Patent Application
20250194866
The present invention relates generally to the field of touchless toothpaste dispenser devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toothpaste dispenser activated via a motion sensor. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in touchless toothpaste dispenser devices. Generally, people may have difficulties and frustrations with squeezing toothpaste out of toothpaste tubes to brush their teeth. Too much toothpaste is wasteful and can be messy, while too little toothpaste may not be effective enough to fully clean teeth. Further, some people may get lazy with dental hygiene due to frustrations when applying toothpaste from a tube.
Additionally, people who are manually handicapped may have trouble squeezing a toothpaste tube. For example, a person who has lost use of a hand or an arm through amputation or through paralysis, stroke, cancer, arthritis, etc., has a very difficult time performing seemingly simple everyday tasks, such as squeezing toothpaste from a toothpaste tube onto the bristles of a toothbrush. Further, people with limited physical dexterity may also have trouble squeezing the tube to release toothpaste onto their brush.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved touchless toothpaste dispenser device that offers a much easier and mess-free means of dispensing toothpaste. More particularly, there is a demand for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that enables users to adjust how much toothpaste is dispensed via a dial.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that provides users with a toothpaste dispenser activated via a motion sensor. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that allows users to insert replaceable toothpaste cartridges into the device and automatically dispense a perfect amount of paste onto the brush when the brush head is placed underneath the dispensing nozzle. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that enables users to adjust how much toothpaste is dispensed via a dial located on the dispenser. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a much easier and mess-free method of dispensing toothpaste when compared to squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that is rechargeable via USB port. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that applies toothpaste to a toothbrush without having to squeeze a toothpaste tube.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a touchless toothpaste dispenser device. The device is a toothpaste dispenser which is charged via a USB port. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprises a base component that is configured to retain a toothpaste cartridge. The toothpaste cartridge is inserted into the base component and toothpaste is pushed out of each cartridge via a cylindrical push mechanism that rises from the base component. The base component comprises a dial to customize how much toothpaste is dispensed onto the toothbrush. Users can place their toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle and activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor. Toothpaste is applied to the toothbrush without having to squeeze a toothpaste tube. Each device can be charged using a USB port.
In this manner, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that automatically dispenses toothpaste. The device has a motion sensor to provide hands-free use. The device is charged via USB port.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a touchless toothpaste dispenser device. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprises a base component that is configured to retain a toothpaste cartridge. The toothpaste cartridge is inserted into the base component and toothpaste is pushed out of each cartridge via a cylindrical push mechanism. Users can place their toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle and activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor. Toothpaste is applied to the toothbrush without having to squeeze a toothpaste tube or touch the device.
In one embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprises a base component. The base component is constructed basically of a vertically elongated box-like housing with a door that allows access to a hollow interior cavity. In one embodiment, the door is secured to the base component via a hinge. In this embodiment, the door is supported by hinges, which permit the door to be opened and closed. The door is secured to the base component by a catch. In another embodiment, the door is secured to the base component via a tab and a spring clip. The door is releasably secured to the base component and when not secured, is completely unattached from the base component.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises a front side, a rear side, opposing sidewalls, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The base component can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the base component is shaped and sized to retain a toothpaste cartridge.
In one embodiment, the base component retains a toothpaste cartridge. The toothpaste cartridge is configured in a cylindrical shape. The top of the cartridge comprises a check valve which prevents contamination of the toothpaste. As toothpaste is drawn up and out of the cartridge, the check valve opens and allows the toothpaste to flow one way. Once the toothpaste stops flowing, the check valve closes, preventing the release of more toothpaste. The opposing end of the cartridge comprises a sliding seal, which moves upwards to help release the toothpaste from within the cartridge.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises a cylindrical push mechanism that raises from the base component and contacts the toothpaste cartridge to push out the toothpaste from the cartridge. In one embodiment, the cylindrical push mechanism is a linear actuator. The linear actuator is positioned in a bottom of the base component interior cavity and contacts the sliding seal of the toothpaste cartridge. The linear actuator acts to draw the actuator up a track, thus, pushing the sliding seal upwards to release toothpaste from the cartridge and out the dispensing nozzle. In another embodiment, the cylindrical push mechanism is a motor and plunger which spins or threads the sliding seal upwards to release toothpaste from the cartridge and out the dispensing nozzle.
In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle can be removed for cleaning, then easily replaced for use. Further, the dispensing nozzle can comprise a sliding door which cuts off toothpaste and prevents toothpaste buildup.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises a dial. The dial allows users to customize how much toothpaste is dispensed onto the toothbrush at any one time. Specifically, the user turns the dial in one direction to dispense a larger amount of toothpaste and the user turns the dial in the opposite direction to dispense a smaller amount of toothpaste. In one embodiment, the dial is in communication with a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is utilized to control the amount of a single dispensing. Specifically, the PCB is in communication with the linear actuator or other cylindrical push mechanism to control dispensing of the toothpaste from the cartridge. Thus, a user rotates the dial back and forth which communicates with the PCB as to how much toothpaste to dispense and the PCB then communicates with the linear actuator to dispense the required amount of toothpaste from the dispensing nozzle. In another embodiment, a rheostat or other suitable variable resistor is utilized to communicate with the dial and the linear actuator to dispense the required amount of toothpaste.
In one embodiment, the top surface of the base component comprises a motion sensor, typically positioned directly above the dispensing nozzle. The motion sensor is a conventional motion sensor as is known in the art. The motion sensor may be an ultrasonic motion detector or other suitable motion detector as is known in the art. The motion sensor and associated electronics are also in communication with the PCB, which then communicates with the linear actuator to dispense toothpaste from the cartridge. The motion sensor allows users to place their toothbrush under the dispensing nozzle, which activates the motion sensor to communicate with the PCB to actuate the linear actuator to dispense toothpaste. Further, the motion sensor electronics on the printer circuit board can be electrically connected to a logic device to provide signals representing motion to the logic device. The logic device may be a digital or analog circuit that executes the logic discussed above. It may also be a microprocessor that executes logic in the form of software. The logic may be embodied in hardware or firmware. In other words, the nature of the logic device is not limiting.
In one embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device is charged by a USB port. Specifically, the rear side of the base component comprises a USB port that accepts an electrical cord for charging the device, as needed. In one embodiment, the USB port allows charging of a rechargeable battery.
In one embodiment, various user controls and indications may be provided on the housing. By way of non-limiting example, a manual on-off switch can be provided to activate and deactivate the motor and motion detector. Further, the on/off control may be provided to allow the user, i.e., to move or clean the device without triggering a release of toothpaste. This feature can be implemented in the form of a “kill button” that keeps the device deactivated as long as the button is depressed, or as a button that, when momentarily pushed, deactivates the device for a given period of time, i.e., fifteen to sixty seconds. Further, if desired, an indicator light such as, i.e., an LED can be controlled to blink or otherwise indicate when it is about time to recharge the dispenser, replace the toothpaste cartridge, etc. Additional switches may be used, i.e., for deactivating the electrical components for cleaning, etc.
In one embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Further, the device can be manufactured of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or comprise a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.
In one embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device can be molded in various colors and patterns to match existing décor and/or a user's bathroom. In one embodiment, the device can be molded in various cartoon character shapes, etc.
In yet another embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of automatically dispensing toothpaste hands-free is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprising a base component with a toothpaste cartridge. The method also comprises inserting a toothpaste cartridge into the base component. Further, the method comprises charging the device via the USB port on the base component. The method also comprises positioning a toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle to activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor. Finally, the method comprises automatically dispensing toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that provides users with a toothpaste dispenser activated via a motion sensor. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that allows users to insert replaceable toothpaste cartridges into the device and automatically dispense a perfect amount of paste onto the brush when the brush head is placed underneath the dispensing nozzle. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that enables users to adjust how much toothpaste is dispensed via a dial located on the dispenser. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a much easier and mess-free method of dispensing toothpaste when compared to squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that is charged by a USB port. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a touchless toothpaste dispenser device that applies toothpaste to a toothbrush without having to squeeze a toothpaste tube.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel touchless toothpaste dispenser device. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprises a base component that is configured to retain a toothpaste cartridge. The toothpaste cartridge is inserted into the base component and toothpaste is pushed out of each cartridge via a cylindrical push mechanism that rises from the base component. The base component comprises a dial to customize how much toothpaste is dispensed onto the toothbrush. Users can place their toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle and activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor. The present invention also includes a novel method of automatically dispensing toothpaste hands-free. The method includes the steps of providing a touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprising a base component with a toothpaste cartridge. The method also comprises inserting a toothpaste cartridge into the base component. Further, the method comprises charging the device via USB port on the base component. The method also comprises positioning a toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle to activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor. Finally, the method comprises automatically dispensing toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Further, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 comprises a base component 102. The base component 102 is constructed basically of a vertically elongated box-like housing with a door 116 that allows access to a hollow interior cavity 118. In one embodiment, the door 116 is secured to the base component 102 via a hinge 120. In this embodiment, the door 116 is supported by hinges 120, which permit the door 116 to be opened and closed. The door 116 is secured to the base component 102 by a catch (not shown). In another embodiment, the door 116 is secured to the base component 102 via a tab 122 and a spring clip 124. The door 116 is releasably secured to the base component 102 and when not secured, is completely unattached from the base component 102.
