Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20020124864?ie=ISO-8859-1
Timestamp: 2014-10-24 07:05:00
Document Index: 709799422

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'art 2', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 8', 'Application No. 99', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 22', 'art 27', 'art 27', 'art 27', 'art 28', 'arts 24', 'art 31', 'art 2', 'art 8', 'art 37', 'art 37', 'art 38', 'art 37', 'art 37', 'arts 8']

Patent US20020124864 - Toothbrush - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA unique ornamental and utilitarian toothbrush characterized by a bristle-carrying head part and a handle, wherein the handle includes transparent or translucent portions and is further provided with a closed cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, and wherein an article is...http://www.google.com/patents/US20020124864?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20020124864 - ToothbrushAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20020124864 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/052,559Publication dateSep 12, 2002Filing dateJan 23, 2002Priority dateJul 15, 1999Also published asDE29912420U1, EP1194053A1, EP1194053B1, US20050109364, WO2001005270A1Publication number052559, 10052559, US 2002/0124864 A1, US 2002/124864 A1, US 20020124864 A1, US 20020124864A1, US 2002124864 A1, US 2002124864A1, US-A1-20020124864, US-A1-2002124864, US2002/0124864A1, US2002/124864A1, US20020124864 A1, US20020124864A1, US2002124864 A1, US2002124864A1InventorsPeter Gross, Phillipp RfennigerOriginal AssigneePreliminary Amendement; Information Disclosure SteExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (11), Classifications (6), Legal Events (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetToothbrushUS 20020124864 A1Abstract A unique ornamental and utilitarian toothbrush characterized by a bristle-carrying head part and a handle, wherein the handle includes transparent or translucent portions and is further provided with a closed cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush, and wherein an article is received within the cavity and is visible through the transparent or translucent handle portion. The handle cavity has a closure and the toothbrush is formed from plastic materials. The enclosed article may be decorative, of plural or single parts, and wherein further liquid may be in the cavity. Images(7) Claims(23)
[0006] The invention is explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawing, in which: [0007]FIG. 1 shows a side view of a toothbrush; [0008]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the toothbrush according to FIG. 1; [0009]FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the toothbrush according to FIG. 1, a closure part for closing a handle cavity being illustrated separately from the rest of the toothbrush part; [0010] FIGS. 4 to 10 show different exemplary embodiments of means which can be inserted into the handle cavity in order to achieve an aesthetic effect; [0011]FIG. 11a shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a closure part for closing the handle cavity, with an integrated positioning element; [0012]FIG. 11b shows a front view of the closure part according to FIG. 11a ; [0013]FIG. 11c shows a side view of the closure part according to FIG. 11a; [0014]FIG. 12a shows a plan view of another positioning element which can be connected to a closure part; [0015]FIG. 12b shows a front view of the positioning element according to FIG. 12a; [0016]FIG. 12c shows a side view of the positioning element according to FIG. 12a; [0017]FIG. 13a shows a plan view of a further positioning element which can be connected to a closure part; [0018]FIG. 13b shows a front view of the positioning element according to FIG. 13a; [0019]FIG. 13c shows a side view of the positioning element according to FIG. 13a; [0020]FIG. 14a shows a plan view of a third embodiment of a closure part for closing the handle cavity, with an integrated positioning element; [0021]FIG. 14b shows a front view of the closure part according to FIG. 14a; [0022]FIG. 14c shows a side view of the closure part according to FIG. 14a; [0023]FIG. 15 shows, on an enlarged scale and in partial section, the toothbrush according to FIGS. 1 to 3, a fourth embodiment of a closure part for closing a handle cavity being illustrated separately from the rest of the toothbrush part; [0024]FIG. 15a shows a longitudinal section of the closure part according to FIG. 15; [0025]FIG. 15b shows a securing part, as seen in arrow direction A, for an ampoule accommodated in the handle cavity of the toothbrush according to FIG. 15; [0026]FIG. 16a shows, on an enlarged scale and in a side view, a further exemplary embodiment of a closure part; and [0027]FIG. 16b shows a longitudinal section of the closure part according to FIG. 16a. [0028] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a manual toothbrush 1 which has a front bristle-carrying head part 2 and a rear handle 3. The bristles or clusters of bristles (not illustrated in the drawing) are anchored in a manner known per se in the depressions 4 provided for this purpose in the head part 2. The longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 1 is designated L in FIGS. 1 to 3. The handle 3, over at least part of its length, is provided with an essentially cylindrical cutout 5 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1 and forms a cavity 7 in the handle 3. The cutout 5 is open to the rear. Provided for closing the cavity 7 is a closure part 8 which can be seen from FIG. 3 in particular and can be inserted into the cutout 5, by way its offset part 8 a, from the rear and is connected to the handle 3. This may be a releasable connection of the two parts (for example snap-in connection, screw connection, bayonet connection, etc.) or a non-releasable connection (weld connection including connection by means of high-frequency welding, adhesive bonding, non-releasable snap-in connection, etc). The purpose of the closeable cavity 7 is described hereinbelow. [0029] The handle 3 and the head part 2 are advantageously produced by multi-component injection molding, an at least partially transparent material component being used for the handle 3. This may be, for example, styrene acrylonitrile (SAN). It would also be possible, in principle, for the head part 2 to consist of this material, i.e. for the two toothbrush parts 2, 3 to be produced from the transparent material by conventional injection molding. Such a toothbrush would be particularly cost-effective since SAN is inexpensive. It is preferable, however, to select for the front bristle-carrying head part 2 a material other than SAN, for example polypropylene (PP), which is more resistant to aggressive teeth-cleaning substances (e.g. peppermint oil). Since these two materials do not join during the injection molding, the two toothbrush parts 2, 3 are preferably provided with interengaging parts (protrusion/recess) on their contact surfaces, with the result that the two plastic parts are brought into form-fitting connection during the injection molding. Such a connection is indicated in FIGS. 1 to 3 and is designated 10. It would also be conceivable, however, to have a force-fitting connection between the two plastic parts, e.g. in the manner of a shrinkage connection. [0030] Both the handle 3 and the head part 2 a may have parts which consist of further material components and help to improve the aesthetic effect and/or the grip. It is also the case, for example, that the handle 3 is provided with a depression 12, which can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, for a thumb rest 11 which consists of an elastically compliant material, for example a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). [0031] The cutout 5 or the cavity 7 of the handle 3 is produced by encapsulating a core by injection molding and hollowing out the same. [0032] Different means for achieving an aesthetic effect may be accommodated in the cavity 7, which can be closed by means of the closure part 8, as will now be described hereinbelow. [0033] The cavity 7 may be filled directly with decorative articles or playthings, e.g. different figures, snowflakes, shiny particles, etc. It is also possible for a liquid to be introduced directly into the cavity 7. This liquid may also contain floating articles. A powder or sand filling is also possible. Hologram foils or luminescent parts may also be accommodated in the cavity 7. [0034] It is also possible, however, for a roll 14, e.g. made of cardboard or plastic, which is illustrated in FIG. 4 and preferably has multicolored printing on it, to be inserted into the cavity 7. FIG. 5 illustrates a roll 15 which can be inserted into the cavity 7 and has a film adhesively bonded to it. It is also possible, however, for a section of film which has printing on it to be rolled together and pushed directly into the cavity 7. Said section of film may also be at least partially transparent or translucent, this giving the person looking at it an illusion of depth or the impression of a three-dimensional image. [0035] A further possibility is for the rolls 14, 15 or the section of film to be configured so as to achieve the effect of moving images. The lenticular production of such moving images is described in EP Patent Application No. 99 118 775.8. [0036] Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the rolls 14, 15 with holes or openings through which it is possible to see printing (image, text) in the opposite region of the inner wall of the rolls 14, 15, the illusion of depth being achieved as a result. It is also possible for the section of film to have such holes, through which it is possible to see the printing opposite, with the effect of depth being achieved. It is also possible in this way to produce the impression of a three-dimensional image. [0037] It is also possible, on occasion, to insert filled ampoules into the cavity 7, as the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10 show. Thus, the ampoule 16 illustrated in FIG. 6 contains a liquid with floating articles, the ampoule 17 according to FIG. 7 contains loose articles and the ampoule 18 according to FIG. 8 merely contains a liquid. The ampoule 19 according to FIG. 9 is filled with a fine-grain material (powder, sand). A gas filling would also be possible. FIG. 10 shows an ampoule 20 which has printing on it. The ampoule could also have a film adhesively bonded to it. It would also be possible for the abovementioned hologram foils or luminescent parts to be accommodated in the interior of an ampoule and inserted, with the latter, into the cavity 7. [0038] In the case of a releasable connection between the closure part 8 and the handle 3, it is possible to exchange the cavity contents. In particular the abovementioned rolls 14, 15 or the different ampoules 16 to 20 can easily be exchanged, which allows a rapid change in design. It is possible for at least partially transparent handles of different outer shapes to be provided with the essentially cylindrical cutout 5 and filled, for example, with the rolls 14, 15 or the ampoules 16 to 20. In addition to, or instead of, means with an aesthetic effect, it would also be possible for useful articles, such as toothpicks, exchangeable ampoules with mouthwash or toothpaste, to be accommodated in the cavity 7. [0039] Instead of the cap-like closure part 8 which is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, it is possible to use, for the purpose of closing the cavity 7, a closure part 22 which can be seen from FIGS. 11a to 11 c, is provided with a helical positioning element 23 and by means of which the toothbrush can be positioned on an underlying surface. Instead of the helical positioning element 23 it would also be possible for the closure part to be provided with a sun-like positioning element 24 according to FIGS. 12a to 12 c or a star-shaped positioning element 25 according to FIGS. 13a to 13 c. The positioning elements 24, 25 are each provided with a depression 26 for a fixed connection to a closure cap (not illustrated). [0040] A further embodiment of a possible closure part 27 is illustrated in FIGS. 14a to 14 c. This closure part 27, which can be inserted into the cutout 5 by way of its offset part 27 a and can be connected either releasably or non-releasably to the handle, has a star-shaped positioning part 28. Of course, it would also be possible for the positioning parts 24, 25 or 28 to have some other basic outline. [0041] The handle 3 of the toothbrush 1′ according to FIG. 15 is provided with a securing means 31 which is located in the front region of the cutout 5 and is intended for the insert located in the cavity 7, for example the ampoule 30. The securing means 31 has an annular part 31 a, which can be seen from FIG. 15b, is made of an elastically compliant material and is provided with a number of rearwardly directed tongues 31 b which extend in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1′ and are arranged in the form of a circle. For example, it is possible for the securing means 31, like the head part 2, to consist of polypropylene (PP) and to be injection molded in the same step as said head part (the connecting channel provided for this purpose is designated 32 in FIG. 15). The closure part 8′ is also provided with a number of tongues 35, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 1′, are arranged in the form of a circle, and are directed forward. When the cavity 7 is closed, the ampoule 30 is forced between the elastically compliant tongues 31 b, on the one hand, and the likewise elastically compliant tongues 35 on the other hand, and is kept in its position both radially and axially by said tongues. [0042] It is also the case that the closure part 37, illustrated in FIGS. 16a and 16 b, is provided with the abovementioned tongues 35 for securing the cavity insert. This closure part 37 is formed integrally with a positioning part 38, which is provided with a planar standing surface 39, at right angles to the longitudinal axis L, for setting the toothbrush in the upright position. The standing surface 39, is, if appropriate, of annular configuration. The closure part 37 is inserted, by way of its offset part 37 a, into the handle cutout 5 of the toothbrush and, in the process, snaps onto the handle 3 by way of its plug-on border 37 b. [0043] In order to set the toothbrush in the upright position, it would also be possible to use a closure part with a rearwardly rounded positioning part and an integrated weight for producing a �stand-up� effect. [0044] Examples of possible material for the transparent handle 3, in addition to the abovementioned SAN, are polystyrene or polyester. [0045] In particular in the case of a releasable connection to the handle 3, the closure parts 8, 8′, 22, 27, 37 are preferably produced from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a good sealing action being achieved as a result. [0046] Instead of filling the handle cavity from the rear, for example, with an ampoule, it would also be possible for the ampoule to be embedded in the handle by being encapsulated in the transparent material by injection molding. In this case, however, it would no longer be possible to exchange the cavity contents. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6903882 *Jan 8, 2004Jun 7, 2005Carson OpticalMagnifier with personalizable multipart handleUS7039982Dec 26, 2002May 9, 2006The Hartz Mountain CorporationLint roller/brush assemblyUS7389781 *May 21, 2003Jun 24, 2008Colgate-Palmolive CompanyToothbrush assemblyUS7636977Aug 29, 2006Dec 29, 2009The Gillette CompanyTopper for power toothbrush and method for forming the sameUS8156599Oct 3, 2007Apr 17, 2012Colgate-Palmolive CompanyOral care implement having a head insertUS8533889Mar 21, 2012Sep 17, 2013Colgate-Palmolive CompanyOral care implement having a head insertUS8695146Sep 3, 2013Apr 15, 2014Colgate-Palmolve CompanyOral care implement having a head insertUS8726915 *Aug 31, 2011May 20, 2014William T. WilkinsonToothbrush and flossing systemUS8776302Aug 29, 2008Jul 15, 2014Colgate-Palmolive CompanyOral care implementUS20110067190 *Sep 16, 2010Mar 24, 2011Brattesani Steven JTooth shade indicator apparatus and method for evaluating tooth shadeWO2004105549A1 *May 18, 2004Dec 9, 2004Colgate Palmolive CoMethod of marketing or promoting consumer goods* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification132/311, 15/167.1, 15/143.1International ClassificationA46B5/02Cooperative ClassificationA46B5/02European ClassificationA46B5/02Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 16, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: TRISA HOLDING AG, SWITZERLANDFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GROSS, PETER;PFENNIGER, PHILIPP;REEL/FRAME:013076/0359Effective date: 20020108RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google