ORAL HYGIENE MEANS

Abstract

An oral hygiene means with at least one application unit has a base body, and at least one handle unit which has a base body. The oral hygiene means includes at least one coupling unit for a releasable coupling of the application unit with the handle unit, the coupling unit including a first coupling element which is fixedly connected with the handle unit, and a second coupling element which corresponds to the first coupling element and is fixedly connected with the application unit, wherein the first coupling element delimits at least one orientation groove extending at least substantially along a main extension direction of the handle unit, and the second coupling element includes at least one inside-situated guide ridge extending at least substantially along a main extension direction of the application unit and configured to engage in the orientation groove in a coupled state of the coupling unit.

Claims

1. An oral hygiene means, with at least one application unit which has a base body, and with at least one handle unit, which has a base body, further comprising at least one coupling unit for a releasable coupling of the application unit with the handle unit, the coupling unit comprising a first coupling element which is fixedly connected with the handle unit, and a second coupling element which corresponds to the first coupling element and is fixedly connected with the application unit, wherein the first coupling element delimits at least one orientation groove extending at least substantially along a main extension direction of the handle unit, and the second coupling element comprises at least one inside-situated guide ridge extending at least substantially along a main extension direction of the application unit and configured to engage in the orientation groove in a coupled state of the coupling unit.

2.-16. (canceled)

17. An oral hygiene means with at least one application unit which has a base body, and with at least one handle unit, which has a base body, wherein the handle unit comprises at least one material volume body and at least one substantial hollow-space structure which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body and which extends at least over a substantial portion of a main extent of the at least one handle unit, wherein the material volume body has at least three recesses, via which the hollow-space structure is connected to an environment in at least one direction respectively.

18. The oral hygiene means according to claim 17, wherein the directions in which the at least three recesses connect the hollow-space structure to an environment are angled by at least 80 relative to one another, starting from a geometric center point of the hollow-space structure.

19. The oral hygiene means according to claim 17, wherein the hollow-space structure is completely enclosed by the material volume body in at least one plane parallel to a main extension plane of the handle unit.

20. The oral hygiene means according to claim 17, wherein the material volume body has at least two at least substantially oval recesses, a first recess being arranged on a front side of the handle unit and a second recess being arranged on a rear side of the handle unit, offset from the first recess along the main extension direction of the handle unit.

21. The oral hygiene means according to claim 20, wherein the material volume body has at least two at least substantially semi-oval recesses, which are arranged on a front side of the handle unit, the at least substantially semi-oval recesses being arranged along a main extension direction of the handle unit at a level of the second oval recess.

22. The oral hygiene means according to claim 21, wherein the material volume body has at least two further at least substantially semi-oval recesses, which are arranged on a rear side of the handle unit, the further at least substantially semi-oval recesses being arranged along a main extension direction of the handle unit at a level of the first oval recess.

23. The oral hygiene means according to claim 21, wherein the at least substantially semi-oval recesses extend at least substantially perpendicularly to a main extension plane of the handle unit, wherein the at least substantially semi-oval recesses do not extend through a middle plane that extends parallel to the main extension plane through a geometric center point of the handle unit.

24. The oral hygiene means according to claim 20, wherein the at least substantially oval recesses extend at least substantially perpendicularly to a main extension plane of the handle unit, wherein the at least substantially oval recesses extend through a middle plane that extends parallel to the main extension plane through a geometric center point of the handle unit.

25. The oral hygiene means according to claim 20, wherein there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the handle unit and which extends, free from an intersection point with the material volume body, through the at least one first oval recess and the at least one second oval recess.

26. The oral hygiene means according to claim 21, wherein at least two at least substantially semi-oval recesses open into the second oval recess.

27. The oral hygiene means according to claim 20, wherein the material volume body is sloped towards the first oval recess and forms a thumb-gripping region.

28. The oral hygiene means according to claim 17, wherein the hollow-space structure is at least approximately completely covered by the material volume body from the front.

29. The oral hygiene means according to claim 17, wherein the material volume body has in at least one region at least five strand elements, which are spaced apart from one another in a first region of the handle unit and are arranged in a contacting manner in at least one second region of the handle unit.

30. An application unit of an oral hygiene means according to claim 1.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0132] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Three exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features individually and will find further expedient combinations.

[0133] In the drawings:

[0134] FIG. 1 shows an oral hygiene means according to the invention, with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit, in a perspective view from the front,

[0135] FIG. 2 shows the oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit, in a perspective view from the rear,

[0136] FIG. 3 shows a front side of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit, in a schematic illustration,

[0137] FIG. 4 shows a side of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit, in a schematic illustration,

[0138] FIG. 5 shows a rear side of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit, in a schematic illustration,

[0139] FIG. 6 shows the oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit, in a sectional view along the section line A-A in FIG. 3,

[0140] FIG. 7 shows the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a perspective view from the front,

[0141] FIG. 8 shows the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a perspective view from the rear,

[0142] FIG. 9 shows a front side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0143] FIG. 10 shows a side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0144] FIG. 11 shows a rear side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0145] FIG. 12 shows the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic plan view in the longitudinal axis direction,

[0146] FIG. 13 shows the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line B-B in FIG. 10,

[0147] FIG. 14 shows the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line A-A in FIG. 9,

[0148] FIG. 15 shows a partial cutout of a side of the handle unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0149] FIG. 16 shows a first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line C-C in FIG. 15,

[0150] FIG. 17 shows the first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line D-D in FIG. 15,

[0151] FIG. 18 shows the first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line E-E in FIG. 15,

[0152] FIG. 19 shows the first coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line F-F in FIG. 15,

[0153] FIG. 20 shows the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a perspective view from the front,

[0154] FIG. 21 shows the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a perspective view from the rear,

[0155] FIG. 22 shows a front side of the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0156] FIG. 23 shows a side of the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0157] FIG. 24 shows a rear side of the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic illustration,

[0158] FIG. 25 shows the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a schematic plan view in the longitudinal axis direction from below,

[0159] FIG. 26 shows the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line A-A in FIG. 22,

[0160] FIG. 27 shows the application unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line B-B in FIG. 23,

[0161] FIG. 28 shows a second coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line G-G in FIG. 23,

[0162] FIG. 29 shows the second coupling element of the coupling unit of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, in a sectional view along the section line H-H in FIG. 23,

[0163] FIG. 30 shows an alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with an application unit and a handle unit, in a perspective view from the front,

[0164] FIG. 31 shows the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a perspective view from the rear,

[0165] FIG. 32 shows a front side of the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a schematic illustration,

[0166] FIG. 33 shows a side of the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a schematic illustration,

[0167] FIG. 34 shows a rear side of the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a schematic illustration,

[0168] FIG. 35 shows the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a sectional view along the section line I-I in FIG. 33,

[0169] FIG. 36 shows the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a sectional view along the section line J-J in FIG. 33,

[0170] FIG. 37 shows the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a sectional view along the section line K-K in FIG. 33,

[0171] FIG. 38 shows the alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit and the handle unit, in a sectional view along the section line L-L in FIG. 33,

[0172] FIG. 39 shows an alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with an application unit, a handle unit and a coupling unit, in a perspective view from the front,

[0173] FIG. 40 shows a side of the oral hygiene means according to the invention, with the application unit, the handle unit and the coupling unit, in a schematic exploded view, and

[0174] FIG. 41 shows an alternative oral hygiene means according to the invention, with an application unit and a handle unit, in a perspective view from the front.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0175] FIG. 1 shows a front side 82a of an oral hygiene means 10a, in a schematic perspective view. In the present case, the oral hygiene means 10a is realized as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10a is realized as a manual toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10a is realized as an exchangeable-head toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10a could also be realized as a flosser, a single-tuft brush, an interdental cleaner, a tongue cleaner or the like. In addition, combined oral hygiene means 10a are conceivable, which combine at least two different functions, for example a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massaging elements or the like.

[0176] The oral hygiene means 10a comprises an application unit 12a. The oral hygiene means 10a further comprises a handle unit 16a. The handle unit 16a is realized as a manual handle unit 16a. The at least one handle unit 16a is made of a single material.

[0177] In the following, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 29, which show different views of the oral hygiene means 10a, the handle unit 16a and the application unit 12a. Since there are different views, some elements are not shown in all the figures and are accordingly not provided with reference numerals in all the figures.

[0178] The oral hygiene means 10a has a longitudinal axis 38a, a height axis 122a and a width axis 124a. The longitudinal axis 38a is arranged parallel to a main extension direction 126a of the oral hygiene means 10a. The longitudinal axis 38a is furthermore equivalent to a longitudinal axis of the handle unit 16a. If the oral hygiene means 10a is placed with its rear side 84a on a flat surface, such that the longitudinal axis 38a is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 122a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a and perpendicular to the surface and to the width axis 124a. The width axis 124a is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a and perpendicular to the height axis 122a. In the present case, the oral hygiene means 10a has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene means 10a, of 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably of 180 mm to 200 mm. Furthermore, the oral hygiene means 10a has a maximum width, in particular parallel to the width axis 124a of the oral hygiene means 10a, of 10 mm to 20 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 17 mm. The oral hygiene means 10a further has-without bristles-a height, in particular measured parallel to the height axis 38a, of 10 mm to 17 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 15 mm.

[0179] The application unit 12a is realized as a plug-on part. The application unit 12a is realized so as to be separable, in particular separable without tools, from the handle unit 16a. The application unit 12a is realized by way of example as a plug-on brush. In principle, however, a different implementation of the application unit 12a, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, would also be conceivable. The application unit 12a has a base body 14a. The application unit 12a comprises a head region 94a. The head region 94a forms a brush head of the oral hygiene means 10a. In the present case, the head region 94a is realized as a toothbrush head. The head region 94a in particular has a base body that is realized as a bristle carrier. A base body of the head region 94a is realized completely from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable that the base body of the head region 94a is made of a hard component and a soft component. The base body of the head region 94a forms a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene means 10a further comprises a cleaning zone 96a, which is accommodated in the head region 94a and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. At least one recess is formed on the front side 82a of the head region 94a. The at least one recess is configured to receive a bristle bundle. The head region 94a has a plurality of recesses. The recesses are realized as bristle holes. Any suitable bristles are possible, which may for example be punched on in the anchor-punching method, as has been described above In principle, using anchor-free methods would also be conceivable. In this way, an anchor-free oral hygiene means 10a, and thus an oral hygiene means 10a without metal, could be provided as the anchor wire can be dispensed with. In the case of certain anchor-free methods, a recess, configured to accommodate a platelet parallel to the handle unit 16a, is provided in the head region 94a. The platelet is in particular produced by an injection-molding method, with the platelet being already furnished with bristles before the fastening. The platelet is configured to be anchored in the recess of the head region 94a, in particular by welding. Bristle bundles may differ with regard to their length, their composition, their number of bristles, a bristle material, a color, a surface structuring and the like. Likewise, angles at which the bristles and/or the bristle bundles are arranged relative to one another or to a surface of the base body of the head region 94a may vary between bristles and/or between bristle bundles. In the present case, the application unit 12a moreover comprises at least one neck region 98a, which in particular connects the head region 94a to the handle unit 16a via a coupling unit 20a. The neck region 98a forms a neck. The base body 14a of the application unit 12a comprises the head region 94a and the neck region 98a.

[0180] The application unit 12a is arranged on the upper side of the oral hygiene means 10a. The application unit 12a forms an uppermost point of the oral hygiene means 10a. By way of example, the application unit 12a is made completely of a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable that the application unit 12a is made partly of a soft component and partly of a hard component. With regard to suitable soft and/or hard components, reference is made to the above description. In principle, the application unit 12a may comprise at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element may in particular have nubs and/or lamellae. The tongue cleaner element is preferably arranged on the rear side of the head region 94a, and it may in particular be arranged on a ring made of a soft component and/or on an island made of a hard component.

[0181] The neck region 98a forms a transition between the application unit 12a and a second coupling element 24a of the coupling unit 20a. The neck region 98a is made of the hard component. The neck region 98a is realized integrally with the head region 94a. The head region 94a and the neck region 98a form the base body 14a of the application unit 12a.

[0182] The handle unit 16a has a base body 18a. The handle unit 16a furthermore has a material volume body 62a and a substantial hollow-space structure 64a. The material volume body 62a forms the base body 18a. The substantial hollow-space structure 64a is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 62a. The hollow-space structure 64a is realized as a continuous hollow space in the handle unit 16a. In the present case, the hollow-space structure 64a is realized as precisely one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 64a extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 66a of the handle unit 16a. The hollow-space structure 64a extends at least approximately from a rear end of the handle unit 16a to a first coupling element 22a of the coupling unit 20a.

[0183] In at least one plane parallel to a main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a, the hollow-space structure 64a is completely enclosed by the material volume body 62a. In the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a, the hollow-space structure 64a is completely enclosed by the material volume body 62a. In at least one cross section transverse to a main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a, the hollow-space structure 64a is surrounded by the material volume body 62a. The volume body 62a has at least one recess 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, via which the hollow-space structure 64a is connected to an environment. The material volume body 62a has several defined recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a. Apart from the recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a, the material volume body 62a completely delimits the hollow-space structure 64a. The recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a are realized so as to be unconnected, each having a cross-section area of at most 2.5 cm.sup.2. The hollow-space structure 64a is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 16a. In a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 64a, the material volume body 62a has a small wall thickness. The material volume body 62a has at least three recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a via which the hollow-space structure 64a is connected to an environment in at least one direction respectively. Herein the directions are in each case angled by at least 80 relative to one another, starting from a geometric center point of the hollow-space structure 64a. The recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a have different orientations. Furthermore, the recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a in each case do not extend completely through the handle unit 16a. The recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a form a pattern on a surface of the handle unit 16a. The resulting pattern is in particular symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 38a.

[0184] The material volume body 62a has at least two substantially oval recesses 68a, 70a. The material volume body 62a has at least one first oval recess 68a and at least one second oval recess 70a. The at least one first recess 68a is arranged on the front side 82a of the handle unit 16a. The at least one second recess 70a is arranged on the rear side 84a of the handle unit 16a. The second recess 70a is arranged on a rear side 84a of the handle unit 16a, along the main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a offset with respect to the first recess 68a on the front side 82a. The first recess 68a and the second recess 70a are thus not congruent. The material volume body 62a has several first recesses 68a and several second recesses 70a, wherein the first and second recesses 68a, 70a alternate along the longitudinal axis 38a, such that the recesses 68a on the front side 82a and the recesses 70a of the rear side 84a alternate. The material volume body 62a has two to eight, preferably two to six, first recesses 68a and two to eight, preferably two to six, second recesses 70a. By way of example, the material volume body 62a has precisely three first recesses 68a and precisely three second recesses 70a. Herein smaller and larger recesses 68a, 70a are provided, wherein the smaller recesses 68a, 70a have a length of 12 mm to 21 mm, preferably of 14 mm to 18 mm, and larger recesses 70a have a length of 20 mm to 38 mm, preferably of 28 mm to 35 mm. Precisely one larger second recess 70a is arranged in a region of an embossing surface 100a. The larger second recess 70a is realized as a lowermost second recess 70a. No larger first recesses 68a are provided. The width of the individual recess 68a, 70a is 4 mm to 13 mm, preferably 5.5 mm to 11 mm. On each side the distance between the recesses 68a, 70a is in the case of the smaller recesses 68a, 70a 20 mm to 45 mm, preferably 25 mm to 35 mm, from the center of the recess 68a, 70a to the center of the recess 68a, 70a. Furthermore, the recesses 68a, 70a are in each case laterally delimited on both sides by a wall 102a of the material volume body 62a, wherein a wall thickness laterally of the oval recesses 68a, 70a is 1 mm to 8 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 5 mm. Respectively one web 104a is arranged between the first recesses 68a. Furthermore, respectively one web 106a is likewise arranged between the second recesses 70a. The webs 104a, 106a are realized at least partially in an X-shape. The recesses 68a, 70a are delimited in the longitudinal direction by the webs 104a, 106a of the material volume body 62a. The webs 104a, 106a have a minimum width of 2.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 3 mm to 4 mm, and a maximum width, in particular in a region of the embossing surface 100a, of 6 mm to 12 mm, preferably 7 mm to 10 mm. A lowermost web 104a on the front side 82a forms the embossing surface 100a. The embossing surface 100a serves to provide a surface for applying lettering or logos, for example by embossing. The first recesses 68a extend on the front side 82a in each case as far as the web 106a on the rear side 84a, while the second recesses 70a on the rear side 84a extend as far as a web 104a on the front side 82a. The oval recesses 68a, 70a extend at least substantially perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a, wherein the oval recesses 68a, 70a extend through a middle plane that extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a through a geometric center point of the handle unit 16a. This in particular results in a small height of the webs 104a, 106a. The height of the webs 104a, 106a is 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm. The first recesses 68a are arranged on a front side 82a of the handle unit 16a, distributed along a middle axis. The second recesses 70a are arranged on the rear side 84a of the handle unit 16a and are offset with respect to the first recesses 68a. The second recesses 70a are arranged along the longitudinal axis 38a, in each case with a center point offset with respect to the first recesses 68a. The second recesses 70a are always arranged along the longitudinal axis 38a between the first recesses 68a. In particular, break-throughs which form the hollow-space structure are realized between the recesses 68a, 70a. The break-throughs are the result of intersecting recesses 68a, 70a. The first recesses 68a and the second recesses 70a are arranged in such a way that they overlap in an inner space of the handle unit 16a. All the first and second recesses 68a, 70a are connected to one another via break-throughs, such that a large hollow space is formed which extends over a large portion of a main extent 66a of the handle unit 16a.

[0185] The material volume body 62a moreover has at least two at least substantially semi-oval recesses 72a, which are arranged on a front side 82a of the handle unit 16a. The at least substantially semi-oval recesses 72a are arranged along the main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a at a level of the second oval recesses 70a. The semi-oval recesses 72a on the front side 82a are arranged opposite the second oval recesses 70a. On the front side 82a, the semi-oval recesses 72a are arranged laterally offset with respect to the first oval recesses 68a. The material volume body 62a has on the front side 82a two to sixteen, preferably two to twelve, semi-oval recesses 72a. By way of example, the material volume body 62a has precisely six semi-oval recesses 72a. The semi-oval recesses 72a are arranged on an outer edge of the front side 82a. On the front side 82a, the lowermost semi-oval recesses 72a are realized as larger recesses 72a, wherein the embossing surface 100a is arranged between the larger semi-oval recesses 72a. The semi-oval recesses 72a on the front side 82a are respectively arranged to the left and to the right of the webs 104a. The semi-oval recesses 72a are respectively arranged on the front side 82a as pairs, wherein the pairs of semi-oval recesses 72a are respectively arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis 38a at the same height. The semi-oval recesses 72a open into one of the second oval recesses 70a. The semi-oval recesses 72a on the front side 82a respectively form a break-through to a second oval recess 70a on the rear side 84a. The break-throughs are realized at least partially laterally and towards the front side 82a. On the front side 82a, the semi-oval recesses 72a respectively form the last recesses 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a at the bottom. On the front side 82a, the semi-oval recesses 72a respectively form a termination at the bottom. On the rear side 84a, the large second oval recess 70a forms the last recess 68a, 70a, 72a, 74a at the bottom. On the rear side 84a, the large second oval recess 70a forms a termination at the bottom. The semi-oval recesses 72a extend as far as the lateral edge of the handle unit 16a. The semi-oval recesses 72a are open towards one side and taper out towards an edge of the volume body 62a.

[0186] The material volume body 62a furthermore has at least two further recesses 74a, which are at least substantially semi-oval and are arranged on a rear side 84a of the handle unit 16a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are arranged along the main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a at a level of the first oval recess 68a. On the rear side 84a, the further semi-oval recesses 74a are arranged laterally offset with respect to the second oval recesses 70a. The material volume body 62a has on the rear side 84a two to sixteen, preferably two to twelve, further semi-oval recesses 74a. By way of example, the material volume body 62a has on the rear side 84a six further semi-oval recesses 74a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are arranged on an outer edge of the rear side 84a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are respectively arranged as pairs on the rear side 84a, wherein the pairs of semi-oval recesses 74a are respectively arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis 38a at the same level. The further semi-oval recesses 74a open into one of the first oval recesses 68a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a on the rear side 84a respectively form a break-through to one of the first oval recesses 68a on the front side 82a. The break-throughs are realized at least partly laterally and towards a front side. The further semi-oval recesses 74a extend as far as the lateral edge of the handle unit 16a. The further semi-oval recesses 74a are open towards a side and taper out towards an edge of the volume body 62a.

[0187] The at least substantially semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a extend at least substantially perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a, wherein the semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a do not extend through a middle plane that extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a through a geometric center point of the handle unit 16a. The semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a are introduced into the volume body 62a at least substantially perpendicularly to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a.

[0188] The first oval recesses 68a, the second oval recesses 70a and the semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a are larger in a longitudinal direction than in a transverse direction. The semi-oval recesses 72a, 74a form lateral interruptions in the outer shape of the volume body 62a, wherein a continuous web 108a, which forms the walls 102a, is provided on both sides-in each case in the longitudinal direction-between the semi-oval recesses 72a of the front side 82a and the further semi-oval recesses 74a of the rear side 84a. A shape separation 110a extends on the webs 108a. The shape separation 110a has a continuous progression without jumps and proceeds continuously towards the coupling unit 20a and/or the neck region 98a of the application unit 12a.

[0189] Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicularly to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and which extends free from an intersection point with the material volume body 62a through the first oval recess 68a and the second oval recess 70a. The imaginary straight line herein extends through a break-through between the first oval recess 68a and the second oval recess 70a. Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicularly to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and which extends free from an intersection point with the material volume body 62a through one of the semi-oval recesses 72a and the at least one second oval recess 70a. There is also an imaginary straight line which extends perpendicularly to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and which extends free from an intersection point with the material volume body 62a through one of the further semi-oval recesses 74a and the at least one first oval recess 68a. Furthermore, there is an imaginary straight line which extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 38a and which extends free from an intersection point with the material volume body 62a through two of the semi-oval recesses 72a and the at least one second oval recess 70a. There is moreover an imaginary straight line which extends parallel to the main extension plane 80a of the handle unit 16a and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 38a and which extends free from an intersection point with the material volume body 62a through two of the further semi-oval recesses 74a and the at least one first oval recess 68a.

[0190] The material volume body 62a is sloped towards one of the first oval recesses 68a and forms a thumb-gripping region 86a. The material volume body 62a is sloped towards the uppermost first oval recess 68a and forms the thumb-gripping region 86a. One of the webs 104a on the front side 82a, and the walls 102a of the material volume body 62a which delimit the uppermost first oval recess 68a, are chamfered towards the uppermost first oval recess 68a. The thumb-gripping region 86a is realized partly with the chamfer and partly with the recess 68a. The uppermost first oval recess 68a is realized in the shape of an ellipse with a longitudinal axis in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38a of the handle unit 16a. As a result, a depression is formed which allows optimum placement of the thumb. On a rear side facing away from the thumb-gripping region 86a, one of the webs 106a is arranged which is at the rear rounded concavely against the longitudinal axis 38a for a placement of the index finger. The web 106a forms an index finger gripping region 112a.

[0191] The oral hygiene means 10a further comprises the coupling unit 20a for a releasable coupling of the application unit 12a with the handle unit 16a. The coupling unit 20a serves for an exchange of the application unit 12a on the handle unit 16a. The coupling unit 20a comprises the first coupling element 22a. The coupling unit 20a further comprises a second coupling element 24a, which corresponds to the first coupling element 22a. The first coupling element 22a forms an interface projection while the second coupling element 24a forms an interface receptacle. The second coupling element 24a delimits an interface receptacle. The first coupling element 22a is fixedly connected with the handle unit 16a. The first coupling element 22a is realized integrally with the handle unit 16a. The first coupling element 22a is realized integrally with the material volume body 62a. The first coupling element 22a is realized integrally with the material volume body 62a on a side of the handle unit 16a that faces towards the application unit 12a. The first coupling element 22a is realized as an interface projection which at least partially projects from the volume body 62a of the handle unit 16a. The second coupling element 24a is realized fixedly with the application unit 12a. The second coupling element 24a is realized integrally with the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The second coupling element 24a is arranged on a side of the application unit 12a that faces away from the head region 94a. The second coupling element 24a is arranged at an end of the neck region 98a that faces away from the head region 94a. The second coupling element 24a is arranged in the neck region 98a of the application unit 12a. The coupling unit 20a is configured for a rotationally fix coupling of the first coupling element 22a with the second coupling element 24a.

[0192] The first coupling element 22a comprises a base body 34a having a conical basic shape. A middle axis 36a of the base body 34a is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis 38a of the handle unit 16a. The conical basic shape is constructed so as to be straight in itself, wherein the rear sideand thus the outer cone surfaceof the base body 34a is interrupted by an orientation groove 28a. The angle of the outer cone surfaces of the base body 34a with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base body 34a is 4 to 15, preferably 5.5 to 9, the outer cone surfaces being symmetrical. The length of the base body 34a on the side, measured on the surface and measured from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit 16a, is 8 mm to 30 mm, preferably 15 mm to 25 mm. Furthermore, the length of the base body 34a on the front side, measured on the surface and measured from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit 16a, is 15 mm to 35 mm, preferably 22 mm to 32 mm. The length of the base body 34a on the rear side, measured on the surface and measured from the free end to a transition edge to the handle unit 16a, is 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably 17 mm to 27 mm. The width of the base body 34a, measured from side to side at the highest point of a transition geometry from the handle unit 16a to the base body 34a, and measured perpendicular to the plug-on direction, is 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 7 mm to 11 mm. Furthermore, the width of the base body 34a, measured from side to side at the free end and measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38a, is 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm.

[0193] The second coupling element 24a has a ring-shaped base body 44a. The ring-shaped base body 44a is open downwards, towards the handle unit 16a and tapers conically towards the application unit 12a. The ring-shaped base body 44a is realized so as to correspond to the base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a. The base body 44a has a material thickness of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 2 mm. The base body 44a has a material thickness that provides a certain flexibility.

[0194] Furthermore, the first coupling element 22a delimits an orientation groove 28a extending at least substantially along a main extension direction 26a of the handle unit 16a. The base body 34a delimits the orientation groove 28a. The orientation groove 28a extends over an entire extent of the first coupling element 22a. The orientation groove 28a is arranged on a rear side of the first coupling element 22a. Further, the orientation groove 28a is open towards the rear and towards the top. Towards a free end, towards the application unit 12a, the orientation groove 28a is open. Towards the handle unit 16a, the orientation groove 28a is closed and merges into the handle unit 16a. The orientation groove 28a extends along the longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene means 10a over an entire extent of the first coupling element 22a. The orientation groove 28a runs in a straight line. A bottom of the orientation groove 28a runs at least approximately parallel to a main extension direction of the first coupling element 22a. An angle between the bottom of the orientation groove 28a and the longitudinal axis 38a is 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 5. A depth of the orientation groove 28a increases from a free end towards the handle unit 16a. The orientation groove 28a is arranged such that a middle axis is offset from the longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene means 10a. The length of the orientation groove 28a, measured at the bottom of the orientation groove 28a, is 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably 15 mm to 25 mm. The width of the orientation groove 28a at the free end is 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 3.5 mm, wherein in particular demolding slopes and/or insertion slopes are provided in the longitudinal direction. At an end facing towards the handle unit 16a, the orientation groove 28a has at the bottom a width of 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 2.5 mm, and at the top a width of 2 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Furthermore, the orientation groove 28a in particular has at its free end a depth of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, and at the end facing towards the handle unit 16a it has a depth of 2 mm to 8 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. The orientation groove 28a has a rounded, preferably C-shaped cross section.

[0195] The second coupling element 24a furthermore has an inside-situated guide ridge 30a extending at least substantially along a main extension direction 32a of the application unit 12a. The guide ridge 30a is encompassed by the ring-shaped base body 44a. The guide ridge 30a is configured to engage in the orientation groove 28a in a coupled state of the coupling unit 20a. The guide ridge 30a can be introduced into the orientation groove 28a in different rotational positions around a longitudinal axis 38a of the oral hygiene means 10a, wherein with increasing engagement of the first coupling element 22a in the second coupling element 24a, the second coupling element 24a is oriented into a final angle position. The guide ridge 30a projects perpendicularly to a middle axis of the second coupling element 24a into a receiving region of the second coupling element 24a for the first coupling element 22a. The guide ridge 30a starts directly at an open end of the second coupling element 24a and extends in the receiving region of the second coupling element 24a for accommodating the first coupling element 22a. The guide ridge 30a is realized integrally with the application unit 12a. The guide ridge 30a is furthermore arranged symmetrically on the longitudinal middle axis. At an end facing towards the handle unit 16a, the guide ridge 30a has a height of 3 mm to 7 mm, preferably of 4 mm to 6 mm, and at an end facing towards the application unit 12a in the receiving region, the guided ridge 30 has a height of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. The guide ridge 30a furthermore has on its crest a width of 1 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, wherein the crest is of rounded design. Where it starts at a base body 44a of the second coupling element 24a, the guide ridge 30a has a width of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm. A length of the guide ridge 30a, measured at the upper edge of the crest, is 10 mm to 40 mm, preferably 15 mm to 30 mm. The guide ridge 30a has a triangular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0196] Furthermore, the first coupling element 22a comprises a first latching means 40a. The first latching means 40a is realized as a latching projection. The first latching means 40a is arranged in the orientation groove 28a. The first latching means 40a is arranged in an end region of the orientation groove 28a that faces towards the handle unit 16a. The first latching means 40a is arranged on a bottom of the orientation groove 28a. The first latching means 40a is realized as a trapezoidal elevation in the orientation groove 28a. In a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first coupling element 22a, the first latching means 40a has a trapezoidal cross section. The first latching means 40a has a height of 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. The first latching means 40a furthermore extends over an entire width of the orientation groove 28a. The first latching means 40a further has at the top, on a plateau of the trapezoidal cross section, a length of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, preferably of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. Furthermore, the first latching means 40a has at the bottom, where it starts, a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably of 2 mm to 3 mm. An angle of the legs of the trapezoidal cross section is 10 to 60, preferably 20 to 40. A distance between the first latching means 40a and the free end of the first coupling element 22a, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a from a center of the first latching means 40a, is 7 mm to 40 mm, preferably 15 mm to 25 mm.

[0197] Furthermore, the second coupling element 24a comprises, on a crest of the guide ridge 30a, a second latching means 42a, which is realized correspondingly to the first latching means 40a. The second latching means 42a is realized as a latching recess. The second latching means 42a is arranged in an end region of the second coupling element 24a that faces towards the handle unit 16a. The second latching means 42a is realized as a depression. The depression in particular has a depth of 0.15 mm to 0.55 mm, preferably of 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm. The second latching means 42a furthermore extends over an entire width of the guide ridge 30a. The length of the second latching means 42a that is realized as a depression is in the longitudinal direction 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. The side surfaces of the second latching means 42a that is realized as a depression have an angle of 10 to 60, preferably of 20 to 40, relative to the crest of the guide ridge 30a. The second latching means 42a is realized so as to correspond to the first latching means 40a. The guide ridge 30a further comprises, between the second latching means 42a and a fastening region 46a of the guide ridge 30a, in which the guide ridge 30a is connected to the base body 44a, a recess 48a that is configured to enable a deflection of the second latching means 42a towards the fastening region 46a. The recess 48a provides a certain flexibility for the second latching means 42a in the guide ridge 30a, since the depression and/or its edges may deflect somewhat.

[0198] The first coupling element 22a further comprises a further latching means 50a, which is arranged on a side of a base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a which is situated opposite the orientation groove 28a. The further latching means 50a is realized as a latching recess. The further latching means 50a is realized as a third latching means 50a and is arranged on a front side of the first coupling element 22a. The further latching means 50a is realized as a latching recess having a trapezoidal cross section. The side walls of the trapezoidal cross section have an angle of 100 to 175, preferably 130 to 170, with respect to the bottom. The third latching means 50a is realized symmetrically.

[0199] The length of the side walls results from the angles and from the intersection with the cone surface of the base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a. The third latching means 50a that is realized as a depression has a depth of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably of 1 mm to 1.7 mm. In terms of width, the third latching means 50a extends over the entire cone from left to right. No lateral boundary is provided. A length of the third latching means 50a in the longitudinal axis direction, at the top at the opening of the depression, is 3 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm. At the bottom, the length is 0.2 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. The third latching means 50a of the first coupling element 22a is arranged in a first end region 52a of the first coupling element 22a that faces towards the handle unit 16a. A distance between the third latching means 50a and a free end of the first coupling element 22a along the longitudinal axis 38a, measured from a center of the third latching means 50a, is 10 mm to 50 mm, preferably 15 mm to 30 mm. A distance between the first latching means 40a and the third latching means 50a along the longitudinal axis 38a, measured from a center of the first latching means 40a to a center of the third latching means 50a, is 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0200] The further latching means 50a of the first coupling element 22a is substantially larger than the first latching means 40a of the first coupling element 22a.

[0201] The second coupling element 24a further comprises a fourth latching means 114a, which is realized as a latching projection and is realized correspondingly to the third latching means 50a. The second coupling element 24a comprises two latching means 42a, 114a, namely the fourth latching means 114a on the front side, which is realized as a latching projection, in particular a latching cam, and the second latching means 42a on the rear side of the second coupling element 24a, which is realized as a depression. The fourth latching means 114a has a trapezoidal cross section. The fourth latching means 114a laterally has a direct transition to the base body 44a, such that no ledge is formed. The maximum height of the fourth latching means 114a relative to the surrounding geometry is 0.2 mm to 1.3 mm, preferably 0.4 mm to 1 mm. The width of the fourth latching means 114a substantially corresponds to a width of the receiving region of the second coupling element 24a. The fourth latching means 114a extends over an entire width of the receiving region of the second coupling element 24a. Furthermore, the length of the fourth latching means 114a in the longitudinal direction is at the top, on an elevation of the trapezoidal cross section, 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The angle of the legs of the trapezoidal cross section of the fourth latching means 114a, measured from the base body 44a, is 10 to 60, preferably 20 to 40.

[0202] The fourth latching means 114a of the second coupling element 24a is substantially larger than the second latching means 42a of the second coupling element 24a.

[0203] Beyond this, the first coupling element 22a comprises at least two supporting projections 54a, 56a, which are arranged on an outer side of the base body 34a and are configured, in a coupled state of the coupling unit 20a, to bear against an inner side of a base body 44a of the second coupling element 24a. The supporting projections 54a, 56a have an at least approximately rectangular or trapezoidal basic shape. The supporting projections 54a, 56a have a shape that follows the cone of the base body 34a. The supporting projections 54a, 56a are of substantially trapezoidal design, wherein a widest region points downwards. The shapes of the supporting projections 54a, 56a are adapted to a demolding. The edges of the supporting projections 54a, 56a are rounded. The supporting projections 54a, 56a are connected to the base body 34a of the first coupling element 22a via rounded edges. The supporting projections 54a, 56a have a height of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The supporting projections 54a, 56a are configured to compensate tolerances. The width of the supporting projections 54a, 56a transverse to the longitudinal axis 38a is at most 1.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably 2 mm to 3 mm, and at least 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. A length of the supporting projections 54a, 56a along the longitudinal axis 38a is 1 mm to 7 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 6 mm. Herein the length of the supporting projections 54a, 56a depends on a position of the respective supporting projection 54a, 56a. The supporting projections 54a, 56a are arranged in several positions and on different sides, offset in the longitudinal axis direction and around the base body 34a. The supporting projections 54a, 56a are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis 38a.

[0204] The first coupling element 22a comprises at least six primary supporting projections 54a of the supporting projections 54a, 56a, which are arranged in a band in a first end region 52a of the first coupling element 22a, which faces towards the handle unit 16a. The primary supporting projections 54a are arranged in the band partially offset with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis 38a, wherein the primary supporting projections 54a are arranged in such a way that they overlap along the longitudinal axis 38a. Measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, an upper edge of the band is spaced apart from the free end of the interface by 6 mm to 21 mm, preferably by 11 mm to 16 mm. The orientation groove 28a on the rear side extends through the band of primary supporting projections 54a. Measured in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 38a, the width of the band is 3 mm to 12 mm, preferably 5 mm to 8 mm. Measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, the minimum distance from the band to the handle unit 16a is 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. A number of the primary supporting projections 54a in said band is 4 to 10, preferably 5 to 7. By way of example, precisely six primary supporting projections 54a are provided, wherein all primary supporting projections 54a are arranged in the band. Different shapes and/or lengths of the supporting projections 54a are arranged in the band. Two primary supporting projections 54a are provided on the rear side at the orientation groove 28a. The two primary supporting projections 54a on the rear side are realized as long supporting projections 54a. In the case of said supporting projections 54a, one side bears against the groove edge of the orientation groove 28a. The two primary supporting projections 54a on the rear side have a length of 3 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, and a width of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 2.5 mm. Furthermore, two long primary supporting projections 54a are provided on the front side, which are arranged at a position in the band to the left and to the right of the center respectively. The long primary supporting projections 54a on the front side have a length of 1.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 4 mm, and a maximum width of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm. Furthermore, two short primary supporting projections 54a are provided, which are arranged laterally. The short primary supporting projections 54a have a length of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and a maximum width of 0.7 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.2 mm to 2.5 mm. By means of the supporting projections 54a, a support of the second coupling element 24a over small surfaces is achievable.

[0205] The first coupling element 22a comprises at least three secondary supporting projections 56a, which are arranged in a band in a second end region 58a of the first coupling element 22a, which faces away from the handle unit 16a. The number of secondary supporting projections 56a in said band is one to six, preferably two to four. By way of example, the first coupling element 22a comprises precisely three secondary supporting projections 56a, all of which are arranged in said band. The band of secondary supporting projections 56a is in particular arranged at the very end of the base body 34a directly at the edge. An edge of the secondary supporting projections 56a forms the terminal edge or a portion of the terminal edge of the base body 34a. The orientation groove 28a extends through the band of secondary supporting projections 56a. The width and/or the height of the band of secondary supporting projections 56a in particular correspond/s to the maximum length of the supporting projections 56a. The lower edges of the secondary supporting projections 56a form a contiguous geometry and are situated on the same plane of the base body 34a. The secondary supporting projections 56a have a length of 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. Of the secondary supporting projections 56a, one supporting projection 56a is arranged on the longitudinal axis 38a and two secondary supporting projections 56a are arranged symmetrically laterally directly at the edge of the base body 34a and directly at an edge of the orientation groove 28a. Herein an upper terminal edge of the base body 34a forms two sides of the base surface of the secondary supporting projections 56a.

[0206] The first coupling element 22a is free of supporting projections 54a, 56a in a middle region 59a that is arranged between the first end region 52a and the second end region 58a. Measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, measured between the terminal edges of the bands on the cone surface, a distance between the band of primary supporting projections 54a and the band of secondary supporting projections 56a is 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 8 mm to 12 mm. No further supporting projection 54a, 56a is arranged between the bands.

[0207] On a side facing towards the first coupling element 22a, the handle unit 16a has an end face 60a with a wave-shaped geometry. Following the geometry of the end face 60a, the first coupling element 22a is connected with the handle unit 16a on the end face 60a of the handle unit 16a. The wave-shaped end face 60a of the handle unit 16a forms a transition geometry, wherein the first coupling element 22a adjoins the end face 60a with a step. The wave-shaped end face 60a also extends into the orientation groove 28a and forms an end wall of the orientation groove 28a, wherein in order to enable demolding, a last portion of the end wall deviates from the outer wave shape of the end face 60a at a transition to the bottom. The wave-shaped end face 60a has a width that is constant perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 38a. A ledge from the first coupling element 22a to the handle unit 16a is provided on the end face 60a. A width of the ledge corresponds to the material thickness of the base body 44a of the second coupling element 24a, such that a continuous surface is formed in the plugged-on state. The second coupling element 24a has, on the base body 44a, an end face 128a that corresponds to the end face 60a. The ledge of the end face 60a has a width of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The ledge of the end face 60a includes an angle of at least approximately 90 with the longitudinal axis 38a. The ledge continues on the rear side, in particular into the orientation groove 28a. The profile of the end face 60a is visible on the surface of the plugged-together oral hygiene means 10a. The profile has a rounded shape and/or round transitions. In a circumferential wave-shaped geometry, the end face 60a forms a height profile that is lowered at the front and at the rear and is raised laterally to the left and right. The lowermost point on the front side 82a and on the rear side 84a is located in each case on the longitudinal axis 38a. A height difference between a front and a rear, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, is 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. A height difference between the front and the side, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, is 3 mm to 9 mm, preferably 5 mm to 7 mm. A height difference between the rear and the side, measured along the longitudinal axis 38a, is 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The height profile is designed such that the height difference is smaller at the rear than at the front. An angle between the front and the side, with respect to the longitudinal axis 38a, is 35 to 75, preferably 45 to 65. An angle between the rear and the side, with respect to the longitudinal axis 38a, is 10 to 50, preferably 20 to 35. The angle is steeper towards the front than towards the rear.

[0208] Three further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 30 to 41. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein with regard to components, features and functions that remain the same, reference may be made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 29. In order to distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 29 has been replaced by the letters b, c and d in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 30 to 41. With regard to components having the same denomination, in particular with regard to components having the same reference numerals, reference may in principle also be made to the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 29.

[0209] FIG. 30 shows a front side 82b of an oral hygiene means 10b, with an application unit 12b and with a handle unit 16b having a material volume body 62b which forms a base body 18b. The handle unit 16b is connected with the application unit 12b. By way of example, the handle unit 16b and the application unit 12b are realized integrally in this exemplary embodiment, whereas it would also be conceivable for the application unit 12b to be realized so as to be separable from the handle unit 16b via a coupling unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 29. The at least one application unit 12b comprises a head region 94b. The head region 94b forms a brush head of the oral hygiene means 10b. The head region 94b in particular has a base body that is realized as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene means 10b further has a cleaning zone 96b, which is accommodated in the head region 94b and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles.

[0210] The handle unit 16b furthermore has at least one substantial hollow-space structure 64b, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 62b. The hollow-space structure 64b is realized as one hollow space or several hollow spaces in the handle unit 16b. In the present case, the hollow-space structure 64b is realized as precisely two hollow spaces. The hollow-space structure 64b extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 66b of the handle unit 16b. The hollow-space structure 64b is realized in two portions, a first portion of the hollow-space structure 64b extending over a front portion of the handle unit 16b that faces towards the application unit 12b, and a second portion of the hollow-space structure 64b extending over a rear portion of the handle unit 16b that faces away from the application unit 12b. The first portion of the hollow-space structure 64b extends as far as a neck region 98b of the application unit 12b. A thumb-gripping region 86b is arranged between the first portion of the hollow-space structure 64b and the second portion of the hollow-space structure 64b. The first portion of the hollow-space structure 64b is arranged partially behind the thumb-gripping region 86b. From the front, the hollow-space structure 64b is at least approximately completely covered by the material volume body 62b. A front side 82b of the material volume body 62b is not realized completely closed, but recesses 76b, 78b are oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the front side 82b.

[0211] The material volume body 62b has in at least one region at least five strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b, which are spaced apart from one another in a first region of the handle unit 16b and are arranged in a contacting manner in at least one second region of the handle unit 16b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b extend in the form of undulations, which are partially offset with respect to one another. In regions in which the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are arranged offset with respect to one another and move away from one another, recesses 76b, 78b are formed in a transverse direction. The recesses 76b, 78b are visible laterally. In a region of the recesses 76b, 78b, cores of the injection-molding tool contact one another for manufacturing, said cores forming the rear side 84b and forming the front side 82b. The recesses 76b, 78b between the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b extend through the volume body 62b substantially in a transverse direction, wherein the recesses 76b, 78b may also extend through the volume body 62b partially perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80b. Viewed from the front side 82b to the rear side 84b, the recesses 76b, 78b are only slit-shaped and hardly visible. On the rear side 84b, a depression is formed that is delimited by the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b and forms the hollow-space structure 64b. The depression is realized, towards the rear side 84b, so as to be open towards an environment via a further, large recess 79b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are not straight.

[0212] The material volume body 62b comprises two outer strand elements 88b, two middle strand elements 90b and one inner strand element 92b. The inner strand element 92b forms a central strand that runs along a longitudinal axis 38b. The middle strand elements 90b adjoin the inner strand element 92b on both sides in the transverse direction. The outer strand elements 88b in turn adjoin the middle strand elements 90b in each case outwards in the transverse direction. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b taper in the width and in the height. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b in each case form a complete undulation. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b form a complete undulation when viewed in the transverse direction. Four strand elements 88b, 90b are provided, which in each case run in a wave-shaped manner when viewed in the transverse direction and when viewed perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b run partially in opposed directions, such that one strand element 88b, 90b, 92b may be rather in the region of a wave trough while another strand element 88b, 90b, 92b is realized rather as a wave crest. Viewed in the transverse direction, the outer strand elements 88b run in an opposed direction to an inner strand element 92b. Viewed perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80b, the outer strand elements 88b run in opposed directions to each other. Viewed perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80b, the middle strand elements 90b run in opposed directions to each other. Furthermore, in each case nodal points are formed between neighboring strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b. The nodal points in each case form contact points of the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b, in which the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are connected. One nodal point is arranged at the bottom at the end of the handle unit 16b. Furthermore, between the middle strand elements 90b and the inner strand element 88b a further nodal point is provided, which is arranged in an upper region of an embossing surface 100b. Furthermore, a further nodal point is provided between all the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b below a thumb-gripping region 86b. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b in each case extend from bottom to top over the entire handle unit 16b, wherein the recesses 76b, 78b decrease in size from bottom to top in the transverse direction. Below the neck region 98b, the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b taper out in a further nodal point.

[0213] Two first recesses 76b of the lateral recesses 76b, 78b are formed symmetrically on both sides between the inner strand element 92b and the middle strand elements 90b at a level of the embossing surface 100b. Two second recesses 78b of the lateral recesses 76b, 78b are formed symmetrically on both sides between the middle strand elements 90b and the outer strand elements 88b at a level between the embossing surface 100b and the thumb-gripping region 86b. The lateral recesses 76b, 78b have a narrow convex-lens shape.

[0214] The material volume body 62b has five recesses 76b, 78b, 79b, via which the hollow-space structure 64b is connected to an environment in at least one direction respectively. Herein, starting from a geometric center point of the hollow-space structure 64b, the directions are angled by at least 80 relative to one another. Two recesses 76b, 78b open the hollow-space structure 64b to a lefthand side, two recesses 76b, 78b open the hollow-space structure 64b to a righthand side, and one recess 79b opens the hollow-space structure 64b towards the rear side 84b.

[0215] The thumb-gripping region 86b is realized in an upper region of the handle unit 16b. The thumb-gripping region 86b is realized by the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b, wherein the inner strand element 92b forms the main support surface for the thumb-gripping region 86b. On the main support surface structures are realized which improve holding and reduce a slipping of the thumb. In order for something like a hollow to be realized, the middle and outer strand elements 88b, 90b are in this region realized in a somewhat opposed manner. The outer strand elements 88b form lateral boundaries, in particular lateral elevations. The outer shape of the handle unit 16b is realized laterally by the outer strand elements 88b, while the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b alternate on the front side 82b and the rear side 84b.

[0216] The material volume body 62b is so as to be symmetrical in the transverse direction, wherein the outer strand elements 88b are mirrored and the middle strand elements 90b are mirrored. The inner strand element 92b is constructed symmetrically in itself and wider than the others. The inner strand element 90b forms the embossing surface 100b at the bottom and forms at the top the major portion of the thumb-gripping region 86b. The inner strand element 90b has a greater width in the region of the embossing surface 100b and of the thumb-gripping region 86b and is waisted between the embossing surface 100b and the thumb-gripping region 86b. Furthermore, the inner strand element 90b tapers narrowly towards a lower end and towards an upper end. The middle strand elements 90b continue the undulating shape of the inner strand element 92b perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80b and are arranged partially offset with respect to the inner strand element 92b. Perpendicularly to a main extension plane 80b, the outer strand elements 88b continue the undulating shape of the middle strand elements 90b and are arranged partially offset with respect to the middle strand elements 90b. A number of strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b is three to nine, preferably three to six. By way of example, precisely five strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b are provided. The outer and the middle strand elements 88b, 90b have a constant width, wherein the inner strand element 92b in particular realizes a profile in the width. The inner strand element 92b has a minimum width of 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, and a maximum width of 6 mm to 12 mm, preferably 7 mm to 10 mm. The outer and the middle strand elements 88b, 90b have a width of 0.8 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. The height of the individual strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b is 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably 2.5 mm to 6 mm. A cross-section area perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the individual strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b is 4 mm.sup.2 to 30 mm.sup.2, preferably 4.5 mm.sup.2 to 26 mm.sup.2. The inner strand element 92b has a largest cross-section in the region of the embossing surface 100b or of the thumb-gripping region 86b. A cross-section of the outer and middle strand elements 88b, 90b is substantially constant. The middle strand elements 90b have a smallest cross-section. The strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b have a rectangular cross-section shape. However, a polygonal, round or oval cross-section shape would also be conceivable. The cross-section shape of the handle unit 16b is derived from the arrangement of the strand elements 88b, 90b, 92b.

[0217] In a respective implementation, a shape separation 110b is arranged on the outer strand elements 88b. The shape separation 110b forms a continuous progression, free of jumps, on the outermost strand elements 88b. The shape separation 110b in particular continues towards the application unit 12b. The shape separation 110b is arranged on a middle region with regard to height.

[0218] FIG. 39 shows a front side 82c of an oral hygiene means 10c, in a schematic perspective view. In the present case, the oral hygiene means 10c is realized as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10c is realized as an electric toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10c is realized as an exchangeable-head toothbrush.

[0219] The oral hygiene means 10c comprises an application unit 12c. The oral hygiene means 10c further comprises a handle unit 16c. The handle unit 16c is realized as an electric handle unit 16c.

[0220] In the following, reference is made to FIGS. 39 and 40, which show two views of the oral hygiene means 10c, the handle unit 16c and the application unit 12c. In particular for the explanations concerning the coupling unit, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 29, which at least partially also show the coupling unit. The coupling unit 20c with the coupling elements 22c and 24c is designed identically to the coupling unit 20a with the coupling elements 22a and 24a in FIGS. 1 to 29. Depending on the views, some elements are not shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 and are accordingly not provided with reference numerals. Overall, for the coupling unit reference is made to the description mentioned in FIGS. 1 to 29.

[0221] The handle unit 16c is preferably constructed of at least two plastic components. In principle, a hard component forms the framework of the handle unit 16c and one or more further components close the open regions. For example, as shown in the figures, a soft component is applied in the region of the on-off button 130c, such that the required manipulations are possible.

[0222] Specifically for an electric toothbrush, the on-off button 130c is situated on the front side of the toothbrush. The handle unit 16c is furthermore of hollow design, thus allowing accommodation of the electrical components in the handle unit 16c. In the present case, the electric toothbrush is a vibration or sonic toothbrush which makes the application unit 12c vibrate. The handle unit 16c is closed at the bottom by a cover 132c, such that the hollow space with the electrical components is closed. The electrical components may comprise, for example, a motor with an eccentric, providing a vibrating movement for cleaning. The power supply of the electric toothbrush is preferably realized via an accumulator accommodated in the hollow space with the further electrical components. The accumulator is charged either inductively via a charger which the handle unit 16c is placed into, or via a physical plug-in connection. The physical plug-in connection is realized, for example, by removing the cover 132c and thus releasing a charging socket. A plug of a power supply unit is then plugged into the charging socket and the accumulator is charged.

[0223] An application unit 12c can be coupled onto the handle unit 16c.

[0224] FIG. 41 shows a front side 82d of an oral hygiene means 10d, with an application unit 12d and with a handle unit 16d having a material volume body 62d which forms a base body 18d. The handle unit 16d is connected with the application unit 12d. By way of example, the handle unit 16d and the application unit 12d are realized integrally in this exemplary embodiment, whereas it would also be conceivable for the application unit 12d to be realized so as to be separable from the handle unit 16d via a coupling unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 29. The at least one application unit 12d comprises a head region 94d. The head region 94d forms a brush head of the oral hygiene means 10d. The head region 94d in particular has a base body that is realized as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene means 10d further comprises a cleaning zone 96d, which is accommodated in the head region 94d and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. The oral hygiene means 10d is realized as a manual toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10d is realized as an exchangeable-head toothbrush. The oral hygiene means 10d could also be realized as a flosser, as a single-tuft brush, as an interdental cleaner, as a tongue cleaner or the like. In addition, combined oral hygiene means 10d are conceivable, which combine at least two different functions, for example a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massaging elements, or the like.

[0225] The oral hygiene means 10d comprises an application unit 12d. The oral hygiene means 10d further comprises a handle unit 16d. The handle unit 16d is realized as a manual handle unit 16d. The at least one handle unit 16d is made of a single material.

[0226] The oral hygiene means 10d has a longitudinal axis, a height axis and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 38d is arranged parallel to a main extension direction 126d of the oral hygiene means 10d. The longitudinal axis 38d further corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the handle unit 16d. If the oral hygiene means 10d is placed with its rear side on a flat surface, such that the longitudinal axis 38d is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 122d is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38d and perpendicular to the surface and to the width axis 124d. The width axis 124d is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 38d and perpendicular to the height axis 122d.

[0227] The application unit 12d is arranged on the upper side of the oral hygiene means 10d. The application unit 12d forms an uppermost point of the oral hygiene means 10d. By way of example, the application unit 12d is made completely of a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable that the application unit 12d is made partially of a soft component and partially of a hard component. With regard to suitable soft and/or hard components, reference is made to the above description. In principle, the application unit 12d may comprise at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element may in particular have nubs and/or lamellae. The tongue cleaner element is preferably arranged on the rear side of the head region 94d, and it may in particular be arranged on a ring made of a soft component and/or on an island made of a hard component.

[0228] The handle unit 16d has a base body 18d. The handle unit 16d furthermore comprises the material volume body 62d and a substantial hollow-space structure 64d. The material volume body 62d forms the base body 18d. The substantial hollow-space structure 64d is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 62d. The hollow-space structure 64d is realized as a continuous hollow space in the handle unit 16d. In the present case, the hollow-space structure 64d is realized as exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 64d extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 66d of the handle unit 16d. The hollow-space structure 64d extends from a rear end of the handle unit 16d to a thumb-gripping region 86d.

[0229] The volume body 62d has at least one recess 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d, via which the hollow-space structure 64d is connected to an environment. The material volume body 62d has several defined recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d. Apart from the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d, the material volume body 62d completely delimits the hollow-space structure 64d. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d are realized so as to be unconnected. The hollow-space structure 64d is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 16d. In a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 64d, the material volume body 62d has a small wall thickness. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d in each case do not extend completely through the handle unit 16d. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d form a pattern on a surface of the handle unit 16d. The resulting pattern is in particular symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 38d.

[0230] The material volume body 62d has a plurality of essentially hexagonal recesses 68d, 70d, 72d on all four longitudinal sides. Herein first recesses 68d of the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d are oriented completely towards the front side 82d. Herein second recesses 70d of the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d are oriented completely towards a rear side 84d. Herein third recesses 72d of the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d are oriented towards one side. Herein fourth recesses of the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d, 74d are oriented towards another side. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are realized in different sizes, such that the smallest recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are realized on the side of a neck region 98d and the largest recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are realized in the middle region of the handle unit 16d. Overall, the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d form a row from bottom to top, wherein the size of the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d undergoes a progression. The medium size is realized at the bottom, the size extends to the largest size in the middle and then to the smallest size adjoining the neck region 98d. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are arranged along the longitudinal axis 38d. The recesses 68d, 70d on the front side 82d and on the rear side 84d of the handle unit 16d are aligned on the same axis, while the recesses 72d on the lefthand and righthand sides of the handle unit 16d are likewise aligned on the same axis. These two groups of recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are arranged on the handle unit 16d in such a way that they alternate and/or are arranged within one another.

[0231] A respective web 104a, 106a is arranged between the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are delimited in the longitudinal direction by the webs 104a, 106a of the material volume body 62d. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d in each case extend into the hollow-space structure 64d. In particular, between the recesses 68d, 70d, 72d break-throughs are realized which form the hollow-space structure 64d. The break-throughs are the result of intersecting or contacting recesses 68d, 70d, 72d. The recesses 68d, 70d, 72d are connected to one another via break-throughs, such that a large hollow space is formed which extends over a large portion of a main extent of the handle unit 16d.

[0232] Along the longitudinal axis 38d, a recess 74d is realized from the underside. This recess 74d merges into the hollow-space structure 64d which connects the other recesses 68d, 70d, 72d and/or is realized by the other recesses.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0233] 10 oral hygiene means [0234] 12 application unit [0235] 14 base body [0236] 16 handle unit [0237] 18 base body [0238] 20 coupling unit [0239] 22 first coupling element [0240] 24 second coupling element [0241] 26 main extension direction [0242] 28 orientation groove [0243] 30 guide ridge [0244] 32 main extension direction [0245] 34 base body [0246] 36 middle axis [0247] 38 longitudinal axis [0248] 40 latching means [0249] 42 latching means [0250] 44 base body [0251] 46 fastening region [0252] 48 recess [0253] 50 latching means [0254] 52 end region [0255] 54 supporting projection [0256] 56 supporting projection [0257] 58 end region [0258] 59 middle region [0259] 60 end face [0260] 62 volume body [0261] 64 hollow-space structure [0262] 66 main extent [0263] 68 recess [0264] 70 recess [0265] 72 recess [0266] 74 recess [0267] 76 recess [0268] 78 recess [0269] 79 recess [0270] 80 main extension plane [0271] 82 front side [0272] 84 rear side [0273] 86 thumb-gripping region [0274] 88 strand element [0275] 90 strand element [0276] 92 strand element [0277] 94 head region [0278] 96 cleaning zone [0279] 98 neck region [0280] 100 embossing surface [0281] 102 wall [0282] 104 web [0283] 106 web [0284] 108 web [0285] 110 shape separation [0286] 112 index finger gripping region [0287] 114 latching means [0288] 118 groove [0289] 120 recess [0290] 122 height axis [0291] 124 width axis [0292] 126 main extension direction [0293] 128 end face [0294] 130 on-off button [0295] 132 cover