Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
POWERED TOOTHBRUSH PACKAGE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a package in general, and more
particularly to a powered toothbrush package that visually demonstrates the
functionality of a toothbrush. Consumers generally use various sensing
capabilities
including sight, sound and touch in making a determination as to the
desirability of
a product. However, at a point of purchase such as a retail location, products
may
not be completely accessible to a consumer because the products may be housed,
contained or otherwise wrapped in packaging to protect against loss or damage.
10002] Furthermore, it is often difficult for consumers to understand
and
correlate how movement of a powered toothbrush head results in cleaning teeth.
Hence, there is a need for product packaging and methods for demonstrating the
functionality of a powered toothbrush to a consumer in an easily perceivable
fashion.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Some aspects of the present invention pertain to a package for a
powered product. In one
aspect, a powered toothbrush package visually demonstrates the functionality
of a
toothbrush.
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a powered toothbrush
package
may take the form of an oral care implement vibration demonstration assembly.
In
addition, the assembly may incorporate an associated method for demonstrating
features of an oral care implement.
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a package for an oral
care
implement has a base member having indicia associated therewith. The indicia
are
structured such that in response to a vibratory input adapted to be provided
by the
implement, a visual effect is produced from the indicia. In one construction,
the
indicia include a first element containing a marking and a second element
containing
a marking. Relative movement is provided between the elements that cause the
markings to provide a visual effect to a viewer. In one exemplary
construction, the
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relative movement is provided in response to a vibratory input provided by the
oral
care implement.
[0006] Another aspect of the invention is directed to an oral care
implement
vibration demonstration assembly that includes a powered oral care implement,
a
package housing, and a plurality of vibration demonstration elements as
described
herein. The oral care implement demonstration assembly may be configured to
produce a visual demonstration effect when a first vibration demonstration
element
is moved relative to a second vibration demonstration element. A Moire effect
is
among the visual effects that may be provided by the demonstration assembly.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention is directed to an oral care
implement
demonstration assembly that includes a powered toothbrush having a user input,
a
product package, a visual demonstration insert that has visual elements and a
visual
demonstration reference element. Further, a portion of the visual
demonstration
insert may visually overlay a portion of the visual demonstration reference
element
as movement of one relative to the other causes a visual effect.
[0008] A further aspect of the invention is directed to a method for
demonstrating
vibration of an oral care implement. A package is provided that contains a
powered
oral care implement having a user input. A first demonstration element and a
second demonstration element are operably associated with the package and the
implement. The method includes vibrating the oral care implement via the user
input and providing relative movement between the first demonstration element
and the second demonstration element to produce a visual effect.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may include
producing multiple visual effects by moving multiple vibration demonstration
elements relative to other vibration demonstration elements to produce various
visual effects including simultaneously providing visual effects such as a
combination of Moire effects and movement of a visual illustration in the form
of a
toothbrush.
[0010] Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provides product
packaging
that can effectively convey features, components and/or potential uses of a
product
to a potential consumer at a point of sale. Hence, consumers will often feel
more
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comfortable purchasing a product that they have seen demonstrated in an
illustrative
use environment. With the principles of some aspects of the present invention,
conveyance of product attributes and demonstration of the use of the product
is
possible utilizing product packaging.
[0010a] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided
a package comprising: a housing containing a powered oral care implement; an
indicia operably associated with the housing, the indicia having: a first
element
containing a marking forming a first pattern on a base member of the housing,
and a
second element containing a marking forming a second pattern on a second
member
detachably mounted to a portion of the powered oral care implement for
movement
independent of the housing, the second member and second pattern being movable
with respect to the base member and first pattern, wherein relative movement
between the first and second elements causes the first and second markings to
produce a visual effect to a viewer.
