Patent Publication Number: US-8990995-B2

Title: Oral care implement having a body disposed within the handle

Description:
This application is a national stage entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/068638, filed 18 Dec. 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to oral care implements, and specifically to a handle of an oral care implement, such as toothbrushes, that comprises a body that appears to float within an aperture of the handle. The body can serve both a decorative and/or utilitarian function. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Oral care implements, especially toothbrushes, are used by many people on a daily basis. Typical oral care implements comprise an elongated handle and a head connected to one end of the handle. The handle provides the structure by which the user grips and manipulates the oral care implement during use. The head typically comprises one or more elements designed to perform the intended function, such as teeth cleaning elements, soft tissues cleansers, and/or oral care agents. 
     Over the years, substantial efforts have been expended in improving the design of the handles of oral care implements for increased control, reduced damage to the oral surfaces, improved reach, and aesthetic desirability. Such efforts have included the development of handles having multiple components, including a hard core structure and soft gripping covers and grip bodies. Other existing handles have sections oriented at different angles relative to one another and the head. 
     Furthermore, the art has also recognized that it can often be difficult to convince a child to brush his/her teeth willingly. Thus, efforts have been made to create handles that include ornamental features that increase the desirability of children to use the oral care implement. Such efforts include molding the handle into a desired shape or character, providing aesthetically pleasing covers, providing toys within the handle, and/or incorporating electronically interactive devices within the handle. 
     Despite these efforts, a need still exists for an oral care implement that has a handle that provides greater design flexibility, creates an improved aesthetic appearance, affords improved control and/or reach, reduces damage to the oral surface, and/or improves the experience of an oral care session. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface; a head connected to the handle; an aperture forming a passageway through the handle from the first surface to the second surface; a bulbous body positioned within the aperture; and at least one strut extending from the sidewall of the aperture, the bulbous body connected to a distal end of the strut so that the bulbous body is supported within the aperture so as to be spaced from the sidewall of the aperture by an annular gap. 
     In another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a head connected to the handle; an aperture forming a passageway through the handle from the first surface to the second surface; a body positioned within the aperture, the body constructed of a hard material and supported within the aperture so as to be spaced from the sidewall of the aperture; an elastomeric grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping the body; and wherein the body is visible through the elastomeric grip body. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a head connected to the handle; an aperture forming a passageway through the handle from the first surface to the second surface; and an elastomeric grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping a solid body. 
     In still another aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle; an aperture in the handle; and a grip body disposed within the aperture and enveloping a body, the grip body constructed of a first material and the body constructed of a second material, the second material being harder than the first material. 
     In a further aspect, the invention can be any ansate implement comprising any one of the inventive handles described above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This invention is capable of use in a broad array of oral care implements and hygiene products. The drawings illustrate one use of the invention and are not to be construed as the only embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective front view of a toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a left side view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment of the present invention, the right side view of which is a mirror image. 
         FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  taken along view V-V of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a lateral cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  taken along view VI-VI of  FIG. 3  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the main handle body of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  wherein the grip body and grip cover are removed. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the grip cover of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  removed from the handle according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the grip body of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  removed from the aperture of the handle according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a manual toothbrush having the inventive handle. However, in other forms, the invention could be in the form of other oral care implements including a soft-tissue cleansing implement, an inter-proximal pick, a flossing tool, a plaque scraper, a powered toothbrush, or other ansate implement designed for oral care. It is also to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-4  concurrently, a toothbrush  100  is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush  100  generally comprises a handle  110  and a head  120 . The handle  110  provides the user with a mechanism by which he/she can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush  100 . The handle  110  includes ergonomic features which provide a high degree of control for the user while maintaining comfort. The head  120  is connected to a distal end  104  of the handle  110  and includes a set of teeth cleaning elements  130 , which are generically illustrated. 
