U.S. patent application number 13/154484 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for packaging comprising electrical device, electrical device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Braun GmbH. Invention is credited to Alexander Hilscher, Hansjoerg Reick, Martin Stratmann.
Application Number | 20110297565 13/154484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40668344 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110297565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stratmann; Martin ; et
al. |
December 8, 2011 |
Packaging Comprising Electrical Device, Electrical Device And
Method
Abstract
A package for an electrical device that facilitates product
demonstration is provided. The package includes a power source; a
display device for displaying a rest mode, a normal mode or a
presentation mode; and a transparent window for viewing the display
device. The presentation mode includes emission of a user-specific
optical and/or acoustic signal sequence by the display device and
can be activated without manual impact onto the packaging.
Inventors: |
Stratmann; Martin;
(Frankfurt/Main, DE) ; Reick; Hansjoerg;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Hilscher; Alexander;
(Oberursel, DE) |
Assignee: |
Braun GmbH
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
40668344 |
Appl. No.: |
13/154484 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/IB2009/055288 |
Nov 23, 2009 |
|
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13154484 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/221 20130101;
B65D 5/4204 20130101; B65D 2201/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 10, 2008 |
EP |
08021425.7 |
Claims
1. A package for an electrical device that facilitates product
demonstration, the package comprising: a. a power source; b. a
display device for displaying a rest mode, a normal mode or a
presentation mode; and c. a transparent window for viewing the
display device; wherein the presentation mode includes emission of
a user-specific optical and/or acoustic signal sequence by the
display device and can be activated without manual impact onto the
packaging.
2. The package according to claim 1, wherein for activating the
normal mode, the display device comprises a switch or button, which
can be controlled in such a manner that an activation of the switch
or button, which lasts for less than one second, leads to the
activation of the normal mode and that, for activating the
presentation mode, provision is made for an activation device or
control, which differs therefrom.
3. The package according to claim 1, further comprising a control
device for controlling the display device in such a manner that a
use of the electrical device can be simulated in the presentation
mode, where a user-specific signal can be emitted at the display
device without the electrical device performing an electrical
personal hygiene operational function.
5. The package according to claim 1, wherein the display device can
be controlled in the presentation mode in such a manner that the
can be displayed in an accelerated sequence.
6. The package according to claim 2, wherein the activation device
for activating the presentation mode includes a radio reception
device for wirelessly activating via radio signal.
8. The package according to claim 2, wherein the activation device
for activating the presentation mode includes a timer having a
self-activation feature that can be triggered after a predetermined
period of time has lapsed.
9. The package according to claim 8, wherein the timer cooperates
with an evaluation unit in such a manner that the lapsed period of
time since the last use of the device in normal mode can be
evaluated and the established time value can be compared to a
threshold value and the presentation mode can be activated when the
threshold value is exceeded.
10. The package according to claim 1, wherein the display device
can be controlled in the presentation mode in such a manner that
the power consumption of the display device is less than the power
consumption of the display device in normal mode.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/IB2009/055288 filed Nov. 23, 2009, which claims
priority to EP 08021425.7, filed Dec. 10, 2008, the substance of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a package for an
electrical device. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to a package for an electrical device that facilitates
product demonstration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is already known for different electrical devices that
the functions of the device can be displayed in a presentation mode
on a display of the device for demonstration purposes. For example,
the potential consumer either activates a corresponding button
directly at the device or through the packaging in order to
activate the presentation mode. However, this consumer interaction
with the packaging or the device can result in damage to the
product thereby causing the product to be removed from the sales
rack.
