Electronic Paper Dispenser

Abstract

A system for electronically dispensing paper includes an upper compartment. The upper compartment includes a feeder and a motion sensor in communication with the feeder, wherein the motion sensor triggers the feeder to dispense the paper. The system includes an adjustable telescoping pole connected to the upper compartment, wherein the adjustable telescoping pole comprises a height adjuster button for adjusting the height of the electronic paper dispenser. A base is connected to the adjustable telescoping pole, wherein the base stabilizes the electronic paper dispenser.

Description

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to the field of paper dispensing.

BACKGROUND

There are various types of toilet paper guards and savers on the market, which are targeted toward abuse of toilet paper by pets, or the misuse of toilet paper by young children. The guards and savers appear to be simple devices that attach directly to the toilet paper roll and either lock to limit unraveling or obstruct to protect from general destruction. Some of the existing complaints include these products being cumbersome (e.g., relating to attaching and reattaching to allow adults to freely use) and unsanitary because they are constantly being touched before and after bathroom use. Also, if an older child or adult forgets to reapply the guard to the toilet paper roll after use, they risk a toddler coming into the bathroom and overusing and/or playfully unraveling the paper before it can be affixed again.

The embodiments seek to provide an easy-to-use tool that will not only serve as an obstructing device reducing overall excess waste but will dually aid in training young children how to use proper amounts of toilet paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments generally relate to a system for electronically dispensing paper. The system may include an upper compartment. The upper compartment may include a feeder and a motion sensor in communication with the feeder, wherein the motion sensor triggers the feeder to dispense the paper. An adjustable telescoping pole may be connected to the upper compartment, wherein the adjustable telescoping pole comprises a height adjuster button for adjusting the height of the electronic paper dispenser. A base may be connected to the adjustable telescoping pole, wherein the base stabilizes the upper compartment and the adjustable telescoping pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts the system according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a back panel of the system.

FIG. 3 depicts a back panel of the system.

FIG. 4 depicts a detailed view of the system according to one more embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts perspective view and adjustable range of the adjustable telescoping pole according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the battery compartment.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 presents the perspective view of a system (10) for electronically dispensing paper. The system will include an upper compartment (12), an adjustable telescoping pole (9a) with a height adjuster (9b) and a base for stabilizing (14). The system may have multiple levels of functionality and operational control. The product will be made of shock-proof, child-safe materials which may include non-toxic foam, rubber or plastic to prevent damage and choking hazards, while also allowing for easy clean-up and sanitizing. In addition to the present form factor, the product may be offered (over time) in a series of varying shapes, sizes, colors and character designs.

FIG. 2 shows the back panel of the system. The back panel may contain a rear door (7) with a latch (20) that locks into place and gives access to the upper compartment that houses all electronics and the toilet paper roll.

In embodiments, the back panel contains a power controller (1). The power controller (1) may be a power on/off push button/switch. Powering the product on requires pressing or a button (or a flipping of a switch). Pressing the push button down for one to two seconds powers the system to an on state, triggering the motion sensor readiness, as well as, lights and sounds. In embodiments, the product may go into a sleep mode between uses. Additionally, pressing the push button for one to two seconds may allow the unit to be completely shut down if it is not being used, which conserves the battery and ensures no unwanted paper is dispensed.

FIG. 3 shows an open back panel view of the product once the rear door (7) and latch (20) have been unlocked. To open the rear door (7), the user may squeeze on the latch (20) to unclasp and gain access to the inner compartment (2). In embodiments, the latch (20) may be built with child safety in mind to prevent injury to children. To close the rear door (7) the user will raise the door back up and push the latch back to its original position until they hear it click back into place, locking the device.

In embodiments, the inner compartment (2) may have a sheet indicator switch (18). The sheet indicator switch (or button) allows a parent or guardian to pre-set the number of toilet paper sheets that will dispense at one time from the system. The sheets setting can range from 2 to 10 sheets. To prevent sheet from dispensing unintentionally, the system may pause for five to ten seconds and then reset for the next use.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the electronic paper dispenser. The system may include an upper compartment (12) and an adjustable telescoping pole stand (9a) with height adjuster (9b).

