Abstract:
A toothbrush has a toothbrush body, and a handle part wherein a toothpaste container can be removably inserted therein. The toothpaste container has a handle shell part which, with the toothpaste container inserted into the handle part, forms part of the outer surface of a handle. The toothpaste container essentially maintains its form during teeth cleaning and transmits loading which occurs, irrespective of the filling level of the toothpaste container of the toothbrush. The mounting of the toothpaste container on the toothbrush body allows very straightforward and quick removal and opening or insertion and closure of the toothpaste container. The container holder is provided with a closure pin, wherein when the toothpaste container is inserted into the handle part, a sealed closure of the toothpaste container is ensured. With the toothpaste container removed from the handle part, it is possible for toothpaste to be squeezed out of the toothpaste container.

Description:
This application claims priority to German Patent Application No.: 103 37 062.5, filed on Aug. 12, 2003. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   The invention relates to a toothbrush, to a toothbrush body and to a toothpaste container. 
   The toothbrush according to the invention is a toothbrush with a toothbrush body into which a toothpaste container can be inserted. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Toothbrushes and toothpastes are used for oral hygiene and for massaging the gums. In this way, teeth cleaning helps to keep the teeth, mouth and throat healthy. In accordance with the recommended daily usage, toothbrush users generally require a toothbrush with straightforward handling, an ergonomic design and a long service life along with the best possible cleaning action. 
   In respect of joint space-saving storage and transportation, for example as a travel toothbrush, but also in particular as far as straightforward handling and ergonomics are concerned, technical solutions in which a toothbrush body is connected to a toothpaste container (or vice versa) to form a toothbrush are particularly advantageous. A distinction can be made between essentially two groups of technical solutions. 
   The first group comprises toothbrushes in which toothpaste is conveyed through a channel which leads from a toothpaste container, through a neck of the toothbrush, to the bristle covering on the head of the toothbrush. Such articles are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,270 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,974. This group of toothbrushes proves to be very user-friendly, but entails problems in respect to the toothpaste storage. For example, an open channel end on the head of the toothbrush may result in the toothpaste drying out or running out. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,068,974, this problem is solved by the use of valves. The production of this embodiment, however, is complex and involves relatively high costs. 
   In the case of the second group of toothbrushes, the toothpaste container, for the purpose of applying the toothpaste to the bristle covering of the head, is separated from a toothbrush body of the toothbrush. Such articles are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,076 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,209. Once the toothpaste has been applied, the toothpaste container is reconnected to the toothbrush body. In contrast to the first group, there is no need for any channel in the neck of the toothbrush for guiding the toothpaste to the head. 
   FR-A-2658400 discloses a toothbrush in which a toothpaste tube forms an end region of the handle of the toothbrush. The toothpaste tube is fixed to a handle part, at the free end thereof, by virtue of its dispensing head being screwed into a threaded hole. Once the exposed toothpaste tube has been unscrewed, toothpaste can be applied to the bristles of a head of the toothbrush by virtue of pressure being applied to the toothpaste tube. 
   In contrast to a toothbrush with an exposed toothpaste tube, U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,209 describes a toothbrush in which the toothpaste container is located in a fixed, cylinder-like sleeve which is provided with a cut-out and with covers at its two ends. The stable sleeve absorbs the loading during teeth cleaning and transmits it to the head of the toothbrush via a handle part, which is fixed to it, and a neck. The cut-out comprises part of the sleeve and a slot-like part in the cover directed toward the handle part. The cut-out serves, on the one hand, for inserting the toothpaste container into the sleeve and, on the other hand, for applying pressure to the flexibly elastic toothpaste container, and thus squeezing out the toothpaste, using a finger, which can engage through the cut-out in the sleeve. A releasable connection between the handle part and the toothpaste container enclosed by the sleeve is ensured by virtue of a thread on the dispensing head of the toothpaste container, said thread engaging through the cut-out part in the cover, interacting with a threaded hole in the free end of the handle part of the toothbrush. However, the screw connection proves to be impractical in terms of handling for everyday use. 
   The object is thus to provide a toothbrush with a toothpaste container which is easy to insert and remove, has a straightforward construction with a minimal number of individual parts and is cost-effective to produce. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This object is achieved according to the invention by a toothbrush, by a toothbrush body and by a toothpaste container having the features set forth herein. 
