SK21598A3 - Grip handle of toothbrush and toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

A toothbrush is disclosed having a handle portion and a head portion carrying or adapted to carry a bristle configuration. The handle has an end portion, a waist, a shoulder portion and a neck connecting the shoulder to the head. The waist is narrower, at least in plan view, than the end portion or the shoulder, and the end portion, preferably, is rounded. The bristle configuration is such that the teeth engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the head of the handle in which the bristles are embedded. In a first embodiment, the teeth engaging ends of at least a proportion of the bristles lie in a curved line when the toothbrush is viewed in side elevation. The curved line is provided by a mixture of concave groups of bristles and convex groups of bristles. In a second embodiment, the bristle configuration falls into at least two groups of bristles. The teeth engaging ends of the bristles of the first group, and the teeth engaging ends of the bristles of the second group, lie in curved lines when the toothbrush is viewed in side elevation. In a third embodiment, the teeth engaging ends of the bristles form a continuous wavy line. In a fourth embodiment, the teeth engaging ends of the bristles fall into two groups, a rearwardly located group, the castellated group, made up of transversely extending rows of bristles, the rows alternating in height, and a forwardly located group having at least some bristles extending further from the surface of the toothbrush head than any of the bristles of the castellated group.

Description

TOOTHBRUSH HANDLE AND TOOTHBRUSH

Technical field

The invention relates to handles and bristle arrangements of toothbrushes and novel combinations thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A number of toothbrush concepts are known. The problem with toothbrushes is the shape of the handle with a view to ensuring optimal user handling. Another problem is the arrangement of the bristles to ensure the best cleaning effect on the teeth and gums.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a handle and a toothbrush individually or in combination to optimize these effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first feature, the invention provides a toothbrush handle with a head portion carrying a bristle arrangement or an arrangement for supporting such a bristle arrangement having an end section, a nipple, an enlarged portion and a neck connecting the extended portion to the head, the nipple being narrower at least in plan view. a section or an enlarged portion, and the end section is preferably rounded.

The toothbrush handle preferably has curvilinear contour portions in plan and side views. The ratio of the maximum width of the end section in plan view to the minimum width of the gutter in plan view is preferably from 1.1: 1 to 1.8: 1. The ratio of the maximum width of the end section in plan view to the maximum width of the expanded portion in plan view is expediently from 1.2: 1 to 1.5: 1. According to another feature of the invention, the ratio of the maximum width of the end section in plan view to the maximum width of the gutter is from 1.05: 1 to 1.5: 1. The end section is preferably thicker in side view than the lining. According to a further feature of the invention, the ratio is the maximum thickness of the end section

896 / B in a side view to the minimum vane thickness in a side view ranging from 1.2: 1 to 2.0: 1. The end section is preferably thicker in a side view than the widened part. According to a further feature of the invention, the ratio of the maximum thickness of the end section in the side view to the maximum thickness of the widened part in the side view is from 1.1: 1 to 1.7: 1. The widened portion is preferably thicker in side view than the vault. The ratio of the maximum thickness of the expanded side view to the maximum width of the canal is expediently in the range from 1.01: 1 to 1.5: 1.

Preferably, the ratio of the length from the free end of the end section to the location of the smallest width in the side view to the maximum width of the end section when viewed from the side is at most 10: 1 and is preferably from 4: 1 to 7: 1. : 1, and especially about 5.6: 1.

The invention further provides, according to a second feature, a toothbrush handle with a head portion supporting or adapted to support a bristle arrangement, characterized in that it is provided with a gripping means formed integrally in at least two separate locations of the handle.

Preferably, the grip enhancing means provides grip enhancing surfaces on at least the front and rear sides of the handle or at least two locations on the front or rear side of the handle or at least one location on the front side or rear side of the handle and on at least one side of the handle. Preferably, the means for improving the gripping of the surface provides a gripping surface at three or four separate locations on the handle. The gripping surfaces on the gripping means may also define gripping features, for example ribs, preferably arranged diagonally to the handle.

The invention further provides, according to a third feature, a toothbrush handle comprising a head portion carrying a bristle arrangement or adapted to support such a bristle arrangement, characterized in that the handle is provided with arrangements for improving grip at least two separate locations of the handle. Advantageously, the gripping arrangements are located at least at the front and rear of the handle or at least two locations on the front or rear of the handle or at least one front-side location, or

896 / B on the back of the handle and on at least one side of the handle. The gripping arrangements may be located at three or four separate locations on the handle.

The invention further provides, according to a fourth feature, a toothbrush having a bristle arrangement, wherein the bristle-engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane parallel to the flat head of the handle in which the bristles are embedded. lying side by side, lying in a side view of a toothbrush on a curve. Of the total length of the bristle arrangement in a direction parallel to the surface in which the bristles are inserted, at least 10% of the length formed by the bristles defining said curve, and preferably at least 15% or at least 50% or 100%.

The curve is preferably defined by a mixture of concave bristle groups and convex bristle groups. The percentage of the length of the curve defined by the concave bristles is preferably from 50% to 100%, preferably from 50% to 75%.

The invention further provides, according to a fifth feature, a bristle toothbrush whose bristle-engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the handle head in which the bristles are inserted, wherein the bristle is at or near the front end of the head. the ends extend further, in a direction perpendicular to said face of the head, as bristles at the rear end of the bristle arrangement facing the handle. The ratio of the length of the longest bristles at the front end of the head to the height of the shortest bristles at the end facing the handle is at least 1.1: 1 or more generally from 1.1: 1 to 1.7: 1, e.g. from 1.2: 1 to 1.6: 1 or from 1.25: 1 to 1.5: 1.

I

According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides a bristle-type toothbrush whose bristle-engaging ends of teeth do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the handle head in which the bristles are set, characterized in that the bristle arrangement comprises at least two adjacent bristle groups wherein the ends of the bristles engaging the teeth of the at least one group, the first group, lie sideways on the toothbrush on the curve.

896 / B

The ends of the bristles engaging the teeth of at least one other group, the second group, preferably also lie when viewed from the side of the curve when looking at the toothbrush.

The ends of the bristles engaging the teeth of at least one other group, namely the third group, also preferably lie on a straight line, for example a cimburium-like line, when looking at the toothbrush from the side.

The first and second groups according to another feature of the invention define curves in a different sense, i. j. concave and convex, or have different curvature, or in the same sense and with different curvature.

Preferably, the bristle ends engaging the teeth of the first and second groups define a continuous wavy line.

The invention also relates to a toothbrush with a handle according to the first, second or third of the above features. It also applies to the bristle arrangement according to the fourth, fifth and sixth of the above features. It also applies to a toothbrush with a handle according to the first, second or third feature and a bristle arrangement according to the fourth, fifth or sixth feature.

The invention thus consists in several independently applicable features of handles and bristle arrangements. It will be understood that these features may be combined in any new and useful combination.

The handles according to the invention make it possible to create a toothbrush which is easier for the user to handle. The bristle arrangements make it possible to create a toothbrush whose bristles allow improved cleaning action and better access to teeth and gums.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained in more detail in the following description by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

896 / B fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a toothbrush realizing features of a handle and a bristle arrangement; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 from the bristles side, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and 5 are side views of the embodiment of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the bristle arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the bristle head of FIG. 4 and 5, FIG. 8 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 1 from the end of the handle, FIG. 9 is a view of the bristle arrangements on the brush head of FIG. 1 from the head end facing away from the handle, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a toothbrush realizing features of the handle and bristle arrangement; FIG. 11 is a plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 10 from the bristles side, FIG. 12 is a plan view of the toothbrush of FIG. 10 from the other side, FIG. 13 and 14 are side views of the embodiment of FIG. 10 from both sides, FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view of the bristle arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 10, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the bristle head of FIG. 13 and 14, FIG. 17 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 10 from the end of the handle, FIG. 18 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 10 from the head end facing away from the handle, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a toothbrush realizing the features of the bristle arrangement; FIG. 20 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 19

896β fig. 21 is an enlarged plan view of the bristle arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 19, FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the bristle head of FIG. 20, FIG. 23 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 19 from the end of the handle, FIG. 24 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 19 from the head end facing away from the handle, FIG. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a toothbrush realizing the features of the bristle arrangement; 26 is a side view of the toothbrush of FIG. 25, FIG. 27 is an enlarged plan view of the bristle arrangement of the embodiment of FIG. 25, FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the bristle head of FIG. 26, FIG. 29 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 25 from the end of the handle, and FIG. 30 is a view of the bristle arrangement on the brush head of FIG. 25 from the head end facing away from the handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First, the embodiments will be described in general, and are explained in more detail below. In particular, it should be noted that two embodiments of the handle, the first embodiment of FIG. 1 to 5 with a gripping means wrapped around the handle and a second embodiment which does not have such a means in FIG. 10 to 14, 19, 20, 25 and 26. A third embodiment is also contemplated in which the ribs of the attachment enhancing means of FIG. 1 to 5 are integrally formed in one piece with the handle shown in FIG. 10 to 14, 19 20 25 and 26.

The handles implement a series of separate and self-contained inventive features. According to a first feature, a gripping means is wound around the handle. Another feature is the ratios of the width of the end of the handle for leaning

896 / B palms, enlarged parts for finger rest and the interposed nipple. The inclusion of both features does not preclude the possibility of implementing other features in the handle.

It will be apparent from the following description and figures that four embodiments of bristle arrangements are shown and described, each of these bristle arrangements may be used in combination with any of the three handle shapes.

The first bristle arrangement is shown in FIG. 1 to 9. A second bristle arrangement is shown in FIG. 10 to 18. A third bristle arrangement is shown in FIG. 19 to 24. A fourth bristle arrangement is shown in FIGS. 25 to 30.

The four embodiments realize a plurality of separate and self-service features, including an embodiment in which the teeth engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane parallel to the bristle head surface into which the bristles are set and define at least a portion of the bristles adjacent to each other. toothbrush from the side of the curve. All four embodiments illustrate this feature.

The feature shared by the second, third and fourth embodiments is that the features at the head end (away from the handle) extend further from the surface of the handle head in which the bristles are set, further than the bristles at the end of the bristle arrangement facing the handle.

The first and third embodiments implement a feature of bristles belonging to at least two groups. The bristle-engaging ends of the bristles define a curved surface for the bristles of the first group, and the bristle-engaging ends of the bristles of the second group also lie on the curved surface, the curved surfaces preferably being different from one another.

The curved surfaces may be curved in opposite senses, i. one is concave and the other is convex, or they may have different curvature, and they are both concave or convex, or both may have the same meaning and the same curvature. In a first embodiment, two convex groups and one concave group between these convex groups are provided at the ends. These shapes form a discontinuous wavy surface.

896 / B

The third embodiment has five curved groups, three convex groups at the end and in the middle and two intermediate concave groups. These form a continuous wavy surface.

The fourth embodiment has five curved groups. The group closest to the head end is convex and extends rearward (towards the end of the handle) into a concave group to form a continuous wavy surface in a side view.

A detailed description of the embodiments of the invention will now be made.

1 shows a toothbrush 35 and a bristle head 50. The handle is shown in FIG. 1 to 5. The head is shown in FIG. 1 to 9, wherein in FIG. 6 to 9 is shown on an enlarged scale.

The handle (in its first embodiment) has a palm rest portion 36 with a rounded free end 47, a nipple 37, an extended finger rest portion 38, a neck 39, and a head head 40 for fitting bristle bristles 50 on its surface. 46. Attached to the handle is a means 41 for improving the grip of a rubber material (e.g., rubber material sold under the Santoprene brand), to ensure good wet grip of the user's fingers by enveloping the vial 37 and forming a gripping surface 42 on the enlarged portion 38 on the bristle side, as well as a gripping surface 43 on the rear side of the widened portion 38 of the handle and a gripping surface 44 on the rear side of the end portion 36 of the gripping surface.

Each of the surfaces 42, 43 and 44 has ribs 45 formed therein that extend diagonally across said surfaces when mounted on the handle. This enveloping unitary configuration of the grip enhancing means facilitates mounting and forming of gripping surfaces on the handle.

The ratio of the maximum width of the end section 36 in the plan view (at the location indicated by the reference line in FIG. 2) to the minimum width at the vault 37 in the plan view (at the location indicated by the reference line) is 1.4: 0.9; 1.55: 1 or more generally 1.1: 1 to 1.8: 1, e.g. 1.2: 1 to 1.7: 1, most preferably 1.3: 1 to 1.6: 1. The ratio of the largest width of the widened portion 38 in plan view (at the location indicated by

896 (B reference line) to the minimum width of the canal 37 in plan view (at the location indicated by the reference line) is 1.2: 0.9, i. j. 1.2: 1 or more generally 1.05: 1 to 1.5: 1, e.g. 1.1: 1 to 1.3: 1. The ratio of the largest width of the end section 36 to the maximum width of the enlarged portion 38 in plan view is 1.4: 1.1, i. j. 1.25: 1 or more generally greater than 1: 1, e.g. 1.2: 1 to 1.5: 1. The end section 36 is wider than the extension 38 which is wider than the inlet 37.

The ratio of the largest width of the end section 36 in a side view (FIGS. 4 and 5), measured in section along the plane 80 in FIG. 4 including the ribs 45 on the lining element, namely 1.5 units, to a minimum thickness of the vault 37, measured in cross section of plane 81, of 0.9 units, is 1.7: 1 or more generally 1.3: 1 to 2.0: 1 or 1.5: 1 to 1.9: 1. The ratio of the maximum thickness of the enlarged section 38 in the plane 82, including the ribs 45 on the tile, of 1.1 units to the minimum width of the vault 37, of 0.9 units, is 1.2: 1 or more generally 1.05: 1. to 1.5: 1 or 1.1: 1 to 1.3: 1. The ratio of the maximum thickness of the end section 36 to the thickness of the widened portion 38 is 1.35: 1 or more generally 1.0: 1 to 1.7: 1 or 1.2: 1 to 1.6: 1.

In FIG. 10 to 14, 19, 20, 25 and 26, a handle is shown in a second embodiment. The handle is the same as in the first embodiment except that the one-piece grip enhancing means is omitted.

In a second embodiment of the handle, the ratio of the maximum thickness of the end section 36 (FIGS. 13 and 14) in a side view, measured in cross section, is the plane 85 in FIG. 4 including ribs 45 on the cladding element, 1.4 units in size, to a minimum throat thickness of 37, measured in cross-sectional plane 86, 0.9 units, 1.55: 1 or more generally 1.2: 1 to 1.8 : 1 or 1.4: 1 to 1.7: 1. The ratio of the maximum thickness of the expanded portion 38 in a sectional plane 87 of 1.0 units to the minimum thickness of the vault 37 of 0.9 units is 1.1: 1 or more generally 1.0: 1 to 1.3 : 1 or 0.5: 1 to 1.2: 1. The ratio of the maximum thickness of the end section 36 to the widened portion 38 is 1.4: 1 or more generally 1.0: 1 to 1.7: 1 or 1.2: 1 to 1.6: 1.

In a third embodiment (not shown), the handle of the second embodiment is provided with ribs similar to the ribs 45 of the grip enhancing element 41, although not necessarily in equal numbers and with the same inclination or on all surfaces.

896 / B

42, 43 and 44. However, it is preferred to have an arrangement having the same ribs 45 as in the first embodiment, integrally formed in the handle.

The bristle head assembly 50 of the first embodiment of FIG. 1 to 9. As is clear from FIG. 7, the head has three groups of bristle tufts 55, 75, and 95. These are indicated in plan view by transverse lines 56 and 76. The group 55 defines a tooth engagement surface 57 that is convex with respect to the tooth surface 46 when viewed from the side . In the surface 46 the bristle bundles are embedded. The group 75 defines an engagement surface 77 that is concave when viewed from the side of the toothbrush.

The group 55 has a front middle bristle bundle 60, side bristle bundles 61, 62, 63 on one side and bristle bundles 64, 65 and 66 on the other side, and two bristle bundles 67, 68 on the central axis. The group 75 has five transverse rows of bristle tufts 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82. The first three rows 78, 79, 80 each have four bristle tufts and the last two rows 81 and 82 each have five bristle tufts. The bristle tuft ends engaging the teeth are further away from the surface 46 than the bristle tuft ends 63, 68 and 66, but extend to approximately the same level as the bristle tufts 67, 62 and 65.

The group 95 forms a tooth engagement surface 97 having a very similar profile to the surface 57. The group 95 has a first row of five bristle bundles 98, a second row of four bristle bundles 99, and two lateral bristle bundles 100, 101 and a central rear bristle bundle 102. The bristle bundles 98 are shorter than the bristle bundles in row 82, while the bristle bundles in row 99 are approximately the same height as the bristle bundles in row 82.

The tooth engagement area, defined by the bristles as a whole, is so wavy or sinusoidal, but it is not a continuous surface, but an area of jumps in the form of level changes between adjacent ends of the bristle tufts of adjacent groups, i. j. bristle tufts 63, 68, 66 of group 55 and 78 of group 75 and 82 of group 75 and 98 of group 95.

The length of the bristle arrangement in plan view shown in FIG. 6, or in a side view, i. j. a length parallel to the area 46 measured at the level of the teeth bristle ends is 8.8 units. 10% of this length is defined by bristles,

896 / B, the ends of which engage in the teeth lie on a curve seen from the side. The group 55 occupies 2.5 units and the group 95 also occupies 2.5 units and both are convex. Group 75 occupies 3.5 units and is concave. Thus, the ratio of the convex portion to the concave portion is 5: 3.5 or 1.4: 1 or generally 1: 1 to 2: 1.

A second embodiment of the bristle arrangement is shown in FIG. 10 to 18, and in particular FIG. 15, 16 and 17. The bristles are divided into two groups 155 and 195 divided in FIGS. 15 by line 156. Each group defines a corresponding curve face 157 and 197 (FIG. 7) for engagement with teeth that are both convex with respect to face 46.

The group 155 has an outer row of bristle tufts 158-171 and two bristle tufts 172, 173 on an axis extending from area 46 further than the remaining bristle tufts of group 155 and bristle tufts of group 195. The bristle tufts of FIG. 15, which are marked with a cross, are shorter bristle bundles of group 155, and have the reference numerals 175 to 184.

The group 195 has a first transverse row 198 of five bristle tufts, a second row

199 five bristle tufts (arched toward the front end), third row

200 four bristle tufts (more arched toward the front end), fourth transverse row 201 of three bristle tufts, and fifth transverse row 202 of two bristle tufts 202. In this embodiment, the curved surface 197 continues forward to the group 155 by internal bristle tufts 175-184 that are shorter and indicated in FIG. 15 crosses.

The free ends of these bristle tufts follow the curved surface 197A. marked by the dotted line in FIG. It will be appreciated that this curved surface 197A slightly descends towards the front end of the curved surface toward surface 46, with the row 198 having the longest bristle tufts on the surface 197 / 197A.

In not shown variations of this embodiment, surface 197A may descend more significantly, or surface 197 may have its highest point in row 202, or surface 197 / 197A may have its highest point in bristle bundles 175, 176. In another variation, they may have row 195 and grouping. 175-184 all bristle tufts of the same length, so that only a single curved surface is formed, namely bristle tufts 158-171 and 172-173.

896 / B

In addition, in four transverse rows at the end of the group 155 towards the handle, the outer tufts, namely tufts 161 and 168, are longer than the tufts 175 and 176, the tufts 160 and 169 are longer than the tufts 177 and 178, the tufts the ties 159 and 170 are longer than the tufts of 179-181 and the tufts of 158 and 171 are longer than the tufts of 182-184.

The length of the bristle arrangement in plan view or side view (Fig. 16), in particular the length parallel to the area of the 46 bristle-engaging ends of the bristles, is

9,2 units. 100% of this length is formed according to FIG. 16 with bristles, the ends of which engage in the teeth lying on a curved surface when viewed from the side. The group 155 occupies 5.3 units and the group 195 occupies 3.6 units and both are convex.

The height of the bristles in tufts 164 and 165 at the end of the bristle arrangement facing away from the handle is 3.8 units when measured in a direction perpendicular to surface 46. The height of the bristles lying furthest in the row of bristle tufts 202, measured perpendicular to surface 46, is 2. , 6 units. Thus, the ratio of the lengths of the tufts of the bundles to the shortest bristles is 1.5: 1.

A third embodiment of the bristle arrangement is shown in FIG. 19 to 24, and in particular FIG. 21, 22, 23 and 24. The bristles may be considered to belong to the five groups 215, 235, 255, 275, and 295 with respect to the inflection points 216, 236, 256 and 276 in the sinusoidal continuous wavy shape of the tooth engaging surface 207 defined by the ends bristles as seen on the toothbrush in a side view. The bristles in this arrangement are not arranged in distinctly distinct transverse rows, rather than in the middle axial row and in the circumferential rows.

The group 215 has two bristle bundles 218, 219 arranged side by side in a first transverse row. Similarly, the two extreme bristle tufts 220, 221 are arranged in a transverse row again. Next, the middle bristle bundle 222. then the two extreme bristle bundles 226, 227. This group forms a partial convex surface 217 for engagement with the teeth.

The group 235 defines a concave tooth engagement surface 237. It consists of a row of four 238 bristle tufts (arched forward) and then two inner bristle tufts 239, 240.

896 / B

The group 255 defines a convex tooth engaging surface 257. It has two bristle bundles 258, 259 located inside and across each other. This is followed by a transverse row 260 composed of two extreme bristle bundles and a middle bristle bundle. Next there are two bristle bundles 261 and 262 lying inside. This is followed by another transverse row 263, similar to row 260.

The group 275 defines a concave partial surface 277. It has two bristle bundles 264, 265 lying therein. This is followed by a row 266 similar to a row 260, but with the inner bristle bundle slightly shifted forward.

The group 295 defines a concave sub-surface 277. It has two bristle tufts 267, 268 lying inside, then a row 269 similar to the row 266, then two more bristle tufts 270, 271, and a row 272 similar to the row 266, then two side by side lying bristles 273, 274, similar to bristles 218 and 219. The bristles 218, 219 are longer than the bristles 273 and 274.

The length of the bristle arrangement of FIG. 22 in plan view or side view, i. j. the length parallel to the area of the 46 teeth bristle ends is

8.9 units. 100% of this length is made up of bristles with teeth-engaging ends lying on the side of the curve when looking at the toothbrush. Group 215 represents 2.7 units, group 235 1.3 units, group 255 1.9 units, group 275 represents 1.3 units and group 295 1.6 units. The groups 215, 255 and 295 are convex and represent 6.2 units. Groups 235 and 275 are concave and occupy 2.6 units. Thus, the ratio of the convex to the concave portion is 6.2: 2.6 or 2.4: 1, or more generally 1.5: 1 to 3: 1.

The height of the bristles in the bristle bundles 222, 220 and 224 at the end of the bristle arrangement facing away from the handle is 3.2 units when measured in a direction perpendicular to the surface 46. The bristle height at the most rearward, i.e.. j. in a series of bristle bundles 273 and 274 there are 2.1 units when measured perpendicular to the surface 46. Thus, the ratio of the lengths of the longest bristles to the shortest bristles is 1.5: 1.

In FIG. 25 to 30, a fourth embodiment of a bristle arrangement is shown. The bristles fall into three groups 355, 375 and 395, separated by lines 356 and 376 in FIG. 27 and 28 for ease of description. The bristle ends in group 355 define a convex curved surface 357 when viewed from the side of the toothbrush.

B96 / B group 375 defines a concave curved surface 377 when viewed from the side of the toothbrush. The curved surfaces 357 and 377 extend smoothly into each other and the line 356 lies at the inflection point between the curves. The group 395 defines a toothed surface (in the form of a cimbalom-like tooth) 397 for engagement in the teeth (ie teeth in the mouth) formed by alternating transverse rows 400, 420, 440 and 460 longer bristle tufts and transverse rows 380, 410, 430, 450 , 470 shorter bristle bundles and a single middle bristle bundle 480 furthest rear.

In each of the four rows of 400, 420, 440 and 460 longer bristle tufts, the bristles have the same length which is slightly shorter than the length of the longest bristles in the group 355, i. j. bristles in bristle bundles 361, 362 and 365. Similarly, the bristles in each of the rows of 380, 410, 430, 450 and 470 shorter bristle bundles all have the same length. The ratio of the length of the bristles LL from the area 46 to the bristle ends in the rows 400, 420, 440 and 460 of the longer bristle bundles to the length LS of the bristles in the rows 380, 410, 430, and shorter bristles is 1.15: 1. More generally, it is in the range of 1.05: 1 to 1.5: 1, for example 1.1: 1 to 1.4: 1.

The group 355 has a central front bristle bundle and side bristle bundles 361, 363 on one side and side bristle bundles 362, 364 on the other side of the middle bristle bundle 365 between and slightly in front of the bristle bundles 363, 364. The rear bristle tufts of these tufts also form part of the group 375. As can be better seen from FIG. 29 and 30, the bristle tufts 363, 365 and 364 have the same height and are slightly longer than the bristle tufts in the rows 400, 420, 440, and 460. The ratio of the height of these bristle tufts 363, 364, 365 to the height of the tufts in the rows 400 etc. is 1.04: 1 or, more generally, 1.02: 1 to 1.3: 1, while their ratio to the heights of shorter bristle bundles of the 380, 410 series, etc. is 1.2: 1 or more generally 1.1: 1 to 1.5: 1.

The group 375 consists of bristle tufts 363, 365 and 364 at the far rear and a row 379 of three bristle tufts that form a concave tooth engagement surface, sloping rearwardly.

The length of the bristle arrangement of FIG. 28 in plan view or side view, i.e.. j. the length parallel to the area of the 46 teeth bristle ends is

896 / B

8.7 units. 16% of this length is made up of bristles with teeth-engaging ends lying on the side of the curve when looking at the toothbrush.

Group 355 is 1.4 units, group 375 is 0.9 units, with group 355 being convex and group 375 being concave. Thus, the ratio of the convex portion to the concave portion is 1.4: 0.9 or 1.55: 1, or more generally 1: 1 to 2: 1.

The bristle height in the bristle bundles 364, 365, and 363 at the end of the bristle arrangement facing away from the handle is 3.6 units when measured perpendicular to the surface 46. The bristle height in the bristle bundles 380 is 2.9 units when measured in the same direction. The ratio of the length of the longest bristles to the length of the shortest bristles is thus 1.25: 1.

The row 379 is formed from two side bristle tufts 372 and 374 and a central bristle tuft 373 disposed slightly upstream of the bristle tufts 372, 374. These bristle tufts are also positioned slightly inwardly relative to the bristle tufts 363 and 364.

The separation of the bristle bundle group 360-365 and the row 379 from the toothed group 380 to 460 is as follows. Between rows 379 and 380 there is a first gap (A). Between rows 380 and 400 there is a second gap (B). The second gap (B) is smaller than the first gap (A). Between rows 400 and 410 there is a third gap (C). The third gap (C) is smaller than the first gap (A) or the second gap (B). There is no gap between rows 410 and 420 and the rows touch. Between rows 420 and 430 there is a fourth gap (D). The fourth gap is similar to the first gap and the second gap. There is no gap between rows 430 and 440 and the rows overlap. There is no gap between rows 440 and 450 and the rows touch. There is no gap between rows 450 and 460 and the rows overlap. There is no gap between rows 460 and 470 as well as rows 470 and 480 and the rows touch.

Fig. 31 and 32 are views similar to FIG. 6 and 7, but showing the bristle arrangements according to the first variation of the embodiment of FIG. 25. FIG. 31 and 32 show a plan view and a side sectional view of a first variation of the fourth embodiment of the bristle arrangement shown in Figs. 25 and 30.

896 / B

The bristles fall into three groups 355, 375 and 395, indicated as separated by lines 356 and 376 in FIG. 31 and 32 for easier description. The bristle ends of the group 355 define a convex curved surface 357 when viewed from the side of the toothbrush. The bristle ends of the group 375 define a concave curved surface 377 when viewed from the side of the toothbrush. The curved surfaces 357 and 377 merge smoothly into each other. at an inflection point between curves representing curved surfaces. The group 395 is in the form of a tooth-engaging toothed surface 397 defined by transverse rows 400, 420, 440 and 460 of longer bristles and transverse rows of 380, 410, 430 and 450 of shorter bristles.

In each of the three rows of 400, 420, 440 and 460 longer bristles, the bristles have the same length which is slightly shorter than the length of the longest bristles in the group 355, i. j. bristles in the bristle bundles 361, 362, 363 and 364. Similarly, the bristles in the rows 380, 410, 430 and 450 of the shorter bristles all have the same length. The ratio of the length of the bristles LL, measured from the area 46 to the ends of the longer bristles, is 1.15: 1 for all the bristles of the 400, 420.440 and 460 longer bristles to the LS of the shorter bristles of the rows 380, 410.430 and 450. More generally, it is in the range of 1.05: 1 to 1.5: 1, for example from 1.1: 1 to 1.4: 1.

The group 355 has a pair of transverse bristle tufts 361 and 363 and three transverse bristle tufts 363, 364 and 365. As can be seen from FIG. 32, the longest bristles in the bristles 361 to 365 all have the same height and are longer than the bristles in the rows 400, 420, 440 and 460. The ratio of the heights of these bristles 361, 365 to the heights of the longer bristles of the 400 series, etc. is 1.14: 1 or more generally 1.94: 1 to 1.4: 1, while their ratio to the length of the shorter bristles of the 380.410 rows, etc. is 1.28: 1 or more generally 1.2: 1 to 1.6: 1.

The group 375 is formed from a row 379 of three bristle tufts 372, 373, and 374 which define a concave, downwardly descending tooth engagement surface. The bristle arrangement is varied at the front end of the head. Medium bristle bundle 360 is omitted. The bristle bundles 361 and 362 are retained. The bristle tufts 363, 365 and 364 are arranged to form a transverse row perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The bristle tufts 372, 373 and 374 in the row 379 are arranged to form a transverse row perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The bristle tufts 372 and 374 are displaced transversely outwardly so that relative to the longitudinal

896 / B axis extend outwardly from the bristle bundles 363 and 364. The bristles 361, 362, 363, 364, 372, 373, and 374 form an image with four sides.

The separation of the bristle bundle groups 361 to 365 and 372 to 374 from the toothed group 380 to 480 is as follows. There are clear gaps between the rows. Between rows 379 and 380 there is a first gap (A) of about 5.5 units. Between rows 380 and 400 there is a second gap (B) of about 5.5 units. The third gap (C) between rows 400 and 410 is 5 units in size, as well as the other spaces (D), (E), (F), (G) and (H). Alternatively, the gap (B) may be 5 units when the A: B ratio is 1.1: 1.

The length of the bristle arrangement in plan view or side view, more specifically the length in a direction parallel to the surface 46 of the bristle-engaging ends of the bristles, is 7.4 units. 24% of this length is defined by the bristles with the ends engaging in the teeth lying on the curve when the toothbrush is seen in a side view. The group 355 is 1.1 units long and the group 375 is 0.8 units long, with the group 355 being convex and the group 375 being concave. Thus, the ratio of the length of the convex portion to the length of the concave portion is 1.4: 1 and more generally 1: 1 to 2: 1.

The height of the highest bristles in the bristle bundles 361 to 365 near the end facing away from the bristle handle is 3.2 units when measured perpendicular to the surface 46. The bristle height in the bundles 380 is 2.9 units when measured perpendicular to the surface 46. The ratio of the length of the longest bristles to the shortest bristles is thus 1.28: 1.

In FIG. 33 and 34, a second variation of the fourth embodiment of H15RV1 is shown. It is similar to the first variation. The configuration of the bristle tufts is the same, and the difference is that the ends of the bristle tufts 361 and 372 are arranged at a downward and rearward inclination instead of a curvature downward from the top forward and backward to form the transverse plate 357B. tilted backwards, which is not curved. The bristle tufts 361, 362 and 363 to 365 thus form inverted V-shaped surfaces 357A and 357B, with the angle of each of said facets being about 45 ° to the vertical and more generally 30 ° to 60 °. The bristle tufts 372 to 374 in row 379 have inclined ends defining a transverse, rearwardly inclined surface 377 that is not curved. Plate 377 is a continuation of plate 357B.

896 / B

The front group 355 is formed from the bristle bundles 361 and 362, the second group 375 is formed from the bristle bundles 363, 364 and 365, and 372, 373 and 374, with the line 356 lying between the first and second rows.

In FIG. 35 and 36, a third variation of the fourth embodiment is shown. It is similar to the first variation. The arrangement of the bristle bundles is the same. The difference is at the ends of the bristle bundles 361 to 365 and 372 to 374. The bristle bundles 361 to 365 have flat upper ends with the same bristle height that is larger than the bristle bundles of the 400 series, etc. The bristle tufts 372 to 374 in the row 379 have inclined ends forming a transverse, rearwardly inclined flat 377 that is not curved. The front group 355 is formed from the bristle bundles 361 and 362 and 363, 364 and 365, the second group 375 is formed from the bristle bundles 372, 373 and 374, the line 356 lying between the second and third rows.

Fig. 37 and 38 show a fourth variation of the fourth embodiment. It is similar to the first variation. The arrangement of the bristle bundles is the same. The difference is at the ends of the bristle tufts 361 to 365 and 372 to 379. The bristle tufts 361 and 362 have end top faces as in FIG. 36, but the bristle tufts 363 to 365 and 372 to 374 are as in FIG. 4th

Fig. 39 illustrates a modified bristle arrangement at a greatly increased scale. In this variation (which can be used for each of the first to fourth variations of the fourth embodiment), the spacing (A) between rows 379 and 380 is greater than spacing (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) (G) or (H) (which are all the same) between rows 380 to 480. The gap (A) is 7 units, the gap (B) is 5 units, i. j. the ratio is 1.4: 1 or more generally gap (A) is greater than gap (B), for example, A: B is preferably 1.05: 1 to 1.6: 1, e.g. 1.1: 1 to 1.5: 1 or most preferably 1.1: 1 to 1.4: 1.

It should be noted that in the particular embodiments of the bristle arrangements shown in the drawings, the bristle ends are in any transverse position, i. j. along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head, all equidistant from the surface 46, i. j. in a line arranged transversely to the head and parallel to the surface 46.

Claims (41)

PATENT CLAIMS A toothbrush handle having a bristle-like head portion or adapted to support such a bristle-like configuration, characterized in that it has an end section, a vial, an enlarged portion, and a neck connecting the extended portion to the head, the vial being narrower at least in plan view; the end section or widened portion, and the end section is preferably rounded. Toothbrush handle according to claim 1, characterized in that the end section is wider in plan view than the widened part. Toothbrush handle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handle has curvilinear contour portions in plan and side views. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ratio of the maximum width of the end section in plan view to the minimum width of the canal in the plan view is from 1.1: 1 to 1.8: 1. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ratio of the maximum width of the end section in plan view to the maximum width of the expanded part in plan view is from 1.2: 1 to 1.5: 1. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ratio of the maximum width of the end section in plan view to the maximum width of the canopy in the plan view is from 1.05: 1 to 1.5: 1. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the end section is thicker in a side view than the veneer. 30,896 / B Toothbrush handle according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ratio of the maximum thickness of the end section in the side view to the minimum thickness of the vault in the side view is in the range of 1.2: 1 to 2.0: 1. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the end section is thicker in a side view than the widened part. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the ratio of the maximum thickness of the end section in the side view to the maximum thickness of the widened part in the side view is from 1.1: 1 to 1.7: 1. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the widened part is thicker in a side view than the veneer. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the ratio of the maximum thickness of the widened portion in side view to the maximum thickness of the vial is from 1.01: 1 to 1.5: 1. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the ratio of the length from the free end of the end section to the point of minimum width in side view to the maximum width of the end section in side view is at most 10: 1. from 4: 1 to 7: 1, for example from 5: 1 to 6: 1, and especially about 5.6: 1. 14. A toothbrush handle with a head portion supporting or adapted to support a bristle arrangement, characterized in that it is provided with a gripping means formed integrally in at least two separate locations of the handle. 15. Toothbrush handle according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for improving the attachment form surfaces for improving the attachment on at least the front and rear surfaces. 30 896 / B at the back of the handle or at least two positions on the front or back of the handle or at least one place on the front or back of the handle and on at least one side of the handle. Toothbrush handle according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the grip enhancing means provides grip enhancing surfaces at three or four separate locations on the grip. Toothbrush handle according to at least one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the gripping surfaces on the gripping means also define gripping enhancements, for example ribs, preferably arranged diagonally to the grip. A toothbrush handle, comprising a head portion carrying a bristle arrangement or adapted to support such a bristle arrangement, characterized in that the handle is provided with arrangements to improve grip on at least two separate locations of the handle. Toothbrush handle according to claim 18, characterized in that the grip enhancement arrangements are located at least on the front and back of the handle or at least two positions on the front or back of the handle or at least one location on the front or back of the handle, and on at least one side of the handle. Toothbrush handle according to claim 18, characterized in that the gripping arrangements are located at three or four separate locations on the handle. 21. A toothbrush having a bristle arrangement whose ends of the bristles engaging the teeth do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the head of the handle into which the bristles are inserted, characterized in that the ends of at least a portion of the bristles engaging the teeth lie side by side. in a side view of a toothbrush on a curve. 30,896 / B 22. A toothbrush having a bristle arrangement whose bristle-engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the bristle head into which the bristles are set, characterized in that the bristle-ends, at least the side-to-side bristles of the bristles, lying sideways on a toothbrush on a curve, the bristles hereinafter referred to as the bristles of the curve group, the bristles of the curve group being located at the front end of the toothbrush head and the curve rising to a point more distant from the toothbrush head surface as the remaining bristles. A toothbrush according to claim 22, wherein the apex is located rearwardly of the bristles at the front end of the toothbrush, but in the first quarter of the length of the bristle arrangement. Toothbrush according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the rest of the bristle arrangement is formed of transverse rows of bristles of alternating height. Toothbrush according to claims 21 to 24, characterized in that, of the total length of the bristle arrangement in a direction parallel to the surface in which the bristles are inserted, is at least 10% of the length formed by the bristles defining said curve, and preferably at least 15% or at least 50% or 100%. Toothbrush according to claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the curve is defined by a mixture of concave bristle groups and convex bristle groups. Toothbrush according to at least one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that the percentage of the length of the curve defined by the concave bristles is from 50% to 100%, preferably from 50% to 75%. 28. A bristle-shaped toothbrush whose bristle-engaging ends of the bristles do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the handle head in which the bristles are set, characterized in that the bristles at or near the front end of the head. 30 896 / B ends extend further, in a direction perpendicular to said head surface, as bristles at the rear end of the bristle arrangement facing the handle. 29. The toothbrush of claim 28, wherein the ratio of the length of the longest bristles at the front end of the head to the height of the shortest bristles at the end facing the handle is at least 1.1: 1 or generally from 1.1: 1 to 1.7: 1, e.g. from 1.2: 1 to 1.6: 1 or 1.25: 1 to 1.5: 1. 30. A toothbrush having a bristle arrangement whose bristle ends engaging the teeth do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the handle head into which the bristles are set, characterized in that the bristle arrangements comprise at least two adjacent bristle groups, the bristle ends engaging in the teeth of at least one group, the first group, lie sideways on the toothbrush on the curve. Toothbrush according to claim 30, characterized in that the ends of the bristles engaging the teeth of at least one further group, the second group, also lie when viewed from the side of the curve when looking at the toothbrush. Toothbrush according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the ends of the bristles engaging the teeth of at least one further group, namely the third group, also lie on a straight line, for example a line, when viewed from the side of the toothbrush. toothing. Toothbrush according to claims 31 to 32, characterized in that the first and second groups define curves in a different sense, i. j. concave and convex, or have different curvature, or in the same sense and with different curvature. A toothbrush according to claims 31 to 33, wherein the bristle-engaging ends of the first and second groups define a continuous wavy line. 30,896 / B 35. A toothbrush having a bristle arrangement, the bristle ends of which engage with the teeth do not lie in a plane parallel to the surface of the handle head, characterized in that the bristles belong to two groups, a rear toothed group formed of transversely arranged rows of bristles. alternate with respect to the height of the bristles, and of the anterior group having at least some bristles extending further from the toothbrush head surface than any of the toothed group bristles, wherein the anterior bristle ends define an inclined surface which is inclined rearwardly and also comprise an inclined an area at the front end of the brush, tilted forward at an angle of 0 ° to 60 with respect to the plane of the surface of the toothbrush head on which the front group is mounted. The toothbrush of claim 35, wherein the front bristle group has three or more front bristle rows, wherein the first row or first row and second row define a forward inclined surface and the second row and rear rows or third row and rear rows define a rearwardly inclined surface. Toothbrush according to claim 35 or 36, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the forward inclined surface is greater than or equal to the angle of inclination of the rearward inclined surface. A toothbrush according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the forwardly inclined surface is inclined at an angle of 0 ° and is defined by a first row of bristles or a first and a second row of bristles. A toothbrush with a handle according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 or 14 to 17 or 18 to 20. A bristle arrangement toothbrush according to at least one of claims 21 to 24, 25 to 26, 27 to 31 or 32 to 38. A toothbrush with a handle according to claim 39 and a bristle arrangement according to claim 40.