ES2226851T3 - A HANDLE FOR A TOOTHBRUSH. - Google Patents

Abstract

The handle of the present invention is for a personal care implement, especially for a toothbrush. The handle has distal and proximal ends, the distal end being connected to, or adapted to connect to, a grooming head. The handle comprises: a) a first grip portion (2), adjacent the proximal end of the handle, for holding in the user's hand, the first grip portion having an ovoid cross-section which has a major axis and a minor axis; b) a second grip portion (3), for manipulation by the user's fingers, extending from the first grip portion in the direction of the distal end of the handle, and having, at least in a region adjacent the first grip portion, an elliptical cross-section which has a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis of the second grip portion is perpendicular to the major axis of the first grip portion. The handle is comfortable to hold, provides a firm grip and facilitates manipulation, particularly rotation, by the user.

Description

A handle for a toothbrush.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to handles for personal care utensils, more particularly for brushes of teeth

Background of the invention

In order for them to function effectively, the toothbrushes and other utensils held manually They need to be firmly grasped. However, they often need that the grip is changed frequently, such as when the handle inside the user's hand, for example to reach different parts of the mouth, to adapt brushing to different tooth surfaces or to use various brushing guidelines as recommended by professionals dentists

Surprisingly, most of the brushes of teeth still have a fairly conventional handle, whose section transversal is typically rectangular, circular or rectangular rounded, said cross section being more or less of the same shape along the entire length of the handle. Usually, grip improvements are limited to the inclusion of inserts elastomeric However, patent literature documents several attempts to improve the basic design.

The United States Patent Document No. 4,780,924 describes a toothbrush designed Ergonomically with a shaped handle that is comfortable to grip Numerous ways with any hand. Although the handle has a characteristic form seen laterally, described as sectional  substantially rectangular cross section along its entire length.

The United States Patent Document No. 5,191,671 describes a toothbrush that has a trapezoidal cross section, which at the same time helps the orientation of the bristles in the mouth and provides resistance.

Patent document WO 96/01577 describes a toothbrush with a radial anti-slip structure protruding from and circumscribed to the bottom surfaces and side of the handle. An established advantage of this provision is which does not force to grip the handle with a predisposed orientation, it allows you to hold the toothbrush in the most usual for the user.

Patent document WO 97/07706, on behalf from the Colgate-Palmolive company, describes a toothbrush with a handle that has a final part, a shoulder and a "neck", being this narrower than the final part or the Shoulder, seen on the floor. Preferably, the handle also comprises supports that increase grip. An established objective of the handle settings is to provide a toothbrush that It is easier to manipulate by the user. The solicitor it also markets a corresponding brush in Europe with the name "Sensation", also described on the site of the applicant on the web ("web site") as a toothbrush "Wave" and which is said to be very comfortable to hold and manipulate. Although the Patent application describes different proportions of the final part and / or shoulder to neck, between plan views and lateral, there is no description of the non-circular sections They have different orientations. The commercialized brush has  a cross section substantially constant at along its entire length.

Patent document WO 99/23910, on behalf from Gillette Canada Inc., illustrates a toothbrush corresponding to the Oral-B® Cross toothbrush Action? Which has a handle grip area that has a rounded rectangular section and a narrower neck part with an approximately square section.

Despite the foregoing, there is still a need for further improvements in the ergonomics of the design of the handle of toothbrushes and the like. Has been found now that a comfortable handle can be provided, which provides a firm grip and facilitates handling, especially the rotation, by the user, providing two grip parts adjacent, first and second, which have respectively ovoidal and ellipsoidal cross sections, with main axes perpendicular.

Compendium of the invention

The present invention provides a handle for a utensil for personal use, especially for a brush teeth, which have distal and proximal ends, the end being distal connected, or adapted to be connected, to a head of brushed. The handle comprises:

to)

a first grip area, adjacent to the proximal end of the handle, to keep in the user's hand, which has a cross section ovoidal, which has a major or major axis and a minor axis; Y

b)

a second grip area, for manipulation by the user's fingers, which extends from the first grip zone, in the direction of the distal end of the handle, and that has, at least in one zone adjacent to the first grip zone, a cross section ellipsoidal that has a major or major axis and an axis Minor;

characterized in that the major axis of the second grip area is perpendicular to the major axis of the first zone of grab

A utensil with a handle as described here It is comfortable to hold and easy to adjust or adapt within the hand. It is especially suitable for manipulations that are they need in a toothbrush, but it would also be suitable for utensils or instruments for personal care such as Razors, hair brushes, scrapers language and the like

Detailed description of the invention Definitions

The longitudinal axis of the handle is the one that extends between the distal and proximal ends thereof. Other references to the longitudinal term should be taken as referred to directions along or parallel to the longitudinal axis, to unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise specified, the cross sections of the handle referred to in this document should be considered perpendicular to the axis longitudinal of the handle.

