wherein a normal of the end surface (425) of the head part pin (42) with the longitudinal axis (421) of the head part pin (42) forms an angle of greater than 0°, in particular an angle between 15 and 75°, preferably an angle between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably an angle between 40° and 50° and/or b) a normal of the end surface (435) of the grip part pin (43) with the longitudinal axis (431) of the grip part pin (43) encloses an angle greater than 0°, in particular an angle between 15° and 75°, preferably an angle between 25° and 65° and particularly preferably an angle between 40° and 50°.

16. Toothbrush (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head-part pin (42) is equipped with at least one, preferably several ribs (45) which increase the friction between the head-part pin (42) and head-part recess (24) in the assembled state, wherein the ribs preferably run transversely to the longitudinal axis (421) of the head part pin (42) and/or 33 the grip part pin (43) is equipped with at least one, preferably several ribs (45) which increase the friction between the grip part pin (43) and the grip part recess (34) in the assembled state, the ribs preferably being transverse to the longitudinal axis (421) of the grip part pin ( 43) run.