In embodiments, the upper compartment includes the inner compartment (2), which contains a housing space for the roll of paper and the paper feeder/exit (6). To access the upper compartment, the user must open the rear door (7) by releasing the latch (20). Once the door is opened, the system may be automatically deactivated to keep the mechanism from functioning. In embodiments, an arm may be connected to the door, which separates a pair of rollers (16a, 16b), providing an opening for feeding the paper through feeder/exit (6). The roll of paper may then be placed into the inner compartment (2). In embodiments, one sheet of paper may be fed through the opening between the pair of rollers. Upon closing the rear door, the rollers are lowered, holding the paper into position; and the device is reactivated and ready for dispensing.

In embodiments, the system (10) may be tested by actively waving in front of the motion sensor, triggering the dispensing of a preset number of sheets.

In embodiments, the upper compartment (12) may include a cutting device (not shown). The cutting device is located in the inner compartment (2) of the upper compartment (12) and between safety barriers to assist detach the paper from the roll. In embodiments, the cutting device may be placed in a location, which prevent the injuries. In embodiments, the cutting device may cut completely through the paper or partially, leaving the paper to loosely hang from the mechanism in a manner that is easy to tear free.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the system, which contains the interactive portions of the product. The nose may contain the motion sensor (3) which will detect passive motion and active waving—with up close, active waving, serving as the trigger the feeder (6) for paper dispensing. As the paper exits the feeder (6), lights (5) may illuminate the paper. The lights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). Additionally, audio speakers (4) may project sound. The audio speakers (4) may be located in the roof of the mouth. The lights and the sound may with turn off once the dispensing is complete.

FIG. 6 presents the perspective view and adjustable range of the adjustable telescoping pole (9a) with height adjuster (9b) and base (14). In embodiments, the adjustable telescoping pole is shown lowered to a minimum height and raised to a maximum height.

In embodiments, the height may be extended by compressing the height adjuster (9b). The height adjuster may be a button. In embodiments, a small metal lock pin (not shown) may be located behind and connected to the height adjuster. The lock pin may be a valco or other suitable system. Upon compression of the height adjuster, the lock pin may slip into an adjustable telescoping pole (9a), allowing the user to raise the top portion of the unit until desired height setting is reached. The lock pin may be placed into a notch (height holes) to securely set the height of the adjustable telescoping pole to the desired height setting. To lower, the user may compress the height adjuster on the lower back of the adjustable telescoping pole, lowering the top of the unit to its desired height setting. The adjustment ranges from 18 inches to 24 inches (from bottom of base to top of mouth opening). When the device is not in use, the user may be lowered to a minimum height for more compact storage.

FIG. 7 shows the perspective view of the battery compartment (11) located in the base of the product. The preferred power source is a Lithium 3V battery (or similar). Lithium batteries are known for long shelf life, low temperature operation, high operating voltage and leakage resistance, which are all important factors for a child's product. For better protection, the battery compartment can only be accessible by using a Phillips head screwdriver. With said screwdriver, the user can open the compartment, remove the small cover, add or replace the battery and lock the lid back in place. Other battery types will be considered at build based on final electronics requirements. Any wires used to power the upper portion of the product will run through a center compartment within the telescoping stand. Enough space will be left to allow for the power chords to shrink and stretch within that tubing space. Placing the batteries in the base of the product was preferred to allow for additional weight and stability toward the lower half of the product, increasing safety and minimizing the ability to tip over. Shape and size were also considered to ensure safety while in use.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A system for electronically dispensing paper comprising: a. an upper compartment, comprising; (i) a feeder; and(ii) a motion sensor in communication with the feeder, wherein the motion sensor triggers the feeder to dispense the paper;b. an adjustable telescoping pole connected to the upper compartment, wherein the adjustable telescoping pole comprises a height adjuster button for adjusting the height of the electronic paper dispenser; andc. a base connected to the adjustable telescoping pole, wherein the base stabilizes the electronic paper dispenser.

2. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the upper compartment comprises a power controller.

3. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 2, wherein the power controller includes a push button.

4. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 2, wherein the power controller includes a switch.

5. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is configured to detect the motion of a user.

6. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 4, wherein the motion sensor is activating by swiping across the sensor.

7. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, wherein the upper compartment further comprises an inner compartment, and wherein the inner compartment comprises a sheet indicator switch for setting the number of sheets, dispensed per swipe motion.

8. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a secure battery compartment.

9. The electronic paper dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a light emitting system and audio speakers, wherein the light emitting system and audio speaker are activated as the paper is dispensed.