[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide a package comprising a
device, which is less susceptible to damage or operating errors by
the consumer in the sales rack and which attracts the interest of
the potential consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, a package for an electrical device that
facilitates product demonstration is disclosed. The package
includes a power source; a display device for displaying a rest
mode, a normal mode or a presentation mode; and a transparent
window for viewing the display device. The presentation mode
includes emission of a user-specific optical and/or acoustic signal
sequence by the display device and can be activated without manual
impact onto the packaging.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] While the specification concludes with claims which
particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter that
is regarded as the invention, it is believed the various
embodiments will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a package comprising an electrical device
having an external transmitter according to one embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 shows a display device according to FIG. 1; and
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an electrical device according to FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to the present disclosure, a package for an
electrical device for personal use for personal hygiene is
provided. According to one embodiment, the electrical device is
arranged in the packaging and can be seen through a transparent
area of the packaging. The electrical device may encompass a
display device for emitting an optical and/or acoustic signal, a
battery for supplying the display device with power and a control
device, which controls the display device as a function of a
resting mode. During the resting mode, a user-specific optical
and/or acoustic signal cannot be emitted and the device does not
perform an electrical personal hygiene operational function. During
a normal mode, a user-specific optical and/or acoustic signal can
be emitted and the device additionally performs an electrical
personal hygiene operational function. During a presentation mode,
a user-specific optical and/or acoustic signal sequence can be
emitted at the display device in the packaging, wherein the
presentation mode of the device can be activated without manual
impact onto the packaging. By activating the presentation mode
without manual impact onto the packaging, it is thus ensured that
the packaging and/or the device located therein do not experience
any damage in the sales rack. The presentation mode is thus
activated by activation at the device prior to the packaging or
independent of the packaging, respectively.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the device for activating the
normal mode encompasses a switch or button, which can be activated
in such a manner that an activation of the switch or button, which
lasts for less than one second, leads to the activation of the
normal mode. Due to the manual activation of the normal mode, it is
ensured that an inadvertent activation of the presentation mode
does not take place during the normal conventional use of the
electrical device. In addition, this furthermore ensures that an
impact onto the packaging or the device, as is provided for the
normal mode, is not necessary in order to activate the presentation
mode so that damage to the packaging or to the device can be
prevented.
[0012] According to a further embodiment, a toothbrush, which
encompasses a power source and a control device, which supplies
energy to and controls a display device for emitting an optical
and/or acoustic signal, wherein the control device is embodied in
such a manner that the display device can be controlled as a
function of a rest mode, during which a user-specific optical
and/or acoustic signal cannot be emitted and during which the
device does not perform any additional electrical personal hygiene
operational function. During a normal mode, a user-specific optical
and/or acoustic signal can be emitted (wherein the device
optionally performs an electrical personal hygiene operational
function in normal mode). During a presentation mode, a
user-specific optical and/or acoustic signal sequence can be
emitted at the display device, wherein provision is made for the
activation of the normal mode for a switch or button, which is
controlled in such a manner that an activation of the switch or
button, which lasts for less than one second, leads to the
activation of the normal mode and that for the activation of the
presentation mode, provision is made for an activating device or
control, which differs therefrom. It is accordingly ensured that
the packaging or the device are not damaged in the sales rack,
because the activation of the presentation mode is not accompanied
by the activation of the normal mode.
[0013] In one embodiment, the control device to control the display
device and the device in such a manner that, in the presentation
mode, a use of the device can be simulated, during which a
user-specific signal can be emitted at the display device without
the device performing an electrical personal hygiene operational
function. In one example, the electrical personal hygiene function,
such as, an electrical drive of a bristle field of an electric
toothbrush is thus operated with the corresponding user-specific
signal on the display device (for example, timer function). In
another example, the control device is embodied in such a manner
that, in the presentation mode, a user-specific signal, which is at
least similar for the use in each case, is displayed or can be
displayed, respectively, at the display device and the electrical
personal hygiene operational function is not operated
simultaneously. In an alternative, the display device is activated
during the presentation mode and the electrical personal hygiene
operational function is also activated simultaneously. In a further
alternative, a user-specific optical and/or acoustic signal is not
emitted in the normal mode and only the main function, namely the
electrical personal hygiene operational function, is performed.
[0014] In another embodiment, provision is made for the display
device in the presentation mode to be capable of being activated in
such a manner that the signals can differ as compared to the normal
mode and/or can be displayed in accelerated sequence. On principle,
the user-specific signals at the display device, which are
typically accompanied by the use of the electrical personal hygiene
operation function, are thus also displayed in the presentation
mode. However, the customer can more quickly understand the
functional range of the electrical device in the sales rack in an
advantageous manner by means of the accelerated sequence.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the activating device for
activating the presentation mode may be a switch or a button, which
is different in particular from the switch or button for the normal
mode. Accordingly, a manual activation is also proposed for the
presentation mode, which, however, differs from the activation of
the normal mode. This activation can be attained, for example, by
inserting the battery, by activating a different switch than the
one for the normal mode, by pressing down the switch for the normal
mode for a longer period of time or by means of a certain switching
sequence of a switch or button.
[0016] In a further embodiment, the activation device for
activating the presentation mode may be a radio reception device
for the wireless activation per radio signal. An activation of the
activation device of the presentation mode via radio, such as, for
example via Bluetooth or via infrared (this is also understood
herein as "radio signal") or other wireless types of activation,
already allow for an activation of the presentation mode, which is
simple in its operation.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the activating device for
activating the presentation mode may be a timer, which triggers a
self-activation after a predetermined period of time has lapsed.
For example, a predetermined period of time of 30 days can be set
in the timer so that an activation of the presentation mode takes
place via radio or manually or by means of another measure and that
this activation is performed automatically in a time-delayed
manner. It is thus prevented that the presentation mode is actively
performed as early as during the transport of the device in the
packaging, even though the product has not yet arrived in the sales
rack of the retailer. This measure thus saves power for operating
the display device.
[0018] In a further embodiment, a timer to evaluate the lapsed
period of time since the last use of the device in normal mode is
used to compare this determined time value to a threshold value and
to activate the presentation mode when the threshold value is
exceeded. This feature is mainly intended as a reminder function
for the user of the device, for example, in response to a non-use
of the toothbrush or of another electrical device for a certain
period so that the device draws attention to itself and performs an
electrical function and that the user is reminded to use the
device. This electrical reminder function can simply be that an LED
blinks for a certain period of time, that the presentation mode is
activated, during which, for example, all of the basic functions
are displayed at the display device in fast motion, that the
personal hygiene function is activated over and over temporarily
and/or in certain intervals or that an audio signal or a melody is
played back. This reminder function can be repeated in certain
chronological intervals after the time threshold value has been
exceeded or it can be carried out only once. It is also possible
for this reminder function to be activated only at certain times of
the day, for example, in the morning and in the evening, when a use
of the device, such as, a toothbrush, is suggested.
[0019] In a further embodiment, the display device may be a
separate part of the device. For example, the device may consist of
at least two components, both of which are operated in an
electrical manner, wherein one of these separate parts of the
device comprises the display device. The functions of the device
can be illustrated particularly well in the presentation mode by
means of a separate display device. In an alternative, provision is
made for the display device in the separate part of the device as
well as in the further part of the device or in a further
alternative, the display device is part of the device, which also
performs the personal hygiene function. For example (without
limitation to these examples), an electric toothbrush comprising a
separate display device for the lapsed brush time (4-quadrant
timer); a one-piece electric toothbrush or a razor are suitable as
electrical device. The displayed brush time, the contact pressure
of the toothbrush, the battery status, the on/off state or other
operationally relevant information are examples for a user-specific
signal.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the user-specific display
functions, which are displayed in the normal mode of the device as
well as in the display mode, may differ from those of the normal
mode. In particular the functions, which are not required in the
sales rack, are thereby at least partially deactivated,
intermittently operated or not displayed, respectively, for the
presentation mode, provided that the power consumption is too
high.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the device may be capable of being
activated in the display mode in such a manner that the power
consumption of the display device is lower than the power
consumption of the display device in normal mode. For this, certain
functions of the display device are operated only intermittently or
not at all as a function of the power consumption thereof, so that
a long period of operation of the presentation mode is ensured in
the sales rack.
[0022] In a further embodiment, the display device in the
presentation mode may be capable of being activated in such a
manner that it shows segments or image representations on a
power-saving liquid crystal display and/or a light emitting diode
can be operated in a pulsed manner and/or a radio receiver of the
display device can be turned off automatically after the activation
of the presentation mode. The power consumption of the display
device is thus strongly reduced.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the display device may be capable
of being activated in such a manner that the deactivation of the
presentation mode can be activated by removing and re-insertion of
the batteries and/or by a specific button combination. For example,
the deactivation is carried out by means of an operation, which the
user of the electrical device already performs for the start-up, or
by means of an action, which is not necessary for the other
customary use of the device.
[0024] According to one embodiment, a method for activating a
presentation mode of an electrical device is provided.
[0025] In a further embodiment, the display device may initially be
subjected to a test mode, during which all of the functions of the
display device are tested and the activation of the presentation
mode takes place subsequently. It is accordingly proposed to
combine one of the last operations of the manufacturer before to
device leaves the production plant with the (time-delayed, if
applicable) activation of the presentation mode. Typically, the
quality inspection of the display device is such an operation.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a package 1 in a transparent or partially
transparent embodiment, through which the content or parts of the
content are visible from the outside through the packaging (see in
FIG. 1 the transparent viewing window 2). At least a part of the
content is an electrical or electronic device 3, respectively,
which has optical or acoustic display means such as light emitting
diodes, lamps, transducers or LCD displays. The embodiment of FIG.
1 shows a LCD display for a display device 4, for example, an
electric toothbrush 5 (both of which together form the electrical
device 3 herein). In one embodiment, a never-ending (fast motion)
sequence runs on the display device 4, which draws the attention of
the consumer and which satisfies the need for information relating
to the production functions by the consumer, who passes the product
on the sales rack in the store, for example, without requiring a
further impact onto the product or the packaging. The demo sequence
or the presentation mode can be activated during the production of
the device and then runs until the power source, for example, the
batteries or battery cell of the electronic device are used or
until the customer deactivates the sequence after unpacking. This
could take place, for example, by transmitting a radio signal, by
activating a button or by interrupting the voltage supply.