The major axes refer to the dimensions longer than the cross sections to which they refer. The minor axes refer to their longer dimensions cross sections drawn perpendicular to the axes greater. A minor axis will always be shorter than its major axis correspondent.

By "ovoidal" is meant a two-dimensional figure that corresponds roughly to the typical cross section taken longitudinally from an egg, which is a generally rounded figure that has a much more extreme pointed than the other. It includes, for example, figures that can have partially flattened parts assuming the global ovoidal impression.

Mango

The handle of the invention has distal ends and proximal The distal end is connected, or adapted to be connected, to a brush head. That is, the head of brushed is shaped entirely with the handle or it can be connected detachably with him, to allow, for example, the replacement of a worn head or replacement of a head normal brush for a different type of head, such as a massager of gums, a tongue scraper, a toothpick, a brush Compact or an interdental brush. The shape of the head is not critical to the invention, although a correlation between the form of the head and the first grip area of the handle can provide Additional advantages, as explained below.

In a preferred embodiment, the handle has a head molded entirely with it, carrying the head bristles or being subsequently filled with bristles, so that it forms a toothbrush. The head, excluding the bristles and the massage elements, can be a unique construction or assembly or it can be multi-segmented, as described in the document of the WO-A-98/27846. Preferably, it is of unique and individual construction. In a additionally especially preferred embodiment, the head comprises both bristles and massage elements, as described in application 99GB-013717 that is presented together with this. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the handle it has a primary brush head attached to that whole or separably, which has bristles that extend from from there in a direction generally parallel to the major axis of the first grip area and, most preferably, in the direction drawn to the sharpest end of the cross section ovoidal

The handle described herein comprises at least one First and second grip area. The first grip zone, adjacent to the proximal end of the handle, it is to hold in the palm of the user's hand. It has a cross section ovoidal, which has a major axis and a minor axis. The first zone of grip has a longitudinal length of about 50 to about 100 mm, preferably of approximately 60 to approximately 90 mm. In order to get a smooth transition to the second grip area of the handle, the cross section of the first grip zone may not be ovoidal along its entire length, but generally it will be ovoidal along 50% or more, preferably 65% or more, of its length. The ovoidal cross section has a major axis and a minor axis, which are generally in a ratio of 1.4: 1 to 1.1: 1, preferably in a ratio of 1.3: 1 to 1.1: 1, and more preferably from 1.2: 1 to 1.1: 1. Again, the precise values of the proportion may vary throughout the first zone of grip, but the above will generally be true throughout the 50% or more, preferably 65% or more, of its length. The first grip area has an upper surface that is, view of profile, preferably arched, to provide more grip comfortable. The proximal end of the first grip zone is also preferably rounded, for the same reason. The surface lower of the first grip area, opposite the surface top of it, is preferably flattened along the less part of its length, so that the handle can remain in a stable position when placed in a flat surface, for example, in order to prevent the bristles They are in contact with the surface. The maximum value of the major axis from the first grip zone, at approximately 40% to 60% at along its longitudinal axis, it is preferably in the range from about 15 to about 20 mm, more preferably from about 16.5 to about 19 mm. The maximum value of the minor axis of the first grip zone, which is located generally in the same longitudinal position approximately that that of the major axis is generally in the range of about 11.5 to about 17 mm, preferably in the range from about 13 to about 17 mm, more preferably from about 14 to about 16 mm.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the First grip area is completely coated with elastomer, which makes it comfortable to hold and allows greater flexibility to the time to provide a specific or particular appearance. He elastomer coating comprises part of the first zone of grip and should be included in any dimensional analysis of the same. In order to reduce friction between the brush and machinery parts during manufacturing, you can afford optionally protruding a plastic "strip" through of the elastomer in the areas where the handle makes contact with the guide channels, when the handle is transported from a station to another in the manufacturing process. Generally, the first zone Grip will be an integral part of the handle. However, also you can foresee or imagine that at least an external part of the First grip area can be movable, removable, preferably with a setting of remove / put or friction type, in order to hide or conceal a storage area for a removable head; optionally, they can be attached to the end proximal handle auxiliary brushing heads so permanently or so that they can be released or separated; materials auxiliaries such as toothpaste, other cleaning materials or diagnostic elements; or, merely, one more framework or structure thin that fit more easily on a brush holder conventional teeth Alternatively, or additionally, it can be adapt a first removable grip area, or a part external of it, to provide a cover that can be adjusted over the head that is attached to the distal end of the handle. This shape, the complete utensil can be adapted to occupy a space smaller when not in use and / or the head can be kept clean, doing it in this way especially suitable for use on trips Among the appropriate auxiliary care heads are include here: gum massagers, tongue scrapers, toothpicks, compact brushes or interdental brushes, although the possibilities are not limited to the previous ones.

The second grip area of the handle extends from the first grip zone in the direction of the distal end of mango It is especially suitable for handling by fingers of the user and has, at least, in an area adjacent to the first grip area, an ellipsoidal cross section that It has major and minor axes. Generally, the second grip zone It has a longitudinal length of approximately 20 to about 45 mm, preferably about 25 to approximately 35 mm Suitably, the cross section of the second grip zone is ellipsoidal along 70% or more, preferably 90% or more of its length. The section ellipsoidal transverse has a major axis and a minor axis that are preferably in the proportion of 1.3: 1 to 1.1: 1, preferably from 1.2: 1 to 1.1: 1. Again, the concrete values of the proportion they may vary along the second grip zone, but what above will be generally true throughout 70% or more, preferably 90% or more of its length. The maximum value of major axis of the second grip zone is preferably in the range from about 8 to about 14 mm, more preferably from about 10 to about 12 mm. He maximum value of the minor axis of the second grip zone is preferably in the range of about 8 to approximately 10 mm

The major axis of the second grip zone is perpendicular to the major axis of the first grip zone.

The minor axis of the second grip zone is extends between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the two surfaces, upper and lower, preferably both, have ribs of grab on them. These are preferably formed by a elastomer and can be easily incorporated by techniques conventional molding. The ribs, which extend preferably in the transverse direction along the (s) surface (s), do not protrude from the surface generally more than about 1 mm and can also extend around from the sides of the second grip area. When they are measured or calculate dimensions or proportions of the second grip zone, Any ribs that exist should be excluded.

In preferred embodiments of this document, the handle further comprises a third zone or part of the distal grip with respect to the second grip zone, this third zone being grip both wider and deeper than the second zone of grab The third grip zone can act as an area of thumb rest and preferably is coated with a elastomer The third grip zone may comprise a means to detachably attach a head and / or a neck to the handle.

The handle may further comprise an area of neck at its proximal end, usually this one of a cross section smaller than the rest of the handle and being devoid of grip elements.

Most of the handle body (and the head when appropriate) is usually made of materials relatively non-compressible, preferably with a module elasticity of at least about 500 MPa, more preferably at least about 1000 MPa, which are classic and conventional in the manufacture of toothbrushes, in Special plastic materials. Among the plastic materials Suitable include, for example, polyamides, polypropylenes, polyurethanes, poly (methyl methacrylates) and acetates-propionates of cellulose. Polypropylene is preferred. Among the polypropylenes Suitable include "Mosten 52945 polypropylene" (marketed by Schulman), which has an elastic modulus (ISO 178) of 1500 MPa and Apryl 3400 MA1 of Elf Atochem.

The handle (and the head when it is suitable) are generally manufactured by injection molding. Bristles and massage elements can be attached to the head using methods known in the art, such as technologies manufacture of stapling and without anchors.

The elastomeric parts of the handle described here They are preferably manufactured with a thermoplastic elastomer that It has a hardness of about 10 to about 90 Shore A, more preferably from about 50 to about 80 Shore A and, most preferably, approximately 70 Shore A. Among the Suitable materials include those available under the names registered Megol, Santoprene and Multibase. They are also useful silicone elastomers Preferably, the handle comprises a once molded frame or structure on which they are molded the elastomer areas, in a separate molding step by injection. Preferably, all areas of elastomer are interconnected, to allow single injection molding point.

Brief description of the drawings

Although the specification concludes with claims that especially point out and clearly claim the subject or subject of the invention, it is thought that it you will understand better with the following description, taken together with the drawings that accompany this report, in the which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a embodiment of the handle of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top view (from above) of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a bottom view (from below) of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side view of Figure one.

Figure 5 is a cross section through of the second grip area in S-S.

Figure 6 is a cross section through of the first grip area in F-F.

Figure 7 is a side view of a second embodiment of a handle of the present invention.

Detailed description of the drawings

In detailed reference now to the drawings, in which the same number indicates the same element in all views, shown here in figures 1 to 6 a handle according to the invention, generally indicated as 1. The handle comprises three grip areas, first, second and third, indicated respectively as 2, 3 and 4. In addition, the handle comprises a neck thin 5 and has a head 6 integrally attached to the end distal of the handle 1. In the preferred embodiment, the head 6 has bristles that extend from the upper face of the head 6, the which, however, are not shown. In this embodiment, the head, neck and second grip area are all parts of a once formed polypropylene shell, which is prolongs along the entire brush. The first grip areas and third, 2 and 4, have an outer elastomer coating. The second grip zone further comprises grip ribs 7 which they extend transversely through it, and that project from the upper and lower surfaces. A channel 8 that runs longitudinally through the handle connects the different elastomeric zones, so that they can be manufactured by single point injection molding.

The first grip zone 2 has a section transverse ovoidal, as best seen in figure 6. An area flattened 9 on the lower surface of the first grip zone allows the handle to remain in a stable position on a flat surface with the head face 6 that carries the bristles placed up. Side profile view, as in the Figure 4, the first grip area has an upper surface arched along the longitudinal direction. The extreme Proximal 10 of the handle is rounded. As described previously, the first grip zone can be separable, Detachable from the main body of the handle.

The second grip zone 3 has a section ellipsoidal transverse, as best seen in figure 5. Its axes major and minor, 11 and 12, are perpendicular to the major and minor, 13 and 14, of the first grip area.

This embodiment comprises a third zone of grip 4 that can serve as a resting area for the thumb of the user and has for that purpose a flat landing area fifteen.

A second embodiment is shown in Figure 7 of the handle, in which the area or portion 16 of the part of Polypropylene brush handle protrudes through the elastomer lining of both areas of first grip and third along the sides of the handle and at its proximal end. The discovered polypropylene parts help a smooth passage of the handle through the production lines, in the process of manufacturing.

Claims (15)

1. An elongated handle (1), for a utensil of personal care such as a toothbrush, which has ends proximal and distal, the distal end being connected to, or ready to be connected to, a brush head (6); comprising the handle:

to)

a first grip area (2), adjacent to the proximal end of the handle,  to keep in the user's hand; Y

b)

a second grip area (3), to manipulate by the fingers of the user, which extends from the first grip area in direction to the distal end of the handle;

characterized in that the first grip zone has an ovoidal cross section that has a major axis and a minor axis, and that the second grip zone has, at least in the region adjacent to the first grip zone, an ellipsoidal cross section that has a major axis and a minor axis, in which the major axis of the second grip zone is perpendicular to the major axis of the first grip zone. 2. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the proportion of the maximum length of the major axis of the first grip area with respect to the maximum length of the major axis of the second grip area is 1.2: 1 to 1.8: 1, preferably of 1.3: 1 to 1.6: 1. 3. A handle according to claim 1 or the claim 2, wherein the proportion of the major axis of the first grip zone to the minor axis of the first grip zone is from 1.4: 1 to 1.1: 1. 4. A handle according to claim 3, wherein the proportion of the major axis of the first area of grip on the axis smaller than the first grip zone is 1.3: 1 to 1.1: 1, preferably from 1.2: 1 to 1.1: 1. 5. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first grip zone it has a length in the longitudinal direction of 50 to 100 mm, preferably from 60 to 90 mm. 6. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first grip zone It is coated with elastomer. 7. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proportion of the major axis from the second area of grip to the minor axis of the second zone of grip is 1.3: 1 to 1.1: 1, preferably 1.2: 1 to 1.1: 1. 8. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the major axis of the second grip area has a maximum length of 8 to 14 mm, preferably from 10 to 12 mm. 9. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the minor axis of the second grip area extends between the upper surfaces and bottom of it and in which at least one of the two surfaces, upper and lower, it has grip ribs (7) on it. 10. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third grip area (4) distal of the second grip zone (3), being the same both wider and deeper than the second zone of grab 11. A handle according to claim 10, in the that the third grip zone is coated with elastomer. 12. A handle according to any one of the preceding claims, which has a brush head (6) primary attached integrally or detachably to its end distal, and in which the brush head has bristles that are extend from it in a direction parallel to the major axis of The first grip area. 13. A personal brushing tool that comprises a handle according to claim 12, wherein the first grip area is separable. 14. A tool for personal brushing according to claim 13, wherein the primary brush head is detachably attached and the first grip zone hides auxiliary brush heads or a thinner frame. 15. A personal brushing tool according to the claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the first zone detachable grip is adapted to provide a lid that can be adjusted on the primary brush head.