Patent Application
20160068315
The invention is related to auto-alert toothpaste caps that have a sound module to relay a voice-recorded message, combined with a toothpaste-dispensing cap for a container of toothpaste. Methods of delivering an alert regarding oral hygiene involve activation of the auto-alert aspects of the auto-alert cap.
Remembering to use dental floss along with brushing ones teeth for an appropriate amount of time is important for good dental hygiene. Often, flossing is overlooked or forgotten prior to brushing. Additionally, there is a tendency for insufficient time spent brushing. It would be advantageous to develop methods and devices to remind people to floss their teeth and/or brush for an appropriate amount of time.
The invention encompasses toothpaste cap devices comprising an internal cavity within an upper cap portion with a light activated sound module within the internal cavity. The sound module contains a sound message regarding aspects of oral hygiene. A retainer plate is disposed below the sound module within the internal cavity. The retainer plate has an opening that passes light through the retainer plate to activate the sound module. A bottom cap portion of the device is connected to the top cap portion by a hinge region with the bottom cap portion being configured to attach the cap device to a toothpaste container.
In one aspect, the invention encompasses an auto-alert toothpaste cap including a bottom cap portion having an enclosure configured to be seated over a toothpaste tube with an internally threaded connector having internal treads for connecting the toothpaste cap onto an outwardly threaded nozzle of the toothpaste tube. A toothpaste-dispensing nozzle is disposed on an outside upper surface of the bottom cap portion and opposing the internally threaded connector. An upper cap portion containing a sound module containing a sound alert, where the sound module can be automatically activated to play the recorded message upon opening of the upper portion of the cap.
The invention further encompasses a method of delivering a reminder regarding oral hygiene. The method includes providing an auto-activated sound module within a toothpaste cap device, the device being activated upon opening of the device to play a sound alert or reminder regarding oral hygiene.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
The invention pertains to toothpaste cap devices with auto-activated sound alerts. Embodiments of the invention are described generally with reference to
Referring initially to
Device 10 can comprise a single-piece structure that includes the bottom cap portion, the upper cap portion and the hinge region. The single piece configuration can be formed by, for example, injection molding utilizing, for instance, any moldable type plastic that remains flexible upon curing. In certain embodiments such as caps that are auto-activated by light, the cap material can preferably be opaque. Alternatively, an opaque coating can be applied after fabrication of the cap.
Device 10 can be configured seat onto a toothpaste container 100 and can be cylindrical in certain embodiments. The outer diameter of device 10 can be, for example, approximately 3.5 cm through 4.0 cm, however other sizes are contemplated. It is to be understood that although the invention is described and illustrated with respect to a tube type of toothpaste container, the invention contemplates alternative configurations of the cap device that can be utilized in conjunction with alternative container types. Accordingly, alternative shapes of device 10 are contemplated. Additionally, the overall height of device 10 and its upper and bottom portions are not limited to any particular values. An example overall height of device 10 can be about 2.75 cm or greater, with an example upper portion height of 1.5 cm and an example bottom portion height of 1.25 cm.
Still referring to
Referring to
Upper cap portion 14 has an internal sidewall surface 29 and a lower surface 28 of the sidewall that contacts upper surface 24 of the lower portion to seal the cap in the closed position.
A retainer plate 30 is disposed within the upper cap portion such that a sound module cavity is created within the upper portion (see
With reference to
The cross-sectional view depicted in
Sound module 50 is depicted within cavity 38. Sound module 50 is shown in an example shape. The shape and size of the sound module may depend upon the particular manufacturer. The speaker surface of the sound module is preferable disposed facing slits 20 of the upper cap portion. Sound module 50 can preferably be waterproof. As indicated above, sound module 50 can be auto-activate to emit an audio alert upon opening of the cap device. The sound module can be activated by any of the mechanisms discussed above.
The alert sound can comprise one or more recorded messages, music, various alert noises or any combination thereof. Where multiple alerts are utilized, the module can be configured to play them consecutively in a specific sequence or randomly. The alert can preferably be pre-recorded into the module by the module manufacturer or can be recorded by the distributor. In certain aspects, business customers may provide a pre-recorded alert or instructions for alert (s) that can be programmed into the module by the distributor. The sound module can be configured to discontinue the alert upon closing of the cap or can be configured to continue to play the alert until completion of the recording.
Lifetimes of various available sound modules vary. Frequency of use may affect the overall lifetime of the module. Upon expiration of the life of the module, the module can be replaced or, in some instance, a battery within the module may be replaced.
If the alert emitted by the sound module is a voice message, the message can preferably be a reminder regarding some aspect(s) of dental hygiene. Example messages can include, for example, a reminder to floss, a reminder to brush at least twice a day, a reminder to brush surfaces of braces, and/or a reminder to brush for at least two minutes. Other types of alerts, including gag messages or alerts sounds are contemplated. Example recording time capacity modules are available including but not limited to 10 seconds, 20 seconds, etc. Recordings can be as short as 6 seconds up to a minute or more.
