MX2015006483A

MX2015006483A - Oral care system.

Info

Publication number: MX2015006483A
Application number: MX2015006483A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Douglas Hohlbein
Original assignee: Colgate Palmolive Co
Priority date: 2012-11-30
Filing date: 2012-11-30
Publication date: 2015-08-14
Also published as: AU2012395805A1; EP2925187A1; TW201440688A; US20150296966A1; RU2015120378A; BR112015012407A2; IN2015DN02068A; CN105188470A; WO2014084840A1

Abstract

An oral care system is provided. The system comprises a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle connected to the head, the handle comprising a grip structure forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; and a lock movable between a first state and a second state; wherein, when the lock is in the first state, the grip structure is freely rotatable about an axis relative to the head and, when the lock is in the second state, the grip structure is prevented from rotating relative to the head.

Description

BUCCAL CARE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Oral care implements, especially toothbrushes are used by many people on a daily basis. Typical mouth care implements comprise an elongated handle and a head connected to one end of the handle. The handle provides a structure through which a user holds and manipulates the oral care implement during use. The head typically comprises one or more elements designed to perform its intended function, such as teeth cleaning elements, soft tissue cleaning elements, and / or oral care agents.

Over the years, efforts have been made to improve the design of the handles of the oral care implements, in order to provide users with increased control of the implements and an improved range of the elements included in the heads, so that the oral care implements can deliver improved cleaning of the oral cavities of users during oral care sessions. Such efforts have included the development of handles that have multiple components, including a hard core structure and softer grip covers or softer grip bodies, in a attempt to increase user control over the implements. Other existing oral care implements have handles with sections oriented to selected angles in relation to each other and in relation to the head of the implements, in an attempt to improve the range, so that surfaces that were previously difficult to reach in the oral cavity now They are within reach with the elements.

Despite these efforts, the need for an oral care system that has a structure that delivers improved cleaning of a user's oral cavity during use persists. For example, there is a need for a system of oral care that better ensures the elements in the head of an implement so that these can reach the buccal surfaces and depressions and corrugations in them, in order to deliver improved cleaning of the surfaces mouths BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the present invention provides a buccal care system, comprising: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle connected to the head, the handle comprising a grip structure that forms at least one portion of an exterior surface of the handle; and a movable insurance between a first state and a second state; wherein when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head.

By "freely rotary" it is meant that the gripping structure is not biased to a particular angular position relative to the head. Preferably, the rotation of the grip structure relative to the head is not restricted by any other part of the system.

Preferably, the oral care system comprises an oral care implement that has the head and the handle; and the insurance; wherein the insurance comprises a blocking element that is attached to, or that can be attached to, the oral care implement.

Optionally, in the first state, the blocking element is separate from the oral care implement and, in the second state, the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in a second position in the oral care implement which prevents the Grip structure rotates in relation to the head.

Optionally, in the first state, the element of blocking is attached to the oral care implement in a first position in the oral care implement and, in the second state, the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in a second position in the oral care implement.

Optionally, when the locking element is attached to the mouth care implement in the second position, the locking element is mounted on one of the head and a handle body that is not rotatable relative to the head, and engages a feature in the structure of grip, thus preventing the grip structure from rotating in relation to the head.

Optionally, when the locking element is attached to the mouth care implement in the second position, the locking element is mounted on the grip structure, and couples a feature on one of the head and a handle body that is not rotatable relative to the handle. to the head, thus preventing the grip structure from rotating in relation to the head.

Preferably, the feature comprises one or more of a notch, a channel, a hole, a space and a protrusion.

Preferably, the blocking element comprises a C-pin or a collar.

Preferably, the locking element is movable in a direction parallel to the axis between the first and second positions in the buccal care implement.

Optionally, the cleaning element has the distal end further away from the surface of the head; and the shaft passes through the cleaning element at a point in the cleaning element between the surface of the head and the distal end of the cleaning element.

Preferably, the grip structure is rotatable relative to the cleaning element around the shaft.

Preferably, the point is separated from the distal end of the cleaning element. The point may be closer to the distal end of the cleaning element than to the surface of the head.

Preferably, the grip structure is rotatable through at least 90 degrees, or at least 180 degrees, or at least 270 degrees, or 360 degrees, or at least 360 degrees, about the axis relative to the head. Optionally, the grip structure is axially fixed relative to the head.

The handle may comprise a body connected to the head. The grip structure can be connected to the body to be rotatable relative to the body around the shaft when the latch is in the first state. Preferably, the The grip structure is axially fixed relative to the body.

The body can comprise two parts. The grip structure can be placed between the two parts so that the grip structure is axially fixed relative to the body through the two parts. The two parts can be two body parts connected together, or they can be a single unit piece.

The grip structure can be connected to the body through a snap connection.

Preferably, the grip structure comprises a sleeve having an interior cavity, and a portion of the body is positioned within the interior cavity of the sleeve. Alternatively, at least a portion of the body may comprise a sleeve having an interior cavity, and a portion of the grip structure is positioned within the interior cavity of the sleeve.

Preferably, the body is immovable relative to the head. Preferably the body is unitary with the head.

The handle can be connected to the head by means of a snap connection.

Preferably, the shaft is a longitudinal axis of the mouth care implement and / or the handle.

The grip structure can be manually rotating around the axis in relation to the head and / or body by a user. Alternatively, the implement may comprise an energized rotator, such as a motor, for effecting rotation of the grip structure. The energized rotator can be operated by a user to effect the rotation of the grip structure.

Optionally, the grip structure is at least partially constructed of resilient material, such as the thermoplastic elastomer and / or SEBS. Optionally, the grip structure is at least partially constructed of hard or rigid material such as hard plastic. The grip structure may comprise a first piece constructed of resilient material and a second piece constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic. The grip structure can be connected to the body by means of the second piece of the grip structure which is connected to the body.

Optionally, the head is at least partially constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic. Optionally, the body is at least partially constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic. The hard or rigid material may comprise one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cellulosic, SAN, acrylic, ABS and a thermoplastic.

Preferably, the cleaning element comprises one or another of a tooth cleaning element and a soft tissue cleaning element. Preferably, a plurality of cleaning elements extends from the head. The plurality of cleaning elements may comprise one or more of teeth cleaning elements and / or one or more of soft tissue cleaning elements.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for a mouth care system, the kit of parts comprising: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle that can be connected to the head, the handle comprising a grip structure that forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; and a latch that is movable between a first state and a second state when the handle is connected to the head; wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head.

Preferably, the latch comprises a locking element in the form of a C-pin or a collar.

Optionally, the cleaning element has a distal end further away from the surface of the head; and the shaft passes through the cleaning element at a point in the cleaning element between the surface of the head and the distal end of the cleaning element.

The kit of parts, or the oral care system provided when assembling the kit of parts, may comprise any one or more of the optional and preferable features described above of the oral care system of the first aspect of the present invention.

A third aspect of the present invention provides the method for manufacturing a buccal care system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a head; (b) providing the head with a cleaning element extending from a surface of the head; (c) connecting a handle to the head, the handle comprising a grip structure that forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; (d) providing a latch that is moveable between a first state and a second state, wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a buccal care system, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a head and a body connected to the head; (b) provide the head with a cleaning element extending from a surface of the head; (c) connecting a grip structure to the body, the grip structure forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of a handle; and (d) providing a latch that is movable between a first state and a second state, wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the body and, when the sure it is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate in relation to the body.

In the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, preferably step (b) comprises providing a head with a cleaning element that extends from the surface of the head and has a distal end further away from the surface of the head; and preferably the shaft passes through the cleaning element at a point in the cleaning element between the surface of the head and the distal end of the cleaning element.

In the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, optionally step (c) is carried out after step (b). Alternatively, in the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, optionally step (b) is carried out after step (c).

In the third aspect method or the fourth method aspect, preferably the point is separated from the distal end of the cleaning element. Preferably, the point is closer to the distal end of the cleaning element than to the surface of the head.

In the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, preferably the grip structure is axially fixed relative to the head.

In the method of the fourth aspect, optionally step (c) comprises positioning the gripping structure between two parts of the body so that the gripping structure is axially fixed relative to the body through the two parts.

In the method of the fourth aspect, optionally step (c) comprises connecting the gripping structure to the body through a snap connection.

In the method of the fourth aspect, optionally at least a portion of the grip structure comprises a sleeve defining an interior cavity, and step (c) comprises placing a portion of the body within the interior cavity of the sleeve. Step (c) may comprise trapping the body portion between two sections of the gripping structure, and preferably after connecting the two sections of the gripping structure together. Alternatively, at least a portion of the body comprises a sleeve that defines an inner cavity, and step (c) comprises placing a portion of the grip structure within the interior cavity of the sleeve.

In the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, preferably the axis is a longitudinal axis of the buccal care implement or of the handle.

In the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, preferably the cleaning element comprises one or the other of a tooth cleaning element and a soft tissue cleaning element. Preferably, step (b) comprises providing the head with a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the surface of the head. The plurality of cleaning elements may comprise one or more of teeth cleaning elements and one or more of soft tissue cleaning elements.

In the method of the third aspect or the method of the fourth aspect, the resulting oral care system provided when the method is executed may comprise any one or more of the optional and preferable features described above of the oral care system of the first aspect of the present invention. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a front view of a system of oral care according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the oral care system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buccal care system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buccal care system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buccal care system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buccal care system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buccal care system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 8 (a) to 8 (d) are a series of front views of an oral care system according to the present invention, the views illustrate the relative movement between a grip structure and a head of an oral care implement. of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. The intention of the description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is that it is read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which will be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosed invention, any reference to the address or orientation is simply intended to be for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower", "higher", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "above", "below", "left", "right", "superior" e "lower" as well as derivatives thereof (eg, "horizontally", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be interpreted to refer to the orientation as described or shown below in the drawings that will be analyzed. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be interpreted or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly so indicated. Terms such as "united", "fixed", "connected", "coupled", "interconnected", "insured" and the like refer to a relationship in which the structures are secured or joined together either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as unions or mobile or rigid relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. In addition, the features and benefits of the invention are described by reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. Accordingly, the invention should not expressly be limited to those exemplary embodiments that illustrate some possible non-limiting combination of characteristics that may exist alone or in other combinations of characteristics; the scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

In the following description, the invention is incorporated in a system comprising a manually operated oral care implement, more specifically a manually operated toothbrush. However, in other embodiments, the invention is incorporated into a system comprising an energized toothbrush wherein one or more cleaning elements provided to the implement head are operable in order to be moved relative to the implement handle. In still further embodiments, the invention can be incorporated into systems comprising other forms of oral care implements, such as a soft tissue cleaning implement, an interproximal toothpick, a floss tool, a plate scraper, or another implement in contact with teeth designed for oral care. It will be understood that other embodiments may be used, and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an oral care system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a buccal care implement, in this case a toothbrush, generally designated with the reference number 100 and a lock comprising a locking element 200 in the shape of a C-pin. The toothbrush 100 generally comprises a handle 110 and a head 120. The handle 110 provides the user with a mechanism through which he can easily hold and manipulate the toothbrush 100. The handle 110 includes ergonomic features that provide a high degree of control for the user thereto. time that comfort is maintained. The head 120 has a proximal portion 121 and a distal portion 122. The head 120 includes, at its proximal portion 121, a neck 123 connected to a distal end 104 of the handle 110. neck 123 is generally narrower in cross-sectional area than at least distal end 104 of handle 110 and, in some embodiments, neck 123 is generally narrower in cross-sectional area than all handle 110. The head also it includes, in its distal portion, a plurality of teeth cleaning elements 130, which are generally illustrated as a block.

Generally, the toothbrush extends from a proximal end 101 (which is also the proximal end 103 of the handle 110) to a distal end 102 (which is at the distal end of the distal portion 122 of the head 120) as shown in FIG. length of a longitudinal axis AA. Although the handle 110 is a non-linear structure in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A of the implement 100 is linear in the illustrated embodiment. However, the invention is not limited to this, and in some embodiments, the implement 100 may have a simple linear handle 110 that is longitudinally aligned along the linear longitudinal axis A-A of the implement 100.

The head 120 is connected to the handle 110. As discussed in more detail below, in this embodiment the head 120 is connected to a body 140 (discussed in more detail below) of the handle 110 of the toothbrush 100, with the head 120 and the body 140 being formed as an integral structure using an injection molding process. The body 140 is immovable relative to the head 120. The body 140 and the head 120 are a single unitary structure. However, in other embodiments, the head 120 and body 140 can be formed as separate components that are operatively connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process through any convenient known technique, including without limitation thermal welding, sonic welding, a tight fitting assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners and a snap fit connection. Whether the head 120 and the body 140 are constructed as a single piece or as a multi-piece assembly (including connection techniques) this is not a limitation of the present invention in all embodiments. In addition, other manufacturing techniques can be used in place of and / or in addition to injection molding to create the handle 110 and / or the head 120 (or components thereof), such as milling and / or machining.

In this embodiment, each of the head 120 and the body 140 is constructed of a hard or rigid material, specifically hard plastic polypropylene (PP). However, in variations of this mode, the head 120 in its place or additionally can be constructed of one or more of the following hard or rigid materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, polia ida, polyester, cellulose, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and a thermoplastic. Also, in variations of this embodiment, the body 140 in place or additionally may be constructed of one or more of the following hard or rigid materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cellulosic, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and a thermoplastic.

It should be noted that relative terms such as distal, middle, proximal, superior, inferior, up, down, lateral, frontal, rear, left, right, etc. they are simply used to delineate relative positions of the components of the implement 100 with respect to each other and are not intended to be in any way a limitation of the present invention.

The head 120 generally comprises a front surface 124 and a rear surface 125. The front surface 124 and the rear surface 125 of the head 120 can assume a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are a limitation of the present invention. . For example, the front and rear surfaces 124, 125 may be flat, contoured or combinations of the same. The front surface 124 and the rear surface 125 are joined by a peripheral or lateral surface 126 of the head 120.

The plurality of teeth cleaning elements 130, which are illustrated generally as a block, are provided on and extend outwardly from the front surface 124 of the cleaning contact head 120 with a buccal surface, preferably teeth. Although the set of cleaning elements 130 is particularly suitable for brushing the teeth, the set of cleaning elements 130 can also be used to clean soft oral tissue, such as tongue, gums or cheeks instead of or in addition to the teeth . As used herein, the term "cleaning element" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage an oral surface, such as teeth or soft tissue, through surface contact relative.

In this embodiment, a plurality of cleaning elements 130 are provided. However, in a variation to this embodiment, only one cleaning element 130 is provided. Also, in this embodiment, the cleaning elements 130 comprise a plurality of bristles. However, in variations to this modality, the elements of cleaning additionally or alternatively may comprise any one or more of the following, without limitation: filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protuberances, flexible polymer protrusions, coextruded filaments , indicator bristles, curled bristles, antibacterial bristles and combinations thereof and / or structures containing said materials or combinations.

The plurality of cleaning elements 130 can be connected to the head 120 in any manner known in the art. For example, anchor-free entanglement (AFT) could be used to connect the cleaning elements 130. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head 120 such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles (or other elements, such as elastomeric elements) extend through the plate or membrane. The distal, free ends 131 of the bristles 130 on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles 130 on the other side of the plate or membrane are fused together by heat to be anchored in place. In the wide practice of this invention, any convenient form of cleaning elements 130 can be used. Alternatively, cleaning elements 130 could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections extending through of convenient openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the cleaning elements 130 is mounted inside or under the tuft block. Instead you could use staple technology.

Regardless of the type and number of cleaning elements 130 provided, the element or each cleaning element 130 has its distal end 131 further away from the front surface 124 of the head 120. As illustrated in Figure 1, at least one element of cleaning 130 extends from the front surface 124 of the head 120 so that the longitudinal axis AA of the implement 100 passes through the element, some elements or each of the cleaning elements 130. For each of the cleaning elements 130 through which the longitudinal axis AA passes, the axis AA passes through the cleaning element 130 at a point in the cleaning element 130 between the front surface 124 of the head 120 and the free distal end 131 of the cleaning element 130 The meaning of this feature is explained below.

If desired, the back surface 125 of the head 120 may comprise one or more buccal cleaning structures, such as one or more soft tissue cleaners (as shown in Figures 8 (b) to 8 (d)). These soft tissue cleansers can be constructed from a thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE") and may include one or more projections, such as knots and / or edges, for coupling and massaging soft oral tissue, as is the case with the tongue.

The handle 110 of the implement 100 of this embodiment comprises, in addition to the body 140, a grip structure 150, or "grip". The grip structure 150 forms a portion of an exterior surface 111 of the handle 110, and comprises a plurality of protuberances 158, such as one or more of knots, bulges, ridges and ribs. The protuberances 158 provide the gripping structure 150 with a textured surface, which helps a user to hold and manipulate the implement 100 during a buccal care session.

In this embodiment, the grip structure 150 consists of only one piece. In this embodiment, the grip structure 150 is constructed of a resilient material which comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. In other embodiments, the resilient material in place may also comprise styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene (SEBS). In still further embodiments, the grip structure 150 in place or additionally may be constructed of one or more hard or rigid materials, such as hard plastic. Hard or rigid material may comprise any one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cellulose, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and a thermoplastic. For example, as shown in Figure 3 (discussed in more detail below), a second embodiment of the oral care implement 100, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a grasping structure 150 having a first piece. or portion 151 constructed of resilient material, which in the second embodiment is a thermoplastic elastomer, and a second part or portion 152 connected to the first part 151 and constructed of hard or rigid material, which in the second embodiment is a hard plastic , such as polypropylene.

Returning to the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the grip structure 150 comprises a sleeve having an interior surface 153 defining an interior cavity of the sleeve. The grip structure 150 and the body 140 are relatively accommodated so that a first portion 145 of the body 140 is placed within the interior cavity of the sleeve. The inner surface 153 of the gripping structure 150 and an outer surface 143 of the first portion 145 of the body 140 are sized to allow movement of the gripping structure 150 relative to the body 140. That is, a clearance in the The shape of an annular space is provided between the inner surface 153 and the outer surface 143. In the present embodiment, wherein both the inner surface 153 of the gripper structure 150 and the outer surface 143 of the body portion 140 are cylindrical , the diameter of the inner surface 153 is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface 143.

The grip structure 150 is connected or mounted to the body 140 to be rotatable relative to the body 140. In addition, the grip structure 150 is connected or mounted to the body 140 to be rotatable relative to the head 120, and therefore with respect to to the de-cleaning elements 130. The gripping structure 150 is rotatable relative to the body 140 and relative to the head 120 about the longitudinal axis AA of the oral care implement 100. In this embodiment, the gripping structure 150 is rotatable to through 360 degrees (in fact, through more than 360 degrees) about the longitudinal axis AA relative to the body 140 and relative to the head 120. In addition, the grip structure 150 is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis AA with relation to the body 140 and in relation to the head 120. That is, the rotation of the grip structure 150 relative to the body 140 and relative to the head 120 is not restricted by any other part of the implement 100 so that, for example, the grip structure 150 is not biased to a particular angular position relative to the body 140 or relative to the head 120.

The rotation of the gripping structure 150 relative to the head 120 is illustrated in Figure 1. An alternative position of the head 120 relative to the gripping structure 150 is shown in dashed lines, this position is achieved following the relative rotational movement between the head 120 and the grip structure 150. This relative rotation is further illustrated in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (d). In each of the figures 8 (a) to 8 (d), the grip structure 150 is in the same position relative to the page, but the head 120 (and the body 140) are rotated through 90 degrees between successive figures. One skilled in the art will understand the similar relative rotational movement between the head 120 and the grip structure 150 in an embodiment of the implement 100 that excludes the body 140 (such as the fifth embodiment, discussed below).

The body 140 of the implement 100 of this embodiment comprises a first part 141, which includes the first portion 145 of the body 140 having the outer surface 143 discussed above, and a second part 142. The two parts 141, 142 are two pieces of the body 140 connected together although, in a variation of this embodiment, the two parts 141, 142 could be a single unit piece. The first part 141 has a surface 141a, which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis AA, against whose surface 141a abuts a first axial end 150a of the gripping structure 150. With the first axial end 150a of the gripping structure 150 abutting with the surface 141a of the first part 141, a second portion 146 of the first part 141 is not placed within the internal cavity of the gripping structure 150 but instead protrudes from a second axial end 150b of the structure of the first part 141. grip 150. The second part 142 of the body 140 is connected to the first part 141 of the body 140 through any means, such as adhesive, welding, adhesion, snap-fit connection, threaded coupling screws, etc. The second part 142 has a surface 142a, which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis AA, against which surface 142a abuts the second axial end 150b of the gripping structure 150. Accordingly, the gripping structure 150 is placed between the two parts 141, 142 of the body 140 so that the gripping structure 150 remains axially fixed in relation to the body 140 and in relation to the head 120 by the two parts 141, 142 of the body 140.

In a variation to the described embodiment, the axial length of the grip structure 150 may be slightly shorter than the axial distance between the surface 141a of the first part 141 and the surface 142a of the second part 142, so that the first axial end 150a of the gripping structure 150 may not come up against the surface 141a of the first part 141 at the same time that the second axial end 150b of the gripping structure 150 abuts the surface 142a of the second part 142, thereby allowing a small degree of axial movement of the gripping structure 150 relative to the body 140. Preferably, the axial length of the gripping structure 150 is at least 90% of the axial distance between the surface 141a of the first part 141 and the surface 142a of the second part 142. More preferably, the axial length of the structure gripper 150 is at least 95% of the axial distance between the surface 141a of the first part 141 and the surface 142a of the second part 142.

In a variation to the first illustrated embodiment, the grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140 by a snap-fit connection, while still being able to rotate freely about the axis A-A relative to the body 140 and the head 120.

As discussed above, the grip structure 150 can rotate freely about the longitudinal axis A-A relative to the head 120, and therefore with respect to the In addition, as also discussed above, at least one cleaning element 130 extends from the front surface 124 of the head 120 so that the longitudinal axis AA of the implement 100 passes through the elements, some elements or each of the cleaning elements 130. For each of the cleaning elements 130 through which the longitudinal axis AA passes, the shaft AA passes through the cleaning element 130 at a point in the cleaning element 130 between the front surface 124 of the head 120 and the free distal end 131 of the cleaning element 130. Accordingly, the oral care implement 100 has a "mouth surface self-tracking function" during use in a buccal care session. That is, as the cleaning elements 130 are moved through the teeth, the soft tissue or other buccal surface, the head 120 and the cleaning elements 130 rotate relative to the grasping structure 150 to follow the buccal surface. , without the user needing to change his grip on the gripping structure 150. Accordingly, without the user needing to move the surface of his hand and / or fingers relative to the outer surface of the gripping structure 150, the elements of Cleaning 130 are free to follow the contours and undulations of the buccal surface being cleaned. This provides a improved cleaning of the oral cavity of the user, because it is better ensured that the cleaning elements 130 in the head 120 of the implement 100 can reach and contact the buccal surfaces to be cleaned.

In the present embodiment, the point in the cleaning elements 130 through which the AA axis passes is at a location between the distal end 131 and the front surface 124 of the head 120. At least for some of the cleaning elements 130 , the point may be at the respective distal ends 131 of the cleaning elements 130, which can better ensure that the distal ends 131 of the cleaning elements 130 track the buccal surface being cleaned. For one or more of the cleaning elements 130, the point is separated from the respective distal ends 131 of the cleaning elements 130, which can better ensure that the cleaning elements 130 apply a force to the buccal surface being cleaned , particularly if the cleaning elements 130 are resilient. In any case, preferably the point is closer to the distal ends 131 of the cleaning elements 130 than to the front surface 124 of the head 120.

