EP2847091A1

EP2847091A1 - Powered oral care device package

Info

Publication number: EP2847091A1
Application number: EP13732617.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thinh Nguyen Ha; Martin Jay Marotti; Hauke Schormair; Manfred Bruno KOBBE
Original assignee: Braun GmbH
Current assignee: Braun GmbH
Priority date: 2012-05-08
Filing date: 2013-05-02
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: WO2013168060A1; CN104302556A; US20130299372A1

Abstract

A packaging system (1) for a powered oral care device (7) is disclosed. The packaging system (1) includes a first module (2) having at least one powered oral care accessory contained within an interior space of the first module (2); a second module (3) having a powered oral care device (7) contained within an interior space of the second module (3), the powered oral care device (7) including a handle section (12) and a cleaning section (220) coupled to the handle section (12); and a container (4) encompassing the first module (2) and the second module (3), wherein the container (4) includes two or more windows (5, 6) through which the powered oral care device (7) is visible to a consumer. The packaging system (1) has a height of not more than about 255 mm and a tip angle of about 9 degrees or higher.

Description

POWERED ORAL CARE DEVICE PACKAGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to packaging of powered oral care devices and more particularly modular packaging of powered oral care devices having two or more windows for viewing the devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exist a number of toothbrushes currently available for consumer purchase. For manual toothbrushes, typically, these types of brushes are packaged in a blister package which consists of a clear blister attached to a cardboard back card. The clear blister allows the consumer to see at least one side of the manual toothbrush prior to purchase. Generally, these blister packages are either provided in a tray or on a hanger.

The packaging for powered oral care devices vary. For example, some powered oral care devices are provided in a "clam-shell" package which includes a front clear blister and a back clear blister attached to one another. The clam shell blister allows the user to see the majority of the device. The powered oral care devices provided in this type of package are generally compact and with the exception of powered operation, offer little other functionality to the consumer. Clam-shell packages suffer from at least two negatives: (1) clam-shell packages lack a flat base, meaning the package cannot stably rest on a store shelf without tipping over, and therefore must be hung from a shelf wall; and (2) clam-shell packages are formed from two opposing panels of rigid plastic that are sealed together, making the package difficult for a consumer to open.

In contrast to the clam-shell package, some powered oral care devices are provided in a box. Typically, powered oral care devices which offer to the consumer varied functionality are packaged in boxes. These devices are often not very compact and because of height restrictions on store shelves, may not be able to be shown to the consumer in a state where the power handle is attached to a refill. Because the handle and the refill are not able to be coupled together, typically, the box does not include a window by which the consumer can visualize the handle connected to the refill. Instead, artwork on the outside of the box is utilized to provide the visual perception of the handle connected to the refill.

As such, there is a need for a package which allows the complete powered oral care device, i.e. handle coupled to refill, to be seen from multiple sides while protecting the product within the package. What is also needed is a packaging system that can use interchangeable modules for different product and accessory combinations, and wherein the product can be displayed to a consumer using a modular package that is easy to access and can stably set on a store shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a packaging system for a powered oral care device is provided. The packaging system includes a first module having at least one powered oral care accessory contained within an interior space of the first module; a second module having a powered oral care device contained within an interior space of the second module, the powered oral care device including a handle section and a cleaning section coupled to the handle section; and a container encompassing the first module and the second module, wherein the container includes two or more windows through which the powered oral care device is visible to a consumer. The packaging system has a height of not more than about 255 mm and a tip angle of about 9 degrees or higher.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging system according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG.1A shows a perspective view of a modular package according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. IB shows a perspective view of a modular package according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an electric oral care device according to one embodiment; FIG.2 shows a blank for forming a sleeve according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sleeve according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a sleeve according to according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a module group according to embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 shows a blank for forming a module according to embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a module according to embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A packaging system in accordance with the present disclosure includes two or more individual modules enclosed within a container, such as a box or a sleeve, with at least one of the modules being formed from a transparent or translucent material, at least in part, thereby allowing a consumer to visually perceive a packaged oral care product. The modular packages are displayed at the point of sale, such as store shelves or pictured on the internet. The individual modules that make up a packaging system can be in the form of a box and can be in any configuration, for example, modules can be stacked, with one on top of the other within one modular package, but when assembled within the container will have a substantially uniform height. A modular package may even contain two or more modules stacked together, adjacent to a single module having substantially the same height as the height of the stacked modules.

