US20050229345A1 - Toothbrush package - Google Patents
Toothbrush package Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050229345A1 US20050229345A1 US11/103,366 US10336605A US2005229345A1 US 20050229345 A1 US20050229345 A1 US 20050229345A1 US 10336605 A US10336605 A US 10336605A US 2005229345 A1 US2005229345 A1 US 2005229345A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- consumer product
- lighted
- toothbrush
- package
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 78
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 32
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000344 soap Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000011162 core material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003760 hair shine Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000007407 health benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002453 shampoo Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003462 vein Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000002087 whitening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B17/00—Accessories for brushes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0003—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being doped with fluorescent agents
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
- A46B15/0016—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
- A46B15/0036—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with a lighting means, e.g. laser, bulb
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0087—Brushes with decoration on or in the handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D23/00—Details of bottles or jars not otherwise provided for
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
- G02B6/0008—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted at the end of the fibre
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D33/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances
- A45D33/26—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances combined with other objects
- A45D33/32—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling powdery toiletry or cosmetic substances combined with other objects with illuminating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
- A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/12—Audible, olfactory or visual signalling means
Definitions
- toothbrush purchases are often based on impulse decisions.
- the appearance of a toothbrush and/or its packaging can play a role in formulating that purchase decision.
- use of a toothbrush, particularly by juveniles can be enhanced if that brush has an attractive, novel appearance.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,462 discloses a process for making scintillating optical fibers.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,084 provides additional detail of the scintillation enhancement flours and wave-shifting dyes uniformly dissolved into the core material of the fiber and the cladding which serves to protect the core and enables the fiber to function as an “optical pipe”.
- the cladding has an index of refraction which is lower than that of the core so that the light rays are retained within the fiber's core and transported along its length to appear as visible light at the fiber ends.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,855 discloses an illuminated toothbrush wherein a powered light source in the toothbrush handle directs light toward cleaning elements or bristles in the toothbrush head.
- the bristles are illuminated by the light traveling from the source in the handle through the toothbrush handle and to the head. There it impinges on a roughened surface of the bristles embedded in the head. That light then glows from the ends of the bristles.
- Another lighted toothbrush is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,194 in which a battery operated light shines directly on the user's teeth.
- This invention utilizes scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers to illuminate various consumer products and packaging for such products.
- the light emanating from the ends of such fibers is used to attract attention of the consumers to the products contained in the packaging.
- the visible ends of the fibers appear to glow as if powered, e.g., by a battery operated bulb.
- these fibers do not use any powered light sources to produce this effect.
- the ambient light around the fibers is gathered through the sides of the fibers and is transmitted through the fibers like an optical pipe and emanates from the fiber end as a relatively bright light.
- One illustrated embodiment of this invention is a toothbrush with a transparent or translucent handle. Embedded within the handle are an array of scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers which terminate near the base of the cleaning elements or bristles in the toothbrush head. If the fibers terminate at the base of the bristles, the light from the fibers can be distributed through all of the bristles so that the bristles adopt a glow. If a pinpoint of light is preferred, the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers can be placed within the bristles so that they extend to or near the working surface of the bristles. This provides a bright light display within the bristles that draws the attention of potential consumers observing the toothbrush in the store.
- the light within the bristles also provides an appealing and novel appearance that would attract one to use the toothbrush, especially juveniles. Since regular use is the most important element of oral hygiene, the novelty of a lighted brush provides an important inducement and reminder for juveniles to use the toothbrush. Because the scintillating/collecting fibers are continuously collecting ambient light and displaying it through the fiber ends the novelty look of the bristles is always presented to the user or potential customer as long as there is some ambient light around the toothbrush.
- a package for the toothbrush preferably has a transparent or translucent portion generally corresponding to the area of the toothbrush containing the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers. This allows ambient light around the package to enter the fibers and causes them to emit light at the ends of the fiber. That light shines out of the transparent/translucent portion of the package to attract potential customers who might be shopping for a toothbrush.
- the ends of the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers can be placed at various points along the length of the toothbrush (other than in the head) to create novel points of light on the toothbrush body. That lighting pattern can also be used to attract potential consumers or users.
- the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers can be embedded in the packaging of any number of consumer products, for example, a liquid soap dispenser or shampoo bottle. If that packaging material is translucent or transparent in the area of the fibers, ambient light will reach the fibers causing the ends of the fibers to emit light. That light can be used as an adjunct to graphics on the packaging, thereby attracting consumers and encouraging use after purchase.
- different color lighting can be created by colored fibers, for example, using green, amber and red fibers.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art toothbrush 2 using a battery powered light 4 in which that light is transmitted to the embedded bristles via fibers 6 , but not the fibers of this invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a scintillating fluorescent light collecting fiber of this invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a toothbrush containing embedded fibers to illuminate the toothbrush bristles.
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a toothbrush package containing a fiber illuminated toothbrush.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in elevation showing scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers embedded within the toothbrush bristles.
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a powered toothbrush with the light collecting fibers in the handle.
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a liquid soap dispenser bottle with the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers illuminating ornamental features on the bottle.
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a typical scintillating fluorescent light collecting fiber 10 (“scintillating fiber”).
- This scintillating fiber 10 collects light from many wavelengths, visible or not visible to the naked eye, along its length 12 and emits light at each end 14 of the fiber in the visible range. Thus, the light is always “on” with this fiber and no powered light source is needed, for example, an LED and battery as has been used in the prior art such as the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,855 (See FIG. 1 ).
- FIG. 3 illustrates scintillating fibers 10 embedded in toothbrush 16 . They extend from the handle 18 to head 20 of the toothbrush. At least some portion of the toothbrush 16 should be transparent or translucent to allow ambient light to reach the outer surface 12 of fibers 10 . As illustrated in this Figure, one end 14 of fiber 10 terminates immediately adjacent the cleaning elements or bristles 22 mounted in head 20 of toothbrush 16 . The cleaning elements 22 may be mounted or affixed to the head 20 of toothbrush 16 in a manner that light emitted from one end 14 of fiber 10 is transmitted through the cleaning elements 22 so that the light is readily seen by a potential consumer of the toothbrush 16 when passing the area where toothbrushes are sold.
- the lighted bristles 22 can form an attractive light pattern to encourage use of the toothbrush and thereby improve oral hygiene of potential users, particularly juveniles.
- fibers 10 can be treated with various chemicals to emit various light colors from their ends 14 . This provides an additional attraction for consumers and users.
- cleaning elements 22 Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the cleaning elements 22 in the embodiment of FIG. 3 of this invention.
- FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment for displaying the light gathered in scintillating fiber 10 .
- the scintillating fiber 10 is bent within head 20 so that the end 14 of fiber 10 extends above the face 21 of the head 20 to a terminus at or about the working end 23 of cleaning elements 22 .
- the ambient light gathered in fibers 10 is emitted as visible light from the ends 14 of scintillating fiber 10 at a point where the light is directly viewed by potential consumers or users.
- This embodiment provides a brighter, more direct light within the cleaning elements 22 .
- the cleaning elements themselves need not be transparent or translucent because they are not themselves transmitting light.
- FIG. 4 A package 24 containing toothbrush 16 is illustrated in FIG. 4 . At least that portion 26 of the package 24 overlying fibers 10 in the toothbrush 16 should be transparent or translucent to allow ambient light to reach scintillating fibers 10 and allow viewing of the light emitted from ends 14 of the fibers 10 . To facilitate discussion, FIG. 4 is shown without cleaning elements 22 in place. Such elements would typically be arranged relative to fiber ends 14 on head 22 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 or 5 .
- cleaning elements is intended to be used in a generic sense which could include conventional fiber bristles or massage elements or other forms of cleaning elements such as elastomeric fingers or walls arranged in a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desired shape including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. Where bristles are used, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block.
- FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate the cleaning elements to be generally perpendicular to the face of head 20 , some or all of the cleaning elements 22 may be angled at various angles. It is thereby possible to select the combination of cleaning element configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results to deliver additional oral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a toothbrush 16 A which includes a power driven movable disc or section 28 having elements in the head 20 of toothbrush 16 .
- the movable section 28 could be oscillated rotationally such as by using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916, or could move in and out using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. Re 35,941; all of the details of both patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
- the other types of drives referred to above could move section 28 in other manners and directions.
- FIG. 6 shows movable section 28 to be at the one end of the head 20 , the movable section(s) 28 could be located at any desired location on the head 20 .
- the non-powered cleaning elements 22 in the FIG. 6 embodiment can be lighted as described above.
- scintillating fibers 10 can be embedded in transparent or translucent portions of the handle 18 A of powered toothbrush 16 A to emit light from the ends 14 of scintillating fibers 10 .
- a switch 30 can be used to regulate the powered features of the toothbrush 16 A.
- the scintillating fibers 10 of this invention have wide application in a variety of consumer products.
- a liquid soap dispenser 32 is shown in FIG. 7 .