     Generally, the toothbrush  100  extends from a proximal end  101  (which is also the proximal end of the handle  110 ) to a distal end  102  along a longitudinal axis A-A (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). Conceptually, the longitudinal axis A-A is a reference line that is generally coextensive with the three-dimensional center line of the handle  110  and the head  120 . Because the handle  110  is a non-linear structure (as can be seen in  FIG. 4  as viewed laterally) in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis A-A for toothbrush  100  is also non-linear in the illustrated embodiment. However, the invention is not so limited, and in certain embodiments, the toothbrush may have a simple linear arrangement and thus a substantially linear longitudinal axis A-A. 
     The head  120  is operably connected to the handle  110 . As discussed in greater detail below, the head  110  and the handle  120  of the toothbrush  100  are preferably formed as an integral structure using an injection molding process. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, the head  120  is integrally formed with the elongated handle body  150  (discussed in greater detail below). However, in other embodiments, the handle  110  and the head  120  may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal welding, sonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, adhesion, or fasteners. Whether the head  120  and the handle  110  are constructed as an integral piece or a multi-piece assembly (including connection techniques) is not limiting of the present invention in all embodiments. Furthermore, other manufacturing techniques may be used in place of and/or in addition to injection molding to create the handle  110  and/or the head  110  (or components thereof), such as milling and/or machining. 
     It should be noted that relative terms such as distal, middle, proximal, upper, lower, top, bottom, lateral, front, rear, left, right etc. are merely used to delineate relative positions of the components of the toothbrush  100  with respect to one another and are not intended to be in any further way limiting of the present invention. 
     The head  120  generally comprises a front surface  121  and a rear surface  122 . The front surface  121  and the rear surface  122  of the head  120  can take on a wide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of the present invention. For example, the front and rear surfaces  121 ,  122  can be planar, contoured or combinations thereof. The front surface  121  and rear surface  122  are bound by a peripheral or lateral surface  123 . 
     The set of teeth cleaning elements  130 , which are generically illustrated as a block, are provided on and extend outward from the front surface  121  of the head  120  for cleaning contact with an oral surface, preferably teeth. While the set of cleaning elements  130  is particularly suited for brushing teeth, the set of cleaning elements  130  can also be used to clean oral soft tissue, such as a tongue, gums, or cheeks instead of or in addition to teeth. As used herein, the term “cleaning element” is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean or massage an oral surface through relative surface contact. 
     Common examples of “cleaning elements” include, without limitation, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, co-extruded filaments, flag bristles, crimped bristles, anti-bacterial bristles and combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. 
     The set of cleaning elements  130  can be connected to the head  120  in any manner known in the art. For example, anchor free tufting (AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements. In AFT, a plate or membrane is secured to the brush head such as by ultrasonic welding. The bristles (or other elastomeric elements) extend through the plate or membrane. The free ends of the bristles on one side of the plate or membrane perform the cleaning function. The ends of the bristles on the other side of the plate or membrane are melted together by heat to be anchored in place. Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used in the broad practice of this invention. Alternatively, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block. Staple technology may also be used. 
     Furthermore, if desired, the rear surface  122  may also comprise additional structures for oral cleaning, such as a soft tissue cleanser. Such soft tissue cleansers are typically constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) and include one or more projections, such as nubs and/or ridges, for engaging and massaging soft oral tissue, such as the tongue. 
     The handle  110  of the toothbrush  100  generally comprises a front surface  111  and a rear surface  112  which is opposite the front surface  111 . The handle  110  also comprises a right lateral surface  113  and a left lateral surface  114  opposite the right lateral surface  113 . As best visible in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the front surface  111 , the rear surface  112 , the right lateral surface  113  and the left lateral surface  114  collectively form the outer surface of the handle  110 , which has a generally elliptical lateral cross-sectional shape along its longitudinal length. 
     As will be described in greater detail below, the overall front surface  111  of the handle  110  is formed by the collective of the outer surface  163  of the front leg  161  of the grip cover  160 , the front surface  171  of the grip body  170 , and a portion of the front surface  151  of the elongated handle body  150 . Similarly, the overall rear surface  112  of the handle  110  is formed by the collective of the outer surface  164  of the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160 , the rear surface  172  of the grip body  170 , and a portion of the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . The overall right lateral surface  113  of the handle  110  is formed by the collective of the right lateral surface  153  of the elongated handle body  150  and portions of the outer surfaces  163 ,  164  of the front and rear legs  161 ,  162  of the grip cover  160 . Similarly, the overall left lateral surface  114  of the handle  110  is formed by the collective of the left lateral surface  154  of the elongated handle body  150  and portions of the outer surfaces  163 ,  164  of the front and rear legs  161 ,  162  of the grip cover  160 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the handle  120  can be conceptually delineated in longitudinal sections comprising a proximal section  115 , a middle section  116  and a neck section  117 . The proximal section  115  is the portion or segment of the handle  110  that generally fits comfortably within the palm of the user. The middle section  116  forms the portion or segment of the handle  110  that generally fits comfortably between the user&#39;s thumb and index finger. The neck portion forms the portion or segment of the handle  110  that connects to the head  120 . 
     The proximal section  115  longitudinally extends from the proximal end  101  of the toothbrush  100  to the middle section  116 . The middle section  116  longitudinally extends from the proximal section  115  to the neck section  117 . The neck section  117  extends from the middle section  116  to the head  120 . While the head  120  is illustrated as being widened relative to the neck section  117  of the handle  110 , the head  120  could in some constructions simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the neck section  117  of the handle  110 . The proximal section  115  comprises a transverse cross-sectional area that gradually increases from the proximal end  101  of the toothbrush  100  to a middle point MP 1  of the proximal section  115 . The transverse cross-sectional area of the proximal section  115  then gradually decreases from the middle point MP 1  to the transition point TP 1  between the proximal section  115  and the middle section  116 . The middle section  116  has a transverse cross-sectional area that gradually increases from the transition point TP 1  to the middle point MP 2  of the middle section  116  and then gradually decreases from the middle point MP 2  to the transition point TP 2  between the middle section  116  and the neck section  117 . The transverse cross-sectional area of the neck section  117  gradually decreases from the transition point TP 2  to the middle point MP 3  of the neck section and then increases from the middle point MP 3  to the head  120 . The handle  120  of the toothbrush  100  preferably has a maximum transverse cross-sectional area at either middle point MP 1  of the proximal section  115  or at middle point MP 2  of the middle section  116 . The increasing and decreasing transverse cross-sectional area discussed above results in a handle  110  having an undulating structure which is more reliably and comfortably held within the user&#39;s hand. Further, this wide construction of the proximal and middle sections  115 ,  116  requires less fine motor control by the user and is, hence, easier to hold and manipulate. The term “middle point,” in all instances, is not intended to be limited to a center point or a point equidistant from the referenced ends but may merely indicate a point between the referenced end delineations. 
     Referring solely to  FIG. 4 , the middle section  116  is angled with respect to the proximal section  115  and the neck section  117 . Thought of another way, the middle section  116  is inclined relative to the proximal section and the neck section to define an inclined portion or segment of the handle  110  that is positioned for comfortable gripping and to facilitate a desired offset positioning of the head relative to the proximal section  115 . The angle of the incline is preferably 23 degrees, but may range between 5 to 40 degrees. The inclined nature of the middle section  116  relative to the proximal and neck sections  115 ,  117  allows for improved control of the handle  110  during brushing in which the head  120  can be more desirably positioned within the mouth to engage the tooth cleaning elements  130  against the teeth. 
     The grip body  170  is located within the middle section  116  of the handle  110 . The front leg  161  of the grip cover  160  covers a portion of the proximal section  115  of the handle  110  while the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160  covers both the proximal section  115  and the middle section  116  of the handle  110 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4  concurrently, a body  140  is located within and enveloped by the grip body  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, the body  140  is a structural body having a bulbous ovoid shape that is embedded within the grip body  170  so that the body  140  is not exposed to the external atmosphere. The body  140  is preferably constructed of a different material than the grip body  170 . More preferably, the body  140  is constructed of a material that is harder than the material of which the grip body  170  is constructed. Most preferably, the body  140  is constructed of a rigid material while the grip body  170  is constructed of an elastomeric material. Of course, different materials can be used. 