One example sound module can be obtained from Shezhen ESYS Electronics Co., Ltd. The module can be, for example, No. ESYS-M-W1032, which is waterproofed and can be pre-recorded. It is to be understood that this particular sound module is but one example and that many alternate modules are available that may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.
Referring next to
Another embodiment of the invention is described with reference to
Referring to
In the configuration depicted in
An upper wall 72 of lid 70 can be uniform or can comprise any of the slit configurations discussed above.
When lid portion 70 is placed onto upper cap portion 14a, an enclosure 38a is created which can contain the sound module 50. The sound module can be any of the modules described above and can be activated accordingly. An optional protection plate 80 can be provided within enclosure 38a below the sound module. Such protection plate is preferable a transparent disc that allows light to pass through the retainer plate while providing protection of the sound module from moisture and contamination. Protection plate 80 can optionally be used in conjunction with the cap configurations described with respect to
Other alternate embodiments of the invention are described with reference to
With respect to
As shown in
As illustrated, top cap portion 14 can comprise an extension tab 43 that extends below lower rim surface 28 and which can cover surface 51 in the closed position. In this embodiment a cavity area may be formed between the upper and bottom cap portions (not shown) surrounding front surface 51. It is to be understood that terms such as vertical, lateral, horizontal, etc. are used herein to describe relative aspects of the invention as depicted in the figures. Accordingly, the term “vertical” refers to the depictions and the relevant feature can become “non-vertical” if the actual device is tilted.
A floss-loading slit 52 can pass through the bottom cap sidewall, preferably within the front surface portion 51 as depicted in
A floss cutter 55 can be mounted through front surface 51. Cutter 55 can comprise a raised blade 56 for cutting floss passed behind the blade. Accordingly, floss 58 can be passed from opening 54 behind blade 56 of cutter 55 and can be cut by the blade by applying pressure to the floss against the blade. Floss cutter 55 can comprise, for example, a metallic material that is bendable to allow blade 56 to be raised relative to the remaining surface of floss cutter 55.
Spacing between slit 52 and cutter 55 (center-to-center) is not limited to a particular value. The center-to-center distance can be, for example, greater than or equal to about 1.6 cm.
Tab 43 of the upper cap portion can have a width that is at least as wide as a width across the pair of raised protrusions 57 (outside edge to outside edge of the raised protrusions) of bottom cap portion 12b. Thus closing of cap device 10 can form a seal between tab 43 of upper cap portion 14 and bottom cap portion 12b to provide a sealed cavity across surface 51 of the bottom portion. The sealed cavity provides protection from contaminants of otherwise exposed floss 58. Tab 43 also covers blade 56 to protect against unintentional contact and potential injury that could occur if the blade were exposed during storage. Tab 43 can also be utilized to open the upper cap portion of device 10. Accordingly, feature 22 discussed above can be omitted or can be retained to assist in opening of the cap.
Referring next to
Bottom disc 65 of the floss spool can preferably be angled downward relative to the cylinder to match an angle on an upper surface of a toothpaste tube. Such angled bottom disc can additionally allow a greater amount of floss to be loaded onto the spool (up to about 40 yards).
Referring to
The disclosed configuration of device 10 represented in
The embodiments of the cap device of the invention can be provided in conjunction with a toothpaste container and/or can be provided independently of any toothpaste container. The floss spool can be provided together with the dispensing device and/or can be provided separately. It can be advantageous to provide an initial spool of floss together with the dispensing cap device and to additionally provide filled floss spools independently to allow refilling of the device after the initial (or subsequent) spools are depleted.
In particular aspects, cap device 10 can utilize the described floss dispensing aspects of the invention in conjunction with an alert message to remember to floss. Regardless, the alerts emitted by the devices encompassed by the invention can assist in achieving maximal results in dental hygiene by reminding the user to perform certain activities associated with oral health.
Methodology of the invention includes methods delivering an auto alert utilizing any of the cap device embodiments described above. Specifically, the methods include providing an auto-activated cap device comprising providing an auto-activated sound module within a toothpaste cap device, the device being activated upon opening of the device to play one or more audio alerts selected from the group consisting of reminder regarding oral hygiene, music, alert sounds, gag messages, custom messages and combinations thereof.
Activation of the cap device can comprise exposing the sound module to a stimulus including but not limited to light, sound, vibration, motion or touch mechanism. Alternatively, the sound module can be active manually or by a slide mechanism.
The method may additionally include providing a dual-purpose cap containing an enclosed floss spool that can deliver floss from within the device as set forth above.
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
