Patents by Inventor Stuart Hulke

Stuart Hulke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6029304
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided with light interactive features, and has a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) molded within its handle. In one embodiment, the toothbrush is molded from a transparent or translucent plastic material and is covered with an opaque covering, except at a plurality of discrete light-emitting points. A reflective layer over the molded body may also be provided. Light is internally reflected along the length of the body to the light-emitting points. The surface of the toothbrush at these points is roughened to emit a softened, diffused light. In another embodiment, a plurality of optic fibers or light pipes are molded in the body of the toothbrush, with their input ends positioned near the light source and their output ends terminating at the light-emitting areas. The body may be molded of an opaque elastomer or rubberized plastic material. A battery and switch may be molded with the LED in the grip end of the toothbrush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Stuart Hulke, Robert Moskovich