EP0235671B1 - Brush - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0235671B1
EP0235671B1 EP87102266A EP87102266A EP0235671B1 EP 0235671 B1 EP0235671 B1 EP 0235671B1 EP 87102266 A EP87102266 A EP 87102266A EP 87102266 A EP87102266 A EP 87102266A EP 0235671 B1 EP0235671 B1 EP 0235671B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
brush
handle
head
side walls
head portions
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP87102266A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0235671A1 (en
Inventor
Fritz Rueb
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT87102266T priority Critical patent/ATE57074T1/en
Publication of EP0235671A1 publication Critical patent/EP0235671A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0235671B1 publication Critical patent/EP0235671B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a handle brush, in particular a travel toothbrush with a handle and a brush head having a bristle field, which, starting from its position of use, can be reduced in size by dividing it at least in one dimension.
  • toothbrushes are already known in which a handle that can be separated from the rest of the brush body is provided. This makes it possible to disassemble this toothbrush after use and thus reduce its overall length.
  • the handle serves as a receiving housing for the remaining, separable or foldable brush body.
  • Such a toothbrush is disclosed in DE-A-2,057,770.
  • Toothbrushes are also known in which the handle or handle is hollow, the brush head being able to be accommodated in the handle in the transport position. Although, as with the aforementioned toothbrushes, a reduction in length is possible, the volume in the transport position is still comparatively large.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a handle brush of the type mentioned at the outset which, on the one hand, has good stability in the position of use, the handle size allows good handling, and the brush head with its bristle field is approximately the usual size of a normal toothbrush
  • This toothbrush has a very small size with compact dimensions compared to the use position in the transport position, so that it can also be accommodated in flat cases or pockets.
  • the brush head By dividing the brush head into several head parts, the brush head, which in the use position is comparatively high in the longitudinal direction of the bristles, can be converted into a flat outline shape. As is known, flat objects can be placed much better in bags or pencil cases.
  • the head parts can be folded around two longitudinal brush axes running parallel between them, favorable positions of the head parts result both in the use position and in the transport position.
  • the handle is designed as a folding part and can be folded from a flat shape into a largely rigid cross-sectional shape in the use position. As a result, a considerable volume reduction in the transport position is also possible in the area of the handle.
  • the brush head is advantageously connected to a handle via a lockable folding hinge.
  • This folding hinge enables the unfolded brush head and the handle to be folded together, so that the length of the toothbrush in the transport position can also be reduced.
  • the handle When the head parts are pivoted in the position of use, the handle is also essentially shaped at the same time, and the cross-sectional profile that is formed also provides a corresponding stabilization of the entire toothbrush.
  • the head parts have handles pointing towards the handle and essentially forming the brush body neck. These stems provide a stable transition to the handle, among other things.
  • One embodiment provides that the folding hinge located between the brush head and the handle and extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the brush is arranged on the handle-side end of the head part handles and that the handle is approximately at a distance from the head-side folding hinge at a distance of the length of the brush head with the brush body neck -Folds hinge. As a result, the total length of the toothbrush in the transport position can be reduced to a third of the length of use.
  • the unfolded position of the handle expediently forms a flat body, which in the handle area has a continuation, which preferably extends to approximately the end of the brush head and to which the head part handles and the like are connected. This provides a stable transition between the handle part and the brush head and, in addition, the continuation extending into the head region results in a good position stabilization of the head parts in the use position.
  • the handle essentially formed by a flat body to form the longitudinal and transverse folding axes has material weaknesses and preferably consists of plastic, in particular an injection molded part.
  • Such a part is particularly simple in one Work process can be produced and the material weaknesses form clear folding axes, which also make folding easier.
  • the handle and the head parts with stems are expediently made in one piece, preferably from plastic. Only a few operations are then required to complete the toothbrush, so that overall the production is simplified.
  • the handle in the position of use preferably has a trapezoidal or V-shaped cross section, wherein connection means for releasably connecting these side walls in the position of use are preferably provided on the handle side walls.
  • This folding profile gives the handle a good bending stiffness, so that a "strong" handling of the brush is possible.
  • stops are provided for the head parts in the use position, preferably formed by the stems and / or the head parts themselves, the handle side walls being movable towards one another beyond this stop position into a connecting position.
  • An embodiment of the invention provides that a holder for a toothpick and / or a small toothpaste tube or the like is provided on the handle, in particular on the inside, the holder being located in the intermediate region which is free through the head parts with handles in a folded position .
  • a toothbrush 1 that can be seen in FIG. 3 is designed as a foldable travel toothbrush and essentially has a brush head 2 and a handle 4 connected to it via a brush body neck 3.
  • This toothbrush 1 can be in the in Fig. 6 u. 7 fold the recognizable transport position with a very small outline.
  • the brush head 2 is divided into a plurality of head parts 5, 5 'with bristle part fields 6, 6' and the handle 4 is also designed as a folding part (cf. FIG. 1).
  • the two head parts 5, 5 ' can be pivoted about two longitudinal brush axes 7 running parallel between them. If the head parts 5, 5 'are folded together about these longitudinal axes 7, they lie with their inner sides 8 against one another and together form the bristle field, the size of which then corresponds approximately to that of a normal toothbrush.
  • a stem 9 is connected to the head parts 5, 5 'as a continuation.
  • the handle 4 forms a flat body (cf. FIG. 1) which has a continuation 10 which extends approximately to the end of the head parts 5, 5 'and with which the head part stems 9 and also the head parts 5, 5 'are connected themselves.
  • the handle In the folded position of the handle, it thus has two side walls 11 and a back web 12 connecting them. Due to the cross-sectional profiling of the handle in the position of use and also the continuation 10 with the stems 9 and head parts 5 attached to it, which essentially corresponds approximately to a U-profile, good bending stability results. As can be seen in Fig.
  • the side walls 11 form an approximately trapezoidal profile with the back web 12.
  • the handle side walls 11 are moved to one another via a stop position, where the inner sides 8 of the head parts 5, 5 'lie against one another, so that the head parts 5, 5' are held together under tension in the use position. This eliminates the need for 2 connecting elements in the area of the brush head, which hold the head parts 5, 5 'together.
  • the brush head 2 with the adjoining brush body neck 3 is connected to the handle 4 via a transverse folding hinge 14.
  • Another transverse folding hinge 15 is located approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extent of the handle 4.
  • the two transverse folding hinges 14 u. 15 each have two folding axes 16 running approximately at the height (cf. FIG. 2) of the unfolded head parts 5, 5 ' between these, belonging to a folding hinge folding axes 16 sections form in the transport position (Fig. 6) front side walls 17.
  • the folding hinges 14 u. 15 are only effective in the flat position of the handle 4, with the folding of the side walls 11 also providing a corresponding bending stiffness in these areas.
  • the closure parts 13, 13 ' are attached to the inside of the side walls 11 such that on the one hand they hold the side walls 11 together in this position in the position of use (FIG. 3), as can also be seen in FIG. 5, and on the other hand they also serve to hold together the toothbrush in the transport position (FIG. 6), the locking parts located at the rear end of the handle then meeting with locking parts in the front end area of the handle.
  • FIG. 1 it can be clearly seen that for this purpose the "male parts” and “mother parts” in the closure parts located in the front area of the handle are reversed from those in the closure parts located on the rear handle end.
  • the back web 12 belonging to the handle 4 continues on the brush head side in the flat body continuation 10, the outer longitudinal edge regions of which are connected to the handles 9 and the head parts 5, 5 'outside the longitudinal folding axes 7.
  • These outer parts practically form a continuation of the handle side walls II. Due to the arrangement of the head parts and the stems outside the longitudinal folding axes, which extend approximately at the outer longitudinal edges of the head parts 5, 5 'facing away from the bristle field, these longitudinal folding axes become when the head parts 5, 5' are pivoted together Position of use Practically covered so that there are no sharp edges in the area that is inserted into the mouth.
  • the bristle subfields 6, 6 'of the head parts 5, 5' lie in one position in the position of use, the bristle tufts 18 of the bristle subfields adjacent in the separating region being approximately the same distance as adjacent bristle tufts of each bristle subfield.
  • a practically continuous total bristle field is thus formed as in a conventional toothbrush.
  • these longitudinal webs 19 can also be pulled inwards somewhat in the position of use, that is to say they can be arranged at a smaller angle than 90 ° to the side walls 11, so that a longitudinal channel forms in this area.
  • the toothbrush can also be easily clipped apart after use, since fingers can be easily engaged in this groove-like depression.
  • attack points for opening the interconnected handle side walls 11 can also be provided on the handle side walls 11 in a different form.
  • the handle 4 and also its brush head-side continuation 10 consists of a flat body which can be folded up on the one hand in the use position and on the other hand in the transport position, this preferably consisting in one piece of a plastic injection-molded part together with the handles 9 and the head parts 5, 5 '.
  • the toothbrush After attaching the bristle fields e.g. by a tamping process, the toothbrush is manufactured in a particularly simple and quick manner.
  • material weaknesses are provided in these areas, which are also introduced at the same time in a plastic injection molding process.
  • a holder 20 for a toothpick 21 and / or a small toothpaste tube 22 can be arranged on the inside between the two longitudinal fold lines 7 in the middle folding part or the handle part close to the brush head, as indicated by dashed lines is.
  • the holder 20 and also the parts held by it are thus in the folded position (FIG. 6) in the free intermediate area between the head parts 5, 5 'or the stems 9.
  • a complete toothbrush set is available, which can be used without further additives can.
  • the entire package has external dimensions of approximately 6x4xl cm, although these dimensions can also be varied. Despite these small external dimensions, the toothbrush has a size suitable for practical use in the position of use and also enables good handling due to the comparatively large handle.
  • a piercing cone also indicated by a dashed line, with which the toothpaste tube can be opened.
  • This piercing cone 23 is also integrally formed on the handle 4, in particular on the inside of its back web 12.
  • line closure elements can be provided, such as those used for sealing plastic bags.
  • line closures have a groove-like receiving bar and a longitudinal web engaging in it like a spring.
  • closure parts can also be provided in the region of the handles 9 and / or in the region of the head parts 5, 5 'in addition to the region of the handle 4.
  • Toothbrush according to the invention can be folded into a packet of about the usual size in the position of use, which, if necessary, can also be easily accommodated in a wallet or the like.

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  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

1. A shanked brush, particularly a travelling toothbrush (1), including a handle (4) as well as a brush head (2) featuring an array of bristles, the brush - starting from the operative position thereof - being adapted to be made smaller at least in one dimension by subdivision, the brush head (2) being divided into a plurality of head portions (5, 5') with bristle sections (6, 6') and for the transport or storage position the head portions (5, 5') being swingable relative to one another and thereby the bristles being foldable apart from one another into a position with the bristle ends pointing away from one another, characterized in that the handle (4) forming a flat body in the unfolded position has in the region of the shanks (9) and brush head (2), between two parallel, longitudinal axes (7) of the brush, an extension (10) of a back crosspiece (12) arranged between side walls (11) of the handle (4), said extension reaching to about the end of the brush head (2), and that the head portions (5, 5') and the side walls (11) are foldable about said two parallel, longitudinal sides (7) of the brush, through which in the operative position the handle (4) essentially has an approximately U-shaped cross section.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Stielbürste, insbesondere eine Reisezahnbürste mit einem Handgriff sowie einem ein Borstenfeld aufweisenden Bürstenkopf, die, ausgehend von ihrer Gebrauchsstellung, zumindest in einer Dimension durch Unterteilen verkleinerbar ist.The invention relates to a handle brush, in particular a travel toothbrush with a handle and a brush head having a bristle field, which, starting from its position of use, can be reduced in size by dividing it at least in one dimension.

Es sind bereits sogenannte Reisezahnbürsten bekannt bei denen ein vom übrigen Bürstenkörper trennbarer Handgriff vorgesehen ist. Dadurch besteht die Möglichkeit, diese Zahnbürste nach Gebrauch auseinanderzunehmen und somit deren Gesamtlänge zu verkleinern. Dabei sind auch schon Ausführungsformen bekannt, wo der Handgriff als Aufnahmegehäuse für den übrigen, trennbaren oder umklappbaren Bürstenkörper dient. Eine derartige Zahnbürste ist in der DE-A-2,057,770 offenbart. Es sind auch Zahnbürsten bekannt, bei denen der Handgriff oder Stiel hohl ausgebildet ist, wobei der Bürstenkopf in Transportstellung umgekehrt im Handgriff Aufnahme finden kann. Damit ist zwar, wie auch bei den vorerwähnten Zahnbürsten, eine Reduzierung der Länge möglich, jedoch ist auch hierbei noch das Volumen in Transportstellung vergleichsweise groß. Nachteilig ist weiterhin, daß bei diesen zusammensetzbaren, zusammensteckbaren oder aufklappbaren Ausführungsformen die Stabilität im Verbindungsbereich der Einzelteile häufig nicht den Anforderungen bei normaler Handhabung der Zahnbürste genügt. Dabei besteht eine Problematik in den zwei gegensätzlichen Forderungen, nämlich einerseits nach einer guten Verbindungsfestigkeit, um während der Benutzung ein Trennen der Teile zu verhindern und andererseits soll aber nach Gebrauch ein leichtes Trennen möglich sein. Um insgesamt ein möglichst geringes Bauvolumen bei solchen Reisezahnbürsten zu erhalten, hat man auch schon insgesamt die Zahnbürste gegenüber üblichen, starren Zahnbürsten kleiner ausgeführt. Diese Reisezahnbürsten, insbesondere bei mehrteiliger Ausführung, sind zwar gut unterzubringen und haben nur einen geringen Platzbedarf, jedoch ist entsprechend der geringeren Baugröße auch das Borstenfeld in unerwünschter Weise kleiner, was den praktischen Gebrauchswert mindert. Auch ist bei diesen Zahnbürsten der Griff vergleichsweise kurz, so daß die Handhabung erschwert ist.So-called travel toothbrushes are already known in which a handle that can be separated from the rest of the brush body is provided. This makes it possible to disassemble this toothbrush after use and thus reduce its overall length. Embodiments are also known in which the handle serves as a receiving housing for the remaining, separable or foldable brush body. Such a toothbrush is disclosed in DE-A-2,057,770. Toothbrushes are also known in which the handle or handle is hollow, the brush head being able to be accommodated in the handle in the transport position. Although, as with the aforementioned toothbrushes, a reduction in length is possible, the volume in the transport position is still comparatively large. Another disadvantage is that in these assemblable, pluggable or hinged embodiments, the stability in the connection area of the individual parts often does not meet the requirements for normal handling of the toothbrush. There is a problem in the two opposing demands, namely on the one hand for a good connection strength in order to prevent separation of the parts during use and on the other hand an easy separation should be possible after use. In order to obtain the smallest possible overall volume for such travel toothbrushes, the toothbrush has also been made smaller overall than conventional, rigid toothbrushes. These travel toothbrushes, in particular in the case of a multi-part design, are easy to accommodate and require only a small amount of space, but the bristle area is undesirably smaller in accordance with the smaller size, which reduces the practical use value. The handle of these toothbrushes is comparatively short, so that handling is difficult.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine Stielbürste der eingangs erwähnten Art zu schaffen, die einerseits in Gebrauchsstellung eine gute Stabilität aufweist, wobei die Griffgröße eine gute Handhabung ermöglicht und wobei der Bürstenkopf mit seinem Borstenfeld etwa die übliche Größe einer normalen Zahnbürste aufweist Gleichzeitig soll aber bei dieser Zahnbürste eine gegenüber der Gebrauchsstellung in Transportstellung sehr geringe Baugröße mit kompakten Abmessungen vorhanden sein, so daß gut auch eine Unterbringung in flachen Mäppchen oder Taschen möglich ist.The object of the present invention is to provide a handle brush of the type mentioned at the outset which, on the one hand, has good stability in the position of use, the handle size allows good handling, and the brush head with its bristle field is approximately the usual size of a normal toothbrush This toothbrush has a very small size with compact dimensions compared to the use position in the transport position, so that it can also be accommodated in flat cases or pockets.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist im Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 angegeben.The solution to this problem is specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Durch das Aufteilen des Bürstenkopfes in mehrere Kopfteile, kann der in Gebrauchsstellung vergleichsweise in Borstenlängsrichtung hohe Bürstenkopf in eine flache Umrißform übergeführt werden. Bekanntermaßen lassen sich flache Gegenstände wesentlich besser in Taschen oder Mäppchen unterbringen.By dividing the brush head into several head parts, the brush head, which in the use position is comparatively high in the longitudinal direction of the bristles, can be converted into a flat outline shape. As is known, flat objects can be placed much better in bags or pencil cases.

Da die Kopfteile um zwei zwischen ihnen parallel verlaufenden Bürsten-Längsachsen umklappbar sind, ergeben sich sowohl in Gebrauchsstellung als auch in Transportstellung günstige Lagen der Kopfteile.Since the head parts can be folded around two longitudinal brush axes running parallel between them, favorable positions of the head parts result both in the use position and in the transport position.

Erfindung smässig ist der Handgriff als Faltteil ausgebildet und von einer Flachform in eine weitgehend biegesteife Querschnittsform in Gebrauchsstellung faltbar. Dadurch ist auch im Bereich des Handgriffes eine erhebliche Volumenreduzierung in Transportstellung möglich.According to the invention, the handle is designed as a folding part and can be folded from a flat shape into a largely rigid cross-sectional shape in the use position. As a result, a considerable volume reduction in the transport position is also possible in the area of the handle.

Vorteilhafterweise ist der Bürstenkopf mit einem Handgriff über ein arretierbares Faltscharnier verbunden. Dieses Faltscharnier ermöglicht das Zusammenklappen des auseinandergeklappten Bürstenkopfes und des Handgriffes, so daß auch die Länge der Zahnbürste in Transportstellung reduziert werden kann.The brush head is advantageously connected to a handle via a lockable folding hinge. This folding hinge enables the unfolded brush head and the handle to be folded together, so that the length of the toothbrush in the transport position can also be reduced.

Beim Verschwenken der Kopfteile in Gebrauchslage wird somit gleichzeitig auch im wesentlichen der Griff geformt, wobei durch die sich bildende Querschnittsprofilierung auch eine entsprechende Stabilisierung der gesamten Zahnbürste.When the head parts are pivoted in the position of use, the handle is also essentially shaped at the same time, and the cross-sectional profile that is formed also provides a corresponding stabilization of the entire toothbrush.

Nach einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung weisen die Kopfteile zum Handgriff weisende, im wesentlichen den Bürstenkörperhals bildende Stiele auf. Durch diese Stiele ist unter anderem ein stabiler Übergang zu dem Handgriff vorhanden.According to a further development of the invention, the head parts have handles pointing towards the handle and essentially forming the brush body neck. These stems provide a stable transition to the handle, among other things.

Eine Ausführungsform sieht vor daß das zwischen dem Bürstenkopf und dem Handgriff befindliche, quer zur Bürstenlängserstreckung verlaufende Faltscharnier am griffseitilgen Ende der Kopteil-Stiele angeordnet ist und daß der Handgriff etwa im Abstand der Länge des Bürstenkopfes mit Bürstenkörperhals von dem kopfseitigen Faltscharnier, vorzugsweise ein weiteres Quer-Faltscharnier aufweist. Dadurch kann die Gesamtlänge der Zahnbürste in Transportlage auf ein Drittel der Gebrauchslänge reduziert werden.One embodiment provides that the folding hinge located between the brush head and the handle and extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the brush is arranged on the handle-side end of the head part handles and that the handle is approximately at a distance from the head-side folding hinge at a distance of the length of the brush head with the brush body neck -Folds hinge. As a result, the total length of the toothbrush in the transport position can be reduced to a third of the length of use.

Zweckmäßigerweise bildet der Handgriff in entfalteter Lage einen Flachkörper, der im Stielbereich eine sich vorzugsweise bis etwa an das Ende des Bürstenkopfes erstreckende Fortsetzung aufweist, mit der die Kopfteil-Stiele und dergleichen verbunden sind. Dadurch ist ein stabiler Übergang zwischen dem Handgriffteil und dem Bürstenkopf gegeben und außerdem ergibt sich durch die sich bis in den Kopfbereich erstrekkende Fortsetzung eine gute Lagestabilisierung der Kopfteile in Gebrauchsstellung.The unfolded position of the handle expediently forms a flat body, which in the handle area has a continuation, which preferably extends to approximately the end of the brush head and to which the head part handles and the like are connected. This provides a stable transition between the handle part and the brush head and, in addition, the continuation extending into the head region results in a good position stabilization of the head parts in the use position.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform sieht vor, daß der im wesentlichen durch einen Flachkörper gebildete Handgriff zur Bildung der längs- und querverlaufenden Faltachsen, Materialschwächungen aufweist, und vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff, insbesondere einem Spritzgußteil besteht. Ein solches Teil ist insbesondere einfach in einem Arbeitsgang herstellbar und durch die Materialschwächungen sind eindeutige Faltachsen gebildet, durch die auch das Falten erleichtert ist.An advantageous embodiment provides that the handle essentially formed by a flat body to form the longitudinal and transverse folding axes has material weaknesses and preferably consists of plastic, in particular an injection molded part. Such a part is particularly simple in one Work process can be produced and the material weaknesses form clear folding axes, which also make folding easier.

Zweckmäßigerweise besteht der Handgriff und die Kopfteile mit Stielen einstückig vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff. Zur Vervollständigung der Zahnbürste sind dann nur noch wenige Arbeitsgänge erforderlich, so daß insgesamt die Herstellung vereinfacht ist.The handle and the head parts with stems are expediently made in one piece, preferably from plastic. Only a few operations are then required to complete the toothbrush, so that overall the production is simplified.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform sieht vor, daß der Handgriff in Gebrauchsstellung, vorzugsweise einen trapezförmigen oder V-förmigen Querschnitt aufweist, wobei an den Griffseitenwänden vorzugsweise Verbindungsmittel zum lösbaren Verbinden dieser Seitenwände in Gebrauchsstellung vorgesehen sind. Dieses Faltprofil gibt dem Handgriff eine gute Biegesteifigkeit, so daß auch eine "kräftige" Handhabung der Bürste möglich ist. Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, daß für die Kopfteile in Gebrauchsstellung aneinanderliegende, vorzugsweise durch die Stiele und/oder die Kopfteile selbst gebildete Anschläge vorgesehen sind, wobei die Griffseitenwände über diese Anschlagstellung hinaus zueinander bis in eine Verbindungsstellung bewegbar sind. Beim Zusammenfalten der Zahnbürste in Gebrauchsstellung gelangen somit die Kopfteile zunächst in Gebrauchslage mit aneinanderliegenden Innenseiten und durch weiters Zusammenfalten der Griffseitenwände ergibt sich eine Vorspannung, durch die die Kopfteile aneinandergedrückt werden.An advantageous embodiment provides that the handle in the position of use, preferably has a trapezoidal or V-shaped cross section, wherein connection means for releasably connecting these side walls in the position of use are preferably provided on the handle side walls. This folding profile gives the handle a good bending stiffness, so that a "strong" handling of the brush is possible. It is particularly advantageous that stops are provided for the head parts in the use position, preferably formed by the stems and / or the head parts themselves, the handle side walls being movable towards one another beyond this stop position into a connecting position. When the toothbrush is folded into the position of use, the head parts thus initially come into the position of use with the inner sides lying against one another, and by further folding the handle side walls together there is a pretension by which the head parts are pressed against one another.

Eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, daß an dem Handgriff, insbesondere innenseitig, eine Halterung für einen Zahnstocher und/oder eine kleine Zahnpastatube od. dgl. vorgesehen ist, wobei sich die Halterung in dem durch die Kopfteile mit Stielen in zusammengefalteter Lage freien Zwischenbereich befindet.An embodiment of the invention provides that a holder for a toothpick and / or a small toothpaste tube or the like is provided on the handle, in particular on the inside, the holder being located in the intermediate region which is free through the head parts with handles in a folded position .

Trotz der sehr kompakten Bauform ist somit ein kompletter Zahnputzset gebildet, der praktisch überall gut unterbringbar ist.Despite the very compact design, a complete toothbrush set is formed that can be easily accommodated practically anywhere.

Zusätzliche Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den weiteren Unteransprüchen aufgeführt. Nachstehend ist die Erfindung mit ihren wesentlichen Einzelheiten in einem Ausführungsbeispiel anhand der Zeichnungen noch näher erläutert.Additional embodiments of the invention are listed in the further subclaims. The invention is explained in more detail below with its essential details in an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings.

Es zeigt:

  • Fig. 1 eine Aufsicht einer in gestreckter Flachlage befindlichen Zahnbürste,
  • Fig. 2 eine Längsseiten-Stirnansicht gemäß Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 eine Seitenansicht einer Reisezahnbürste in Gebrauchsstellung,
  • Fig. 4 eine Vorderseitenansicht der Zahnbürste im Bereich des Bürstenkopfes,
  • Fig. 5 eine Rückseitenansicht des Handgriffes,
  • Fig. 6 eine Schnittdarstellung einer in Transportstellung zusammengefalteten Zahnbürste und
  • Fig. 7 eine Aufsicht einer in Transportstellung befindlichen, zusammengefalteten Zahnbürste.
It shows:
  • 1 is a plan view of a toothbrush in a stretched flat position,
  • 2 shows a longitudinal side end view according to FIG. 1,
  • 3 is a side view of a travel toothbrush in the use position,
  • 4 is a front view of the toothbrush in the area of the brush head,
  • 5 is a rear view of the handle,
  • Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a toothbrush folded in the transport position and
  • Fig. 7 is a plan view of a folded toothbrush in the transport position.

Eine in Fig. 3 erkennbare Zahnbürste 1 ist als zusammenfaltbare Reisezahnbürste ausgebildet und weist im wesentlichen einen Bürstenkopf 2 sowie einen über einen Bürstenkörperhals 3 mit diesem verbundenen Handgriff 4 auf.A toothbrush 1 that can be seen in FIG. 3 is designed as a foldable travel toothbrush and essentially has a brush head 2 and a handle 4 connected to it via a brush body neck 3.

Diese Zahnbürste 1 läßt sich in die in Fig. 6 u. 7 erkennbare Transportstellung mit sehr kleinem Umriß zusammenfalten.This toothbrush 1 can be in the in Fig. 6 u. 7 fold the recognizable transport position with a very small outline.

Dazu ist der Bürstenkopf 2 in mehrere Kopfteile 5, 5' mit Borstenteilfeldern 6, 6' aufgeteilt und auch der Handgriff 4 ist als Faltteil ausgebildet (vergl. Fig. 1). Die beiden Kopfteile 5, 5' sind um zwei zwischen ihnen parallel verlaufende Bürsten-Längsachsen 7 schwenkbar. Werden die Kopfteile 5, 5' um diese Längsachsen 7 zueinandergeklappt, so liegen sie mit ihren Innenseiten 8 aneinander und bilden gemeinsam das Borstenfeld, dessen Größe dann etwa dem einer normalen Zahnbürste entspricht. An die Kopfteile 5, 5' schließt sich rückseitig als Fortsetzung jeweils ein Stiel 9 an.For this purpose, the brush head 2 is divided into a plurality of head parts 5, 5 'with bristle part fields 6, 6' and the handle 4 is also designed as a folding part (cf. FIG. 1). The two head parts 5, 5 'can be pivoted about two longitudinal brush axes 7 running parallel between them. If the head parts 5, 5 'are folded together about these longitudinal axes 7, they lie with their inner sides 8 against one another and together form the bristle field, the size of which then corresponds approximately to that of a normal toothbrush. At the back, a stem 9 is connected to the head parts 5, 5 'as a continuation.

Der Handgriff 4 bildet in entfalteter Lage einen Flachkörper (vgl. Fig. 1), der eine sich etwa bis an das Ende der Kopfteile 5, 5' erstreckende Fortsetzung 10 aufweist, mit der die Kopfteil-Stiele 9 und auch die Kopfteile 5, 5' selbst verbunden sind. Die beiden Falt-Längsachsen 7 im Bereich der Kopfteile 5, 5' setzen sich beim Handgriff 4 fort und bilden auch für diesen Längsfaltachsen. In zusammengefalteter Lage des Handgriffes weist dieser somit zwei Seitenwände 11 sowie einen diese verbindenden Rückensteg 12 auf. Durch die in Gebrauchsstellung vorhandene Querschnittsprofilierung des Handgriffes und auch der Fortsetzung 10 mit den daran befestigten Stielen 9 und Kopfteilen 5, die wesentlich etwa einem U-Profil entspricht, ergibt sich eine gute Biegestabilität. Wie in Fig. 5 erkennbar, ist vorgesehen, daß die Seitenwände 11 mit dem Rückensteg 12 ein etwa trapezförmiges Profil bilden. Dabei werden die Griffseitenwände 11 über eine Anschlagstellung, wo die Innenseiten 8 der Kopfteile 5, 5' aneinanderliegen, zueinander bewegt, so daß die Kopfteile 5, 5' unter Vorspannung in Gebrauchsstellung zusammengehalten werden. Dadurch erübrigen sich im Bereich des Bürstenkopfes 2 Verbindungselemente, die die Kopfteile 5, 5' zusammenhalten.In the unfolded position, the handle 4 forms a flat body (cf. FIG. 1) which has a continuation 10 which extends approximately to the end of the head parts 5, 5 'and with which the head part stems 9 and also the head parts 5, 5 'are connected themselves. The two folding longitudinal axes 7 in the area of the head parts 5, 5 'continue with the handle 4 and also form for these longitudinal folding axes. In the folded position of the handle, it thus has two side walls 11 and a back web 12 connecting them. Due to the cross-sectional profiling of the handle in the position of use and also the continuation 10 with the stems 9 and head parts 5 attached to it, which essentially corresponds approximately to a U-profile, good bending stability results. As can be seen in Fig. 5, it is provided that the side walls 11 form an approximately trapezoidal profile with the back web 12. The handle side walls 11 are moved to one another via a stop position, where the inner sides 8 of the head parts 5, 5 'lie against one another, so that the head parts 5, 5' are held together under tension in the use position. This eliminates the need for 2 connecting elements in the area of the brush head, which hold the head parts 5, 5 'together.

An den Griffseitenwänden 11 sind innenseitig druckknopfartige Verschlußteile 13, 13' vorgesehen, durch die die Seitenwände in Gebrauchsstellung zusammengehalten werden.On the inside of the handle side walls 11, snap fastener parts 13, 13 'are provided, by means of which the side walls are held together in the use position.

Der Bürstenkopf 2 mit dem sich daran anschließenden Bürstenkörperhals 3 ist über ein Quer-Faltscharnier 14 mit dem Handgriff 4 verbunden. Ein weiteres Quer-Faltscharnier 15 befindet sich etwa in der Mitte der Längserstreckung des Handgriffes 4. Somit ist die gesamte Zahnbürste - in Längsrichtung gesehen - in drei Faltabschnitte aufgeteilt, wobei jeweils beidseits der beiden Quer-Faltscharniere 14 und 15 befindliche Faltteile etwa gleiche Längen haben. Somit läßt sich die gesamte Zahnbürste auf ein Drittel ihrer Länge zusammenfalten.The brush head 2 with the adjoining brush body neck 3 is connected to the handle 4 via a transverse folding hinge 14. Another transverse folding hinge 15 is located approximately in the middle of the longitudinal extent of the handle 4. Thus, the entire toothbrush - as seen in the longitudinal direction - is divided into three folding sections, with folding parts located on both sides of the two transverse folding hinges 14 and 15 having approximately the same lengths . The entire toothbrush can thus be folded up to a third of its length.

Die beiden Quer-Faltscharniere 14 u. 15 haben jeweils zwei mit etwa der Höhe (vgl. Fig. 2) der auseinandergeklappten Kopfteile 5, 5' entspre7 chenden Abstand verlaufende Faltachsen 16. Die zwischen diesen, zu einem Faltscharnier gehörenden Faltachsen 16 befindlichen Abschnitte bilden in Transportstellung (Fig. 6) Stirnseitenwände 17. Die Faltscharniere 14 u. 15 sind nur in Flachlage des Handgriffes 4 wirksam, wobei durch das Zusammenfalten der Seitenwände 11 auch in diesen Bereichen eine entsprechende Biegesteifigkeit vorhanden ist.The two transverse folding hinges 14 u. 15 each have two folding axes 16 running approximately at the height (cf. FIG. 2) of the unfolded head parts 5, 5 ' between these, belonging to a folding hinge folding axes 16 sections form in the transport position (Fig. 6) front side walls 17. The folding hinges 14 u. 15 are only effective in the flat position of the handle 4, with the folding of the side walls 11 also providing a corresponding bending stiffness in these areas.

Die Verschlußteile 13,13' sind so innenseitig an den Seitenwänden 11 angebracht, daß sie einerseits in Gebrauchsstellung (Fig. 3) die Seitenwände 11 in dieser Stellung zusammenhalten, wie dies auch in Fig. 5 erkennbar ist, und andererseits dienen sie auch zum Zusammenhalten der Zahnbürste in Transportstellung (Fig. 6), wobei dann die am hinteren Griffende befindlichen Verschlußteile mit Verschlußteilen im vorderen Griffendbereich zusammentreffen. In Fig. 1 ist gut erkennbar, daß dazu die "Vaterteile" und "Mutterteile" bei den im vorderen Griffbereich befindlichen Verschlußteilen umgekehrt wie bei den am rückseitigen Griffende befindlichen Verschlußteilen angeordnet sind. Der zum Handgriff 4 gehörende Rückensteg 12 setzt sich bürstenkopf-seitig in der Flachkörper-Fortsetzung 10 fort, wobei dessen Außenlängsrandbereiche, außerhalb der Längsfaltachsen 7 mit den Stielen 9 und den Kopfteilen 5, 5' verbunden sind. Diese Außenteile bilden praktisch eine Fortsetzung der Griffseitenwände II. Durch die Anordnung der Kopfteile und der Stiele außerhalb der Längsfaltachsen, die etwa bei den dem Borstenfeld abgewandten Außenlängskanten der Kopfteile 5, 5' verlaufen, werden diese Längsfaltachsen beim Zusammenschwenken der Kopfteile 5, 5' in Gebrauchsstellung Praktisch abgedeckt, so daß keine scharfen Kanten in dem Bereich vorhanden sind, der in den Mund geführt wird. Erwähnt sei noch, daß die Borstenteilfelder 6, 6' der Kopfteile 5, 5' in Gebrauchsstellung in einer Ebene liegen, wobei die im Trennbereich benachbarten Borstenbüschel 18 der Borstenteilfelder etwa den gleichen Abstand wie benachbarte Borstenbüschel jedes Borstenteilfeldes haben. Somit ist ein praktisch durchgehendes Gesamtborstenfeld wie bei einer üblichen Zahnbürste gebildet.The closure parts 13, 13 'are attached to the inside of the side walls 11 such that on the one hand they hold the side walls 11 together in this position in the position of use (FIG. 3), as can also be seen in FIG. 5, and on the other hand they also serve to hold together the toothbrush in the transport position (FIG. 6), the locking parts located at the rear end of the handle then meeting with locking parts in the front end area of the handle. In Fig. 1 it can be clearly seen that for this purpose the "male parts" and "mother parts" in the closure parts located in the front area of the handle are reversed from those in the closure parts located on the rear handle end. The back web 12 belonging to the handle 4 continues on the brush head side in the flat body continuation 10, the outer longitudinal edge regions of which are connected to the handles 9 and the head parts 5, 5 'outside the longitudinal folding axes 7. These outer parts practically form a continuation of the handle side walls II. Due to the arrangement of the head parts and the stems outside the longitudinal folding axes, which extend approximately at the outer longitudinal edges of the head parts 5, 5 'facing away from the bristle field, these longitudinal folding axes become when the head parts 5, 5' are pivoted together Position of use Practically covered so that there are no sharp edges in the area that is inserted into the mouth. It should also be mentioned that the bristle subfields 6, 6 'of the head parts 5, 5' lie in one position in the position of use, the bristle tufts 18 of the bristle subfields adjacent in the separating region being approximately the same distance as adjacent bristle tufts of each bristle subfield. A practically continuous total bristle field is thus formed as in a conventional toothbrush.

An den Außenrändern der Griffseitenwände 11 sind winklig zu diesen angeordnete und in Gebrauchsstellung der Zahnbürste etwa zueinander weisende Längsstege 19 vorgesehen. Diese Längsstege 19, die in den Bereichen der Quer-Faltscharniere 14 u. 15 jeweils unterbrochen sind bzw. vor diesen Bereichen enden, dienen insbesondere als Faltanschlag, wobei sich deren freie Stirnseiten in Anschlagstellung berühren (vgl. Fig. 5). Gleichzeitig bilden sich in Transportstellung (Fig.6 u. 7) Seitenstirnwände, so daß das "Faltpäckchen" allseits gut geschlossen ist. Unter anderem wird dadurch auch ein Eindringen von Schmutzteilchen od.dgl. verhindert, so daß eine hygienische Aufbewahrung möglich ist. Wie strichliniert in Fig. 5 angedeutet, können diese Längsstege 19 auch etwas in Gebrauchsstellung nach innen gezogen, also in einem kleineren Winkel als 90° zu den Seitenwänden 11 angeordnet sein, so daß sich in diesem Bereich eine Längsrinne bildet. Dadurch kann nach Gebrauch die Zahnbürste auch leicht wieder auseinandergeklipst werden, da in diese rinnenartige Vertiefung gut mit den Fingern eingegriffen werden kann. Gegebenenfalls können an den Griffseitenwänden 11 aber auch noch in anderer Form Angriffsstellen zum Öffnen der miteinander verbundenen Griffseitenwände 11 vorgesehen sein.On the outer edges of the handle side walls 11 are arranged at an angle to these and in the use position of the toothbrush approximately pointing towards each other longitudinal webs 19. These longitudinal webs 19, the u in the areas of the transverse folding hinges 14. 15 are each interrupted or end in front of these areas, in particular serve as a folding stop, with their free end faces touching in the stop position (cf. FIG. 5). At the same time, side end walls form in the transport position (FIGS. 6 and 7), so that the “folding packet” is well closed on all sides. Among other things, the penetration of dirt particles or the like. prevented so that hygienic storage is possible. As indicated by the broken line in FIG. 5, these longitudinal webs 19 can also be pulled inwards somewhat in the position of use, that is to say they can be arranged at a smaller angle than 90 ° to the side walls 11, so that a longitudinal channel forms in this area. As a result, the toothbrush can also be easily clipped apart after use, since fingers can be easily engaged in this groove-like depression. If necessary, attack points for opening the interconnected handle side walls 11 can also be provided on the handle side walls 11 in a different form.

Wie bereits vorerwähnt, besteht der Handgriff 4 und auch dessen bürstenkopf-seitige Fortsetzung 10 aus einem einerseits in Gebrauchsstellung, andererseits in Transportstellung zusammenfaltbaren Flachkörper, wobei dieser zusammen mit den Stielen 9 und den Kopfteilen 5, 5' vorzugsweise einstückig aus einem Kunststoffspritzteil bestehen. Nach dem Anbringen der Borstenfelder z.B. durch einen Stopfvorgang, ist somit die Zahnbürste auf besonders einfache und schnelle Weise hergestellt. Zur Bildung der längs- und querverlaufenden Faltachsen 7 u. 16 sind in diesen Bereichen Materialschwächungen vorgesehen, die ebenfalls bei einem Kunststoff-Spritzvorgang gleich miteingebracht werden.As already mentioned, the handle 4 and also its brush head-side continuation 10 consists of a flat body which can be folded up on the one hand in the use position and on the other hand in the transport position, this preferably consisting in one piece of a plastic injection-molded part together with the handles 9 and the head parts 5, 5 '. After attaching the bristle fields e.g. by a tamping process, the toothbrush is manufactured in a particularly simple and quick manner. To form the longitudinal and transverse folding axes 7 u. 16 material weaknesses are provided in these areas, which are also introduced at the same time in a plastic injection molding process.

In Fig. 1 ist noch angedeutet, daß vorzugsweise bei dem mittleren Faltteil bzw. dem Bürstenkopfnahen Griffteil, innenseitig zwischen den beiden Längs-Faltlinien 7 eine Halterung 20 für einen Zahnstocher 21 und/oder eine kleine Zahnpastatube 22 angeordnet sein kann, wie dies strichliniert angedeutet ist. Die Halterung 20 bzw. auch die davon gehaltenenen Teile liegen somit in zusammengefalteter Lage (Fig. 6) in dem freien Zwischenbereich zwischen den Kopfteilen 5, 5' bzw. den Stielen 9. Somit ist eine komplette Zahnputzgarnitur vorhanden, die ohne weitere Zusatzmittel benutzt werden kann. In der Transportlage hat dann das gesamte päckchen Außenabmessungen von etwa 6x4xl cm, wobei diese Abmessungen auch noch variiert werden können. Trotz dieser geringen Außenabmessungen hat die Zahnbürste in Gebrauchsstellung eine für den praktischen Gebrauch passende Größe und ermöglicht auch durch den vergleichsweise großen Griff eine gute Handhabung.In Fig. 1 it is also indicated that preferably a holder 20 for a toothpick 21 and / or a small toothpaste tube 22 can be arranged on the inside between the two longitudinal fold lines 7 in the middle folding part or the handle part close to the brush head, as indicated by dashed lines is. The holder 20 and also the parts held by it are thus in the folded position (FIG. 6) in the free intermediate area between the head parts 5, 5 'or the stems 9. Thus, a complete toothbrush set is available, which can be used without further additives can. In the transport position, the entire package has external dimensions of approximately 6x4xl cm, although these dimensions can also be varied. Despite these small external dimensions, the toothbrush has a size suitable for practical use in the position of use and also enables good handling due to the comparatively large handle.

Bei der Halterung 20 erkennt man noch einen ebenfallsstrichliniert angedeuteten Aufstechkegel, mit dem die Zahnpastatube geöffnet werden kann. Auch dieser Aufstechkegel 23 ist einstückig am Handgriff 4, insbesondere innenseitig an dessen Rückensteg 12 angeformt.In the holder 20 one also recognizes a piercing cone, also indicated by a dashed line, with which the toothpaste tube can be opened. This piercing cone 23 is also integrally formed on the handle 4, in particular on the inside of its back web 12.

Erwähnt sei noch, daß anstatt der druckknopfartigen Verschlußteile 13, 13', vorzugsweise an den äußeren Längskanten der Seitenwände 11 bzw. der Längsstege 19, Linienverschlußelemente vorgesehen sein können, wie man sie zum dichten Verschließen von Kunststoff-Tüten verwendet. Solche Linienverschlüsse weisen eine nutartige Aufnahmeleiste und einen federartig darin eingreifenden Längssteg auf. Bedarfsweise können Verschlußteile außer im Bereich des Handgriffes 4 auch noch im Bereich der Stiele 9 und/ oder im Bereich der Kopfteile 5, 5' vorgesehen sein.It should also be mentioned that instead of the snap fastener parts 13, 13 ', preferably on the outer longitudinal edges of the side walls 11 or the longitudinal webs 19, line closure elements can be provided, such as those used for sealing plastic bags. Such line closures have a groove-like receiving bar and a longitudinal web engaging in it like a spring. If necessary, closure parts can also be provided in the region of the handles 9 and / or in the region of the head parts 5, 5 'in addition to the region of the handle 4.

Durch die flache Zusammenfaltbarkeit der erfindungsgemässen Zahnbürste kann diese bei etwa üblicher Größe in Gebrauchsstellung zu einem Päckchen zusammengefaltet werden, das bedarfsweise auch noch gut in einem Portemonnaie od. dgl. unterbringbar ist.Due to the flat foldability of the inventions Toothbrush according to the invention can be folded into a packet of about the usual size in the position of use, which, if necessary, can also be easily accommodated in a wallet or the like.

Claims (23)

1. A shanked brush, particularly a travelling toothbrush (1), including a handle (4) as well as a brush head (2) featuring an array of bristles, the brush - starting from the operative position thereof - being adapted to be made smaller at least in one dimension by subdivision, the brush head (2) being divided into a plurality of head portions (5, 5') with bristle sections (6, 6') and for the transport or storage position the head portions (5, 5') being swingable relative to one another and thereby the bristles being foldable apart from one another into a position with the bristle ends pointing away from one another, characterized in that the handle (4) forming a flat body in the unfolded position has in the region of the shanks (9) and brush head (2), between two parallel, longitudinal axes (7) of the brush, an extension (10) of a back crosspiece (12) arranged between side walls (11) of the handle (4), said extension reaching to about the end of the brush head (2), and that the head portions (5, 5') and the side walls (11) are foldable about said two parallel, longitudinal sides (7) of the brush, through which in the operative position the handle (4) essentially has an approximately U-shaped cross section.
2. The brush as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal axes (7) are arranged approximately at those outer longitudinal edges of the head portions (5, 5') which are averted from the array of bristles (6, 6').
3. The brush as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that in the operative position the bristle sections (6, 6') of the head portions (5, 5') are coplanar and that those bundles of bristles (18) of the bristle sections (6, 6') which are in neighbouring relationship in the parting area have approximately the same spacing as adjacent bundles of bristles of each bristle section (6, 6').
4. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the brush head (2) is connected to the handle (4) by way of an arrestable folding hinge (14).
5. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the head portions (5, 5') have shanks (9) which point to the handle (4) and essentially compose the neck (3) of the brush body.
6. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the handle (4) is devised to be a folding member and is foldable from a flat shape into a cross-sectional shape largely resistant to bending in the operative position.
7. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handle (4) has folding axes (7) running in extension of the longitudinal axes (7) of the brush head (2).
8. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the folding hinge (14) which is situated between the brush head (2) and the handle (4) and runs at right angles to the longitudinal expanse of the brush is arranged at the handle-end of the shanks (9) of the head portions and that the handle (4) preferably has a further transverse folding hinge (15) approximately at the distance of the length of the brush head together with the neck of the brush body from the folding hinge (14) at the head-end.
9. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transverse folding hinges (14,15) have in each case two folding axes (16) running at a distance corresponding approximately to the height of the folded apart head portions (5, 5').
10. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that to form the longitudinal and transverse folding axes (7, 16) the handle (4) essentially composed by a flat body has weaken- ings of material and preferably consists of plastic, particularly of an injection moulded part.
11. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the handle (4) and the head portions (5, 5') with shanks (9) are devised to be in one piece and preferably consist of plastic.
12. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the operative position the handle (4) has the approximately U-shaped, preferably a trapezoidal or V-shaped cross section and that at the side walls (11) of the handle provision is made preferably for connecting means (13, 13') to detachably connect said side walls (11).
13. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that stops which rest against one another in the operative position and are preferably formed by the shanks and/or the head portions (5, 5') themselves are provided for the head portions (5, 5') and that the side walls (11) of the handle are movable towards each other beyond said stop position until assuming a connecting position.
14. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the side walls (11) of the handle are provided on the inside with press fastener-like closure members (13, 13') as connecting means.
15. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that linear closure elements are provided as connecting means at the side walls (11) of the handle or the like, preferably at the free longitudinal edges thereof.
16. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the side walls (11) of the handle have longitudinal flanges (19) as the stop for folding and the like, said flanges pointing approximately towards one another in the operative position of the toothbrush and preferably being continuous except for the transverse folding points.
17. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least part of the connecting means (13, 13'), particularly the press fastener-like closure members, are arranged for holding the side walls (11) of the handle together in the operative position as well as for holding together in the folded up, shortened transport position.
18. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the brush parts situated on either side of the two transverse folding hinges (14, 15) are of approximately equal lengths.
19. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that at the side walls (11) of the handle provision is made for points of engagement to open the interconnected side walls of the handle.
20. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that a holder (20) for a toothpick (21) and/or a small tube (22) of toothpaste or the like is provided on the handle (4), particularly on the inside, and that the holder is situated in the intermediate area kept free by the head portions (5, 5') with shanks (9) in the folded position.
21. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that a conical opener (23) is provided on the toothbrush, preferably next to the tube holder (20) or the like.
22. The brush as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that in the folded up transport position the toothbrush has outside dimensions of about 6 x 4 x 1 cm.
23. The brush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the head portions (5, 5') and/or the shanks (9) have on the sides (8) thereof pointing towards one another in the operative position fasteners, preferably press fastener closures or the like.
EP87102266A 1986-02-28 1987-02-17 Brush Expired - Lifetime EP0235671B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87102266T ATE57074T1 (en) 1986-02-28 1987-02-17 BRUSH.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3606781 1986-02-28
DE19863606781 DE3606781A1 (en) 1986-02-28 1986-02-28 BRUSH

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0235671A1 EP0235671A1 (en) 1987-09-09
EP0235671B1 true EP0235671B1 (en) 1990-10-03

Family

ID=6295309

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87102266A Expired - Lifetime EP0235671B1 (en) 1986-02-28 1987-02-17 Brush

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Country Link
EP (1) EP0235671B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE57074T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3606781A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006086784A2 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Robert Kelly Card toothbrush

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3832694C3 (en) * 1988-09-27 1996-04-25 Geka Brush Georg Karl Gmbh Replacement application device for oral hygiene
US6643887B1 (en) 2000-06-27 2003-11-11 Radius Corporation Foldable toothbrush
EP1836922A1 (en) * 2006-03-22 2007-09-26 Jon Sakowsky Toothbrush

Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0126516A2 (en) * 1983-05-23 1984-11-28 Paul René Hubert Dekker A combination hair and clothing brush

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US1086006A (en) * 1912-12-14 1914-02-03 David Weiss Tooth-brush.
US1392285A (en) * 1920-08-17 1921-09-27 Walter V Scott Toothbrush
GB297204A (en) * 1927-08-26 1928-09-20 George Frederick Hinks Improvements in or relating to brushes
BE444276A (en) * 1941-01-25
US2454995A (en) * 1946-12-13 1948-11-30 Elwood M Curran Disposable tooth cleaning kit
SE336319B (en) * 1969-10-24 1971-07-05 N Erkers
US4482263A (en) * 1983-05-12 1984-11-13 Palamara Joseph P Foldable toothbrush and toothpaste supply unit

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0126516A2 (en) * 1983-05-23 1984-11-28 Paul René Hubert Dekker A combination hair and clothing brush

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006086784A2 (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Robert Kelly Card toothbrush
WO2006086784A3 (en) * 2005-02-11 2007-11-29 Robert Kelly Card toothbrush
US7798156B2 (en) 2005-02-11 2010-09-21 Robert Kelly Card toothbrush

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3606781C2 (en) 1989-03-23
EP0235671A1 (en) 1987-09-09
DE3765266D1 (en) 1990-11-08
ATE57074T1 (en) 1990-10-15
DE3606781A1 (en) 1987-09-03

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