USRE47468E1 - Toothbrush and process for producing such a toothbrush - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Description

This application is a Reissue Continuation Application of Reissue application Ser. No. 13/815,924, filed Mar. 18, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. RE 45,141, issued Sep. 23, 2014), which is a Reissue Divisional of Reissue application Ser. No. 13/317,652, filed Oct. 25, 2011 (now U.S. Pat. No. RE 44,346, issued Jul. 9, 2013), which is a Reissue Divisional of Reissue application Ser. No. 12/379,186, filed Feb. 13, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. RE 42,985, issued Dec. 6, 2011), which is a Broadening Reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,596, issued on Feb. 13, 2007.

The invention relates to a toothbrush and for a process which is intended for producing the same.

Toothbrushes with a conventional bristle arrangement comprising clusters of bristle filaments, e.g. made of a polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT), and an additional flexible structure are known, for example, from WO 00/64307 and WO 01/21036. The conventional bristles here serve for customary teeth-cleaning purposes, while the flexible structure can perform different functions, e.g. massaging the gums, damping the cleaning movement, removing plaque, polishing the tooth surface, suspending the bristles in an elastic manner and/or sealing non-welded locations. WO 00/64307 discloses a toothbrush with rod-like flexible cleaning elements which are of approximately the same length as the conventional clusters of bristles and are arranged on the periphery of the head part of the toothbrush. In the case of WO 01/21036, elastic cleaning elements are of sheet-like, e.g. undulating, configuration and are arranged within the conventional bristle arrangement. In the case of WO 00/64307, a plurality of the flexible cleaning elements are connected to one another via a material bridge made of the same material. Following the operation of covering the head part of the toothbrush with conventional bristles, the cleaning elements are produced by virtue of the head part being encapsulated by injection molded. The disadvantage here is that the bristle filaments have to be prepared for use, e.g. by virtue of the clusters of bristles being rounded or a predetermined profiling being produced, before the flexible structure is produced. Renewed insertion into the injection mold is then necessary in order to produce the flexile structure. It is possible here for the clusters of bristles to be damaged or contaminated. The elastic-structure shapes which it is possible to produce are limited, inter alia, for demolding reasons.

The object of the invention is to provide a toothbrush, with conventional bristles and a flexible structure, which is straightforward to produce. The intention is also to specify a corresponding production process.

According to the invention, in the case of a toothbrush of the type mentioned in the introduction, at least one flexible structure, e.g. a cleaning element, is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material. This carrier element is connected to the head part. Such a toothbrush has production-related advantages since the additional part, i.e. the carrier element provided with the flexible structure, can be produced separately and straightforwardly connected to the head part.

The connection between the carrier element and the head part may be produced mechanically by clamping or snap-fitting or riveting, chemically by adhesive bonding, by ultrasonic welding, or thermally by welding or other methods of supplying heat. It is preferred, in terms of production, for the carrier element to consist of the same material as the head part since, in this case, only one hard component need be provided for producing the brush and there is no need to ensure material compatibility. This is advantageous, in particular, for ultrasonic welding.

The arrangement of the flexible structure on a carrier element consisting of a hard material has the following advantages: the additional part may be produced, and prepared for use, separately from the rest of the toothbrush body, comprising the handle and head part, in a straightforward further step, the carrier element is connected to the head part, it being possible to use any of the abovementioned connecting methods and the hard carrier element preferably being formed in adaptation to said head part. The carrier element may be formed, for example, such that, during the later connecting step, it engages around the head part in a clamping manner. On account of the hard carrier element, the additional part is easy to handle and can be gripped considerably more easily than an additional part produced entirely from a flexible material.

The additional part is small in comparison with the rest of the toothbrush. The necessary molds are thus also small and cost-effective. The basic toothbrush body and the bristle covering may be produced using a standard mold even if they are later provided with different additional parts. In order to produce toothbrushes with different additional parts, all that is necessary is to exchange the additional part and/or the corresponding mold therefor, which can be done in a straightforward and cost-effective manner.

A further advantage of producing the additional part and basic body separately is that it is possible to realize any desired shapes of flexible cleaning elements, e.g. even those which cross over the conventional bristles, come into contact therewith or displace the same when the additional part is inserted. The separate production does not pose any problems for the demolding of the flexible structure. It is possible to produce geometries by injection molding which would be extremely difficult to demold if the cleaning element were fitted directly on the bristle-covered head part.

Up until now, the flexible structure, for production-related reasons, has been produced from the same material as any flexible components on the handle part. The invention provides a greater degree of freedom for the material of the structure, with the result that it is possible to use, for example, a different degree of hardness.

A non-releasable connection between the additional part and the head part prevents the additional part from detaching during use and eliminates the risk of swallowing.

The conventional bristles are fastened, for example, directly on the head part, on a bristle plate acting as a further carrier element, or also on the carrier element for the flexible cleaning elements, all variants having advantages. During the operation of fastening the bristles on the head part or on the bristle plate, the flexible structure and the conventional bristles may be prepared independently of one another for later use before the head part and additional part are assembled, with the result that they do not damage or contaminate one another.

Fitting both conventional bristles and the flexible structure on the carrier element has the advantage that any desired spatial arrangement of the two components is possible. A carrier element which is prepared in this way may be connected to different basic toothbrush bodies for finishing purposes, with the result that it is possible to realize a large number of different toothbrushes with only a small number of basic bodies.

The conventional bristles, in both cases, may be prepared for use before or after the flexible structure is fitted. If the two components are provided on the carrier element, it is preferable first of all for the flexible structure, including any cleaning elements, to be integrally formed and then for the carrier element to be covered with bristles, which may be guided, for example, through cutouts in the soft or hard component.

Producing the additional part, i.e. the carrier element with one or more flexible cleaning elements, preferably takes place by two-component or multi-component injection molding. In this case, a non-releasable connection is preferably produced between the components.

The flexible structure is preferably also arranged, e.g. molded, laterally on the carrier element, in which case, in the assembled state, it terminates laterally with the outer contour of the head part or projects beyond the same. It serves, for example, for sealing non-welded locations, for massaging the gums, e.g. by way of molded-on elastic elements which project slightly, or as impact protection during cleaning.

The flexible cleaning element preferably consists of an, in particular, thermoplastic elastomer, e.g. of natural or synthetic rubber. The material used for the basic toothbrush body is preferably used for the carrier element, in particular polypropylene, styrene-acrylonitrile, polyester, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) or Isoplast®, an engineering thermoplastic polyurethane. The Shore A hardness of the soft component is preferably less than 90 and particularly preferably below 50.

The carrier element is particularly preferably covered with bristles by AFT (Anchor Free Tufting) technology. In this case, first of all, the hard-material carrier plate is produced with the flexible structure, in particular by two-component injection molding. Then, the bristle filaments are guided through cutouts in the carrier plate and/or in the flexible structure and, for fastening on the carrier plate and/or the flexible structure, are welded or adhesively bonded by way of their rear ends, which in the application case are directed toward the brush head. This has the advantage that it is possible to realize largely any desired bristle arrangements, in particular even sheet-like bristle structures. The carrier element is connected to the head part, in particular, by means of ultrasonic welding, e.g. as is described in DE 200 06 311 U.

Since elastomeric material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, on account of the pronounced damping of the ultrasonic vibrations, can only be welded ultrasonically to a limited extent, the welding surface between the carrier element and head part is preferably kept at least partially free of the flexible component. For this purpose, the injection point of the soft component is preferably selected to be on the bristle-carrying side of the carrier element, in order that no material bridges from the soft component reduce the size of the welding surface. However, for the case where flexible elements are intended to be arranged in the region of the welding surface, they are preferably positioned to the side of the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. This likewise produces non-welded locations laterally on the carrier element, while it is possible to weld the longitudinally front and rear regions between the carrier element and head part. This ensures that the carrier element is held well since the front and rear regions, in particular, and, to a lesser extent, the side regions, are subjected to loading by the cleaning movement and the corresponding leverages. Merely punctiform welding with non-welded locations may also be used specifically, in order that the brush head and carrier element can be moved in relation to one another and a certain level of flexibility of the brush head as a whole is thus achieved.

It is also possible for the flexible structure, in the manner of a sealing lip, to serve for the additional sealing of non-welded locations. As a result, the space between the carrier element and the head part is advantageously sealed against the ingress of water. It is thus not possible for any germs to accumulate in this region, and the brush is more hygienic. In order to achieve a reasonable sealing function, the Shore A hardness of the software component is preferably less than 50.

Examples for the invention are described hereinbelow and illustrated in the drawings, in which, purely schematically:

FIGS. 1a-d show views of a toothbrush according to the invention in various assembly stages, the additional part being fastened on the head part by riveting;

FIGS. 2a-e show views of a further toothbrush of which the additional part is fastened by riveting;

FIGS. 3a-e show views of a toothbrush of which the additional part is fastened by welding;

FIGS. 4a-e show views of a toothbrush of which the additional part is fastened by means of a snap-fitting connection;

FIGS. 5a-e show views of a further toothbrush of which the additional part is fastened by a snap-fitting connection;

FIGS. 6a-f show views of a toothbrush in the case of which the additional part is fastened in a clamping manner;

FIGS. 7a-e show the production of a toothbrush by AFT;

FIGS. 8a-e show views of a further toothbrush of which the additional part is fastened by a snap-fitting connection;

FIGS. 9a-f show views of a further toothbrush, of which the additional part is fastened on the head part with play;

FIGS. 10a-j show the production of a further toothbrush by AFT; and

FIGS. 11a-c show views of a toothbrush with a lateral surround made of flexible material.

All of the toothbrushes illustrated have a basic body with ahead part1 and ahandle part2, which is only partially illustrated. Anadditional part4 with a plurality offlexible cleaning elements6 of different shapes, which are connected to a carrier element of likewise different shapes, is connected to thehead part1 when the toothbrush is in the finished state. Thehead part1, furthermore, is provided directly (FIGS. 1-5) or indirectly (FIG. 6) withclusters3 of conventional bristle filaments. The materials and arrangements of the clusters ofbristles3 may vary. It is only the special features of the individual exemplary embodiments which are discussed hereinbelow, and elements which correspond to one another are provided with the same designations.

FIGS. 1a and c show a toothbrush of which thehead part1 has already been provided with clusters ofbristles3. Theadditional part4 illustrated inFIG. 1b has a sectionallyU-shaped carrier element5 made of a hard material, in particular the same plastic which has been used for producing thehead part1 and/or the entire basic body.Flexible cleaning elements6, in this case in the form of straight rods, are firmly connected to thecarrier element5. Thecleaning elements6 are inclined slightly out of the vertical, toward one another, and enclose an angle of from 5 to 30° with the vertical. In this way, theelastic cleaning elements6 come into contact with the conventional clusters of bristles3 (FIG. 1d) and may even cross over (not illustrated) the latter. Using conventional production processes, such a position can only be realized with high-outlay displacement methods.

Thecarrier element5 is adapted in shape to a cutout9, visible inFIG. 1c, in that region of thehead part1 which is directed away from the clusters ofbristles3. Also located in this region arepins7, which can be plugged through ahole8 in thecarrier element5. Thepins7 are cold-formed or hot-formed and thus permanently fixed in thehole8.FIG. 1d shows a plan view of the finished toothbrush.

For reasons of esthetics or hygiene, the bottom region of thehole8 or of thehead part1 as a whole may be covered by aprotective layer22 made of soft plastic (cf.FIG. 2d). The boundary regions between thecarrier element5 and thehead part1 are likewise preferably covered by soft plastic. An example of the material used for this purpose is the soft material which is also used for the handle region of the toothbrush. The protective layer is preferably molded on during the production of the handle part by multi-component injection molding. It is also possible, however, for the plastic layer to be integrally formed directly on the carrier element.

A further example of a toothbrush of which theadditional part4 is connected to thehead part1 by riveting is illustrated inFIGS. 2a-e. The additional part, in this case, comprises a plate-like carrier element5 to which sheet-likeflexible cleaning elements6 are connected in the form of a rosette. Thecarrier element5 has apin7′ by means of which theadditional part4 can be plugged through a correspondinglyprepared hole8′ in the front end of the head part and can be fixed by virtue of thepin7′ being deformed. Theflexible cleaning elements6 are located in the region of the tip of thehead part1. The bristle arrangement with individual clusters ofbristles3 follows in the direction of thehandle part2. Aprotective layer22 covers the region of thehole8′.

FIGS. 3a-e show a further example of a toothbrush, which ends up similar to a toothbrush according toFIG. 2. Theadditional part4 with a plate-like carrier element5 and rosette-likeflexible cleaning elements6, in this case, is connected to thehead part1 by welding. For this purpose, the front region of the head part has a plate-like cutout into which thecarrier element5 is permanently introduced, by way of a correspondingly structured underside5a, by means of ultrasonic welding.FIG. 3d shows a side view of the finished toothbrush, andFIG. 3e shows the plan view of the combined bristle arrangement comprising conventional clusters ofbristles3 andflexible cleaning elements6.

Theadditional part4 of the toothbrush illustrated inFIGS. 4a-e is fastened in the center of thehead part1 by means of snap-fitting. Theadditional part4 comprises arectangular carrier element5 with wing-likeflexible cleaning elements6 arranged at its corners. Two rod-like cleaning elements6 are also located on the carrier element5 (FIGS. 4b and c). As is illustrated inFIG. 4a, thehead part1 has acentral hole8″, through which a resiliently configuredextension11 on thecarrier element5 is plugged. Theadditional part4 andhead part1 are connected to one another by a snap-fitting connection which, on account of the enlarged cross section at the bottom end11a of theextension11, cannot readily be released. The bristle arrangement of the conventional clusters ofbristles3 is configured such that the wing-like cleaning elements6 are positioned between the conventional clusters ofbristles3, as is illustrated inFIGS. 4a and 4e. Theadditional part4 is produced separately and then inserted into thehead part1 with the prepared bristle arrangement. It is thus also possible to realize structures of theflexible cleaning elements6 which engage through the convention bristle arrangement, such as the diagonally arranged wing-like elements fromFIGS. 4b-e or the fanned-out pin-like cleaning elements, oriented in different directions in space, fromFIG. 8. For reasons of hygiene or esthetics, the underside of thehead part1 is covered by alayer22 made of flexible material.

FIGS. 5a-e show a further example of a snap-fitting connection between theadditional part4 and thehead part1 of a toothbrush according to the invention. Within the bristle arrangement made of conventional clusters ofbristles3, thehead part1 has aprepared region13 for accommodating theadditional part4. Thisregion13 comprises a depression with agroove12 running on the border of the latter in each case, perpendicularly to the alignment of thehandle2, saidgroove12 providing thehead part1 with a certain level of elasticity or resilient action, as do also thegrooves12′ running on the lateral border of the head part. Theprepared region13 is slightly smaller than the basic surface area of thecarrier element5, with the result that the latter can be fitted into theregion13 in a clamping manner. As can be seen from the plan view inFIG. 5e, the additional part has both rod-like cleaning elements and sheet-like cleaning elements arranged transversely to the alignment of thehandle2.

FIGS. 6a-f show a further example of a toothbrush according to the invention, in this case a plug-on toothbrush for an electric teeth-cleaning unit. The conventional clusters ofbristles3 are fastened on aseparate bristle plate18 which, in the assembled state, is connected to the matchinghead part1 of the toothbrush or a disc23 which is fastened in a rotatable or pivotable manner thereon. Theflexible cleaning elements6, which are rod-like in this case, are fastened on acarrier element5 which is slightly curved in plan view and has a sheet-like extension16, which is oriented essentially perpendicularly to the alignment of thecleaning elements6. Theadditional part4 can be introduced, by way of saidextension16, into a correspondingly shapedgroove14 in the disc23. Arranged in the center of thehead part1 and of thegroove14 is around cutout15, in which acorresponding mating element17 on theextension16 of theadditional part4 engages. Theadditional part4 andhead part1 are thus connected to one another in a well-fitting and clamping manner. At its bottom end, thebristle plate18 has agroove19 by means of which thebristle plate18 can be fastened on the disc23 or the lateral extensions23 thereof. In the embodiment illustrated, theadditional part4 is moved along by the disc23. As an alternative, it is possible for theadditional part4 to be fastened directly on thehead part1 and not to rotate as well.

FIGS. 7a-e show an example of the production of a toothbrush by means of AFT technology.FIGS. 7a-c show sectional views of thecarrier element5 in various process stages, to be precise before being provided withflexible cleaning elements6 and conventional clusters of bristles3 (FIG. 7a), following the application of the flexible material (FIG. 7b) and following the application of the bristles (FIG. 7c). The outer shape of thecarrier element5 is adapted to the dimensions of aprepared region13 in the form of a shallow cutout in thehead part1 of the toothbrush. Thecarrier element5 has preparedregions20, into which theflexible cleaning elements6 are fitted, in particular molded. Furthermore, thecarrier element5 hascutouts24, which are filled wholly or partially withflexible material6′, see also the detail fromFIG. 7e. Thecarrier element5 also containsholes21, through which clusters ofbristles3 are plugged and are fastened on the rear side by virtue of theirrear ends3a being incipiently melted. Theelastic material regions6′ havefurther holes21′ which likewise serve for accommodating clusters ofbristles3, which are fastened in the same way. Thematerial regions6′ can accommodate one or more clusters ofbristles3. The clusters ofbristles3 anchored in theelastic material6′ are thus anchored or suspended in a particularly elastic manner. Further clusters ofbristles3 are fastened directly on thecarrier element5. Thecarrier element5 fitted with clusters of bristles and theflexible structure6,6′ is then inserted into theprepared region13.

Theedge30 of thecarrier element5, this edge in the application case being directed towards the base of thecutout13, is tapered, just as in the example fromFIGS. 10 and 11. This taperingedge30 serves, during ultrasonic welding for connection to thehead part1, as an energy concentrator and a material reservoir for material which is to be liquefied.

The AFT technology manages without anchors or clips for fastening the bristle filaments, which instead are welded directly on the carrier plate. This means that the width of a cluster of bristles is not determined by the anchor, with the result that it is also possible to realize finer structures, in particular also sheet-like bristle arrangements.

It is technically also possible, in the case of AFT, to prepare the bristle filaments for use before they are fitted on the carrier plate. The variant which is realized at present, however, is that where the bristles are only machined once they have been fitted on the carrier plate.

FIGS. 8a-e show a variant of the toothbrush fromFIG. 4. The bristle arrangement made of conventional clusters ofbristles3 corresponds toFIG. 4. Theadditional part4 has a plurality of pin-like cleaning elements6 which diverge in the form of a star and engage through the conventional clusters of bristles3 (FIGS. 8d and e). The fastening mechanism corresponds toFIG. 4. Alayer22 made of flexible material covers the underside of the head and handleparts1,2.

FIGS. 9a-f show a further example of a toothbrush according to the invention. Thehead part1 has aprepared region13 for thecarrier element5 of theadditional part4, said region being larger than thecarrier element5 itself. Theregion13 is, for example, a hole which passes all the way through thehead part1, see sectional drawings fromFIGS. 9b, d and e. Theregion13 has twolateral grooves13a, the shape of which is adapted to the shape of twolateral extensions5b of thecarrier element5. The latter is inserted into thehead part1 and latches there. The play of thecarrier element5 within theregion13, which allows lateral displacement and/or a pivoting movement about the axis defined by theextensions5b, results in a particular level of elasticity or resilient action of theadditional part4. The rear side of thehead part1, again, may be covered by a layer of soft material.

FIGS. 10a-j show a further example of a toothbrush produced by means of AFT.FIGS. 10a-c correspond toFIGS. 7a-c and each show thecarrier plate5 in various process stages.FIGS. 10d-f show thesame carrier plate5 in section along line I-I indicated inFIG. 10a. The centrally arrangedflexible element6 is sheet-like or sail-like and is undulating in plan view (FIG. 10h). As is illustrated inFIGS. 10e and f, the flexible structure comprises laterally integrally formedregions6″ which, in the assembled state (FIG. 10h), bound thetoothbrush head1 laterally and terminate more or less flush with the outer contour of the head part. They serve, for example, as impact protection and/or for additionally massaging the gums. Theregions6″ likewise haveholes21′ for accommodating clusters ofbristles3, which are thus suspended in an elastic manner and are particularly compliant during cleaning.

Thecarrier element5 provided withconventional bristles3 and theflexible structure6,6′,6″ is inserted into acutout13 in thebrush head1. Thebrush head1 is illustrated in various views without thecarrier element5 inFIGS. 10g and j and with thecarrier element5 inserted inFIGS. 10h and l. On its lateral border, thebrush head1 or thecutout13 haslateral openings25, which are adapted to the lateralflexible regions6″ previously molded on thecarrier element5.

Thecarrier element5 is connected to thebrush head1 by means of ultrasonic welding. Thewelding surface26 is indicated by dashed lines. In order to realize the welding, the carrier element has, on its bottom border, awelding border26′ which, during assembly, rests on the base of thecutout13, the contact surface defining thewelding surface26. Thewelding border26′ melts under the influence of ultrasound, with the result that the twoparts5 and1 are connected to one another.

Since elastomeric material can only be welded ultrasonically to a limited extent, thewelding surface26, as far as possible, is kept free of this material, for example as in the case of the toothbrush fromFIG. 7 or, with only minimal interruptions, as in the case of the toothbrush fromFIG. 10. The aim, in both cases, is to seal thecavity28 between thecarrier element5 andhead part1 to the full extent, in order to prevent the ingress of water and germs. For this purpose, the injection point of the flexible material is preferably selected to be on the bristle-carrying front side of thecarrier element5, in order that no unnecessary material bridges reduce the size of thewelding surface26. If further flexible elements are provided on thehead part1, in particular on the rear side thereof, they are positioned such that they do not reduce the size of thewelding surface26. For example, these elements and the corresponding injection point are located fully within that region on the rear side of the head part1 (not illustrated) which is defined by thewelding surface26. The entire contact surface between thehead part1 andcarrier element5 is preferably welded over at least 25%, particularly preferably along the periphery of the head (line26).

In the example fromFIG. 10, theflexible regions6′ interrupt thewelding surface26, with the result thatnon-welded locations27 are produced there. These are advantageously arranged on the side of thehead part1, while the longitudinally front and rear regions of thecarrier element5 are firmly welded to thehead part1. This ensures that thecarrier element5 is held securely since the front and rear regions are subjected to an extremely high level of loading by the cleaning movement and corresponding leverages.

Thenon-welded locations27 are sealed by theflexible regions6″ here in the manner of a sealing lip, with the result that only a very small amount of water, if any at all, can penetrate into thecavity28. For a good sealing function, material with a Shore A hardness of 50 or less is preferably selected. Non-welded locations between the head part and carrier element may also be used specifically, in order to achieve a certain level of flexibility between the two hard components.

FIG. 11 shows various views of a further example of a toothbrush produced by AFT, in this case, with two sail-likeflexible cleaning elements6. Thecarrier element5 is fully enclosed, around its periphery, byflexible material6′, which, in the assembled state (plan-view illustrationFIG. 11a) fully encloses the outer periphery of thehead part1 on the top side and serves as impact protection. Inregions6″, the soft material serves as a mount for lateral clusters ofbristles3 which are guided through theflexible material6′.

As can be gathered fromFIG. 11c, the hard components (carrier element5 and head part1) come into contact with one another along asurface26 beneath the soft component in theregion6′ and can be welded here by means of ultrasound. Thewelding surface26 is interrupted by thelateral regions6″, although, as has been described above, a sufficient retaining action is achieved. Thecavity28 beneath thecarrier element5 is sealed by theflexible regions6″ and the locations welded along thesurface26.

The method of welding and sealing the components which has been described above with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11 may also advantageously be used for other toothbrushes.

Claims (82)

The invention claimed is:

1. A toothbrush head, comprising:

a bristle-carrying head part;

bristle filaments and a cutout provided through the head part, the cutout including a bottom opening that is of a larger cross-section than an intermediate section of the cutout; and

a flexible, non-bristle cleaning element arranged on a carrier element, the cleaning element being made of a first material and the carrier element being made of a second, harder material, the carrier element including a base and a resiliently configured extension, the base having a cross-section larger than the intermediate section of the cutout, and the extension having an intermediate portion and a bottom with a cross-section that is larger than the intermediate portion of the extension and the intermediate section of the cutout, the bottom of the extension being resiliently inserted through the intermediate section of the cutout and into the bottom opening to prevent ready release of the carrier element from the head part by a snap-fit connection.

2. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the connection is sufficient to prevent detaching of the carrier element from the head part during use of the toothbrush.

3. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the connection is non-releasable.

4. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein play between the carrier element and the head part at the cutout allows movement of the carrier element and the flexible cleaning element during use of the toothbrush.

5. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element is arranged to massage gums of the user.

6. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element is made from a thermoplastic elastomer.

7. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element includes rubber.

8. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element has a Shore A hardness of less than 90.

9. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the material of the carrier element is a polypropylene, styrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyurethane or polyester.

10. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element and the carrier element are produced by two-component or multi-component injection molding and mated with a non-releasable connection.

11. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element is inclined out of the vertical to come into contact with at least one of the bristle filaments.

12. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element crosses over at least one of the bristle filaments.

13. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible cleaning element has a rod-like shape.

14. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the carrier element is harder than the flexible cleaning element.

15. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the cutout extends entirely through the head part.

16. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, wherein the head part includes a plurality of cutouts and a plurality of flexible cleaning elements and carrier elements.

17. The toothbrush head according toclaim 1, further comprising a handle connected to the head part.

18. A toothbrush head, comprising:

a bristle-carrying head part;

bristle filaments and a cutout provided on the head part;

a flexible, non-bristle cleaning element arranged on a carrier element, the carrier element being of a harder material than that of the flexible cleaning element, the carrier element including an extension that extends into the cutout and is connected to the head part by a not readily releasable snap-fit connection of the carrier element within the cutout; and

play between the carrier element and the head part at the cutout allows pivoting movement of the carrier element about an axis.

19. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head part.

20. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the connection is sufficient to prevent detaching of the carrier element from the head part during use of the toothbrush.

21. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the flexible cleaning element is made from a thermoplastic elastomer.

22. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the flexible cleaning element includes rubber.

23. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the flexible cleaning element has a Shore A hardness of less than 90.

24. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the harder material of the carrier element is a polypropylene, styrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyurethane or polyester.

25. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the flexible cleaning element is inclined out of the vertical to come into contact with at least one of the bristle filaments.

26. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the flexible cleaning element has a rod-like shape.

27. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the cutout is provided through the head part and includes an end opening that is of a larger cross-section than an intermediate section of the cutout.

28. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, further comprising a handle connected to the head part.

29. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the head is also formed from a material that is harder than the flexible, non-bristle containing cleaning element so that a hard material to hard material snap-fit connection is formed.

30. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the carrier extension is a snap-fitting element, and the snap-fitting element and the carrier form a single-piece body of the harder material.

31. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the not-readily releasable snap-fit connection is formed by one of the extension and the head part resiliently deforming.

32. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the cleaning element is non-releasably attached to the carrier element through two component or multi-component injection molding.

33. The toothbrush head according toclaim 18, wherein the head involves a plurality of cutouts and a plurality of snap-fit carrier elements.

34. A process for producing a toothbrush head comprising:

providing a head part with a cutout and with bristle filaments, the cutout having a bottom end opening that is of a larger cross-section than an intermediate section of the cutout;

providing a flexible, non-bristle cleaning element coupled to a carrier element, the cleaning element being made of first material and the carrier being made of a second, harder material;

providing the carrier element with a base having a cross-section larger than the intermediate section of the cutout and an extension having an intermediate portion and a resiliently configured bottom with a cross-section that is larger than the intermediate section of the extension and the intermediate section of the cutout;

inserting the bottom of the extension through the intermediate section of the cutout and into the bottom end opening; and

connecting the carrier element to the cutout of the head part in a not-readily releasable snap-fit connection.

35. The process as claimed inclaim 34, wherein the connecting occurs after the toothbrush head is provided with the bristle filaments.

36. The process as claimed inclaim 34, wherein the bristle filaments provided on the head part are processed prior to connecting the carrier element to the cutout of the head part.

37. The process as claimed inclaim 34, wherein the processing includes at least one of rounding, cutting and machining processing operations.

38. The process as claimed inclaim 34, wherein the flexible cleaning element and the carrier element are produced by two-component or multi-component injection molding.

39. The process as claimed inclaim 34, further comprising:

providing the toothbrush head part with a handle.

40. The process according toclaim 34, further comprising inserting the carrier element into the cutout from a bristle bearing front face of the head part.

41. A process for producing a toothbrush head of a toothbrush comprising:

providing a head part with a cutout and bristle filaments;

providing a non-bristle cleaning element of a first material coupled to a carrier element of a second, harder material, the carrier element being formed with an extension;

inserting the extension into the cutout;

connecting the carrier element to the cutout of the head part by a not readily releasable snap-fit connection of the carrier element within the cutout; and

providing play between the carrier element and the head part at the cutout that allows pivoting movement of the carrier element about axis.

42. The process as claimed inclaim 41, wherein the connecting occurs after the toothbrush head is provided with the bristle filaments.

43. The process as claimed inclaim 42, wherein the bristle filaments provided on the head part are processed prior to connecting the carrier element to the head part.

44. The process as claimed inclaim 43, wherein the processing includes at least one of rounding, cutting and machining processing operations.

45. The process as claimed inclaim 41, wherein the flexible cleaning element and the carrier element are produced by a two-component or multi-component injection molding.

46. The process as claimed inclaim 45, wherein the flexible cleaning element is produced from a thermoplastic elastomer or rubber and the carrier element is produced from a polypropylene, styrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyurethane or polyester.

47. The process as claimed inclaim 45, wherein the material of the flexible, non-bristle containing cleaning element and the harder material of the carrier are chosen to be compatible with each other to produce a non-releasable connection in the two component or multi-component injection molding process.

48. The process according toclaim 41, further comprising:

providing the toothbrush head part with a handle.

49. The process according toclaim 41, further comprising inserting the carrier element into the cutout from a bristle bearing front face of the head part.

50. A brush, comprising: a handle and a head part with bristle filaments and at least one flexible, non-bristle containing cleaning element made from flexible material and arranged on the carrier element,

wherein the rear ends of the bristle filaments are melted and fixedly connected in cutouts of the carrier element, and

the carrier element being of a harder material than that of the flexible cleaning element and not readily releasibly connected to the head part such that the rear side of the carrier element faces the head part, the flexible material of the flexible cleaning element forming a material bond with the carrier element, wherein the carrier element is provided with the at least one flexible cleaning element by means of injection molding.

51. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the at least one cleaning element is molded into at least one prepared cutout of the carrier element.

52. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein a region of flexible material is arranged laterally to the carrier element, said region terminating laterally with an outer contour of the head part or projecting beyond the same when the carrier element is connected to the head part.

53. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein a region of flexible material is arranged between clusters of bristle filaments.

54. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein contacting locations between the head part and the carrier element are covered with flexible material.

55. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the head part is provided with further flexible elements.

56. The brush as claimed in claim 55, wherein the further flexible elements are located on a longitudinal rear side of the head part.

57. The brush as claimed in claim 56, wherein an injection point of the further flexible elements is located on the longitudinal rear side of the head part.

58. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein a non-releasable connection is provided between the carrier element and the head part.

59. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the carrier element is formed of the same material as the head part.

60. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the flexible material includes natural or synthetic rubber.

61. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the flexible material includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

62. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the flexible material has a Shore A hardness of less than 90.

63. The brush as claimed in claim 50, wherein the non-bristle containing cleaning element comprises sheet-like elements.

64. A brush, comprising: a handle and a head part with bristle filaments and at least one flexible, non-bristle containing cleaning element made from flexible material arranged on a carrier element,

wherein the rear ends of the bristle filaments are connected in cutouts of a carrier element and;

the carrier element being of a harder material than that of the flexible cleaning element and not readily releasibly connected to the head part such that the rear side of the carrier element faces the head part; and the at least one cleaning element is molded into at least one prepared cutout of a carrier element, the flexible material of the flexible cleaning element forming a material bond with the carrier element.

65. A brush, comprising: a handle and a head part with bristle filaments and at least one flexible, non-bristle containing cleaning element made from flexible material,

wherein the bristle filaments and cleaning element are fixedly connected in cutouts of a carrier element and;

the carrier element being of a harder material than that of the flexible cleaning element and not readily releasibly connected to the head part such that the rear side of the carrier element faces the head part, the flexible material of the flexible cleaning element forming a material bond with the carrier element.

66. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein the at least one cleaning element is molded into prepared cutouts of the carrier element.

67. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein a region of flexible material is arranged laterally to the carrier element, said region terminating laterally with an outer contour of the head part or projecting beyond the same when the carrier element is connected to the head part.

68. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein a region of flexible material is arranged between clusters of bristle filaments.

69. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein the head part is provided with further flexible elements.

70. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein a non-releasable connection is provided between the carrier element and the head part.

71. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein the carrier element is formed of the same material as the head part.

72. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein the flexible material includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

73. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein the flexible material has a Shore A hardness of less than 90.

74. The brush as claimed in claim 65, wherein the non-bristle containing cleaning element comprises sheet-like elements.

75. A process for producing a brush with a handle and a head part with bristle filaments and at least one flexible, non-bristle containing cleaning element made from flexible material arranged on a carrier element, comprising: providing the carrier element having a front side and a rear side and made from a harder material than that of the flexible cleaning element; providing a plurality of bristle filaments connected in cutouts of the carrier element; and connecting the carrier element to the head part in a non-releasable manner such that the rear side of the carrier element faces the head part, wherein the at least one cleaning element is molded into prepared cutouts of the carrier element, the flexible material of the flexible cleaning element forming a material bond with the carrier element.

76. The process as claimed in claim 75, further comprising connecting the carrier element and the head part by clamping, snap-fitting, riveting, adhesive bonding, welding, ultrasonic welding or the supply of heat.

77. The process as claimed in claim 76, further comprising providing the head part with further flexible elements.

78. The process as claimed in claim 77, further comprising locating the further flexible elements on a longitudinal rear side of the head part.

79. The process as claimed in claim 78, further comprising locating the injection point of the further flexible elements on the longitudinal rear side of the head part.

80. The process as claimed in claim 75, comprising producing a non-releasable connection between the flexible cleaning element and the carrier element.

81. The process as claimed in claim 75, further comprising non-releasable connection between the head part and the carrier element at point-like locations and leaving regions therebetween un-connected.

82. The process as claimed in claim 75, wherein the fastening is by melting and forms a bristle melt layer on the rear side of the carrier element.

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