Additionally, the base component 102 comprises a front side 126, a rear side 128, opposing sidewalls 130, a top surface 132, and a bottom surface 134. The base component 102 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the base component 102 is shaped and sized to retain a toothpaste cartridge 104.
As shown in
Further, the base component 102 comprises a cylindrical push mechanism 108 that raises from the base component 102 and contacts the toothpaste cartridge 104 to push out the toothpaste 106 from the cartridge 104. In one embodiment, the cylindrical push mechanism 108 is a linear actuator 204. The linear actuator 204 is positioned in the bottom of the base component 102 interior cavity 118 and contacts the sliding seal 202 of the toothpaste cartridge 104. The linear actuator 204 acts to draw the actuator up a track, thus, pushing the sliding seal 202 upwards to release toothpaste 106 from the cartridge 104 and out the dispensing nozzle 112. In another embodiment, the cylindrical push mechanism 108 is a motor and plunger (not shown) which spins or threads the sliding seal 202 upwards to release toothpaste 106 from the cartridge 104 and out the dispensing nozzle 112.
Additionally, the base component 102 comprises a dial 206. The dial 206 allows users to customize how much toothpaste 106 is dispensed onto the toothbrush 110, at any one time. Specifically, the user turns the dial 206 in one direction to dispense a larger amount of toothpaste 106 and the user turns the dial 206 in the opposite direction to dispense a smaller amount of toothpaste 106. In one embodiment, the dial 206 is in communication with a printed circuit board (PCB) 208. The PCB 208 is utilized to control the amount of a single dispensing. Specifically, the PCB 208 is in communication with the linear actuator 204 or other cylindrical push mechanism 108 to control dispensing of the toothpaste 106 from the cartridge 104. Thus, a user rotates the dial 206 back and forth which communicates with the PCB 208 as to how much toothpaste 106 to dispense, the PCB 208 then communicates with the linear actuator 204 to dispense the required amount of toothpaste 106 from the dispensing nozzle 112. In another embodiment, a rheostat (not shown) or other suitable variable resistor is utilized to communicate with the dial 206 and the linear actuator 204 to dispense the required amount of toothpaste 106.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 112 can be removed for cleaning, then easily replaced for use. Further, the dispensing nozzle 112 can comprise a sliding door 304 in communication with the PCB 208 which cuts off toothpaste 106 and prevents toothpaste 106 buildup.
As shown in
In one embodiment, various user controls and indications may be provided on the base component 102. By way of a non-limiting example, a manual on-off switch 400 can be provided to activate and deactivate the motor (i.e., linear actuator 204) and motion detector 114. Further, the on/off control 400 may be provided to allow the user, i.e., to move or clean the device 100, without triggering a release of toothpaste 106. This feature can be implemented in the form of a “kill button” that keeps the device 100 deactivated as long as the button 400 is depressed, or as a button 400 that, when momentarily pushed, deactivates the device 100 for a given period of time, i.e., fifteen to sixty seconds. Further, if desired, an indicator light 402 such as, i.e., an LED can be controlled to blink or otherwise indicate when it is about time to charge the device 300, replace the toothpaste cartridge 104, etc. Additional switches may be used, i.e., for deactivating the electrical components for cleaning, etc.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 can be molded in various colors and patterns to match existing décor and/or a user's bathroom. The device 100 can also be molded in the shape of various cartoon characters, etc.
In yet another embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be toothpaste, toothbrush, or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “touchless toothpaste dispenser device”, “toothpaste dispenser device”, “dispenser device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/609,479, which was filed on Dec. 13, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63609479 | Dec 2023 | US |
