Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT WITH CUSTOMIZABLE ELEMENT
BACKGROUND
This is a divisional of Canadian National Phase Patent Application
No. 2,726,600 having a filing date of June 4, 2008,
[03] The present invention pertains to an oral care implement, in particular,
to a toothbrush with a customizable element. Individuals exhibit many forms of
poor oral health including tooth decay, periodontal diseases and bad breath
(halitosis). Tooth decay and periodontal disease are typically caused by
harmful
bacteria within the mouth. When the harmful bacteria mixes with proteins
present
in saliva, a film of plaque is formed on the teeth and soft tissue. If the
plaque is not
removed, it can attack the teeth and create cavities. Additionally, the plaque
will
attack the soft tissue within the mouth and cause gum disease, the leading
cause of
tooth loss in adults. Many individuals, especially young children, do not
regularly
brush their teeth or perform interdental cleaning of their teeth. Such habits
often can
be attributed to the individual regarding tooth brushing as a mundane duty
with
few pleasurable aspects.
= BRIEF SUMMARY
1021 Some aspects of the present invention pertain to an oral care implement
with a customizable element.
[031 In one aspect, an oral care implement, with an oral care region having
cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the
implement
inbluding a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The
= removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also
include design
features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface
on one
of the surfaces of the handle which may be configured to receive user indicia
that
may later be removed and further indicia provide.
[041 In another aspect, a motorized electric oral care implement, with an
oral care region having cleaning element for engaging oral tissue, a body for
gripping the implement including a-handle having a removable faceplate, and an
electric power source, such that the faceplate is electrically coupled to the
electrical
power source when the faceplate is in an attached state is described. The
power
source powers visual and/or audio features of the faceplate providing
entertainment
and interest to the user.
=
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= [05] In another aspect, a method of marketing an oral care implement and
a
face plate is described. For example, this method may be implemented by
exposing a primary
oral care implement for sale, exposing a plurality of distinct faceplates each
removably
attachable to the oral care implement, permitting a user to select at least
one of the removable
faceplates and providing the oral care implement and the selected faceplate to
the user. A
variety of variations are possible.
[05a] In another aspect, there is provided a motorized electric oral care
implement, comprising: an oral care region having cleaning elements for
engaging oral tissue;
a body for gripping the implement including a handle having a removable
faceplate, the
faceplate overlying at least a portion of a major surface of the handle when
the faceplate is in
an attached state; an electric power source within the handle; and wherein the
faceplate and
the handle are complementary configured with electrical connectors so that the
faceplate is
electrically coupled to the electrical power source when the faceplate is in
the attached state
and further wherein the faceplate includes a feature that is powered by the
electrical power
source when the faceplate is in the attached state.
[06] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent
from the following description taken in conjunction with the following
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[07] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective front and rear views of one embodiment
of an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush;
[08] Figures 3 and 4 are illustrative perspective view of the toothbrush
having a handle for displaying a customized printing in a disassembled and
assembled state,
respectively;
[09] Figure 5 is an illustrative bottom view of the toothbrush of Figure 4,
taken along line 5-5;
[10] Figures 6 and 7 are illustrative perspective views of the toothbrush in
another configuration for displaying customized printing in a disassembled and
assembled
state, respectively;
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= [11] Figures 8 and 9 are illustrative perspective views of the toothbrush
in
another configuration for displaying customized printing in a disassembled and
assembled
state, respectively; and
[121 Figures 10A-C are illustrative configurations of a method of marketing
a customizable toothbrush and/or its complimentary faceplate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[13] In the following description, certain embodiments are discussed in
terms of a toothbrush (e.g. a form of an oral care implement), but could be in
the form of other
personal care implements. For example, a toothbrush can be used for personal
hygiene, such
as oral care purposes. Further, it is understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and
structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the
present invention.
2a
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= [141 Figures 1-2 illustrate an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush,
generally designated with the reference numeral 100. The toothbrush 100
generally
includes a head 101 and a handle 103.
[1.5] The handle 103 is generally an elongated member dimensioned so that
a user can readily grip and manipulate the toothbrush 100. The handle 103 may
be
formed of many different shapes, lengths and with a variety of constructions.
In one
construction, the handle 103 has a neck portion 105 positioned adjacent the
head 101.
The neck portion 105 may be a narrowed region on the handle 103 between head
101
and the part of the handle normally gripped by the user. Nevertheless, the
neck
portion 105 could be the region between the head 101 and the part of the
handle
normally gripped by the user. In another construction, the handle 103 is
integrally
formed with the head 101. Other attachment configurations also are possible.
[161 The head 101 may include an oral care region comprising one or more
tooth cleaning elements 111. As used herein, the term "tooth cleaning
elements" or
"cleaning elements" includes any type of structure that is commonly used or is
suitable for use in providing oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning,
tooth
polishing, tooth whitening, massaging, stimulating, etc.) by making contact
with
portions of the teeth and gums. Such tooth cleaning elements include but are
not
limited to tufts of bristles that can be formed to have a number of different
shapes
and sizes, and elastomeric cleaning members that can be formed to have a
number of
different shapes and sizes, or a combination of both tufts of bristles and
elastomeric
cleaning members.
[17] In one construction, the one or more tooth cleaning elements 111 are
formed from a plurality of bristles. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tooth
cleaning
elements 111 are bristle regions having different shapes, however, it is
understood
that a number of different configurations of oral care implements may be
utilized.
The one or more tooth cleaning elements 111 may be attached to the head 101 by
known methods, such as being fit within recesses formed in the head 101 along
a
front portion 107, opposite a back portion 109 of the toothbrush 100 (Figure
1). The head 101
also may be configured to be detached from the neck 105 or handle 103 and
replaced with a
new head 101, if desired.
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[181 Figures 3-5 illustrate an alternative construction of toothbrush 100. In
this construction, the toothbrush 100 is configured to facilitate user
customizability
by providing a visual design surface. The visual design surface may include
any
type of printing including graphics, design, articles, photographs, or other
creations
in i tangible medium, such as a paper type format, for example, shown and
described herein as a customized printing 900. As illustratively shown by
Figures 3-
5, a handle 103 having a generally rectangular cross-section shape in this
configuration may generally include a plurality of sides illustratively
referred to as
the front 121, the rear 122, the left side 123 and the right side 124. In
order to
facilitate extensive customizability in the appearance of the oral care
instrument and
in particular the handle 103 of the toothbrush 100, one or more sides of the
handle
103 may be configured to house the visual design surface. Thus, any of the
aforementioned types of printing can be provided on handle 103, and handle 103
further may be formed to hold, protect, and display the customized printing
900
provided by the user.
[19] In order to house the customized printing 900, a faceplate 203 and at
least one surface of the handle 103, for example, front 121, can be used to
abut the
customized printing on two opposing sides so as to hold, protect and/or
display the
customized printing. The visual design surface, which is customized printing
900 in
the illustrated embodiments, is visible from an exterior of faceplate 203.
Here, the front 121
of the handle 103 and faceplate 203 may be snapped together utilizing a
fastening mechanism to hold these two complimentary components together. In
certain embodiments, complimentary sizing causing frictional engagement of the
exterior border of the faceplate 203 with a complimentary receiving footprint
of the
= front 121 of the handle 103 can be used to cause a snap attachment to
occur, as is
well known.
= [20] It is noted that the faceplate 203 may be configured figured with
internal protrusions or cut-outs. One such example is cut-out 950, shown in
figures 3
and 4. Cut-out 950 is formed to allow a control button 115 for a powered
toothbrush
to be manipulated by a user even if the faceplate 203 is attached, since the
control
button passes through the cut-out 950. Cutout 950 is an aperture configured to
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= complimentary surround the control button 115 so as to not destroy the
functionality
of the toothbrush 100. Because the cut-out 950 may be sized to snugly fit
around the
control button 115, and may assist or completely perform the function of
holding the faceplate
203 to the front 121 of the handle 103, it may also be considered in certain
configurations as a
fastening mechanism for holding the faceplate 203 to the front 121 of the
handle 103 in order
to display a customized printing 900, which is shown
here with a complimentary cut-out 950 to allow for the control button 115 to
remain
accessible. Numerous other fastening mechanisms may be used, induding any type
of male and female mated components, snap, button, or screw attachment
mechanisms as is appreciated in the art.