Additionally, the packages described herein may be utilized for powered oral care products, manual oral care products, oral care product consumable, for example, dentifrice, gels, powders, rinse, floss, personal hygiene devices, personal hygiene consumables, rinses, shampoos, conditioners, lotions, the like, and/or combinations thereof. However, for convenience, the discussion below will focus on a personal hygiene device, for example, powered oral care products. As shown in FIG.l the packaging system 1 of the present disclosure includes two or more modules, in this embodiment two boxes 2, 3, encompassed within a sleeve 4. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A a packaging system 1 may include two or more modules, such as two boxes 2, 3 encompassed within an outer box 19. In still further embodiments, as shown in FIG. IB, two sleeves 4A, 4B (each encompassing two boxes 2A, 3A and 2B, 3B) may be connected along a fold line 25, such that the individual sleeves 4A, 4B may fold towards or away from each other like a book.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary oral care device. In this embodiment, the oral care device is shown as a power or electric toothbrush 7. The electric toothbrush 7 includes a cleaning section 220 and a handle section 12. The handle section 12 includes an interior cavity (not shown) which typically contains an electric drive such as a motor, batteries, mechanical linkages for connecting the electric drive to further mechanical linkages in the cleaning section 220, electronic components for controlling the electrical operation of the toothbrush 7, and the like. In many different embodiments, one or more of those interior components may be omitted, or replaced with other components. For example, a corded electrical power supply can supplant the need for batteries. A switch 14 may be used to turn the electric toothbrush 7 on and off, or otherwise to control operation of the electric toothbrush 7.

The electric drive in the handle section 12 imparts a motion to the mechanical linkages in the handle section 12. It may, for example, impart a rotary, oscillating, or rotary and oscillating motion to the mechanical linkages. The mechanical linkages in the handle section 12 are in turn coupled to additional mechanical linkages in the cleaning section 220, via a coupling member or the like. A suitable motor and mechanical linkage transmission system is disclosed for example in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0307591 to Farrell et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Movement of the combined mechanical linkages imparts a desired motion to a cleaning head portion 222 of the cleaning section 220 such that the cleaning head portion 222, or any component thereof, is caused to have a desired cleaning motion. Many different kinds of cleaning motions, including rotary, oscillating, vertical and/or horizontal sweeping and the like, may be used. Generally, as used herein, cleaning motion describes any desired or effective movement of the cleaning elements or bristles relative to other components in the toothbrush 10 to affect cleaning. Handle sections 12 and mechanical linkages are well known to the skilled artisan. The cleaning section 220 may be configured for use with such existing handle sections or may be configured with new handle section types, as the case may be. The cleaning section 220, may be replaceable and capable of being push- fitted onto the handle section 12. The cleaning section 220 includes an elongated housing or neck portion 225 extending along a longitudinal axis 200 and a cleaning head portion for insertion into the oral cavity. The longitudinal axis 200 may coincide with a longitudinal section of a drive shaft member of the mechanical linkages. At a handle end 228, the elongated housing 225 may include a profile ring having an inside contour complementary with an outside contour of the handle section 12. In this manner, the cleaning section 220 can be push-fitted onto the handle section 12 in a manner preventing relative rotation of the cleaning section 220 with respect to the handle section 12. A tab/slot, key/spline or other similar structure may be included in the corresponding contour surfaces to facilitate alignment of the cleaning section 220 with the handle section 12 and to further prevent relative rotation between the two. The cleaning head portion 222 is mounted such that it can in operation be driven into a rotation or oscillating rotation around a rotation axis when the cleaning section 220 is attached to the handle 12. Alternatively, the elongated housing 225 may be integrally formed with the handle section 12.

The illustrated cleaning head portion 222 has a substantially circular shape, although it may alternatively have a generally elliptical, rectangular, oblong, oval or other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the cleaning head portion 222 includes a carrier 226 which supports a plurality of contact elements 224 that are mounted to the carrier 226. Any suitable method of mounting the contact elements 224 to the carrier 226 may be used. For example, where the contact elements 224 comprise a plurality of bristles, methods such as hot tufting, gluing, stapling, and the like, may be utilized. As another example, where the contact elements 224 comprise a plurality of elastomeric elements, methods such as gluing, snap-fitting, welding, molding, etc. may be utilized. The term "contact elements" is used to refer to any suitable element which can be inserted into the oral cavity. Some suitable elements include bristle tufts, elastomeric massage elements, elastomeric cleaning elements, massage elements, tongue cleaners, soft tissue cleaners, hard surface cleaners, combinations thereof, and the like. The contact elements 224 may comprise a wide variety of materials and may have a number of different configurations. Any suitable material and/or any suitable configuration may be utilized. For example, in some embodiments, the contact elements 224 may comprise tufts. The tufts may comprise a plurality of individual filaments which are securely attached to a cleaning element carrier. Such filaments may be polymeric and may include polyamide or polyester. The longitudinal and cross sectional dimensions of the filaments and the profile of the filament ends can vary. Additionally, the stiffness, resiliency and shape of the filament end can vary. Some examples of suitable dimensions include a length between about 3 centimeters to about 6 centimeters, or any individual number within the range. Additionally, the filaments may include a substantially uniform cross-sectional dimension of between about 100 to about 350 microns, or any individual number within the range. The tips of the filaments may be any suitable shape, examples of which include a smooth tip, a rounded tip, tapered and a pointed tip. In some embodiments, the filaments may include a dye which indicates wear of the filaments as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,802,255. Other suitable examples of filaments are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,018,840. In some embodiments, the contact element fields may comprise fins as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,553,604, and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2004/0177462; 2005/0235439; and 2005/0060822. In some embodiments, the contact element fields may comprise a combination of fins and tufts.

In one embodiment, the head may comprise a variety of contact elements. For example, the cleaning head portion 222 may comprise bristles, abrasive elastomeric elements, elastomeric elements in a particular orientation or arrangement, e.g. pivoting fins, prophy cups, or the like. Some suitable examples of elastomeric cleaning elements and/or massaging elements are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0251040; 2004/0154112; 2006/0272112; and in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,553,604; 6,151,745. The cleaning elements may be tapered, notched, crimped, dimpled, or the like. Some suitable examples of these cleaning elements and/or massaging elements are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,151,745; 6,058,541; 5,268,005; 5,313,909; 4,802,255; 6,018,840; 5,836,769; 5,722,106; 6,475,553; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0080794.

The cleaning head portion 222 may comprise a soft tissue cleanser constructed of any suitable material. The soft tissue cleanser may comprise any suitable soft tissue cleansing elements. Some examples of such elements as well as configurations of soft tissues cleansers on a toothbrush are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2006/0010628; 2005/0166344; 2005/0210612; 2006/0195995; 2008/0189888; 2006/0052806; 2004/0255416; 2005/0000049; 2005/0038461; 2004/0134007; 2006/0026784; 20070049956; 2008/0244849; 2005/0000043; 2007/140959; and U.S. Patent Nos. 5,980,542; 6,402,768; and 6,102,923.

For those embodiments which include an elastomeric element on a first side of the head and an elastomeric element on a second side of the head (opposite the first), the elastomeric elements may be integrally formed via channels or gaps which extend through the material of the head. These channels or gaps can allow elastomeric material to flow through the head during an injection molding process such that both the elastomeric elements of the first side and the second side may be formed in one injection molding step.