   The basic idea of the toothbrush according to the invention is to provide a toothbrush which has a toothbrush body and a toothpaste container insertable therein and in the case of which a shell-like container holder is formed on a handle part of the toothbrush body, the container holder, with the toothpaste container inserted into the handle part, partially enclosing a container body, and the container body having a stable handle shell part projecting beyond the container holder. The handle shell part, together with the handle part, forms the surface of a handle of the toothbrush. The handle essentially maintains its form when subjected to loading which occurs during teeth cleaning, irrespective of the filling level of the toothpaste container. The mounting of the toothpaste container in the handle part of the toothbrush body, at the same time, allows very straightforward and quick removal and opening of the toothpaste container. The handle part is preferably provided with a closure pin, with the result that, with the toothpaste container inserted into the handle part, a sealed closure of the toothpaste container is ensured. By virtue of slight finger pressure being applied to a weakened, flexibly elastic zone of the toothpaste container, it is possible to squeeze the toothpaste out of the toothpaste container removed from the handle part. This weakened zone is, for example, a recess on the toothpaste container, at which the wall thickness of the toothpaste container is lower than in the rest of the container. With a toothpaste container inserted into the handle part, the weakened zone is covered over by the container holder. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Particularly advantageous embodiments are shown, purely schematically, in the following figures, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a toothbrush with a toothbrush body and a toothpaste container inserted therein; 
       FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal section of the toothbrush body of the toothbrush from  FIG. 1  along line II—II with the toothpaste container inserted; 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of a toothpaste container; 
       FIG. 4  shows a view of a dispensing head and of part of a container body of a toothpaste container; 
       FIG. 5  shows a sectional illustration of a further embodiment of the dispensing head with part of the container body of a toothpaste container; 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of a handle part of a toothbrush body with a retaining element and of a toothpaste container with a grip hollow, the toothpaste container having been removed; 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of a further embodiment of a handle part (illustrated in partially transparent form) of a toothbrush body and of a toothpaste container with a latching protuberance, the toothpaste container having been inserted; 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of a further embodiment of a handle part (illustrated in partially transparent form) of a toothbrush with a retaining nose and of an inserted toothpaste container; 
       FIG. 9  shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a handle part of a toothbrush with an open incision at the free end of the handle part and of a toothpaste container with a rail-like ridge in side view, the toothpaste container having been removed; 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of a toothbrush body (illustrated in partially transparent form) with a centering star and a spike on a container holder; 
       FIG. 11  shows a side view of a toothpaste container with a grip hollow and a filling-level indicator; 
       FIG. 12  shows a plan view of a toothbrush with a seal, which extends over part of the handle part and part of the toothpaste container inserted therein, and, there beneath, in a further embodiment, with a skin film; 
       FIG. 13  shows a plan view of an embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with restraining elements made of filaments in an oval arrangement; 
       FIG. 14  shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with restraining elements made of filaments in a circular arrangement; 
       FIG. 15  shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with restraining elements which are offset one behind the other and having a sickle-shaped cross section; 
       FIG. 16  shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with a restraining element made of walls which interengage in a C-shaped manner; and 
       FIG. 17  shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a head of a toothbrush with a rosette-like restraining element. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A toothbrush according to the invention with a toothpaste container  10  inserted in a toothbrush body  5  is shown in plan view in  FIG. 1  and in longitudinal section in  FIG. 2 . The toothbrush body  5  comprises a head  12 , which is covered with bristles  14 , a neck  16  and an adjoining handle part  18 . On its region, which is located opposite the head  12 , the handle part  18  has a container holder  20 , into which the toothpaste container  10 , which has a handle shell part  22 , is inserted in a releasable manner. The handle part  18  and the toothpaste container  10  together form a handle  19 . 
   An axis in continuation of that side of the head  12  which bears bristles  14  encloses an angle α of less than 60°, preferably less than 30°, with the longitudinal axis of the inserted toothpaste container  10 . This slight angling results in the bending forces which occur when the toothpaste container  10  is inserted into the handle part  18 , and act on the neck  16  and on the handle part  18  perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, being limited and in avoidance of high pressure on the bristles  14  when the toothbrush body  5  is held. 
   The head  12  is covered with bristles  14  or clusters of bristles and has a flexibly elastic restraining element  24  for partially holding back toothpaste  26  on the head  12 . As an alternative, it is also possible for the head  12 , or preferably the bristle-covered part of the head  12 , to be exchangeable. In this case, it is connected in a releasable manner to the neck  16  or an accommodating part fastened on the head  12 . 
   The arcuate neck  16 , which is curved in the direction counter to the free end of the bristles  14 , adjoins the head  12 . It terminates at the transition to the handle part  18  after an elevation  28  in front of a thumb rest  30 , said elevation  28  following in the direction of the free ends of the bristles  14 . The neck  16  and the handle part  18  contain a stable, structure-forming rigid component, preferably made of plastic which is chemically resistant to toothpaste  26  and mouthwash, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), thermoplastic copolymers comprising styrene and acrylonitrile (SAN), isoplastic material, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polypropylene (PP). The modulus of elasticity in tension of the polypropylene which is preferably used is preferably greater than 1200 Mpa. This ensures sufficient stability of the handle part  18  when subjected to loading during teeth cleaning. 
   Flexibly elastic damping elements  90  are integrated in encircling grooves of the neck  16 , and these give rise to greater elasticity of the neck  16  and damp bending forces which occur on the neck  16 . 
   The thumb rest  30  is provided with protuberances  32  and/or indents made of flexibly elastic polymer material. In conjunction with that side of the elevation  28  which slopes down in the direction of the free end of the handle  19 , it prevents the thumb from slipping off in the direction of the head  12  during a cleaning movement. 
   As is shown in  FIG. 2 , with the toothpaste container  10  inserted into the handle part  18 , the container holder  20 , which is formed on the handle part  18 , encloses part of a container body  42  of the toothpaste container  10  in a shovel-like manner. A closure pin  36  which is formed in the container holder  20  projects in a precisely fitting manner into an outlet opening  34  on a dispensing head  38  of the toothpaste container  10 . The closure pin  36  serves for closing the toothpaste container  10  in a sealed manner. The outlet opening  34  has a diameter of less than 6 mm, preferably less than 3 mm. This diameter is selected in order to encourage the user to use toothpaste  26  sparingly and in order to prevent the toothpaste  26  from running out of the toothpaste container  10 . 
   That part of the container holder  20  which is directed toward the head  12  completely encloses the dispensing head  38  of the toothpaste container  10  in the form of a funnel-like clearance. The dispensing head  38  is completely enclosed in this way over at least 5% of the length of the toothpaste container  10 . The opening of the funnel-like clearance in the direction of the free end of the handle part  18  preferably has a minimum radius of 10 mm. It is thus possible to clean the clearance, and in particular the surroundings of the closure pin  36 , for example using a cotton bud. 
   In the example shown, the further continuation of the shovel-like enclosure of the toothpaste container  10  is formed asymmetrically in relation to the longitudinal axis of the handle  19 . On the bottom side of the toothbrush, which does not bear any bristles  14 , the container holder  20  covers over approximately ⅔ of the length of the toothpaste container  10  and thus mechanically assists mounting of the toothpaste container  10 . The wall thickness of the handle part  18  is selected to be correspondingly large on this bottom side. As an alternative, it is also possible for the container holder to cover over a smaller part or even, as is shown, for example, in  FIG. 8 , the entire bottom side of the toothpaste container  10 . The third of the length of the handle  19  which remains on the bottom side of the toothbrush in  FIG. 2  is formed by the handle shell part  22  itself. On the opposite, top side of the toothbrush, which bears bristles  14 , the handle shell part  22  constitutes approximately ⅓ of the surface area of the handle  19 . As an alternative, this proportion may likewise be smaller or greater. 
   The side walls formed by the shovel-like enclosure have a maximum wall thickness of less than 5 mm. The wall thickness decreases preferably continuously as far as the free end of the handle shell part  22 , that is to say as far as a transition to the inserted toothpaste container  10 . 
   The handle shell part  22  of the toothpaste container  10 , over the entire outer side of the handle  19 , adjoins the container holder  20  of the handle part  18  in a preferably precisely fitting and more or less step-free manner along an annular end surface  43 , which is illustrated as being S-shaped in the view in  FIG. 2 . As an alternative, it is also possible for the end surface  43  to be configured such that a side line which is shown in the side view of  FIG. 2  is a straight line, stepped line, arcuate line or a combination of the above. An angle β, which is formed by a connecting line from an uppermost point of the side line, which is designated A in  FIG. 2 , to a lowermost point, designated B, on the bottom side of the toothbrush and the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container  10  in the direction of the free end of the handle  19  with the toothpaste container  10  inserted, is preferably greater than 90°. 
   In an area of 10 mm around the transition from the handle part  18  to the handle shell part  22 , all the tangential faces of the handle surface are at angles of preferably less than 45° in relation to one another. In addition, there are advantageously no sharp edges. 
   The more or less step-free continuation of the handle surface prevents water and other liquid or solid substances from penetrating, and thus prevents contamination of the dispensing head and of the toothpaste  26  located in the toothpaste container  10 . In addition, the more or less step-free continuation is particularly advantageous for ergonomic reasons and, during teeth cleaning, prevents the occurrence of marks on the inner surface of the hand as a result of pressure being applied. 
   In the case of loading during teeth cleaning, the handle shell part  22  of the toothpaste container  10  inserted into the toothbrush body  5  maintains its shape virtually unchanged. The forces which are applied, in particular by the ball of the thumb, particularly on that side of the toothbrush which is covered with bristles  14  are transmitted from the handle shell part  22 , via the container holder  20 , to the handle part  18  and further, via the neck  16 , to the head  12  and to the bristles  14 . In the case of loading with the toothpaste container  10  inserted, the walls of the container holder  20  prevent the container body  42  from bulging out or bending in and thus help to maintain the form of the toothpaste container  10 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the toothpaste container  10 . It has a droplet-like basic shape, over which the handle shell part  22  projects. The resulting, annularly encircling end surface  43  rests in a preferably more or less precisely fitting manner, with the toothpaste container  10  inserted, on a corresponding end surface of the container holder  20 . Possible materials for the toothpaste container  10  are polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), preferably polyolefins, in particular polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). 
   The toothpaste container  10  is inserted into the handle part  18  of the toothbrush body  5  by virtue of a plug-in movement with the dispensing head  38  in front, in the direction of the head  12  of the toothbrush body  5 , oriented more or less along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. Depending on the embodiment of the mount for the toothpaste container  10  on the toothbrush body  5 , the direction here may be inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. Likewise depending on the configuration of the mount, an additional latching-in movement more or less in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush, or perpendicularly to this direction, may be necessary for the purpose of arresting the toothpaste container  10  in the handle part  18 . As an alternative, in the case of a bayonet or rotary latching-type mounting of the toothpaste container  10  in the handle part  18 , the plug-in movement along the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush may be supplemented by a rotary movement through preferably less than 45° about the longitudinal axis. In order to remove the toothpaste container  10 , the movements take place in reverse order, counter to the movement direction for insertion. 
   The toothpaste container  10  can be repeatedly inserted into the handle part  18  and removed therefrom. For the purpose of filling the consumable toothpaste  26  contained, the toothpaste container  10  can be refilled by the user or a replacement container (refill) can be purchased. 
   The wall thickness of the toothpaste container  10  can vary over the circumference as a whole. In order to make it possible for the toothpaste  26  to be squeezed out once the toothpaste container  10  has been removed, the wall thickness of the container body  42  is preferably less than 2 mm at least some locations. At these locations, the wall has a modulus of elasticity in tension of less than 1400 MPa, if use is made of polyethylene and polypropylene as the container materials. The locations may be, in particular, recesses  52  which are formed laterally on the toothpaste container  10  and are described in more detail herein below in conjunction with  FIGS. 6 and 11 . The wall thickness of the handle shell part  22  is preferably greater than that of the rest of the container body  42 , in order to guarantee the stability of form during use. The dimensional stability may be assisted by ribs  78  which are additionally formed or fitted on the toothpaste container  10 . The toothpaste container  10  itself is a hollow body produced, for example, by means of injection molding, injection blow molding, extrusion blow molding, rotational molding, etc. 
   Depending on the production process selected, but in particular in the case of extrusion blow molding, flash may be produced on a mold parting line of the toothpaste container  10 . This flash may be removed or reduced by follow-up machining. Rather than being located on the handle shell part  22 , the mold parting line of the container body  42  is preferably always located on that part of the toothpaste container  10  which, in the inserted state, is enclosed by the container holder  20 . In this way, it is not possible for the flash or remaining unevenness to disturb the user during teeth cleaning. 
   The outer dimensions of the toothpaste container  10  are selected such that, in the state in which the latter is inserted into the handle part  18 , the handle  19  can easily be held in the hand and guided during cleaning. The largest diameter of the cross section of the toothpaste container  10  in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is less than 25 mm, and the length is less than 100 mm. The ratio of diameter to length is less than 1:2, preferably 1:4. 
   The toothpaste container  10  takes up approximately 20% to 60% of the overall length of the toothbrush with the toothpaste container  10  inserted. Its volume is less than 50 ml, preferably between 10 ml and 30 ml, and is between 45% and 95% of the volume of the handle  19 . A volume of 30 ml of toothpaste  26  is sufficient for 30 to 60 cleaning operations. 
   The geometry, the wall thickness and the material of the handle shell part  22  of the toothpaste container  10  are selected such that, the toothpaste container  10  in the open and emptied state, when the handle shell part  22  is subjected to a force of 10 N by means of a centrally positioned pin which is 18 mm in diameter and is oriented more or less perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container  10 , in the direction of an arrow designated  100  in  FIG. 3 , the handle shell part  22  will produce a deformation of 1 to 5 mm. In the case of a loading force of 50 N, the deformation of the handle shell part  22  should be approximately 5 mm. Even in the empty state, once the loading force has been removed, the deformations are at least more or less fully eliminated again. 
   Two embodiments of the dispensing head  38  of the toothpaste container  10  are illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  on a scale which is larger than that of  FIG. 3 . In this case, a latching groove  44  running around the interior of a cap  45 , which preferably consists of a stiffer plastic material than that of the toothpaste container  10 , has been latched on an encircling latching bead  46  of a part of the container body  42  which tapers in the form of a neck. As an alternative, it is also possible for the cap  45  to be provided with a latching bead  46  and that part of the container body  42  which tapers in the form of a neck to be provided with a latching groove  44 . That part of the container body  42  which tapers in the form of a neck and the cap  45 , together, form the dispensing head  38 . In addition to this two-part configuration of the dispensing head  38 , a configuration in which the latter is integrally formed on the container body  42  is also possible. 
   In order to prevent the toothpaste  26  from running out of the toothpaste container  10  or from drying out therein before being used for the first time, various embodiments of the cap  45  of the dispensing head  38  have a closed outlet opening  34 . By virtue of the outlet opening  34  being closed, it is possible for the toothpaste container  10  to be produced and sold/bought separately from the toothbrush body  5 .  FIG. 4  shows a solution in which a sheet  48  made of plastic or metal is fitted in front of the outlet opening  34 . As an alternative, it is possible, as is illustrated in  FIG. 5 , for the toothpaste container  10  to be closed by a membrane  50  made of the material of the toothpaste container  10  or of the cap  45  or to be closed directly by a thermoplastic elastomer during the production process. 
     FIG. 6  shows a toothbrush body  5  with a toothpaste container  10  removed. A recess, designated  52 , on the toothpaste container  10  marks a particularly elastic location, for example on account of a lower wall thickness at this location, which is provided in order for the toothpaste  26  to be squeezed out of the toothpaste container  10 . The marking of the recess  52  for the user takes place, for example, by a lattice-like surface structure. As an alternative, of course, other surface structures are also possible. The marking may additionally take place by being colored or by flexibly elastic elements being attached by injection molding. The recesses  52  and/or the markings of the recesses  52  may have an additional adhering function. The adhering function for mounting the toothpaste container  10  in the handle part  18  is made possible by the adhering elements interacting with the inner wall of the container holder  20  or adhering elements fitted there. 
   Stripe-like ribs  78  on the handle part  18  and on the handle shell part  22  serve, on the one hand, for increasing the dimensional stability of the handle part  18  and of the toothpaste container  10  and, on the other hand, for providing a better grip in the user&#39;s hand. A better grip is likewise provided by flexibly elastic rest elements  54  fitted on the outer sides of the side walls of the handle part  18 . 
     FIGS. 7 to 9  illustrate preferred embodiments for mounting the toothpaste container  10  in the handle part  18  of the toothbrush body  5 . 
   These mounts are preferably prestressed. The prestressing here is less than 50 N, preferably less than 20 N, in order to allow the toothpaste container  10  to be easily removed from the container holder  20 . 
     FIG. 7  shows mounting by virtue of an at least partially encircling latching protrusion  56  of the container holder  20  interacting with a latching groove  57  on the dispensing head  38  of the toothpaste container  10 . The latching protrusion  56  preferably has a triangular or semicircular cross section (latching bead). As an alternative, or in addition, the mounting may take place by a latching protuberance  58 , which engages in an opening (not shown) or latching step arrangement of the container holder  20 . In the case of a latching step arrangement, it is possible for the toothpaste container  10 , by virtue of pressure being applied to the handle shell part  22  in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush body  5 , to be pushed from a first latching step into a second latching step, which is located closer to the head  12 . As a result, at the same time, the closure pin  36  is introduced into the outlet opening  34  and the toothpaste container  10  is closed. Further forms of a latching or snap-in arrangement which guarantee reliable mounting which can be released a number of times are possible. In particular, interacting ribs  78 , protuberances  32 , protrusions or indents may be provided, for this purpose, at corresponding positions on the handle part  18  and on the toothpaste container  10 . 
     FIG. 8  shows a further embodiment for mounting the toothpaste container  10  in the handle part  18 . In this case, the toothpaste container  10  is prevented from sliding out by virtue of a retaining nose  67  interacting with a correspondingly shaped portion on the toothpaste container  10 . The hook-like retaining nose  67  is formed in the free end region of the shovel-like container holder  20  and is prestressed in the direction of the head  12 . As an alternative, it is also possible for the retaining nose  67  and the correspondingly shaped portion to be formed at a location of the container holder  20  which is nearer to the head  12 . 
   The container holder  20  may also have centering aids for easier insertion of the toothpaste container  10  into the container holder  20 . Such a centering aid is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In this case, a longitudinally running, rail-like ridge  68  of the toothpaste container  10  is guided in a displaceable manner into an open incision  70  in the free end region of the shovel-like container holder  20 . It is possible for this form of centering to be developed further such that by virtue of self-locking, for example by virtue of wedge-like tapering of the incision  70 , the centering serves, at the same time, for arresting the inserted toothpaste container  10  in the container holder  20 . 
   A further form of centering may take place, as is shown in  FIG. 10 , by way of a centering star  60  in the container holder  20 . This centering star  60  is preferably formed concentrically around the closure pin  36 . A closure, for example a sheet material  48  or a membrane  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  respectively, is opened, when the toothpaste container  10  is used for the first time, by the closure pin  36 , as is shown in  FIG. 2 , or by an additional spike  40  positioned in extension of the closure pin  36 . 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  is additionally provided with a number of flexibly elastic elements. Thus, a dispensing-head seal  86  for closing the outlet opening  34  of the toothpaste container  10  in a sealed manner is located in the container holder  20  of the handle part  18 . The dispensing-head seal  86  serves simultaneously as a cushion or damper and makes it easier for the toothpaste container  10  to be inserted and removed. A further flexibly elastic sealing element  88  is fitted along the end surface at the free end of the handle part  18 . By virtue of the end surface  43  of the inserted toothpaste container  10  butting against the sealing element  88 , liquid or solid substances, in particular, water, are prevented from penetrating. 
   Further flexibly elastic elements in the form of damping elements  90  are integrated, as has already been described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in encircling grooves in the region of the neck  16  of the toothbrush body  5 . This creates a flexible zone in the region of the neck  16  with flexibly elastic damping. A flexibly elastic massage element  91 , which can be used for massaging the gums, is additionally located on the head  12 , on the side located opposite the bristles  14 . 
   All the flexibly elastic elements are preferably shaped and arranged, and connected to one another by channels, such that they can be produced by injection molding in a single step from a single injection point. 
   It is possible for the toothpaste container  10 , corresponding to  FIG. 11 , to be provided with a filling-level indicator  72 . For this purpose, the toothpaste container  10  is produced from transparent or translucent plastic, which allows conclusions to be drawn as to the quantity of toothpaste  26  still located in the toothpaste container  10 . By comparing a scale  76 , which is preferably provided on the toothpaste container  10 , with the quantity of toothpaste  26  which is visible in the toothpaste container  10 , it is possible to determine approximately the number of cleaning operations which can still be carried out using the quantity of toothpaste  26  which is located in the toothpaste container  10 . As an alternative, it is also possible for the scale  76  to be provided on the handle part  18 , preferably on the shovel-like end region of the handle part  18 , on the bottom side, which is directed away from the bristles  14 . In this case, it is additionally possible for a window (not shown) or a cut-out to be integrated in the bottom side of the handle part  18 , with the result that a view is given of the container body  42  and thus of the quantity of toothpaste located therein. This makes it possible to read off the filling level even with the toothpaste container  10  inserted into the handle part  18 . 
   In addition to the filling-level indicator  72 , it is also possible for ribs  78 , protuberances  32 , protrusions or indents, preferably made of the same material of which the toothpaste container  10  itself consists, to be provided on the handle shell part  22 . These elements may also be located on other parts of the toothbrush, in particular, on the handle part  18 . They provide a better grip for the hand, by preventing the hand from slipping off during cleaning, making it easier for the toothpaste container  10  to be inserted and removed and indicating finger rests and pressure points to the user, for example for the purpose of squeezing out the toothpaste  26 . The elements on the toothbrush body  5 , in contrast, are preferably fitted by the injection molding of non-slip, flexibly elastic materials. Both the handle shell part  22  and all other parts of the toothbrush which are visible from the outside may be provided with text  80 , symbols or any desired monochrome and colored arrangements, for example, for depicting the brand, likewise preferably made of flexibly elastic material. 
   In order to indicate to the user that the toothpaste container  10  is being used for the first time, it is possible, as is shown in the top part of  FIG. 12 , to provide a seal  92 , which extends over the handle part  18  and the handle shell part  22 . It is possible for the seal  92  to be produced, preferably attached by injection molding, for example from a material which is used elsewhere on the handle  19  or, consisting of some other material, to be attached adhesively in the form of a label. The seal  92  preferably has a tab  94  for severing the seal. The tab  94  partially covers the end surface  43  and, on account of perforations running more or less parallel to the end surface  43 , is easy to sever. The bottom part of  FIG. 12  shows a configuration in the case of which a skin film  96  performs the same function. This extends more or less from the thumb rest  30  to halfway along the length of the handle shell part  22  and encloses the entire circumference of the toothbrush. Before the toothpaste container  10  is first removed from the container holder  20 , the seal  92 , the label or the skin film  96  has to be severed. The seal  92 , the label and the skin film  96  may be provided with text, symbols, brand depictions, etc. 
   First-time usage may also take place by way of a second latching position, which is covered over by the seal  92 , the label or the skin film  96 , or is closed in some other way, and has to be reached in order for the toothpaste container  10  to be fully inserted into the handle part  18 , being unblocked. Upon transition into the new latching position, the spike  40  opens the sheet material  48  or membrane  50  on the dispensing head  38  of the toothpaste container  10 . 
   For the purpose of applying adhesive labels, certain minimum radii of curvature of the surface of the handle shell part  22  are desirable. For this reason, the radius of curvature in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container  10  is greater than 50 mm and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is greater than 10 mm. 
   The toothpaste  26  located in the toothpaste container  10  is matched to the specific requirements of the toothbrush. The viscosity of the toothpaste  26  and the size of the outlet opening  34  of the toothpaste container  10  are thus set such that, even in the vertical position of the longitudinal axis of the toothpaste container  10  with the outlet opening  34  open and directed downward, very little toothpaste  26 , if any at all, runs out. 
   Since the dimensions of the toothpaste container  10  are smaller than those of known, conventional toothpaste tubes, the concentration of cleaning substances, flavoring agents, etc. in the toothpaste  26 , for the toothbrush according to the invention, is selected to be double that of generally known toothpaste. In particular, it is further possible for the toothpaste  26 , for cleaning and bleaching purposes, to contain hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of less than 20%, preferably between 3% and 15%, in relation to the volume. Of course, it is also possible for the toothpaste  26  to be used for teeth cleaning using known toothbrushes. 
   In order to allow the toothpaste  26  to be squeezed out of the toothpaste container  10  as easily as possible, the toothpaste  26  is provided with a dynamic viscosity which is lower than that of conventional toothpaste. With measurements carried out by means of a Couette viscosimeter at a toothpaste temperature of 25° C., the dynamic viscosity should preferably lie in the following ranges: 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               Shear 
               10 
               50 
               100 
               200 
             
             
                 
               rate 
             
             
                 
               (1/s) 
             
             
                 
               Dynamic 
               2–15 
               0.7–8 
               0.5–5 
               0.4–5 
             
             
                 
               viscosity 
             
             
                 
               (Pa s) 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   The toothpaste  26  is prevented from flowing down from the head  12  of the toothbrush in that restraining elements  24 , for example in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 13 to 17 , are integrated in the head  12 . These serve for holding back the toothpaste  26  which has been applied; and at the same time, they allow the toothpaste  26  to be dispensed in metered quantities to the surrounding bristle arrangement. On the one hand, the restraining elements  24  may comprise walls  84 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 17 . The walls  84  are preferably produced from rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or other elastic polymer materials. As with all the flexibly elastic elements of the toothbrush, the Shore A hardness of the walls  84  should be less than 70, preferably less than 50. On the other hand, the restraining elements  24  may also comprise clusters  82  of very thin filaments, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , with a diameter of less than 0.175 mm, preferably less than 0.15 mm. The restraining elements  24  are enclosed, at least in part, by bristles  14  or clusters of bristles and are preferably located more or less in the center of the head  12 . 
   Channels which are formed between the walls  84  and the clusters  82  of filaments, and are open upward in the direction of the free bristle ends, accommodate the toothpaste  26 . At their openings to the surrounding bristle arrangement, the channels preferably have at least one width of 1.5 mm. The maximum height of the restraining elements  24  is preferably less than 12 mm. As is shown in  FIG. 2 , they are thus smaller than the longest bristles  14 . The restraining elements  24  can be clearly identified, for example by a colored marking, by the consumer. The flexibly elastic walls  84  and/or the clusters  82  may serve, at the same time, for cleaning and massaging the teeth and the gums. Of course, it is also possible for known toothbrushes to be provided with such restraining elements  24 . 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  show an oval arrangement and a circular arrangement of close-together clusters  82  of filaments. In the case of these embodiments, the restraining elements  24  are positioned more or less centrally on the head  12  and are enclosed by conventional bristles  14  and/or clusters of bristles. 
     FIGS. 15 to 17  show labyrinthine arrangements of restraining elements  24  with flexibly elastic walls  84 . In  FIG. 15 , the walls  84  are of sickle-shaped cross section and are open and offset in relation to one another in their longitudinal directions. In this case, the elongate arrangement is likewise positioned more or less centrally on the elongate head  12  and is enclosed by conventional bristles  14  and/or clusters of bristles. 
     FIG. 16  illustrates a configuration of a restraining element  24  with two C-shaped walls  84 . The openings of the C shapes interengage such that they form an S-shaped channel which is open upward, in the direction of the free bristle ends. The walls  84  and the channel are arranged on a basis oval shape. The longitudinal axis of the basis shape is located more or less at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the head  12 . The restraining element  24  here extends over the entire width of the head  12 . 
     FIG. 17  shows a restraining element  24  with a rosette-like arrangement of flexibly elastic walls  84 . The walls  84  have a sickle-shaped cross section and are fitted in the free end region of the head  12 . 
   The toothbrush according to the invention is preferably produced in an automated manner in an injection-molding installation which is provided with an oscillating conveyor, in particular for transporting the closed toothpaste containers  10 . The toothpaste containers  10  may be produced, filled with toothpaste  26  and closed at a separate location. The operation of inserting the toothpaste containers  10  into the handle part  18  likewise takes place preferably automatically, directly at the injection-molding installation. As an alternative, it is also possible for the toothpaste container  10  to be fitted at an adjoining, automatically fed bristle-tufting apparatus, adjoining to the injection-molding installation. Seals  92 , labels or skin films  96  are applied to the toothbrushes directly at the bristle-tufting apparatus.