[0011] Other features and advantages of some aspects of the invention will
be
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the
following
drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100121 FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a powered toothbrush package
according to the present invention that may take the form of an oral care
implement
demonstration assembly;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an illustrative example of a Moire pattern utilized in
the present
invention;
100141 FIG. 3 is an illustrative example of another Moire pattern utilized
in the
present invention;
[00151 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a toothbrush and components of a
toothbrush package assembly of the present invention;
[00161 FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the toothbrush and package assembly
shown
in FIG. 4;
10017] FIG. 6 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly shown
in
FIG. 4 wherein the toothbrush is contained within the package;
[00181 FIG. 7 is a front view of another construction of the present
invention
showing a toothbrush and components of a toothbrush package assembly;
[00191 FIG. 8 is a base member of the toothbrush package assembly shown in
FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a movable element of the toothbrush package assembly
shown in
FIG. 7;
[00211 FIG. 10 is a front view of the toothbrush and toothbrush package
assembly
shown in FIG. 7 that forms an oral care implement vibration demonstration
assembly, the assembly being in a deactivated state;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 10 wherein
the
assembly is in an activated state to produce a visual effect;
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[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly shown
in
FIG. 12 and including a cover;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly shown
in
FIG. 14 and including a cover;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly shown
in
FIG. 16;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 19 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly shown
in
FIG. 18;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a partial front view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 21 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly of
FIG. 20
showing the toothbrush in a base member;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a partial front view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 23 is an end view of the toothbrush and package assembly of
FIG. 22
showing the toothbrush in a base member;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another construction of a
toothbrush and
package assembly of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 25 shows a series of illustrative patterns that may be used in
the
toothbrush package assembly of the present invention; and
[00371 FIG. 26 shows another series of illustrative patterns that may be
used in
the toothbrush package assembly of the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Several constructions of a package assembly are disclosed in FIGS. 1-
26.
The constructions may include oral care implements, such as toothbrushes,
tongue
cleaners and other related apparatus, which are typically displayed for
purchase
within product packaging.
[0039] In certain exemplary constructions such as shown in FIG. 1, the
package
assembly is used to contain an oral care implement such as a powered
toothbrush.
As described in greater detail below, the package assembly utilizes relative
movement of indicia to provide unique visual features. It is understood that
the
principals of the present invention can also be used with various other types
of
products wherein the products utilize the indicia to provide visual effects.
[0040] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a concept of superimposing a repetitive
design
(such as a grid of lines) on the same or a different design, to produce a
pattern
distinct from its separate component designs. An appearance of a new set of
lines
passing through the points where the original lines cross at small angles may
be
created so that the human eye is enabled to perceive a distortion or
flickering of
indicia, such as printed or displayed high-contrast images. In FIG. 2 for
example, a
first set of lines 1 is superimposed over a second set of lines 2. Similarly
in FIG. 3, a
first set of lines 3 is superimposed over a second set of lines 4. It can be
seen that the
respective sets of lines in FIGS. 2 and 3 are in different forms. As is
apparent from
FIGS. 2 and 3, superimposition of these respective sets of lines creates a
visual
perception to the human eye. This visual perception or effect is commonly
referred
to as a Moire effect 5. Accordingly, each set of lines 1, 2, 3, 4 positioned
to create the
Moire effect 5 may be referred to as a Moire pattern 6. The Moire effect 5 can
occur
when two or more sets of lines, dots or related structures differ in relative
size,
angle, spacing or the like.
[0041] In FIG. 2, the first set of lines 1 may be described as vertical
lines in
parallel, and the second set of lines 2 may be described as wavy lines. The
first set of
lines 1 is superimposed on the second set of wavy lines 2. This contrast in
curvature
creates the visual Moire effect 5 as described. The Moire effect 5 is also
created in
FIG. 3 when two sets of curved lines 3, 4 are superimposed on one another.
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Although both sets of lines 3, 4 in FIG. 3 may generally be described as
curved lines,
the sets of lines 3, 4 possess different specific features including location
and size of
curvature. When these two sets of lines 3, 4 are superimposed on one another,
this
superimposed variance in features is detected by the human eye so as to create
the
Moire effect 5 as is apparent when viewing FIG. 3. It is understood that the
respective sets of lines 1, 2, 3, 4 produce different Moire effects 5 as can
be
appreciated when viewing FIGS. 2 and 3. It is further understood that other
Moire
effects 5 using other indicia in accordance with the present invention are
possible,
including other effects shown in the additional figures as described in
greater detail
below.
[00421 This described Moire effect 5 may in certain instances be generated
in
nature such as when an observer looks though a window screen and views another
window screen or a background of a certain characteristic. The Moire effect 5
may
also be purposely generated using photographic, graphical and/or electronic
reproduction means as is well known in the art.
[0043] By causing and manipulating the Moire effect 5 and using other
visualization principles and techniques, improved product packaging,
demonstration and display is possible. Accordingly, preferred methods of
demonstrating use of a product such as an oral care implement and preferred
environments for demonstrating uses of the oral care implement are also
possible.
[0044] FIGS. 1 and 4-6 generally disclose an exemplary construction of a
package
assembly of the present invention, generally designated with the reference
numeral
10. In certain constructions, the package assembly 10 may also be referenced
as an
oral care implement vibration demonstration assembly 10. As explained in
greater
detail below, the package assembly 10 generally includes a contained product
12,
such as an oral care implement that may be in the form of a powered
toothbrush, a
package 14 and indicia 16 operably associated with the contained product 12
and/or
the package 14. The indicia 16 can take many different forms including being
included on additional members such as an insert or demonstration element as
further described below.
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[0045] As discussed, in one exemplary construction of the present
invention, the
contained product 12 is an oral care implement. The oral care implement may
take
the form of a powered toothbrush. Various powered toothbrushes are well known
in the art, including battery powered toothbrushes.
[0046] The powered toothbrush 12 includes a head 18, a body 20 and a neck
22
connecting the head 18 to the body 20. The head 18 further includes a base
support
24 and a cleaning member 26 including a plurality of cleaning elements 28. The
cleaning elements 28 may include bristles or other known components used in
cleaning the oral cavity. The cleaning elements 28 may be made of various
polymers, nylons and/or other well known materials commonly used to assist in
cleaning of an oral cavity including the teeth, gums and tongue. The base
support 24
serves as a supporting structure for the cleaning elements 28. In addition,
the base
support 24 is configured to move the cleaning elements 28 in response to a
user
input provided to the toothbrush 12 as described below.
[0047] Powered toothbrushes 12 may include cleaning members 26 that rotate,
vibrate, oscillate or translate. The cleaning elements 28 may take the form of
bristles
such as in a standard toothbrush or bristles arranged on one or more rotating,
vibrating, oscillating or translating components on the base support 24 as is
known
in the art. Alternatively, the cleaning member 26 such as the one shown in
FIGS. 1
and 4 may be vibrated or moved in one or more axial directions. Combinations
of
translation, vibration and/or rotation may also be implemented.
[0048] A powered drive mechanism and an associated power source are
typically
housed within the body 20 of the oral care implement. For example, the
toothbrush
12 may be compatible with and/or utilize one or more of alkaline or various
types of
known rechargeable batteries 30 (FIG. 1) capable of powering the toothbrush
12. A
motor or other known power generating mechanism (not shown) is linked to the
cleaning member 26 and drives the cleaning member 26 in various manners as
discussed. Accordingly, the cleaning member 26 may be rotated, vibrated, or
oscillated for oral care instruments of varying types. The description of the
movement capabilities of the oral care implement 12, including the movement
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characteristics of the cleaning member 26 and the cleaning elements 28, is for
illustration and convenience in a non- limiting manner.
[0049] The body 20 and the neck 22 of the toothbrush may be formed from a
unitary piece or multiple components. The base support 24 of the head 18 may
also
be formed as part of a unitary toothbrush 12. A toothbrush grip may be part of
the
body 20 and formed of a number of features and further may have a surface that
improves the ability of the toothbrush to be gripped by human fingers. Grip
enhancing elements may also be applied including grip regions and roughened or
grooved surfaces.
[0050] As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a user input 32 in the form of a
depressible button is utilized in turning the powered toothbrush 12 to the
"On"
position and the "Off" position as is known. The user input 32 may include
depressible buttons, switches, dials, slides, knobs and numerous other
activation
components that may be utilized to change the state of a device between the
"On"
and "Off" positions.
[0051] As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6, the package 14 is provided to
contain
the toothbrush 12. The package 14 can take various forms and generally has a
housing to contain the product. The package 14 includes a base member 34 and a
cover 36 in one exemplary construction. The base member 34 is a panel-like
member
and generally supports the toothbrush 12 by serving as a backing member for
the
toothbrush 12. The base member 34 may be formed of a number of shapes,
dimensions and materials. In certain constructions, the base member 34 may
include
a cutout for the toothbrush 12 to permit tighter product packaging.
[0052] The cover 36 of the package 14 is attached to the base member 34 to
house
or contain the toothbrush 12 in the package 14. The cover 36 may be of a
translucent
or transparent material wherein a purchaser can view the contents or at least
a
portion of the contents without opening or damaging the package 14. As shown
in
FIGS. 4-6, the cover 36 has an arched segment 38 to provide clearance to fit
over the
oral care implement 12 housed between the base member 34 and the cover 36. The
cover 36 may take various specific shapes and configurations and may also be
omitted from the product packaging. The cover 36 may also house or support
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portions of the indicia 16 as described in greater detail below. Further,
instructional
and informational materials may also be housed within the package 14 such as
between the base member 34 and the cover 36 and particularly fit along an
interior
surface of the cover 36.
[0053] As can be appreciated from FIGS. 4-6, the toothbrush 12 is contained
within the package 14 and can be viewed by a consumer through the transparent
cover 36. As described in greater detail below, the indicia 16 may be operably
associated with the package 14 including one or both of the base member 34 and
the
cover 36.
[0054] As discussed, the powered toothbrush package 10 further includes the
indicia 16. For clarity, the indicia 16 are omitted from FIG. 4 but are shown
in FIG. 5.
The indicia 16 can take many different forms and can be operably associated
with
various structures of the package assembly 10 including the base member 34,
the
cover 36 and the toothbrush 12 depending on the desired visual effect to be
produced. As further shown in FIG. 5, the indicia 16 may include a first
demonstration element 40 having a first marking 42 and a second demonstration
element 44 having a second marking 46. In this construction, the first
demonstration
element 40 is positioned on the cover 36 and in one preferred construction,
this
portion of the indicia 16 is printed directly onto the cover 36. This
demonstration
element 40 may be considered a visual demonstration reference element 40.
Also,
the second demonstration element 44 is included on a separate member which may
be referred to as an insert 48 as the insert 48 is a separate member from the
basic
package components. The insert 48 may be considered a visual demonstration
insert
48. The insert 48 has a generally planar top panel 50 having the second
marking 46
thereon. The insert 48 further has a pair of depending side panels 52. The
side
panels 52 have an inward arcuate shape to facilitate attachment to the head 18
as
described in greater detail below. In this construction, the second
demonstration
element 44 is operably associated with the toothbrush 12 and positioned
beneath the
first demonstration element 40. The demonstration elements 40, 44 can be
positioned at different locations on the package 14. As can be appreciated
from FIG.
5, the first demonstration element 40 and the second demonstration element 44
have
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complementary markings 42, 46 of similar design. The markings 42, 46 making up
the indicia 16, however, may be any visually perceivable elements including
sets of
lines, dots, symbols designs, figures, graphical illustrations, pictures,
symbols,
colored elements, and specific Moire markings or Moire patterns. The indicia
16 are
structured to provide a visual effect to a consumer viewing the package
assembly 10.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the individual components are attached to
form the package assembly 10. As discussed with respect to this construction,
the
second demonstration element 44 is operably associated with the toothbrush 12.
In
one exemplary configuration, the insert 48 is connected to the toothbrush 12
wherein
the side panels 52 are attached to the head 18 via an adhesive or other known
attachment methods. The insert 48 is removably attached wherein a consumer can
remove the insert 48 after opening the package 14 after purchase. As shown in
FIG.
6, the top panel 50 is positioned over the cleaning member 26. The toothbrush
12
with the attached second demonstration element 44 is then attached or
otherwise
supported by the base member 34 of the package 14. The cover 36 is then
positioned
over the toothbrush 12 and attached to the base member 34 by known attachment
methods. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 5 and 6, the first demonstration
element
40 with the first marking 42 is positioned over the second demonstration
element 44
with the second marking 46. Thus, the markings 42, 46 are in a visually
overlapping
configuration, or in superimposed relation. The markings 42, 46 can also be
aligned
or slightly offset or staggered if desired. More specifically, from at least
one vantage
point exterior to the package assembly 10, an observer would perceive at least
a
portion of the demonstration elements 40, 44 overlapping. The first marking 42
is
complementary to the second marking 46, so that taken together, the elements
40, 44
provide a visual effect to a consumer viewing the package assembly 10.