As mentioned before, the oral care system of the first modality also comprises an insurance. He blocking element 200 is movable between a first state and a second state, as will be described in greater detail below. In Figures 1 and 2, the blocking element 200 is attached to the oral care implement 100 in a first position in the oral care implement 100, which is the first state of the safety. More particularly, the blocking element 200 is mounted on the second part 142 of the body 140 of the handle 110, which is not rotatable relative to the head 120. The locking element 200 includes an inner protrusion 201 that engages a notch in a outer surface of the second part 142 of the handle 140, whereby the blocking element 200 is prevented from rotating around the axis AA relative to the head 120. When the latch is in this first state, that is to say, the blocking element 200 is in the first position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gripper structure 150 can rotate freely about the axis AA relative to the head 120, as discussed above.

However, by holding an outer surface 211 of the locking element 200, a user can move the locking element 200 in a direction toward the head 120 and parallel to the axis AA from the first position to a second position on the oral care implement 100, to place the insurance in its second state. This movement is relative to the handle 110, the body 140, the gripping structure 150 and the head 120. When the blocking element 200 is in the second position, i.e. the safety is in its second state, the protrusion 201 inside the Lock 200 engages both the notch in the second part 142 and a notch 159 formed in the outer surface of the grip structure 150, thereby preventing the grip structure 150 from rotating relative to the head 120. That is, the element of lock 200 prevents the grip structure 150 from rotating relative to the head 120.

Subsequently, the user can move the blocking element 200 from its second position to its first position, thus removing the protrusion 201 from the notch 159 and allowing the grip structure 150 to rotate freely relative to the head 120.

Figure 8 (a) shows the blocking element 200 in its second position, and figures 8 (b) to 8 (d) show the blocking element 200 in its first position, allowing relative free rotation of the head 120 and the grip structure 150.

The oral care system of the first modality can be manufactured in the following way. As a first step, the head 120 and the body 140 of the handle 110 are provided.

These can be formed together during manufacturing as a single unit piece, such as using an injection molding process, a milling process and / or a machining process. Alternatively the head 120 and the body 140 can be initially formed as two separate pieces, such as by any of an injection molding process, a milling process, and / or a machining process, and can subsequently be connected between if at a later stage of the manufacturing process through any known convenient technique, including without limitation thermal welding, sonic welding, an airtight fitting assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, fasteners and a press fit connection.

As a second step, the head 120 is provided with at least one cleaning element 130 extending from the front surface 124 of the head 120. This can be through any of the techniques discussed above, such as through AFT, through the use of staples, or otherwise. The element or each element of at least one cleaning element 130 can assume any of the forms discussed above, such as a tooth cleaning element, a soft tissue cleaning element, a bristle, an elastomeric element, etc.

As a third subsequent step, the grip structure 150 (including notch 159) is provided and connected to the body 140, optionally through a press fit connection, so as to be able to rotate freely relative to the body 140 about the longitudinal axis AA of the implement 100, the grip structure 150 forming at least a portion of the outer surface 111 of the handle 110. As discussed above, the AA shaft passes through at least one cleaning element 130 at a point in the cleaning element 130 between the front surface 124 of the head 120 and the distal end 131 of the cleaning element. 130. The grip structure 150 is placed between the two parts 141, 142 of the body 140 so that the grip structure 150 remains axially fixed relative to the body 140 and the head 120 through the two parts 141, 142. That is to say, the sleeve of the grip structure 150 slides over the body 140 so that the first portion 145 of the body 140 is located within the interior cavity of the sleeve. The second part 142 of the body is then connected to the first part 141 of the body through any of the mechanisms discussed above, in order to trap the grip structure 150 between the two parts 141, 142. The grip structure 150 may be provided by being made by any of an injection molding process, a milling process and / or a machining process.

In a variation to this method, the third step can be carry out before or at the same time as the second step.

Finally, the safety is provided by joining the blocking element 200 to the implement 100 in either the first position or the second position.

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 3. The second embodiment comprises all of the above-described elements of the first embodiment of the present invention, and similar elements are indicated in Figure 3 with the same numbers of reference that were used in figures 1 and 2. In the interest of conciseness, the elements common to the two modalities will not be described in detail again with reference to figure 3. All the possible variations described above to the first modality are also they can apply to the second modality.

The oral care implement 100 of the second mode system differs from the implement 100 of the first embodiment only in the form and construction of the grip structure 150. In the first embodiment, the grip structure 150 consists of only one piece. In the second embodiment, the grip structure consists of two or more pieces connected together. More specifically, the grip structure 150 has a first part 151 constructed of resilient material, such as an elastomer thermoplastic and / or SEBS, and a second piece 152 constructed of hard or rigid material, in this case a hard plastic, such as polypropylene. The hard or rigid material alternatively or additionally may comprise any of the plastics discussed above.

The first part 151 forms the majority of the outer surface of the gripper structure 150. In a variation to this embodiment, the first piece 151 can form the entire outer surface of the gripper structure 150. A plurality of said first ones can be provided. pieces 151, each of which is connected to the second piece 152. In said variation, the first piece 151 may comprise a protrusion from the second piece, such as a knot, bulge, edge or rib to assist a user to hold the grip structure 150.

The grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140 through the second piece 152 which is connected to, or mounted on the body 140. The first piece 151 is not directly connected to the body 140, but is only connected to the body 140 indirectly through the second piece 152. The grip structure 150 is placed between the two parts 141, 142 of the body 140, as discussed above for the first embodiment. Because the body 140 and the second part 152 of the gripping structure are formed of a hard material, the grip structure 150 can easily rotate freely relative to the body 140, with the body 140 and the second piece 152 contacting each other. However, because the first piece 151 is constructed of a resilient material, the grip structure 150 has a comfortable outer surface for grip. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the first part 151 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the inner surface 153 of the second part 152.

The blocking element 200 of the system of the second embodiment is substantially the same as the blocking member 200 of the first embodiment, except that the notch 159 is formed only in the first part 151 of the grip structure 150. In a variation to In this embodiment, the notch 159 may extend through the first and second pieces 151, 152 of the grip structure 150.

The oral care system of the second embodiment can be manufactured substantially in accordance with the method described above for manufacturing the first embodiment, differing only in the manner in which the grip structure 150 is provided. According to the second embodiment, the grip structure 150 is first made by forming the second piece 152 of hard material, for example, by means of one of an injection molding process, a milling process and / or a machining process. The second piece 152 can be rotationally symmetrical and preferably has cylindrical symmetry. The material of the first pieces 151 is then molded onto the second piece 152 such as by injection molding. Also, the notch 159 is formed in one or both of the first and second pieces 151, 152.

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 4. The third embodiment comprises many of the above-described elements of the first embodiment of the present invention, and similar elements are indicated in Figure 4 with the same numbers reference numbers that are used in figures 1 and 2. In the interest of conciseness, the elements common to the two modalities will not be described in detail again with reference to figure 4. All the possible variations described above of the first and second modalities also apply to the third modality.

In the third embodiment, the handle 110 still comprises a body 140 and a gripping structure 150, but the body 140 does not have a part equivalent to the second part 142. The body 140 consists of only a part 141 and is constructed of a material hard or rigid, such as a plastic hard. A portion 145 of the body 140 comprises a sleeve having an interior surface 146 defining an interior cavity of the sleeve, and a first portion 155 of the grip structure 150 is positioned within the interior cavity of the sleeve. A second portion 157 of the gripping structure 150 comprises an outer surface for gripping a user, said outer surface forming a portion of the outer surface 111 of the handle 110.

The inner surface 146 of the body 140 and an outer surface 156 of the first portion 155 of the gripping structure 150 are dimensioned to allow movement of the gripping structure 150 relative to the body 140. That is, a clearance is provided in the shape of an annular space between the inner surface 146 and the outer surface 156. In the present embodiment, wherein both the inner surface 146 of the body 140 and the outer surface 156 of the first portion 155 of the grip structure 150 are cylindrical, the diameter of the inner surface 146 is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface 156.

The grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140 by means of a snap-fit connection between the grip structure 150 and the body 140, more specifically between a second piece 152 of the structure of grip 150 and body 140. However, in variations to this embodiment, other forms of connection may be used. The grip structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the body 140. Furthermore, the grip structure 150 is connected or mounted to the body 140 so that it can rotate freely relative to the head 120, and therefore with respect to the cleaning elements 130. The grip structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the body 140 and relative to the head 120 about the longitudinal axis AA of the oral care implement 100.

In the third embodiment, the grip structure 150 consists of two pieces 151, 152 connected together. More specifically, the grip structure 150 has a first piece 151 constructed of resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer and / or SEBS, and the second piece 152 constructed of hard or rigid material, in this case a hard plastic such as Polypropylene. The hard or rigid material alternatively or additionally may comprise any of the plastics discussed above.

The first part 151 forms most of the outer surface of the gripping structure 150. In a variation to this embodiment, the first part 151 can form the entire outer surface of the gripping structure 150. The gripping structure 150 is connected to the body 140 means of the second piece 152 which is connected to, or mounted on the body 140. The first piece 151 is not directly connected to the body 140, but is only connected to the body 140 indirectly through the second piece 152. Because the body 140 and the second part 152 of the gripping structure are formed of a hard material, the gripping structure 150 can easily rotate relative to the body 140, with the body 140 and the second piece 152 contacting each other. However, because the first piece 151 is constructed of a resilient material, the grip structure 150 has a comfortable outer surface for grip. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the first part 151 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface 156 of the second part 152.

In a variation to the third illustrated embodiment, the grip structure 150 may consist of only one piece, and may be constructed of any one or more of the materials discussed above for the grip structures 150 of the first and second embodiments.

The oral care implement of the third embodiment further comprises a lock comprising a locking element 200. In FIG. 4, the locking element 200 is attached to the oral care implement 100 in a first embodiment. position in the oral care implement 100, which is the first insurance status. More particularly, the blocking element 200 is mounted on the gripping structure 150, which is rotatable relative to the head 120. The blocking element 200 includes an inner protrusion 201 that engages a notch on an exterior surface of the structure gripper 150, whereby locking element 200 can not rotate about axis AA relative to grip structure 150. When the latch is in the first state ,. that is, the locking element 200 is in the first position shown in Figure 4, the grip structure 150 can rotate freely around the axis A-A relative to the head 120, as discussed above.

However, by holding an outer surface 211 of the locking element 200, a user can move the locking element 200 in a direction toward the head 120 and parallel to the axis AA from the first position to a second position on the oral care implement 100, to place the insurance in its second state. This movement is relative to the handle 110, the body 140, the gripping structure 150 and the head 120. When the blocking element 200 is in the second position, i.e. the safety is in its second state, the protrusion 201 in the inside of the locking element 200 engages both the notch in the grip structure 150 as a notch 149 formed in the outer surface of the body 140, which is not rotatable relative to the head 120. Accordingly, the grip structure 150 does not rotate relative to the head 120. That is, the blocking element 200 prevents that the grip structure 150 rotates relative to the head 120.

Subsequently, the user can move the locking element 200 from its second position to its first position, thus removing the protrusion 201 from the groove 149 and allowing the grip structure 150 to rotate freely relative to the head 120. The oral care system of the third embodiment can be made substantially in accordance with the above-described method of manufacturing the second embodiment, differing only in the manner in which the grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140. According to the second embodiment, a portion of the body 140 is positioned within a sleeve of the gripper structure 150. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the first portion 155 of the gripper structure 150 is positioned within the sleeve of the body 140, and optionally is connected to the body. 140 through a snap-fit connection. Also, in the third embodiment, the notch 159 is provided at the end of the gripping structure 150 near the first part 141 of the body 140. In the third In this embodiment, the safety is provided by joining the blocking element 200 to the implement 100 in either the first position or the second position.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 5. The fourth embodiment comprises many of the above-described elements of the second embodiment of the present invention, and similar elements are indicated in Figure 5 with the same numbers of reference that are used in Figure 3. In the interest of conciseness, the elements common to the two modalities will not be described in detail again with reference to Figure 5. All the possible variations described above of the first to third modalities also apply to the fourth modality.

In the fourth embodiment, the handle 110 still comprises a body 140 and a grip structure 150 but, in contrast to the second embodiment, the body 140 does not have a part equivalent to the second part 142. The body 140 consists only of a part 141 and is constructed of a hard or rigid material, such as a hard plastic.

As regards the second embodiment, the grip structure 150 has two pieces 151, 152. The first piece 151 is constructed of resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer and / or SEBS, and the second piece 152 It is constructed of hard or rigid material, in this case a hard plastic, such as polypropylene. The rigid or hard material alternatively or additionally may comprise any of the plastics discussed above. The first piece 151 forms most of the outer surface of the gripper structure 150. In a variation to this embodiment, the first piece 151 can only form the entire outer surface of the gripper structure 150. The gripper structure 150 is connected to the body 140 by means of the second piece 152 which is connected to, or mounted on the body 140. The first piece 151 is not directly connected to the body 140, but is only connected to the body 140 indirectly through the second piece. 152. Because both the body 140 and the second piece 152 of the grip structure are formed of a hard material, the grip structure 150 can easily rotate relative to the body 140, with the body 140 and the second piece 152 contacting each other. each. However, because the first piece 151 is constructed of a resilient material, the grip structure 150 has a comfortable outer surface for grip. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the first part 151 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the inner surface 153 of the second part 152.

The grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140 by means of a press fit connection between the grip structure 150 and the body 140, more specifically between the second piece 152 of the grip structure 150 and the body 140. However, in variations to this mode, other forms of connection can be used. The grip structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the body 140. Furthermore, the grip structure 150 is connected or mounted to the body 140 in order to be able to rotate freely relative to the head 120, and therefore with respect to the elements of cleaning 130. The grip structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the body 140 and relative to the head 120 about the longitudinal axis AA of the mouth care implement 100.

In a variation to the fourth illustrated embodiment, the grip structure 150 may consist of only one piece, and may be constructed of any one or more of the materials discussed above for the grip structures 150 of the first, second and third embodiments .

The oral care system of the fourth embodiment further comprises a lock comprising a locking element 200. In FIG. 5, the locking element 200 is attached to the oral care implement 100 in a first position in the oral care implement 100. , which is the first insurance status. More particularly, the blocking element 200 is mounted on the first part 141 of the body 140 of the handle, which is not rotatable relative to the head 120. The locking element 200 includes an inner protrusion 201 that engages a notch in a outer surface of the first part 141 of the body, whereby the blocking element 200 can not rotate about the axis AA relative to the head 120. When the latch is in this first state, that is, the blocking element 200 is in In the first position shown in Figure 5, the grip structure 150 can rotate freely about the axis AA relative to the head 120, as discussed above.

However, by grasping an outer surface 211 of the locking element 200, a user can move the locking element 200 in a direction away from the head 120 and parallel to the axis AA from the first position to a second position in the oral care implement. 100, to place the insurance in its second state. This movement is relative to the handle 110, the body 140, the gripping structure 150 and the head 120. When the blocking element 200 is in the second position, i.e. the safety is in its second state, the protrusion 201 in the inside of the blocking element 200 engages both the notch in the first part 141 as a notch 159 formed in the outer surface of the gripping structure 150, whereby the gripping structure 150 can not rotate relative to the head 120. That is, the blocking element 200 prevents the gripping structure 150 from rotating with relation to head 120.

The oral care system of the fourth embodiment can be manufactured substantially in accordance with the above described method of manufacturing the second embodiment, differing only in the manner in which the grasping structure 150 is connected to the body 140. According to the second embodiment, the grip structure 150 is placed or trapped between two parts 141, 142 of the body 140. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, no second body part 142 is provided, and the grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140. by means of a press fit connection between the gripping structure 150 and the body 140, or by means of another convenient connection that still allows the rotation of the gripping structure 150 relative to the head 120 and the body 140. The notch 159 is formed in the end of the gripping structure 150 near the first part 141 of the body 140.

In the fourth embodiment, the latch is provided by attaching the blocking element 200 to the implement 100 in either the first position or the second position.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 6. The fifth embodiment comprises many of the above-described elements of the third embodiment of the present invention, and similar elements are indicated in Figure 6 with the same numbers of reference that are used in figure 4. In the interest of conciseness, the elements common to the two modalities will not be described in detail again with reference to figure 6. All the possible variations described above to the first to fourth modalities as well apply to the fifth modality.

In the fifth embodiment, the handle 110 no longer has a part equivalent to the body 140. The handle 110 consists solely of the grip structure 150, which is rotatably connected to the head 120. The head 120 comprises a sleeve having a interior surface 127 defining an interior cavity of the sleeve, and a first portion 155 of the grip structure 150 is positioned within the interior cavity of the sleeve. A second portion 157 of the grip structure 150 comprises an outer surface for fastening by a user, said outer surface forming a portion of the outer surface 111 of the handle 110.

The inner surface 127 of the head 120 and an outer surface 156 of the first portion 155 of the gripping structure 150 are sized to allow movement of the gripping structure 150 relative to the head 120. That is, a clearance is provided in the shape of an annular space between the inner surface 127 and the outer surface 156. In the present embodiment, wherein both the inner surface 127 and the head 120 and the outer surface 156 of the first portion 155 of the grip structure 150 They are cylindrical, the diameter of the inner surface 127 is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface 156.

The grip structure 150 is connected to the head 120 by means of a press fit connection between the grip structure 150 and the head 120, more specifically between a second piece 152 of the grip structure 150 and the head 120. However, in variations to this mode, other forms of connection can be used. The grip structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the head 120, and therefore with respect to the cleaning elements 130, around the longitudinal axis A-A of the oral care implement 100.

The grip structure 150 consists of two pieces 151, 152 connected to each other. More specifically, the grip structure 150 has a first piece 151 constructed of resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer and / or SEBS, and the second piece 152 constructed of hard or rigid material, in this case a hard plastic, such as polypropylene. The hard or rigid material alternatively or additionally comprises any of the plastics discussed above.

The first piece 151 forms most of the outer surface of the gripping structure 150. In a variation to this embodiment, the first piece 151 can form the entire outer surface of the gripping structure 150. The gripping structure 150 is connected to the head 120 by means of the second piece 152 which is connected to, or mounted on the head 120. The first piece 151 is not directly connected to the head 120, but is only connected to the head 120 indirectly through the second. piece 152. Because both the head 120 and the second piece 152 of the gripping structure 150 are formed of a hard material, the gripping structure 150 can easily rotate relative to the head 120, with the head 120 and second piece 152 contacting each other. However, because the first part 151 is constructed of a resilient material, the grip structure 150 has a comfortable outer surface for gripping. Preferably, the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the first part 151 is greater than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface 156 of the second part 152.

In a variation to the fifth illustrated embodiment, the grip structure 150 can consist of only one piece, and can be constructed of any one or more of the materials discussed above for the grip structures 150 of the first to fourth embodiments.

The oral care system of the fifth embodiment also comprises a lock comprising a locking element 200. In figure 6, the blocking element 200 is attached to the oral care implement 100 in a first position in the oral care implement 100. , which is the first insurance status. More particularly, the blocking element 200 is mounted on the gripping structure 150, which is rotatable relative to the head 120. The blocking element 200 includes an inner protrusion 201 that engages a notch on an exterior surface of the structure grip 150, whereby the blocking element 200 can not rotate about the axis AA relative to the grip structure 150. When the latch is in this first state, that is, the blog element 200 is in the first position shown in Fig. 6, the structure of grip 150 can rotate freely about axis AA relative to head 120, as discussed above.

However, by grasping an outer surface 211 of the locking element 200, a user can move the locking element 200 in a direction toward the head 120 and parallel to the axis AA from the first position to a second position on the oral care implement. 100, to place the insurance in its second state. This movement is relative to the handle 110, the grip structure 150 and the head 120. When the blocking element 200 is in the second position, ie the latch is in its second state, the protrusion 201 inside the latch element The lock 200 engages both the notch in the grip structure 150 and a notch 129 formed in the outer surface of a proximal portion 121 of the head 120. Accordingly, the grip structure 150 can not rotate relative to the head 120. That is, the blocking element 200 prevents the gripping structure 150 from rotating relative to the head 120.

Subsequently, the user can move the element of lock 200 from its second position to its first position, thus removing the protrusion 201 from the notch 129 and allowing the grip structure 150 to rotate freely relative to the head 120.

The mouth care implement 100 of the fifth embodiment can be manufactured substantially in accordance with the manufacturing method described above of the third embodiment, differing only in that the grip structure 150 of the handle 110 is connected to the head 120 instead of being connected to a body of the handle 110. According to the fifth embodiment, the first portion 155 of the grip structure 150 of the handle 110 is positioned within the sleeve of the head 120.

More specifically, the oral care implement 100 of the fifth embodiment can be manufactured in accordance with the following steps. First, the head 120 is provided, including the notch 129. Then, as a second step, the head 120 is provided with at least one cleaning element 130 extending from the first surface 124 of the head 120. As a third step, the handle 110 is connected to the head 120, the handle 110 comprising the gripping structure 150 forming at least a portion of the outer surface 111 of the handle 110, the handle 110 is connected to the head 120 so that the structure of grip 150 can rotate freely relative to head 120 about shaft AA, where shaft AA passes through cleaning element 130 at a point in cleaning element 130 between surface 124 of head 120 and distal end 131 of cleaning element 130.

In a variation to this method, the third step can be carried out before or at the same time as the second step.

In the fifth embodiment, the connection between the head 120 and the handle 110 can be such that the head 120 can be connected and, preferably, later be disconnected from the handle 110, so that the head 120 can be replaced when wear. In fact, in respective variations to each of the described modalities, the handle 110 can be connected to the head 120 and, preferably, then it can be disconnected. The present invention can be incorporated as a kit of parts for a buccal care system, the kit of parts comprising: one or more heads 120 having a surface 124 from which at least one cleaning element 130 extends; cleaning 130 preferably has a distal end 131 further away from surface 124 of head 120; a handle 110 which can be connected to the head 120, the handle 110 comprising a gripping structure 150 forming at least a portion of an outer surface 111 of the handle 110; and a latch that is movable between a first state and a second state when the handle 110 is connected to the head 120; wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the head 120 about an axis AA that preferably passes through the cleaning element 130 at a point in the cleaning element 130. between the surface 124 of the head 120 and the distal end 131 of the cleaning element 130 and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure 150 can not rotate relative to the head 120.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 7. The sixth embodiment comprises many of the above-described elements of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and similar elements are indicated in Figure 7 with the same numbers of reference that are used in figure 5, In the interest of conciseness, the elements common to the two modalities will not be described in detail again with reference to figure 7. All the possible variations described above to the first to fifth modalities as well they can be applied to the sixth modality.

In this embodiment, the head 120 is connected to the handle 110 of the implement 100. More specifically, the head 120 is connected to a body 140 of the handle 110. The handle 110 comprises, in addition to the body 140, a gripping structure 150, or "grip", which forms an exterior surface 111 of the handle 110. The grip structure 150 comprises a sleeve having an interior surface 153 defining an interior cavity of the sleeve. The grip structure 150 and the body 140 are relatively accommodated so that a first portion 145 of the body 140 is placed within the interior cavity of the sleeve. The inner surface 153 of the gripping structure 150 and an outer surface 143 of the first portion 145 of the body 140 are dimensioned to allow movement of the gripping structure 150 relative to the body 140. That is, a clearance is provided in the shape of an annular space between the inner surface 153 and the outer surface 143. In the present embodiment, in which both the inner surface 153 of the gripping structure 150 and the outer surface 143 of the body portion 140 are cylindrical, the diameter of the inner surface 153 is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface 143 The grip structure 150 is connected or mounted to the body 140 so as to be able to rotate freely relative to the body 140. Furthermore, the grip structure 150 is connected or mounted to the body 140 so as to be able to rotate freely relative to the head 120, and therefore relative to the cleaning elements 130. The gripping structure 150 can rotate freely relative to the body 140 and relative to the head 120 about the longitudinal axis AA of the oral care implement 100. Note that the longitudinal axis AA does not pass through any cleaning element 130 in a point on the cleaning element 130 between the surface 124 of the head 120 and the distal end 131 of the cleaning element 130. However, in variations, to this embodiment, then this can be done.