With reference back to FIG. 1, the packaging system 1 has a top surface 8, bottom surface 9, and a side surface, which as shown in FIG. 1 may be comprised of four side sections 21, 23, 27, 29 in a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments the sleeve 4 substantially covers the side surface 21, 23, 27, 29 of the system 1, leaving the system 1 open at the top 8 and bottom 9 surfaces. Wherein the top and bottom surfaces of a modular system are determined by how the system will be oriented when displayed to a consumer. The boxes 2, 3 are arranged within the inner volume of the sleeve 4. For each modular system a sleeve (or box) will have a defined inner volume in which individual modules will be contained. The inner volume of a sleeve (or box) is determined by the height, width and depth of the sleeve (or box).

The containers encompassing modules may be produced from blanks, for example a sleeve blank as shown in FIG. 2. A sleeve blank 100 may include a front panel 102, back panel 104, and two side panels 106, 108. The panels are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 110, 112 and 114. A sleeve 120, as shown in FIG. 3 may have one or more windows 108, such as one or more regions of transparency. As used herein, "transparency" means having the property of transmitting light without substantial scattering so that items lying beyond can be visible to a person. The window can comprise a transparent covering, such as, for example, a transparent film. In addition, or alternatively, the window can comprise an opening in the sleeve that does not include a covering. In certain embodiments, the window can comprise a transparent covering that can be clear, translucent, tinted or opaque. The transparent covering can be tinted in any suitable color or combination of colors. The transparent covering can also, or alternatively, be printed or embossed. In certain embodiments, the window can be images that depict or give the perception of a window, such as, images that depict a region of transparency or an opening.

In addition, in certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 a sleeve 120 may include a flap 124, wherein the flap is flexible about a hinge 126 such that it can be moved towards and away from the front panel 102 of the sleeve 120. A sleeve can be made of cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plywood, SBS, metal, plastic, paper, card stock, fabric, ceramic, polymer, natural or synthetic fibers, webs, mesh, screen, wood, composite, mixtures or combinations thereof, or any other suitable material. A sleeve provides a modular package dimensional stability and allows for the easy removal of one sleeve and its replacement with another. As used herein, including the claims, the term "sleeve" means a hollow member having substantially fixed dimensions, for example as compared to a rubber band which has flexible dimensions, with at least one open end; and having any cross-sectional shape, including specifically but not exclusively, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal and circular.

In certain embodiments a container, such as a sleeve or box may have dimensions of from about 250-260 mm in height, about 100-230 mm in width, and from about 50- 230 mm in depth; in other embodiments a sleeve may have dimensions of from about 250-260 mm in height, about 100-180 mm in width, and from about 50-170 mm in depth. Typically because of height restrictions on store shelves, a container may have dimensions of from about 250 mm to about 258 mm in height; and in another embodiment from about 250 mm to about 255 mm in height. Due to a combination of shelf height limits imposed by retailers and the use of bulky materials such as EPS, powered oral care devices are typically packaged with the cleaning section separate and decoupled from the handle section.

As shown in FIG. 1 a sleeve 4 includes at least two windows 5 and 6 allowing a substantial portion of a powered oral care device to be viewed from multiple angles withing the system 1. For purposes of the present disclosure, a substantial portion is from about 50% to about 100%. The powered oral care device, in this instance a powered toothbrush 7 can be viewed from the front window 5, back window 6, bottom, or top of the packaging system 1 -providing the module containing the powered toothbrush is transparent or translucent. The front and back windows 5 and 6, respectively, can take any size and shape such as a circle, a square, a rectangle, an ellipse, a triangle or any other shape that can be used to allow a substantial portion of the powered oral care device to be viewed.

In addition to a container, as shown in FIG. 5 a plastic film cover 130 can be used, which surrounds, in certain embodiments completely, two or more modules 132, 134 forming a module group 136. The plastic film cover can be shrunk by heat treatment, which may provide dimensional stability. If the plastic film is tightened about a module group 136, for example by shrinking, so that the circumference of the plastic film is slightly smaller than the circumference of the module group 136, this method enables the plastic film cover 130 to surround the module group 136 with a tightening force. The tightening force can be varied depending on how tightly the film is shrunk about the module group 136. Shrinking can also be carried out in such a manner that the film cover surrounds the module group without a tightening force. Where a film wrap is used the tightening force can be achieved by wrapping, possibly in combination with shrinking, of the plastic film cover. The tightening force can provide additional dimensional stability to a module group by more tightly fixing the positions of the separate modules. A plastic film cover may include an opening mechanism such as a pull tab, tear strip, ribbon, perforation, or combinations thereof. The opening mechanism could be oriented vertically or horizontally on the module group. In certain embodiments the container would cover the opening mechanism. A modular packaging system may include a container, a first module containing at least one powered oral care accessory, and a second module containing a powered oral care device, wherein both modules when combined substantially fill the inner volume of the container. This type of arrangement allows great flexibility, in that providing the modules have dimensions allowing them to fill the container in combination with other modules; modules can be freely exchanged to produce a modular package. Further, containers having the same or similar inner volume can be exchanged in a modular package providing great packaging diversity. For example, a module containing a powered toothbrush may be coupled with modules containing different loads of powered toothbrush accessories, provided that the modules have volumes that can fit into a container with the powered toothbrush module to produce a modular package. In another example modular packages can use multiple containers having the same or similar inner volume.

The individual modules can be arranged in any manner -stacked, side-by-side, or any combination thereof providing the modules fit within the inner dimension of the container. The modules when finally assembled within the container should fill up most if not all of the inner space of a container, such that there is substantial contact between the outer surfaces of the modules and the inner space surface of the container -further the module height (either alone or stacked) should be substantially the same height of the container. However, in certain embodiments a sleeve height may be less than the module height. In addition as the individual module openings are covered by the container, the sleeve prevents the modules from being opened. In certain embodiments the average module height may be within about 2 cm of the container height in which the modules will be contained, in other embodiments 1 cm, in still other embodiments .5 cm. The individual modules contained within a container forming a modular package may have varying dimensions or the modules could have substantially similar dimensions.

A module of the present invention may be formed from a one-piece blank fabricated from paperboard, corrugated cardboard, or any other foldable sheet material. As shown in FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, a blank 10 comprises a series of main panels including a top panel 12, a first side panel 14, a second side panel 16, a third side panel 17, and a bottom panel 18. The main panels are hinged one to the next in series along fold lines 20, 22, 24 and 25. The blank 10 further comprises a series of end closure panels, hinged to opposing ends of each of the main panels for closing the ends of the module. The top panel 12 is hinged to a first and second closure panel 26, 28, along fold lines 30, 32. The first side panel 14 is in turn hinged to a first and second closure panel 34, 36 along fold lines 38, 40. And the bottom panel 18 is hinged to a first and second closure panel 42, 44 along fold lines 48, 50. The third side panel 17 is hinged to a first and second closure panel 54, 56 along fold lines 58, 60.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom" and "side" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: in certain embodiments hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention.

In certain embodiments the top panel 12 and second side panel 16 may form a closeable lid, which may include a first and second closure panel 26, 28, but which in certain embodiment one or both of the closure panels may be absent. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 in one or more embodiments the top panel 12, the second side panel 16, or both may be fabricated to have one or more lines of weakness 62. A line of weakness may comprise perforations, areas of thinness, cuts, voids, separations, or combinations thereof. A line of weakness may be shaped such that a notch 64 will be created upon separating the line of weakness 62 to produce a flap or module opening 66. Further, the top panel 12, second side panel 16, or both can be divided to produce two or more flaps.

Turning to the construction of a module 80 from a blank 10, a series of sequential folding steps, and in certain embodiments gluing operations, can be used, which can be performed in a straight line machine.

A module 80, in certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7 comprises three pairs of opposing panels 12 and 18; 14 and 17; 42 and 44. The panels form the top 12, bottom 18, and sides 14, 17, 42, 44 of the module 80 and serve to define the exterior surface of the module 80 and the interior space. In certain embodiments an individual module does not have to be totally enclosed, for example a module could be a tray having an open or exposed side. The interior space of a module 80 may be accessed through an opening, such as a flap 43, wherein the flap comprises the top panel 12, second side panel, and the first and the first and second closure panel 26, 28, as shown in FIG. 7. A flap allows access to the interior space of a module and also generally includes some form of closure mechanism, such as a notch, tab, slot, or releasable adhesive to allow the flap to close and reseal the module. In certain embodiments the opening means of a module, for example a flap, will be positioned on the module such that the sleeve will serve as an extra securing means to keep the module closed.

In certain embodiments, a module can be made of relatively stiff materials, such as, for example, cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plywood, SBS, metal, plastic, paper, card stock, fabric, ceramic, rigid foams -such expanded polystyrene, polymer, natural or synthetic fibers, webs, mesh, screen, wood, composite, mixtures or combinations thereof, or any other suitable material. Alternatively, or in addition, the module can be made of a flexible material, such as, blown or cast film in a blend of low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene, metallocenes, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn, polyethylene terephthalate, biaxally oriented polypropylene, nylon, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material.

In certain embodiments a first module will contain at least one powered oral care accessory and a second module will contain the powered oral care device. For example, the first module may contain powered toothbrush accessories such as instruction manual, charger, stand, travel case, brush heads, refills, refill tray, cup, instruction dvd, toothpaste, or mouth wash and the second module may contain a powered toothbrush. In addition the powered oral care accessories contained within the first module may be packaged in a manner of use according to a user's brushing regimen or routine, such that the accessories used first would be positioned above the accessories that would normally be used afterward. For example, with powered toothbrush accessories the accessories could be packaged from top to bottom of the module, representing order of use, starting with instruction manual or dvd, stand, charger, brush heads, and refills.

A module can include at least one window, such as, a region of transparency. As used herein, "transparency" means having the property of transmitting light without substantial scattering so that items lying beyond can be visible to a person. The window can include a transparent covering, such as, for example, a transparent film. In addition, or alternatively, the window can comprise an opening in the module that does not include a covering. In certain embodiments, the window can include a transparent covering that can be clear, translucent, tinted or opaque. The transparent covering can be tinted in any suitable color or combination of colors. The transparent covering can also, or alternatively, be printed or embossed. In certain embodiments, the window can be images that depict or give the perception of a window, such as, images that depict a region of transparency or an opening.

The window can be disposed on at least one side of the module, such as, the front, the back, or sides. In certain embodiments, the window can be disposed on more than one side. The window can be at any location on the side and can comprise any appropriate amount of the module side, such as, for example, from about 5% to about 95% of the side, such as, for example, about 5% to about 75%, about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 25%, or any other amount of the side.

One of the modules may be a transparent module comprised of a transparent plastic. For example, a transparent second module may be used to contain a powered oral care device, such that the device will be visible to a consumer through the transparent module. As used herein, "transparent" means having the property of transmitting light without substantial scattering so that items lying beyond can be visible to a person. The transparent plastic material can be clear, translucent, tinted or opaque. The transparent module can be tinted in any suitable color or combination of colors. The transparent module can also, or alternatively, be printed, embossed, or both. The transparent module can be formed of a plastic sheet material of sufficient thickness to be relatively rigid and self-supporting, as contrasted with the films employed in skin packaging. Although by no means intended as limiting, ordinarily such materials would have a minimum thickness of from 5 to 6 mils, although it may be possible in some applications to use even thinner sheets. Suitable plastics may be selected, for example, from among polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butene, and butadiene, polystyrenes, acetates, butyrates, propionates and vinyls, as well as others. If desired for added rigidity, the plastic sheet material may be ribbed or otherwise configured. Embodiments are contemplated where a transparent second module may be utilized as a traveling case for a powered oral care device. In such embodiments, the transparent module may include a relesable snap feature, magnets, or a strap.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples provide a comparison between oral care device packages that are commercially available in the United States to oral care device packages having optimized parameters according to the present disclosure.

Table 1

Sample Oral Care Device Packages

Example 1 is a commercially available sonic toothbrush sold by Cosmic Smile under the trademark COSMICSMILE SONIC TOOTHBRUSH (UPC # 3621172929).

Example 2 is a commercially available sonic toothbrush sold by DentistRx under the trademark DENTIST RX INTELISONIC (S/N: C01757236).

Example 3 is a commercially available sonic toothbrush sold by Water Pik, Inc. under the trademark WATERPIK SENSONIC PROFESSIONAL (Model SR-1000W; UPC # 7395027823). Example 4 is a commercially available O/R toothbrush sold by The Procter and Gamble Company under the trademark ORAL B PROFESSIONAL CARE 9400 TRIUMPH (UPC # 6905583799).

Example 5 is a commercially available sonic toothbrush sold by The Procter and Gamble Company under the trademark ORAL B PULSONIC (UPC # 69055853464).

Examples 6 and 7 are embodiments of powered oral care devices in accordance with the present disclosure.

TEST METHODS

The test method and apparatus described below may be useful in testing embodiments of the present disclosure:

TIP ANGLE

The Tip Angle of a packaging system is determined as follows:

Equipment

• Tilting Platform made out of 3/16" aluminum, measuring 9" x 15".

• Sand paper covering the surface of the tilting platform to prevent slipping prior to the system tipping.

• Sensor (available from Micro Switch, model #PC11-AG1) positioned so that the platform stops when the packaging system begins to tip over. The sensor is used to stop the tilting platform once the packaging system has tipped over.

• Measuring stick mounted to the side of the tilting platform calibrated to measure the angle of the platform at the point where the packaging system tips over.

• Motor (model # 2Z797 available from Dayton Gearmotor) used to move the tilting platform up and down.

• Differential (model # PCB.260.90V.T available from Electroid) used to convert the rotational power from the motor into a lifting power that will push the tilting table up and down.

• A package having at least two modules according to the present disclosure. Test Procedure

• Place a modular packaging system on the tilting platform.

• Check the measuring stick to confirm that the tilting platform is at the 0 degrees position.

• Set the motor speed control to 1 degree per second rise of the platform.

• Turn the sensor on and position the packaging system so that the trailing edge of the system just interrupts the sensor. A slight "click" sound is produced when the system is positioned to interrupt the sensor.

• Turn the platform on so that the platform will rise at the preset 1 degree per second rate and will stop at the angle which the packaging system topples out of the crossbeam of the sensor.

Calculation/Reporting

• Calculate and report the "Tip Angle" directly from the measuring stick.

• Return the platform to a 0 degree position.

• Report the Testing Date and Analytical Method used.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A packaging system (1) for a powered oral care device (7) comprising:

a first module (2) having at least one powered oral care accessory contained within an interior space of the first module (2);

a second module (3) having a powered oral care device (7) contained within an interior space of the second module (3), the powered oral care device (7) including a handle section (12) and a cleaning section (220) coupled to the handle section (12); and

a container (4) encompassing the first module (2) and the second module (3), wherein the container (4) includes two or more windows (5, 6) through which the powered oral care device (7) is visible to a consumer;

wherein the packaging system (1) has a height of not more than 255 mm and a tip angle of 9 degrees or higher.

2. The packaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the container is at least one of a box or a sleeve.

3. The packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second module dimensions are the same.

4. The packaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are 3 or more modules.

5. The packaging system according to claim 2, wherein the container includes at least one of cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, rigid foam, chipboard, plywood, SBS, metal, plastic, paper, card stock, fabric, ceramic, polymer, natural or synthetic fibers, webs, mesh, screen, wood, or composite.

6. The packaging system according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first module and second module are surrounded by a plastic film cover.

7. The packaging system according to claim 6, wherein the plastic film cover includes an opening mechanism.

8. The packaging system according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a substantial portion of the powered oral care device is visible to a consumer.

9. The packaging system according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one powered oral care accessory is selected from the group consisting of an instruction manual, a charger, a stand, a travel case, brush heads, refills, refill tray, cup, instruction dvd, toothpaste, and mouth wash.

10. The packaging system according to according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powered oral care accessories contained within the first module are packaged according to order of use such that the accessories used first are positioned above the accessories that are used afterward.