[0027] An embodiment using the example of the electric toothbrush
according to FIG. 3 with so-called smart guide display device 4
could be embodied as follows. The electric toothbrush encompasses
an on/off switch 15 on the handle thereof. On the back side
thereof, the display device 4 encompasses buttons or switches 16,
by means of which the clock can be set. The toothbrush 15 as well
as the display device 4 are equipped with batteries. The display
device 4 further encompasses a control device for controlling the
use-specific signals 6 to 13. The sales packaging has a transparent
window 2, through which the display device 4 is visible from the
outside. In the alternative, the window can also be embodied as a
transparent bubble, which allows for the display device 4 to stick
out from the packaging. The display device can be operated in a
rest mode, in a normal mode, in a presentation mode (and, if
applicable, in a test mode). The display device 4 is brought into a
test mode during the production process or prior to leaving the
production plant. The test mode is triggered by simultaneously
pushing and holding both buttons at the back side of the display
device 4 during the insertion of the battery. The test mode is used
to test the radio transmission and the segments of the LC display
within the end assembly/quality control of the display device 4. In
response to receiving certain commands via radio, all of the
segments and all of the light emitting diodes are turned on or off,
respectively. Furthermore, the power input of the display device 4
is measured immediately after leaving the test mode. The test mode
is ended as soon as at least one of the two buttons is
released.
[0028] The test mode can also be used to activate the demo sequence
at the end of all of the tests. For this, the device must again be
brought into the test mode. If it does not receive any commands
during the time in test mode, the "demo sequence" (which
corresponds to the presentation mode) is automatically started
after the test mode has ended. In the alternative, the demo
sequence can always be required in a time-delayed manner after
leaving the test mode, for example, after 10 seconds, which are
required for the current measurement, or can be activated after 30
days (cooperation of the time control device with an evaluation
unit in the display device).
[0029] In another embodiment, any button could be pressed for the
activation after leaving the test mode within a certain period (for
example, 3 seconds).
[0030] In one embodiment, an activation of the demo sequence takes
place via radio. The display device 4 is thereby only equipped with
the batteries during the end assembly. A certain command is
transmitted by means of a transmitter 14, which triggers the demo
sequence in the packaged device, only during the packaging. This
has the advantage that the demo sequence, which could be ended due
to unfavorable influences (for example, interruption of the battery
voltage caused by vibration) in response to the transport of the
unpackaged display device 4 from the end assembly line to the
packaging line, is only activated in the last production step in
the safe transport packaging. This is particularly advantageous
when--as is the case herein--the display device 4 already
communicates with the toothbrush via radio signals so that a radio
signal receiver is thus already provided in the display device
4.
[0031] All of the described types of activation can be used
arbitrarily for an electrical device so as to be capable of being
combined with one another or so as to be used individually. The
demo sequence may operate in such a manner that the substantial
functions of the display device 4 are replayed in a recurrent
manner, partially in fast motion. FIG. 2 shows all of the
illustrations of the presentation mode in a dashed manner and
simultaneously. This includes, for example, the force sensor alarm
6, the cleaning modes 7, the cleaning time 8, the quadrant timer 9,
the bristle-replacement alarm 10, the time 11, the low battery
display 12 and the smileys 13, which are displayed as a reward
after a sufficient time of brushing teeth. In one embodiment, the
power input during the course thereof is as low as possible so as
to ensure several months of function. This also includes that
consumers with a high power input, such as, for example, the radio
receiver, remain turned off after the activation and that the light
emitting diodes are only operated in a pulsed manner.
[0032] The deactivation of the demo sequence at the customer can be
carried out by removing and re-insertion of the batteries. The
deactivation of the demo sequence can furthermore be carried out
additionally or alternatively in response to the activation of one
of the two buttons, as it is necessary for setting the time.
[0033] An additional subsequent activation of the demo sequence
outside of the production and during the use can be carried out
during the normal operation. For this, the display device 4 is
initially in the receiving state. In the event that the toothbrush
does not receive a radio signal (cooperation of the time control
device with an evaluation unit in the display device) for a certain
period (for example, 24 hours or also 10 days), the demo sequence
activates by itself. The user could be motivated or reminded,
respectively, with this function to brush his teeth. This
self-activation is also advantageous in response to possible
voltage interruptions on the route of transport from the production
facility to the retailer.
[0034] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0035] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0036] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *