U.S. patent application number 10/065230 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for picture display toothbrush.
This patent application is currently assigned to HoMedics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Abraham, Paulette.
Application Number | 20030019063 10/065230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22061237 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030019063 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abraham, Paulette |
January 30, 2003 |
Picture display toothbrush
Abstract
A toothbrush is provided that includes a toothbrush body having
a toothbrush handle and a brush head. A display window is
selectively attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush body.
A photograph can be placed behind the translucent display window to
cover, and yet provide visual access to, the photograph. Different
photographs can be chosen for different toothbrushes such that each
toothbrush is customized for a particular user. This provides for
easy identification of different toothbrushes, and provides each
user with a uniquely customized toothbrush.
Inventors: |
Abraham, Paulette;
(Birmingham, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS & KUSHMAN
1000 TOWN CENTER 22ND FL
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
|
Assignee: |
HoMedics, Inc.
Commerce Township
MI
48390
|
Family ID: |
22061237 |
Appl. No.: |
10/065230 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
132/308; 132/311; 15/143.1; 15/184; 15/185; 15/246; D4/108;
D4/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 15/0089 20130101;
A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 5/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
15/143.1; 15/185; 15/184; 15/246; 132/308; 132/311; D4/108;
D4/113 |
International
Class: |
A46B 009/04 |
Claims
1. A toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush body, including a
toothbrush handle and a brush head; and an object housing
configured to be attached to the toothbrush body and to selectively
house an object to be displayed, the object housing including a
translucent portion for providing visual access to the object to be
displayed.
2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the object housing is
selectively attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush
body.
3. The toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the object housing is
configured to cover at least a portion of the brush head.
4. The toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the object housing is
configured to be disposed near a distal end of the toothbrush
handle.
5. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
object housing is integral with the toothbrush body.
6. The toothbrush of claim 5, wherein the object housing comprises
a cylindrical translucent portion including an open end for
receiving the object to be displayed, and a cap for selectively
covering and uncovering the open end of the translucent
portion.
7. The toothbrush of claim 5, wherein the object housing is
disposed near a distal end of the toothbrush handle.
8. The toothbrush of claim 5, wherein the toothbrush handle
comprises a first handle portion and a second handle portion, the
first handle portion having the object housing disposed thereon,
and further being pivotally attached to the second handle
portion.
9. The toothbrush of claim 8, wherein the first handle portion is
pivotal between a first position and a second position, the first
position being configured for toothbrush use, and the second
position being configured for storage such that the object housing
covers at least a portion of the brush head.
10. A toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush body, including a
toothbrush handle and a brush head; and a visual access structure
configured for attachment to the toothbrush body, and configured
for selectively receiving, and providing visual access to, an
object to be displayed.
11. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the visual access structure
comprises a convex translucent portion.
12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein the visual access structure
is configured to cover at least a portion of the brush head.
13. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the visual access structure
is configured to be disposed near a distal end of the toothbrush
handle.
14. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the toothbrush handle
comprises a first handle portion pivotally attached to a second
handle portion, the first handle portion having the visual access
structure disposed thereon.
15. The toothbrush of claim 14, wherein the first handle portion is
pivotal between a first position and a second position, the first
position being configured for toothbrush use, and the second
position being configured for storage such that the visual access
structure covers at least a portion of the brush head.
16. A toothbrush comprising: a toothbrush handle; a brush head
attached to the toothbrush handle; and a display window configured
for attachment to the toothbrush handle for selectively receiving
and translucently covering an object to be displayed.
17. The toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the display window is
selectively attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush
handle.
18. The toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the display window is
integral with the toothbrush handle.
19. The toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the display window
comprises a cylindrical translucent structure including an open end
for receiving the object to be displayed.
20. The toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the display window
comprises a convex translucent portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a toothbrush having a
display portion for displaying an object, and in particular, for
displaying a picture or photograph.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] It has long been known that regular tooth brushing is an
effective way to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Despite
the obvious benefits of a regular brushing regime, strict adherence
to the regime is not always achieved, especially among children.
There have been a number of attempts to increase compliance with a
brushing regime, for example, by configuring a toothbrush with an
aesthetically pleasing appearance. One such toothbrush is described
in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 20010002605 (Morawski et al.), published
on Jun. 7, 2001. Morawski et al. describes a toothbrush having a
decorated handle, the decorative pattern being applied to the
handle via a heat-shrinkable plastic film. The desired pattern is
printed on the inside surface of clear heat-shrinkable plastic
film, which is then applied to the handle.
[0005] One limitation of Morawski et al. is that the decorative
patterns available to the consumer are dictated by the toothbrush
manufacturer. The patterns are transferred onto the clear film, and
the film is applied to the toothbrush handle, prior to the
toothbrush reaching the retail facility. Thus, the consumer may
wish to have a toothbrush that includes a particular picture, a
particular design, or a particular photograph, but is limited in
choices to those provided by the toothbrush manufacturer. The
availability of a limited number of patterns may also make
identification of toothbrushes in multi-person households
difficult. In addition, the decorative pattern on the Morawski et
al. toothbrush is not easily changed by the consumer; hence, if a
child becomes uninterested with a particular pattern, the solution
may require the purchase of a new toothbrush.
[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a toothbrush that
can be configured with a pattern, picture, or photograph of the
consumer's choice, so as to make the toothbrush aesthetically
pleasing and uniquely identifiable, and to provide a toothbrush
that allows for the pattern, picture, or photograph to be easily
changed, thereby helping to maintain a user's interest in the
toothbrush, particularly in the case of a child's toothbrush.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush that
facilitates attachment to the toothbrush of a pattern, picture, or
photograph of a user's choice, thereby enhancing the brushing
experience and helping to promote good brushing habits.
[0008] Another aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush that
can be configured with a chosen pattern, picture, or photograph, so
as to uniquely identify the toothbrush as belonging to a particular
user.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush
that facilitates easy replacement of an existing pattern, picture,
or photograph, with another, thereby helping to maintain a user's
interest in the toothbrush.
[0010] Accordingly, a toothbrush is provided that comprises a
toothbrush body, including a toothbrush handle and a brush head.
The toothbrush also includes an object housing, configured to be
attached to the toothbrush body. The object housing is configured
to selectively house an object to be displayed, and it includes a
translucent portion for providing visual access to the object to be
displayed.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush that
comprises a toothbrush body, including a toothbrush handle and a
brush head. The toothbrush further includes a visual access
structure that is configured for attachment to the toothbrush body.
The visual access structure is configured to selectively receive,
and to provide visual access to, an object to be displayed.
[0012] Yet another aspect of the invention provides a toothbrush
that comprises a toothbrush handle with a brush head attached
thereto. The toothbrush further comprises a display window
configured for attachment to the toothbrush handle, and configured
for selectively receiving and translucently covering an object to
be displayed.
[0013] The above object and other objects, features, and advantages
of the present invention are readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the
invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance
with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a brush head cap for use
with a toothbrush such as the one shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
toothbrush having an end cap attached to the distal end of the
toothbrush handle;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end cap for use with a
toothbrush such as the one shown in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a third toothbrush
embodiment having an object housing integral with the toothbrush
handle;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a fourth
toothbrush embodiment in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of the toothbrush
shown in FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth toothbrush
embodiment including a folding handle portion;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the toothbrush in FIG. 8
having the folding handle portion in an open position;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a motorized electric
toothbrush in accordance with the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a motorized electric toothbrush in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a toothbrush 10 in accordance with the present
invention. The toothbrush 10 includes a toothbrush body 12 having a
toothbrush handle 14 and a brush head 16. The toothbrush 10 also
includes an object housing, or visual access structure, which in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is a brush head cap 18. The brush
head cap 18 is configured to snap onto the toothbrush body 12 to
cover 20 on the brush head 16. The brush head cap 18 is thus
selectively attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush body
12, such that the bristles 20 can be covered when the toothbrush 10
is not in use.
[0026] Included in the brush head cap 18 is a translucent portion,
which is shown in FIG. 1 as a display window 22. The display window
22 is conveniently made from a clear acrylic, though other suitable
materials, including those having some color, can be used. The
convex shape of the display window 22 provides a space for a user
to house an object to be displayed within the brush head cap 18,
and yet provides visual access to the object to be displayed. The
user has the option of choosing what object is to be displayed
within the brush head cap 18, and of choosing when to replace it
with a new object. For example, FIG. 2 shows an alternative
embodiment 24 of a brush head cap. The brush head cap 24 contains a
photograph 26 that is visible through a convex display window 28.
Displaying a photograph, such as the photograph 26, allows a
toothbrush to be individualized to a particular user. This reduces
the likelihood of mixing up toothbrushes in a multiple-user
household. Moreover, including a photograph in a toothbrush
enhances its visual appeal and may encourage good brushing
habits.
[0027] Returning to FIG. 1, it is seen that the brush head cap 18
includes an opening 30 that not only accommodates the bristles 20
of the brush head 16, but also allows a user access to a back side
32 of the display window 22. Thus, the user may easily insert a
picture or photograph into the brush head cap 18. In this way,
different objects, including pictures and photographs, can be
selectively placed in the brush head cap to alter its appearance.
This eliminates the need to purchase a new toothbrush each time an
appearance change is desired. Should a user desire additional
personalization, the brush head cap itself may be varied. For
example, the brush head caps 18, 24 are each configured with a
different flower design. By choosing toothbrushes having different
brush head caps, and by inserting different pictures or photographs
into them, a user has virtually unlimited choices in customizing
the toothbrush.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment 34 of a toothbrush in
accordance with the present invention. The toothbrush 34 includes a
toothbrush body 36 having a toothbrush handle 38 and a brush head
40. An object housing, shown in FIG. 3 as an end cap 42, is
configured for attachment to a distal end 44 of the toothbrush
handle 38. The end cap 42 includes a translucent portion, or
display window 46. Similar to a brush head cap, the end cap 42 is
configured to receive an object such as a picture or photograph,
and to provide visual access to the object through the display
window 46. For example, in FIG. 3, a photograph 48 is disposed
behind the display window 46.
[0029] The end cap 42 is configured to look like a basketball,
which enhances the visual appeal of the toothbrush 34. In order to
preserve the spherical shape of the end cap 42, and thus more
closely resemble a real ball, the display window 46 may be convex,
having a radius that matches the radius of the end cap 42.
Moreover, the end cap 42 can be configured such that the display
window 46 is selectively removable to provide access to the
photograph 48. This eliminates the need for an additional opening
in the end cap 42, thereby helping to maintain the overall
spherical contour. In addition, a convex display window may have a
complementary concavity on a side opposite the convex side. The
concavity can be configured to receive an object such as a picture
or photograph, thereby eliminating the need to provide additional
space within the end cap. Of course, an end cap can be configured
with an opening on a side opposite the display window, thereby
allowing a display window to be more permanently attached to the
end cap.
[0030] In addition to replacing the picture or photograph in an end
cap, such as the end cap 42, the overall look of a toothbrush can
be varied by providing a differently configured end cap. For
example, FIG. 4 illustrates an end cap 50 having a display window
52, behind which is disposed a photograph 54. The end cap 50 is
configured to resemble a baseball, though other end caps may be
configured to resemble volleyballs, soccer balls, or the like. In
addition, end caps may have other configurations, such that they
resemble flowers, birds, animals, or even cartoon characters. In
this way, a user has many options available with regard to
customizing toothbrush. The end cap 50 contains an aperture 56 for
facilitating attachment to a toothbrush handle, such as the
toothbrush handle 38 of the toothbrush 34 shown in FIG. 3. An
aperture, such as the aperture 56, may be tapered or threaded to
mate with a distal end of a toothbrush handle.
[0031] The toothbrushes 10, 34 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,
respectively, each have object housings that are selectively
attachable to and detachable from their respective toothbrush
bodies 12, 36. As an alternative, an object housing, or visual
access structure, may be integral with a toothbrush body. For
example, FIG. 5 shows a toothbrush 58, including a toothbrush body
60 having a toothbrush handle 62 and a brush head 64. Integral with
the toothbrush body 60 is an object housing 66. The object housing
66 is disposed near a distal end 68 of the toothbrush handle 62,
and includes a convex display window 70. The display window 70 is
configured to receive an object such as a picture or photograph,
and is translucent to provide visual access to the object after it
is received by the display window. A portion of the toothbrush body
60 is molded with a decorative design which complements the object
housing 66. Of course, toothbrushes can be configured with
different decorative designs, thereby allowing a user additional
choices in customizing the toothbrush.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a partially exploded view of another embodiment
72 of a toothbrush having an object housing 74 integral with a
toothbrush body 76. The object housing 74 includes a cylindrical
translucent portion 78 having an open end 80 for receiving an
object to be displayed, in this case a photograph 82. The
photograph 82 is conveniently rolled to conform to the shape of the
cylindrical translucent portion 78 of the object housing 74. After
it is rolled, the photograph 82 can be placed inside the object
housing 74, and a cap 84 placed over the open end 80. FIG. 7 shows
the toothbrush 72 fully assembled, including the photograph 82
inside the object housing 74.
[0033] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a toothbrush 86 including a toothbrush
body 88 having a toothbrush handle 90 and a brush head 92. The
toothbrush handle 90 includes a first handle portion 94 and a
second handle portion 96. As shown in phantom and illustrated by
the arrows in FIG. 9, the first handle portion 94 is pivotal
between a first, or open position, and a second, or closed position
(see FIG. 8). In the open position, the first handle portion is
extended to facilitate toothbrush use; whereas, in the closed
position, the toothbrush 86 is configured for storage. An object
housing 98 is disposed on the first handle portion 94, and includes
a convex translucent portion 100 for allowing visual access to an
object such as a picture or photograph. When the first handle
portion 94 is in the closed position, the object housing 98 covers
bristles 102 on the brush head 92, which conveniently reduces the
length of the toothbrush 86, making it easy to store and
transport.
[0034] It is important to note that the present invention includes
both manual and motorized electric toothbrushes. For example, FIG.
10 shows a motorized electric toothbrush 104 including a toothbrush
handle 106 and a brush head 108. Pivotally attached to the
toothbrush handle 106 is a an object housing 110. The object
housing 110 includes a translucent, convex display window 112 for
displaying an object, for example, a picture or photograph. The
object housing 110 is shown in FIG. 10 in a first position, wherein
the toothbrush 104 is ready for use. When the user wishes to store
the toothbrush 104, the object housing 110 pivots into a second
position, as indicated by the arrows, to cover bristles 114. The
object housing 110 is configured in the form of a flower, though it
is contemplated that other shapes and configurations may be
used--e.g., different types of flowers or other objects.
[0035] The motorized electric toothbrush 104 is battery operated,
and with the object housing 110 pivotally attached as shown in FIG.
10, a user may easily obtain access to batteries (not shown),
through a base portion 116 of the toothbrush handle 106. In
addition, the toothbrush 110 may contain rechargeable batteries, in
which case the base portion 116 may contain attachment features
(not shown) for attaching a charging unit to recharge the
batteries. Of course, the invention may include other embodiments
of motorized electric toothbrushes. For example, the brush head cap
18, shown in FIG. 1, is easily configured to work with a motorized
electric toothbrush, such as the toothbrush 104 shown in FIG.
10.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows another motorized electric toothbrush 18 in
accordance with the present invention. The toothbrush 118 includes
a toothbrush handle 120 and a brush head 122. Integral with the
toothbrush handle 120, is an object housing 124. The object housing
124 includes a translucent convex display window 126 that can be
readily detached to allow a user to insert an object behind it. As
with the embodiments described above, the toothbrush 118 can be
easily customized by inserting a particular object, such as a
personal photograph, behind the display window 126. In addition,
the object housing itself, shown as a fighter jet in FIG. 11, may
have different configurations to provide a further means by which a
user can customize the toothbrush.
[0037] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and
describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words
used in the specification are words of description rather than
limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *