MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH

Abstract

A manual toothbrush (1) includes an elongated handle part (2) defining a geometric handle part longitudinal axis (10) and a bristle plate (4). The handle part (2) has a recess (6) defined therein and a handle part end side (5) extending transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis. An identifier body (8) is anchored in the handle part end side in a non-detachable manner, e.g., in a material bonded manner. The manual toothbrush is enclosed in a sealed sales package.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a manual toothbrush having an elongated handle part, by which a geometric handle part longitudinal axis is defined, wherein the handle part has a recess and a handle part end side transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis. Further, the present invention generally relates to a method for producing a manual toothbrush and for producing a sealed packaging therefor.

BACKGROUND ART

Manual toothbrushes are commercially available in a wide range of shapes. Whether a manual toothbrush is popular with consumers and therefore successful depends on the one hand on the cleaning effect (in particular the quality of the bristle field), and on the other hand on the ease of use and the aesthetic design.

The production of manual toothbrushes is relatively undemanding. The effort required for a new toothbrush lies more in the development of a good design, in the selection of good materials and in the right marketing. Because a toothbrush is repeatedly in contact with the body (saliva, teeth, gums), it is important that the quality of the materials is high.

Manufacturers and distributors of high-quality toothbrushes are regularly confronted with copies. It is not uncommon for the difference between the original and the copy to be difficult to recognize. However, it is important for the manufacturer that their high-quality products are not confused with products of dubious origin and quality.

SUMMARY

It is one non-limiting object of the present teachings to disclose techniques for providing a manual toothbrush with a permanent identifier that is visible to the user but does not interfere with the user during normal handling (usage) of the toothbrush. In addition, the production of the toothbrush should not be affected by the type of identifier.

According to one non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, the manual toothbrush has an elongated handle part (handle), by which a geometric handle part longitudinal axis is defined. The handle part has a recess (hollow cavity, blind hole) and a handle part end side transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis. An identifier body is anchored in the handle part end side such that the identifier body is undetachable by hand. A particular type of manually undetachable anchoring is a materially bonded anchoring.

The advantage of this aspect is that the toothbrush has a three-dimensional marking or identification, but that this does not disturb the user in any way when the user holds the toothbrush in the hand. The identifier body is permanently anchored in the handle part and therefore cannot be removed without destroying the product.

Another advantage is that the identifier body is attached “in” and not “on” the handle part end side. The identifier body is not in the form of a cap that encompasses or overlaps the handle part end region from behind and from the outside.

The identifier body is anchored in a materially bonded manner, i.e. no liquid can penetrate into the recess in the handle part. Thus, no bacteria can penetrate either, and the handle part can be kept hygienically clean without any problems during use. The material bond according to the present teachings can be achieved in different ways. For example, the identifier body can fit snugly into the recess in the sense of a “press fit”. It can also be affixed with an adhesive, for example. Fusing is also possible if the material of the identifier body and the handle part are compatible.

Depending on the design of the identifier body, it is possible to clearly attribute the toothbrush. Because the user normally sees the brush as a whole when buying it, the user can see the identifier body if necessary and be sure that it is an original product.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present teachings, a sealed sales packaging has (contains) a manual toothbrush, wherein the manual toothbrush comprises an elongated handle part, by which a geometric handle part longitudinal axis is defined. The handle part has a recess (hollow cavity, blind hole) and a handle part end side, which is transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis, in which an identifier body is anchored in a manually undetachable manner.

The sealed sales package is defined such that the manual toothbrush (when it is in the sealed sales package) cannot be removed or the identifier body cannot be manipulated without it being apparent by damage to the packaging. Naturally, the manual toothbrush is placed in the sealed sales package before the manual toothbrush reaches the sales channels.

The sealed sales packaging preferably closes (seals, shields) the manual toothbrush off from the environment in a hygienic manner. This can be, for example, a completely closed, airtight plastic packaging. This can take the form of a blister pack or a self-supporting plastic packaging. A heat sealed combination of a plastic tray and cardboard cover is also possible.

Alternatively, the sealed sales packaging can have openings so that certain parts of the toothbrush are directly visible, if one wants to see the bristles, handle shape, color, etc. as a customer before buying the toothbrush.

According to one particular type of design, the foot end of the handle part and the identifier body are visible despite the sealed packaging. In this sense, the sealed packaging can be transparent at the foot end of the handle. Or an opening can be formed in a non-transparent packaging through which the identifier body is visible.

In one particular embodiment, the identifier body is an insert body that fits precisely into the recess when viewed in cross section perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis. An insert body is characterized by the fact that it has a generally cylindrical surface and can therefore be (mechanically) inserted into a precisely shaped channel and held therein. One advantage of this embodiment is that the identifier body can be inserted into the handle part end side very easily from a production point of view.

According to a mathematical definition, a generally cylindrical surface is created by shifting (moving) a planar curve c0, which is located in a plane E, along a straight line that is not located in the plane E by a fixed distance a0, and by connecting each two corresponding points of the original curve c0 and the shifted curve c1 by a line. The totality of these parallel lines forms the associated general cylindrical (surface) area.

The identifier body can be short in the direction of the handle part longitudinal axis (e.g. shorter than its maximum transverse dimension). However, it can also be advantageous if it is at least as large in the direction of the handle part longitudinal axis as its maximum transverse dimension (which is measured perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis).

The outer surface of the identifier body is advantageously designed so that the insertion takes place along a straight line in the direction of the handle part longitudinal axis.

It can be advantageous to provide a fine rib and a suitably arranged undercut (groove) on the generally cylindrical surface of the channel-shaped recess and/or on the generally cylindrical surface (contour) of the identifier body. Here, the dimension of the undercut or the rib in the direction perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis is in the order of magnitude of about 1/10 (0.1) mm. This is therefore primarily an intentional unevenness and not an actual mechanical notch. This can improve the anchoring without substantially changing the character of the insertion.

However, as a variant, it is also conceivable that the identifier body undergoes a small rotational movement (of a few degrees, for example) when inserted.

In one particular embodiment, it is provided that the identifier body contains an element that can be detected or read electronically. The element can be a simple digital circuit (e.g., an NFC chip) on (in) which a code is stored. The code can be used by the manufacturer to make the toothbrush traceable (e.g., place of production, production batch, etc.).

However, it is not mandatory that the element is a digital circuit. Metal elements (e.g. copper threads), which can be identified with suitable detectors, can also (instead) be embedded. The metal elements can, for example, be cast in the identifier body in a particular way (e.g., number, size, orientation, materialization), so that a characteristic signal, which serves as an identification, is generated during analysis using a suitable measuring device.

According to a particular embodiment, the identifier body has a polygonal contour in a direction transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis. A simple quadrangle or square can be mentioned as examples. However, also preferred are octagonal contours, which result from the corners of a rectangle or square being cut off. A cross shape (dodecagonal) is also considered to be a preferred polygon. The advantage of polygons is that they are easy to handle from a production point of view.

According to a particular embodiment, the contour of the handle part and the identifier body are geometrically similar. Thus, if the handle part is an octagon transverse to its longitudinal axis, then the identifier body also has an octagonal profile. If the recess also has an octagonal inner profile, the wall thickness of the handle part around the identifier body can be made thin by choosing the size of the identifier body appropriately.

In a particular embodiment of the present teachings, the identifier body is in the form of a cross-shaped profile and the recess is in the form of a cross-shaped profile channel that fits precisely with the cross-shaped profile of the identifier body.

Particularly preferably, the length of the recess is at least several times the length of the identifier body. This means that the handle is hollow over a longer distance. In particular, the recess in the handle part can extend substantially up to the bristle plate of the handle part. Thereby, material can be saved if necessary.

However, it is also possible to fill the recess with a material that increases the weight of the manual toothbrush. Thus, for example, a metal rod can be inserted in the portion of the recess of a plastic handle part that is not occupied by the identifier body. Because the identifier body is anchored in the end side of the handle part in a materially bonded manner, no moisture can penetrate into the recess and no corrosion of the metal rod can develop.

If the metal rod is shorter than the length of the recess, then the weight distribution of the toothbrush can be adjusted as desired by a suitable positioning of the metal rod in the recess.

Preferably, the recess extends over a length that is at least half the length of the handle part. If the length of the identifier body in such an embodiment is no more than twice the transverse dimension, then the handle part has an advantageously large interior space or hollow cavity.

Protruding identifier body: According to another particular embodiment of the present teachings, the identifier body may protrude beyond the handle part end side. Thereby, the identifier body is more easily recognizable. In addition, it can be felt and the user does not have to turn the brush over if the user wants to check the identifier body. It can also be easily detected with a photoelectric sensor. Thus, it is possible to apply a surface design (structure) that can be read by a photoelectric sensor transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the identifier body is sunk in the recess. This creates a kind of “negative” on the end side.

In a further particular embodiment of the present teachings, the identifier body is less broad (wide) than the handle part in a direction transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis. If the identifier body is, for example, mushroom-shaped, then the mushroom head is less broad than the handle part end side in a direction transverse to the handle part longitudinal side. The stem of the mushroom shape is then, for example, shaped as an insert body.

In a particular embodiment, the handle part end side (end surface) is at an angle oblique to the handle part longitudinal axis. This means that the handle part end side (end surface) is not 90° to the handle part longitudinal axis, but rather 70°, for example. The identifier body is preferably oblique to the longitudinal axis in the same manner. This can be advantageous if the manual toothbrushes are sold in a packaging that is opaque from below and transparent only from the side. Nevertheless, the identifier body is thus still recognizable to a certain extent from the side due to the oblique end side.

According to another particular embodiment, the identifier body is made of a different material than the handle part. For example, the identifier body can be made of a softer material than the handle part. In this case, the identifier body fits in the recess like the cork of a wine bottle in the bottle neck.

However, the identifier body can instead be made of a harder material than the handle part. If the handle part is made of an opaque plastic, then the identifier body can be made of metal or glass, for example, or of a synthetic material that is harder than the material of the handle part.

The handle can, for example, be made of an amorphous synthetic material (such as, e.g., polyester, ABS, polycarbonate) and the identifier body can be made of a crystalline synthetic material (such as, e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene). In one particular embodiment, the handle is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), i.e. of a particular amorphous synthetic material, so that it is transparent.

According to one particular embodiment type of the present teachings, the handle part is substantially rod-shaped. It is therefore substantially straight, wherein its cross-section preferably tapers gradually from the rear (handle part end side) toward the front (brush head). This has the advantage that the wall thickness, which is formed between the recess and the outer side of the handle part, is uniform or changes only gradually. In particular, this then has advantages if the handle part is a synthetic material injection molded part. This makes it easy to produce and optimally saves material.

Preferably, the recess in the handle part has a cross-section that tapers gradually from the rear (handle part end side) toward the front (brush head). The cross-section is, for example, tapered linearly. This is advantageous from a production point of view (simple production).

A method for producing a manual toothbrush according to the present teachings includes the following two steps:

• • 1. The handle part is produced with a recess using a (first) injection molding tool; and
  • 2. In a separate step, the prepared identifier body is mechanically inserted into the recess.

The identifier body is produced separately from the handle part. Other materials, which are produced using a different method, can be used. The assembly takes place in a materially bonded manner.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the present teachings result from the following detailed description and the totality of the patent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings used to illustrate the examples show:

FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a manual toothbrush before the insertion of the identifier body;

FIGS. 2a-2b schematic representations of the section A-A (see FIG. 1) through the rear end of the handle part before and after the insertion of the identifier body, respectively;

FIG. 3 a schematic representation of a further embodiment having a cross-profile-type identifier body;

FIG. 4 a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a manual toothbrush having a protruding identifier body;

FIG. 5 a schematic cross-section through an identifier body having a profile (structure) on the outer end surface;

FIG. 6 a schematic cross-section through a mushroom-shaped identifier body;

FIG. 7 a cross-section of a manual toothbrush having a flush-mounted identifier body and a short cavity;

FIGS. 8a-8b cross-sections of a manual toothbrush having a flush-fitted hollow identifier body and a long cavity;

FIGS. 9a-9b examples of sealed packagings with manual toothbrushes having identifier bodies; and

FIG. 10 a schematic representation of a blister pack.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference signs in the FIGURES.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a manual toothbrush 1 consisting of a rod-shaped handle part (handle) 2, a tapering neck portion (neck) 3 and a bristle plate 4. The bristle tufts are inserted in the bristle plate 4 and project substantially perpendicular to the bristle plate 4. The neck portion 3 is the transition between the handle part 2, which has a substantially constant cross-section, and the bristle plate 4. The neck portion 3 tapers gradually from the handle part 2 up to the bristle plate 4. The handle part 2, neck portion 3 and bristle plate 4 are a one-piece injection-molded part made of synthetic material.

FIG. 2a shows a longitudinal section through the handle part 2 and the neck portion 3 of the toothbrush before the identifier body 8 is inserted. As can be seen from FIG. 2a, the handle part end side (end surface) 5, which ends the handle part 2 transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis 10, is at the rear end of the handle part 2. In the present example, the plane defined by the handle part end side 5 is not perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis 10, but rather is inclined at an angle w. The angle w shown in FIG. 2a is, for example, 70°-80°.

A recess (hollow cavity, blind hole) 7, which extends, for example, over the entire length of the handle part 2, opens in (at) the handle part end side 5. The handle part 2 is therefore substantially tubular.

The inner surface 7 of the recess 6 in the area of the handle part end side 5 is substantially smooth and has the shape of a generally cylindrical hollow channel.

In the present example, the identifier body 8 has an octagonal contour 9. This means that, in the cross-section perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis 10, the identifier body 8 is an octagon. In this case, the outer surface of the identifier body 8 is an octagonal cylinder.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer end surface 11 is oblique to the handle part longitudinal axis 10 like the handle part end side 5. The inner end surface 12, which is opposite the outer end surface 11, is, for example, substantially parallel to the outer end surface and thus also oblique to the handle part longitudinal axis 10.

FIG. 2b schematically shows the end of the handle part 2 with the inserted identifier body 8. The outer surface (contour 9) is precisely matched to the inner cross-section of the recess 6 at the handle part end side 5. The identifier body 8 can therefore be mechanically driven into the recess 6. The outer surface of the identifier body 8 and the inner surface of the recess are then materially bonded to each other. The identifier body 8 can no longer be removed from the handle part 2 by hand.

In FIG. 2b the handle part 2 is shown after the insertion of the identifier body 8. The handle part end side 5 is flush with the outer end surface 11. The identifier body 8 does not protrude beyond the handle part end side 5. It can also be seen that the identifier body 8 is “in” the handle part end side 5. The identifier body 8 is less broad (wide), in a direction transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis 10 (transverse dimension d in FIG. 2a), than the handle part end side 5 (transverse dimension D in FIG. 2a).

FIGS. 2a and 2b also illustrate the production process. First (FIG. 2a), the handle part 2 (including the neck portion 3 and the bristle plate 4) and the identifier body 8 are produced separately (e.g., by injection molding). Then (FIG. 2b), the identifier body 8 is mechanically inserted into the recess. The identifier body 8 fits precisely in the recess 6 of the handle part 2.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment having a cross-profile-type identifier body 16. This identifier body 16 is, for example, at least twice as long as its transverse dimension (perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis). The recess 15 in the handle part 13 opens in (at) the handle part end side 14. It suffices if only the opening area of the recess 15 forms a cross-shaped channel. In the area into which the identifier body 16 does not penetrate or advance, the recess 15 can have an octagonal shape similar to the outer side of the handle part 13.

The identifier body 16 is made, for example, of ceramic. Alternatively, it can be made of stainless steel or a noble metal. A two-component synthetic material is preferably used.

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a manual toothbrush according to another embodiment of the present teachings. Here, the handle part 17 attaches directly to the bristle plate 18 and tapers linearly from the rear toward the front in cross-section. The recess 19 extends over the entire length of the handle part 17. It has, for example, the shape of a steep-sided truncated cone or steep-sided truncated mathematical pyramid having an opening angle of 10°.

A metal rod 20 is inserted in the recess 19 and substantially fills the recess 19 up to the identifier body 21. The outer end 22 of the identifier body 21 protrudes beyond the handle part end part 23 by an overhang V. The overhang Vis, e.g., 1-2 mm.

Preferably, the overhang is less than half the length of the identifier body 21.

The overhang V should preferably not exceed a quarter of the maximum transverse dimension of the handle part end side.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the identifier body 22 has a length that corresponds at least approximately to its largest transverse dimension (relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle). However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the identifier body 16 is at least twice as long as its largest transverse dimension.

FIG. 5 illustrates a particular embodiment of the present teachings based on a longitudinal section through the rear end of the handle part 24 and the identifier body 26. The identifier body 26 has a characteristically profiled outer end surface 27. The characteristic profile protrudes beyond the handle part end side 25 and can be used for identification by (using) an optical scanning.

FIG. 5 also illustrates an embodiment in which the recess 29 in the handle part 24 is shorter than the identifier body 26 (relative to the handle part longitudinal axis). Here, the identifier body 26 completely fills the recess and also projects beyond the handle part end side 25.

In addition, an NFC chip 28 is embedded in the identifier body 26 as is schematically shown in FIG. 5. The NFC chip 28 can be read out using an NFC reader (not shown). In this way, production-related information can be stored in the manual toothbrush.

In FIG. 6 an exemplary mushroom-shaped identifier body 30 is illustrated. It should be mentioned that the outer end face 31 (viewed transversely to the handle part longitudinal axis) of the head is less broad (wide) than the handle part end side 32. The stem of the mushroom shape is formed as an insert body (with a generally cylindrical surface). According to a particular embodiment of the present teachings, the identifier body 30 protrudes beyond the handle part end side 32 (in the direction of the handle part longitudinal axis).

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the channel-shaped recess (hollow cavity, blind hole) 33 has a length L that is significantly shorter than the length of the handle part measured from the foot end (A) to the neck transition (B); for example, the length L is approx. ⅔-¾ of the total length of the handle part. In this way, a sufficient stability of the handle part is possible with a simultaneous material saving. The transition (B) is recognizable from the outside, for example, by the fact that the cross-section begins to taper significantly. The identifier body 34 is inserted in the end of the recess 33 with a force fit. Its outer end is flush with the foot end of the handle part, which is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the handle part.

FIG. 8a shows an embodiment in which the channel-shaped recess (hollow cavity, blind hole) 35 has a length L that is significantly longer than the length of the handle part measured from the foot end (A) to the neck transition (B). The recess 35 thus extends into the neck portion 37, wherein it is more conical in the neck portion 37 than in the handle part. The neck portion 37 extends up to a bend angle (C) at the transition between the neck portion and the brush head. The greater length of the recess 35 makes it possible, if necessary, to optimize the weight distribution of the manual toothbrush. In particular, the recess 35 can be filled in sections with a material that has a greater density than the handle part.

FIG. 8b shows an enlarged section of the rear end of the handle part. In the opening area 38, the open cross-section of the recess 35 is larger than in the adjacent inner area of the recess 35. A shoulder 35.1 that serves as a stop for the identifier body 36 is formed thereby. The length of the opening area 38 therefore corresponds to the length of the identifier body 36. Thereby, the identifier body 36 sits in the recess with its outer end flush with the foot end of the handle part.

FIG. 9a shows a sealed package with a manual toothbrush having an identifier body. The manual toothbrush 39 can, for example, be designed as in one of the embodiments described above. According to FIG. 9a, it is accommodated in a sealed packaging consisting of a cardboard cover in the form of a cardboard sheet 41 and a transparent plastic shell 40. The plastic shell 40 is, for example, dimensionally stable and forms the cavity that is necessary to accommodate the manual toothbrush 39. According to a preferred embodiment, the packaging is sealed such that the contents are packaged in a substantially airtight manner. This has the advantage that the manual toothbrush is protected not only from unwanted manipulation of the identifier body, but also remains hygienic until the opening of the packaging.

FIG. 9b shows an embodiment in which several manual toothbrushes 42 are accommodated in a common sealed packaging 43. The packaging may be made of cardboard. In the area of the foot end of the manual toothbrushes 42, the packaging 43, which is not transparent in itself, has openings 44 through which the identifier body is visible from the outside. The cover 43.1 is formed, for example, by a cardboard sheet that is adhesively bonded to the rest of the packaging.

FIG. 10 shows a manual toothbrush 45 according to the present teachings in a blister pack 46. The blister pack 46 is formed by a flexible plastic film that fits snugly around the manual toothbrush 45.

The options cumulated (that are collectively shown) in FIG. 5 (i.e. dimension of the recess, profiled end side, NFC chip) can of course be each used independently of each other. That the recess in the handle part is not just as large as the part of the identifier body to be sunk in the handle part can also be provided in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-4. This means that the handle part is without a cavity in the finished state. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the handle part material would be present (solid body) instead of the metal rod.

In a modification to FIG. 2a, the inner surface 7 of the recess 6 in the area of the handle part end side 5 can also have annular ribs in order to improve the material bond to the corresponding ring areas.

In the exemplary embodiments, the material bond between the identifier body and the handle part is mainly provided on the generally cylindrical surface of the identifier body. In the example of FIG. 5, however, the material bond (e.g., by adhesive or welding (fusing)) can also be provided on the inner end surface of the identifier body.

In summary, it can be stated that the present teachings provide a simple toothbrush having an identifier body that is usable for various purposes.

Claims

1. A sealed sales package containing: a manual toothbrush having an elongated handle part defining a geometric handle part longitudinal axis,wherein the handle part has a recess and a handle part end side transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis, andan identifier body is anchored in the recess at the handle part end side in a non-detachable manner.

2. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body is an insert body which, when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the handle part longitudinal axis, is fitted snugly in the recess.

3. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body contains an electronically detectable or readable element.

4. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body has a polygonal contour in a direction transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis.

5. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein: the recess has a first length,the identifier body has a second length, andthe first length is at least two times the second length.

6. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the recess extends over a length corresponding to at least half the length of the handle part.

7. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body protrudes outward beyond the handle part end side.

8. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body is less broad, in a direction transverse to the handle part longitudinal axis, than the handle part.

9. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the handle part end side is at an angle (w) oblique to the handle part longitudinal axis.

10. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body is made of a different material than the handle part.

11. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the handle part is at least substantially rod-shaped.

12. The sealed sales package according to claim 1, wherein the recess in the handle part has a cross-section that tapers gradually from the handle part end side toward a bristle plate attached at an opposite side of the handle part.

13. A method for producing a manual toothbrush according to claim 1, comprising: producing the handle part having the recess with a first injection molding tool,mechanically inserting the identifier body into the recess, andthereafter placing the manual toothbrush having the identifier body inserted into the recess into the sealed sales packaging.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: producing the identifier body with a second injection molding tool, andthereafter affixing the identifier body in the recess of the handle part in a materially bonded manner.

15. (canceled)

16. The sealed sales packaging according to claim 1, wherein the identifier body is permanently affixed in the recess in materially bonded manner.

17. The sealed sales packaging according to claim 16, wherein the identifier body is affixed in the recess such that no moisture can penetrate into the recess.

18. The sealed sales packaging according to claim 17, wherein the identifier body is affixed to the handle part by fusing, welding or adhesive.

19. The sealed sales packaging according to claim 1, wherein the handle part has a cross section that tapers gradually from the handle part end side towards a bristle plate attached to the handle part.

20. The sealed sales packaging according to claim 18, wherein the sealed sales packaging comprises a plastic shell and/or cardboard shell enclosing the manual toothbrush in an at least substantially airtight manner.

21. The sealed sales packaging according to claim 20, wherein the identifier body is at least partly visible outside of the plastic shell and/or cardboard shell.