MARKING/PRINTING APPLICATOR AND/OR CLEANING ELEMENTS

Abstract

A cleaning device, in particular a toothbrush, with a handle body consisting of a handle part, a head part and a neck part connecting the handle part to the head part. The head part has applied to it one or more applicator and/or cleaning elements, which form a bristle area which has at least one outer side and/or an upper side. At least one of the applicator and/or cleaning elements on the at least one outer side and/or an upper side of the bristle area and/or the handle body is/are marked or printed with a marking/color medium.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, in particular a toothbrush, with a handle body consisting of a handle part, a head part and a neck part connecting the handle part to the head part, wherein the head part has applied to it one or more applicator and/or cleaning elements, which form a bristle area which has at least one outer side and/or an upper side, wherein at least one of the applicator and/or cleaning elements on the at least one outer side and/or an upper side of the bristle area and/or the handle body is/are marked/printed with a marking/color medium.

2. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator and/or cleaning elements marked/printed with the marking/color medium are formed from a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, or a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, a polyamide, a polybutylene terephthalate and/or a silicone.

3. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marked/printed applicator and/or cleaning elements and/or the handle body is/are marked/printed with an indicator or an indicator color.

4. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking/color medium is applied to the applicator and/or cleaning elements and/or the handle body with a layer thickness of 0.001 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably of 0.001 mm to 0.2 mm.

5. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the packing density of the applicator and/or cleaning elements, in particular the bristles, is from 12 per mm.sup.2 to 25 per mm.sup.2, preferably from 16 per mm.sup.2 to 20 per mm.sup.2.

6. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein marking/printing resolution is from 20 dpi to 3000 dpi, preferably from 150 dpi to 1500 dpi.

7. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the case of a bristle area with at least one outer side and an upper side, at least one applicator and/or cleaning element on the outer side of the bristle area and at least one cleaning and applicator element on the upper side of the bristle area are marked/printed.

8. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein individual applicator and/or cleaning elements or larger surface areas over a number of applicator and/or cleaning elements are marked/printed around a corner, i.e. over the upper edge, so that a continuous marking/printing continuing from the outer side to the upper side of at least individual applicator and/or cleaning elements is obtained.

9. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the case of a bristle area with at least a front side, a longitudinal side and an upper side, at least one applicator and/or cleaning element on the front side of the bristle area, at least one applicator and/or cleaning element on the longitudinal side of the bristle area and at least one cleaning and/or applicator element on the upper side of the bristle area are marked/printed.

10. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking/printing within an applicator and/or cleaning element is adapted such that the marking/printing at least partially follows the contour of the applicator and/or cleaning elements, preferably in order to leave behind a different marking/printing, depending on the viewing angle.

11. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle body has a curvature which, seen in cross section, is provided over an angle α of up to 180° with a contiguous printing.

12. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle body has a curvature with a radius (R) of 2 mm to 15 mm, preferably of 4 mm to 8 mm.

13. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein flock fiber elements are applied on the handle body, preferably also in the region of the applicator and/or cleaning elements.

14. The cleaning device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the flock fiber elements comprise conventional, extruded bristles with a length of 0.1 to 5 mm, preferably about 0.2 to 2 mm.

15. A method for marking/printing a cleaning device, in particular a toothbrush, with a handle body consisting of a handle part, a head part and a neck part connecting the handle part to the head part, wherein the head part has applied to it one or more applicator and/or cleaning elements, which form a bristle area which has at least one outer side and/or an upper side, with the steps of: (a) feeding the cleaning device with the handle body and also the applicator and/or cleaning elements to a marking/printing means, preferably a printhead, by means of a transporting device; (b) marking/printing at least one of the applicator and/or cleaning elements on the at least one outer side and/or an upper side of the bristle area and/or the handle body with a marking/color medium.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the marking/printing means is an inkjet, laser or pad printhead.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the marking/printing means is arranged movably and/or rotationally movably along at least one axis, preferably two axes, still more preferably three axes, with respect to the cleaning device.

18. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transporting device has mounting means, with which the cleaning device can be swiveled and/or rotated with respect to the marking/printing means.

19. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein, in the case of a bristle area with at least one outer side and an upper side, at least one applicator and/or cleaning element on the outer side of the bristle area and at least one cleaning and/or applicator element on the upper side of the bristle area are marked/printed.

20. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein, in the case of a bristle area with at least one front side, a longitudinal side and an upper side, at least one applicator and/or cleaning element on the front side of the bristle area, at least one applicator and/or cleaning element on the longitudinal side of the bristle area and at least one cleaning and/or applicator element on the upper side of the bristle area are marked/printed.

21. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the marking/printing means has 5 to 500 nozzles, preferably 10 to 100 nozzles.

22. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the marking/printing speed is from 2 m/min to 100 m/min, preferably from 5 m/min to 60 m/min.

23. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a physical and/or chemical processing of the applicator and/or cleaning elements, in particular in the case of extruded bristles, is carried out before the marking/printing.

24. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a physical and/or chemical processing of the applicator and/or cleaning elements, in particular in the case of extruded bristles, is carried out after the marking/printing, but wherein the marked/printed part is not processed, or only in such a way that it is not harmed.

25. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein a handle body with a curved surface of from 400-2000 mm.sup.2, preferably 500-1800 mm.sup.2, particularly preferably 600-1400 mm.sup.2, can be printed.

26. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein, for printing curved surfaces, the pad printhead has a curved form, adapted to the surface to be printed.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the pad printhead is deformed during printing in such a way that the applied print on the handle body has the correct appearance.

28. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein flock fiber elements can also be printed with the marking/printing means.

29. An arrangement for marking/printing a bristle area and/or a handle body of a cleaning device having a marking/printing means, preferably an inkjet, laser or pad printhead, with a marking/printing area within which a marking/printing of the bristle area with a color medium is performed and also with a mounting device by means of which the cleaning device is held and positioned with respect to the marking/printing means and which is preferably arranged on a transporting device.

30. The arrangement as claimed in claim 29, wherein the marking/printing means is arranged movably and/or rotationally movably along at least one axis, preferably two axes, still more preferably three axes, with respect to the cleaning device.

31. The arrangement as claimed in claim 29, wherein, by means of the mounting means, the cleaning device can be swiveled and/or rotated with respect to the marking/printing means.

Description

[0282] Embodiments of the invention that are given by way of example are represented for the purposes of illustration in the accompanying drawings,

[0283] in which:

[0284] FIG. 1: shows a perspective view of a toothbrush head according to the invention with marking/printing on the upper, longitudinal and front sides of the bristle area;

[0285] FIG. 2: shows a perspective view of a toothbrush head according to the invention analogous to FIG. 1 with a marked/printed tongue cleaner element on the rear side;

[0286] FIG. 3: shows a perspective view of a further toothbrush head according to the invention with marking/printing around a corner on the upper, longitudinal and front sides of the bristle area;

[0287] FIG. 4a: shows a side view of a (round) toothbrush head according to the invention for an electrically oscillating toothbrush with a conventionally punched bristle area with a laterally applied pattern in the state of rest;

[0288] FIG. 4b: shows the toothbrush head according to the invention according to FIG. 4a in motion;

[0289] FIG. 5a: shows a plan view of a further (round) toothbrush head according to the invention with a conventionally punched bristle area for an electrically oscillating toothbrush with a pattern applied on top of the bristle area in the state of rest;

[0290] FIG. 5b: shows the toothbrush head according to the invention according to FIG. 5a in motion;

[0291] FIG. 6a: shows a perspective view of a toothbrush head according to the invention for an electrically swiveling toothbrush with a pattern applied on top of the bristle area in the state of rest;

[0292] FIG. 6b: shows the toothbrush head according to the invention according to FIG. 6a in motion;

[0293] FIG. 7a: shows a side view of an interdental or mascara brush according to the invention with an applied longitudinal pattern or longitudinal strip;

[0294] FIG. 7b: shows a perspective view of the interdental or mascara brush according to FIG. 7a;

[0295] FIG. 8a: shows a side view of an interdental or mascara brush according to the invention with an applied wave pattern;

[0296] FIG. 8b: shows a perspective view of the interdental or mascara brush according to FIG. 8a;

[0297] FIG. 9a: shows a side view of an interdental or mascara brush according to the invention with an applied 360° pattern in the form of a spiral;

[0298] FIG. 9b: shows a perspective view of the interdental or mascara brush according to FIG. 9a;

[0299] FIG. 10: shows a perspective view of an interdental or mascara brush according to the invention with an applied logo;

[0300] FIG. 11: shows a plan view of a flosser according to the invention with marked/printed dental floss;

[0301] FIG. 12a: shows a plan view of an interdental cleaner according to the invention with transversely marked/printed cleaning elements;

[0302] FIG. 12b: shows a side view of the interdental cleaner according to FIG. 12a;

[0303] FIG. 13a: shows a plan view of a face brush according to the invention with a pattern applied on top of the bristle area;

[0304] FIG. 13b: shows a side view of the face brush according to FIG. 13a, which shows an additional marking/printing running around laterally (360°);

[0305] FIG. 14: shows a perspective view of a brush according to the invention with a marking/printing around a corner;

[0306] FIG. 15 shows a schematic front view of an arrangement for marking/printing the bristle area of a cleaning device;

[0307] FIG. 16 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for marking/printing the bristle area of a schematically represented cleaning device according to a first variant;

[0308] FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for marking the bristle area of a schematically represented cleaning device according to a second variant;

[0309] FIG. 18 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for marking the bristle area of a schematically represented cleaning device according to a third variant;

[0310] FIG. 19 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for marking the bristle area of a schematically represented cleaning device according to a fourth variant;

[0311] FIG. 20 shows a plan view of a schematic arrangement for marking the bristle area of a schematically represented cleaning device according to a fifth variant;

[0312] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush handle body according to the invention with marking/printing on the front side;

[0313] FIG. 22 shows a plan view of the toothbrush handle body from FIG. 21;

[0314] FIG. 23 shows a plan view of a further toothbrush handle body with marking/printing on the front side; and

[0315] FIG. 24 shows a cross section perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of a toothbrush handle body with marking/printing on the front side.

[0316] In FIG. 1, a head part 2 for a manual toothbrush 1 is illustrated. Protruding from the upper side 2a of the approximately rectangular head part 2 are various applicator and/or cleaning elements 5a, 5b and 5c, which together form the bristle area 6.

[0317] Arranged on the front side 10 of the bristle area 6 are splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a, which widen conically from the upper side 2a of the head part 2 in the direction of their free end. In the present case, the splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a extend to approximately the middle of the bristle area 6 or the head part 2. They comprise in this case the front rows on the head part 2 and are arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2.

[0318] The approximately middle row of applicator and/or cleaning elements is formed by lamella-like rubber elements 5b, which are likewise arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2.

[0319] These are followed by conventional (cylindrical) tufts of bristles 5c, which are likewise arranged in rows transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2 and which also form the rear side 14 of the bristle area 6. The rear side 14 of the bristle area 6 is facing the handle part 3 of the toothbrush.

[0320] The bristle area 6 is marked/printed on its upper side 9, its front side 10 and its longitudinal side 11 with a marking/color medium 7. The marking/printing may in this case comprise for example a logo, an image, an instruction for use or a code etc. (the “text” serves in the present case as a placeholder). The marking/printing may in this case be provided so as to run 360° around the bristle area 6, i.e. completely along the outer sides 11, and also the front and rear sides 10, 14. In this case, each individual one of the outer applicator and/or cleaning elements 5a, 5b, 5c may be entirely or partially marked/printed with the color medium in the region of its outer side. However, gaps may also be left (i.e. for instance an unprinted or unmarked applicator and/or cleaning element 5a, 5b, 5c between two marked/printed ones).

[0321] Also on the upper side 9 of the bristle area 6, in principle each individual one of the applicator and/or cleaning elements may be entirely or partially marked/printed with the marking/color medium 7. In dependence on the geometry of the holes, there may be various densities in the bristle area 6 (i.e. in particular the splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a and the conventional tufts of bristles 5c that have preferably been applied here by the anchor punching method). The bristle area 6 may for example be more dense at the front than at the rear, but the converse arrangement is also possible.

[0322] As in all of the other embodiments shown, the marking/color medium 7 is preferably a waxy, quick-drying ink. The pattern shown also serves in principle as a placeholder for various types of other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0323] The head part 2 shown in FIG. 2 has on its rear side 2b a tongue cleaner 12 comprising a soft component, which comprises a number of nubs 12a and lamellae 12b. The soft component of the tongue cleaner 12 in this case covers almost the entire rear side 2b of the head part 2, apart from the edge 2c. The tongue cleaner 12 to this extent forms as it were an island of a soft component on the rear side 2b of the head part 2.

[0324] The tongue cleaner 12 is in this case marked/printed with a marking/color medium 7. The marking/printing may comprise for example a logo, instructions for use or a code etc. (the “text” once again serves in the present case as a placeholder). The marking/printing runs over the lamellae 12b, which are arranged in the front region of the tongue cleaner 12, and also over flat regions in the middle region of the tongue cleaner 12. The marking/printing may however also go over the nubs 12a.

[0325] Here, too, the marking/color medium 7 is preferably a waxy, quick-drying ink. Apart from the marked/printed tongue cleaner 12, the head part 2 may also have marked/printed applicator and/or cleaning elements 5a, 5b, 5c (as in FIG. 1), i.e. splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a, lamella-like rubber elements 5b and conventional tufts of bristles 5c. In the present case, the nubs 12a are provided on the outer and longitudinal sides of the tongue cleaner 12. The lamellae 12b are preferably arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2.

[0326] The text pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0327] In FIG. 3 there is illustrated a further head part 2 for a toothbrush 1, which once again has various applicator and/or cleaning elements 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, which form the bristle area 6. The front side 10 of the bristle area 6 is formed by a large tuft of bristles or puck tuft 5d, which is arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. This is followed behind it by a number of splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a, which once again are arranged in a number of rows transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. Approximately in the middle of the head part 2, lamella-like rubber elements 5b are then likewise arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2. The rear side 14 of the bristle area 6 is formed by a puck tuft 5e, which is somewhat smaller than the front puck tuft 5d.

[0328] It is evident that, in the case of the front puck tuft 5d, a marking/printing has been applied around a corner, here by way of example in the form of a ring-like marking/printing, which extends over the outer side 11, the front side 10 and also the upper side 9 of the puck tuft 5d (or of the bristle area 6). The marking/printing therefore runs over the upper, front and longitudinal or outer edge 8a, 8b, 8c of the puck tuft 5d (or of the bristle area 6). Markings/printings are respectively applied, also around a corner, on the conventional tufts of bristles 5c and the rear puck tuft 5e, to be precise in each case from the outer side 11 onto the upper side 9, i.e. over the longitudinal or outer edge 8c of these elements.

[0329] In particular, the puck tufts 5d, 5e have preferably been applied by means of the AFT method. As can be seen, the marking/printing may also be performed asymmetrically. Moreover, large tufts, such as the puck tufts 5d, 5e, in each case provide large printing areas.

[0330] The patterns shown also serve in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0331] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a round head part 2 for, in particular, electrically oscillating toothbrushes with a punched bristle area 6 comprising preferably conventional tufts of bristles 5c. On the outer side 11 of the bristle area 6, a pattern is applied by means of a marking/color medium 7. In the state of rest, which is shown in FIG. 4a, the pattern has, purely by way of example, the form of a dot. In the moved state, i.e. in the operating state of the toothbrush, this pattern changes its form. As can be seen in FIG. 4b, in the present case this results in a slot-like/linear/line-shaped form for the pattern. Such a pattern may in principle also be marked/printed around a corner, i.e. over the upper edge 16 of the bristle area 6.

[0332] The pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0333] In FIGS. 5a and 5b there is illustrated a round head part 2 for, in particular, electrically oscillating toothbrushes with a punched bristle area 6 comprising preferably conventional tufts of bristles 5c. On the upper side 9 of the bristle area 6 or the upper side of individual conventional tufts of bristles 5c, a marking/printing is applied by means of a marking/color medium 7. The marking/printing may entirely or partially cover the upper side of the individual conventional tufts of bristles 5c. In the state of rest, which is shown in FIG. 5a, here a number of conventional tufts of bristles 5c in the outer ring are partially marked or printed on the upper side (i.e. on their half lying inward toward the center point M of the head part 2). In a ring situated further inward (i.e. toward the center point M of the head part 2), a number of conventional tufts of bristles 5c are marked/printed completely on their upper side. This pattern once again changes its form in the moved state, i.e. in the operating state of the toothbrush (FIG. 5b). In the present case, concentric circles of different diameters are obtained.

[0334] This pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0335] In FIGS. 6a and 6b there is shown a head part 2 for, for example, an electrically swiveling toothbrush. Protruding from the upper side 2a of the approximately rectangular head part 2 are various applicator and/or cleaning elements 5a, 5b and 5c, which together form the bristle area 6. Arranged on the front side 10 of the bristle area 6 are splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a, which widen conically from the upper side 2a of the head part 2 in the direction of their free end.

[0336] In the present case, the splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a extend up to approximately the middle of the bristle area 6 or the head part 2. They comprise in this case the front rows on the head part 2 and are arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal or swivel axis L of the head part 2. The approximately middle row of applicator and/or cleaning elements is formed by lamella-like rubber elements 5c, which are likewise arranged transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2.

[0337] These are followed by conventional (cylindrical) tufts of bristles 5c, which are likewise arranged in rows transversely in relation to the longitudinal axis L of the head part 2 and which also form the rear side 14 of the bristle area 6. The rear side 14 of the bristle area 6 is facing the handle part 3 of the toothbrush.

[0338] Here, the bristle area 6 is only marked/printed on its upper side 9 with a marking/color medium 7. In the present case, a number of the splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a are marked/printed on their upper side with a marking/color medium 7 such that a dotted diagonal is obtained. Furthermore, a number of the conventional tufts of bristles 5c on the longitudinal or outer side 11 of the bristle area 6 are marked/printed on their upper side with a marking/color medium 7, so that a dotted line is obtained parallel to the swivel axis L. This pattern indicates the state of rest shown in FIG. 6a.

[0339] In the moved or operating state of the toothbrush that is shown in FIG. 6b, the pattern changes to a cloud-like structure. Here, too, the pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description. The pattern may once again change state such that the representation in the state without motion does not reveal anything special, while the effective pattern only forms when there is motion.

[0340] Furthermore, in dependence on the geometry of the holes, there may be various densities in the bristle area 6 (i.e. in particular the splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a and the conventional tufts of bristles 5c have preferably been applied here by the anchor punching method). The bristle area 6 may for example be more dense at the front than at the rear, and vice versa.

[0341] In FIGS. 7a and 7b there is shown a twisted-in brush 1, which can be used for example as an interdental or mascara brush. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1 there extends a double wire 13 into which bristles 5f are spirally twisted. The wire 13 with the bristles 5f to this extent corresponds to the head part of the brush 1. The spirally twisted-in bristles 5f form a bristle area 6 that is approximately cylindrical in side view.

[0342] Along the longitudinal or outer side 11 of the bristle area 6, a longitudinal strip or longitudinal pattern is applied by means of a marking medium/color medium 7. Once again, the longitudinal strip or the longitudinal pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking that are presented above in the general description.

[0343] In FIGS. 8a and 8b there is shown a further twisted-in brush 1, which can be used for example as an interdental or mascara brush. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1 there extends once again a double wire 13 into which bristles 5f are spirally twisted. The wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to this extent to the head part of the brush 1. The spirally twisted-in bristles 5f form a bristle area 6 that is approximately cylindrical in side view.

[0344] Along the longitudinal or outer side 11 of the bristle area 6, a wave-shaped pattern is applied by means of a marking medium/color medium 7. The wave-shaped pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for a variety of other configurations of the marking that are presented above in the general description.

[0345] In FIGS. 9a and 9b there is shown a still further twisted-in brush 1, which can be used for example as an interdental or mascara brush. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1 there extends once again a double wire 13 into which bristles 5f are spirally twisted. The wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to this extent to the head part of the brush 1. The spirally twisted-in bristles 5f form a bristle area 6 that is approximately cylindrical in side view.

[0346] Along the outer side 11 of the bristle area 6, a 360° pattern somewhat in the manner of a spiral is applied by means of a marking/color medium 7. The spiral-like 360° pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0347] In FIG. 10 there is schematically shown yet a further twisted-in brush 1, which can be used for example as an interdental or mascara brush. The figure is intended to illustrate how the twisted-in brushes 1 usually appear due to the splaying out of the bristles 5f. To be specific, the bristle area is rather more of a cylinder than a spiral. From the neck part 3 of the brush 1 there extends once again a double wire 13 into which splaying-out bristles 5f are twisted. The wire 13 with the bristles 5f corresponds to this extent to the head part of the brush 1. The bristles 5f normally splay out automatically, and therefore they are represented in the present figure as a (continuously) cylindrical bristle area 6.

[0348] On the outer side 11 of the bristle area 6, a text pattern is applied by means of a marking/color medium 7. The text pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0349] FIG. 11 shows a flosser (flossing implement) 1 with a handle part 4, a U-shaped head part 2 and a neck part 3 connecting the handle part 4 to the head part 2. Fixed between the free ends of the U-shaped head part 2 is for instance a thread of dental floss 5g. The thread of dental floss 5g is marked/printed here with a dashed pattern by means of a marking/color medium 7.

[0350] This may serve for example as a seal of newness for the dental floss, in that the medium, for example the color, is worn away during use. Furthermore, in this way a flavor can also be applied. The pattern also serves however in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0351] FIGS. 12a and 12b show an interdental brush 1 with a handle part 4, a conically tapering head part 2 and a neck part 3 connecting the handle part 4 to the head part 2. The handle part 4 has mounting projections 4a, preferably comprising a soft component. Molded onto the tapering head part 2 are cleaning elements 5h (once again preferably comprising a soft component), which preferably protrude upwardly and laterally on the head part 2 (i.e. from a layer of soft component 15) and likewise taper in the direction of the free end of the head part. The cleaning elements 5h form a bristle area 6.

[0352] In the present case, a number of the upwardly protruding cleaning elements 5h are marked/printed by means of a marking/color medium 7 at least on their upper side (i.e. transversely) in the manner of a zebra pattern. This may for example serve the user as an orientation aid during use. However, this pattern also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0353] In FIGS. 13a and 13b there is shown a head part 2 for a face brush. Protruding from the front side 2a of the head part 2 are preferably splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a, which together form the bristle area 6. As can be seen in FIG. 13a, a wave-shaped pattern is applied by means of a marking/color medium 7 to the upper side 9 of the bristle area 6, along the longitudinal axis L of the substantially oval brush head 2, over a number of splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a lying next to one another. With extreme splaying, it is possible that the bristle area 6 forms, as it were, a continuous surface area on the upper side 9. In this case, some of the splaying-out tufts of bristles lying on the outside in the wave-shaped pattern are only partially marked, for example printed, on their surface (i.e. generally only the inward-lying halves are marked/printed).

[0354] Furthermore, as can be seen in FIG. 13b, the bristle area 6 is marked/printed by means of a marking/color medium 7 on its outer side 11 with a number of wave-shaped lines, which preferably run around the entire outer side 11 (i.e. 360°). The aforementioned patterns also serve however in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description

[0355] FIG. 14 illustrates a paintbrush-like brush 1, which can also be used for instance as a mascara or nail varnish brush. The neck part 3 is followed by an annular head part 2, to which one or more preferably splaying-out tufts of bristles 5a are applied. The corresponding bristle area 6 preferably has a barrel-shaped or, as here, conical contour.

[0356] Applied to the bristle area 6 by means of a marking/color medium 7 is a text pattern, which extends from the outer side 11 over the upper edge 16 onto the upper side 9 of the bristle area 6 (i.e. a marking/printing around a corner). Here, too, the text pattern serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0357] FIG. 15 shows purely schematically a front view along the axis of motion Z of an arrangement for marking/printing the bristle area 6 of a brush 1. The arrangement comprises a marking/printing means 20 (for example a printhead or laser), which has a specific marking area/printing area 21 within which a marking/printing of the bristle area 6 and/or of the handle body with the handle part 4, the neck part 3 and the head part 2 with a marking/color medium can be performed. The brush 1 with the handle part 4 is held by a mounting means 23, which is arranged on a transporting device 22 (for example a transporting belt). The system of coordinates indicates the axes X, Y and Z along which, and possibly about which, the marking/printing means 20 and possibly the brush 1 can preferably move. The system of coordinates also applies to all of the other figures, the Z axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the brush 1 and the X and Y axes extending perpendicularly to it.

[0358] In the variant according to FIG. 16, the marking/printing means 20 is preferably arranged rigidly or fixed and the mounting means 23 with the brush 1 moves laterally (arrows P1) past the marking/printing means 20, i.e. along the Z axis. The transporting device 22 has been omitted here for reasons of clarity. In this way, an outer or longitudinal side 11 of the bristle area 6 and/or of the handle body with the handle part 4, the neck part 3 and the head part 2 can be marked or printed. However, the marking/printing means 20 may similarly be arranged rigidly or fixed above the bristle area 6, in order to mark/print the upper side 9 of the bristle area 6. The variant according to FIG. 16 is also suitable in particular for the marking/printing of bristle pucks (i.e. bristles, cut, arranged clustered together from semifinished products).

[0359] In the variant according to FIG. 17, preferably the marking/printing means 20 is arranged on the mounting device 23 movably with respect to the brush 1 (the converse situation in terms of motion in comparison with FIG. 16). The marking/printing means 20 in this case moves laterally (arrows P1′) past the bristle area 6 and the handle body of the brush 1, i.e. along the Z axis. The transporting device 20 has been omitted here for reasons of clarity. In this way, once again an outer or longitudinal side 11 of the bristle area 6 and/or of the handle body with the handle part 4, the neck part 3 and the head part 2 can be marked or printed. However, the marking/printing means 20 may similarly be arranged movably above the bristle area 6 or handle body, in order to mark/print the upper side 9 of the bristle area 6.

[0360] In the variant according to FIG. 18, preferably both the marking/printing means 20 is arranged movably with respect to the brush 1 and the brush 1 is arranged movably with respect to the marking/printing means 20. The marking/printing means 20 can in this case move laterally (arrows P1′) past the bristle area 6 or the handle body of the brush 1 (i.e. along the Z axis), transversely (arrow P2′) in relation to the bristle area 6 or the handle body of the brush 1 (i.e. along the X axis), vertically with respect to the bristle area 6 or the handle body (i.e. along the Y axis, not shown) and/or it can be brought into a position above the bristle area 6 or the handle body or onto the other side of the bristle area 6 or the handle body in a dome-like rotating motion (arrow P3′) with respect to the Z axis (i.e. a motion in the X and Y planes). At the same time, the mounting means 23 with the brush 1 can be moved laterally (arrows P1) past the marking/printing means 20, i.e. along the Z axis. Once again, here the transporting device 22 has been omitted for reasons of clarity.

[0361] In this way, the upper side 9 and both outer or longitudinal sides 11 of the bristle area 6 and also the handle body or the head, neck and handle parts 2, 3, 4 of the brush 1 can be marked, for example printed, at a high cycle rate.

[0362] The marking/printing means 20 can however similarly be brought into a position in front of the bristle area 6 (front side) or the handle body or onto the other side of the bristle area 6 (rear side) or the handle body in a dome-like rotating motion with respect to the X axis (i.e. a motion in the Y and Z planes, not shown), so that the front side 10 and both outer or longitudinal sides 11 of the bristle area 6 (and possibly also its rear side) and also possibly the front and side edges of the brush 1 can be marked or printed (not represented for reasons of clarity).

[0363] The variant shown in FIG. 19 corresponds to the variant represented in FIG. 18; however, here the mounting means 23 with the brush 1 is not movable. However, the marking or printing possibilities are the same here.

[0364] In the variant according to FIG. 20, preferably both the marking/printing means 20 is arranged movably with respect to the brush 1 and the brush 1 on the mounting device is movable with respect to the marking/printing means 20. The marking/printing means 20 in this case moves laterally (arrows P1′) past the bristle area 6 or the handle body of the brush 1, i.e. along the Z axis. The brush 1 (preferably a mascara or interdental brush) is arranged rotationally movably (arrow P4) with respect to the marking/printing means 20 (i.e. rotation about the Z axis). The transporting device 22 has been omitted here for reasons of clarity.

[0365] In this way, in particular the outer side 11 of the bristle area 6 of mascara and interdental brushes can be marked or printed (360° marking/printing) or else the outer sides of the handle body can be printed 360°. However, the marking/printing means 20 may similarly be arranged movably above the bristle area 6, in order to mark/print the outer side or outer surface area 11 of the bristle area 6.

[0366] In FIGS. 21 and 22 there is illustrated a handle body consisting of a handle part 4, a neck part 3 and a head part 2 of a manual toothbrush 1. The bristle area has not been formed; all that is shown are the bristle holes, that is to say the holes in the head part 2 that serve for anchoring the applicator and cleaning elements.

[0367] The handle body is marked/printed on its front side with a marking/color medium 7. The marking/printing may in this case comprise various elements. Shown by way of example are an image/ornament, a logo (the “text” serves in the present case as a placeholder) and a QR code. The marking/printing may in this case be made to run 360° around the handle body. As in all of the other embodiments shown, the marking/color medium 7 is preferably a waxy, quick-drying ink. The pattern shown also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0368] In FIG. 23 there is illustrated a further handle body consisting of a handle part 4, a neck part 3 and a head part 2 of a manual toothbrush 1. In this example, the handle body is made of wood. The bristle area has not been formed; all that is shown are the bristle holes, that is to say the holes in the head part 2 that serve for anchoring the applicator and cleaning elements.

[0369] The handle body is marked/printed on its front side with a marking/color medium 7. The marking/printing may in this case comprise various elements. Shown by way of example are an image/ornament, a logo (the “text” serves in the present case as a placeholder) and a QR code. The marking/printing may in this case be made to run 360° around the handle body. As in all of the other embodiments shown, the marking/color medium 7 is preferably a waxy, quick-drying ink. The pattern shown also serves in principle as a placeholder for various other configurations of the marking/printing that are presented above in the general description.

[0370] A further marking in the form of two elements is evident in the region of the thumb rest. A grid-like structure is formed to the left and right on the handle body. In addition to the marking, this structure may also provide a certain haptic effect (similar to Braille), by application of a greater amount of ink or by lasering the structure with a certain amount of material being removed.

[0371] The cross section in FIG. 24 illustrates the printing possibilities of a toothbrush handle body. The schematically shown printing 7 on the handle part 4 with marking/printing on the front side. The applied print is provided up to a maximum angle α around the longitudinal axis. That is to say that the printing, which is performed in one step (contiguously), assumes from end to end a maximum angle of α. The surface area is likewise curved and thus has an oval form; the printing runs over the curved surface. The curvature may in principle be circular, round or oval (considered in cross section).

[0372] The curvature preferably has a radius R (with the center point the longitudinal axis of the handle body) of 2 mm to 15 mm, more preferably of 4 mm to 8 mm.

[0373] The angle α is a maximum of 180°; correspondingly, the upper surface area of the product can be printed substantially up to the separating plane.

[0374] For example, a pad printhead, an inkjet printhead or a laser printhead may be used as the marking/printing means 20. In any case it is important that the product or cleaning device 1 to be printed is held well in a mounting means 23 (cf. FIGS. 15 to 20) and thus assumes a clearly defined position. The product or cleaning device 1 to be printed is intended to be made level by the mounting means 23, in order to assume a position on average that is as horizontal as possible. The mounting means 23 may also be used to create a covering for certain parts of the product or cleaning device 1 to be printed that are not to be printed.

[0375] The pad that is usually used for transferring the color (not shown) has a curved form, adapted to the surface to be printed. This pad is deformed appropriately for the applied print to have the correct appearance. In order for this to be possible, the color of the print image on the pad is provided in a distorted form, so that after application to the curved surface the print image has the correct appearance. The same applies to inkjet printing or laser printing.

[0376] With the methods mentioned, handle bodies with strong curvatures can be printed/marked transversely to the longitudinal direction. It is however also possible in addition or as an alternative to print/mark curvatures in the longitudinal direction of the handle body. The methods even allow handle surfaces not only with convex zones but also concave zones to be marked. The radii of curvature R or transitions of the curved convex or concave zones of the surfaces to be printed should not be below radii of 2 mm, preferably 4 mm.

[0377] On the handle body, consequently, curved surfaces of 400-2000 mm.sup.2 can be printed/marked.

[0378] The configurational variants shown and described in the present application are merely given by way of example. In particular, the individual refinements and elements of these configurational variants may be combined with other configurational variants without departing from the scope of this invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0379] 1 Cleaning device (for example brushes, toothbrushes, flossers or flossing implements, tongue cleaners etc.) [0380] 2 Head part [0381] 2a Upper side of head part [0382] 2b Rear side of head part [0383] 2c Edge of rear side of head part [0384] 3 Neck part [0385] 4 Handle part [0386] 4a Mounting projections [0387] 5a Splaying-out tufts of bristles [0388] 5b Lamella-like rubber elements [0389] 5c Conventional tufts of bristles [0390] 5d Puck tuft (front) [0391] 5e Puck tuft (rear) [0392] 5f Twisted-in bristles (spiral) [0393] 5g Dental floss [0394] 5h Injection-molded cleaning elements [0395] 6 Bristle area [0396] 7 Marking/color medium (marking/printing) [0397] 8a Upper edge of bristle area or individual element [0398] 8b Front edge of bristle area or individual element [0399] 8c Longitudinal/outer edge of bristle area or individual element [0400] 9 Upper side of bristle area or individual element [0401] 10 Front side of bristle area or individual element [0402] 11 Longitudinal side/outer side of bristle area or individual element [0403] 12 Tongue cleaner (on rear side of toothbrush) [0404] 12a Nubs [0405] 12b Lamellae [0406] 13 (Double) wire [0407] 14 Rear side of bristle area or individual element [0408] 15 Layer of soft component [0409] 16 Upper edge (round) [0410] 20 Marking/printing means (for example printhead or laser) [0411] 21 Marking/printing area [0412] 22 Transporting device [0413] 23 Mounting means [0414] M Center point [0415] P1 Arrow (direction of motion of the product) [0416] P1′ Arrow (direction of motion of the marking/printing means) [0417] P2′ Arrow (direction of motion of the marking/printing means) [0418] P3′ Arrow (direction of motion of the marking/printing means) [0419] P4 Arrow (direction of motion of the product) [0420] L Longitudinal axis [0421] R Radius (curvature) [0422] X Axis [0423] Y Axis [0424] Z Axis