EP3000351B1 - Tooth brush and method for the manufacture of a tooth brush - Google Patents

Abstract

The brush has a head part (10) with bristles (14) wherein in the head or neck part is a hollow area (22) with outlet opening (36) for an active cleaning substance. The hollow area matches the shape of the active substance element (24) with a defined outer shape. The volume of the hollow area is larger, preferably up to a maximum of 4 times larger than the volume of the active substance element so that this is rinsed round on all sides by water during use. The brush is preferably flexible in the region of the hollow area so that the latter deforms during use and water is sucked in and out of the hollow area. Independent claim describes method for making brush by providing hollow area in hard component .

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a toothbrush and a toothbrush according to the preamble of claims 1 and 14, respectively.

Disposable toothbrushes are already known which already contain toothpaste in various ways. In the US 5,346,324 and US 5,909,977 there is low viscosity toothpaste in a reservoir in the handle area and is pressed by a piston into the head area, where it emerges through openings in the area of the bristles. Disadvantages of this are the difficult metering of the toothpaste, the need to use very low viscosity toothpaste, the unwieldy handle, the frequent drying and thus clogging of the fluid channel, as well as the difficult or impossible refilling of the reservoir.

Toothbrushes are also known in which a predetermined amount of toothpaste is located in a hollow area in the head area and is pressed out by manual deformation of the head area before cleaning. In the US 1,947,720 a slit-like, initially closed opening is broken open by deforming the head area so that the toothpaste can escape. Multiple use by refilling or an exact dosage is not possible. The delivery of toothpaste is also associated with a relatively large amount of effort. Show similar examples of toothpaste dispensing by manual squeezing FR 2 583 625 or US 5,865,195 , In the US 5,490,530 can they Exit openings can be closed again by a slide. The toothpaste is pressed out by pressing a button which is arranged on the underside of the head part and which reduces the volume of the toothpaste reservoir. Precise dosing of the toothpaste is also difficult here. Refilling the reservoir is impossible. In the US 5,366,310 the toothpaste is in a sealed capsule that is inserted into the brush head. After removing the seal, the toothpaste is released by manual squeezing. In principle, refilling is possible here, but the exact dosage is still difficult.

In all of the examples mentioned, the user must act on the brush by hand in order to release toothpaste at all. Since this requires a certain force and a certain skill for the desired dosage, the known toothbrushes are not easy to handle for everyone.

In the WO 2004/021914 A disposable toothbrush contains an encapsulated portion of liquid tooth cleaning agent in the bristle area. The capsule is broken open by contact with the teeth. In addition to the restriction to single use, the problem here is that the cleaning agent can also escape if it is handled improperly. In addition, there is a certain potential for injury to the palate and gums at the undefined breakpoints of the capsule.

Furthermore, the US 2,216,333 a toothbrush with a solid layer of a bactericidal material, which in the area of the bristle base firmly in the head part is anchored, the bristles extending through the layer.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing methods for producing a toothbrush and a toothbrush with an active substance which is suitable for multiple use and / or topping up the active substance and which enables simple handling and simple metering of the active substance. Furthermore, a method for producing such a brush is to be specified.

The object is achieved by a method and a toothbrush with the features of claims 1 and 14, respectively. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent claims.

In the case of a brush, in particular a toothbrush, with a hollow region arranged in the head part and having at least one outlet opening for an active substance, according to the invention there is an active substance element in the hollow region, which preferably consists of a carrier material and the active substance incorporated therein. The carrier material releases the active substance in a controlled manner when it comes into contact with water. The carrier material is preferably solid, but can also be a paste with high viscosity. It is preferably largely dimensionally stable without contact with water.

Alternatively or additionally, the cavity is adapted to the shape of the active substance element with a defined outer shape. The volume of the hollow area is greater than the volume of the active substance element, in particular 1-2 times, at most 4 times larger. The Active substance can also protrude from the head in order to form a sufficient target area for the release of active substances. This ensures that the active substance element is well washed around by water during use.

The active substance is released passively by rinsing the active substance element with water, manual influencing of the brush is not necessary. The brush would therefore already give off significant active substances if it were immersed in water at temperatures of 15 ° Celsius or higher. The cleaning movement can additionally support the migration of the active substance through the improved liquid circulation, but the aim is that the brush releases active substances in connection with water without mechanical effects. The dosage can be adjusted and specified by a suitable choice of the solubility or decomposability of the active substance element or its ability to release the active substance and the size of the outlet openings, and is therefore also not dependent on the skill of the user.

In an advantageous development, the brush, at least in the area of the hollow area, is so flexible that the hollow area is deformed when used as intended, ie when cleaning, in such a way that water is drawn into the hollow area and pushed out again. In contrast to the prior art, in which a pasty mass is pressed out by manual pressure before cleaning, in the present case a pumping / suction effect with respect to the solvent water, which is made possible by the flexibility of the hollow area, is used. This can prevent water from entering the cavity and the rinsing out of the active substance can be increased without the user having to manipulate the brush beforehand. For this purpose, the hollow area is preferably adapted to the shape of the active substance element in such a way that it is at least partially spaced from the inner wall and is thus washed around by water when in use. The hollow area is advantageously at least partially enclosed by thin-walled boundary elements with a wall thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, made of rubber-elastic soft material in order to generate said pumping action even with the slightest contact.

In addition to the flexible hollow area, the entire brush head can also have flexible, movable partial areas, e.g. have a flexible brush head front part. The volume of the hollow area is also influenced by the flexible deflection of this partial area and the pumping / suction effect described above arises again. The flexibility of the brush head is preferably formed at the point at which the hollow area occupies the largest part of the cross section of the brush head. This has the advantage that only a small proportion of the head cross section has to be designed flexibly. This can be done by means of targeted material weakening, e.g. Film hinge, side tunnel etc., done in the hard component or by combining the hard and soft components. It is also possible to form the flexible zone entirely from soft material.

The active substance element is preferably a solid or a highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste, but can also be formed by an encapsulated liquid, pasty or granular substance with a water-soluble coating. Through a suitable choice of solubility or The decomposability of the active substance element or its coating succeeds in a well-defined dosage up to a uniform release of active substance during a cleaning process. In the case of a solid or a highly viscous paste, multiple use of the same active substance element is possible if it is dimensioned or its solubility or decomposability is selected so that it lasts for several typical cleaning processes. Depending on the application, the active substances are released before, during or after the cleaning process. In this case, there is no risk of openings drying out or becoming blocked, since any residues can be easily rinsed off after use.

In another embodiment variant, the active substance element comprises a largely dimensionally stable carrier from which the active substance is washed out, but which retains its original shape. It preferably contains an indicator by which it changes color or fades with the period of use or the number of uses.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the active substance element can be refilled through a reclosable inlet opening. This means that the step from a simply designed disposable brush to a high-quality cleaning product can be completed.

1. (a) antibakterielle Wirkung innerhalb des Bürstenkopfes
2. (b) Anzeigen des Reinigungserfolges
3. (c) Einbringen von Reinigungssubstanzen, welche in konventionellen Reinigungsmitteln nicht enthalten sind
4. (d) Einbringen von Reinigungsmitteln, welche im Zusammenspiel mit konventionellen Reinigungsmitteln als Zweikomponentensystem wirken
5. (e) Zahnbleichung (,Bleaching')

The active substances perform the following tasks, for example:

1. (a) antibacterial effect within the brush head
2. (b) Show cleaning success
3. (c) Introduction of cleaning substances that are not contained in conventional cleaning agents
4. (d) Introducing cleaning agents, which in the Interaction with conventional cleaning agents act as a two-component system
5. (e) teeth whitening ('whitening')

The brush consists of a head part with a cleaning structure, usually bristles, a neck part and a handle part. All sub-elements can consist of at least one hard and one or more soft components. As hard components e.g. Polystyrene (PS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic butadiene styrene (ABS) etc., preferably polypropylene (PP). A rubber-elastic material such as polyurethane (PUR) or polyethylene (PE), preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE or TPU), is used as the soft component. Hardnesses below 70 Shore A, preferably below 40 Shore A, are used in the brush head. The bristle field is preferably at least partially coated with conventional bristles e.g. Made of polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT) and optionally with rubber-elastic cleaning or massage elements. The conventional bristles have, for example, a cylindrical geometry with a diameter of less than 0.25 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, and are combined into bundles. The rubber-elastic massage or cleaning elements usually have larger diameters with smallest dimensions in the cross section of 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm.

1. (a) abrasive Wirksubstanzen mit kürzeren Borsten zur Flächenreinigung (,Whitening' Effekt),
2. (b) antibakterielle Wirksubstanzen für Tiefenreinigung mit längeren Interdentalborsten,
3. (c) hautpflegende Wirksubstanzen im Bereich von gummielastischen Massage- oder Reinigungselementen zur Belebung von Zahnfleisch, Mundhöhle oder Zunge
4. (d) andere Kombinationen Wirksubstanzen und entsprechende Wirkborsten.

Cleaning elements, in particular bristles and / or flexible elements, are preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outlet openings, their mechanical properties, for example dimensions, flexibility, material, of those to be introduced Active substance to be achieved effects are adjusted. Examples of toothbrushes are:

1. (a) abrasive active substances with shorter bristles for surface cleaning ('whitening' effect),
2. (b) antibacterial active substances for deep cleaning with longer interdental bristles,
3. (c) Skin-care active substances in the area of rubber-elastic massage or cleaning elements to revitalize gums, oral cavity or tongue
4. (d) other combinations of active substances and corresponding active bristles.

The hollow area offers at least space for an active substance element, preferably the hollow area offers additional space so that the active substance element can be washed around with water and the active substance can thereby develop its effect by partial or complete dissolution. In order to enable sufficient water circulation in the hollow area, it is preferably provided that the volume of the hollow area is a maximum of four times, particularly preferably one or two times larger than the size (the volume in the original size) of the active substance element. In toothbrushes, the hollow area has a volume of 5 to 1500 mm ^3, preferably 100 to 500 mm ³ .

The active substance element can be clamped laterally or vertically in the hollow area. In order to ensure the most complete possible rinsing with water, protrusions or other geometric elements in the soft or / and hard component are preferably used in the hollow area. This ensures that the active substance element is not bounced back and forth within the hollow area during the cleaning process can and possibly break apart prematurely. However, the active substance element can also protrude outwards through recesses in the boundary of the cavity and look out of the brush head from the side or on the bristle-bearing side.

The hollow area is preferably generally designed such that the active substance element is stably positioned in the hollow area despite continuous degradation. For this purpose, the hollow area is preferably provided with a flexible element, preferably made of soft material, which exerts a kind of spring action on the active substance element, for example by an outer wall of the hollow area is arched outwards by inserting the active substance element. The active substance element in its original size is fixed in the hollow area with a certain preload. With the exception of the protrusions mentioned above, the inner shape of the hollow area essentially follows the geometric shape of the active substance element, preferably with a predefined distance. This preferably results in an essentially spherical or ellipsoidal geometry of the hollow region, which is adapted to spherical or ellipsoidal active substance elements. As an alternative design variant, the hollow area can be designed as a slot into which a plate-shaped or film-shaped active substance element can be inserted. In a further embodiment variant, the active substance element can be introduced in a rod-shaped or cylindrical geometry into a correspondingly shaped hollow area.

When looking at the cleaning structure, the hollow area is preferably within the bristle field, provided conventional bristles are present are. This enables the hollow area to be produced with a thin wall, but enough conventional bristles can still be anchored around the hollow area with a certain technically-dependent anchoring depth. Directly above the hollow area, cleaning elements are preferably formed from a soft component, which require less head volume or anchoring depth for anchoring than conventional bristles. In addition, conventional bristles require the hard component for secure anchoring. Since the hollow area on the bristle-bearing side of the brush head is preferably delimited by a membrane made of soft material, it is technically very difficult to anchor conventional bristles in this area.

The hollow area is delimited by a wall made of hard and / or soft components, but preferably at least in some areas by soft components, since the flexibility mentioned above can be achieved in a simple manner.

There are advantages with regard to bristle anchoring if the hollow area is in an area adjacent to the brush head, e.g. is positioned in the brush neck or in the transition between the brush neck and the brush head, which comes into contact with water. This configuration has the advantage that the hollow area does not have to be taken into account within the brush head with regard to anchoring the bristles. It is accepted that the active substance does not leak where it generally has the best effect, i.e. in the head area.

The hollow area has at least one outlet opening for water to enter the active substance dissolved in water and for rinsing out the hollow area after use under the tap. In the case of variants with a refill option, at least one insertion opening for the introduction of the active substance element by the user is additionally present. When opened, the insertion opening is larger than an outlet opening. The insertion opening is preferably on the back of the brush head and the outlet opening on the front of the brush head. Alternative design variants show the insertion opening on the brush head side. The outlet openings can alternatively / additionally be created on the side and / or rear of the brush head.

The insertion opening is preferably reclosable. However, it can also serve as an outlet opening and does not have to seal the hollow area completely. The insertion opening can be formed by means of a removable cover or closure integrated in the head, for example by means of a film hinge molded directly onto the head. A membrane made of soft material with a corresponding opening, for example with one or more crossed slits, which corresponds to the size of the active substance element, is particularly preferably used as a reclosable element. The membrane can simultaneously represent a flexible wall of the hollow area and / or serve as a support for cleaning / massage elements. As an alternative to slits, other geometric elements can be provided which allow the active substance element to be inserted and prevent it from escaping, for example an expandable hole in the membrane which is smaller than the active substance element.

In the case of a membrane, it has a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably a thickness of 0.7-1.5 mm. Preferably 2 to 6 slots are used as the insertion opening. The length of the slots for toothbrushes is 3 - 15 mm, preferably around 6 - 10 mm.

The insertion opening can have a safety device which prevents the active substance element from falling out during use or at least makes it difficult. For example, the membrane is shaped with slits or a funnel in such a way that the active substance is introduced with little pressure (e.g. 10 to 300 g), but it falls out using a e.g. funnel-shaped geometry in the opening area requires more pressure. Additional locking or securing elements are less preferred, but also possible.

The insertion opening can still be closed the first time it is used (tamper-proof or seal). When the active substance element is inserted for the first time, the tamper-proof can be broken by the user, e.g. by cutting through thin remaining connections within the prefabricated slots.

The outlet openings allow a continuous but limited outlet of the active substance dissolved in water. The number of openings and their size (total surface of the outlet opening) and the water solubility of the active substance element or of the carrier material determine the actual outlet of the active substance dissolved or dispersed in water. Since the water solubility of the active substance is more of a resultant variable, the outlet openings (number and size) become the water solubility of the active substance adjusted to determine the range of the active substance during use. The dissolution of the active substance element can thus also serve as a time indicator for the (total) cleaning time that has taken place to date.

A single outlet opening preferably does not fall below a minimum area of 0.05 mm ² . Because smaller openings can easily become dirty and thus impair the fluid exchange. In addition, it is advantageous if the user can examine the size of the active substance element still existing in the hollow area through the outlet openings and, if need be, decide whether the active substance should be refilled. For these reasons, areas of 0.05-100 mm ² are preferably used for the outlet openings, preferably 1-20 mm ² . This ensures precise dosing and prevents the active substance or fragments of the active substance element from leaving the hollow area in an uncontrolled manner.

The individual outlet openings on a brush head can have different sizes (areas) in order to weight the outlet quantity and outlet location. Individual groups of outlet openings are preferably provided at designated locations on the brush head. The amount and location of the active substances can thus be controlled at various points in the bristle field. As mentioned above, there is preferably an interaction between the active substance and active bristles, especially in combination therewith. Preferably one to five groups (clusters) of outlet openings are formed. These groups of outlet openings can also be positioned asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis on the brush head. The different groups of outlet openings are preferably made in one operation from the same material. In particular, if the outlet openings are embedded in the rubber-elastic material, this is served for all groups from a spraying point, ie these groups are connected to one another on the material side. The outlet openings can be designed in such a way that they have geometric elements which increase the surface in the vicinity of the outlet opening in order to keep the active substance as close as possible to the area of the brush head. For example, an essentially funnel-shaped geometry or at least opening towards the outside can be used. This also facilitates easy cleaning of the hollow area after use under the tap. Additional cleaning and massage elements in the area of the outlet openings have the same advantage. For the same reason but as an alternative design element, spongy and / or holey, soft elements can be placed in the area of the outlet openings, which also contribute to better retention of the active substance.

The outlet openings can be formed in the hard material and / or in the soft material of the brush head. However, they are preferably integrated into the membrane made of soft material, which is described in more detail above. In this case, it preferably has a thickness of less than 3 mm, preferably 0.7-1.5 mm.

As described above, the hollow area is preferably delimited by membrane (s) made of soft material. These membrane (s) are flexible to adapt to the environment (gums, teeth, oral cavity, etc.) during use and during the cleaning process with the cleaning pressure on the membrane exert a certain pumping and suction effect on the hollow area. These effects can be enhanced by a curved shape of the membrane. Together with the outlet openings, the membrane can form a kind of stretchable network structure. As described above, this network structure can have minimal outlet openings of at least 0.05 mm ^{2 in} area. Of course, mesh structures can be attached to all sides of the brush head. These preferably have a convex U or pan-shaped outer geometry to enlarge the surface and thus to maximize the cavity. The crossbars of the net have a diameter of 0.1 - 2 mm, preferably 0.2 - 0.5 mm and are made of soft material (e.g. TPE or PE).

1. (a) Die Membran(en) mit den Öffnungen sind vorzugsweise gewölbt/ ellipsoidförmig/ ballonförmig ausgeformt. Die Membrane mit den Austrittsöffnungen kann ein netzartige Struktur oder einfach nur einige Löcher aufweisen. Die gewölbten Membran(en) sind vorzugsweise auf der Bürstenkopfvorderseite und -rückseite platziert, können aber auch seitlich platziert werden.
2. (b) Die Membrane mit den Öffnungen bilden eine Art flexible Ziehharmonika- oder Balgstruktur auf der Bürstenkopfseite oder -rückseite. Die Spitzen der Ziehharmonikastruktur dienen als Reinigungs- und Massageelemente.
3. (c) Die Membrane mit den Öffnungen bilden eine Art Fischkiemenstruktur auf der Bürstenkopfseite. Die Austrittsöffnungen werden mittels Schlitzen in dieser Struktur gebildet.
4. (d) Die Membrane mit den Öffnungen bilden eine Art Warzen-/Noppenstruktur vorzugsweise auf der Bürstenkopfseite oder Bürstenkopfrückseite. Die Austrittsöffnungen werden innerhalb der Erhebungen trichterförmig ausgestaltet.

The membrane (s) with the openings preferably form separate geometric elements within the brush head which are recognizable for the user and which, in particular, also stand out in color from the rest of the brush head. The user can thus quickly see where the active substances exit from the brush head. The following geometric elements can be used for the membranes in various design variants:

1. (a) The membrane (s) with the openings are preferably curved / ellipsoidal / balloon-shaped. The membrane with the outlet openings can have a net-like structure or just a few holes. The curved membrane (s) are preferably placed on the front and back of the brush head, but can also be placed on the side.
2. (b) The membrane with the openings form a kind of flexible accordion or bellows structure on the brush head side or back. The tops of the accordion structure serve as cleaning and Massage elements.
3. (c) The membrane with the openings form a kind of fish gill structure on the brush head side. The outlet openings are formed by means of slits in this structure.
4. (d) The membrane with the openings form a kind of wart / knob structure, preferably on the brush head side or back of the brush head. The outlet openings are funnel-shaped within the elevations.

Furthermore, cleaning and massage elements made of soft material are preferably molded onto the flexible membranes, which delimit the hollow area. This partial aspect of designing a part of the brush head with a flexible membrane and this with cleaning and / or massage elements made of soft material can advantageously also be used for brushes which do not have a hollow area for active substances, but e.g. only an empty or no hollow area. The membrane and the cleaning and / or massage elements are preferably manufactured in one operation, in particular by injection molding. A brush with a particularly elastically suspended cleaning / massage structure can be produced. Unless specifically related to the hollow area, the following preferred embodiments also apply to brushes without a hollow area, but with a membrane provided with a cleaning / massage structure.

1. (a) Die Oberfläche im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen werden zusätzlich erhöht, damit werden die Wirksubstanzen möglichst lange am Bürstenkopf gehalten (Retention) und erlauben eine gleichmässige Abgabe während dem Putzvorgang.
2. (b) Es ist herstellungstechnisch schwierig, konventionelle Borsten in eine dünne Membrane zu verankern. Die weichelastischen Elemente erhöhen die Reinigungswirkung und damit Effizienz des Bürstenkopfes auf der borstentragenden Seite des Bürstenkopfes.
3. (c) Die Flexibilität der Membrane erhöht die Reinigungswirkung der darauf platzierten Reinigungselemente zusätzlich, da sich die flexibel gelagerten Reinigungs- und Massageelemente besser an die unregelmässige Oberfläche des Gebisses, der Mundhöhle, der Zunge oder des Zahnfleisches anpassen kann.
4. (d) Der Hohlbereich, welcher mittels flexiblen Membranen begrenzt ist, lässt sich einfacher reinigen (z.B. mit den Fingern oder mit einem Wattestäbchen), da sich die Membrane zur Reinigung in eine entsprechende Position biegen lässt.

With toothbrushes, the molding of cleaning and / or massage elements made of soft material on a flexible membrane has the following advantages:

1. (a) The surface in the area of the outlet openings is additionally increased, so that the active substances held on the brush head for as long as possible (retention) and allow even dispensing during the cleaning process.
2. (b) It is technically difficult to anchor conventional bristles in a thin membrane. The soft elastic elements increase the cleaning effect and thus the efficiency of the brush head on the bristle-bearing side of the brush head.
3. (c) The flexibility of the membrane additionally increases the cleaning effect of the cleaning elements placed on it, since the flexibly mounted cleaning and massage elements can adapt better to the irregular surface of the bit, the oral cavity, the tongue or the gums.
4. (d) The hollow area, which is delimited by flexible membranes, is easier to clean (eg with your fingers or with a cotton swab) because the membrane can be bent into a corresponding position for cleaning.

1. (a) eine borstenartige Struktur aus den Knotenpunkten einer netzartigen Membrane,
2. (b) Massagelappen, -lamellen oder -noppen auf der Bürstenkopfseite oder Bürstenkopfrückseite zur Massage von Zahnfleische, Mundhöhle oder Zunge.

The cleaning or massage elements in the area of the outlet openings preferably have a bristle, lobe, lamella or wart-like geometry. These elements are preferably conical in shape and are preferably formed from the same material in the same manufacturing step as the membrane out of the membrane. The following structures are possible, for example:

1. (a) a bristle-like structure from the nodes of a mesh-like membrane,
2. (b) Massage rags, lamellae or nubs on the brush head side or back of the brush head for massage of the gums, oral cavity or tongue.

From a manufacturing point of view, it is preferred if the cleaning and / or massage elements, which are located in the area of the outlet openings, are aligned parallel to the demolding direction of the brush head. Cleaning or massage elements, which are oriented at a certain angle, preferably essentially perpendicular, to the possibly curved membrane surface, are more complex in terms of production technology, but are more effective in use.

The cleaning or massage elements, which are located in the area of the outlet openings, are preferably less long than the conventional bristles in their vicinity, so that a type of reservoir for the active substance dissolved in water can form during use in the end area of the cleaning or massage elements.

In addition to the outlet openings of the membrane, the cleaning and massage elements themselves can also have outlet openings, which e.g. is the case with straw-shaped bristles, lamellae and warts with holes. These have the advantage that they can bring the active substance directly to the place of use. In this case, the active substance can cover a relatively large distance by means of capillary action.

In a further possible embodiment variant, the membrane can release or let active substances through, even in the submicroscopic range, e.g. through microporosity, semipermeability.

The active substance element is preferably a solid which at least partially dissolves in water during use. The active substance element in solid form is in the form of a tablet, pill, a rod-shaped element, plate or film according to the Molded hollow area. Alternatively and less preferably, a paste or kneadable mass with a dynamic viscosity that is higher than that of conventional pastes commercially available (toothpaste) can also be used. This enables a spatially defined shape to be produced and the active substance to remain in the hollow area for as long as possible. The paste can harden after being introduced into the hollow area in order to release the active substance in various uses.

The active substance can easily be portioned by the user. The solid is already pre-portioned in the sales packaging. The paste can be easily portioned by the consumer due to the predetermined volume of the hollow area.

The active substances can be used together with conventional cleaning agents or independently of them. The brush can generally also be used without any active substances with conventional cleaning agents.

1. (a) Festkörper bestehend aus mehreren Schalen oder Schichten (Abbau einer Schale nach der anderen);
2. (b) Festkörper mit flüssigem oder körnigem Kern, welcher nach dem Abbau der Schale freigesetzt wird.

The active substance element can have several phases with different active substances, which can be released over time depending on the structure. The following alternatives can be used:

1. (a) solids consisting of several shells or layers (dismantling one shell after the other);
2. (b) Solid with a liquid or granular core, which is released after the shell has been broken down.

1. (a) Zahnpasteähnliche Wirkung, welche eine herkömmliche Pasten erübrigt. Folgende Inhaltstoffe kommen in Frage: Sorbitol, Aromen, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Monofluorophophate, Kreatin, Zink Sulfate, Triclosan, Glycerin, Sodium Saccharin, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Alumina, Trisodium Phosphate, Sodium Fluoride, Betaine, Titanium Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate etc.
2. (b) Antibakterielle Wirkung zur gelegentlichen Reinigung des Bürstenkopfes im Zahnglas vor oder nach dem Zähneputzen. Folgende Inhaltstoffe kommen in Frage: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Phosphric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Perborate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Stearate etc.
3. (c) Anzeigen des Putzerfolges mittels Einfärben des Plaques auf der Zahnoberfläche mittels Einfärben der Plaquerückstände. Folgende Inhaltstoffe kommen in Frage: Glucose, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Sterate, Aroma, Saccharin, Microcrystaline Cellulose etc.
4. (d) Zusatzwirkstoffe, welche in herkömmlichen Pasten nicht vorkommen, deren Wirkung ergänzen oder verstärken. Inhaltstoffe aus (a - c).
5. (e) Inhaltsstoffe zur Zahnbleichung (,Bleaching') z.B. mit wasserstoffperoxidhaltigen Inhaltstoffen.
6. (f) Zweikomponentensystem aus Wirksubstanzen und speziell dazu entwickelter Zahnpaste. Beim Zusammentreffen entsteht eine chemische oder physikalische Reaktion. Diese Variante ist speziell für Wirksubstanzen vorgesehen, welche nicht in einer Paste integriert werden können, da sie unmittelbar miteinander reagieren würden.

The following types of active substances can be distinguished, which together with a suitable carrier material form the active substance element:

1. (a) Toothpaste-like effect, which makes conventional pastes unnecessary. The following ingredients are possible: Sorbitol, flavors, hydrated silica, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium monofluorophophate, creatine, zinc sulfate, triclosan, glycerin, sodium saccharin, propylene glycol, disodium phosphate, alumina, trisodium phosphate, sodium fluoride, betaine, titanium dioxide, cellulose gum, tetrasodium pyrophosphate Etc.
2. (b) Antibacterial effect for occasional cleaning of the brush head in the tooth glass before or after brushing. The following ingredients are possible: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Phosphric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Potassium Carbonate, Sodium Perborate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Stearate etc.
3. (c) Displaying the cleaning success by coloring the plaque on the tooth surface by coloring the plaque residue. The following ingredients are possible: glucose, maltodextrin, magnesium sterate, aroma, saccharin, microcrystalline cellulose etc.
4. (d) Additive ingredients that do not occur in conventional pastes, complement or enhance their effect. Ingredients from (a - c).
5. (e) Ingredients for tooth bleaching ('whitening'), for example with ingredients containing hydrogen peroxide.
6. (f) Two-component system consisting of active substances and toothpaste specially developed for this. When they meet, a chemical or physical reaction occurs. This variant is specially designed for active substances that cannot be integrated in a paste, as they would react directly with one another.

Biodegradable substances based on starch or plastics that do not chemically react with the active substances are suitable as carrier material. A preferred carrier material is Polyox® from Dow Chemicals, a water-soluble synthetic resin based on Polyethylene oxide polymers which are suitable for forming a matrix or a carrier for an active substance and, due to their thermoplastic properties, can also be processed in a variety of ways, for example cast, sprayed or extruded.

In principle, both single use of an active substance element and multiple use are possible. When used once, the brush uses an active substance element. The active substance element can be reintroduced before each use or can only be used occasionally. When used multiple times, the brush only uses part of the active substance element. The user recognizes when the active substance has been used up and can then refill the brush using a new active substance element. It goes without saying that the concentration or amount of the active substance is set much lower for the intended single use than for multiple use. When used once, the concentration corresponds approximately to the concentration of the active substances of conventional pastes. In the event of multiple use, the corresponding concentration is increased several times. In addition to the concentration, the range / duration of use of the active substance element is also influenced by the water solubility and water flushing / openings.

With single or multiple use, the system hollow area, openings and water solubility of the active substance element can be set so that the user can be shown a certain period of use (time indicator). For example, the properties for single use are selected so that the Active ingredient is used up after 3 minutes of cleaning. In the case of multiple use, the active ingredient is used up, for example, after a typical period of use of 3 months, which can indicate that the entire brush should be replaced due to wear. Under or in the active substance element, you can even hide a lettering (e.g. 'Change'), which is exposed after the active substance has been used up and becomes visible to the user and the user when the active substance element is about to be changed or the recommended brush change draws attention.

In order to increase the surface which is washed with water, the active substance element can be provided with additional recesses, concave or convex elements on the surface.

The color of the active substance element is preferably chosen such that it differs significantly from the brush head and the user can easily assess the consumption of the active substance.

The solubility or decomposability of the active substance and the carrier material depends on the water temperature used. The user can control the delivery of the amount of active substance by controlling the water temperature. When the temperature rises from 10 ° C to 40 ° C, the amount of active substance released increases significantly.

In an advantageous development, the active substance is incorporated into an effervescent tablet or paste with effervescent effect as the carrier material. This additional function allows the user to determine whether the active substance has already been used up or is still in use Cavity is present without removing the brush from the mouth.

The brush is preferably packaged in such a way that the packaging unmistakably shows the consumer the brush and the active substance element. The active substance element is preferably placed next to the brush head. The active substance element is preferably provided in a part of the packaging that is independent of the opening of the brush packaging. The active substance element thus remains hygienically closed until the intended portion is opened. A first active substance element is preferably already placed in the hollow area of the brush head in the sales packaging. The brush head is placed in the packaging in such a way that the inlet openings and outlet openings can be shown. A so-called double blister is particularly suitable for this purpose, which allows the user to view both sides of the brush head. In addition to the sale of entire brushes with active substance, only the active substance element can be provided as a replacement pack (refill). As an alternative design variant, the active substance can also be provided in a suitable carrier material in a dispenser for portionwise delivery. As an alternative to introducing the active substance element by hand, the brush head can be inserted into the dispenser in this embodiment variant and the active substance can then be mechanically dispensed through the insertion opening into the hollow area.

1. (a) Varianten mit einteiligem Bürstenkopf:
   • (a1) Formen des Hohlbereiches mittels Formkernen/Schiebern von der Borstentragenden Kopfseite und/oder von der Bürstenkopfrückseite: Zusätzlich optional mindestens teilweise Zwangsentformung eines bewusst hinterschnittig gewählten Formkernes zur Bildung einer Membrane, welche den Hohlbereich begrenzt. Um deren Zwangsentformung zu vereinfachen, kann die Membrane mittels Luftdruck durch den Formkern aufgebläht und damit die verletzungsfreie Entformung vereinfacht werden. Alternativ kann die Membrane im Bereich der Einführungsöffnung bewusst geschlitzt werden (z.B. mechanisch im Werkzeug mittels Schiebern/Messern), was die Entformung des hinterschnittigen Formkerns ebenfalls begünstigt. Anspritzen optional vorhandener Reinigungs- und Massageelemente während der Herstellung der Membrane.
   • (a2) Gleich wie (a1) aber Formen eines Hohlraumes mittels Formkernen/Seitenschiebern zur Bildung eines Tunnels quer durch den Bürstenkopf. Analog kann für die Bildung von Schlitzen in der Einführungsöffnung ebenfalls oben beschriebene Zwangsentformung eingesetzt werden.
   • (a3) Der Hohlbereich kann mittels Überspritzen des Wirksubstanz-Elements gebildet werden. Dabei wird das Wirksubstanz-Element an der Hartkomponente im Kopfbereich form- und/oder kraftschlüssig fixiert und in einem weiteren Arbeitsschritt mindestens teilweise vorzugsweise mit der Weichkomponente überspritzt. Das Wirksubstanz-Element dichtet bei dieser alternativen Herstellungsvariante die Austrittöffnungen in der Hartkomponente gegenüber der Weichkomponente ab. Nachteilig bei dieser Variante ist, dass die Wirksubstanz und das Trägermaterial den hohen Temperaturen und Einspritzdrücke der Weichkomponente widerstehen muss und nur teilweise von Wasser umspült werden kann, da sich die Weichkomponente in den überspritzten Bereichen direkt an das Wirksubstanz-Element anschmiegt.
   • (a4) Als alternatives Herstellungsverfahren insbesondere bei Lösungen, in welchen das Wirksubstanz-Element für einen Mehrfachgebrauch vorgesehen ist, kann das Wirksubstanz-Element mittels Spritzguss in den Hohlbereich oder eine entsprechende Ausnehmung eingespritzt werden. Dazu werden die Wirksubstanzen vorzugsweise in eine Kunststoffmatrix als Trägermaterial eingebunden, welche sich mit der Hartkomponente des Bürstenkopfes in einem folgenden Spritzgussprozess verbindet. Der Bürstenkopf mit angespritzter Wirksubstanz kann somit in einem Mehrkomponentenspritzgussverfahren hergestellt werden. Das Trägermaterial ist in einer Variante wasserlöslich und kann im Gebrauch ebenfalls ganz oder teilweise aufgelöst werden. Zur Herstellung der Matrix aus dem Trägermaterial werden z.B. Stoffe auf der Basis von Stärke oder andere physiologisch unbedenkliche und abbaubare Stoffe, welche im Spritzgiessprozess verarbeitet werden können, eingesetzt, z.B. Maisstärke oder Polyox®. Alternativ wird eine auf Wasser reagierende und dabei Wirkstoffe abgebende Kunststoffmatrix eingesetzt, welche sich nicht abbaut und ihre ursprüngliche Geometrie im wesentlichen beibehält. Hierfür kommen die oben genannten Hart- oder Weichmaterialien in Frage, denen die Wirksubstanz vor oder beim Spritzgussprozess als Additiv beigemischt wird. Bei dieser Variante ist es vorteilhaft, wenn das Wirksubstanzelement mit der Abgabe der Wirksubstanz seine Farbe ändert oder zumindest verbleicht, um dem Benutzer die Alterung anzuzeigen. Es wird vorzugsweise ein Material eingesetzt, welches sich mit der Hartkomponente oder der Weichkomponente des Bürstenkopfes verbindet. Da Polypropylen PP ein häufiges Hartmaterial zur Herstellung von Zahnbürsten ist, wird vorzugsweise ein Trägermaterial eingesetzt, welches sich mit PP verbindet. Beim Einsatz eines anderen Hartmaterials für den Bürstenkopf wird ein Trägermaterial eingesetzt, welches sich während dem Spritzgussprozess mit diesem Hartmaterial verbindet. Da geeignete Trägermaterialien im Vergleich zu den anderen eingesetzten Materialien relativ teuer sein können, wird vorgeschlagen, das Wirksubstanz-Element im Bürstenkopf oder im Bürstenhals anzuspritzen. Der Anspritzpunkt befindet sich vorzugsweise auf der Bürstenkopfrückseite. Das Wirksubstanz-Element wird bei dieser Ausgestaltungsvariante mittels Spritzguss in eine tabletten- oder pillenartige oder in eine andere oben beschriebene Form gebracht. Bevorzugt wird das Wirksubstanzelement in eine Art Sandwichposition zwischen zwei im Kopf verwendeten Materialen, z.B. einem Hart- und einem Weichmaterial oder zwei möglicherweise identischen Hartmaterialien, eingesetzt. Dabei wird vorteilhafterweise zuerst die Hartkomponente gespritzt, anschliessend das Wirksubstanzelement geformt bzw. gespritzt und anschliessend das Wirksubstanzelement mindestens teilweise mit dem Weich- oder Hartmaterial überdeckt. Alternativ kann das Trägermaterial auch Bestandteil der Borsten oder eventueller gummielastischer Reinigungs- und Massageelemente sein, oder letztere können damit beschichtet sein. Natürlich können auch verschiedene Wirksubstanzelemente mit verschiedenen Wirksubstanzen am oder im Zahnbürstenkopf an verschiedenen Orten angeformt werden. Vorteilhaft wird dann für die unterschiedlichen Elemente eine andere Farbe eingesetzt. Bei der Herstellung des Wirksubstanz-Elements mittels Spritzguss wird das Wirksubstanz-Element zwar nur teilweise mit Wasser umspült, es können jedoch optimale Hinterschneidungen zur Verankerung des Wirksubstanz-Elements gebildet werden.
2. (b) Varianten mit mehrteiligem Bürstenkopf:
   • (b1) Konventionelles Stopfen oder In Mould Tufting (IMT) und Deckel: Spritzgiessen der Zahnbürste inklusive der borstenseitigen Hälfte des Bürstenkopfes, dabei Formen der borstenseitigen Austrittsöffnungen und allenfalls vorhandener Reinigungselemente aus Weichkomponente - Verankern der konventionellen Borsten im Bürstenkopf - Spritzgiessen der bürstenkopfrückseitigen Hälfte (Deckel) inklusive Öffnungen - lösbares (Schnappen, Schieben, Rasten etc.) oder unlösbares (Kleben, Schweissen, Formschlüssiges Verrasten etc.) Verbinden des Deckels mit der Zahnbürste.
   • (b2) Beborsten mittels Anchor Free Tufting (AFT): Spritzgiessen der Zahnbürste inklusive der bürstenkopfrückseitigen Hälfte des Bürstenkopfes inklusive Formen der bürstenkopfrückseitigen Öffnungen - Spritzgiessen der borstenseitigen Hälfte (Borstenplatte) inklusive Öffnungen und allenfalls vorhandener Reinigungselemente aus Weichkomponente - Verankern der konventionellen Borsten in der Borstenplatte - lösbares (Schnappen, Schieben, Rasten etc.) oder unlösbares (Kleben, Schweissen, Formschlüssiges Verrasten etc.) Verbinden der Borstenplatte mit der Zahnbürste.
   • (b3) Die Borsten werden auf einer separaten Kopfplatte angebracht; der Hohlraum wird mit dieser und einem weiteren vorzugsweise wiederverschliessbaren Deckel versehen, weniger bevorzugte Variante, da dreiteilig.

The cavity can be injection molded using the following technologies:

1. (a) Variants with one-piece brush head:
   • (a1) Forming the hollow area by means of mold cores / sliders from the bristle-bearing head side and / or from the brush head back: additionally optionally at least partially forced demolding of a deliberately undercut mold core to form a membrane which delimits the hollow area. In order to simplify their forced demolding, the membrane can be inflated by means of air pressure through the mold core and thus the injury-free demolding can be simplified. Alternatively, the membrane can be deliberately slotted in the area of the insertion opening (eg mechanically in the tool using sliders / knives), which also favors the removal of the undercut mold core. Injection of optional cleaning and massage elements during the manufacture of the membrane.
   • (a2) Same as (a1) but forming a cavity by means of mold cores / sideshift to form a tunnel across the brush head. Analogously, the forced demolding described above can also be used to form slots in the insertion opening.
   • (a3) The hollow area can be formed by overmoulding the active substance element. The active substance element is fixed to the hard component in the head region in a form-fitting and / or non-positive manner and, in a further working step, at least partially preferably overmolded with the soft component. In this alternative production variant, the active substance element seals the outlet openings in the hard component from the soft component. The disadvantage of this variant is that the active substance and the carrier material have to withstand the high temperatures and injection pressures of the soft component can only be partially flushed with water since the soft component clings directly to the active substance element in the overmolded areas.
   • (a4) As an alternative manufacturing method, in particular for solutions in which the active substance element is intended for multiple use, the active substance element can be injected into the hollow area or a corresponding recess by means of injection molding. For this purpose, the active substances are preferably incorporated into a plastic matrix as the carrier material, which combines with the hard component of the brush head in a subsequent injection molding process. The brush head with molded active substance can thus be manufactured in a multi-component injection molding process. In one variant, the carrier material is water-soluble and can also be completely or partially dissolved in use. For example, substances based on starch or other physiologically harmless and degradable substances which can be processed in the injection molding process, for example maize starch or Polyox®, are used to produce the matrix from the carrier material. Alternatively, a plastic matrix that reacts to water and releases active ingredients is used, which does not degrade and essentially retains its original geometry. The hard or soft materials mentioned above can be used for this purpose, to which the active substance is added as an additive before or during the injection molding process. In this variant, it is advantageous if the active substance element changes its color or at least fades when the active substance is released in order to indicate the aging to the user. A material is preferably used which combines with the hard component or the soft component of the brush head. There Polypropylene PP is a common hard material for the production of toothbrushes, a carrier material is preferably used, which combines with PP. If a different hard material is used for the brush head, a carrier material is used which connects to this hard material during the injection molding process. Since suitable carrier materials can be relatively expensive in comparison to the other materials used, it is proposed to spray the active substance element in the brush head or in the brush neck. The injection point is preferably on the back of the brush head. In this embodiment variant, the active substance element is brought into a tablet- or pill-like or into another form described above by means of injection molding. The active substance element is preferably inserted into a kind of sandwich position between two materials used in the head, for example a hard and a soft material or two possibly identical hard materials. In this case, the hard component is advantageously first injected, then the active substance element is molded or injected, and then the active substance element is at least partially covered with the soft or hard material. Alternatively, the carrier material can also be part of the bristles or any rubber-elastic cleaning and massage elements, or the latter can be coated with them. Of course, different active substance elements with different active substances can be molded onto or in different locations on or in the toothbrush head. A different color is then advantageously used for the different elements. When the active substance element is produced by means of injection molding, the active substance element is only partially with water washed around, but optimal undercuts can be formed for anchoring the active substance element.
2. (b) Variants with multi-part brush head:
   • (b1) Conventional plugging or in-mold tufting (IMT) and cover: injection molding of the toothbrush including the bristle-side half of the brush head, thereby forming the bristle-side outlet openings and any existing cleaning elements made of soft components - anchoring the conventional bristles in the brush head - injection molding the back of the brush head (cover ) including openings - detachable (snapping, pushing, latching, etc.) or non-detachable (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.) connecting the lid to the toothbrush.
   • (b2) Brushing using anchor free tufting (AFT): injection molding the toothbrush including the back of the brush head including the shapes of the openings on the back of the brush head - injection molding the half on the bristle side (bristle plate) including openings and any existing cleaning elements made of soft components - anchoring the conventional bristles in the bristle plate - Detachable (snapping, pushing, latching, etc.) or non-detachable (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.) connecting the bristle plate to the toothbrush.
   • (b3) The bristles are placed on a separate head plate; the cavity is provided with this and a further preferably resealable cover, less preferred variant, since it is in three parts.

For all the variants discussed, it is possible to use the active substance and the carrier material in a different state than in the later use Install or attach the brush head. The active substance can, for example, be poured or sprayed into the cavity in liquid form (for example by heating or with a solvent). After curing, the active substance element is formed, which releases the corresponding active substances when used with water. The active substance element is preferably introduced into the cavity before the cleaning elements such as bristles etc. are attached.

The membrane may be sprayed with any cleaning and massage elements that may be present before or after the conventional bristles are inserted.

1. (a) Ausformen der Segmente und Schlitze im getrennten Zustand mittels Spritzguss.
2. (b) Ausformen einer dünnen Materialbrücke innerhalb der Schlitze als Erstöffnungssicherung und zum Durchtrennen durch den Benutzer während des ersten Gebrauchs.
3. (c) Ausformen der Membrane im geschlossenen Zustand. Erstellen der Schlitze mittels einem mechanischem Verfahren (z.B. Schneiden, Stanzen etc.) in einem späteren Zeitpunkt (z.B. im Spritzgusswerkzeug, bei der Montage des Bürstenkopfes oder während des Beborstungsprozesses).

The slots for the inlet opening can be produced using the following methods:

1. (a) Forming the segments and slots in the separated state by means of injection molding.
2. (b) Forming a thin material bridge within the slots as a first opening safeguard and for the user to sever during the first use.
3. (c) Forming the membrane in the closed state. Creation of the slots using a mechanical process (e.g. cutting, punching, etc.) at a later point in time (e.g. in the injection molding tool, during assembly of the brush head or during the bristling process).

The injection points for the membrane and any cleaning or massage elements placed on them are to be selected, if possible, within the head or in the neck area of the brush. At most, areas made of soft material can be produced in the handle of the toothbrush in the same operation with the same material.

The cleaning or massage elements, which are arranged in the area of the membrane, made with the same material in one operation with the membrane. With the choice of a soft component with a Shore A hardness of less than 70, preferably less than 40, a compromise between the functionality of the membrane (a) flexibility: pumping action, cleaning support, introduction of the active substance, (b) adhesion to the hard material etc. and Stiffness of the cleaning or massage elements (cleaning effect, massage effect) can be found. The connection of the membranes made of soft material to the hard component of the brush head is preferably carried out in multi-component injection molding. In order to ensure optimal adhesion of the membrane to the hard component, it must be ensured that the membrane is not injection molded onto the hard component edge to edge, but that a phase / recess is provided in the hard component, which is the common surface between the hard and soft components the membrane increases. For this purpose, a geometric element of 0.1-2 mm depth / length is preferably formed on the predominant area of the connection of the membrane to the hard component for better connection of the membrane.

The first insertion of the active substance element into the brush head can be provided by the consumer during the first use or during the manufacturing process of the brush. The methods with a two-part brush head, especially using AFT, are particularly suitable for this purpose. In the AFT process, the active substance element is placed in the toothbrush head before the bristled AFT plate is permanently welded to the toothbrush handle. The AFT process is generally suitable for adding an additional component or element between the bristled AFT plate and the toothbrush handle place.

Fig. 1-4

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste;

Fig. 5-7

verschiedene Möglichkeiten zur Gestaltung des Hohlbereichs bei einer Zahnbürste gemäss Fig. 1-4;

Fig. 8, 9

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit einer flexiblen Biegezone;

Fig. 10, 11

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit einer in der Aufsicht kreisförmigen flexiblen Zone;

Fig. 12, 13

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit einer flexiblen Zone an der Bürstenkopfspitze;

Fig. 14, 15

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit mehreren Clustern von Austrittsöffnungen;

Fig. 16-21

Beispiele für verschiedene Formen des flexiblen Bereichs bei einer Zahnbürste;

Fig. 22, 23

verschiedene Darstellungen eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit Austrittsöffnungen an der Rückseite;

Fig. 24-27

Beispiele für verschiedene Formen des Wirksubstanz-Elements und daran angepasste Hohlbereiche;

Fig. 28

eines Kopfteils einer Zahnbürste mit trichterförmigen Austrittsöffnungen an der Rückseite;

Fig. 29

eine Zahnbürste mit einem Hohlbereich im Halsbereich;

Fig. 30-32

verschiedene Montagevarianten für eine Zahnbürste mit Hohlbereich;

Fig. 33

eine Zahnbürste mit einem bei der Herstellung umspritzten Wirksubstanz-Element;

Fig. 34, 35

ein Beispiel für eine selbsterklärende Verpackung für eine Zahnbürste;

Fig. 36

eine Haushaltsbürste.

Exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawings and described below. It shows purely schematically:

Fig. 1-4

different representations of a head part of a toothbrush;

Fig. 5-7

various options for designing the hollow area in a toothbrush according to Fig. 1-4 ;

8, 9

different representations of a head part of a toothbrush with a flexible bending zone;

10, 11

different representations of a head part of a toothbrush with a flexible zone circular in the top view;

Fig. 12, 13

different representations of a head part of a toothbrush with a flexible zone at the brush head tip;

14, 15

different representations of a head part of a toothbrush with several clusters of outlet openings;

Fig. 16-21

Examples of various forms of flexible area in a toothbrush;

22, 23

different representations of a Head part of a toothbrush with outlet openings on the back;

Fig. 24-27

Examples of different forms of the active substance element and matching hollow areas;

Fig. 28

a head part of a toothbrush with funnel-shaped outlet openings on the back;

Fig. 29

a toothbrush with a hollow area in the neck area;

Fig. 30-32

different mounting options for a toothbrush with a hollow area;

Fig. 33

a toothbrush with an active substance element extrusion-coated during manufacture;

34, 35

an example of a self-explanatory packaging for a toothbrush;

Fig. 36

a household brush.

Figures 1 to 30 and 32 to 36 do not represent embodiments according to the invention, but only serve to better understand the invention.

In the drawings, elements with the same function are each provided with the same reference symbols. Fig. 1-4 show different views of a head region 10 of a toothbrush. A cleaning structure 12 consisting of conventional bristles 14, combined in bundles, and flexible cleaning elements 16 is attached to the front 18. Instead of the conventional bristles 14, only the anchoring regions 38 of the bristle bundles are indicated. The Head area 10 consists of a hard component 30, which is solid (see also Fig. 5-7 ) and in particular the conventional bristles 14 are anchored with a certain anchoring depth. Within the hard component 30 there is a circular or elliptical recess 31 in the top view of the front side 18, which is covered on the front and rear sides by an outwardly curved flexible wall in the form of an elastic membrane 28 or 26 made of soft material 32. As a result, a hollow area 22 is formed within the head area 10. The soft elastic structure 16 is anchored in the front membrane 28. The membrane and the soft-elastic structure are preferably formed together in one production step from the same material from the same injection point. The membrane 26 on the rear side 20 has two crossed slots, which serve as a reclosable insertion opening 34 for an active substance element 24. As in the sectional drawings Fig. 5-7 shown, the front membrane 28 has outlet openings 36 through which water can enter the hollow area 22 and exit again enriched with active substance. The wall area of the hollow area 22 formed from soft material 32 forms a flexible zone 29. Under cleaning pressure, the toothbrush deforms in this zone 29 such that water is sucked into the hollow area 22 and pressed out again.

Instead of a soft material, the membranes 26, 28 can also be made of a hard component with a correspondingly small wall thickness in order to achieve the necessary flexibility. However, the use of a soft component has advantages in that the anchoring of cleaning elements in a thin hard material layer problematic in terms of production technology, but the simultaneous injection of flexible elements onto a soft membrane is unproblematic. Alternatively, a combination of hard and soft materials can form the membrane. The flexible elements of the membrane and cleaning elements are made of soft material. The hard component merely forms structuring, stabilizing elements of the membrane or only serves as a material connection due to the production technology.

As in Fig. 4-7 shown, the hollow area 22 is adapted to the shape of an active substance element 24 such that it is at least partially spaced from its inner wall 23. In order to hold the active substance element 24 securely, projections or edges 40 pointing inwards are formed from the flexible membranes 26, 28 ( Fig. 5-7 ). Due to the flexibility of the membranes 26, 28, the active substance element 24 is well positioned even as the resolution progresses.

In the examples from 6 and 7 an insertion opening 34 provided with intersecting or inclined closing flaps 42 also ensures that the active substance element 24 does not emerge from the insertion opening 34 under cleaning pressure. The locking tabs 42 also serve as the protrusions 40 mentioned above.

In the examples according to Fig. 1-7 the outlet openings 36 are each located between the flexible cleaning elements 16 within the front membrane 28. The membrane surface thus has a network-like perforated structure.

8, 9 show a further example of a toothbrush consisting of hard and soft components 30, 32. Here, the soft component 32 forms a flexible zone 29, which connects the two otherwise separate parts 10 ', 10 "of the brush head 10 made of hard component 30. In contrast to the examples above, the entire brush head front part 10' can deflect relative to the brush head rear part 10". As in the examples above, the hollow area 22 is delimited on the front and back and additionally laterally by thin layers of material (membranes 26, 28) made of soft component 32 and in the longitudinal direction by hard component 30. A special flexibility of the brush head 10 and increased pumping / suction effect in the hollow area 22 are achieved by this design. Alternatively, a connection made of hard component 30 can also be made within the soft component 32, which allows the two brush head parts 10 ′, 10 ″ to be produced from hard component 30 in one work step. This connection is preferably made very thin so that the flexibility is not negatively influenced As in the examples above, conventional bristles 14 are anchored in the hard component 30, while the soft component 32 is provided with soft-elastic cleaning elements 16. The insertion opening 34 is as in FIG Fig. 1-7 designed as a cross recess.

10, 11 essentially shows one Fig. 1-7 Corresponding example, in which the flexible zone 29 with the hollow area 22 is not located centrally in the bristle field, but rather faces the neck area 52. This has the advantage that the most stressed zone in the front part of the brush head can be formed from conventional bristles.

at Fig. 12, 13 the flexible zone 29 formed from soft material 32 occupies the entire brush tip and is essentially circular in plan. In a concentric arrangement, it carries flexible cleaning elements 16, outlet openings 36 and conventional bristles 14 (or their anchoring areas) from the inside to the outside. In the direction of the neck area 52 there is a conventional bristle field embedded in the hard component 30. The outlet openings 36 are so large that the hollow area 22 behind them can be seen.

In the example 14, 15 the part of the brush head formed from the hard component 30 is in one piece. However, it has cutouts in such a way that a flexible zone 29 with three areas (clusters) 44 connected to the rear side 20 is formed by outlet openings 36. These are located at the tip and on the sides of the head region 10 in a flexible wall / membrane 28, preferably made of soft material 32, which is curved outwards. The remaining region of the head part 10 is bristled on the front side 18 with conventional bristles 14; on the back there is again a cross-slot-shaped insertion opening 34 as in Fig. 5-7 ,

Fig. 16-21 show examples of different shapes of the flexible zone 29 in a toothbrush in front and rear view ( Fig. 16-19 ) or only in front view ( 20, 21 ). In all examples there is again a cross-slot-shaped insertion opening 34 on the back as in the case of Fig. 5-7 (only partially shown). at 16, 17 the flexible zone 29 has three gill-like areas 46 (or Cluster 44) with lamellar cleaning / massage elements 16 and outlet openings 36 arranged between them. The areas 46 are connected to one another on the back by a material bridge made of soft material 32 (see Fig. 17 ). at 18, 19 the lamella / fish gills are less pronounced and only two lateral clusters 44 are present. Fig. 20 shows a modification of this with asymmetrically curved geometry. at Fig. 21 the outlet openings 36 are evenly distributed over the lateral edge of the head region 10 and are surrounded in each case in the manner of nubs by soft material, so that here too the nubs have a massage effect when cleaning.

22, 23 show a brush in front and rear view, in which the outlet openings 36 are located on the rear side 20 facing away from the bristles and thus the active substance is mainly released on the rear side 20. The rear side 20 consists largely of hard material 30, which is perforated like a net and exposes the view of the hollow area 22 within the brush head 10. The hollow area 22 extends essentially over the entire surface of the head part 10. The sufficient flexibility of the wall of the hollow area 22 is achieved by a correspondingly thin material thickness and by the openings or outlet openings 36. A part of the hollow area 22 is covered on the back by a membrane 26 made of soft material 32, in which there are slots arranged in a star shape and serving as an insertion opening 34.

When in Fig. 24 In the example shown, the brush head 10 consists of two parts (tip 10 ′ and neck-side region 10 ″) made of a hard component 30 that pass through one another a flexible zone 29 of soft material 32 or a combination of hard and soft material are connected. A hollow region 22 is formed in the flexible zone 29 in the form of a tubular recess with an elliptical cross section. The hollow area 22 is delimited towards the front 18 by three webs 48 made of soft material 32. Between the webs 48 there are two outlet openings 36 with a total width of approximately half the head width. The underside of the hollow area 22 consists of soft material 32 over its entire surface or a combination of hard and soft material. Soft-elastic cleaning elements 16 are arranged on the webs 48, and conventional bristles 14 are anchored on the hard areas at the tip and in the neck area. An elliptical insertion opening 34 for the active substance element 24 is formed between the webs 48 and the underside 66 of the hollow region 22. This has essentially the shape of a cylinder with an elliptical cross section and rounded edges. The active substance element 24 is clamped between the webs and the underside 66. However, it is laterally spaced from the inner wall of the hollow region 22, so that water is washed around it and in the region of the outlet openings 36. Due to the spatial shape with an essentially two-part hard component 30 and the part-connecting flexible zone 29 made of soft material 32, the brush head is particularly flexible. Alternatively, the webs 48 can also consist of the hard component 30 and connect the tip and the neck region in a hinge-like manner; the flexibility is ensured in this case by a correspondingly thin wall thickness of the webs 48.

Fig. 25-27 show variations of the example Fig. 24 with also an essentially two-part Head region 10 made of a hard component 30 and a flexible zone 29 made of soft component 32 or a combination of hard and soft components connecting the parts 10 ′, 10 ″, in which the hollow region 22 for accommodating the active substance element 24 is accommodated 25 and 26 are the hollow area 22 and the active substance element 24 itself cylindrical with a circular cross section. The insertion opening 34 is also circular and can have a smaller diameter than the hollow area 22 itself, so that the active substance element 24 can be at least partially washed around in the hollow area 22. The hollow area 22 is essentially surrounded by soft material 32 in the radial direction of its longitudinal direction, with the exception of the outlet openings 36 in the front-side membrane 28. In case of Fig. 25 are molded onto the membrane 28 by tubular elastic cleaning elements 16, the interior of which communicates with the hollow area 22, so that dissolved active substance is also dispensed via outlet openings 36 'at the upper end of the cleaning elements 16. The active substance release is increased by the capillary effect. In case of Fig. 26 no flexible cleaning elements are arranged on the soft component.

Fig. 27 shows an analogous example with an elastic zone 29 elongated in the longitudinal direction of the brush head, in which an essentially cuboidal hollow area 22 is formed. This is adapted to a plate or film-shaped active substance element 24. In this embodiment variant, the plate-shaped or foil-shaped hollow area 22 can be attached as a backpack-shaped structure on the back of the brush head. The active substance element 24 has a thickness of 0.01 to 5.0 mm, preferably 0.05 to 1.0 mm.

In all examples of Figures 24-27 a corresponding sideshift is used to form the tunnel-like cavity for the active substance element in the injection molding tool for injecting the hard and / or soft component.

In the example Fig. 28 the hollow area 22 on the back 20 of the brush head is covered by a flexible membrane 26 made of soft material 32 and is otherwise formed within the hard component 30. The outlet openings 36 are formed on the membrane 26 within bump-like or funnel-like elevations, which can simultaneously act as cleaning or massage elements 16, in particular for the palate and tongue. The front 18 consisting of the hard component 30 can thus also be conventionally bristled above the hollow area 22. A combination of this embodiment with a previously shown flexible membrane on the front of the brush head is also conceivable. Due to the movement of the knobs during cleaning, water is sucked into the hollow area and expelled again with active ingredient.

Fig. 29 shows a toothbrush in which the hollow area 22 is formed by a cage-like thickening in the neck area 52 which is adapted to a spherical or ellipsoidal shape of the active substance element. This has a multiplicity of outlet openings 36 through which the hollow region 22 can be seen. The delimitation of the hollow area can be formed from hard and / or soft components, in the latter case there being a damping zone in the neck area 52. The flexibility of this zone favors the pumping effect around the active substance element discussed earlier.

Fig. 30-33 schematically show different manufacturing methods for brushes. Of course, these manufacturing methods can be used for all of the design variants shown.

at Fig. 30 the toothbrush is made from two parts consisting of hard and / or soft component 30 in an injection molding process, on the one hand the bristle-side upper half of the brush head and on the other hand the rear cover 54. In the upper half there is a recess for the active substance element 24 formed, which is later closed with the lid 54 to form the hollow region 22. The outlet openings 36 and optionally cleaning elements 16 made of soft component 32 are formed on the upper half. Conventional bristles are anchored to the side of the cleaning elements 16 by conventional plugging or in mold tufting (IMT). Further outlet openings 36 are formed in the hard component 30 on the cover 54. Alternatively, the cover 54 can also contain a membrane made of soft component, in which the outlet openings are formed in nub-like elevations. Cover 54 and the remaining brush head are then detachably connected (including snapping, pushing, latching, etc.) or undetachably (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.), including a flat active substance element 24.

at Fig. 31 The toothbrush according to the invention is also produced from two parts from a hard and / or soft component in an injection molding process. The half of the brush head on the back of the brush head has a plate-shaped depression which, when assembled, forms a cavity 22 with a carrier plate 56. The Carrier plate is produced including openings which are closed in a further injection molding step with soft component 32 to form a membrane 26 and possibly also flexible cleaning elements 16 made of soft component. The conventional bristles 14 are then anchored in the carrier plate 56. Alternatively, the carrier plate 56 can also be bristled using the anchor free tufting method, which has the advantage that the carrier plate can be made thinner. The carrier plate is then connected to the rest of the toothbrush in a non-detachable manner (gluing, welding, positive locking, etc.), an active substance element 24 designed as a solid or highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste being enclosed in the cavity 22.

Fig. 32 shows a combination of the examples 30 and 31 with a brush head consisting of three parts (ring-shaped body, carrier plate 56 and rear cover 54).

Fig. 33 shows a further example in which the active substance is inserted or injected into a recess in the hard component 30 during the manufacture of the toothbrush and overmolded with the soft component 32. A cavity 22 is formed with a flexible wall in the form of a thin membrane 26 made of soft component 32. Openings 36 for the entry and exit of water or water-soluble active substance are provided in the membrane 26.

In all examples, the flexibility of the wall of the hollow area 22 results from the selection of a wall material with a certain elasticity, in particular by at least one membrane made of soft material 32, and / or due to the overall elasticity of the brush made of hard and / or soft material. As long as sufficient contact with water or sufficient dissolution of the active substance is guaranteed, it is sufficient if the pumping / suction effect or volume change of the hollow area is only slightly or not at all due to the cleaning pressure.

34 and 35 show a self-explanatory packaging 58 for a toothbrush with active substance, in which, in addition to a recess 60 adapted to the shape of the brush, there is a separable area, each with an active substance element 24. The user therefore immediately recognizes which product it is.

The design variants shown above can of course also be used with electric toothbrushes. The mechanical movement or vibration of at least part of the brush head also favors the exchange of liquids in and out of the hollow area. If the brush head is divided into a movable and a non-movable brush head segment, the hollow area is preferably accommodated in the non-movable segment within the variants described above.

Fig. 36 shows a household brush also with a head, neck and handle area 10, 52, 62. In the head area 10 there is a hollow area 22 which can be reclosed on the side facing away from the cleaning structure 12 by a flap 64 and which can hold an active substance element 24. The outlet openings for the dissolved active substance are located in the flap 64. For the dishwashing brush, a solid soap is preferably used Active substance element used. All of the previously shown design variants can be adopted analogously for the dishwashing brush. The specified dimensions are to be adjusted in relation to the dimensions of the dish brush head.

Combinations of elements from the examples shown also move within the present framework.

A brush with a flexible membrane in the head part, which carries cleaning and / or massage elements, has advantages even without an underlying hollow area or without an active substance element introduced into the hollow area, in particular because of the flexible suspension of the cleaning and / or massage elements. All of the examples shown can be modified accordingly, for example by not providing a hollow area or a hollow area that does not communicate with the outside world. The in Fig. 1-27 shown examples in which the flexible zone 29 is retained, but remains without function with regard to the absorption and release of active substance.

• A3. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste gemäss einem der Absätze A1 oder A2, wobei die Bürste zumindest im Bereich des Hohlbereichs 22 derart flexibel ist, dass sich der Hohlbereich 22 beim bestimmungsgemässen Gebrauch derart verformt, dass Wasser in den Hohlbereich 22 eingesogen sowie wieder herausgedrückt wird.
• A4. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der Absätze A1 bis A3 wobei der Hohlbereich 22 an seiner Innenwand Vorsprünge 40 oder andere Geometrieelemente aufweist, welche ein eingesetztes Wirksubstanz-Element 24 vorzugsweise in klemmender Weise im Hohlbereich 22 positionieren.
• A5. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der Abschnitte A1 bis A4, wobei der Hohlbereich 22 zumindest teilweise durch eine flexible Wand 26, 28 begrenzt ist, die sich vorzugsweise zumindest teilweise nach aussen wölbt.
• A6. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach Abschnitt A5, wobei die flexible Wand 26, 28 aus einem Weichmaterial 32 besteht, das vorzugsweise eine Shore A Härte von weniger als 70, besonders bevorzugt weniger als 40 hat.
• A7. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach Abschnitt A5 oder A6, wobei die flexible Wand 26, 28 eine Membran umfasst, die eine Dicke von maximal 3 mm, bevorzugt 0,7-1,5 mm, hat.
• A8. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach Abschnitt A7, wobei an der Membran 26, 28 ebenfalls aus Weichmaterial 32 bestehende, vorzugsweise mit der Membran in einem Arbeitsgang und aus demselben Material gefertigte Massage- und/oder Reinigungselemente 16 angeordnet sind, wobei sich die Austrittsöffnungen 36 vorzugsweise in der Membran 26, 28 zwischen den Massage- und/oder Reinigungselementen 16 und/oder in den Massage- und/oder Reinigungselementen 16 befinden.
• A9. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der Abschnitte A5 bis A8, wobei die Form und das Material der flexiblen Wand 26, 28 derart aneinander angepasst sind, dass ein in den Hohlbereich 22 eingesetztes Wirksubstanz-Element 24 im Originalzustand sowie im teilweise aufgelösten Zustand mit Vorspann im Hohlbereich 22 fixiert ist, insbesondere federnd gegen die Innenwand des Hohlbereichs 22 bzw. gegen etwaige Vorsprünge 40 an der Innenwand gedrückt wird.
• A10. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der Abschnitte A5 bis A9, wobei die flexible Wand 26, 28 im Bereich der Austrittsöffnungen 36 eine flächig-löchrige, ziehharmonikaartige, lamellenartige und/oder noppenartige Struktur hat.
• A11. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der vorangegangenen Abschnitte A1 bis A10, wobei eine Einführungsöffnung 34 zum Einführen des Wirksubstanz-Elements 24 vorhanden ist, die vorzugsweise wiederverschliessbar ist, wobei die Einführungsöffnung 34 bevorzugt durch in einer flexiblen Membran 26, 28 gebildete Schlitze gebildet ist.
• A12. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach Abschnitt A11, wobei der Hohlbereich 22 im Kopfteil 10 angeordnet ist, wobei sich die Einführungsöffnung 34 auf der der Reinigungsstruktur 12 abgewandten Rückseite 20 oder an der Seite und die Austrittsöffnung 36 auf der die Reinigungsstruktur 12 tragenden Vorderseite 18 befindet.
• A13. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der vorangegangenen Abschnitte A1 bis A12, wobei in unmittelbarer Nähe der Austrittsöffnungen 36 Reinigungselemente, insbesondere Borsten 14 und/oder weichelastische Elemente 16, angeordnet sind, deren mechanische Eigenschaften, z.B. Abmessungen, Flexibilität, Material, an die mit der einzuführenden Wirksubstanz zu erzielende Wirkung angepasst sind.
• A14. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der vorangegangenen Abschnitte A1 bis A13, wobei die Austrittsöffnungen 36 im Bereich der Oberfläche der Zahnbürste sich insbesondere trichterförmig aufweitend gestaltet sind.
• A15. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach einem der vorangegangenen Abschnitte, wobei ein im Hohlbereich 22 angeordnetes Wirksubstanz-Element 24 mit einer definierten äusseren Form, wobei das Wirksubstanz-Element ein Festkörper oder eine hochviskose, formstabile Paste ist.
• A16. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft eine Bürste nach Abschnitt A15, wobei die Geometrie der Austrittsöffnungen 36 derart an die Wirksubstanz angepasst ist, dass das Wirksubstanz-Element nach einer vorbestimmten Gesamtgebrauchsdauer unter Wassereinfluss im wesentlichen vollständig aufgelöst bzw. zersetzt und aus dem Hohlbereich 22 ausgespült ist.
• A17. Weiter betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Bürste, insbesondere Zahnbürste, nach einem der vorangegangenen Abschnitte A1 bis A16, bei welchem ein formgebender Bürstenkörper mit einem Kopf-, Hals- und Griffteil aus einer Hartkomponente 30 hergestellt wird, wobei der Bürstenkörper entweder einteilig ausgebildet wird und ein Hohlbereich 22 in der Hartkomponente ausgeformt wird oder der Bürstenkörper mehrteilig ausgebildet wird und anschliessend die Teile unter Bildung des Hohlbereichs 22 verbunden werden.
• A18. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A17, wobei zur Bildung einer flexiblen Wand 26, 28 des Hohlbereichs und vorzugsweise weiterer weichelastischer Komponenten, insbesondere von Reinigungs- und Massageelementen 16, eine Weichkomponente 32 angespritzt wird.
• A19. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A18, wobei das Wirksubstanz-Element 24 mit der Weichkomponente 32 wenigstens teilweise umspritzt wird.
• A20. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A17 oder A18, wobei die Wirksubstanz in den Hohlbereich 22 eingespritzt wird.
• A21. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A17 oder A18, wobei ein Bürstenkörper mit einer Aussparung und ein vorzugsweise passgenau auf die Aussparung aufsetzbares Deckelement 54, 56 aus einer Hartkomponente 30 gebildet wird, dass in die Aussparung ein Wirksubstanz-Element eingesetzt und anschliessend das Deckelement auf die Aussparung aufgesetzt wird.
• A22. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A21, wobei das Deckelement 54, 56 mit einer insbesondere Borsten 14 umfassenden Reinigungsstruktur 12 versehen wird.
• A23. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach einem der Abschnitte A17 bis A22, wobei das Wirksubstanz-Element durch Aushärten einer in flüssiger Form in den Hohlbereich eingebrachten, insbesondere eingespritzten, Substanz hergestellt wird.
• A24. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach einem der Abschnitte A17 bis A23, wobei das Wirksubstanz-Element einen Träger für die Wirksubstanz umfasst, welcher die Wirksubstanz beim Kontakt mit Wasser abgibt.
• A25. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A24, wobei der Träger wasserlöslich ist und vorzugsweise aus einem physiologisch unbedenklichen und biologisch abbaubaren Stoff, insbesondere auf der Basis von Stärke, besteht, der vorzugsweise im Spritzgussverfahren verarbeitet werden kann.
• A26. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A25, wobei der Träger aus einem wasserunlöslichen Stoff besteht, z.B. einem Polymer, der vorzugsweise im Spritzgussverfahren verarbeitet werden kann.
• A27. Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren nach Abschnitt A24 oder A26, wobei das Wirksubstanzelement einen Indikator enthält, so dass das Wirksubstanzelement mit der Gebrauchsdauer seine Farbe ändert oder verbleicht.

Section A1 relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, with a head part 10 with a cleaning structure 12 comprising in particular bristles 14, a handle part 62 and a neck part 52, a hollow area 22 with at least one outlet opening 36 for a in the head or neck part 10, 52 Active substance is located, wherein the hollow area 22 is adapted to the shape of an active substance element 24 with a defined outer shape and that the volume of the hollow area 22 is larger, preferably 1-2 times and preferably at most 4 times larger than the volume of the active substance -Elements 24 is, so that this is preferably washed around on all sides by water.

• A3. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the paragraphs A1 or A2, the brush being flexible at least in the region of the hollow area 22 in such a way that the hollow area 22 deforms when used as intended such that water is sucked into the hollow area 22 and again is pushed out.
• A4. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the paragraphs A1 to A3, wherein the hollow area 22 has projections 40 or other geometric elements on its inner wall, which position an inserted active substance element 24, preferably in a clamping manner, in the hollow area 22.
• A5. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the sections A1 to A4, the hollow area 22 being at least partially delimited by a flexible wall 26, 28 which preferably bulges outwards at least partially.
• A6. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to section A5, the flexible wall 26, 28 consisting of a soft material 32 which preferably has a Shore A hardness of less than 70, particularly preferably less than 40.
• A7. Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to section A5 or A6, the flexible wall 26, 28 comprising a membrane which has a maximum thickness of 3 mm, preferably 0.7-1.5 mm.
• A8. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to section A7, massage and / or cleaning elements 16, which also consist of soft material 32 and are preferably made with the membrane in one operation and made of the same material, are arranged on the membrane 26, 28, wherein the outlet openings 36 are preferably located in the membrane 26, 28 between the massage and / or cleaning elements 16 and / or in the massage and / or cleaning elements 16.
• A9. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the sections A5 to A8, the shape and the material of the flexible wall 26, 28 being matched to one another in such a way that an active substance element 24 inserted into the hollow area 22 is in its original state and partly dissolved state is fixed with bias in the hollow area 22, in particular is pressed resiliently against the inner wall of the hollow area 22 or against any projections 40 on the inner wall.
• A10. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the sections A5 to A9, the flexible wall 26, 28 in the region of the Outlet openings 36 has a flat-holed, accordion-like, lamellar and / or knob-like structure.
• A11. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the preceding sections A1 to A10, wherein there is an insertion opening 34 for introducing the active substance element 24, which is preferably resealable, the insertion opening 34 preferably being in a flexible membrane 26, 28 formed slots is formed.
• A12. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to section A11, the hollow region 22 being arranged in the head part 10, the insertion opening 34 being located on the rear side 20 facing away from the cleaning structure 12 or on the side and the outlet opening 36 being located on the side carrying the cleaning structure 12 Front 18 is located.
• A13. Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the preceding sections A1 to A12, 36 cleaning elements, in particular bristles 14 and / or flexible elements 16, being arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outlet openings, the mechanical properties thereof, for example dimensions, flexibility, material are adapted to the effect to be achieved with the active substance to be introduced.
• A14. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the preceding sections A1 to A13, the outlet openings 36 in the region of the surface of the toothbrush being designed in particular in a funnel shape.
• A15. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to one of the preceding sections, an active substance element 24 arranged in the hollow region 22 having a defined outer shape, the active substance element being a solid or a highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste.
• A16. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a brush according to section A15, the geometry of the outlet openings 36 being matched to the active substance in such a way that the active substance element is essentially completely dissolved or decomposed and rinsed out of the hollow area 22 after a predetermined total period of use under the influence of water is.
• A17. The invention further relates to a method for producing a brush, in particular a toothbrush, according to one of the preceding sections A1 to A16, in which a shaping brush body with a head, neck and handle part is produced from a hard component 30, the brush body either being formed in one piece and a hollow area 22 is formed in the hard component or the brush body is formed in several parts and the parts are then connected to form the hollow area 22.
• A18. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A17, wherein a soft component 32 is injection molded to form a flexible wall 26, 28 of the hollow area and preferably further soft-elastic components, in particular cleaning and massage elements 16.
• A19. Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A18, wherein the Active substance element 24 is at least partially encapsulated with the soft component 32.
• A20. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A17 or A18, the active substance being injected into the hollow area 22.
• A21. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A17 or A18, wherein a brush body with a recess and a cover element 54, 56, which can preferably be fitted precisely onto the recess, is formed from a hard component 30 that an active substance element is inserted into the recess and the cover element is then placed on the recess.
• A22. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A21, the cover element 54, 56 being provided with a cleaning structure 12, in particular comprising bristles 14.
• A23. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to one of the sections A17 to A22, the active substance element being produced by curing a substance which is introduced into the hollow region, in particular injected, in liquid form.
• A24. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to one of sections A17 to A23, the active substance element comprising a carrier for the active substance, which releases the active substance on contact with water.
• A25. Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A24, wherein the The carrier is water-soluble and preferably consists of a physiologically acceptable and biodegradable substance, in particular based on starch, which can preferably be processed by injection molding.
• A26. A further preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A25, the carrier consisting of a water-insoluble substance, for example a polymer, which can preferably be processed by injection molding.
• A27. Another preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a method according to section A24 or A26, wherein the active substance element contains an indicator, so that the active substance element changes or fades its color with the period of use.

Claims (20)

1. Method for the manufacture of a toothbrush with a head part (10) having a cleaning structure (12) that comprises bristles (14), with a handle part (62) and with a neck part (52), wherein a cavity (22) with at least one outlet opening (36) for an active substance is located in the head part (10), characterized in that a half of the head part (10) on the rear face of the brush head has a saucer-shaped depression which, in the state when joined to a support plate (56), forms the cavity (22), wherein the support plate (56) is provided with conventional bristles, in particular by the anchor-free tufting method, and is then non-releasably connected to the rest of the toothbrush, wherein an active substance element is enclosed in the cavity (22), wherein the active substance element (24) is configured as a solid body or a highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the support plate (56) is welded to the rest of the toothbrush.
3. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the cavity (22) is at least partially delimited by a flexible wall (26, 28).
4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that the flexible wall (26, 28) or a flexible membrane is produced from the soft material (32).
5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that massaging and/or cleaning elements (16) are formed on the membrane, being produced in one operating step with the latter and from the same material.
6. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outlet openings (36) are formed in the hard material (30) and/or in the soft material (32) of the head part (10).
7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that pliable elements (16) formed in the region of the outlet openings (36) have a bristle-shaped, lobe-shaped, lamella-shaped or nipple-shaped geometry and preferably serve to massage the gums, oral cavity or tongue.
8. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that outlet openings (36) are formed on the pliable elements (16) themselves.
9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the outlet openings (36) are configured in the region of the surface of the toothbrush and in particular widen in a funnel shape.
10. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support plate (56) is produced including openings which, in a further injection moulding step, are closed with soft component (32) to form the membrane (26) and possibly also with pliable cleaning elements (16) made from soft component, and the support plate (56) is then provided with bristles.
11. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cavity (22) is adapted to the shape of an active substance element (24) having a defined external shape, and in that the volume of the cavity (22) is chosen greater than the volume of the active substance element (24).
12. Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that, on its inner wall, the cavity (22) has projections (40) or other geometric elements that position the inserted active substance element (24) in the cavity (22), preferably by clamping it.
13. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the active substance element (24) contains an indicator, such that the active substance element (24) changes its colour or fades over the period of use.
14. Toothbrush with a head part (10) having a cleaning structure (12) that comprises bristles (14), with a handle part (62) and with a neck part (52), wherein a cavity (22) with at least one outlet opening (36) for an active substance is located in the head part (10), characterized in that a half of the head part (10) on the rear face of the brush head has a saucer-shaped depression which, in the state when joined to a support plate (56), forms the cavity (22), wherein the support plate (56) is provided with conventional bristles, in particular by the anchor-free tufting method, and is then non-releasably connected to the rest of the toothbrush, wherein an active substance element is enclosed in the cavity (22), wherein the active substance element (24) is configured as a solid body or a highly viscous, dimensionally stable paste.
15. Toothbrush according to Claim 14, characterized in that the head part (10) has a hard component and preferably a soft component, which preferably has a Shore A hardness of less than 70, preferably of less than 40.
16. Toothbrush according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the toothbrush is flexible at least in the region of the cavity (22).
17. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the active substance element (24) is produced by hardening of a substance that is introduced, in particular injected by means of injection moulding, in liquid form into the cavity (22) .
18. Toothbrush according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the active substance element (24) comprises a carrier for the active substance, which carrier releases the active substance upon contact with water.
19. Toothbrush according to Claim 18, characterized in that the carrier, preferably produced from a physiologically safe and biodegradable material, in particular based on starch, is water-soluble and is preferably processed by the injection moulding technique.
20. Toothbrush according to Claim 18, characterized in that the carrier is produced from a water-insoluble material, for example from a polymer, which is preferably processed by the injection moulding technique.

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