     The body  140  can be constructed of a hard plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics, SAN, acrylic, ABS or any other of the commonly known thermoplastics used in toothbrush manufacture. Preferably, the material selected for the body  140  is an opaque material. Utilizing an opaque material for the body  140  allows the body  140  to be is visible through the grip body  170 . The body  140  can be a solid structure or a hollow structure. If the body  140  is hollow, the body will preferably comprise an outer shell constructed of a hard plastic, such as PP, and include an enclosed cavity that can be left empty or provided with a fluid or decorative items. Moreover, the body  140  can take on other shapes and dimensions. 
     The grip body  170  can be constructed of a resilient material, such as a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). To provide optimum comfort as well as control benefits, the resilient materials of the grip body  170  preferably has a hardness durometer in a range of A11 to A15 Shore hardness. Of course, materials outside this hardness range could also be used. As an example, one preferred elastomeric material for the grip body  170  is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, other manufacturers can supply the SEBS material and other materials could be used. Preferably, the selected material for the grip body  170  is a transparent or translucent material so that the body  140  remains visible through the grip body  170 . Most preferably, the grip body  170  is made of a translucent material. By making the grip body  170  out of a translucent material (rather than a transparent material), the top and bottom surface portions of the body  140  remain visible to the user through the grip body  170  while the struts  145  that support the body  140  within the aperture  155  (discussed in grater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) are not visible to the user through the grip body  170 . This gives the body  140  the appearance that it is floating within the grip body  170 , when viewed by the user during normal use. As discussed below, the body  140  provides a structure that can be felt by the user through the grip body  170 , thereby providing increased control of the toothbrush  100  during use. However, if desired, the body  140  can be designed to provide an ornamental and/or aesthetic function instead of or in addition to its utilitarian function. 
     Referring now to FIGS.  4  and  7 - 9 , it can be seen that the handle  110  of the toothbrush  100  generally comprises four main components, which include the elongated handle body  150 , the U-shaped grip cover  160 , the grip body  170 , and the body  140  (which in the illustrated embodiment is integrally formed as a unitary structure with the handle body  150 ). These components  140 ,  150 ,  160 ,  170  cooperatively form an ergonomic and cost effective handle  110  by which the user holds and manipulates the toothbrush. The structure of each of these components will now be described in detail. 
     Referring solely to  FIG. 7 , the elongated handle body  150  is preferably a unitary structure that integrally comprises the head  120  and provides the general structure and shape for the handle  110  of the toothbrush  100 . The elongated handle body  150  comprises a front surface  151 , a rear surface  152 , a right lateral surface  153  and a left lateral surface  154 . The rear surface  152  is opposite the front surface  151  while the right lateral surface  153  is opposite the left lateral surface  154 . Collectively, the surfaces  151 - 154  form the outer surface of the elongated handle body  150 . 
     The elongated handle body  150  comprises an oval aperture  155  extending through the elongated handle body  150  from the front surface  151  to the rear surface  152 . The aperture  155  forms a laterally oriented passageway through the elongated handle body  150  and is provided to house the body  140  and receive the grip body  170  (discussed in greater detail below). The aperture  155  preferably occupies more than fifty-percent (50%) of the transverse cross-sectional area of the handle  110  at middle point MP 2 , and more preferably occupies more than sixty-five percent (65%) of the transverse cross-sectional area of the handle  110  at middle point MP 2 . Nevertheless, other constructions are possible. The aperture  155  is located in the middle section  116  of the handle  110 . 
     The aperture  155  is defined by a sidewall  156  that tapers with increasing depth from both the front and rear surfaces  151 ,  152  of the elongated handle body  150 , thereby coming to an annular apex/edge  157  ( FIG. 6 ) that is located within the aperture  155  and is the narrowest part of the aperture  155 . This dual-tapered sidewall geometry may retain and allow dynamic positioning of the body  140  and/or the grip body  170  during use of the toothbrush  100 . The sidewall  156  may, of course, have different geometries and shapes. 
     The sidewall  156  of the aperture  155  extends beyond the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 , thereby forming an annular ridge (or rim)  158  that protrudes from the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . The annular ridge  158  circumferentially surrounds the aperture  155  on the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . In other embodiments, such an annular ridge can also be incorporated into the front surface  151  of the elongated handle body  150 . 
     A longitudinally extending channel  254  (which can also be referred to as a groove or depression) is provided in the outer surface of the elongated handle body  150 . The channel  254  is a U-shaped channel that starts on the front surface  151  of the elongated handle body  150 , wraps around a proximal end  255  of the elongated handle body  150 , and continues onto the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . More specifically, the channel  254  extends longitudinally from a point between the transition point TP 2  and the proximal end  255  on the front surface  151  to the proximal end  255 , wraps around the proximal end  255 , and extends longitudinally from the proximal end  255  to the transition point TP 2  on the rear surface  152 . The channel  254  thereby extends along the proximal section  115  on the front surface  111  of the handle  110  and along the proximal and middle sections  115 ,  116  on the rear surface  112  of the handle  110 . The channel  254  surrounds the aperture  155  on the rear surface  152  (specifically the annular ridge  158 ). As will be described in greater detail below, the channel  254  receives and is filled with the grip cover  160 . 
     At least one outer ridge  257  is provided on the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . Preferably, a plurality of spaced apart outer ridges  257  are provided that protrude from the rear surface  152 . While the outer ridges  257  could have virtually any shape, they are preferably in the form of spaced-apart ridges (or ribs) that laterally extend the width of the rear surface  152 . The outer ridges  257  preferably span laterally between the lateral surfaces  113 ,  114  of the handle  110 , although they may have different transverse lengths. The transverse length of each outer ridge  257  generally matches the width at the longitudinal location along the handle  110 . However, the outer ridges  257  are preferably slightly short of the actual width of handle  110  at any one location so as to be covered on the sides by grip cover  160 . Since outer ridges  257  span the width of the handle  110  in the proximal and middle sections  115 ,  116 , they each have varying lengths due to the variations in the width of these sections  115 ,  116 . 
     As a result of the spaced-apart arrangement of the outer ridges  257 , a transverse channel or groove is defined between each of the adjacent arcuate outer ridges  257 . These transverse channels are configured to receive and retain the material of the grip cover  160 , such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or other similar materials used in oral care products. 
     The elongated handle body  150  is preferably a unitary single component constructed of a rigid material, such as for example a hard plastic. Suitable hard plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics, SAN, acrylic, ABS or any other of the commonly known thermoplastics used in toothbrush manufacture. Preferably, the elongated handle body  150  is constructed of a hard plastic material that is the same type of plastic as the hard plastic material of which the body  140  is constructed. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 7 , the body  140  is supported within the aperture  155  of the elongated handle body  150  by a pair of struts  145 . The struts  145  are thin (relative to the body  140 ) beam structures that support the body  140  within the aperture  155  so that the body  140  is spaced from the sidewall  156 . The struts  145  extend from the sidewall  156  of the aperture  155 . The body  140  is connected to the distal ends of the struts  145  so that the body  140  is supported within the aperture  155  so as to be spaced from the sidewall  156  of the aperture  155  by an annular gap  300 . This relation will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     Most preferably, the elongated handle body  150 , the body  140  and the struts  145  are formed as an integral single structure during a single injection molding process (multiple injection ports may be used). The two struts  145  are circumferentially spaced 180° apart on opposite sides of the body  145 . The two struts  145  are substantially aligned and extend coaxially along the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle  110 . While two struts  145  are illustrated as supporting the body  140 , more or less struts can be used. Moreover, if desired, the struts  145 , the elongated handle body  150  and the body  140  can be constructed of different material and/or as separate components. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the grip cover  160  is a generally U-shaped (or tong-shaped) cover or layer of resilient material. The grip cover  160  is fixed to the elongated handle body  150  to provide a gripping surface to improve performance during use. The grip cover  160  is positioned within the channel  254  of the elongated handle body  150  when the toothbrush  100  is in an assembled state. 
     The grip cover  160  conceptually comprises three sections, a front leg  161 , a rear leg  162  and a curved segment  165  that connects the front and rear legs  161 ,  162  in an opposing manner. The overall shape and size of the front and rear legs  161 ,  162  can be the same or different. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear leg  162  is substantially longer than the front leg  161 . However, the legs  161 ,  162  can be mirror images of one another and, thus, be equal in length, width and overall shape and size in other embodiments. An opening  167  is provided in the rear leg  162 . The opening  167  receives the annular ridge/rim  158  of the elongated handle body  150  when the grip cover  160  is fixed to the elongated handle body  150 . 
     The rear leg  162  comprises a plurality of spaced-apart openings  166 , preferably in the form of slots that extend transversely across the rear leg  162 . The openings  166  are sized, shaped and positioned to be aligned with the outer ridges  257  of the elongated handle body  150 . When the grip cover  160  is fixed to the elongated handle body  150 , the outer ridges  257  extend into the openings  166  and are thus exposed via the openings  166 . To form openings  166 , suitable injection molding equipment mates with the top surfaces of the outer ridges  257  to prevent overmolding of the outer ridges  257  and any undesired deflection of the elongated handle body  150  during the molding process. This enables the top surfaces of the outer ridges  257  to be exposed after the molding process that adds the grip cover  160  to the elongated handle body  150 . 
     As can be seen best in  FIG. 5 , the top surfaces of the outer ridges  257  are flush to the outer surface  164  of the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160  when the handle  110  is assembled. However, in other embodiments, it may be preferable that the top surfaces of the outer ridges  257  be recessed in the openings  166  relative to the outer surface  164  of the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160  when the handle  110  is assembled. In such an embodiment, the grip cover  160  is created to have a sufficient thickness so as to control the depth of the openings  166 . By ensuring that the top surfaces of the outer ridges  257  are depressed relative to the outer surface  164  of the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160 , the openings  166  may prevent slippage of the handle  110  by enabling portions of the user&#39;s fingers to slightly protrude into the depth of the openings  166 . Additionally, openings  166  channel water away from the fingers tips during wet operational conditions. Air is also able to enter the openings during brushing to provide some evaporative effect. 
     The grip cover  160  is preferably constructed of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). To provide comfort as well as control benefits, the elastomeric material of the grip cover  160  preferably has a hardness durometer measurement in the range of A13 to A50 Shore hardness, although materials outside this range may be used. A more preferred range of the hardness durometer rating is A25 to A40 Shore hardness. Furthermore, while an injection molded construction of the grip cover  160  is preferred, the grip cover  160  may, in some embodiments, be formed as a thin layer and attached to elongated handle body  150  with an appropriate adhesive, sonic welding, thermal welding or other technique. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 9  concurrently, the grip body  170  is a generally bulbous shaped mass that bulges out of the aperture  155  of the elongated handle body  150 . The grip body  170  fills the remaining volume of the aperture  155  of the elongated handle body  150  that is not occupied by the body  140  and the struts  145 . 
     The grip body has a convex front surface  171  and a convex rear surface  172 , which resemble an oval or elliptical shape. The bulbous shape of the grip body  170  enables the user to reliably roll and control the handle  110  between the thumb and index fingers during use. The grip body  170  may also be non-bulging or have any number of shapes, such as circular, a true oval shape and the like. 
     In one preferred construction, the grip body  170  has a multiplicity of finger grip protrusions  173  projecting from the front and rear surfaces  171 ,  172 . The finger grip protrusions  173  provide a tactile feature to increase the friction on the user&#39;s finger surfaces and thus enhance the user&#39;s ability to grip the handle  110 , particularly under wet conditions. The finger grip protrusions  173  are preferably provided in a desired conical or frusto-conical shape for improved grip performance. Of course, other roughened surfaces could be used. 
     Preferably, the grip body  170  is constructed of a different type of resilient material than that which the grip cover  160  is constructed. For example, it is preferred that the grip body  170  be constructed of a resilient material having a different hardness as compared to the hardness of the grip cover  160 . The material of the grip body  170  is preferably softer than the material forming the grip cover  160 . In this manner, the handle  110  may be provided with different grip features to complement the particular control need. The material of the resilient grip body  170  and the grip cover  160  are preferably each a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     As will be described in greater detail below, as a result of the grip body  170  being injection molded into the aperture  155  subsequent to formation and positioning of the body  140 , the grip body  170  envelops the body  140  (and the struts  145  in embodiments where struts are used) when the handle  110  is assembled. Thus, conceptually, the grip body  170  comprises an internal cavity  174  that houses the body  140 . The body  140  fills the entirety of the cavity  174  and, thus, is in intimate contact with the internal wall of the grip body  170  that forms the cavity  174 . Similarly, two channels  175  are also formed in the grip body that provide passageways through which the struts  145  extend. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  5  and  6  concurrently, the structural cooperation of the of the four components  140 ,  150 ,  160 ,  170  of the toothbrush  100  will now be described in detail with respect to a preferred construction. In the preferred construction, the elongated handle body  150  is constructed of an opaque PP, the body  140  is constructed of the same opaque PP, the grip body  170  is constructed of a translucent (or colored) TPE having a first hardness, and the grip cover  160  is constructed of an opaque TPE having a second hardness that is greater than the first hardness. 
     The body  140  is disposed within the aperture  155  of the elongated handle body  150 . The body  140  is supported within the aperture  155  by connection to the distal ends of the struts  145  so that the body is spaced apart from the sidewall  156  via an annular gap  300 . Of course, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the body  140  may be supported within the aperture by other structures and/or assemblies. For example, the body  140  may be connected to the apex  157  of the side wall  156  in a continuous or interrupted manner. 
     The body  140  is suspended within the aperture  155  so that an upper-most surface portion  141  and a lower-most surface portion  142  of the body  140  is covered by the grip body  170 . As a result, the entirety of the body  140  is enveloped within the grip body  170 . The struts  145  are also enveloped within the grip body  170 . 
     The upper-most surface portion  141  of the body  140  is embedded within the grip body  170  a first distance from the front surface  171  of the grip body  170 . Similarly, the lower-most surface portion  142  of the body  140  is embedded within the grip body  170  a second distance from the rear surface  172  of the grip body  170 . The struts  145  are embedded within the grip body  170  a third distance from both the front and rear surfaces  171 ,  172  of the grip body  170  (of course, the distance between the struts  145  and front surface  171  and the distance between the struts  145  and rear surface  172  may be different from one another). The first and second distances and the degree of translucency of the grip body  140  are selected so that the upper-most surface portion  141  and the lower-most surface portion  142  of the body  140  are visible to the user through the grip body  170  itself (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ). However, it is preferred that the third distance and the degree of translucency of the grip body  140  are selected so that the struts  145  are not visible to the user through the grip body  170  itself. As a result, the body  140  appears to float within the grip body  170  in an unsupported and/or suspended manner. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable that the struts  145  (or other supporting structure) be at least partially visible through the grip body  170  by selecting a transparent and/or less translucent material for the grip body  170  and/or locating the struts  145  closer to the surfaces  171 ,  172 . Moreover, in further alternative embodiments, the body  140  may be actually suspended within the grip body  170  by omitting the struts  145  (or other supporting structures). 
     As mentioned above, it is preferred that the struts  145  be structures that are thin relative to the body  140 . Preferably, the body  140  has a maximum lateral cross-sectional area (illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) and the struts  145  have a maximum lateral cross-sectional area that is between 1 to 50% of the lateral maximum cross-sectional area of the body  140 . More preferably, the struts  145  have a maximum lateral cross-sectional area that is between 1 to 20% of the lateral maximum cross-sectional area of the body  140 . Most preferably, the struts  145  have a maximum lateral cross-sectional area that is between 1 to 10% of the lateral maximum cross-sectional area of the body  140 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the struts  145  are cylindrical elongated beam structures that have a substantially constant circular transverse cross-sectional area. The invention, however, is not so limited and the struts  145  may take on other cross-sectional shapes and/or may have varied cross-sectional sizes and/or shapes. 
     The thin nature of the struts  145  allows the body  140  to move and/or shift within the grip body  170  when subjected to normal forces imparted to the handle  110  during an oral care session. The struts  145  then act to return the body  140  to its original position once the user stops applying force. As a result, from a utilitarian standpoint, the body  140  acts as a shifting mass centroid of the grip body  170  during an oral care session. This prohibits excessive force from being applied to the user&#39;s oral surface via force applied to the handle  110 . 
     In addition to a utilitarian function, the body  140  can provide a mechanism by which the handle  110  of the toothbrush  100  can provide aesthetic appeal. For example, the body  140  can comprise and/or be shaped into an ornamental feature. Examples of such ornamental features include the body  140  comprising and/or being formed into the shape of a character, a design, a jewel, a logo, an animal, a flower, a plant, or a decoration. Of course, other aesthetically pleasing decorative features can be implemented. 
     As mentioned above, the grip body  170  is disposed within and fills the remaining volume of the aperture  155  of the elongated handle body  150  that is not occupied by the body  140  and the struts  145 . The convex front and rear surfaces  171 ,  172  of the grip body  170  bulge from the aperture  155  and form a portion of the front and rear surfaces  111 ,  112  of the overall handle  110 . The grip body  170  is preferably formed in the aperture  155  via a one or two shot injection molding technique. The tapered shape of the sidewalls  156  of the aperture help retain the grip body  170  within the aperture over the life cycle of the toothbrush  100 . Additionally, a chemical bond may be formed between the TPE of the grip body  170  and the PP of the elongated handle body  150  (and body  140 ) during the injection molding process. 
     The grip cover  160  is applied to the outer surface of the elongated handle body  150 . More specifically, the grip cover  160  is fixed to the elongated handle body  150  so that: (1) the front leg  161  of the grip cover  160  nests within the portion of the channel  254  on the front surface  151  of the elongated handle body  150 ; (2) the curved portion  165  of the grip cover  160  nests within the portion of the channel  254  that wraps around the proximal end  255  of the elongated handle body  150 ; and (3) the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160  nests within the portion of the channel  254  on the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . 
     The outer ridges  257  of the elongated handle body  150  extend into the openings  166  of the grip cover  160  and preferably remain depressed below the rear surface  164  of the rear leg  162  of the grip cover  160  as discussed above. The grip cover  160  fills the channel  254 , thereby wrapping around the proximal end  155  of the elongated handle body  150  and surrounding the aperture  155  on the rear surface  152  of the elongated handle body  150 . The grip cover  160  also fills the transverse channels/slots between the outer ridges  257  of the elongated handle body  150 . 
     The grip body  160  is fixed to the elongated handle body  150  by a chemical bond that is formed between the TPE of the grip cover  160  and the PP of the elongated handle body  150  during the injection molding process. Finally, while grip cover  160  is shown as a single unitary member or layer, it could be formed by separate independent parts or sections in certain embodiments. 
     The inventive aspects discussed above may be practiced for a manual toothbrush, a powered toothbrush or any implement that includes a handle. In operation, the previously described features, individually and/or in any combination, improve the control, grip performance, aesthetics and cost point of oral implements. Other constructions of toothbrush are possible. For example, the head  120  may be replaceable or interchangeable on the handle  110 . The head  120  may include various oral surface engaging elements, such as inter-proximal picks, brushes, flossing element, plaque scraper, tongue cleansers and soft tissue massages. While the various features of the toothbrush  100  work together to achieve the advantages previously described, it is recognized that individual features and sub-combinations of these features can be used to obtain some of the aforementioned advantages without the necessity to adopt all of these features in an oral care implement. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.