WO2025237704A1

WO2025237704A1 - Oral care implement

Info

Publication number: WO2025237704A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/062126
Authority: WO
Inventors: Babu Cherian; Arunima Gupta; Sayandip MUKHERJEE; Akshatha NARASIMHAMURTHY; Neumesh KOOVALAM PARAMBATH; Biswa Ranjan Swain
Original assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV; Conopco Inc
Current assignee: Unilever Global IP Ltd; Unilever IP Holdings BV; Conopco Inc
Priority date: 2024-05-17
Filing date: 2025-05-02
Publication date: 2025-11-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-17

Abstract

The present invention provides an oral care implement with a novel and unique handle comprising two materials, a first material and a further material which is of lower shore hardness. The further material in the oral care implement according to the invention is at least 15 mm away from the proximal end. The inventors have designed the handle for an oral care implement that provides an aesthetic design with softer feel, as well as prevention from microbial growth.

Description

ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a handle for an oral care implement. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle for an oral care implement which is ergonomically superior yet avoids excessive and frequent microbial contamination.

Background of the Invention

Oral care implements such as toothbrushes are often stored in areas with high level of moisture content. This high moisture level and constant exposure to air provides an excellent environment for varied micro-organisms growth on these implements. While it is recommended to replace oral care implements at frequent intervals (say every three to four months), the handle may not be changed at the same frequency as the head. In fact, with advent of toothbrushes with replaceable heads, the handles can usually last much longer and may need not require replacement as frequent as head. Thus, it is even more important to protect frequent microbial contamination in the handle of oral care implements.

The handle of an oral care implement also plays an important role to attract consumers. In past, there have been innovations around using different materials in the handle region to improve the grip or to bring aesthetic improvements. Many of these innovations use soft elastomeric materials throughout the handle to improve grip and softer feel. However, there has not been much done to avoid the microbial contamination.

Some literature suggests treatment with hydrogen peroxide to clean the mold growth on the toothbrushes while other suggest use of UV light to disinfect the toothbrushes. However, most of these methods are cumbersome and not user-friendly.

WO2013/031685 discloses a toothbrush with a handle wherein the handle includes a main body made of a hard resin and a covering made of a soft resin that covers at least a part of the main body. The covering has a surface non-slip portion and a side anti-slip portion.

KR 2009 0001543 U discloses a handle with a soft band pattern on the circumferential surface of the gripping portion in an asymmetrical shape. US 2024/122335 A1 discloses a handle comprising a first rigid portion, a second rigid portion, and an elastomeric portion located between the first and second rigid portions; the first rigid portion comprising a first end portion comprising a first tab and a second tab; the second rigid portion comprising a second end portion comprising a first tab and a second tab; the elastomeric portion comprising a front surface, a rear surface, and a peripheral surface that extends between the front and rear surfaces; wherein a first groove is formed between the first tab of the first rigid portion and the first tab of the second rigid portion and a second groove is formed between the second tab of the first rigid portion and the second tab of the second rigid portion, a first portion of the peripheral surface of the elastomeric portion forming a floor of the first groove and a second portion of the peripheral surface of the elastomeric portion forming a floor of the second groove.

There is a need for a handle for an oral care implement which avoids excessive microbial contamination by design and does not require the user to use chemical treatments to clean them at home. At the same time, the handle should provide an aesthetic design attractive to consumers.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides oral care implement (600) having a front face (510), a rear face (512), and one or more lateral faces (516, 517), a proximal end (504) and a distal end (503), said implement (600) comprising a body (500) comprising a head (502) at the distal end (503) and a handle (501) terminating at the proximal end (504), extending along a longitudinal axis (AA), said handle (501) having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501 b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle comprising a proximal section (525), a middle section (535) and a neck section (545), said proximal section terminating at proximal end (504) and having a length (Lx), said handle (501) comprising a further material (508) having a shore hardness in range of 15 to 40 Shore A and lower than the first material (507), said further material (508) being exposed on at least one of the front (510), rear (512) or the one or more lateral faces(516, 517), wherein the further material (508) is present in one or more recesses (506), of which at least one recess is a through hole recess in the proximal section (525), wherein the further material in said through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) has a length L1 on at least one of the faces (510, 512, 516, 517), wherein said through hole recess (506) extends substantially through the length of the proximal section (Lx) such that length(L1) of further material (508) in the through hole recess (506) is at least 45% of the length of the proximal section (Lx), and wherein said further material (508) in the handle (501) is at least 15 mm away from the proximal end (504).

In yet another aspect, the further material (508) is at least 20 mm away from the proximal end (504).

Preferably, the length (L1) of the further material in the through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) is at least 50% of Lx, more preferably at least 60% of Lx.

The present invention provides a handle for an oral care implement that not only provides an aesthetic design, good grip and softer feel, but also a benefit of avoiding the need to replace handles at frequent intervals due to microbial growth. This in turn reduces the plastic waste into the environment and reduces the need to replace oral care implements at frequent intervals.

Brief description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of an oral care implement, toothbrush according to one or more aspects of an illustrative embodiment.

Figure 2 is a front view of the oral care implement of figure 1.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the oral care implement of figure 1 .

Figure 4 shows left hand view of the oral care implement of figure 1.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along view A-A according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the oral care implement according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a toothbrush according to prior art.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As used herein the term “comprising” encompasses the terms “consisting essentially of’ and “consisting of”. Where the term “comprising” is used, the listed options or components need not be exhaustive. Unless otherwise specified, numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. In specifying any range of values or amounts, any particular upper value or amount can be associated with any particular lower value or amount. Except in the examples or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers are to be understood as modified by the word “about”. As used herein, the indefinite article “a” or “an” and its corresponding definite article “the” means at least one, or one or more, unless specified otherwise. The various features of the present invention referred to in individual sections above apply, as appropriate, to other sections mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate. Any section headings are added for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way. The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Accordingly, features mentioned in the claims if followed by reference numerals, such numerals are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the intelligibility of the claims and are in no way limiting to the scope of the claims. The examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples per se.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to oral care implement (600) having a front face (510), a rear face (512), and one or more lateral faces (516, 517), a proximal end (504) and a distal end (503), said implement (600) comprising a body (500) comprising a head (502) at the distal end (503) and a handle (501) terminating at the proximal end (504), extending along a longitudinal axis (AA), said handle (501) having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501 b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle comprising a proximal section (525), a middle section (535) and a neck section (545), said proximal section terminating at proximal end (504) and having a length (Lx), said handle (501) comprising a further material (508) having a shore hardness in range of 15 to 40 Shore A, and lower than the first material (507), said further material (508) being exposed on at least one of the front (510), rear (512) or the one or more lateral faces (516, 517), wherein the further material (508) is present in one or more recesses (506), of which at least one recess is a through hole recess in the proximal section (525), wherein the further material in said through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) has a length L1 on at least one of the faces (510, 512, 516, 517) wherein said through hole recess (506) extends substantially through the length of the proximal section (Lx) such that length (L1) of further material (508) in the through hole recess (506) is at least 45% of the length of the proximal section (Lx), and wherein said further material (508) in the handle (501) is at least 15 mm away from the proximal end (504).

In one aspect, the length (L1) of the further material in the through hole recess (506) is at least 50% of Lx, more preferably at least 60% of Lx.

In a preferred aspect, the further material (508) is at least 20 mm away from the proximal end (504).

In a preferred aspect, the further material (508) has a surface area (Sf) which is at least 35% of the surface area of the handle (Sn).

In a preferred aspect, the length (L1) of the further material in the through hole recess (506) in the proximal section is at least 50% of Lx, more preferably at least 60% of Lx.

More preferably, length (L1) is at least which is at least 45% of the length of the proximal section (Lx) on both front face (510) and rear face (512). In one aspect, the further material (508) is present in a proximal section of the handle (501), said section extending from a thumb rest (511) to the proximal end (504), said further material in the proximal section has a surface area which is at least 8% of the surface area of the implement.

In a preferred aspect, the first material is a hard plastic material, preferably polypropylene and the further material is a soft material, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer.

Oral care implement means and includes all implements for oral care. It is preferred that the implement is a manual toothbrush, electronic toothbrush, tongue cleaner or an interdental brush. Depending on the purpose and application of the oral care implement the head could be changed, such as a brush head with bristles and a tongue cleaner. Any kind of head useful as an oral care implement could be attached to the handle of the present invention. Any arrangement of cleaning elements or bristles, by whichever name they are called useful with oral care implements can be used with the present invention. Further, any type of bristle (or filament) material may be used. The bristles could be attached directly to the head or attached to a head plate (not shown in figures). In one aspect, the handle part is connected to a replaceable head with or without the neck part. When replaceable, the head is usually connected to the handle through a neck part. In a preferred aspect, the head, the neck part, the handle part are formed integrally as a single unit.

Referring to Figure 1 , a perspective view of an oral care implement, particularly a toothbrush (600) is illustrated according to one aspect of the invention. The toothbrush (600) generally comprises a body (500) which comprises a handle (501) (which includes a handle part (501a) and neck part (501b)) and a head (502). The toothbrush (600) has a distal end (503) and a proximal end (504). The distal end (503) is the end which is connected to the head (502) and proximal end (504) is the end where the handle (501) of the oral care implement ends and is opposite to the distal end (503). The handle (501) has a handle part (501a) towards the proximal end and a neck part (501b) towards the distal end attached to the head (502).

The head (502) includes a set of teeth cleaning elements (shown in block in figure 1 as (502a)) either attached directly or through a head plate. While the set of cleaning elements shown in Figure 1 is suited to be used with a toothbrush, any cleaning elements such as those used to clean oral soft tissue, such as a tongue, gums, palate or cheeks can be used. The set of cleaning elements can be connected to the head (502) in any manner known in the art. For example, anchor free tufting (AFT), pressure-tufting or staple technology. In a preferred aspect, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks or into a head plate with suitable tuft openings and then the head plate could be connected to the head of the toothbrush which is formed as an integral unit with the handle. The head in the rear view may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleanser. Such soft tissue cleansers are typically constructed of a TPE and include one or more projections, such as nubs and/or ridges, for engaging and massaging soft oral tissue, such as the tongue.

In a preferred aspect, the head, the handle part and the neck part are formed together as an integral unit to make the body using any technique known in the art, preferably by injection molding. In other aspects, parts of toothbrush can also be manufactured separately as components and can be connected at a later stage in manufacturing using any known technique, including but not limiting to thermal welding, sonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, or fasteners. Furthermore, other manufacturing techniques may be used in place of and/or in addition to injection molding to create the handle (501) and/or the head (502) (or components thereof), such as milling and/or machining.

Figures 2 and 3 show front view and rear view respectively of the oral care implement according to the illustrative embodiment of figure 1.

As seen in figures 2-3, the oral care implement according to the invention has a front face (510), and face (512) positioned opposite the front face and one or more lateral faces (left lateral face (516); right lateral face (517). The front face (510) of the oral care implement is generally the face having that part of head on which the bristle zone of the implement is directed.

The front face is generally also the face of the handle, on which the thumb is placed during use. The rear face (512) is accordingly the face lying opposite. The rear face of the head may or may not have tongue cleaning elements. The lateral faces (516,517) are the faces which are visible when viewed sideways, i.e., the faces appearing in between the front and the rear faces. There are usually two lateral faces, but there can be more depending on the handle design. Generally, but without limitation, the face is a flat surface. Further, the lateral face may not be strictly flat in all cases. The lateral faces in case of the present invention are considered as a face visible on top when oral care implement (or handle) is viewed sideways. The front, rear and lateral faces of the oral care implement are also the front, rear and the lateral faces respectively of the body (500), head (502) and the handle (501).

In Figure 2, the front face (510) shows the body (500) with a handle (501) (including the handle part (501a) and the neck part (501b)) made of a first material (507). As seen in figure 2, the handle (501) of the toothbrush (600) can be without limitation conceptually demarcated into sections along the axis A-A, having a proximal section (525), a middle section (535) and a neck section (545). The proximal section (525) is generally the section that is held by palm of any user. The middle section (535) forms the section where the handle is held by thumb generally and has a thumb rest (511). The neck section (545) forms the section that connects to head (502). The proximal section generally extends from the end of thumb rest (511) or end of middle section (535) to the proximal end (504).

The proximal section (525), the middle section (535) and the neck section (545) according to the invention can be of any specification or size, i.e., for example, the head (502) may be smaller or bigger in cross-sectional area as compared to the neck section (545). While the Figures show only one exemplary embodiment, the size of the head or any of proximal, middle, neck sections are not limiting under the invention. The neck section (525) can be aligned at an angle or be straight when considered relative to middle section (535) or proximal section (525).

In accordance with the invention, handle (501) comprises a further material (508) having a shore hardness in range of 15 to 40 Shore A, and lower than shore hardness of the first material (507), said further material (508) being exposed on at least one of the front (510), rear (512) or the one or more lateral faces.

In accordance with an aspect, the further material (508) is present in one or more recesses (506), of which at least one recess is a through hole recess in the proximal section (525). The through hole recess in the proximal section comprises further material (508), which has a length of L1 on at least one of the faces (510, 512, 516, 517). The handle may also comprise two through hole recesses as shown in Figure 2. It may also have a third recess (506) in the middle section forming a thumb rest (511) filled with a further material (508).

In Figure 3, shown is the rear view of the toothbrush with three through hole recesses (506) filled with the further material (508). The recess (506) in the middle section forms the thumb rest shown on rear face shown as (513) Furthermore, the head (502) in the rear view may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleanser. Such soft tissue cleansers are typically constructed of a TPE and include one or more projections, such as nubs and/or ridges, for engaging and massaging soft oral tissue, such as the tongue. One such tongue cleaner (515) is shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the left-hand view of the toothbrush of Figure 1 showing lateral view of the body (500) made of first material (507) and further material (508) filled in one or more recesses.

The toothbrush (600) extends from a proximal end (504) to a distal end (503) along a longitudinal axis (A-A). The longitudinal axis (AA) as shown in figure 2 is a reference line that is generally coextensive with the three-dimensional center line of the handle (501) and the head (502). The axis (AA) may be linear or non-linear. The toothbrush (600) may further comprise a first transverse axis B-B that intersects the front face (510) and the rear face (512). The toothbrush (600) may further comprise a second transverse axis C-C that intersects the left lateral face (516) and the right lateral face (517). The first transverse axis B-B extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A. The second transverse axis C-C extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A-A. The first transverse axis B-B is substantially orthogonal to the second transverse axis C-C.

The oral care implement (600) has a front surface (518) and a rear surface (519) which is opposite the front surface (518). The implement (600) also has a right lateral surface (521) and a left lateral surface (520) opposite the right lateral surface (521). The front surface, the rear surface, the right lateral surface and the left lateral surface collectively form the outer surface of the implement (600). The outer surface can also be referred to as “exposed outer surface” of the implement.

In an aspect according to the invention, the further material (508) is present in one or more recesses (506), of which at least one recess is a through hole recess in the proximal section (525). The further material in said through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) has a length L1 on at least one of the faces (510, 512, 516, 517) and said through hole recess (506) extends substantially through the length of the proximal section (Lx) such that length (L1) of further material in the through hole recess is at least 45% of the length of the proximal section (Lx).

In context of the present invention, the term ‘substantially’ implies that one or more recesses together occupy a considerable portion of the handle. In this respect it is to be noted that it is not necessary that any two recesses should be of equal size and dimensions. One recess may be greater in dimension than any other recess and/or be equal in size.

In context of the present invention, the surface area of the implement (SO) is area of the outer surface or “exposed outer surface” of the implement (600) comprising the handle (501) and the head (502) (without teeth cleaning elements (502a), without tongue cleaning elements (515) and without head plate, as applicable). In case of the embodiment shown in figures, this surface area of the implement(SO) is calculated when the further material (508) is filled in the one or more recesses (506). The surface area of the implement(SO) when recesses are filled with further material may be different from the surface area of the outer surface of the body (500) (without the further material filled in one or more recesses).

The implement surface area (SO) may comprise a head surface area (Sh) and a handle surface area (Sn). In context of the present invention, the surface area of the handle (501) (Sn) is area of the outer surface or “exposed outer surface” of the handle (501) (no head) when further material (508) is filled in the one or more recesses (506). The surface area of the handle (Sn) thus includes the surface area covered by both the first material and the further material when filled in the two or more recesses in the body (500). (Sn) may usually be calculated along the length (Ln) of the handle on all of the front, rear, and lateral surfaces.

Further, the proximal section (525) of the handle (501) may comprise a surface area Sx, the middle section (535) may comprise a surface area (Sy) and the neck section (545) may comprise a surface area (Sz). The surface area (SO) will usually be a combination of Sx, Sy, Sz and Sh (surface area of head) whereas handle surface area (Sn) will be a combination of Sx, Sy and Sz.

As stated above for SO, Sx, Sy, Sz and Sh are calculated when the further material is filled within the recesses (506) taking into account the front surface, rear surface and lateral surfaces. The calculation however does not include cleaning elements, head plate or any tongue cleaner elements when present.

In context of the present invention, exposed surface area of the further material (508) is calculated by measuring the total surface area (Sf) of the further material (508) on the front, rear, right lateral or left lateral surfaces of the implement (600) as applicable. In the embodiments shown in figures without limiting, the surface area of the further material is the area of the outer or the exposed outer surface of further material when it is filled inside the recesses. Where the further material is present on more than one surface, such a surface area is calculated by adding the surface areas of those surfaces.

In one aspect of the invention, SO ranges from 9000 to 14000 sq mm., preferably 10,000 to 13,000 sq mm. In another aspect, the surface area Sx of the proximal section (525) of the handle (501) ranges from 5500 to 8500 sq mm., preferably 6300 to 7700 sq mm. According to another aspect, the surface area Sy of the middle section (535) of the handle (501) ranges from 1800 to 2900 sq mm, preferably 2100 to 2600 sq mm. According to yet another aspect, the surface area Sz of the neck section (545) of the handle (501) ranges from 1300 to 2100 sq mm, preferably 1500 to 1900 sq mm. According to another aspect, the surface area Sh of the head (502) ranges from 700 to 1500 sq mm, preferably 900 to 1200 sq mm. In an aspect, Sn ranges from 8500 to 13500 sq mm, preferably 9000 to 11500 sq mm.

In an aspect, further material (508) in the through-hole recesses together occupy an exposed surface area (Sth) and a volume (Vth). According to the invention, the at least two through hole recesses (506) extend through a substantial portion of the handle (501) such that the exposed surface area (Sth) of the further material in the through hole recesses is at least 8% of surface area (Sn) of the handle (501 ) and the volume (Vth) is at least 25% of the volume (Vn) of the handle (501). Preferably, the exposed surface area (Sth) is at least 10% of surface area (Sn) of the handle (501), more preferably 12%. Preferably, the volume (Vth) is at least 30% of the volume (Vn) of the handle (501), more preferably 35%.

