Patent Description:
The prior art includes several solutions of toothbrushes provided so that can be collapsed between an open position where they can be used, and a closed position where they are collected inside of a box-like part, so that the brush part is protected from exposure to eventual dusts and dirt.

The document <CIT> discloses a combination of toothbrush and powder recipient that includes a casing part with two half-shell parts and united on a respective first edge in a swivelling connection so that they can be opened and closed relative to the casing part. Said casing part further includes a toothbrush part on a second edge in a swivelling connection, so that can be collapsed to the interior of the casing part or opened up to an operative position where it can be used by a user, holding the casing part as a handle.

The document <CIT> discloses a construction of a foldable toothbrush that includes a casing part and an utensil part of toothbrush connected by means of swivelling connection to an edge region of the casing part so that can be swivelled between an open position, where it can be operated by the user, and a closed position where it is collected inside the casing part.

The document <CIT> discloses a similar construction, in particular a portable toothbrush that includes a casing part and a toothbrush part adapted so that can be swivelled by a swivelling connection between open and closed positions, and vice-versa.

The document <CIT> also discloses a travel dental kit that comprises a plastic rectangular compartment that has a face that can be turned sideways thereby enabling the opening by at least <NUM> degrees so as to completely expose the interior of the compartment, whereby a plurality of dental care tools is mounted so that can be vertically rotated outside of the compartment. When rotated outwards, said utensils are blocked in such position by the closure of the turntable face of the compartment, whereby the compartment builds a handle for said utensils in the vertical position.

The document <CIT> discloses a casing that can retain a toothbrush and other teeth cleaning tools inside thereof. In particular, three different tools can be on a common support of swivelling axis, and adapted so that can be rotated to the interior of a casing space, and to the exterior, to an operative position.

The document <CIT> also discloses a toothbrush disposition with a head member of toothbrush that can be rapidly deployed.

The document <CIT> discloses a foldable toothbrush that includes a casing part presenting a door-like part that can be swivelled open so as to provide access to the interior of the casing and thereby rotating a toothbrush member out of the interior of the casing.

The document <CIT> also discloses a device of the type of the present invention that includes a receiving space of narrow and elongated shape containing a plurality of articles of multiple uses that can be detached by means of rotation around the mutually opposing edges of said receiving space.

The document <CIT> discloses a combined instrument of the type of the present invention comprising a combination of several different hygiene tools arranged in a foldable arrangement.

The document <CIT> relates to a compact brush system comprising a housing in the form of two plates spaced apart with a gap or open region spaced therebetween, whereby at least one brush can be rotatably coupled to said housing.

There is therefore the need to provide a hygiene kit com a plurality of hygiene utensils of more ergonomic use and with a simpler construction.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a hygiene kit that comprises a casing part and at least two utensils with support parts and functional parts, for example brush-type parts or similar, said hygiene utensils being adapted so that can be operated between closed and open positions, and vice-versa, said hygiene kit being provided with a simpler general construction, with better reliability and ergonomic of use and lower production costs.

The aforementioned objective is solved according to the present invention by means of a hygiene kit according to claim <NUM>.

In particular, the aforementioned objective is solved by means of a hygiene kit that presents a casing consisting in two casing parts adapted so that can be reciprocally retained and also provide swivel support elements for at least two hygiene utensils so that these utensils can be swivelled between a closed position where they are collected in respective collection interior space through casing opening configured laterally in mutually opposing sides of the casing, along the junction of said two casing parts, and an open position where the hygiene utensils extend along directions parallel to said longitudinal casing sides.

The present invention shall be hereinafter explained in greater detail based upon preferred embodiments and upon the attached Figures.

The Figures show, in simplified schematic representations:.

The present invention shall be hereinafter described based upon two preferred embodiments, without the limitation of the scope thereof given that many other embodiments are possible with said scope.

<FIG> represent different views of a first preferred embodiment of a hygiene kit according to the present invention, presenting a casing (<NUM>) and two utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>), in particular two hygiene utensils. In the case of this embodiment, it is a combing brush (<NUM>) and a toothbrush (<NUM>), provided so that can be operated between a closed position, where they can be collected inside of the casing (<NUM>), and an open position where they can be used, and vice-versa.

The hygiene kit comprises a casing (<NUM>) configured with a general form of handle type, holding support, or similar, and comprising two casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) each one configured in a half-shell shape and adapted so that can be mechanically retained to each other and thereby provide an interior space.

The casing (<NUM>) can present a general shape of rectangular type when seen from the top or from the bottom, with a first longitudinal extension that is bigger than a second transversal extension. The casing (<NUM>) can further present a third extension that extends generally orthogonally relative to the plane defined by the first and second extension, and with a dimension that is similar or smaller than the second transversal extension.

Said mechanic retention of the two casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be configured so that can be carried out manually, without requiring the use of a tool, thereby enabling access for replacement of utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprise a support part (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted so that can be retained in a casing part (<NUM>) so that can be swivelled between closed and open positions, and vice-versa, and an operative part (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted so as to provide the required use in each case.

According to an inventive aspect, said first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) are provided so that can be swivelled around respective swivelling axis (X1, X2) and thereby operated between open position where they can be used, and closed position where they can be collected in the interior space through casing openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured in opposite sides of said casing part (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The hygiene kit in this case consists of two casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) and two utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>), not requiring any additional part or component.

A simpler to operate and more ergonomic disposition of hygiene kit is herewith advantageously provided, only requiring manipulation of one opening movement of utensil (<NUM>, <NUM>) and without further requiring an opening movement of opening and closing of a casing (<NUM>).

Moreover, there is provided a disposition of hygiene kit of reduced construction complexity, and with substantial collection of the operative parts (<NUM>, <NUM>), protecting them from exposure to the exterior environment when collected inside of the casing (<NUM>).

Said casing openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be configured with a shape adjusted to the shape of the operative parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) of each one of the utensils.

The casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be configured so that, in case of being in the closed position, the exterior surface of the utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) occupies the area delimited by the casing openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) and extends in a generally continuous manner with the exterior surface of the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>).

Said casing openings (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) can be configured with at least one of: different shape and different dimension.

As can be observed in particular in <FIG>, the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) present two first casing connections (<NUM>) provided in diametrically mutually opposing corner regions thereof, and adapted so that can provide reciprocal pressurized fitting.

In particular, the casing connections (<NUM>) are in this case adapted so that can provide an assembly of the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) by means of a generally linear movement of fitting engagement thereof.

As can be observed in <FIG>, the edge region of the support parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) of first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) opposite to the operative parts (<NUM>, <NUM>), presents a respective retention part (<NUM>, <NUM>) that presents a portion configured so that can be rotated between closed and open positions, and that at least partially surrounds a ring-like portion that can operate as female part in a connection to a casing connection (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) provided in the casing part (<NUM>).

The first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) present first casing connections (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) that comprise a reciprocal mechanical retention part (<NUM>) and an utensil support part (<NUM>) that extends in tubular manner preferentially around the mechanic retention part (<NUM>).

As can be better observed in the details of the <FIG>, the mechanic retention part (<NUM>) is configured with a hook shape and provided in a piece that extends in the direction towards the other casing part (<NUM>, <NUM>) and is arranged in a reciprocally symmetric position in terms of fitting with relation to a reference central engagement axis, so that the directly opposite mechanic retention parts (<NUM>) of the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) can mechanically engage in reciprocal manner under pressure.

The support part (<NUM>) is configured with a generally tubular shape and complementary dimension, so that when the casing (<NUM>) is in the closed position and, therefore, of mutually engaged casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>), the support parts (<NUM>) provide a circular exterior surface disposed in centred manner with relation to a swivelling axis (X1, X2) and so that can support a connection of mobile swivelling type of a connection portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The casing connections (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) in this case present a similar construction and dimension in both the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>), only differing in the relative position of component parts relative to a reference central axis of engagement.

Moreover, as can be better observed in <FIG>, the support parts (<NUM>) present a first region (132a) of generally tubular shape, with a circular exterior surface in a extension that corresponds to the amplitude of the swivelling movement, for example of about <NUM>°, and delimited on both sides by second regions (132b) adapted so that can engage in retention means provided inside of support connection portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>). In the case of the represented embodiment, said second regions (132b) are configured in form of cavities where can engage hard nodes (213a, 213b) provided in corresponding positions of limit of the movement on the interior surface of the support connection portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) of first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>).

As can be better observed in the details I, II and III of <FIG>, the connection portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) present hard nodes (213a, 213b) disposed in opposite side of the interior surface, adapted so that can engage by means of fitting in the region of the connection parts (<NUM>).

It is herewith advantageously provided a mechanic retention of the utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) in respective open and closed positions, as well as a tactile perception by the user that the utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in these positions.

Moreover, the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) present respective parts of a divisor wall (<NUM>) that extends longitudinally so that divides interior collection spaces (A, B) for the hygiene utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>), thereby separating these from each inside of the casing (<NUM>). Said parts of divisor wall (<NUM>) can present engagement means, for example in the form of slot (<NUM>) and groove (<NUM>) along the respective top region, herewith providing an additional reinforcement of retaining connection of the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) along the longitudinal extension thereof.

The first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) present casing connections (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) adapted so that provide reciprocal mechanic engagement by means of a retention movement by one part in the other according to at least one of:.

The first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be provided in a synthetic material and produced as single pieces, preferentially by means of mold injection.

<FIG> represent a second preferred embodiment of the hygiene kit according to the present invention, whereby besides of the first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) there is further provided a third of personal hygiene utensil (<NUM>), in this case in the form of a shaving blade.

As represented, the casing (<NUM>) in this case further presents a generally rectangular shape when seen from the top, maintaining the relative dimension of the first and third extension, but now with a second extension of bigger dimension relative to those.

The casing (<NUM>) further presents two utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided so that can be operated in swivel around respective swivelling axis (X1, X2), between closed and open positions, and vice-versa, without said manipulation requiring opening the casing (<NUM>). In particular, the swivelling axis (X1), X2) are further provided so that said utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) result with respective operative parts oriented inwards when in the closed position. However, in this case, said swivelling axis (X1, X2) are provide in corner regions on a same side of the casing (<NUM>), so that the first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) extend on a same direction when in an open position.

Moreover, the lateral casing opening (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) are also in this case provided so that the first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) can be collected in respective interior spaces (A, B) of the casing (<NUM>) with respective operative portions turned face to face, instead of back to back.

In the case of this embodiment, said casing part (<NUM>) further presents a third casing opening (<NUM>) disposed on a transversal side of the casing (<NUM>) and adapted so that provides collection of at least part of a third utensil (<NUM>) in the collection space of the casing part (<NUM>) between the collection spaces of said first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>).

The casing (<NUM>) presents in this case a double interior wall (<NUM>) configured so as to confine the collection spaces of each of the utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), in particular extending along the longitudinal direction of the casing (<NUM>), and thereby prevent eventual crossed exposure to contaminants or dirt, according to respective uses of personal hygiene.

Moreover, at least one of the first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) presents a manipulation opening (<NUM>) adapted so that enables the manipulation of a third utensil (<NUM>) forward and backwards along a linear extension in a respective interior collection space (C), between a position of at least partial collection inside the casing (<NUM>) and an operative position where it is distended out of the casing part (<NUM>).

In the case of this embodiment, the casing (<NUM>) further presents a third casing opening (<NUM>) adapted so that provides collection of at least part of a third utensil (<NUM>) in a third interior space (C) of the casing (<NUM>) provided between the collection spaces (A, B) of first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>).

At least one of said first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) presents a manipulation opening (<NUM>) provided on at least one side, preferentially on a top face thereof, and adapted so that enables the manipulation of a third utensil (<NUM>) frontwards and backwards along a linear extension, between an at least partially collection position in a third interior space of the casing part (<NUM>) and an operative position where it is distended out of the casing (<NUM>).

Said third utensil (<NUM>) presents a support part (<NUM>) that can have a characteristic dimension, in particular length, that is smaller than the length of the interior space of the casing (<NUM>), and an operative part (<NUM>) that can have a characteristic dimension, in particular width, similar to the width of the manipulation opening (<NUM>), and that extends along a transversal direction with a dimension similar to the second extension of the casing part (<NUM>).

At least said third utensil (<NUM>), preferentially also at least one of the first and second utensil (<NUM>, <NUM>), can present an operative part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) adapted so that can be manually replaced, without requiring the use of a tool for such purpose, so that there is enabled the possibility of replacement thereof at the end of a respective useful life.

The third utensil (<NUM>) further presents an actuation handle (<NUM>) provided so that projects outside of said manipulation opening (<NUM>) and configured so that can be operated by a finger of the user, preferentially one of the fingers of the hand that holds the hygiene kit.

The actuation handle (<NUM>) engages in mobile manner in the manipulation opening (<NUM>) so that can be displaced frontwards and backwards, and vice-versa, along thereof, and provides retention of the third utensil (<NUM>) so that the latter cannot exit through the collection opening (<NUM>) when moved to an open position.

The third utensil (<NUM>) presents mobile engagement means (<NUM>) provided in mutually opposing side of said actuation handle (<NUM>), and that engage with hard nodes (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided on the inward-oriented side of a casing part (<NUM>) on both sides in the proximity of the opening (<NUM>), in limit regions of the linear movement path of actuation of the third utensil (<NUM>).

It is herewith advantageously provided retention perceptible by the user of the third utensil (<NUM>) in closed and open position.

Moreover, in the case of this embodiment, the third utensil (<NUM>) presents engagement means (236a, 236b) adapted so that can engage in mobile manner along grooves (<NUM>) provided in directly opposing side of interior walls (<NUM>) of at least one of the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>), and thereby provide linear displacement frontward and backward, between collected and distended positions, and vice-versa.

The third utensil (<NUM>) can further present retention means (<NUM>) provided in the free edge opposite to the operative part (<NUM>) and adapted so that can be retained in a part of the third interior space (C) of the casing (<NUM>). In the case of this embodiment, said retention means (<NUM>) are provided in the form of an elastic clip of spring type.

<FIG> represent a variant of retention of the third utensil (<NUM>).

The casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) in this case present connection parts (<NUM>) adapted so that provide reciprocal retention along a movement in a single direction of approach and reciprocal engagement. In particular, beyond two first connection parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided in corner regions on a same side of the casing (<NUM>), the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) present two second connection parts (<NUM>) provided in diametrically opposite corner regions of the casing (<NUM>), in particular longitudinally opposite, and configured for example as engagement hooks by reciprocal engagement.

The third utensil (<NUM>) further presents an actuation handle (<NUM>) provided so that projects out of said manipulation opening (<NUM>), as well as mobile engagement means (<NUM>) provided in mutually opposite sides of said actuation handle (<NUM>), and that engage with hard nodes (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the casing part (<NUM>) that presents the manipulation opening (<NUM>).

But, in the case of this embodiment, the third utensil (<NUM>) is configured with a support part (<NUM>) of dimension and shape at least approximately similar to the third collection space (C), so that can be collected therein and in form of mobile engagement along the longitudinal direction of the casing (<NUM>). Moreover, the third utensil (<NUM>) presents mobile engagement means (not represented in the drawing) associated with the opposite side of the third utensil (<NUM>) and configured so that engage in mobile manner in respective sliding guides (<NUM>) provided on the other casing parts (<NUM>) and herewith provide a sliding of the third utensil (<NUM>) between closed and open positions, and vice-versa.

It is herewith provided a third utensil (<NUM>) with a simpler form.

Moreover, a replacement of the third utensil (<NUM>) can be carried out in analogous manner to the first and second utensil (<NUM>, <NUM>), sufficing that the user removes a first casing part (<NUM>), removes an old utensil (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and places a new one, by means of a similar gesture in all cases, along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the casing (<NUM>).

Claim 1:
Hygiene kit presenting:
- a casing (<NUM>) comprising a first and a second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured with a general handle-like, handle grip, or similar format, elongated along a longitudinal direction, and adapted so that can be retained with each other and thereby provide an interior space of the casing (<NUM>),
- a first and a second utensil (<NUM>, <NUM>) of personal hygiene, such as for example a tooth brush or similar, comprising a support part (<NUM>, <NUM>) and an operative part (<NUM>, <NUM>), or similar,
whereby said first and second utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>) are provided so that can be operated in respective swivelling axis (X1, X2) between open positions where they can be used, and closed positions where they can be collected through opposite sides inside the interior space of the casing (<NUM>), without requiring opening the casing (<NUM>)
characterized
in that the first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) are provided as a single piece, including all the casing connections (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), so that the hygiene kit does not include any part besides the casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) and hygiene utensils (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and
in that the first and second casing parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) present a plurality of casing connections (<NUM>) adapted so that can be reciprocally retained in mechanical manner, and manually removed without requiring the use of a tool.