[0056] An enhanced visual effect and visual demonstration can be provided
by
moving the demonstration elements 40, 44 relative to one another thereby
further
manipulating the superimposed markings. For example, the demonstration
elements 40, 44 are moved relative to one another in various speeds, patterns
and
directions to create desired visual effects and, as later described, to
include a visual
effect that demonstrates features of an oral care implement. Generally, this
relative
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movement may be accomplished by moving one of the demonstration elements 40,
44 and keeping the other element in a stationary position when viewed with the
package 14 as a point of reference. Alternatively, both demonstration elements
40,
44 may be moved in relation to the package 14, often in associated or
complimentary
fashion.
[0057] In one exemplary construction, a visual effect produced from
relative
motion relies on a user input provided to the toothbrush 12 wherein the
package
assembly 10 may be referred to as an oral care implement vibration
demonstration
assembly 10. A consumer can press the user input 32 through the cover 36 to
activate or vibrate the toothbrush 12. Vibration is one exemplary form of
movement.
Upon activation, the head 18 and cleaning member 26 vibrate and therefore
move.
Because the second demonstration element 44 is attached to the head 18, the
second
demonstration element 44 also moves from the vibration. Thus, in response to
the
user input causing vibration, there is relative movement between the second
demonstration element 44 and the first demonstration element 40. This relative
movement between the components of the indicia 16 produces an active, dynamic
visual effect to the consumer. In this configuration, the demonstration
elements 40,
44 may be referred to as vibration demonstration elements. The first
demonstration
element 40 remains stationary, and this element is considered the visual
demonstration reference element. This configuration could be reversed if
desired
wherein the first demonstration element 40 could be configured for movement
while
the second demonstration element 44 could become stationary as a reference
element. It is also understood that both demonstration elements 40, 44 could
be
configured for movement if desired. Although an enhanced visual effect is
produced by relative movement of the indicia components, it is understood that
the
indicia 16 could also take the form of a single Moire pattern (e.g., FIGS. 2
and 3) that
is operably associated with the package 14. The indicia 16 in this form having
overlapping designs could be printed on the base member 34 or the cover 36 to
produce a visual effect for the viewer.
[0058] FIGS. 7-11 disclose another exemplary construction of the present
invention. The construction of FIGS. 7-11 is similar to the construction of
FIGS. 4-6
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and similar components will be designated using similar reference numerals in
a 100
reference numeral series. As shown in FIG. 7, a package assembly 100 generally
includes a powered toothbrush 112, a package 114 and indicia 116 operably
associated with the toothbrush 112 and the package 114. As discussed, the
indicia
116 can take many different forms and in this construction, the indicia 116
include
additional features that produce further visual effects providing even greater
impact
to a viewer.
[0059] The toothbrush 112 is substantially identical to the toothbrush 12
of FIGS.
4-5 and the above description is applicable to this construction. Likewise,
the
package 114 is similar to the package 14 of FIGS. 4-6 and generally includes a
housing formed by the base member 134 and the cover 136. The cover 136 is
shaped
and dimensioned to define a cavity 137 that generally corresponds to the shape
of
the toothbrush 112. As before, the cover 136 is generally transparent.
[0060] FIGS. 7-9 further show the indicia 116 operably associated with the
package assembly 100. In this particular exemplary construction, the indicia
116 are
associated with the base member 134 and the toothbrush 112. As further shown
in
FIGS. 7 and 8, the indicia 116 includes a first demonstration element 140
having a
first marking 142 and a second demonstration element 144 having a second
marking
146. In this construction, the first demonstration element 140 is positioned
on the
base member 134 and in one preferred construction, this demonstration element
140
is printed directly onto the base member 134. This demonstration element 140
may
be considered a visual demonstration reference element 140. In addition, the
first
demonstration element 140 includes a first segment 150 and the first marking
142
includes a first design element 132. As previously discussed, the indicia 116
can
include many different elements. These elements can include visual
illustrations
including photographs, drawings, pictures, symbols, representations, color
swaths,
graphs and other designs. As further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first
demonstration element 140 also includes a second segment 154 having a marking
in
the form of an oral cavity 156, specifically an open human mouth. The oral
cavity
156 includes a depiction of teeth 157 and a tongue 159. The oral cavity 156 is
printed
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directly onto the base member 134. The oral cavity 156 will cooperate with
other
demonstration elements as described in greater detail below.
[0061] The indicia 116 also include the second demonstration element 144 as
a
separate member in the form of the insert 148. The insert 148 may be
considered a
visual demonstration insert 148. The insert 148 in this construction is a
generally
planar member 148 having the second marking 146 thereon. The insert 148 is
generally transparent or translucent. In addition, the second demonstration
element
144 includes a first segment 160 and the second marking 146 includes a second
design element 162. In addition, the second demonstration element 144 also
includes
a second segment 164 having a marking in the form of a mini-toothbrush 166.
The
mini-toothbrush 166 will cooperate with the oral cavity 156 as described in
greater
detail below. The mini-toothbrush 166 may be integral with the design element
162.
The insert 148 further includes a cut-out portion 168 dimensioned to receive
the head
118 of the toothbrush 112. In one construction, the cut-out portion 168 is
generally
hour-glass shaped. In FIG. 9, the cut-out portion is represented by boundary
lines.
The cut-out portion is made through a part of the first design element 152.
[0062] As can be appreciated from FIGS. 7-9, the first design element 152
of the
first demonstration element 140 and the second design element 162 of the
second
demonstration element 144 are generally complementary in shape. When the
package assembly 100 is assembled, the design elements 152, 162 generally
overlap
and provide a visual effect in the form of a Moire effect. The oral cavity 156
and
mini-toothbrush 166 also complement one another. As discussed below, these
various components of the indicia 116 cooperate to produce visual effects to a
consumer viewing the package assembly 100.
[0063] As can be appreciated from FIGS. 7 and 10-11, the individual
components
are attached to form the package assembly 100. The second demonstration
element
144 is attached to the toothbrush 112 wherein the cleaning member 126 is
received
by the cut-out portion 168 in an interference fit. The toothbrush 112 is
generally
attached or supported by the base member 134. The cover 136 is placed over the
toothbrush 112 and attached to the base member 134, the toothbrush 112 being
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received in the cavity 137 of the cover 136. It is noted that the cover 136 is
not shown
in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0064] As can be appreciated from FIGS. 10 and 11, the second demonstration
element 144 is positioned over the first demonstration element 140. In
particular, the
second design element 162 overlaps the first design element 152 thereby
producing a
visual effect. The respective lines of the design elements may be considered
to be
Moire designs that upon being placed in an overlapping fashion, provide a
Moire
pattern. It is understood that the design elements 152, 162 could be aligned
or offset
in FIG. 10 as desired. As further shown in FIG. 10, the mini-toothbrush 166 is
positioned proximate the oral cavity 156. It is further understood that in
FIG. 10, the
toothbrush 112 is in an inactivated state.
[0065] Similar to the previous construction, a further enhanced feature is
provided that relies on the user input 132. As shown in FIG. 11, upon pressing
the
user input 132 through the cover 136, the toothbrush 112 is activated and
vibrates.
The insert 148 is connected to the head 118 of the toothbrush 112, so that the
first
design element 152 moves relative to the stationary second design element 162
thereby producing a further visual effect. In addition, in response to the
vibration,
the mini-toothbrush 166 moves relative to and proximate the stationary oral
cavity
156.
[0066] In particular, this vibration produces a visual effect of the mini-
toothbrush 166 moving towards the teeth 157 as shown by the arrow A. Thus,
when
the toothbrush 112 is activated, the mini-toothbrush 166 appears to moving
within
the oral cavity 157 and specifically brushing the teeth 157 in the oral cavity
159. This
indicia 116 produces this active visual effect to effectively demonstrate use
of the
toothbrush 112. As is done in this illustrative example, the visual effect
(including
the Moire effect may be designed and chosen so as to visually demonstrate and
convey to a consumer the movement and vibration characteristics that may not
otherwise be fully apparent to the consumer. Because the toothbrush 112 has
specific movement, vibration and oscillation characteristics, Moire patterns
20 are
chosen such that a visual effect is apparent in the activated state as shown
in FIG. 11.
Upon placing the toothbrush 112 in an inactivated state via the user input
132, the
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insert 148 including the second design element 162 and the mini-toothbrush 166
return to the position shown in FIG. 10.
[0067] FIGS. 12-24 disclose additional exemplary constructions of the
package
assembly of the present invention. These constructions generally have
components
similar to the package assemblies in FIGS. 1-13 and similar reference numerals
will
be used to designate similar components. These constructions also utilize
indicia
structured and configured to produce visual effects and include numerous
variations
as to the configurations of the respective package assemblies.
[0068] FIGS. 12 and 13 disclose a packaging assembly 200 having a
toothbrush
212, a package 214 and indicia 216. The indicia 216 include a first
demonstration
element 240 having a first marking 242 that is positioned on the base member
234.
The indicia 216 also include an insert 248 having a second demonstration
element
244 with a second marking 246 thereon. The insert 248 includes a cut-out
portion
268 that is off-center on the insert 248. The demonstration elements 240, 244
have a
generally square outer periphery but could have other shapes including a
circular
shape. Further, the markings 242, 246 are in the form of complimentary swirls
or
curved lines. The second demonstration element 244 is again attached to the
head
218 wherein the cleaning member 226 is received in the cut-out portion 268 so
as to
frictionally engage the cleaning member 226. The toothbrush 212 is supported
by
the base member 234 and the cover 236 is attached to the base member 234. As
shown, the second demonstration element 244 overlaps the first demonstration
element 240 and produces a visual effect. In addition, in response to
activating the
user input 232, the head 218 vibrates, oscillates, rotates or otherwise moves.
Accordingly, the second demonstration element 244 moves relative to the first
demonstration element 240 thereby providing additional visual effect.
[0069] FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose a packaging assembly 300 having a
toothbrush
312, a package 314 and indicia 316. The indicia 316 include a first
demonstration
element 340 having a first marking 342 that is positioned on the base member
334.
The indicia 316 also include an insert 348 having a second demonstration
element
344 with a second marking 346 thereon. The insert 348 includes a cut-out
portion
368 that is generally centered on the insert 348. The demonstration elements
340, 344
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have a generally oval outer periphery but could have other shapes as desired.
Further, the markings 342, 346 are in the form of complimentary swirls or
curved
lines. The second demonstration element 344 is again attached to the head 318
wherein the cleaning member 326 is received in the cut-out portion 368 so as
to
frictionally engage the cleaning member 326. The toothbrush 312 is supported
by
the base member 334 and the cover 336 is attached to the base member 334. As
shown, the second demonstration element 344 overlaps the first demonstration
element 340 and produces a visual effect. In addition, in response to
activating the
user input 332, the head 318 vibrates. This vibration moves the second
demonstration element 344 relative to the first demonstration element 340
thereby
providing additional visual effect.
[0070] FIGS. 16 and 17 disclose a packaging assembly 400 having a
toothbrush
412, a package 414 and indicia 416. The indicia 416 include a first
demonstration
element 440 having a first marking 442 that is positioned on the base member
434.
The indicia 416 also include an insert 448 having a second demonstration
element
444 with a second marking 446 thereon. The second marking 446 is positioned on
one segment 460 of the insert 448. An adjacent segment 462 has a plurality of
folds
defining an end leg 464. The markings 442, 446 are in the form of
complimentary
swirls or curved lines. The markings 442, 446 are similar in design to the
markings
in FIGS. 14 and 15. The second demonstration element 444 is again attached to
the
head 418 wherein the end leg 464 is inserted and embedded into the cleaning
member 426 and between the bristles 428. The toothbrush 412 is supported by
the
base member 434 and it is understood that a cover is attached to the base
member
434. As shown, the second demonstration element 444 overlaps the first
demonstration element 440 and produces a visual effect. In addition, in
response to
activating the user input 432, the head 418 vibrates. This vibration moves the
second
demonstration element 444 relative to the first demonstration element 440
thereby
providing additional visual effect.
[0071] FIGS. 18 and 19 disclose another construction of a package assembly
500
having a toothbrush 512, a package 514 and indicia 516. The indicia 516
include
similar elements as described above. In this construction, first indicia 516a
are
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included on one side of the toothbrush 512 and second indicia 516b are
included on
the other side of the toothbrush 512. Nevertheless, the indicia can be on one
side.
The second demonstration element 544 is included on an insert 548. The insert
548 is
folded along a length of the insert 548 to define a top panel 560 and side
panels 562
that collectively define an insert cavity 570. Winged segments 564 extend from
the
side panels 562. The second demonstration elements 544 are positioned on the
winged segments 564. The insert 548 is attached to the head 518 of the
toothbrush
512 wherein the insert cavity 570 receives the cleaning member 526. The insert
548
can be removably attached to the head 518 such as at fold portions 572. It is
understood that the indicia 516 include the first demonstration elements 540
and the
second demonstration elements 544 configured as described above in generally
superimposed and overlapping fashion to produce a visual effect. In addition,
upon
activation of the toothbrush 512 by pressing the user input 532, the insert
548 moves
thereby moving the second demonstration elements 544 relative to the first
demonstration elements 540 to produce additional visual effect.
[0072] FIGS. 20-23 illustrate further configurations of the package
assembly of the
present invention. In FIGS. 20-21, the package assembly 600 includes an insert
648
having a central cut-out portion 660 that accommodates the head 618. The
insert 648
is removably attached to the toothbrush 612. The insert has side panels 662 on
opposite sides of the head 618 and the second demonstration element 644
thereon.
In addition, it is understood that the first demonstration elements 640 are
positioned
on the base 634 underneath the second demonstration elements 644. As shown in
FIG. 21, the base member 634 may also have a channel 670 formed therein that
accommodates the toothbrush 612. The package assembly 700 shown in FIGS. 22
and 23 has structure similar to the package assembly 600 in FIGS. 20-21. The
insert
748 may include a plurality of stripes 760 on opposite sides of the head 718.
It is
understood that vibratory movement can be provided with the package assemblies
600, 700 in FIGS. 20-23 to produce visual effects as described above. FIG. 24
shows
another package assembly 800 having an insert 848 configured similarly to the
insert
548 in FIG. 18. The insert 848 can include a demonstration element 844 that
could
take the form of a dot design. Alternatively, the insert 848 can be
constructed to
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have a plurality of particles housed therein. The particles are agitated upon
activating the toothbrush 812 via the user input 832 thereby producing a
visual
effect.
[0073] FIGS. 25 and 26 display additional patterns 1000, 1100 having
different
visual illustration features that may be used with the package assemblies and
oral
care implement demonstration assemblies of the present invention. The patterns
can
provide a visual effect such a Moire effect. Other visual effects can be
provided that
do not rely on a Moire effect, but may demonstrate features, traits or
characteristics
of the contained product. In addition, a visual effect can be produced by
providing
relative movement between the elements of patterns such as shown in FIGS. 25
and
26. It is further understood that multiple visual effects can be produced
simultaneously if desired such as when activating the user input 132 in FIG.
11. It is
also understood that the package assembly of the present invention can be
utilized
with a variety of contained products. An exemplary construction has been
described
herein taking the form of an oral care implement vibration demonstration
assembly.
A toothbrush has been used by way of example, but it is understood that the
package assembly could be used with a variety of different types of oral care
implements. The indicia is structured to produce a visual impact to a consumer
viewing the package. The indicia can be further manipulated such as by
providing
relative movement between visual demonstration elements of the indicia, thus
providing even greater impact and visual effect.
[0074] In one construction, the relative movement is achieved in response
to a
vibratory input to the contained product such as the toothbrush. The input
could
also take other forms to provide relative movement of the elements. For
example,
user input 32, 132, 232, 432, 532, 632 could be connected to a corresponding
input
device (e.g., button) provided off the toothbrush in a remote manner. The off-
toothbrush button could be wired to the respective toothbrush to activate
vibration
aspect remotely. In one example, a point of display system could be used. In
addition, it is understood that the various features of the several different
constructions disclosed can be combined.
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[0075] The package assembly of the present invention demonstrates
functionality
of a contained product such as a powered toothbrush in a readily perceivable
fashion. In addition, with the particular indicia used, demonstrating use of
the
toothbrush is achieved by visually depicting a toothbrush moving proximate an
oral
cavity. Thus, this visual effect relates to the actual use environment of the
toothbrush itself. Such an active demonstration provides enhanced package
assembly features. The overall visual demonstration elements utilized provide
a
more dynamic visual impact for a consumer viewing the product in the package
assembly.
[0076] While the invention has been described with respect to specific
examples
including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those
skilled in
the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of
the
above described systems and techniques. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.
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