In context of the invention, the exposed surface area (Sth) is the exposed or outer surface area of the further material which is present inside the through hole recesses. Sth is calculated for the further material exposed on surfaces when the through hole recesses are filled with further material.

In an aspect, the further material (508) may comprise an exposed surface area in different sections of the handle (501). Surface area S1 corresponds to the exposed surface area of the further material (508) in the proximal section (525). S2 corresponds to the exposed surface area of the further material (508) in the middle section (535). S3 corresponds to the exposed surface area of the further material (508) in the neck section (545). Generally, the total exposed surface area Sf, may be a combination of S1, S2 and S3.

In an aspect of the invention, S1 ranges from 950 to 1500 sq mm, preferably 1050 to 1300 sq mm. In another aspect, S2 ranges from 450 to 650 sq mm, preferably 480 to 600 sq mm. In yet another aspect, S3 ranges from 170 to 250 sq mm, preferably 190 to 220 sq mm.

In an aspect, the exposed surface area (Sth) ranges from 10% to 50% of the surface area (Sn) of the handle (501), more preferably from 12% to 45%. In an aspect, Sf (total exposed surface area of the further material) is at least 10% of Sn (total surface area of the handle), preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 18%. In another aspect, Sf ranges from 10 to 40% of Sn, more preferably 15% to 30% of Sn.

In a preferred aspect according to the invention, the further material covers a substantial portion of the proximal section. In an aspect, S1 is at least 10% of Sx, preferably at least 12%, more preferably at least 15%. In an aspect S1 ranges from 10 to 40% of Sx, more preferably 15 to 25% of Sx.

In a preferred aspect, the surface area of further material in proximal section (S1) is at least 50% of the overall further material (Sf) in the handle, more preferably, at least 55% of Sf, even more preferably at least 60% of Sf. In an aspect, S1 ranges from 50 to 76% of Sf, more preferably 55 to 68% of Sf.

In a preferred aspect, the surface area of further material (S1) in the proximal section is at least 8% of the overall surface area (Sn) of the handle. In an aspect, S1 ranges from 8 to 17% of Sn, more preferably 10 to 15% of Sn.

In another aspect, the surface area S3 (i.e., the surface area of further material in the neck section) is no more than 6% of Sn (i.e., surface area of the handle), preferably no more than 4% of Sn, even more preferably no more than 2%. In an aspect, S3 ranges from 0 to 6% of Sn, more preferably 1 to 4% of Sn, even more preferably 2 to 4% of Sn.

In another aspect, the surface area S3 (i.e., the surface area of further material in the neck section) is at least 1% of Sn (i.e., surface area of the handle), preferably at least 2%. More preferably, the further material (508) in neck section (545) begins from the middle section (535) towards head (502). This allows lesser further material to enter the oral cavity while using the brush by any consumer, thereby reducing the risk of microbial contamination. This also allows strength to the handle, especially to the neck part while yet maintaining gentler feel all along the handle. Preferably, the head does not comprise any further material.

Any of the surface area calculations in context of the present application do not include surface areas of teeth cleaning elements (502a), tongue cleaning elements (515) and head plate, whenever present. The surface area can be measured in accordance with any acceptable measuring standards. One such way is calculating by using a CAD software tool as commercially available. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of Figure 2 taken along view A-A of figure 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the oral care implement according to one embodiment of the invention. As seen from the embodiment in the figure, the proximal section comprises at least one through hole recess filled with further material. In a preferred aspect, the handle comprises at least one through hole recess (562) in proximal section (525) and one through hole recess (560) in the neck section (545), each comprising further material (508). Further, the body may also comprise a recess (561 ) in the middle section which ultimately forms the thumb rest (511 , 513). As can be seen from figures 5 and 6, the further material (508) in any one through hole recess (506) is surrounded by first material (507) on the front face (510), rear face (512), lateral faces (516,517) such that the further material (508) does not transverse from one through hole recess (506) to another through hole recess (506) on any of the faces.

Preferably, any two through hole recesses (506) are positioned on the handle (501) such that the further material (508) in one through hole recess (506) does not intersect with the further material (508) in other through hole recess (506).

The further material in any one through hole recess is preferably not connected by any channel with the further material in another through-hole recess. Preferably, any further material (508) is only within the through hole recesses (506).

The independent through hole recesses allow for at least two separate gateway points for material flow during manufacturing process and greater flexibility of using materials.

In an aspect, any further material (508) present on the handle is only in the recesses (506). Preferably, the further material (508) is not overmolded on the first material (507).

The through hole recesses (506) may be defined by hole walls (522) that form a closed perimeter defining the open passageway extending between the front and rear surfaces (510, 512) of the body (500). The through-hole recesses (506) may be defined by hole walls (522) that form a closed perimeter defining the open passageway extending between the front surface (518) and the rear surface (519). As can be seen from figure 5, the further material (508) extends into and through the through-hole (506) recesses while being exposed on the opposite surfaces of the handle (501). In a preferred aspect, each of the through hole recesses have further material which is formed as a 3-dimensional monolithic body and fills in through the at least two independent through hole recesses in the body. Preferably, the 3-dimensional monolithic body in any through hole recesses is surrounded by the perimeter walls of the first material (507) on at least four sides.

As seen from figures 5 and 6, at least two through hole recesses extend through the axis A-A, B-B, C-C such that they cover a substantial portion of the handle.

According to an aspect, the implement (600) may comprise a volume VO. The volume VO corresponds to total volume of the implement (including first material and second material). The implement volume VO may comprise a head volume (Vh) and a handle volume (Vn). Further, the proximal section (525) of the handle (501) may comprise a volume Vx, the middle section (535) may comprise a volume Vy and the neck section (545) may comprise a volume, Vz respectively. The volume V0 will usually be a combination of Vx, Vy, Vz and Vh (volume of head) and handle volume Vn will usually be a combination of Vx, Vy and Vz.

In context of the invention, V0, Vx, Vy, Vz and Vh are all calculated when the further material is filled within the recesses (506). The calculation however does not include cleaning elements, head plate or any tongue cleaner elements when present.

In one aspect of the invention, V0 ranges from 13990 to 21000 cu mm, preferably 16000 to 20000 cu mm. In another aspect, the volume Vx of the proximal section (525) of the handle (501) ranges from 9700 to 14650, preferably 11000 to 13500 cu mm. According to another aspect, the volume Vy of the middle section (535) of the handle (501) ranges from 2400 to 3700 cu mm., preferably 2759 to 3500 cu mm. According to another aspect, the volume Vz of the neck section (545) of the handle (501) ranges from 1400 to 2200 cu mm., preferably 1600 to 2000 cu mm. According to another aspect, the volume Vh of the head (502) ranges from 300 to 600 cu mm., preferably 400 to 550 cu mm. According to an aspect, Vn ranges from 13000 to 20000 cu mm, preferably 15000 to 18500 cu mm.

In an aspect, the further material (508) may also comprise volumes V1 , V2, and V3 in recesses in different sections of the handle. Volume V1 corresponds to the volume of the further material (508) in the proximal section (525). V2 corresponds to the volume of the further material (508) in the middle section (535). V3 corresponds to the volume of the further material (508) in the neck section (545). The further material (508) may also comprise a total volume Vf, which is a combination of V1, V2 and V3. The further material (508) filled in the through hole recesses may together comprise a volume Vth. In an aspect of the invention, V1 ranges from 4500 to 7000 cu mm, preferably 5200 to 6500 cu mm. In another aspect, V2 ranges from 1100 to 1700 cu mm, preferably 1200 to 1600 cu mm. In yet another aspect, V3 ranges from 420 to 650 cu mm., preferably 480 to 590 cu mm.

In an aspect, Vf (total volume of the further material) is at least 30% of Vn (volume of the handle) and ranges from 30% to 75% of Vn, more preferably 35% to 60% of Vn. More preferably, Vf is at least 35% of Vn, even more preferably, at least 40%, even more preferably at least 41%, still preferably at least 42%, still preferably at least 43%, still preferably at least 44%, still preferably at least 45%.

According to the invention, the at least two through hole recesses extend through a substantial portion of the handle such that the further material in the at least two through hole recesses together occupy a volume (Vth) which is at least 30% of the volume of handle, Vn, preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 37%.

In a preferred aspect according to the invention, the further material covers a substantial portion of the proximal section. In an aspect, V1 is at least 35% of Vx, and ranges from 35 to 55% of Vx, more preferably 40% to 50%. In a preferred aspect, the volume V1 is at least 60 % of the total further material Vf in the handle, more preferably at least 70%. In an aspect, V1 ranges from 60 to 85 % of Vf, more preferably 65% to 80% of Vf. Preferably, any further material in the proximal section is only within through hole recess.

Further, the volume of further material in the neck section (V3) is no more than 15% of the total further material Vf. In an aspect, V3 ranges from 0 to 15 % of Vf, more preferably 5% to 10% of Vf.

Preferably, the further material (508) in neck section (545) begins from the middle section (535) extending towards head (502). This allows lesser further material to enter the oral cavity while using the brush by any consumer, thereby reducing the risk of microbial contamination yet allowing gentle feel while holding the handle.

In another aspect, the volume V3 (i.e., the volume of further material in the neck section) is no more than 10 % of Vn (i.e., volume of the handle). In an aspect, V3 ranges from 0 to 10% of Vn, more preferably 2 to 6 % of Vn. Preferably, any further material in the neck section is only within through hole recess. In a preferred aspect, the further material (508) is present not only on the surface but also majority of the core of the handle covering a substantial volume of the handle (501).

As seen in figure 2, the toothbrush (600) may also comprise a length L0. The length L0 corresponds to overall length of the toothbrush (including first material and second material) when measured along the axis A-A from distal end (503) to the proximal end (504). The toothbrush length L0 may comprise a head length (Lh) and a handle length (Ln). Further, the proximal section (525) of the handle (501) may comprise a length Lx, the middle section (535) may comprise a length Ly and the neck section (545) may comprise a length, Lz. The length L0 will usually be a combination of Lx, Ly, Lz and Lh (length of head) and handle length Ln will be a combination of Lx, Ly and Lz.

In one aspect of the invention, L0 ranges from 130 to 230 mm, preferably160 to 200 mm. In another aspect, the length Lx of the proximal section (525) of the handle (501) ranges from 65 to 105 mm, preferably 75 to 95 mm. According to another aspect, the length Ly of the middle section (535) of the handle (501) ranges from 18 mm to 28 mm, preferably 20 mm to 26 mm. According to another aspect, the length Lz of the neck section (545) of the handle (501) ranges from 34 m to 54 mm, preferably 40 mm to 50 mm. According to another aspect, the length Lh of the head (502) ranges from 24 to 36 mm, preferably 27 to 33 mm. In an aspect, Ln ranges from 120 to 180 mm, preferably 140 to 170 mm. The proximal section may generally form about 45 to 65% of the handle length Ln from the proximal end, more preferably about 50 to 60% of the handle length.

As seen in figure 2, the further material (508) may also comprise lengths L1 , L2, and L3 in the different sections of the handle. Length L1 corresponds to the minimum length of the exposed outer surface of the further material (508) in the proximal section (525) on any one of the front face or the rear face or lateral faces when measured along the axis A-A. Similarly, L2 corresponds to the minimum length of the exposed outer surface of the further material (508) filled in the recess in the middle section (535) on any one of the front face or the rear face or lateral faces when measured along the axis A-A. L3 corresponds to the minimum length of the exposed outer surface of the further material (508) in the neck section (545) on any one of the front face or the rear face or lateral faces when measured along the axis A-A. The further material (508) may also comprise a total length Lf, which is a combination of L1 , L2 and L3 on any one face of the implement. Lth corresponds to minimum length of the exposed outer surface of further material which is filled in the at least two through hole recesses on at least one face, been shown in figure 2 but corresponding portions in rear face (shown in figure 3) will also have lengths.

In an aspect of the invention, L1 ranges from 50 mm to 80 mm, preferably 55 mm to 70 mm. In another aspect, L2 ranges from 18 mm to 28 mm, preferably 20 mm to 26 mm. In yet another aspect, L3 ranges from 12 mm to 19 mm, preferably 14 mm to 18 mm.

For ease of calculation, the lengths L0, Lx, Ly, Lz, Lh, L1 , L2, L3 and Lf are calculated on any one of the faces or surfaces, for example length may be calculated on the front surface (518) or the front face (510) of the implement. However, the calculations may similarly be done on any of the faces (front face, rear face or lateral faces).

In an aspect according to the invention, majority of the length of the front surface (518) and/or the rear surface (519) of the handle (501) comprises further material.

In an aspect, the further material (508) in at least two through hole recesses (506) together occupy a length (Lth) on any one face (510,512,516,517) and said Lth is at least 40% of the length of the handle (Ln) of the handle (501) on that face. Preferably, Lth is at least 45%, more preferably at least 47% of Ln. In an aspect, Lth ranges from 40 to 80% of Ln, more preferably 40 to 70% of Ln, even more preferably 45 to 60%.

In an aspect, Lf (total length of the further material on any one face) is at least 50% of Ln (total length of the handle), more preferably at least 55%, even more preferably at least 60%. In another aspect, Lf ranges from 50 to 80% of Ln, more preferably 55 to 70% of Ln.

Preferably, the Lf is at least 50% of Ln on both the front face of the handle and rear face of the handle. Put another way, the length of the further material covers a large proportion of the length of the handle on both the front face and the rear face. More preferably, Lf is at least 60% on both front face and rear face.

In a preferred aspect according to the invention, at least one through hole recess (506) is present in a proximal section (525) and the further material (508) in the proximal section (525) has a length (L1), which is at least 45% of length (Lx) of the proximal section (525) of the handle (501), preferably 50%, more preferably 60%. In another aspect, L1 ranges from 45 to 82% of Lx, more preferably 50 to 75%, even more preferably 60 to 70%. In a preferred aspect, the further material in the proximal section is only within a through-hole recess. In a preferred aspect, the length L1 is at least 48% of the overall further material Lf in the handle. In an aspect, L1 ranges from 48 % to 73 % of Lf, more preferably 50 to 70 % of Lf. More preferably, there is only one through hole recess in the proximal section.

In a preferred aspect, the length L1 (length of further material in proximal section) is at least 30% of the overall length Ln of the handle, more preferably 35%. In an aspect, L1 ranges from 30 to 50% of Ln, more preferably 35 to 45% of Ln.

Further, the length of further material in the neck section (L3) is no more than 19% of the length of total further material Lf. In an aspect, L3 ranges from 0 to 19% of Lf, more preferably 5% to 16% of Lf. More preferably, the further material (508) in neck section (545) begins from the middle section (535) towards head (502).

In another aspect, the length L3 (i.e., the length of further material in the neck section) is no more than 12% of Ln (i.e., length of the handle). In an aspect, L3 ranges from 8 to 12% of Ln, more preferably 9-11% of Ln.

In an aspect, Lf is same as Lth on any one face. In another aspect, Sf is same as Sth. In yet another aspect, Vf is same as Vth. In yet another preferred aspect, Sf, Lf, and Vf are same as Sth, Lth, and Vth respectively. In other words, the handle comprises any further material only inside recesses. In a preferred aspect, the handle comprises any further material only inside two or more through hole recesses, more preferably inside three or more through hole recesses.

Whilst shown as elliptical in the figures, handle of the oral care implement according to the present invention may have a wide variety of shapes and designs. It may be oval, round, flat, elliptical, elongated shape.

Figure 7 shows a front face of a toothbrush 11 according to prior art. The toothbrush 11 has a handle with harder material 12 and softer elastomeric material 13.

First material

The first material (507) is selected from any material suitable for manufacturing the handle of an oral care implement, especially toothbrush. The first material is selected from conventional hard plastic materials such as polypropylene or other rigid or semi-rigid plastics, wood, bamboo, ceramic, glass, metals, composite materials suitable for making handles of oral care implement. Preferably, the first material is selected from polypropylene and its different grades. The first material is either transparent or opaque and in wide variety of colors and surface finish such as glossy, matt, self-patterns etc. The handle is made of one first material or combination of two or more different types of first material. Preferably, the first material has a shore hardness in the range of 50 to 90 Shore D.

Preferably the first material is harder than the further material. The first material has a higher rigidity than the further material. The first material has a shore hardness in any range suitable for making handle of an oral care implement. Preferably, the first material is polypropylene.

Further material

According to the invention, the further material (508) has a lower shore hardness than the first material (507). The further material is selected from conventional hard plastics or rigid or semi rigid plastics, yieldable materials such as a liquid, a gel, or particulate substances, a range of thermoplastic elastomers or polymers, rubber, silicon material, soft polymeric compounds or combinations thereof.

In an aspect, the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from thermoplastic vulcanates (rubber polyolefin blends), polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) block copolymers, partially or fully hydrogenated styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, polyolefin plastomers, styrene-based polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof.

In an aspect, the further material has a shore hardness in the range of about 5 to 60 shore A. Preferably, the further material has a shore hardness in the range of about 15 to 40 Shore A, more preferably in the range of about 15 to 30 Shore A. The shore hardness can be measured using a durometer using standard methods.

The further material is either opaque, transparent or translucent and has different types of surface finishes. The further material may have grooves, depressions, any perturbances, ridges or any other formations on it which may enhance its appearance or performance. Preferably, the further material is selected from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and its different grades. TPE is also referred to as thermoplastic rubbers (TPR) sometimes. The invention contemplates use of at least one or more than one different type of further materials, with different shore hardness in the handle (501). Accordingly, different regions in the handle (501) can have with different further materials (508).

Covered within the scope is presence of further material (508) on the handle and body at any surface or region. Such regions are also called elastomeric regions. The further material is exposed on at least one of the front, rear or one of the lateral faces.

In an aspect, the further material (508) is present in one or more recesses (506) in the handle (501). The recesses may be blind or through-hole. Preferably, at least one recess (506) is a through hole recess. More preferably, at least one recess in the proximal section (525) is a through hole recess. Even more preferably, any or all the recesses in the proximal section (525) are through hole recesses. In another preferred aspect, the handle comprises at least two through hole recesses of which at least one recess is in the proximal section.

When a through- hole recess, it extends or transverses between the opposing faces, when a blind recess, a recess usually extends from one of the faces. Through-hole recesses may also mean that when not filled with a further material, a user can see through the faces of the handle. Usually, in such a case, when filled, the further material (508) is exposed or visible on opposing faces of the brush, i.e., front, or rear faces or left lateral and right lateral faces. In one aspect, the further material (508) may be covered with another material and is not directly exposed or visible. A blind recess means that the further material is exposed or visible only on one of the faces of the handle (either front or rear or lateral). A blind recess in the handle can also be present on both the faces of the handle at the same place, exposing the further material at both front and rear face, without having the need of having complete recess.

Preferably, the handle comprises at least one through hole recess (506) in neck section (545) and at least one through hole recess in the proximal section (525). More preferably, the handle (501) comprises three through-hole recesses (506), one each in proximal section (525), middle section (535) and neck section (545) of the handle (501). In a further preferred aspect, any further material (508) present on the handle is only in the recesses (506). Preferably, any recess in the proximal section is a through hole recess and any further material present in the proximal section is present in a through hole recess.

The recess could be of any shape, for example, square, rectangular, oval, circle or elliptical.

Preferably, the recess is elliptical with tapered ends. The recess can be of uniform shape across the length of an imaginary longitudinal axis (AA) or it can be non-uniform or non- symmetrical. A further structural element made from either the first material or a different material could also be provided in the through hole recess running along the axis (AA) to give structural rigidity to the handle (501). The one or more recesses (506) are either equal in size or unequal. Preferably, the recesses are unequal in size, with smaller recess above the thumb rest. The invention contemplates any combination of features of the recess, such as its number, completeness or partial, shape and size in the same handle.

In a preferred aspect, at least two through hole recesses (506) transverses between the front face (510) and the rear face (512) of the implement of which at least one is a through hole recess in the proximal section. In another preferred aspect, the handle comprises at least three recesses (506), of which at least two are through-hole recesses.

In a preferred aspect, the recesses (506) transverse between the front face and the rear face of the implement and extends along the handle part, such that the recesses run in the direction of the longitudinal axis, adapted in dimension, in accordance with its position on the handle part, to a circumference of the handle part.

In an aspect, the recesses (506) are elliptical or semi-elliptical with major or semi-major axis running along the longitudinal axis and minor axis being transverse to the longitudinal axis.

According to the claimed aspect of the invention, the further material (508) is at least 15 mm away from the proximal end (504) so that it does not attract fungal growth. Preferably, the further material (508) is at least 20 mm away from the proximal end (504).

In another aspect, the further material is from about 15 to 60 mm away from the proximal end (504), preferably from about 15 mm to 50 mm, more preferably from about 20 mm to 40 mm.

Thumb rest

In one aspect, at least one recess (506) in the handle forms a thumb rest (511 , 513) which is meant for a user to rest his/her thumb for proper grip. This recess may be through hole or blind recess. Preferably such a thumb rest is oval or elliptical but can be of any shape. The position of the thumb rest is generally in the middle section (535) of the handle. For example, when oval or elliptical, the minor axis of the thumb rest is transverse to the longitudinal axis (AA) and such minor axis is within 0-20% of the centre point when measured along the length of the longitudinal axis of the handle. When present, the thumb rest is filled with further material (508) which is same or different from the further material (508) used in other recesses. Preferably, the shore hardness of the further material (508) used in thumb rest is different from the shore hardness of the further material (508) used in the other recesses of the handle. The thumb rest is preferably made of further material (508) having Shore A hardness from 10 to 50 preferably 15 to 40.

The thumb rest can be without limitation in the plane of the handle or bulging out from the surface of the handle, when viewed sideways or from the lateral view. As seen from figure 4, the thumb rest (511) on the front face (510) of the handle is bulging out in the view. When bulging, the thumb rest has a maximum height that varies from 3 to 8 mm above the surface of the handle when measured at its center point. Preferably, the thumb-rest comprises a gripenhancing feature as shown in figures 1-4. As may be understood by a person skilled, any pattern or surface feature on the thumb rest is within the purview of the claimed invention and the pattern shown in figures is not limiting.

In an embodiment of the invention, the thumb rest is present on front or rear or both the faces of the handle. When present at the rear face such as (513) (in figure 3), it may have similar or different shapes and/or grip enhancing features. Also, when present at rear face of the handle, although the thumb may not strictly rest on it when in usage, it may therefore be called by alternative names. As seen in figure 3, the thumb rest (513) at the rear surface is smaller than the thumb rest (511) at the front surface and does not bulge out. However, alternative arrangements of thumb rest are contemplated within the invention.

The thumb rest is made of either opaque, translucent or transparent material. Preferably, the thumb rest is made of opaque material.

Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer (508) in thumb rest (511 , 513) has a shore hardness lesser than the thermoplastic elastomer (508) which fills the other recesses in the handle.

Preferably, the further material (508) filled in the recesses (506) extend into the handle part such that there is one recess (506) below the thumb rest recess and one recess (506) above the thumb rest recess. At least one recess in the proximal section is a through hole recess.

In one aspect, a recess begins in the handle part (501a) which is above the thumb rest and partially extends into the neck part (501b). The recess in the neck part may be blind or through hole recess. The recess in the neck part may be filled with further material (508) which is same or different from the further material (508) in the handle part(501a) or neck part(501b).

In a preferred aspect, there are two through-hole recesses in the implement that transverse between the front face and the rear face of the implement such that the further material is exposed on both the faces. More preferably, there are three through-hole recesses filled with further material forming the oral care implement.

In one aspect, the further material (508) in a proximal section of the handle (501), said section extending from a thumb rest (511) to the proximal end (504) has a surface area which is at least 8% of the surface area of the implement, preferably at least 10% of the surface area of the implement.

Method of manufacture of handle

All parts of the oral care implement, particularly toothbrush according to the invention are either unitarily constructed together from an identical material or constructed separately from different materials.

Preferably, the parts of the handle are constructed separately from different materials using different forming or molding techniques suitable to manufacture handles of toothbrushes. One such method is injection molding. The separate parts of the handle are then joined together by injection molding technique or different processes of such as ultrasonic welding and/or fusion. Preferably, the handle of the oral care implement according to the invention comprises more than one type of material. More preferably, it comprises three different types of materials, one first material and two different further materials.

In a preferred aspect, the handle at the proximal end is rounded or curved in dimension. The curved proximal end is manufactured by having a “preset” curve with a radius and location in the mold at the proximal end. Usually, this curve is “set” by the overall product design and considering manufacturing process, the proximal end curve profile length varies from 8-10mm, and radius varies from 3-5 mm. The rounded proximal end further helps the user to hold the toothbrush with ease.

Example 1

Toothbrush according to one embodiment of the invention is described herein below. Such an embodiment is not limiting on the scope of the invention. The overall length of the toothbrush (L0) (600) is about 130 mm and 230 mm, preferably between 160-200 mm. The body (500) is made up of polypropylene (PP), (507) and the further material which is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (508) is present in recesses in the handle. In the embodiment described herein, the polypropylene homopolymer is as commercially available from Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Ltd and further material is thermoplastic elastomer as commercially sourced from Yangzhou Mingdu Plastics Co Ltd. The body comprises a head, the neck part and the handle part. The handle (501) is generally elongated along the axis A-A and is of elliptical shape. The TPE filled in the recesses also take a similar elliptical shape along the circumference of the handle. The handle is designed in such a manner such that any further material is at least 15 mm away from the proximal end of the oral care implement. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the TPE is about 25 mm away from the proximal end (504). The toothbrush shown has TPE in three different recesses in the handle. It has two recesses, one each in the proximal section and the neck section. One recess is also formed in the middle section which forms a thumb rest (511). This can be blind recess or through hole recess.

As shown in figures 1-4, the recess in the proximal section, which is below the middle section (thumb rest 511 , 513), is longer as compared to the recess above the thumb rest. The recess below the thumb rest extending to the proximal section has the largest length in the range of 50 to 80 mm, preferably 55 to 70 mm, when measured along the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush. As seen in figure, the largest length across the recess however may not coincide with the axis A-A. The recess above the thumb rest, generally has a length in the range of 5 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 10 mm to 25 mm. The width of the recesses is adapted in each case, at the respective position of the recesses, to the circumference of the body (500). In this embodiment, the head, the neck part, the handle part are formed integrally as a single unit with recesses therein by injection molding. TPE is then filled into the recesses by injection molding process. The TPE covers a large part of the surface area of the implement (calculated by addition of surface area of the polypropylene and surface area of the TPE as visible on the outer surface of the body, but without the teeth cleaning elements, tongue cleaning elements and head plate) providing a good grip over the whole handle. Further, without limitation, the PP is from about 40 to 70% of the total weight of the handle (total weight of handle being calculated by weight of both PP and TPE (but without cleaning elements)), while TPE is from about 30 to 60% of the total weight of handle.

Example 2:

Comparative study of toothbrush according to the invention with a toothbrush according to prior art. The inventors of the present invention performed a comparative study with a prior art brush (as shown in Figure 7) to determine bacterial adhesion. The ends of the toothbrush (about 20 mm) according to the invention as well as the prior art brush were dipped in bacterial suspension for 6 hours at 37 deg. C. The bacteria attached were then dislodged and determined. The inventors observed significant difference in bacterial adhesion between presently claimed toothbrush and brush according to the prior art across all tested bacteria. The data is shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1

The results showed that the toothbrush according to the invention showed less bacterial adhesion as compared to the toothbrush according to prior art for all the tested bacteria. The oral care implements are prone to variety of microbial growth. The handle according to invention avoids microbial growth, especially bacterial growth despite storage in moisture rich environments. By providing thermoplastic elastomers in a novel and inventive way, the present invention provides bi-fold benefit of good grip, aesthetics, and softer feel, yet avoiding microbial growth. Keeping thermoplastic elastomer away from the proximal end has an added advantage of providing a good space for branding, which is visible when the toothbrush is placed in a secondary packaging. The handle according to the invention is aesthetically pleasing, ergonomically superior, simpler to manufacture and has more flexibility to use materials and design as per user’s needs. Further, the handle provides greater sensory relief to palm of user yet not attract microbial growth.

Claims

1. An oral care implement (600) having a front face (510), a rear face (512), and one or more lateral faces (516, 517), a proximal end (504) and a distal end (503), said implement (600) comprising a body (500) comprising a head (502) at the distal end (503) and a handle (501) terminating at the proximal end (504), extending along a longitudinal axis (AA), said handle (501) having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle comprising a proximal section (525), a middle section (535) and a neck section (545), said proximal section terminating at proximal end (504) and having a length (Lx), said handle (501) comprising a further material (508) having a shore hardness in range of 15 to 40 Shore A, and lower than the first material (507), said further material (508) being exposed on at least one of the front (510), rear (512) or the one or more lateral faces(516, 517), wherein the further material (508) is present in one or more recesses (506) in the handle (501), of which at least one recess (506) is a through hole recess in the proximal section (525), wherein the further material in said through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) has a length L1 on at least one of the faces (510, 512, 516, 517), wherein said through hole recess (506) extends substantially through the length of the proximal section (Lx) such that length (L1) of further material (508) in the through hole recess (506) is at least 45% of the length of the proximal section (Lx), and wherein said further material (508) in the handle (501) is at least 15 mm away from the proximal end (504).

2. The implement (600) according to claim 1, wherein the length (L1) of the further material in the through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) is at least 50% of Lx, more preferably at least 60% of Lx.

3. The implement (600) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the further material (508) is at least 20 mm away from the proximal end (504).

4. The implement (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (501) comprises at least two recesses (506) which are through hole recesses.

5. The implement (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (501) comprises at least three through hole recesses (506), one each in the proximal section (525), the neck section (545) and the middle section (535).

6. The implement (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein any further material (508) present in the proximal section (525) is only in at least one through hole recess (506).

7. The implement (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length (L1) is at least 45% of the length of the proximal section (Lx) on both front face (510) and rear face (512).

8. The implement (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, the further material (508) on any one face in the handle (501) has a total length (Lf) which ranges from 50- 80% of total length of the handle (Ln), preferably from 60 to 75% of the length of handle (Ln).

9. The implement (600) according to claim 4, wherein the at least two through hole recesses

(506) are positioned on the handle (501) such that the further material (508) in one through hole recess (506) does not intersect with the further material (508) in other through hole recess (506).

10. The implement (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further material (508) in the through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) has a volume (V1) which is at least 35% of the volume of the proximal section (Vx).

11. The implement (600) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first material

(507) is a hard plastic material, preferably polypropylene and the further material (508) is a soft material, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer.

12. The implement (600) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal end (504) of the implement (600) is rounded.

13. The implement (600) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the further material (508) in the handle part (501a) extends partially into the neck part (501b).

14. The implement (600) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle part (501a) is connected to a replaceable head (502) with or without the neck part (501b).

15. The implement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the head (502), the neck part (501b), and the handle part (501a) are formed into a body (500) integrally as a single unit by injection molding.