The grip structure 150 comprises first and second sections 152a, 152b, each of which is preferably constructed of one or more hard or rigid materials, such as hard plastic. The hard or rigid material may comprise any one or more of the materials discussed above. Each of the first and second sections 152a, 152b has a respective inner surface 153a, 153b. The grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140 by means of the first portion 145 of the body 140 which is trapped between the first and second sections 152a, 152b, so that the inner surfaces 153a, 153b of the first and second sections 152a, 152b face the outer surface 143 of the first portion 145 of the body 140. Together, the interior surfaces 153a, 153b form the interior surface 153 of the grip structure 150. The first and second sections 152a, 152b are joined together by adhesive, welding, or by other means, at a junction between the first and second sections 152a, 152b extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AA.

The outer surface 143 of the first portion 145 of the body 140 has an annular protrusion 147, with the axis A-A passing through a center of the ring. Each of the inner surfaces 153a, 153b includes a cavity 154a, 154b that assumes the shape of a half-ring whereby, when the first and second sections 152a, 152b are joined together with the first portion 145 of the body 140 in medium, the inner surface 153 of the gripping structure 150 has an annular cavity 154 that receives the annular protrusion 147. The combination of the annular cavity 154 and the annular protrusion 147 creates an interference fit between the body 140 and the gripping structure 150, whereby the grip structure 150 is immovable relative to the body 140 in the direction of the axis AA. In variations to this embodiment, the cavity 154 and the protrusion 157 may not be annular.

The oral care system of the sixth embodiment further comprises an insurance comprising a blocking element 200. The insurance is structured and operated in substantially the same way as the insurance of the fourth mode, so that in the interest of conciseness a detailed description of it will be omitted. However, the latches differ in that, in the sixth embodiment, the notch 159 is formed only in the second sections 152b of the gripper structure 150. In a variation to this embodiment, the notch 159 can be extended in the first and second ones. sections 152a, 152b of the grip structure 150.

The oral care implement 100 of the sixth embodiment can be manufactured by providing the head 120 and the handle 110, the handle 110 having a body 140 connected to the head 120; providing the head 120 with one or more cleaning elements 130 extending from a surface 124 of the head 120, the cleaning elements each having a distal end 131 further away from the surface 124 of the head 120; and connecting the gripping structure 150 to the body 140 by trapping the first portion 145 of the body 140 between the first and second sections 152a, 152b of the gripping structure 150 and connecting the first and second sections 152a, 152b together. Note that the second section 152b includes the notch 159. The grip structure 150 is connected to the body 140 so that it forms at least a portion of the outer surface 111 of the handle 110 and so that it is connected to the body 140 to rotate freely relative to the body 140 about the axis AA passing through the bodies. cleaning elements 130 at a point in some or all of the cleaning elements 130 between the surface 124 of the head 120 and the distal ends 131 of the cleaning elements 130. Finally, the safety is provided by attaching the blocking element 200 to the implement 100 in either the first position or the second position.

In other variations to the described embodiments, the head 120 may include various elements in contact with the buccal surface, such as interproximal sticks, brushes, a floss element, a plate scraper, tongue cleaners and soft tissue massagers.

In each of the above embodiments, the grip structure 150 is manually rotatable about the longitudinal axis A-A relative to the head 120 (and relative to the body 140, where provided). That is, the rotation of the grip structure 150 is not caused or effected by any part of the implement 100 itself, so that rotation of the grip structure 150 must be effected by a user rotating the grip structure 150. in relation to the head 120 (and the body 140 in the case where it is provided). In respective variations to the described embodiments, the implement 100 itself may comprise an energized rotator, such as a motor, for effecting the rotation of the gripper structure 150. The energized rotator may be operated by a user to effect the rotation of the rotator. the grip structure 150.

Each of the first, second, third, fifth and sixth modes discussed above, at least one cleaning element 130 extends from the front surface 124 of the head 120 so that the longitudinal axis AA of the implement 100 passes through the element, some elements or each of the cleaning elements 130. For each of the cleaning elements 130 through which the longitudinal axis AA passes, the axis AA passes through the cleaning element 130 at a point in the element of cleaning 130 between the front surface 124 of the head 120 and the free distal end 131 of the cleaning element 130. However, in respective variations to these embodiments, the longitudinal axis AA does not pass through any cleaning element 130 at a point in the cleaning element 130 between the surface 124 of the head 120 and the distal end 131 of the cleaning element 130. The respective manufacturing methods could be amended accordingly.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the latch provides a means for a user to selectively allow free rotation of the gripper structure 150 relative to the head 120. In each of the embodiments described above, the latch member 200 comprises a pin in C. In other embodiments, the blocking element 200 comprises a collar, preferably an annular collar, attached to the implement 100.

In each of the embodiments described above, the blocking element 200 is movable between the first and second positions on the implement 100. In other embodiments, this need not be possible. In these other embodiments, in the first state, the locking element 200 can be separated from the oral care implement 100 and, in the second condition, the blocking element 200 can be attached to the oral care implement 100 in one of the second ones. positions described above in the mouth care implement 100 so as to prevent the grip structure 150 from rotating relative to the head 120.

In each of the manufacturing methods described above, the latch is provided by attaching the blocking element 200 to the implement 100 in either the first position or the second position. In methods of other embodiments, the blocking element 200 is not attached to the implement 100, but rather simply is provided with the implement, for example, packed with the implement 100, and can be attached to the implement 100.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the blocking element 200 has a protrusion 201 that couples a feature in the form of a notch in the implement 100. In other embodiments, the additional or alternative feature comprises one or more than one Notch, a channel, a hole, a space and a protuberance. Manufacturing methods would be amended appropriately and correspondingly.

Although the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including currently preferred modes for carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It will be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be broadly interpreted as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS

1. - A tool for oral care, which includes: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle connected to the head, the handle comprises a gripping structure that forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the handle; a movable insurance between a first state and a second state; wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head; wherein the insurance comprises a blocking element that is attached to, or can be attached to, the oral care implement; wherein, in the first state, the blocking element is separated from the oral care implement, and where, in In the second state, the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in a second position on the oral care implement that prevents the grip structure from rotating relative to the head.

2. - The oral care implement according to claim 1, characterized in that the separable locking element couples the grip structure and one of the head and a body of the handle that is not rotatable relative to the head when in the second state.

3. - A tool for oral care, which includes: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle connected to the head, the handle comprises a gripping structure that forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the handle; a movable insurance between a first state and a second state; wherein when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head; wherein the insurance comprises a blocking element that is attached to, or can be attached to, the care implement oral; wherein, when the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in the second position, the blocking element is a) mounted on one of the head and a handle body that is not rotatable relative to the head, and engages a characteristic in the grip structure, thus preventing the grip structure from rotating relative to the head, or alternatively b) mounted on the grip structure, and engaging a feature in one of the head and a handle body that is not rotatable with relation to the head, in this way preventing the gripping structure from rotating relative to the head, wherein the feature comprises one or more of a notch, a channel, a hole, a space and a protrusion.

4. - The oral care implement according to claim 3, characterized in that the notch, channel, hole, space or protrusion extends radially outwardly and / or radially within the gripping structure or one of the head and a body of the handle that It is not rotary in relation to the head.

5. - A system of oral care, which includes: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle connected to the head, the handle comprises a grip structure forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; a movable insurance between a first state and a second state; wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head; wherein the latch comprises a locking element in the form of a pin in C.

6. - A system of oral care, which includes: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle connected to the head, the handle comprising a grip structure forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; a movable insurance between a first state and a second state; wherein when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head; wherein the handle comprises a body connected to the head, and wherein the grip structure is connected to the body to be able to rotate relative to the body about the axis when the latch is in the first state, where the grip structure is axially fixed in relation to the body, wherein the body comprises two parts and the grip structure is placed between the two parts so that the grip structure remains axially fixed relative to the body by means of the two parts.

7. - The oral care system according to claim 5 or 6, comprising: an oral care implement that has the head and the handle; Y insurance; wherein the insurance comprises a blocking element that is attached to, or can be attached to, the oral care implement.

8. - The oral care system according to any of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, in the first state, the blocking element is separated from the oral care implement, and wherein, in the second state, the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in a second position in the oral care implement that prevents the structure of grip rotate in relation to the head.

9. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 4 or 7, characterized in that, in the first state, the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in a first position in the oral care implement, and wherein, in the second state, the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in a second position in the oral care implement.

10. - The oral care system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, when the locking element is attached to the oral care implement in the second position, the locking element is mounted on one of the head and a body of the handle which is not rotary relative to the head, and engages a feature in the grip structure, thus preventing the grip structure from rotating relative to the head.

11. - The oral care implement according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the blocking element is attached to the oral care implement in the second position, the blocking element is mounted on the gripping structure, and engages a characteristic in one of the head and a body of the handle that is not rotary relative to the head, thus preventing the grip structure rotate in relation to the head.

12. - The oral care system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the feature comprises one or more of a notch, a channel, a hole, a space and a protrusion.

13. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 4 or 6 to 12, characterized in that the blocking element comprises a C-pin.

14. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 4 or 6 to 12, characterized in that the blocking element comprises a collar.

15. - The oral care system according to any of claims 10 to 14, when dependent on claim 9, characterized in that the blocking element is movable in a direction parallel to the axis between the first and second positions in the oral care implement .

16. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element has a distal end farther from the surface of the head; Y where the shaft passes through the cleaning element at a point in the cleaning element between the surface of the head and the distal end of the cleaning element.

17. - The oral care system according to claim 16, characterized in that the point is separated from the distal end of the cleaning element

18. - The oral care system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the point is closer to the distal end of the cleaning element than the surface of the head.

19. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely through at least 360 degrees about the axis relative to the head.

20. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip structure is axially fixed relative to the head.

21. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 5 or 7 to 20, characterized in that the handle comprises a body connected to the head, and wherein the grip structure is connected to the body to be rotatable relative to the body around the axis when the insurance is in the first state.

22. - The oral care system according to claim 21, characterized in that the grip structure is axially fixed relative to the body.

23. - The oral care implement according to claim 22, characterized in that the body comprises two parts and the gripping structure is placed between the two parts so that the gripping structure is axially fixed relative to the body through the two parts.

24. - The oral care system according to claim 6 or 23, characterized in that the two parts are two body parts connected to each other.

25. - The oral care system according to claim 6 or any of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the gripping structure is connected to the body through a snap connection.

26. - The oral care system according to claim 6, or any of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that at least a portion of the gripping structure comprises a sleeve having an interior cavity, and wherein a portion of the body is positioned within the interior cavity of the sleeve.

27. - The oral care system in accordance with the claim 6 or any of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that at least a portion of the body comprises a sleeve having an interior cavity, and wherein a portion of the grip structure is positioned within the interior cavity of the sleeve.

28. - The oral care system according to claim 6 or any of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that the body is immovable relative to the head.

29. - The oral care system according to claim 6 or any of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the body is unitary with the head.

30. - The oral care system according to any of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the handle is connected to the head through a snap connection.

31. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis is a longitudinal axis of the oral care implement.

32. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip structure is manually rotating around the axis in relation to the head.

33. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip structure is at least partially constructed of resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer and / or SEBS.

34. The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping structure is at least partially constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic.

35. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head is at least partially constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic.

36. - The oral care system according to claim 6 or any of claims 21 to 35, characterized in that the body is at least partially constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic.

37. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip structure comprises a first piece constructed of resilient material and a second piece constructed of hard or rigid material, such as hard plastic.

38. - The oral care system in accordance with the claim 37, when it depends on any of claims 16 to 31, characterized in that the gripping structure is connected to the body by means of the second part of the gripping structure that is connected to the body.

39. - The oral care system according to any of claims 34 to 37, characterized in that the hard or rigid material comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester, cellulosic, SAN, acrylic, ABS and a thermoplastic.

40. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element comprises one or the other of a tooth cleaning element and a soft tissue cleaning element.

41. - The oral care system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of cleaning elements extends from the head.

42. - A team of parts for a system of oral care, the team of parts comprising: a head having a surface from which a cleaning element extends; a handle that can be connected to the head, the handle comprising a gripping structure that forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; a lock that is movable between a first state and a second state when the handle is connected to the head; wherein the latch comprises a locking element in the form of a C-pin; wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the grip structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head; wherein the lock comprises an element of the block in the form of a pin in C.

43. - The equipment of parts according to claim 42, characterized in that the cleaning element has a distal end furthest from the surface of the head; wherein the shaft passes through the cleaning element at a point in the cleaning element between the surface of the head and the distal end of the cleaning element.

44. - A method to manufacture a system of oral care, the method comprises the steps of; a) provide a head; b) provide the head with a cleaning element which extends from a surface of the head; c) connecting a handle to the head, the handle comprising a grip structure that forms at least a portion of an exterior surface of the handle; d) providing a latch that is movable between a first state and a second state, wherein, when the latch is in the first state, the latch structure can rotate freely about an axis relative to the head and, when the latch is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the head; wherein the latch comprises a locking element in the form of a pin in C.

45. - A method to manufacture a system of oral care, the method comprises the steps of: a) providing a head and a body connected to the head; b) providing the head with a cleaning element extending from a surface of the head; c) connecting a grip structure to the body, the grip structure forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of a handle; Y d) providing a latch that is movable between a first state and a second state, wherein, when the latch is in the first state the grip structure can rotate freely around an axis relative to the body and, when the safety is in the second state, the grip structure can not rotate relative to the body; wherein the latch comprises a locking element in the form of a pin in C.

46. - The method according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that: step (b) comprises providing the head with a cleaning element that extends from the surface of the head and has a distal end further away from the surface of the head; wherein the shaft passes through the cleaning element at a point in the cleaning element between the surface of the head and the distal end of the cleaning element.

47. - The method according to any of claims 44 to 46, characterized in that step (c) is carried out after step (b).

48. - The method according to any of claims 44 to 46, characterized in that step (b) is carried out after step (c).

49. - The method according to any of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that the point is separated from the distal end of the cleaning element.

50. - The method of compliance with any of the claims 46 to 49, characterized in that the point is closer to the distal end of the cleaning element than to the surface of the head.

51. - The method according to any of claims 44 to 50, characterized in that the grip structure is axially fixed relative to the head.

52. - The method according to any of claims 45 to 51, characterized in that step (c) comprises placing the gripping structure between two parts of the body so that the gripping structure is axially fixed relative to the body through the Two parts.

53. - The method according to any of claims 45 to 52, characterized in that step (c) comprises connecting the gripping structure to the body through a snap connection.

54. - The method according to any of claims 43 to 53, characterized in that at least a portion of the gripping structure comprises a sleeve having an interior cavity, and wherein the step (c) comprises placing a portion of the body within the inner cavity of the sleeve.

55. - The method according to claim 54, characterized in that step (c) comprises trapping the portion of the body between two sections of the grip structure, and then connecting the two sections of the grip structure to each other.

56. - The method according to any of claims 45 to 53, characterized in that at least a portion of the body comprises a sleeve having an interior cavity, and wherein the step (c) comprises placing a portion of the grip structure within the inner cavity of the sleeve.

57. - The method according to any of claims 44 to 56, characterized in that the axis is a longitudinal axis of the mouth care implement.

58. - The method according to any of claims 44 to 57, characterized in that the cleaning element comprises one or the other of a tooth cleaning element and a soft tissue cleaning element.

59. - The method according to any of claims 44 to 58, characterized in that step (b) comprises providing the head with a plurality of cleaning elements that extend from the surface of the head.