WO2025237705A1

WO2025237705A1 - Oral care implement

Info

Publication number: WO2025237705A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/062128
Authority: WO
Inventors: Babu Cherian; Arunima Gupta; 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
Also published as: FR3162123A3; FR3162123B3

Abstract

The present invention discloses an oral care implement comprising a body comprising a head and a handle extending along a longitudinal axis. The body is made of a first material, and the handle comprises two or more recesses of which at least two are through hole recesses, wherein said recesses are filled with a further material different from the first material which has a lower shore hardness than the first material. The through hole recesses extend substantially through the handle portion. The claimed handle provides for flexibility in designing as per users' needs.

Description

ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an oral care implement, particularly a handle for an oral care implement. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle for a toothbrush with improved ergonomics.

Background of the Invention

The handle of an oral care implement 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. Some of them have used elastomeric materials in the thumb region while others have provided core and sheath structures.

US20030070259A1 discloses a personal care product with a core and a sheath structure whereby the sheath is having hardness greater than the core and surrounds the core. The sheath material provides the desired abrasion resistance, tactile characteristics, and adhesion to the underlying handle.

US6687940B1 discloses a toothbrush wherein the handle is subdivided into two parts which extend in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, the two parts connected to one another together, enclose a cavity. The cavity is filled with objects such as snowflakes, figures, or other playthings to provide an aesthetically pleasing effect.

US20210145159 A1 discloses an oral care implement having a first hard plastic component comprising a front surface having a perimeter portion and a central portion that is surrounded by the perimeter portion, the central portion being recessed relative to the perimeter portion; and a second hard plastic component positioned on the central portion of the first hard plastic component and being surrounded by the perimeter portion of the first hard plastic component, the second hard plastic component comprising an outer surface comprising a plurality of grooves that are elongated in a direction of the longitudinal axis.

Some users prefer brushes with high degree of aesthetics while others need good grip and softer feel of the handle. Users also hold oral care implements at various positions on the handles. Some hold it from a portion of the handle near to the head or the bristle region while others hold it at the portion which is towards the other end. Further, the elderly, children and differently abled may uniquely hold handles in a manner that enables them to get the most out of oral care implements. It is therefore important to design an oral care implement handle which provides a softer feel as well as good grip over a substantial part of the handle.

The handle also impacts proper cleaning of the gum surfaces and spaces between teeth, and it is therefore important that the handle of an oral care implement is not only attractive but also has structural rigidity. The structural rigidity is also important to avoid any deformity while handling (i.e. , before actual usage) or the need of replacement of oral care implements, especially toothbrushes earlier than recommended, merely because of deformities in the handle. This in turn reduces the plastic waste into the environment.

Thus, there remains a need for an oral care implement, which has a simple and cost-effective handle design, provides flexibility for designing as per a multitude of users’ needs.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect, provided is an oral care implement (600) having a front face (510), a rear face (512) and one or more lateral faces, a proximal end (504), and a distal end (503), said implement 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 having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said handle having a surface area, Sn and a volume Vn; said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle (501) comprising two or more recesses (506) of which at least two are through hole recesses, wherein said recesses (506) are filled with a further material (508) having a lower shore hardness than the first material (507) and said shore hardness in the range of 15 to 40 Shore A; said further material (508) in the at least two through-hole recesses together occupies an exposed surface area (Sth) and a volume (Vth), wherein the at least two through hole recesses (506) extend through a substantial portion of the handle (501) such that the exposed surface area (Sth) 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).

The oral care implement according to the invention provides a simple design which allows use of two or more different materials and flexibility of designing as per user’s needs, i.e., attractive, and/or soft feel. The handle is structurally rigid and provides an improved sensory feel over a substantial part of the handle.

Brief description of 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.

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.

The invention relates to an oral care implement (600) having a front face (510), a rear face (512) and one or more lateral faces, a proximal end (504), and a distal end (503), said implement comprising: a body (500) comprising a head (502) at the distal end (503), a handle (501) terminating at the proximal end (504), extending along a longitudinal axis (AA), said handle 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 (501) comprising two or more recesses (506), of which at least two recesses are through hole recesses, said through hole recesses (506) are filled with a further material (508), having a lower shore hardness than the first material (507), and said shore hardness being in range of 15 to 40 shore A, said further material (508) in the at least two through-hole recesses together occupies an exposed surface area (Sth) and a volume (Vth), wherein the at least two through hole recesses (506) extend through a substantial portion of the handle (501) such that the exposed surface area (Sth) 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) of the further material in the through hole recesses is at least 10% of surface area (Sn) of the handle (501), more preferably 12%. In another preferred aspect, the volume (Vth) is at least 30% of the volume (Vn) of the handle (501), preferably 35%.

More preferably, the handle (501) comprises at least two recesses (506), which are through- hole recesses.

In an aspect, provided is 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 having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said handle having a length, Ln on any one face and a volume Vn; said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle (501) comprising two or more recesses (506) of which at least two recesses are through hole recesses, said through hole recesses (506) are filled with a further material (508) having a shore hardness lower than the first material (507) and said shore hardness being in range of 15 to 40 shore A, said further material (508) in the through-hole recesses together occupy a length (Lth) on said one face and a volume (Vth), wherein the at least two through hole recesses (506) extend through a substantial portion of the handle (501) such that the length (Lth) is at least 40% of length (Ln) of the handle (501) and the volume (Vth) is at least 25% of the volume (Vn) of the handle (501).

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 oral care implement according to the invention has a replaceable head. When replaceable, the head is usually connected to the handle through a neck part.

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 (501 b)) 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) 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.

In a preferred aspect, the head, the handle part and the neck part are formed together as an integral unit to make the body (500) using any technique known in the art, preferably by injection molding. In other aspects, parts of the 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.

The toothbrush (600) extends from a proximal end (504) to a distal end (503) along a longitudinal axis (A-A). The longitudinal axis (AA) 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.

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 a rear 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). The handle (501) has at least two recesses which are through hole recesses (506) filled with a further material (508). The handle also has a third recess (506) in the middle section forming a thumb rest (511) filled with a further material (508).

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 (501) is held by thumb generally and has a thumb rest (511). The neck section (545) forms the section in the neck region (501b) that connects to head (502). The proximal section extends from the end of middle section to the proximal end (504) of the implement (600).

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 Figure 3, shown is the rear view of the toothbrush with at least two through hole recesses (506) filled with the further material (508). The recess (506) forming thumb rest on rear face shown as (513) is also filled with further material (508). 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 two or more recesses of which at least two are through hole recesses.

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 left lateral surface (520) and a right lateral surface (521) opposite the left lateral surface (520). 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. The implement may comprise a total surface area (SO).

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) when further material (508) is filled in the one or more recesses (506). The surface area of the implement (SO) 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). 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) when not filled with further material.

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, total surface area of the further material (508) is calculated by measuring the exposed or outer 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 (Sf) of the further material is the area of the outer or “exposed outer surface” of further material (508). 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 context of the present invention, surface area (S4) of the first material (507) is calculated by measuring the surface area of outer surface or exposed outer surface of the first material (507) on the front, rear, right lateral or left lateral surfaces of the implement or a combination of them, as applicable (but without teeth cleaning elements, tongue cleaning element or head plate as applicable), when further material is filled in two or more recesses. 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 context of the present invention, the term ‘substantial’ portion of the handle implies that the at least two through hole 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 through hole recess may be greater in dimension than any other recess and/or be equal in size. Preferably, the size of the through hole recess in proximal section may be larger than the size of through hole recess in other parts of handle.

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 according to the invention, a substantial proportion of the surface area Sn of the handle (501) comprises further material (508).

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 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).

1.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, 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).

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 at least two independent through hole recesses allow for at least two separate gateway points for material flow during manufacturing process.

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 V0. The volume V0 corresponds to total volume of the implement (including first material and second material). The implement volume V0 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 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) 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 two or more through hole recesses on any one face. For ease, the lengths have only 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 the 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 54% of length (Lx) of the proximal section (525) of the handle (501), preferably 60%, more preferably 65%. In another aspect, L1 ranges from 54 to 82% of Lx, more preferably 60 to 75%. 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. 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 the two or more through hole recesses. Whilst shown as elliptical in the figure, the 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.

Recesses

The invention contemplates any combination of features of the recess (506), such as its number, kind, shape and size in the same handle. According to the invention, at least two recesses are through hole recesses. A recess (506) may also be called by alternative names like hollow structures, hollow regions, a slot, or a hole.

As to the recess options, the recess may be blind or through-hole recess. 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 upto a blind wall. Through-hole recesses may also generally imply 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 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 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 through hole recess. 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.

As to the recess options, the one or more recesses are either equal in size or unequal. Preferably, the recesses are unequal in size, with smaller recesses in that part of the handle which has less width or thickness.

The recess can 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. In an aspect, the implement according to the present invention has recesses extending along the handle, such that the recesses run in the direction of the longitudinal axis, adapted in dimension, in accordance with its position on the handle, to a circumference of the handle. In a preferred aspect, the recesses 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.

In one aspect, a recess in the handle part extends partially into the neck part. More preferably, the 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 same or different from the further material in the handle part.

In one aspect, the at least two through hole recess transverse between the front face and the rear face of the implement. In a preferred aspect, the implement comprises two through-hole recesses that transverse between the front face and the rear face of the implement such that the further material is exposed on both the faces. In another preferred aspect, the handle comprises at least three recesses (506), of which at least two are through-hole recesses. More preferably, the implement comprises three through-hole recesses. Preferably, the handle comprises at least one through hole recess (506) in neck section (545). 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).

In a preferred aspect, each of the through hole recesses are independent and further material in one through hole recess does not extend or connect into another through hole recess. In another preferred aspect, any one recess is independent from another recess, and they are not inter-connected.

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 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 has a shore hardness in the range of 50 to 90 Shore D.

Preferably, the first material is polypropylene.

In an aspect, the first material has a surface area which is at least 40% of the surface area of the implement, preferably 45% and more preferably at least 60%. Preferably, the first material is polypropylene and covers at least 60% of the surface area of the implement.

In an aspect, the first material has a surface area which is from about 40% to 85% of the surface area of the implement, preferably from about 45% to 80%, more preferably from about 60% to 80% of the surface area of the implement.

Further material

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.

Preferably, the further material is selected from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and its different grades. TPE is also referred to as thermoplastic rubbers (TPR) sometimes.

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 5 to 60 shore A. Preferably, the further material has a shore hardness in the range of 15 to 40 Shore A, more preferably in the range of 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.

In one aspect of the invention, any recess (blind or through hole) comprising the further material is at least 10 mm away from the proximal end (504) of the handle in such a manner that it does not attract fungal growth. In another aspect, the further material is from about 10 to about 60 mm away from the proximal end (504), preferably from about 15 mm to about 50 mm, more preferably from about 20 mm to about 40 mm. Preferably, any recess in the proximal section is a through hole recess.

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 recesses (506) in the handle (501) can be filled with different further materials (508).

In an aspect, the further material (508) has a surface area which is at least 10% of surface area of the implement (600), preferably, the further material (508) has a surface area which is at least 15% of the surface area of the implement (SO) (600).

More preferably, the further material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

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. 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 10-50, 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.

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. Example

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 through hole recesses are filled with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (508). In the embodiment described herein, the polypropylene homopolymer is as commercially available from Sinopec Yangzi Petrochemical Ltd. and the 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. As seen in figures 1-4, the toothbrush has two through-hole recesses, one through hole recess (506) in the proximal section and one through hole recess (506) in the neck section. One recess is also formed in the middle section which forms a thumb rest (511 and 513). 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. The implement in accordance with the invention provides a softer feel and good grip to users due to presence of TPE over a large surface area of the handle. Having said that, since this TPE is inside the recesses, it avoids unnecessary exposure of the TPE to environment and avoids mold growth. Moreover, the presence of through hole recesses and TPE filled inside them provides sufficient rigidity to the handle. 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.

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 having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said handle having a surface area, Sn and a volume Vn; said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle (501) comprising two or more recesses (506) of which at least two recesses are through hole recesses, said through hole recesses (506) are filled with a further material (508) having a shore hardness lower than the first material (507) and said shore hardness being in range of 15 to 40 shore A, said further material (508) in the at least two through-hole recesses together occupies an exposed surface area (Sth) and a volume (Vth), wherein the at least two through hole recesses (506) extend through a substantial portion of the handle (501) such that the exposed surface area (Sth) 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).

2. The implement according to claim 1 , 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).

3. The implement according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least two through hole recesses (506) transverse between the front face (510) and the rear face (512) such that the further material (508) is exposed on both the front face (510) and the rear face (512) of the handle (501).

4. The implement according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the exposed surface area (Sth) is at least 10% of surface area (Sn) of the handle (501), preferably 12%.

5. The implement according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the volume (Vth) is at least 30% of the volume (Vn) of the handle (501), preferably 35%.

6. The implement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the further material (508) in the 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.

7. The implement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one through hole recess (506) is present in a proximal section (525) and the further material (508) in the through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) has a length (L1), which is at least 60% of length (Lx) of the proximal section (525) of the handle (501).

8. The implement according to claim 7, wherein the through hole recess (506) in the proximal section (525) is at least 10 mm away from the proximal end (504).

9. The implement according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the further material (508) has the shore hardness in the range of from 15-30 Shore A.

10. The implement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (506) is elliptical or semi-elliptical with major or semi-major axis running along the longitudinal axis (AA) and minor axis being transverse to the longitudinal axis (AA).

11. The implement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle comprises at least one through hole recess (506) in neck section (545).

12. The implement according to any one of preceding claims, wherein 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).

13. The implement according to any of the preceding claims where the first material (507) is polypropylene, and the further material (508) is a thermoplastic elastomer.

14. The implement according to any of the preceding claims, wherein any further material (508) present on the handle is only in the recesses (506), preferably only in the two or more through hole recesses.

15. 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 having a handle part (501a) and a neck part (501b) between the handle part (501a) and the head (502), said handle having a length, Ln on any one face and a volume Vn; said body (500) made of a first material (507), said handle (501) comprising two or more recesses (506) of which at least two recesses are through hole recesses, said through hole recesses (506) are filled with a further material (508) having a shore hardness lower than the first material (507) and said shore hardness being in range of 15 to 40 shore A, said further material (508) in the through-hole recesses together occupy a length (Lth) on said one face and a volume (Vth), wherein the at least two through hole recesses (506) extend through a substantial portion of the handle (501) such that the length (Lth) is at least 40% of length (Ln) of the handle (501) and the volume (Vth) is at least 25% of the volume (Vn) of the handle (501).