[211 Figure 5 is an illustrative bottom view of the toothbrush and illustrates
one embodiment of the engagement of the faceplate 203 with the front 121 of
the
handle 103. Faceplate 203 here includes a pair of arms 233 that are
complimentary
shaped to frictionally engage the front 121 of the handle 103. Here, the arms
233 are
shaped and the rigidity of the material, e.g. a plastic of any type well known
in the
art or other like materials used, provide for a snap fit onto the handle 103.
The arms
233 hold the faceplate 203 on to the handle 103 and to front 121 thereby
ensuring that
the customized printing 900 is firmly secured to the toothbrush 100, and more
= particularly to handle 103. Further, depending on the specific
configuration, the
arms 233 or other fastening mechanisms may be formed to prevent particles from
the
environment, including moisture and water, from contacting the printing and
potentially damaging the printing. For example, the customized printing may be
sealed in a generally waterproof compartment when the faceplate 203 is
attached to
or engaged with handle 103.
[22] For ease of explanation and understanding, the handle 103 and
complimentary faceplate 203 used to house customized printing- 900, as they
are
illustratively shown in Figure 3, may be considered as being in a disengaged
or
disassembled or storage position. In contrast, Figures 4 and 5 are perspective
and
section views, respectively, of the handle 103, customized printing 900, and
complimentary faceplate 203 in an engaged, assembled or in-use position.
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= [23] To facilitate the display of the customized printing 900, the
printing
must be placed in a shape complimentary to the compartment in which it will be
housed in handle 203. A customized printing may be purchased or otherwise
acquired already in a shape suited for display in the handle of the
toothbrush.
Alternatively, any printing may be formed into an appropriate shape and sizing
to
be displayed in the described fashion. For example, faceplate 203 may be used
as a
template for tracing an outermost boundary of any printing. By cutting and/or
forming the printing to the template shape and size, the user is able to
configure
practically any printing in a paper-like medium for placement in the handle
103 of
the toothbrush 100. This extreme workability permits the described oral care
assembly to possess virtually unlimited customizability for users to create
oral care
assemblies having desirable visual appearances, regardless of a user's
particular
style, taste, imagination or interest preferences.
[24] Further, to facilitate viewing of the customized printing of a user, the
faceplate in at least one configuration is transparent, such that the
customized
printing is visible from an exterior of the faceplate. In other embodiments,
the
faceplate may be translucent. As such the faceplate may be composed of any of
the
known generally transparent materials in the art including various plastics.
Among
the materials that may be utilized include Acrylic (polymethlamethacrylate),
Butyrate (cellulose acetate butyrate), Lexan (polycarbonate), and PETG (glycol
modified polyethylene terphthalate). However, numerous transparent and/or
translucent materials may be utilized as is well know in the art. These
transparent/translucent materials, including plastics, may be formed into
shapes
that are complimentary to the general shape of the handle 103, and more
specifically
the shape of the front 121 of the handle 103, to enable a complimentary fit as
described herein. Further, the faceplate 203 may be composed of a
transparent/translucent material that includes a design incorporated into the
material as is known in the art. For example a colored pattern may be placed
within
the transparent material such that the pattern within the faceplate is visible
to the
user, while features, structures and indicia on an opposing side of the
faceplate from
the user are still recognizable, viewable and readable. Further, consistent
with
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various desired themes as described herein the design incorporated herein in
may be
indicia of sports teams, celebrities, television, movie or radio programming
and
various other displays that would be of interest to a user.
[25] Figures 6 and 7 are illustrative perspective views of a toothbrush
having a visual design surface in another configuration shown in disassembled
and
assembled states, respectively. In this configuration, user customizability is
facilitated as the toothbrush 100 has a handle 103 with a visual design
surface in the
form of a user inscription surface 129 that permits a user to. write, draw,
color,
sketch, paint or otherwise place indicia on toothbrush 100. Here, handle 103
houses
the user inscription surface 129.
[26] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the user inscription surface 129 may be
housed on the front 121 of the handle 103. As such, the user inscription
surface 129
may be a portion of the front 121 of the handle 103 or may be the entire front
121 of
the handle 103. Alternatively, although not depicted, the user inscription
surface 129
may form the entirety of the handle 103 such that a user may write, draw,
color,
sketch, paint or otherwise place indicõia on any portion of the handle 103 or
even the
entirety of the toothbrush, if the entirety of the toothbrush but for the
cleaning
elements 111 were formed as the user inscription surface 129. In Figures 6 and
7, the
user inscription surface 129 is formed to form a substantial entirety of front
121.
Figure 6 illustrates the handle 103 in a. disassembled state. In this
disassembled state
a user may write, draw, color, sketch, paint or otherwise place indicia on the
user
inscription surface 129 with any tool or implement, as long as a writing fluid
can be
received by the material that forms the user inscription surface 129.
127] Accordingly, the user inscription surface 129 may be made of any of a
number of materials that are known in the art to receive writing, drawing,
coloring,
sketching, painting or otherwise placing indicia on a surface. For example,
dry erase
board materials may be used such that a user may use dry erase markers.
Further, in
at least one configuration= the user inscription surface may be made of one of
a
melamine resin, polyester coated steel or enamel steel similar to the
materials used
in dry erase or whiteboards. Any writing surface and writing implement that
allows
for user customization, editing revision and/or erasure may be used with
respect to
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=
the user inscription surface. User indicia implement 999 is shown in Fig. 6 to
demonstrate one illustrative example of a user customizing the handle by
writing on
user inscription surface 129 of the handle 103. Of course, any other form of
user
customization may be performed consistent with what is shown here and what is
known in the art.
[28] Because dry erase and other materials often use water as the agent to
cause or assist in erasing, and toothbrushes typically get wet when used, a
toothbrush 100 having a handle 103 with a user inscription surface that is
completely
exposed when it is used may not be preferred by a user, as the customized
indicia
that the user has added to the handle 103 is likely to be smeared or erased by
either
the water that accumulates on the handle during use, or alternatively by
smearing
when a user grips the handle 103. Accordingly, the removable transparent cover
203
may be utilized and configured to protect the user inscription surface 129
when the
handle 103 is in an assembled state, as is illustrated in Figure 7. In the
assembled
state, the customized surface is viewable by the user, while the indicia
itself on the
user inscription surface 129 is substantially or completely protected from the
user's
grip, from water and/or from other environmental factors depending on the
particular configuration. As described and as is known in the art, the
fastening
mechanism and the dimension of the handle 103 and faceplate 203 may be made
such that water and other environmental elements may be prevented from
contacting the user inscription surface. Thus, a customizable and modifiable
handle
103 is provided that is protected by the faceplate 203 from damage or erasure.
Further, the customizable and modifiable handle 103 may be edited or
completely
changed by removing the faceplate 203 and erasing the previous indicia, and
replacing it with new indicia (e.g placed in disassembled state and then
edited).
Then, when the toothbrush 100 is to be used, the faceplate 203 is reattached
placing
the handle 103 and toothbrush 100 in an assembled state.
[29] Figures 8 and 9 are illustrative perspective views of the toothbrush 100
in another configuration for displaying customized printing in a disassembled
and
assembled state respectively. Similar to the previous described
configurations, the
illustrated toothbrush 100 may include a faceplate 203 complimentarily
configured
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to the handle 103 so as to fit together in an assembled position. Here, a wide
variety
of thematic faceplates 203 are contemplated such that users, for example,
children or
sports fans, may collect a series of faceplates and use them in alternating
fashion.
For example, a series of faceplates 203 might include all the characters from
a
cartoon such that each faceplate 203 includes a design specific to a certain
character
in the cartoon. As the user desires, the faceplates may be used in alternative
fashion
depending on the user's desires, preferences, and entertainment wishes.
Another
illustrative example consistent with these principles is a sports series of
faceplates
203. Oftentimes sports fans support many of the sports teams from a given
city. For
example, a sports fan in Chicago may support the large sports team from
Chicago.
These teams may include the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and
the
Chicago Blackhawks. The same would be the case for someone from Washington,
D.C. They might desire Washington Redskins, Washington Wizards, Washington
Nationals, and Washington Capitals faceplates such that, depending on what
time of
year it is, the faceplate on their toothbrush 100 would display support for a
different
one of those teams. Alternatively, individual faceplates may be made and/or
traded
similar in fashion to when baseball or other sports trading cards are
purchased and
traded. Accordingly, a series of faceplates may be packaged and sold with or
without a toothbrush configured and dimension such that the faceplate(s) 203
fits in
complimentary fashion on the toothbrush. While the principles have been
demonstrated herein with respect to the above examples, any thematic principle
may
be used consistent with the principles described herein to provide
entertainment or
artistic and creative expression.
[301 Figures 10A-C are illustrative configurations of a method of marketing
a customizable toothbrush 100 and/or its complimentary faceplate 203. In
Figure
10A, an illustrative package containing a faceplate 203 and a replacement head
for a
motorized electrical toothbrush 100 is shown. Consistent with the principles
described above, the faceplate 203 may be configured to have any of numerous
graphic designs, colorings or thematic appearances for entertainment of the
purchaser. Figure 10B illustrates marketing and sales of a toothbrush 100 with
a
series of thematically related faceplates 203. Thus the purchaser selects the
type of
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toothbrush and then can select from various pre-packaged sets of faceplates
203.
One illustrative set is shown in which the theme is a location-based sports
theme,
e.g. Chicago sports teams. Thus, one particular type of toothbrush 100 may be
manufactured, however, it is customizable to practically any user depending on
the
user's interest, location or style. Accordingly, a user-customized toothbrush
is
provide while still keeping manufacturing costs down, since a generic
toothbrush is
modified by user identification and selection of faceplates 203 that fit on
complimentary fashion on the toothbrush 100. Also, Figure 10C illustrates
marketing of a toothbrush 100 with a handle 103 having a user inscription
surface
129 in a single package, along with a plurality of varying indicia implements
999 that
the user may use to write, draw, color, sketch, paint or otherwise place
indicia on the
user inscription surface 103. Additionally, as described above, the toothbrush
100 in
at least one configuration is uniquely customizable to a user. With the
toothbrush
100 and the customizable faceplate 203 in hand, a user can acquire or form any
graphic, etc., that is in a paper-like medium, into a shape and size
complimentary
with the toothbrush 100 and faceplate 203. In some instances, this may be
accomplished by purchasing a pre-formed customized printing 900 or may be
accomplished by forming any printing into the requisite shape and size by
using the
faceplate 203 or other portions of the toothbrush 100 as a template. As
described,
there are numerous methods of marketing or selling the described customizable
toothbrush 100 for user enjoyment and entertainment.
[31] While the described customization has been applicable to oral care
implements of practically any variety or type, a motorized electrical oral
care
implement such as a motorized electrical toothbrush enables permits further
customizability in compliment with the electrical power source. For example,
he
handle 103 as well as any of the various faceplates 203 may be complimentary
configured to house electrical connectors such as electrical leads to allow
for an
electrical circuit to be formed and electrical power be supplied to the
faceplate 203.
As such, faceplates 203 may have illumination, sound picture or other
entertainment
features that are reliant on electrical power. Faceplates 203 may be
configured so
when they are in an assembled state they are powered, and when they are in a
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disassembled state they are not powered. Further, the faceplates may be
electrically
wired such that when the control button 115 of the toothbrush is in an on
position,
. the toothbrush is powered and the cleaning elements are moved, but also
the
faceplate is powered and energized. Accordingly, the faceplate 203 may display
blinking lights, animation, music and virtually any other entertaining
stimulus.
Accordingly, users of the toothbrush may be encouraged to spend time on oral
care
since there is an entertainment incentive to extend use of the oral care
instrument.
Even further, sophisticated high end oral care instruments may even be formed
in
accordance with the above described principles wherein the faceplate 203
houses a
portable audio player, such as an MP3 player or similar music player.
Likewise, an
LCD display screen may be housed in the faceplate such that video imagery or-
audio
and video imagery is displayed on the oral care instrument. Since many
electrical
toothbrushes are plugged in from time to time in a wall outlet in a bathroom,
such
an oral care instrument could efficiently serve as a visual or audio
entertainment
source in a bathroom, much the way certain homes or hotels have radios or
televisions in bathrooms to provide entertainment while people shower, apply
make-up or otherwise prepare for their day.
1321 As discussed, the inventive aspects are described in reference to any
oral care instrument and may also be specifically practiced by a manual
toothbrush
or a powered toothbrush with moving tooth cleaning elements 111. While the
various features of the toothbrush 100 work together to achieve the advantages
previously described, it is recognized that individual features and sub-
combinations
of these features can be used to obtain some of the aforementioned advantages
without the necessity to adopt all of these features.
[33] 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.
11