- the scintillating fibers 10 are embedded in translucent or transparent portions of the dispenser 32 .
- At least one end 14 of fiber 10 is directed toward the surface of the dispenser. Visible light emitted from the end 14 of fiber 10 can be used to enhance decorative patterns contained in the side of container 32 .
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- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
- Paper (AREA)
- Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
Abstract
Attractiveness of consumer products is enhanced by use of scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers contained in those products. The fibers collect ambient light of various wavelengths, some not visible, along their length which is collected within the fiber and emitted as visible light at the ends of the fibers. The emitted light can be used to enhance the consumer appeal of the product or promote its use. Specific consumer products disclosed include toothbrushes and liquid soap dispensers.
Description
- This is a continuation of International Application PCT/US2003/031821, filed Oct. 9, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/417,868, filed Oct. 11, 2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Consumer research shows that toothbrush purchases are often based on impulse decisions. Thus, the appearance of a toothbrush and/or its packaging can play a role in formulating that purchase decision. For marketing purposes, it is also helpful for the toothbrush or its packaging to have an eye-catching appearance on the shelf. Also, use of a toothbrush, particularly by juveniles, can be enhanced if that brush has an attractive, novel appearance. Others have taken various approaches to create a visually attractive toothbrush and/or its packaging.
- One such approach is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,173 issued Dec. 24, 1986. This patent discloses a battery operated bulb in a toothbrush handle. Light from the bulb is transmitted to the head of the toothbrush through a plurality of plastic filaments (
column 4, line 64 to column 5, line 24). Another patent disclosing light from a power source, e.g. LED or laser, conveyed to a toothbrush head through fibers is U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,090. - U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,462 discloses a process for making scintillating optical fibers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,084 provides additional detail of the scintillation enhancement flours and wave-shifting dyes uniformly dissolved into the core material of the fiber and the cladding which serves to protect the core and enables the fiber to function as an “optical pipe”. The cladding has an index of refraction which is lower than that of the core so that the light rays are retained within the fiber's core and transported along its length to appear as visible light at the fiber ends. With scintillating fibers, the light emitted at the ends is gathered from ambient light entering the side of the fibers so that an LED and battery is not needed to generate the light emitted from the fiber ends. Another patent related to scintillating fibers is U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,052 issued Jun. 20, 2000.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,855 discloses an illuminated toothbrush wherein a powered light source in the toothbrush handle directs light toward cleaning elements or bristles in the toothbrush head. The bristles are illuminated by the light traveling from the source in the handle through the toothbrush handle and to the head. There it impinges on a roughened surface of the bristles embedded in the head. That light then glows from the ends of the bristles. Another lighted toothbrush is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,194 in which a battery operated light shines directly on the user's teeth.
- This invention utilizes scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers to illuminate various consumer products and packaging for such products. The light emanating from the ends of such fibers is used to attract attention of the consumers to the products contained in the packaging. To the consumer, the visible ends of the fibers appear to glow as if powered, e.g., by a battery operated bulb. However, these fibers do not use any powered light sources to produce this effect. The ambient light around the fibers is gathered through the sides of the fibers and is transmitted through the fibers like an optical pipe and emanates from the fiber end as a relatively bright light.
- One illustrated embodiment of this invention is a toothbrush with a transparent or translucent handle. Embedded within the handle are an array of scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers which terminate near the base of the cleaning elements or bristles in the toothbrush head. If the fibers terminate at the base of the bristles, the light from the fibers can be distributed through all of the bristles so that the bristles adopt a glow. If a pinpoint of light is preferred, the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers can be placed within the bristles so that they extend to or near the working surface of the bristles. This provides a bright light display within the bristles that draws the attention of potential consumers observing the toothbrush in the store.
- The light within the bristles also provides an appealing and novel appearance that would attract one to use the toothbrush, especially juveniles. Since regular use is the most important element of oral hygiene, the novelty of a lighted brush provides an important inducement and reminder for juveniles to use the toothbrush. Because the scintillating/collecting fibers are continuously collecting ambient light and displaying it through the fiber ends the novelty look of the bristles is always presented to the user or potential customer as long as there is some ambient light around the toothbrush.
- A package for the toothbrush preferably has a transparent or translucent portion generally corresponding to the area of the toothbrush containing the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers. This allows ambient light around the package to enter the fibers and causes them to emit light at the ends of the fiber. That light shines out of the transparent/translucent portion of the package to attract potential customers who might be shopping for a toothbrush.
- In other embodiments of the invention, the ends of the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers can be placed at various points along the length of the toothbrush (other than in the head) to create novel points of light on the toothbrush body. That lighting pattern can also be used to attract potential consumers or users.
- In other embodiments, the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers can be embedded in the packaging of any number of consumer products, for example, a liquid soap dispenser or shampoo bottle. If that packaging material is translucent or transparent in the area of the fibers, ambient light will reach the fibers causing the ends of the fibers to emit light. That light can be used as an adjunct to graphics on the packaging, thereby attracting consumers and encouraging use after purchase.
- In all of these embodiments, different color lighting can be created by colored fibers, for example, using green, amber and red fibers.
- More information regarding these fibers is available from the Website of one manufacturer of such fibers, Poly-Optical Products, Inc. of Irvine, Calif. (www.poly-optical.com).
-
FIG. 1 illustrates aprior art toothbrush 2 using a battery poweredlight 4 in which that light is transmitted to the embedded bristles viafibers 6, but not the fibers of this invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a scintillating fluorescent light collecting fiber of this invention. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a toothbrush containing embedded fibers to illuminate the toothbrush bristles. -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a toothbrush package containing a fiber illuminated toothbrush. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in elevation showing scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers embedded within the toothbrush bristles. -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a powered toothbrush with the light collecting fibers in the handle. -
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a liquid soap dispenser bottle with the scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers illuminating ornamental features on the bottle. -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a typical scintillating fluorescent light collecting fiber 10 (“scintillating fiber”). Thisscintillating fiber 10 collects light from many wavelengths, visible or not visible to the naked eye, along itslength 12 and emits light at eachend 14 of the fiber in the visible range. Thus, the light is always “on” with this fiber and no powered light source is needed, for example, an LED and battery as has been used in the prior art such as the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,855 (SeeFIG. 1 ). -
FIG. 3 illustratesscintillating fibers 10 embedded intoothbrush 16. They extend from thehandle 18 to head 20 of the toothbrush. At least some portion of thetoothbrush 16 should be transparent or translucent to allow ambient light to reach theouter surface 12 offibers 10. As illustrated in this Figure, oneend 14 offiber 10 terminates immediately adjacent the cleaning elements or bristles 22 mounted inhead 20 oftoothbrush 16. Thecleaning elements 22 may be mounted or affixed to thehead 20 oftoothbrush 16 in a manner that light emitted from oneend 14 offiber 10 is transmitted through thecleaning elements 22 so that the light is readily seen by a potential consumer of thetoothbrush 16 when passing the area where toothbrushes are sold. In a similar vein, the lighted bristles 22 can form an attractive light pattern to encourage use of the toothbrush and thereby improve oral hygiene of potential users, particularly juveniles. As previously discussed,fibers 10 can be treated with various chemicals to emit various light colors from their ends 14. This provides an additional attraction for consumers and users. - Any suitable form of cleaning elements may be used as the
cleaning elements 22 in the embodiment ofFIG. 3 of this invention. -
FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment for displaying the light gathered in scintillatingfiber 10. In this embodiment, the scintillatingfiber 10 is bent withinhead 20 so that theend 14 offiber 10 extends above theface 21 of thehead 20 to a terminus at or about the workingend 23 of cleaningelements 22. Thus, the ambient light gathered infibers 10 is emitted as visible light from theends 14 of scintillatingfiber 10 at a point where the light is directly viewed by potential consumers or users. This embodiment provides a brighter, more direct light within thecleaning elements 22. In this embodiment, the cleaning elements themselves need not be transparent or translucent because they are not themselves transmitting light. - A
package 24 containingtoothbrush 16 is illustrated inFIG. 4 . At least thatportion 26 of thepackage 24overlying fibers 10 in thetoothbrush 16 should be transparent or translucent to allow ambient light to reachscintillating fibers 10 and allow viewing of the light emitted from ends 14 of thefibers 10. To facilitate discussion,FIG. 4 is shown without cleaningelements 22 in place. Such elements would typically be arranged relative to fiber ends 14 onhead 22 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 3 or 5. - The term “cleaning elements” is intended to be used in a generic sense which could include conventional fiber bristles or massage elements or other forms of cleaning elements such as elastomeric fingers or walls arranged in a circular cross-sectional shape or any type of desired shape including straight portions or sinusoidal portions. Where bristles are used, the bristles could be mounted to tuft blocks or sections by extending through suitable openings in the tuft blocks so that the base of the bristles is mounted within or below the tuft block.
- It is to be understood that the specific illustration of the cleaning elements is merely for exemplary purposes. The invention can be practiced with various combinations of the same or different cleaning element configurations (such as stapled or in-molded technology bristles, etc.) and/or with the same bristle or cleaning element materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Similarly, while
FIGS. 3 and 5 illustrate the cleaning elements to be generally perpendicular to the face ofhead 20, some or all of thecleaning elements 22 may be angled at various angles. It is thereby possible to select the combination of cleaning element configurations, materials and orientations to achieve specific intended results to deliver additional oral health benefits, like enhanced cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening and/or massaging of the gums. -
FIG. 6 illustrates atoothbrush 16A which includes a power driven movable disc orsection 28 having elements in thehead 20 oftoothbrush 16. Themovable section 28 could be oscillated rotationally such as by using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916, or could move in and out using the type of drive mechanism shown in U.S. Pat. No. Re 35,941; all of the details of both patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Alternatively, the other types of drives referred to above could movesection 28 in other manners and directions. AlthoughFIG. 6 showsmovable section 28 to be at the one end of thehead 20, the movable section(s) 28 could be located at any desired location on thehead 20. - The
non-powered cleaning elements 22 in theFIG. 6 embodiment can be lighted as described above. Alternatively or additionally,scintillating fibers 10 can be embedded in transparent or translucent portions of thehandle 18A ofpowered toothbrush 16A to emit light from theends 14 ofscintillating fibers 10. Aswitch 30 can be used to regulate the powered features of thetoothbrush 16A. - The
scintillating fibers 10 of this invention have wide application in a variety of consumer products. One such product, aliquid soap dispenser 32, is shown inFIG. 7 . As illustrated, thescintillating fibers 10 are embedded in translucent or transparent portions of thedispenser 32. At least oneend 14 offiber 10 is directed toward the surface of the dispenser. Visible light emitted from theend 14 offiber 10 can be used to enhance decorative patterns contained in the side ofcontainer 32.
Claims (29)
1. A lighted consumer product comprising a body, portions thereof being sufficiently translucent or transparent to permit entry of ambient light, at least one light collecting element arranged in at least some of those portions of the body, at least one end of the at least one element being directed toward an exterior surface of the body where light collected in the element through the sufficiently transparent or translucent portions is emitted from the at least one end of the element and can be seen by a person observing or using the consumer product.
2. The lighted consumer product of claim 1 comprising a toothbrush having cleaning elements in a head thereof.
3. The lighted consumer product of claim 2 wherein the at least one end of the at least one light collecting element is located adjacent the cleaning elements in the head of the toothbrush.
4. The lighted consumer product of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of light collecting elements have ends located out of or near a working surface of the cleaning elements.
5. The lighted consumer product of claim 1 wherein the emitted light is collected from ambient light.
6. The lighted consumer product of claim 1 wherein the light is emitted without using a power source in the lighted consumer product.
7. The lighted consumer product of claim 1 wherein the emitted light is multi-colored.
8. The lighted consumer product of claim 2 wherein the emitted light is collected from ambient light.
9. The lighted consumer product of claim 2 wherein the light is emitted without using a power source in the lighted consumer product.
10. The lighted consumer product of claim 2 wherein the emitted light is multi-colored.
11. The lighted consumer product of claim 2 wherein at least some of the cleaning elements are movable by a power source included in the lighted consumer product.
12. The lighted consumer product of claim 1 wherein the at least one light collecting element is a light collecting fiber.
13. A package for a consumer product comprising an enclosure for that product, at least some portion of the enclosure being sufficiently transparent or translucent to allow entry of ambient light into the interior of the package, a consumer product within the package containing a plurality of light collecting elements, ends of the elements being located within the product in positions where they can be seen by one observing the package.
14. The package of claim 13 wherein the product comprises a toothbrush having cleaning elements in a head thereof.
15. The package of claim 14 wherein at least one end of at least some of the light collecting elements are located adjacent cleaning elements in the head of the toothbrush.
16. The package of claim 14 wherein at least some of the light collecting elements have ends located out of or near a working surface of the cleaning elements.
17. The package of claim 13 wherein the ends of the elements emit light that is collected from ambient light.
18. The package of claim 13 wherein the ends of the elements emit light that is generated without using a power source in the consumer product.
19. The package of claim 14 wherein at least some of the cleaning elements are movable by a power source included in the consumer product.
20. The package of claim 13 wherein the elements are fibers.
21. The package of claim 20 , wherein the fibers are treated to emit colored light.
22. The lighted consumer product of claim 12 , wherein the light collecting fiber is treated to emit colored light.
23. A lighted consumer product comprising a body, portions thereof being sufficiently translucent or transparent to permit entry of ambient light, and at least one light collecting element arranged in at least some of those portions of the body, wherein ambient light collected in the element through the sufficiently transparent or translucent portions at a first location is emitted from a second location.
24. The lighted consumer product of claim 23 , comprising a toothbrush having cleaning elements in a head thereof.
25. The lighted consumer product of claim 24 , wherein the second location is adjacent the cleaning elements in the head of the toothbrush.
26. The lighted consumer product of claim 25 , further comprising a plurality of light collecting elements have ends located out of or near a working surface of the cleaning elements.
27. The lighted consumer product of claim 23 , wherein the light is emitted without using a power source.
28. The lighted consumer product of claim 23 , wherein the emitted light is multi-colored.
29. The lighted consumer product of claim 23 , wherein the at least one light collecting element is a light collecting fiber.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/103,366 US20050229345A1 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2005-04-11 | Toothbrush package |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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---|---|---|---|
US41786802P | 2002-10-11 | 2002-10-11 | |
PCT/US2003/031821 WO2004033316A2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2003-10-09 | Toothbrush package |
US11/103,366 US20050229345A1 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2005-04-11 | Toothbrush package |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2003/031821 Continuation WO2004033316A2 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2003-10-09 | Toothbrush package |
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US20050229345A1 true US20050229345A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US11/103,366 Abandoned US20050229345A1 (en) | 2002-10-11 | 2005-04-11 | Toothbrush package |
Country Status (10)
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US (1) | US20050229345A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1558112A4 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20050062607A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1719994A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003282767A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0315224A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2502241A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05003764A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2316243C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004033316A2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20070038272A1 (en) * | 2005-08-09 | 2007-02-15 | Wan-Chi Liu | Toothbrush |
US20080141476A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-06-19 | Gatzemeyer John J | Oral Care Implement having User-Interactive Display |
US20080141478A1 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-06-19 | Gatzemeyer John J | Interactive oral care implement system |
US20080163441A1 (en) * | 2007-01-08 | 2008-07-10 | Patrick Timothy Lemke | Convenient ticket scraper |
US20080196185A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-21 | Gatzemeyer John J | Oral Care Implement Having User-Interactive Display and Moving Head |
DE102011100530A1 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2012-11-08 | Bavarianoptics Gmbh | Bristle arrangement for e.g. toilet brush, has bristles or tines made of photoconductive material, which comprises dyes that exhibit fluorescence effect or phosphorescence effect, where material is illuminated by light source |
US20130292721A1 (en) * | 2012-05-03 | 2013-11-07 | Technische Universitat Berlin | Radiation emitting device |
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US20070209263A1 (en) * | 2006-03-10 | 2007-09-13 | Hohlbein Douglas J | Method of relating different products by a common feature |
MY162827A (en) * | 2009-12-23 | 2017-07-31 | Colgate Palmolive Co | Diagnostic oral device |
USD787189S1 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2017-05-23 | Gosmile, Llc | Toothbrush |
USD723282S1 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2015-03-03 | Gosmile, Inc. | Toothbrush head |
USD776936S1 (en) | 2015-06-23 | 2017-01-24 | Gosmile, Llc | Toothbrush head |
USD778061S1 (en) | 2015-06-23 | 2017-02-07 | Gosmile, Llc. | Toothbrush |
RU2728395C2 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2020-07-29 | Конинклейке Филипс Н.В. | Systems and methods for projecting multiple images onto common area of outer surface of housing |
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- 2003-10-09 MX MXPA05003764A patent/MXPA05003764A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-10-09 KR KR1020057006161A patent/KR20050062607A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1558112A4 (en) | 2008-04-23 |
BR0315224A (en) | 2005-08-23 |
WO2004033316A3 (en) | 2004-05-27 |
KR20050062607A (en) | 2005-06-23 |
RU2005114014A (en) | 2006-01-20 |
MXPA05003764A (en) | 2005-06-08 |
EP1558112A2 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
AU2003282767A1 (en) | 2004-05-04 |
RU2316243C2 (en) | 2008-02-10 |
CA2502241A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
WO2004033316A9 (en) | 2004-07-01 |
WO2004033316A2 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
CN1719994A (en) | 2006-01-11 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROUSE, JOHN;KLEE, MARTIN;PIERCE, ROBERT;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:016474/0601;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050608 TO 20050610 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |