Patent Description:
Prior art is found in <CIT> which generally relates to a germicidal UV-C toothbrush method and apparatus, in <CIT> which generally relates to a self-sanitizing toothbrush, in <CIT> which generally relates to an ultraviolet light brush and in <CIT> which generally relates to a toothbrush for sterilization that uses LED.

The invention is set out in the independent claim.

According to a first aspect, we describe a kit for storage and sanitization of a toothbrush, the kit comprising: a toothbrush comprising: a body having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom; a light source configured to sanitize the plurality of tooth cleaning elements; and a first electrical coupling element operably coupled to the light source; a case comprising: a housing having a cavity for holding the toothbrush; a power source; and a second electrical coupling element operably coupled to the power source; and characterized in that when the toothbrush is positioned within the cavity of the housing of the case, the first electrical coupling element is operably coupled to the second electrical coupling element and the light source is activated to transmit UV light towards the plurality of tooth cleaning elements.

The embodiments of <FIG> are not according to the present invention, and are present for illustration purposes only.

Referring to <FIG>, an oral care implement <NUM> is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplified embodiment, the oral care implement <NUM> is in the form of a manual toothbrush. However, in certain other embodiments the oral care implement <NUM> can take on other forms such as being a powered toothbrush, a tongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleanser, a water pick, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, a specially designed ansate implement having cleaning elements, or any other type of implement that is commonly used for oral care. In embodiments that user a powered toothbrush, the toothbrush could have bristles that are vibrated by a motor and eccentric or bristles that are on a plate that rotates/oscillates. In some embodiments the oral care implement <NUM> may be any type of personal care implement, and not one that is specifically used for oral care, such as a deodorant application implement, a face or body cleaning implement, a razor, a hairbrush, or the like.

The oral care implement <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> having a handle portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>. The oral care implement <NUM> extends from a proximal end <NUM> to a distal end <NUM> along a longitudinal axis A-A. In the exemplified embodiment the body <NUM>, including the handle portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM>, is an integral structure that is formed as a single, unitary component. Furthermore, the oral care implement <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment includes a head plate <NUM> that is coupled to the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> to form a head <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM>. Thus, the head <NUM> comprises both the head portion <NUM> and the head plate <NUM> in the exemplified embodiment. In other embodiments, the head plate <NUM> may be omitted to form a more conventional style oral care implement that uses staple technology for securing the tooth cleaning elements to the head.

The handle portion <NUM> is an elongated structure that provides the mechanism by which the user can hold and manipulate the oral care implement <NUM> during use. In the exemplified embodiment, the handle portion <NUM> is generically depicted having various contours for user comfort. Of course, the invention is not to be limited by the specific shape illustrated for the handle portion <NUM> in all embodiments and in certain other embodiments the handle portion <NUM> can take on a wide variety of shapes, contours, and configurations, none of which are limiting of the present invention unless so specified in the claims.

The handle portion <NUM> may be formed of a hard or rigid plastic material, such as for example without limitation polymers and copolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, vinyl compounds, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. The handle portion <NUM> may also include a grip that is formed of a resilient/elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. Such a grip may be molded over a portion of the handle portion <NUM> that is typically gripped by a user's thumb and forefinger during use. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that additional regions of the handle portion <NUM> can be overmolded with the resilient/elastomeric material to enhance the gripability of the handle portion <NUM> during use. For example, portions of the handle portion <NUM> that are typically gripped by a user's palm during use may be overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer or other resilient material to further increase comfort to a user. Furthermore, materials other than those noted above can be used to form the handle portion <NUM>, including metal, wood, or any other desired material that has sufficient structural rigidity to permit a user to grip the handle portion <NUM> and manipulate the oral care implement <NUM> during oral care activities such as toothbrushing or personal care activities such as facial cleansing.

The head portion <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> is coupled to the handle portion <NUM> and comprises a front surface <NUM> and an opposing rear surface <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the head portion <NUM> is formed integrally with the handle portion <NUM> as a single unitary structure using a molding (i.e., injection molding), milling, machining, or other suitable process. However, in other embodiments the handle portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> may be formed as separate components which are operably connected at a later stage of the manufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art, including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fit assembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, or fasteners. Thus, the head portion <NUM> may, in certain embodiments, be formed of any of the rigid plastic materials described above as being used for forming the handle portion <NUM>, although the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other materials that are commonly used during toothbrush head manufacture may also be used.

In the exemplified embodiment, a plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are coupled to and extend from the head portion <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM>. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> extend from the front surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. A tongue or soft tissue cleaner (not depicted) may be positioned on the rear surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. Such a tongue or soft tissue cleaner may be formed of an elastomeric material and may include protrusions, nubs, ridges, scrapers, or the like for engaging and cleaning a user's oral tissue surfaces.

The term "tooth cleaning elements" is used in a generic sense to refer to any structure that can be used to clean, polish, or wipe the teeth and/or soft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surface contact. Common examples of "tooth cleaning elements" include, without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles, nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomeric protrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/or structures containing such materials or combinations. The tooth cleaning elements may include tapered bristles, non-tapered (i.e., end rounded) bristles, and combinations thereof. Any combination of the various types of tooth cleaning elements may be used on the oral care implement <NUM> in different embodiments. Thus, although the exemplified embodiment illustrates all of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> as bristle filaments, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and bristle filaments alone, a combination of bristle filaments and rubber bristles, rubber bristles alone, or other combinations of the different tooth cleaning element types identified above may be used.

In embodiments that use elastomeric/rubber elements as one or more of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, suitable elastomeric materials may include any biocompatible resilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of any such tooth or soft tissue engaging elements may have a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range could be used. Although the exemplified embodiment illustrates the use of anchor-free tufting (AFT) for securing the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. The tooth cleaning elements <NUM> may be coupled to the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> using any technique known in the art, such as stapling, AFT, in-mold tufting, AMR, or the like. The invention is not to be limited by the manner in which the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are coupled to the head portion <NUM> in all embodiments, although some examples of specific tooth cleaning element coupling techniques will be discussed below with specific reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the oral care implement <NUM> is illustrated in cross-section to describe some of the internal details of the oral care implement <NUM>. The oral care implement <NUM> comprises a light source <NUM> located within the body <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the light source <NUM> is located within the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be limited in this regard in all embodiments and the light source <NUM> may be positioned at other locations within the body <NUM> in other embodiments. However, there are advantages to placing the light source <NUM> within the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>, such as ensuring that the light emitted from the light source <NUM> is directed at the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to sanitize them.

The light source <NUM> may be configured to transmit ultraviolet (UV) light upon its activation by supplying power to the light source <NUM> as described in more detail herein below. Specifically, the light source <NUM> may transmit UVA, UVB, or UVC light as desired. In some instances UVA or UVB light may be preferable, and in other instances UVC light may be preferable due to its germicidal effects. When UVA or UVB (or even UVC) light is used, an enhancement material such as titanium dioxide (TiO<NUM>), silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), or tin dioxide (SnO<NUM>) may also be incorporated into the oral care implement <NUM> to increase the sanitizing effects of the UV light. In such embodiments, the light will pass through the enhancement material before reaching the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>. UVC light is germicidal on its own, but an enhancement material may be used with UVC light to further increase the sanitizing effects in some embodiments. The use of an enhancement material will be described in greater detail with specific reference to <FIG>.

The light source <NUM> is operably coupled to a first electrical coupling element <NUM>, which in the exemplified embodiments includes a first electrical contact <NUM> and a second electrical contact <NUM>. More specifically, the light source <NUM> is coupled to a first electrical conductor <NUM>, which in turn is coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM>. The light source is also coupled to a second electrical conductor <NUM>, which in turn is coupled to the second electrical contact <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment each of the first and second electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM> is an electrical wire, but the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and other components known for electrical conductivity may be used. Other than the light source <NUM>, the first and second electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM>, and the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, there are no further electrical components in the oral care implement <NUM>. Specifically, there is no power source located within the oral care implement <NUM> (i.e., the oral care implement <NUM> is devoid or free of a power source). Thus, the oral care implement <NUM> is incapable, by itself, of supplying power to and activating the light source <NUM>. Rather, the oral care implement, and specifically the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, must be coupled to a separate device that has a power source to activate the light source <NUM> for sanitizing of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>.

The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be referred to herein as a first pair of electrical contacts. This is because the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are both operably coupled to the light source <NUM> and both need to be coupled to a power source in order to activate the light source <NUM>. Alternatively, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be collectively referred to herein as the first electrical coupling element <NUM>. It should be appreciated that other types of electrical coupling elements may be used, such as inductive coils as described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Thus, the term "electrical coupling element" may be used herein to refer to an electrical contact, a pair of electrical contacts, a coil used for inductive energy transfer, or similar.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> is located on a rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be located on a front surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>, or in other embodiments one of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be located on the front surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> and the other of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be located on the rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> (or on lateral surfaces of the body <NUM> between the front and rear surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>). The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may also be located on the rear surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> in some embodiments. In the exemplified embodiment the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are located near the proximal end <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> in a closely spaced apart manner, but greater spacing between the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and a location further up on the handle portion <NUM> closer to the head portion <NUM> or even within the head portion <NUM> is possible in other embodiments. Thus, the invention is not to be particularly limited by the location of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> in all embodiments.

In the exemplified embodiment, each of the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> protrudes from the rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are exposed at the rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> may be flush with the rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> or may be recessed relative to the rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. It may in fact be preferable to recess the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the surface (rear or front) of the body <NUM> at which they are located to prevent water or other fluids from contacting the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> and possibly preventing their effective functionality in activating the light source <NUM>. Furthermore, making them flush or recessed with the rear surface <NUM> of the handle portion <NUM> rather than protruding therefrom increase grip comfort during use.

Referring now to <FIG> concurrently, the structure of the head <NUM> will be described in greater detail. The head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> comprises a basin <NUM> defined by a floor <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM> extending upwardly from the floor <NUM> to the front surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the light source <NUM> is embedded within the head portion <NUM> and forms a portion of the floor <NUM> of the basin <NUM>. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments the light source <NUM> may be located entirely between the floor <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> without forming any part of the floor <NUM>. In still other embodiments the light source <NUM> may be located within the basin <NUM> between the floor <NUM> and the front surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>.

As discussed above, the head <NUM> also includes the head plate <NUM> which is coupled to the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> to form the fully formed head <NUM>. The head plate <NUM> comprises a front surface <NUM> and an opposite rear surface <NUM>. Furthermore, the head plate <NUM> comprises holes <NUM> that extend through the head plate <NUM> from the front surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> to the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>. During manufacturing, the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are bundled together into tufts, and each of the tufts is inserted into one of the tuft holes <NUM> so that a first portion of the tufts protrudes from the front surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> and a second portion of the tufts protrudes from the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>. The first portion of the tufts is used for contacting a user's oral surfaces. The second portion of the tufts are melted by heat and then allowed to cool, thereby forming a layer on the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> that is known as a melt mat <NUM>. The melt mat <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> and prevents the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> from being pulled through the holes <NUM> in a direction of the front surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in the fully formed oral care implement <NUM>, the head plate <NUM> is inserted into the basin <NUM> of the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and coupled thereto using techniques known in the art such as ultrasonic welding, adhesion, interference fit, or the like. When the head plate <NUM> is inserted into the basin <NUM>, the melt mat <NUM> becomes trapped between the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> and the floor <NUM> of the basin <NUM>. This effectively secures the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to the head <NUM> and prevents them from being separated therefrom.

In the exemplified embodiment, the head plate <NUM> is positioned within the basin <NUM> so that the light source <NUM> is adjacent to the melt mat <NUM>. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment the light source <NUM> is in direct surface contact with the melt mat <NUM>, although this is not required in all embodiments and a space between the melt mat <NUM> and the light source <NUM> may be provided in other embodiments. In some embodiments the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, and hence also the melt mat <NUM> which is formed from the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, may be formed of a light transmissive material (i.e., transparent or translucent) to facilitate transmission of the light emitted from the light source through the melt mat <NUM> and into the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to achieve effective sanitization thereof. Bacteria are most likely to grow in wet environments, such as the base/root of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> near the melt mat <NUM>. Thus, positioning the light source <NUM> as illustrated ensures that the UV light emitted from the light source <NUM> will contact those regions of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> that are most prone to bacterial growth.

Although the exemplified embodiment shows the head <NUM> being formed from the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the head plate <NUM> using an AFT technique, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. In some alternative embodiments that are not illustrated herein, the head <NUM> may be a single unitary structure such that the head plate <NUM> is omitted and such that the head portion <NUM> does not have a basin. In such embodiment, the head portion <NUM> may have tuft holes therein, and the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> may be inserted into the tuft holes in the head portion <NUM> and secured thereto using staples as is known in the art. Thus, any known technique for securing the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to the head <NUM> may be used in accordance with the present invention and the invention is not to be particularly limited in this regard in all embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an oral care implement sanitization system <NUM> is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The oral care implement sanitization system <NUM> generally comprises the oral care implement <NUM> described above and a case <NUM> for storing the oral care implement <NUM> and activating the light source <NUM>. The case <NUM> generally comprises a housing <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises a cavity <NUM> for holding the oral care implement <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> has an open top end <NUM> through which the oral care implement <NUM> can be inserted into and removed from the cavity <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can be coupled to the housing <NUM> to close the open top end <NUM> of the cavity <NUM>. In the exemplified embodiment, the cover <NUM> is a separate component from the housing <NUM> that may be coupled to the housing <NUM> to enclose the cavity <NUM>. However, in other embodiments the cover <NUM> may be always coupled to the housing (such as via a hinge) but alterable between a first state in which the cavity <NUM> is open (i.e., the open top end <NUM> is not closed) and a second state in which the open top end <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> is closed by the cover <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> of the housing <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> configured to retain a first portion of the oral care implement <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> configured to retain a second portion of the oral care implement <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the first portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may operate as an alignment member to only permit the oral care implement <NUM> to be inserted into the cavity <NUM> in a specific orientation designed to ensure that power is supplied to the light source <NUM> as described in greater detail below. This can be accomplished, by way of example without limitation, by forming the first portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> with a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> or by having corresponding protrusions and recesses on the first portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> and the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> comprises a compartment <NUM> for holding a power source <NUM>, which in the exemplified embodiment is a battery. Although a battery is illustrated, the invention is not to be so limited and any type of power source may be used. The compartment <NUM> is closed by a door <NUM> that can be opened to provide a user with access to the power source <NUM> for replacement thereof as necessary. The compartment <NUM> is separated from the cavity <NUM> such that any fluid that enters into the cavity <NUM> will not be able to penetrate into the compartment <NUM>. The door <NUM> also helps to prevent fluids from entering into the compartment <NUM>. This is to protect the power source <NUM> against water damage that may destroy its ability to supply power to the light source <NUM> in the oral care implement <NUM>.

The power source <NUM> is operably coupled to a second electrical coupling element <NUM>. More specifically, in the exemplified embodiment, located within the compartment <NUM> of the case <NUM> is a first electrical conductor <NUM> configured to be coupled to the cathode or positive terminal of the power source <NUM> and a second electrical conductor <NUM> configured to be coupled to the anode or negative terminal of the power source <NUM>. Furthermore, the first electrical conductor <NUM> is operably coupled to a first electrical contact <NUM> and the second electrical conductor <NUM> is operably coupled to a second electrical contact <NUM>. The first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> collectively form the second electrical coupling element <NUM> and may be referred to herein as a second pair of electrical contacts. In the exemplified embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the case <NUM> are operably coupled to the power source <NUM> via the first and second electrical conductors <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the first and second electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another.

In the exemplified embodiment, the case <NUM> further comprises a processor <NUM> operably coupled to the power source <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include its own separate power source for powering the processor <NUM> or the power source <NUM> may provide power to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to control operation of the power source <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may include a timing circuit such that the processor <NUM> only permits the power source <NUM> to provide power to the light source <NUM> for a predetermined period of time before stopping the power source <NUM> from providing power to the light source <NUM> to control the length of time that the light source <NUM> emits light. The processor <NUM> is not required in all embodiments and it may be omitted in some embodiments particularly where control of the activation time of the light source <NUM> is not needed or desired.

<FIG> illustrates the oral care implement sanitization system <NUM> with the oral care implement <NUM> fully inserted into the cavity <NUM> of the case <NUM>. When the oral care implement <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM> of the case <NUM>, first and second electrical coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> are operably coupled together. In the exemplified embodiment, this is achieved by operably coupling the first pair of electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> to the second pair of electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM> of the case <NUM>. Specifically, the first electrical contact <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> is operably coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> of the case <NUM> and the second electrical contact <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> is operably coupled to the second electrical contact <NUM> of the case <NUM>. This coupling of the first and second pairs of electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> forms a closed circuit between the power source <NUM> and the light source <NUM>, thereby activating the light source <NUM>. Specifically, when the first electrical contact <NUM> of the first pair is coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> of the second pair and the second electrical contact <NUM> of the first pair is coupled to the second electrical contact <NUM> of the second pair, the light source <NUM> may be automatically activated to transmit UV light <NUM> to the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>. Thus, when the first and second pairs of electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are electrically coupled to one another, the light source <NUM> is activated and transmits UV light <NUM> towards the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is illustrated coupled to the housing <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The cover <NUM> and the housing <NUM> collectively circumferentially surround the oral care implement <NUM> along its entire length. Thus, with the oral care implement <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> and the cover <NUM> coupled to the housing <NUM>, no portion of the oral care implement <NUM> is exposed. Stated another way, the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> collectively form a fully enclosed volume of space, and the oral care implement <NUM> is entirely located within the enclosed volume of space. In the exemplified embodiment, the housing <NUM> circumferentially surrounds a majority of the length of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the cover <NUM> circumferentially surrounds the remainder of the handle portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Of course, the relative sizes of the housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may be adjusted/changed in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the housing <NUM> may surround the oral care implement <NUM> along its entire length and the cover <NUM> may be a flat cap that just closes the open top end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> without circumferentially surrounding any portion of the oral care implement <NUM>.

Although in the exemplified embodiment the case <NUM> encloses the entirety of the oral care implement <NUM>, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments. In other embodiments the case <NUM> may only enclose the head portion <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> including the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>. In certain embodiments the head portion <NUM> may be detachable from the handle portion <NUM>, and the case <NUM> may enclose the head portion <NUM> when it is separated from the handle portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the handle portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> may both be stored in the case <NUM>, but in the detached state, while still accomplishing the inventive concepts described herein.

In certain embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be formed of an opaque material or may otherwise be formed of a material that the UV light <NUM> cannot pass through. Thus, the UV light <NUM> may be transmitted towards the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> but the cover <NUM> prevents a user from being exposed to the UV light <NUM>. The UV light <NUM> transmitted from the light source <NUM> sanitizes the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> by killing bacteria and germs and preventing their growth. A wet environment is typically required for bacterial growth. Thus, bacterial growth is most prevalent in the root of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, because the portions of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> that are spaced from the head are better able to dry over time. Thus, it is preferable to direct/focus the UV light <NUM> at the root of the tufts of bristles to prevent bacterial growth.

As noted above, in certain embodiments activation of the light source <NUM> may be automatic and may continue for a predetermined period of time before automatically shutting off. The processor <NUM> may be configured to achieve this functionality. Specifically, in certain embodiments as soon as the first and second electrical coupling elements <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., the electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are operably coupled together, the light source <NUM> is automatically activated to transmit the UV light <NUM> for a predetermined period of time (i.e., five minutes, ten minutes, or any other desired time). After expiration of the predetermined period of time, the processor <NUM> will cause the power source <NUM> to stop supplying power to the light source <NUM>, thereby terminating transmission of the UV light from the light source <NUM> to the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>. Thus, the processor <NUM> may be configured to activate the light source <NUM> for a predetermined period of time and to then automatically deactivate the light source <NUM> after expiration of the predetermined period of time. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in other embodiments a user may be required to adjust a manual switch to activate and deactivate the light source <NUM> when the necessary electrical connection is made between the electrical contacts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM>. Such a switch may be positioned at a location on the oral care implement <NUM> or on the case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an alternative oral care implement sanitization system 1000a is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The oral care implement sanitization system 1000a generally comprises an oral care implement 100a and a case 200a. Only the differences between the oral care implement 100a and the oral care implement <NUM> described above and the differences between the case 200a and the case <NUM> described above will be discussed herein below. It should be appreciated that except as provided herein below, the description of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM> is applicable to this embodiment. The features of the oral care implement 100a and the case 200a will be similarly numbered to the features of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM> except that the suffix "a" will be used. Thus, for features of the oral care implement 100a and the case 200a that are numbered in the drawings but not described, the similarly numbered feature of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM> is applicable.

In this embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts 132a, 134a of the first electrical coupling element 105a are located at the proximal end 103a of the handle portion 110a of the body 101a. Furthermore, the first and second electrical contacts 132a, 134a are recessed relative to the outer surface of the body 101a. Thus, the first and second electrical contacts 132a, 134a are fairly well protected against contact with water and are recessed so that they do not disturb a user's grip during use. A channel 235a is formed into the oral care implement 100a and extends from the proximal end 103a of the oral care implement 100a inwardly to the first and second electrical contacts 132a, 134a.

The first and second electrical contacts 218a, 219a of the second electrical coupling element 205a are located in the bottom portion of the first portion 212a of the cavity 211a to ensure that when the oral care implement 100a is inserted into the cavity 211a, the first and second electrical contacts 218a, 219b of the case 200a come into contact with the first and second electrical contacts 132a, 134a of the oral care implement 100a. <FIG> illustrates the system with the oral care implement 100a ready for insertion into the case 200a. <NUM> illustrates the system with the oral care implement 100a fully inserted into the cavity 211a of the case 200a. As can be seen in <FIG>, when the oral care implement 100a is inserted into the cavity 211a of the case 200a, the first pair of electrical contacts 132a, 134a of the oral care implement 100a come into contact with the second pair of electrical contacts 218a, 219a of the case 200a, which in turn causes activation of the light source 130a. More specifically, the electrical contacts 218a, 219a of the case 200a pass into the channels 235a to make contact with the electrical contacts 132a, 134a of the oral care implement 100a. The cover 250a can be coupled to the housing 210a to fully enclose the oral care implement 100a and prevent or minimize user exposure to the UV light.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an alternative an oral care implement sanitization system 1000b is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The oral care implement sanitization system 1000b generally comprises an oral care implement 100b and a case 200b. Only the differences between the oral care implement 100b and the oral care implement <NUM> described above and the differences between the case 200b and the case <NUM> described above will be discussed herein below. It should be appreciated that except as provided herein below, the description of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM> is applicable to this embodiment. The features of the oral care implement 100b and the case 200b will be similarly numbered to the features of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM> except that the suffix "a" will be used. Thus, for features of the oral care implement 100b and the case 200b that are numbered in the drawings but not described, the similarly numbered feature of the oral care implement <NUM> and the case <NUM> is applicable.

In this embodiment, the first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b of the first electrical coupling element 105b of the oral care implement <NUM> are located at the proximal end 103b of the oral care implement 100b, although other locations for the first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b are within the scope of this embodiment as well. The main difference in this embodiment is that the first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b are covered by an elastomeric material 140b. Although in this embodiment the elastomeric material 140b forms the proximal end 103b of the oral care implement 100b, this is not required in all embodiments. The first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b could be located on the front or rear surface of the handle portion 110b of the oral care implement 100b and the elastomeric material 140b could simply cover them wherever they are located. Thus, the elastomeric material 140b may have a dual function of providing protection to the first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b and forming a gripping surface that is overlaid onto the handle portion 110b to enhance gripability during use.

As seen in <FIG>, when the oral care implement 100b is placed into the cavity 211b of the case 200b, the first and second electrical contacts 218b, 219b of the second electrical coupling element 205c of the case 200b extend through the elastomeric material <NUM> to make contact with the first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b of the oral care implement 100b to supply power to the light source 130b so that it generates UV light 222b. The first and second electrical contacts 218b, 219b of the case 200b may have pointed ends to enable them to pass through the elastomeric material 140b. Alternatively, the elastomeric material 140b may be formed with small passageways. Due to the compressibility of the elastomeric material <NUM>, when the oral care implement 100b is inserted into the cavity 211b, the first and second electrical contacts 218b, 219b of the case 200b will enter into the passageways of the elastomeric material 140b to enable the first and second electrical contacts 218b, 219b of the case 200b to make contact with the first and second electrical contacts 132b, 134b of the oral care implement 100b. The malleability of the elastomeric material 140b assists in enabling the electrical contacts 218b, 219b to pass therethrough. Thus, the elastomeric material 140b will separate in the region of the passageways when the oral care implement 100b is being inserted into the cavity 211b as the electrical contacts 218b, 219b of the case 200b engage the elastomeric material 140b. Furthermore, the elastomeric material 140b will compress itself to substantially close the passageways when the oral care implement 100b is removed from the cavity 211b of the case 200b and the electrical contacts 218b, 219b of the case 200b disengage from the elastomeric material 140b.

<FIG> illustrate yet another embodiment of an oral care implement sanitization system 1000c. Features of the oral care implement sanitization system 1000c that are similar to features of the oral care implement sanitization system <NUM> described above with regard to <FIG> and <FIG> will be similarly numbered except that the suffix "c" will be used. It should be appreciated that for features of the oral care implement sanitization system 1000c that are numbered but not described, the description of the similar feature with regard to the oral care implement sanitization system <NUM> is applicable.

The oral care implement sanitization system 1000c generally comprises an oral care implement 100c and a case 200c. The oral care implement 100c comprises a body 101c having a handle portion 110c and a head portion 120c. The head portion 120c comprises a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 111c and a light source 130c. The oral care implement 100c further comprises a first electrical coupling element 105c, which in the exemplified embodiment comprises a first electrical contact 132c and a second electrical contact 134c, each of which is operably coupled to the light source 130c. In the exemplified embodiment the first electrical contact 132c is located on a rear surface of the handle portion 110c and the second electrical contact 134c is located on a front surface of the handle portion 110c. However, the invention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and the first and second electrical contacts 132c, 134c may be positioned at other locations along the oral care implement 100c such as that which has been described above.

The case 200c generally comprises a housing 210c and a cover 250c. The housing 210c comprises a cavity 211c having an open top end 221c. Furthermore, the housing 210c contains a power source 215c and a second electrical coupling element 205c, which in the exemplified embodiment comprises first and second electrical contacts 218c, 219c. In this embodiment, the first electrical contact 218c is coupled to the power source 215c and the second electrical contact 219c is not coupled to the power source 215c. In other embodiments, the second electrical contact 219c may be coupled to the power source 215c and the first electrical contact 218c may not be coupled to the power source. This is done so that the light source 130c is not automatically activated upon the oral care implement 100c being disposed within the cavity 211c. Specifically, even when the first and second electrical contacts 132c, 134c of the oral care implement 100c are operably coupled to the first and second electrical contacts 218c, 219c of the case 200c (<FIG>), the circuit that includes the power source 215c and the light source 130c remains open so no power is transmitted to the light source 130c.

In the exemplified embodiment, the housing 210c of the case 200c comprises a third electrical coupling element (or third electrical contact) 248c that is operably coupled to the power source 215c and a fourth electrical coupling element (or fourth electrical contact) 249c that is operably coupled to the second electrical contact 219c. Thus, the first and third electrical contacts 218c, 248c are operably coupled to the power source 215c and the second and fourth electrical contacts 219c, 249c are operably coupled to each other but not to the power source 215c.

The cover 250c closes the open top end 221c of the cavity 211c when the cover 250c is coupled to the housing 210c. In the exemplified embodiment, the cover 250c comprises a metal ring 251c that functions as an electrical coupling element or electrical contact for closing the circuit between the power source 215c and the light source 130c as discussed in more detail below. Although a metal ring 251c is used in the exemplified embodiment, other structures, features, or the like could be used in other embodiments to close the circuit to enable activation of the light source 130c.

<FIG> illustrates the oral care implement sanitization system 1000c with the oral care implement 100c positioned within the cavity 211c of the case 200c but with the cover 250c separated from the housing 210c (or otherwise not covering the open top end 221c of the housing 210c). When the oral care implement 100c is inserted into the cavity 211c, the first electrical contact 132c of the oral care implement 100c is operably coupled to the first 218c electrical contact 218c of the case 200c and the second electrical contact 134c of the oral care implement 100c is operably coupled to the second electrical contact 219c of the case 200c. However, in this state the light source 130c remains deactivated because the circuit between the power source 215c and the light source 130c is still open. The third and fourth electrical contacts 248c, 249c need to be electrically coupled to one another to close the circuit and activate the light source 130c.

<FIG> illustrates the oral care implement sanitization system 1000c with the oral care implement positioned within the cavity 211c of the case 200c and with the cover 250c coupled to the housing 210c. When the cover 250c is coupled to the housing 210c, the metal ring 251c of the cover 250c becomes operably coupled to both the third and fourth electrical contacts 248c, 249c of the housing 210c, thereby electrically coupling the third and fourth electrical contacts 248c, 249c to each other. This coupling between the metal ring 251c of the cover 250c and the third and fourth electrical contacts 248c, 249c of the housing 210c closes the circuit and permits power to be transmitted from the power source 215c to the light source <NUM>, thereby activating the light source 130c to generate/transmit UV light 222c.

Thus, in this embodiment the light source 130c is unable to emit the UV light 222c until the cover 250c is coupled to the housing 210c to close the open top end 221c of the cavity 211c of the housing 210c. This ensures that the cover 250c is properly in place before the light source 130c begins to transmit the UV light 222c. Thus, in embodiments where the cover 250c is impenetrable to the UV light 222c, the user is protected from the UV light rays because the UV light rays are only generated when the cover 250c is in place. In all of the above described embodiments, the processor 240c may be used as a timing circuit to ensure activation of the light source 130c is achieved automatically upon the circuit being closed and continues for a predetermined period of time before being automatically deactivated as described above.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the cover 250c may be formed of an opaque material as described previously, or it may be formed of a transparent material or comprise a section that is formed of a transparent material so that a user can tell that the light source 130c is activated. Specifically, the cover 250c may include a window that permits a user to see that the light source 130c is activated without placing the user in danger due to the UV light. Alternatively, the cover 250c may include a fluorescing or phosphorescing material incorporated therein that is excited by the UV light transmitted by the light source 130C. This would provide another technique for indicating to the user that the light source 130c is activated by visualization of the excitation of the fluorescing or phosphorescing material in the cover 250c.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate yet another embodiment of an oral care implement sanitization system 1000d. Features of the oral care implement sanitization system 1000d that are similar to features of the oral care implement sanitization systems <NUM>-1000c described above with regard to <FIG> will be similarly numbered except that the suffix "d" will be used. It should be appreciated that for features of the oral care implement sanitization system 1000d that are numbered but not described, the description of the similar feature with regard to the oral care implement sanitization systems <NUM>-1000c is applicable.

In this embodiment, the oral care implement 100d comprises a body 101d comprising a handle portion 110d and a head portion 120d. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements <NUM>1d extend from the head portion 120d. Furthermore, the oral care implement 100d comprises a light source 130d that is configured to sanitize the tooth cleaning elements 111d. The light source 130d is illustrated as being located in the head portion 120d, but it may be positioned at other locations within the body 101d. The oral care implement 100d also comprises a first electrical coupling element 105d operably coupled to the light source 130d. In this embodiment, the first electrical coupling element 105d is a secondary (or receiver) coil that is configured to supply power to the light source 130d as described in more detail below.

In this embodiment, the case 200d comprises a housing 210d having a cavity 211d that is configured to hold the oral care implement 100d therein for storage and/or activation of the light source 130d. The case 200d also comprises a power source 215d and a second electrical coupling element 205d. In this embodiment, the second electrical coupling element 205d is a primary (or transmitter) coil.

<FIG> illustrates the system 1000d with the oral care implement 100d fully inserted into the cavity 211d of the housing 210d of the case 200d. When the oral care implement 100d is positioned within the case 200d, the first and second electrical coupling elements 105d, 205d are positioned near one another such that they are spaced apart by a distance that is less than a predetermined threshold distance. Specifically, the first and second electrical coupling elements 105d, 205d, which are primary and secondary coils, are positioned close enough to one another to ensure that the first electrical coupling element 105d (i.e., secondary coil) is located within a magnetic field created by the second electrical coupling element 205d (i.e., primary coil).

Thus, the system 1000d is capable of operation using inductive (or wireless) energy transfer rather than a direct contact-to-contact coupling of electrical components. Specifically, when the oral care implement 100d is in the case 200d, an alternating current may be sent to the second electrical coupling element 205d (i.e., the primary coil) from a transmitter circuit. In the exemplified embodiment, the transmitter circuit is included in the processor 240d, although it could be a separate component in other embodiments. The processor 240d may be coupled to the second electrical coupling element 205d. Thus, at the appropriate time the processor/transmitter circuit 240d sends an alternating current to the second electrical coupling element 205d to create a magnetic field. The first electrical coupling element 105d (i.e., secondary coil) of the oral care implement 100d is located so as to be within the magnetic field of the second electrical coupling element 205d when the oral care implement 100d is properly located within the case 200d. The magnetic field generated by the second electrical coupling element 205d results in the generation of a current within the first electrical coupling element 205d (i.e., the secondary coil). Due to the operable coupling of the first electrical coupling element 105d to the light source 130d, this current is transmitted to the light source 130d thereby activating the light source 130d to generate and transmit the UV light 222d as described herein above with regard to previous embodiments. Thus, the embodiment of <FIG>/<FIG> differs from those previously described in that it uses induction to wirelessly transmit energy from the power source 215d in the case 200d to the light source 130d to activate the light source 130d. Wireless power transfer can also be used with the additional concepts disclosed with reference to <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a head <NUM> of an oral care implement <NUM> is illustrated in cross-section. <FIG> are similar to that which is illustrated in <FIG>, except for the differences described herein. <FIG> are substantially identical to one another except with regard to the location of an antibacterial enhancement material <NUM>. This difference will be noted with some detail below.

The oral care implement <NUM> generally comprises a body <NUM> having a handle portion <NUM> and a head portion <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> has a basin <NUM> formed therein that is defined by a floor <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM> extending from the floor <NUM> to a front surface <NUM> of the head portion <NUM>. The head <NUM> of the oral care implement <NUM> also comprises a head plate <NUM> having tooth cleaning elements <NUM> extending therefrom. The head plate <NUM> has a front surface <NUM> and an opposite rear surface <NUM> and a plurality of tuft holes <NUM> extending therethrough. The tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are coupled to the head plate <NUM> using AFT. Specifically, the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are grouped together into tufts and then each of the tufts is inserted into one of the tuft holes <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>. The portions of the tufts that extend from the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> are melted together to form a melt mat <NUM>.

The head plate <NUM> with the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> coupled thereto is inserted into the basin <NUM> and coupled to the head portion <NUM> using techniques described in detail above (such as ultrasonic welding or the like). The head <NUM> also includes a light source <NUM> similar to that which has been described above. The main difference in this embodiment relative to those that were previously described is the inclusion of an antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> within the basin <NUM>. In <FIG>, the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> is formed as an insert that is located between the floor <NUM> of the basin <NUM> and the melt mat <NUM>. In <FIG>, the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> is formed as an insert that is located between the melt mat <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>. In both locations, the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> is located between the light source <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>. This ensures that light emitted from the light source <NUM> will pass through the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> before passing onto the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG> where the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> is located between the melt mat <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>, the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> includes holes that permit the tufts of the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to pass therethrough. In <FIG> where the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> is located between the melt mat <NUM> and the light source <NUM>, the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> may not include the holes because they are unnecessary due to the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> not needing to pass through the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM>.

The antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> may be a mesh component that can be dropped into the basin <NUM> before the head plate <NUM> is inserted into the basin <NUM> (<FIG>). Alternatively, the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> may be a mesh component that can be disposed adjacent the rear surface <NUM> of the head plate <NUM> before the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> are inserted into the tuft holes <NUM> of the head plate <NUM>.

As alternatives to the location of the antibacterial enhancement material <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the antibacterial enhancement material may also be provided as a coating on or infusion into the tooth cleaning elements <NUM>, as a staple coating when staple technology is used to couple the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to the head <NUM>, or as a coating on or infusion into the head plate <NUM>. In each of these alternative embodiments, the light from the light source <NUM> will pass through the antibacterial enhancement material before (or during) contact with the tooth cleaning elements <NUM> to enhance the sanitization effects of the UV light emitted from the light source <NUM>. As noted above, the antibacterial enhancement material may be titanium dioxide (TiO<NUM>), silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), or tin dioxide (SnO<NUM>), although other materials known for their antibacterial enhancement capabilities may also be used in other embodiments.

Although the drawings provided herein illustrate a manual toothbrush, it should be appreciated that the same techniques can be used for a powered toothbrush. Specifically, such a powered toothbrush may include a handle and a head that are detachably coupled together. The head may be considered a refill head. The handle includes a gripping portion and a stem. The head includes a sleeve that couples to the stem of the handle. The handle and the head may be stored in a detached state such that the handle and the head are stored in separate cavities/recesses within a case. Alternatively, the handle and the head may be stored in an attached state. Regardless, the head and the case may include the electronic components described herein such that when the head is placed within the case, a light source in the head is activated to emit UV light and sanitize the tooth cleaning elements. In some embodiments the case may only store the head and not also the handle with the same results of activation of a UV light source being achieved.

Claim 1:
A kit for storage and sanitization of a toothbrush (<NUM>, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, <NUM>), the kit comprising:
a toothbrush (<NUM>, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, <NUM>) comprising:
a body (<NUM>, 101a, 101b, 1010c, 101d, <NUM>) having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, <NUM>) extending therefrom;
a light source (<NUM>, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, <NUM>) configured to sanitize the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, <NUM>); and
a first electrical coupling element (<NUM>, 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d,) operably coupled to the light source (<NUM>, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, <NUM>);
a case (<NUM>, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>, 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) having a cavity (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) for holding the toothbrush (<NUM>, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, <NUM>);
a power source (<NUM>, 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d); and
a second electrical coupling element (<NUM>, 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d) operably coupled to the power source (<NUM>, 215a, 215b, 215c, 215d); and
characterized in that when the toothbrush (<NUM>, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, <NUM>) is positioned within the cavity (211a, 211b, 211c, 211d) of the housing of the case (<NUM>, 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d), the first electrical coupling element (<NUM>, 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d) is operably coupled to the second electrical coupling element (<NUM>, 205a, 205b, 205c, 205d) and the light source (<NUM>, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, <NUM>) is activated to transmit UV light towards the plurality of tooth cleaning elements (<NUM>, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, <NUM>).