DIVIDABLE DENTAL CARE PRODUCT, HEAD PART AND KIT OF PARTS

Abstract

A kit of parts, and a dividable dental care product comprising a base part having a handle portion and an interconnection portion comprising a protruding portion being provided with an external threading and with a shoulder extending radially outwardly from and circumferentially around the protruding portion and presenting an abutment surface, and a head part having a dental care utility portion and an interconnection portion comprising a tubular portion with an internal threading and with an end surface extending circumferentially around a mouth of the tubular portion, wherein the abutment surface of the base part is configured to abut the end surface of the head part when the base part and head part are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product.

Claims

1. A dividable dental care product, comprising: a base part having a handle portion and an interconnection portion, and a head part having an interconnection portion and a dental care utility portion, wherein the base part and the head part are configured to be separably interconnected by their respective interconnection portion, wherein the interconnection portion of the head part comprises a tubular portion with an internal threading formed on an inwardly facing envelope surface of the tubular portion, wherein the interconnection portion of the base part comprises a protruding portion extending along a longitudinal direction along a central axis from the handle portion towards a free end of the protruding portion, the protruding portion being provided with an external threading formed in an outwardly facing envelope surface of the protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is configured to be received into the tubular portion by a threading motion about the central axis, wherein the interconnection portion of the base part comprises a shoulder which extends radially outwardly from and circumferentially around the protruding portion and which presents an abutment surface configured to face the head part, wherein the tubular portion is provided with an end surface extending circumferentially around a mouth of the tubular portion, characterised in that wherein the abutment surface of the base part is configured to abut the end surface of the head part when the base part and head part are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product, and wherein the internal threading has a root thickness and a thread pitch as measured along long the central axis, wherein the thread pitch is at least two times the root thickness.

2. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the abutment surface of the base part is configured to sealingly abut the end surface of the head part when the base part and head part are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product.

3. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the internal threading of the tubular portion and the external threading of the protruding portion have a trapezoid profile.

4. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the inwardly facing envelope surface of the tubular portion is tapered such that an inner diameter of the inwardly facing envelope surface decreases with increased distance from the mouth of the tubular portion.

5. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the inwardly facing envelope surface comprises a non-threaded portion extending from the mouth a distance along the central axis, wherein the distance is at least equal to one times a root thickness of the internal threading.

6. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the protruding portion comprises a non-threaded portion extending from the shoulder a distance along the central axis, wherein the distance is at least equal to one times a root width of the external threading.

7. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the dividable dental care product is a toothbrush, wherein the dental care utility portion comprises a brush section comprising a brush head formed in the head part at an end portion of the head part opposing the tubular portion and a plurality of bristles attached to a transversely oriented surface of the brush head.

8. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein a distance along the central axis between a distal end of the brush head and the mouth of the tubular portion is at least 60 mm.

9. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein an outer circumferential envelope surface of the shoulder of the base part is flush with an outer envelope surface of the head part at the mouth of the tubular portion when the base part and head part are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product.

10. The dividable dental care product claim 1, wherein the base part is rotationally symmetrical about the central axis.

11. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the base part and the head part are formed from different materials.

12. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the head part is formed of a polymer-based material.

13. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the base part is formed of a wood-based material.

14. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein the base part is formed of a polymer-based material.

15. A head part configured to form part of a dividable dental care product, the head part having an interconnection portion and a dental care utility portion, wherein the head part is configured to be separably interconnected with its interconnection portion to an interconnection portion of a base part, wherein the interconnection portion of the head part comprises a tubular portion extending around a central axis and being provided with an internal threading formed on an inwardly facing envelope surface of the tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is provided with an end surface extending circumferentially around a mouth of the tubular portion, wherein the end surface of the head part is configured to abut an abutment surface of the base part facing the end surface of the head part, when the base part and the head part are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product, and wherein the internal threading has a root thickness and a thread pitch as measured long along the central axis, wherein the thread pitch is at least two times the root thickness.

16. A kit of parts comprising: a plurality of head parts each having an interconnection portion and a dental care utility portion, wherein each one of the head parts is configured to one at the time be separably interconnected with its interconnection portion to an interconnection portion of a base part, wherein the interconnection portion of the head part comprises a tubular portion extending around a central axis and being provided with an internal threading formed on an inwardly facing envelope surface of the tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is configured to receive the interconnection portion of the base part by a threading motion about the central axis, wherein the tubular portion is provided with an end surface extending circumferentially around a mouth of the tubular portion, wherein when the base part and the head part are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product, the end surface of the head part is configured to abut an abutment surface of the base part facing the end surface of the head part, and wherein the internal threading has a root thickness and a thread pitch as measured long along the central axis, wherein the thread pitch is at least two times the root thickness.

17. The kit of parts of claim 16, further comprising a base part having a handle portion and an interconnection portion, wherein the interconnection portion of the base part comprises a protruding portion extending along a longitudinal direction along a central axis from the handle portion towards a free end of the protruding portion, the protruding portion being provided with an external threading formed on an outwardly facing envelope surface of the protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion is configured to be received into the tubular portion by a threading motion about the central axis, wherein the interconnection portion of the base part comprises a shoulder which extends circumferentially around the protruding portion and which presents said abutment surface configured to face the head part.

18. The kit of parts of claim 16, comprising a first base part having a handle portion and an interconnection portion, and a second base part having a handle portion and an interconnection portion, wherein the first base part is formed of a wood-based material and the second base part is formed of polymer-based material, and wherein each one of the head parts is configured to be separably interconnected by their respective interconnection portion to the interconnection of either one of the first or second base parts allowing the respective base part to be used over a period of time and to be interconnected with each of the plurality of head parts, one at the time, during said period of time.

19. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein a distance along the central axis between a distal end of the brush head and the mouth of the tubular portion is between 60 mm and 90 mm.

20. The dividable dental care product of claim 1, wherein a distance along the central axis between a distal end of the brush head and the mouth of the tubular portion is between 60 mm and 80 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0129] The invention will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which shows a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0130] FIG. 1 discloses an assembled dental care product in the form of a two-part toothbrush.

[0131] FIG. 2 discloses the dental care product of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state where a head part is shown separate from a base part.

[0132] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head part of FIG. 2.

[0133] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing interconnection portions of the head part and the base part in a disassembled state.

[0134] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the interconnection portion of the head part.

[0135] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the interconnection portion of the base part.

[0136] FIGS. 7a-c is a perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and an exploded view of a first base part which e.g., may be formed of a polymer-based material.

[0137] FIGS. 8a-c is a is a perspective view, a cross-sectional view, and an exploded view of a second base part which e.g., may be basically be formed of a wood-based material.

[0138] FIG. 9 is a side view of an interconnection portion of the base part according to a further embodiment.

[0139] FIG. 10 schematically discloses kit of parts according to various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0140] With reference to FIG. 1, there is disclosed a dividable dental care product 1 comprising a base part 10 and a head part 20. The dental care product 1 is in this embodiment a toothbrush 1.

[0141] The base part 10 has a handle portion 11 and an interconnection portion 12. The head part 20 has an interconnection portion 22 and a dental care utility portion 29. The base part 10 and the head part 20 are configured to be separably interconnected by their respective interconnection portion 12, 22. In FIG. 1, the head part 20 and the base part 10 are interconnected to each other to form a toothbrush 1. In FIG. 2, the head part 20 has been disassembled from the base part 10.

[0142] As is best shown in FIGS. 3-5, the interconnection portion 22 of the head part 20 comprises a tubular portion 22a with an internal threading 23 formed on an inwardly facing envelope surface 22b of the tubular portion 22a. The tubular portion 22a is provided with an end surface 24a extending circumferentially around a mouth 22c of the tubular portion 22a.

[0143] As is best shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the interconnection portion 12 of the base part 10 comprises a protruding portion 12a extending along a longitudinal direction L along a central axis A from the handle portion 11 towards a free end 12e of the protruding portion 12a, the protruding portion 12a being provided with an external threading 13 formed in an outwardly facing envelope surface 12b of the protruding portion 12. The interconnection portion 12 of the base part 10 comprises a shoulder 14 which extends radially outwardly from and circumferentially around the protruding portion 12 and which presents an abutment surface 14a configured to face the head part 20.

[0144] As is indicated in FIG. 4, the protruding portion 12a is configured to be received into the tubular portion 22a by a threading motion about the central axis A. It may be noted that this movement is a relative movement and that in practice the user may train the tubular portion 22a onto the protruding portion 12 or vice versa. It is believed that the design shown in e.g., FIG. 1 is easiest to assemble by keeping the head part 20 still in one hand and by rotating the base part 10 using the other hand. When the base part 10 and head part 20 are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product 1, the abutment surface 14a of the base part 10 is configured to abut, preferably to sealingly abut, the end surface 24a of the head part 20. Both the abutment surface 14a and the end surface 24a extends in a plane in which the central axis A forms a normal.

[0145] The base part 10 is especially useful in a use scenario where the base part 10 is used over a period of time and is interconnected with different head parts 20, one at the time, during said period of time.

[0146] As shown e.g., in FIGS. 4-6, the internal threading 23 of the tubular portion 22a and the external threading 13 of the protruding portion 12a may have a trapezoid profile. The internal threading 23 have a root thickness RT and a thread pitch P as measured long the central axis A. The thread pitch P is preferably at least two times the root thickness RT. In the preferred embodiment, the thread pitch P is about three point five times the root thickness RT, i.e., P=3,5?RT. It is considered that the thread pitch P is preferably between two times and five times the root thickness RT. In the disclosed design, the flanks of the profile are orthogonal to the central axis A and thereby the thickness of the profile will be the same as the root thickness

[0147] RT along basically the complete height of the profile. In the disclosed embodiment, the profile width or root thickness RT is about 1 mm. It is considered suitable that the profile width or root thickness RT is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In the disclosed embodiment, the pitch P is about 3.5 mm. It is considered suitable that the pitch P is between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0148] In the preferred embodiment, the external threading 13 is correspondingly shaped. The profile of the external threading 13 has a root width RW and a thread pitch P as measured long the central axis A, wherein the thread pitch P is preferably at least two times the root width RW. In the preferred embodiment, the profile of the protruding profile of the internal threading 23 and the profile of the groove of the external threading 13 are trapezoid-shaped and the flanks of the profiles abut each other along most and even more preferably along close to the complete height, e.g., the complete height apart from any top rounding. Thus, the root thickness RT and the root width RW are almost the same.

[0149] The internal threading 23 of the tubular portion 22a and the external threading 13 of the protruding portion 12a is preferably a single entry threading. As shown e.g., in FIG. 6, this results in that there is a significant amount of material present between each groove forming the external threading 13. This provides a strong external threading 13. Such a design is especially suitable when it comes to allowing the base part 10 to be manufactured of a wood-based material. A single entry threading may also be beneficial during production and/or during automated assembly and/or during assembly by the user, since the base part 10 and the head part 20 have only one possible relative rotational position allowing the threading 13, 23 of the parts 10, 20 to enter into threaded engagement with each other. It may also be beneficial in the sense that it secures e.g., that any information printed, embossed, or otherwise provided on the base part 10 will be oriented in the desired orientation of the head part 20, or vice versa.

[0150] The inwardly facing envelope surface 22b of the tubular portion 22a may be tapered such that an inner diameter D22b of the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b decreases with increased distance from the mouth 22c of the tubular portion 22a. Thus, the inner diameter D22b at a greater distance from the mouth 22c is smaller than the diameter D22b at the mouth.

[0151] The tubular portion 22a is preferably tapered such that the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b is angled inwardly a few degrees, i.e., such that the tubular portion 22a is almost cylindrical. The angle ? by which the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b is angled relative to the central axis A is preferably between 1-5?. In the preferred embodiment, the angle ? is about 2?.

[0152] Preferably, the top surfaces 23t of the internal threading form an imaginary circular cylinder with the imaginary envelope surface extending parallel to the central axis A. In combination with the preferred tapering of the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b, this results in that the height H1, H2 of the profile of the internal threading 23 decreases with increasing distance from the mouth 22c. The height H1, H2 of the profile of the internal threading 23 is for any given portion of the profile measured in a radial direction from the envelope surface 22b at the respective portion of the profile to the top surface 23t of the respective portion of the profile. As shown e.g., in FIG. 5, decreases with increasing distance from the mouth 22c such that the indicated height H1 is greater than the indicated height H2. The height H1 is the height of a portion of a portion of the threading 23 being closer to the mouth 22c compared to the portion of the threading 23 having the height H2.

[0153] The inwardly facing envelope surface 22b may comprise a non-threaded portion 22bc extending from the mouth 22c a distance L22bc along the central axis A. This distance L22bc is preferably at least equal to one times a root thickness RT of the internal threading 23. In the preferred embodiment, the distance L22bc is about two times the root thickness RT of the internal threading 23. It is considered suitable that the distance L22bc is between one and four times the root thickness RT of the internal threading 23.

[0154] It should be noted that the provision of the non-threaded portion 22bc allows, but does not necessitate, the provision of a non-treaded portion 12c in the envelope surface 12b of the protruding portion 12. Thus, even though the tubular portion 22a is provided with said non-threaded portion 22bc, the groove forming the external threading 13 may extend further towards or even all the way to the shoulder 14. Alternatively, it may be expressed as that the distance L22bc should be equal to or larger than any non-threaded portion 12c.

[0155] The protruding portion 12 may comprise a non-threaded portion 12c extending from the shoulder 14 a distance L12c along the central axis A. This distance L12c is preferably at least equal to one fifth times a root width RW of the external threading 13, i.e., the distance L12c is at least 0.2 times the root width RW. Thus, considering that the distance L22bc should be equal to or larger than any non-threaded portion 12c, the distance L22bc could, if present as is the case in the disclosed embodiment, alternatively be defined to be as small as at least one fifth times a root thickness RT. In the disclosed embodiment, the distance L12c is about two times the root width RW of the external threading 13. It is in one embodiment considered suitable that the distance L12c is between one and four times the root width RW of the external threading 13. In an alternative embodiment, the distance L12c is between about one fifth and one times the root width RW of the external threading 13, preferably about one third times the root width RW. The distance L12c is in one preferred embodiment about 0.3 mm. Thus, the distance L12c may also be said to be between about one fifth and four times the root width RW of the external threading 13.

[0156] As e.g., shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 9, the envelope surface 12a of the protruding portion 12 may be slightly tapered such that the diameter of the protruding portion 12 decreases with increasing distance from the shoulder 14. The protruding portion 12a is preferably tapered such that the outwardly facing envelope surface 22b is angled only a few degrees, i.e., such that the protruding portion 22a is almost cylindrical. The angle ? by which the outwardly facing envelope surface 12b is angled relative to the central axis A is preferably between 1-5?. In the preferred embodiment, the angle ? is about 2?. The bottoms of the grooves forming the external threading 13 preferably extends along a cylindrical envelope surface extending in parallel with the central axis A. In combination with the preferred tapering of the outwardly facing envelope surface 12b, this results in that the depth D1, D2 of the profile or groove of the external threading 13 decreases with increasing distance from the shoulder 14. In FIG. 9, the depth D1 is greater than the depth D2.

[0157] As is shown in FIG. 9, in the vicinity of the shoulder, the outwardly facing envelope surface 22b is more sharply tapered an angle B1. This may also be combined with a small chamfer on the inside of the mouth 22c of the base part 20. This design is provided to be able to provide a distinct and sharp increase in the torque needed to lock the parts to each other and thereby also in the torque needed to release the parts from each other.

[0158] In any of the interfaces between the head part 20 and the base part 10, there may be provided a bulb 23g and recess 13g. In the preferred embodiment, the bulb 23g is formed as an inwardly extending bulb 23g on the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b of the tubular portion 22a and the recess 13g is formed as a recess in the outwardly facing envelope surface 12b of the protruding portion 12. In FIG. 5 it is shown that the bulb 23g extends inwardly from the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b similarly to how the threads 23 extends inwardly from the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b. In FIG. 6 it is shown that the recess 13g is formed in the outwardly facing envelope surface 12b. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bulb 23g and recess 13g preferably have a small axial extension. In FIG. 4, it is shown that the bulb 23g and recess 23g have a small circumferential extension. In FIG. 4, it is also shown that the bulb 23g is intended to be in register with and be received in the recess 13g. It could be designed the other way around such that the bulb could be formed on the outwardly facing envelope surface 12b of the protruding portion 12a and the recess could be formed in the inwardly facing envelope surface 22b of the tubular portion 22a. The bulb and recess could alternatively be formed such that one of them is formed in the abutment surface 24a and the other is formed in the end surface 24a. A bulb and recess may be used to provide a distinct tactile and/or audible feedback to the user concerning that the intended interconnection has been reached.

[0159] As mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the dividable dental care product 1 is a toothbrush. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the dental care utility portion 29 comprises a brush section 28 comprising a brush head 28a formed in the head part 20 at an end portion 20e of the head part 20 opposing the tubular portion 22a and a plurality of bristles 28b attached to a transversely oriented surface 28c of the brush head 28a.

[0160] A distance L20 along the central axis A between a distal end 28e of the brush head 28 and the mouth 22c of the tubular portion 22 may be at least 60 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 90 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm. Alternatively or as a complement thereto, a distance L20 along the central axis A between a central position 28 of the brush head 28 and the mouth 22c of the tubular portion 22a may be at least 45 mm, preferably between 45 mm and 75 mm, more preferably between 45 mm and 65 mm. Central portion 28 is intended to refer to a position, as seen along the central axis A, from which position 28 the distance to a bristle being located closest to the distal end 28e is equal to a distance to a bristle being located furthest away from the distal end 28e.

[0161] As e.g., shown in FIGS. 1-2, 4-6, an outer circumferential envelope surface 15a of the shoulder 14 of the base part 10 is preferably flush with an outer envelope surface 25a of the head part 20 at the mouth 22c of the tubular portion 22a when the base part 10 and head part 20 are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product 1. In the preferred embodiment, the outer envelope surface 25 of the head part 20 continues smoothly from said outer envelope surface 25a at the mouth 22c. In the preferred embodiment, the outer envelope surfaces 25a, 25 are slightly inclined such that it tapers towards the care utility portion 29. In the preferred embodiment, the outer envelope surface 15 of the base part 20 continues smoothly from said outer envelope surface 15a at the shoulder 14. In the preferred embodiment, the outer envelope surface 15a of the shoulder and at least an adjoining portion of the outer envelope surface 15 of the handle 11 are slightly inclined such that it tapers towards the care utility portion 29. Preferably the angle of the envelope surfaces 25, 25a of the head part 20 are equal to the angle of said envelope surfaces 15a, 15 of the base part 10.

[0162] As is e.g., shown in FIGS. 1-2, the base part 10 may be rotationally symmetrical about the central axis A.

[0163] In one preferred embodiment, the base part 10 and the head part 20 are formed from different materials. It may be noted that different materials may refer to completely different materials, such as polymer-based material respectively wood-based materials. However, different materials may also refer to different polymer-based materials. The different load conditions of the base part 10 and the head part 20 may e.g., be addressed using a first polymer-based material for the base part 10 and a second, different one, polymer-based material for the head part 20. It may also be noted that different polymer-based materials may refer to the use of different polymers such as polyethylene respectively polypropylene, but it may also relate to the use of different grades of the same kind of polymer, such as different grades of polyethylene. The different grades may e.g., relate to different average length of the polymer chains, different additives, etc.

[0164] The head part 20 may be formed of a polymer-based material. This choice of material is beneficial since it offers a great variety when it comes to design options.

[0165] The outer envelope surface 25 of the base part 20 is at a distance from the base part 10 more sharply tapered to form a neck 26. The neck 26 is located between the interconnection portion 22 and the care utility portion 29. As is e.g., shown in FIG. 5, this sharper tapering is initiated, as seen from the mouth 22c, at a position along the central axis A being located about where inwardly facing envelope surface 22c of the tubular portion 22a ends. However, as is shown in FIG. 5, the tubular portion 22a may be designed such that it does not end as a transversal bottom, but on the contrary it may be designed such that it continues as a conically shaped space 23h into the interior of the neck portion 26. This is especially useful if the head part 20 is produced using an injection moulding process or any similar process, since the provision of this conically shaped space 23h makes it possible to have a close to uniform material thickness which is advantageous when it comes to the injection of material and when it comes to the desire to achieve a uniform cooling of the injected material.

[0166] The base part 10 may be formed of a wood-based material. This choice of material is beneficial since it may be environmentally friendly and since it makes it easy to provide a comfortable grip feeling both when it comes to structure and shape.

[0167] The base part 10 may be formed of a polymer-based material. This choice of material is beneficial since it offers a great variety when it comes to design options. Also, a polymer-based base part 10 may be hollow, or provided with a recess, and carry electronics providing additional functionality.

[0168] It may be noted that also a base part 10 formed of a wood-based material may be hollow or provided with a recess, and carry electronics providing additional functionality.

[0169] The base part 10 may be a solid piece of material. This is especially useful in case the base part 10 is made of wood. However, a solid base part 10 may also be made of other materials, such as a polymer-based material.

[0170] The base part 10 may also be formed of different parts, such as one part forming the handle portion 11 and another part attached thereto forming the protruding interconnection portion 12. The different parts may be formed of the same material or of different materials. It is e.g., conceivable to have a handle portion 11 formed of wood and an interconnection portion 12 formed of a polymer-based material. The interconnection portion 12 could in such a case be provided with an attachment portion extending into a bore of the handle portion 11.

[0171] The above-mentioned object has also been achieved by a kit of parts comprising a plurality of head parts 20 each having an interconnection portion 22 and a dental care utility portion 29. From the perspective of such a head part 20, each one of the head parts 20 is configured to one at the time be separably interconnected with its interconnection portion 22 to an interconnection portion 12 of a base part 10, [0172] wherein the interconnection portion 22 of the head part 20 comprises a tubular portion 22a extending around a central axis A and being provided with an internal threading 23 formed on an inwardly facing envelope surface 22b of the tubular portion 22a, [0173] wherein the tubular portion 22a is configured to receive the interconnection portion 12 of the base part 10 by a threading motion about the central axis A, [0174] wherein the tubular portion 22a is provided with an end surface 24a extending circumferentially around a mouth 22c of the tubular portion 22a, [0175] wherein, when the base part 10 and the head part 20 are interconnected to each other in order to form said dividable dental care product 1, the end surface 24a of the head part 20 is configured to abut an abutment surface 14a of the base part 10 facing the end surface 24a of the head part 20.

[0176] In accordance with one embodiment all the plurality of head parts 20 in the kit of parts are of the same kind and have the same functional properties. They may e.g., all be head parts configured to form a toothbrush and they may e.g., all have the same shape and have bristles of the same design and hardness/rigidity. Thus, from a functional perspective, the head parts 20 are interchangeable. The head parts 20 may all be fully identical or may have different designs when it comes to non-functional features, such as different d?cors, different colourings, or the like. Such a kit of parts is e.g., useful for a user which is using or is considering to continually be using a two-part toothbrush. The user will typically purchase a new replacement sets including only a plurality of head parts 20 of the desired kind and will re-use the base part 10. Such a kit of parts is schematically identified by the box KOP1 in FIG. 10. The base part 10 may have been bought separately or e.g., as part of a starter-kit. Optionally, a base part 10 may be included in such a kit of parts. This latter is identified as the boxes KOP1b and KOP1 in FIG. 10.

[0177] In accordance with one embodiment all the plurality of head parts 20 in the kit of parts are of the same kind but have slightly different functional properties. They may e.g., all be head parts configured to form a toothbrush but the different head parts 20 may have different size and/or shape of the brush head, different size and/or shape of the bristle base section, different size and/or shape of imaginary surface spanned by the bristles top, and/or different hardness and/or rigidity of the bristles. Such a kit of parts is e.g., useful for user which is not certain which kind of brush is the best from him/her. Such a kit may, but need not, include a base part 10. Such a kit will basically be illustrated as the box KOP1, but with slight differences between the different head parts 20.

[0178] It may also be noted that the head parts 20 of the kit of parts need not all have different functional properties. It is e.g., conceivable to have a kit including one or more sub-sets of a plurality of head parts 20 being functionally interchangeable within respective sub-set. Such a kit may optionally also be provided with one or more sub-sets of a single functionally different head part 20. The set-up may e.g., be that the kit of parts includes one sub-set including a plurality of head parts 20 configured to form a toothbrush, where the bristles e.g., all have a first hardness/rigidity and are considered interchangeable and that the kit of parts also includes one other head part 20 where the bristles e.g., are different, such as being harder/more rigid, and that this one other head part 20 is intended to be used only now and then, such as if something gets stuck or when braces need specific attention. This latter may be said to be a hybrid between the two embodiments mentioned above. The first sub-set may e.g., be illustrated by the box KOP1 and the additional head part 20 may be the one also included in the box KOP2.

[0179] In one embodiment the head parts 20 in the kit of parts are of different kinds. They may all be of different kinds or they may be divided into one or more subsets each including one or more head parts. This may e.g., be embodied in a kit of parts one sub-set including a plurality of head parts 20 configured to form a toothbrush, where the bristles e.g., all have a first hardness/rigidity and are considered interchangeable, and that the kit of parts also includes one other head part 20 of a different kind, such as a completely differently designed brush used for a specific purpose, such as a brush having a pointy brush section capable of reaching areas not easily reachable using a toothbrush having an ordinarily shaped brush section. This may e.g., be illustrated by the boxes KOP1 and KOP3 in FIG. 10.

[0180] The kit of parts may further comprise a base part 10. This may be illustrated as any of the kit of parts discussed above in combination with the box indicated KOP1b.

[0181] In any of the kit of parts mentioned above, the base part 10 may be formed of any suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the base part 10 is formed of a wood-based material.

[0182] The kit of parts may also comprise: [0183] a first base part 10 having a handle portion 11 and an interface portion 12, and [0184] a second base part 10 having a handle portion 11 and an interface portion 12, [0185] wherein the first base part 10 is formed of a wood-based material and the second base part 10 is formed of polymer-based material.

[0186] In such a kit of parts is each one of the head parts 20 configured to be separably interconnected by their respective interconnection portion 22 to the interconnection of either one of the first or second base parts 10 allowing the respective base part 10 to be used over a period of time and to be interconnected with each of the plurality of head parts 20, one at the time, during said period of time. Such a kit of parts may be illustrated as any of the kit of parts discussed above in combination with the box indicated KOP1b and the box indicated KOP1c. In a design like this it is possible to e.g., have a more exclusive first, wood-based base part 10 at home and a second, polymer-based base part 10 in the toilet bag ready for travelling. Alternatively, the second, polymer-based base part 10 may be hollow and carry electronics providing additional functionality.

[0187] In FIGS. 7a-c, there is disclosed a head part 10 basically being formed as a hollowed out cylinder. This design is intended to be manufactured from a polymer-based material. This design is intended to be manufactured using an injection moulding process or any similar process where polymer-based material is heated and formed in a mould. The base part 10 is basically formed of a hollowed out cylinder forming a handle 11 and the end opposite the interconnection portion 12 is closed by an end cap 18. The interior space was during the moulding process occupied by a core of the moulding tool. The core of the moulding tool was inserted into the cavity from proximal end of the base part 10 and the opening necessarily formed to allow the core to be withdrawn is closed by the end cap 18. It may be noted that in this embodiment, both the handle portion 11 and the protruding interconnection portion 12 are hollow. The wall thickness is about the same in the hollow handle portion 11 and in the hollow protruding interconnection portion 12. This is beneficial from a manufacturing perspective since it facilitates a quick and uniform injection of the molten polymer-based material and since it facilitates a quick and uniform cooling of the injection moulded base part 10. However, the wall thickness may alternatively be different in the handle portion 11 compared to the wall thickness in the protruding interconnection portion 12.

[0188] The end cap 18 has a sleeve portion 18a intended to be inserted into the distal end of the base part 10, i.e., the distal end of the hollow handle portion 11. The sleeve portion 18a may be provided with a ring shaped protrusion or groove 18b configured to interact with a corresponding ring shaped protrusion or groove 11b formed on the inside surface 11c of the hollow handle part 11. The end cap 18 may be made of a polymer-based material or of wood, or of any other suitable material.

[0189] It may be noted that the base part 10 shown in FIGS. 7a-c, may be manufactured from other materials than a polymer-based material. It may e.g., be made of wood.

[0190] The inner diameter of the hollow handle portion 11 and the inner diameter of the protruding interconnection portion 12 may be different as shown in FIG. 7b. However, it is also conceivable to design a hollow base part 10 such that there is the same inner diameter in both the handle portion 11 and the protruding interconnection portion 12. In such a case, the wall thickness will be larger of the handle portion 11 compared to the wall thickness of the protruding interconnection portion 12. This latter design with a uniform inner diameter through the handle portion 11 and the protruding interconnection portion 12 may e.g., be useful if the hollow base part 10 is formed of wood and the hollowed out is provided by a drilling operation using a drill or milling tool.

[0191] However, it should be noted that a drilling operation does not necessarily require a uniform inner diameter. A base part 10 having a wider inner diameter in the handle portion 11 and compared to the inner diameter in 5 the protruding interconnection portion 12, as shown in FIG. 7b, may also be manufactured using a drilling operation. It could e.g., be manufactured with the aid of a drill or milling tool having a comparably narrow tip extending into the protruding interconnection portion 12 and a comparably wider body portion forming the inner diameter of the handle portion 11.

[0192] The interior hollow space may be used to receive electronic components providing additional functionality to the dividable dental care product.

[0193] In FIGS. 8a-c, there is disclosed a head part 10 basically being formed as a hollowed out cylinder. This design may be used for different kinds of materials and is e.g., intended to be manufactured from a wood-based material. This design may be manufactured using a drilling operation. A bore is drilled into the handle 11. The opening of the bore is closed by the end cap 18.

[0194] In this embodiment, the protruding interconnection portion 12 has not been hollowed-out. The protruding interconnection portion 12 may be a solid piece of material.

[0195] It may be noted that the base part 10 shown in FIGS. 8a-c, may be manufactured from other materials than wood. It may e.g., be made of a polymer-based material.

[0196] Also, in this embodiment, the end cap 18 has a sleeve portion 18a intended to be inserted into the distal end of the base part 10, i.e., the distal end of the hollow handle portion 11. The sleeve portion 18a may be provided with a ring shaped protrusion or groove 18b configured to interact with a corresponding ring shaped protrusion or groove 11b formed on the inside surface 11c of the hollow handle part 11. If the handle portion 11 is manufactured of wood it is considered suitable that the ring shaped protrusion or groove 11b formed on the inside surface 11c of the hollow handle part 11 is a groove formed on the inside surface 11c, the groove thereby extending into the wall of the handle portion 11.

[0197] In this context it may also be noted that although it has been discussed that the base part 10 may be of a polymer-based material or of wood, also other materials are conceivable. One material to mention in this context is a polymer-wood hybrid material, such as a polymer-based material with organic matter, such as wood fibre, cellulose fibre or other plant based matter mixed into the polymer-based material. This may be used to improve the environmental impact and/or to improve the mechanical strength of the polymer-based material.

[0198] Even though it is preferred that the dividable dental care product is designed in accordance with the disclosure in the detailed disclosure of preferred embodiments and the appended drawings, it should be noted that a specific preferred embodiment of a specific component does not necessarily have to be combined with a specific embodiment of another component. Thus, advantages associated with a specific embodiment, including one or more features, of a specific component may be accomplished even though the other components are designed in accordance with the more general disclosure under the summary of the invention rather than being defined in accordance with the specific embodiment disclosed in the detailed description. This is e.g., true when it comes to the specific design of the head part and of the base part. Some, or all, details disclosed as a preferred embodiment of may e.g., be included in respect of the head part, whereas the base part may be designed in accordance with the more general disclosure under the summary of invention, or vice versa.

[0199] It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0200] It may e.g., be noted that although the external envelope surface of the protruding portion of the base part and the internal envelope surface of the tubular portion of the head part are disclosed as being tapered, one or both may be cylindrical. If an envelope surface will be cylindrical, typically the imaginary surface formed by the tips of the threading will also be cylindrical and thereby the height of the threading profile will be the same along the central axis. It is also conceivable to have combinations thereof, such as having a cylindrical portion followed by a conical portion, or vice versa, or having a first conical portion followed by a second conical portion having a different slope, or even having a number of such combinations one after the other along the central axis.

[0201] It is also conceivable that the imaginary surface formed by the tips of the threading is conical with the same angle as the external envelope surface of the protruding portion of the base part respectively the internal envelope surface of the tubular portion of the head part. In such a case the height of the threading profile will be the same along the central axis.

[0202] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.