Touchless Toothpaste Dispenser Device

Abstract

A touchless toothpaste dispenser device is disclosed, which is a toothpaste dispenser. 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.

Claims

1. A touchless toothpaste dispenser device that provides a user with a device for dispensing toothpaste, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprising: a base component; a cylindrical push mechanism; a toothpaste cartridge; and a motion sensor; wherein the toothpaste cartridge is inserted into the base component; wherein toothpaste is pushed out of the toothpaste cartridge via a cylindrical push mechanism; wherein the motion sensor activates the cylindrical push mechanism; and further wherein users place their toothbrush underneath a dispensing nozzle to activate the motion sensor to dispense toothpaste hands-free.

2. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 1, wherein the base component is a vertically elongated box-like housing with a door that allows access to a hollow interior cavity.

3. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 2, wherein the door is secured to the base component via a tab and a spring clip.

4. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 3, wherein the base component comprises a front side, a rear side, opposing sidewalls, a top surface, and a bottom surface.

5. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 4, wherein the toothpaste cartridge is configured in a cylindrical shape, with a check valve at a top and a sliding seal at a bottom.

6. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical push mechanism is a linear actuator positioned at a bottom of the base component interior cavity and contacts the sliding seal of the toothpaste cartridge to push toothpaste out of the toothpaste cartridge and out the dispensing nozzle.

7. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 6, wherein the base component comprises a dial that allows users to customize how much toothpaste is dispensed onto the toothbrush at one time.

8. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 7, wherein the dial is in communication with a printed circuit board (PCB), which is in communication with the linear actuator to control dispensing of the toothpaste from the toothpaste cartridge.

9. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 8, wherein the touchless toothpaste dispenser device is charged by a USB port.

10. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 9, wherein the USB port is positioned at the rear side of the base component.

11. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 10, wherein the motion sensor is positioned above the dispensing nozzle.

12. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 11, wherein the motion sensor is in communication with the PCB, which then communicates with the linear actuator to dispense toothpaste from the toothpaste cartridge.

13. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 12, wherein the base component comprises a manual on-off switch.

14. A touchless toothpaste dispenser device that provides a user with a device for dispensing toothpaste, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprising: a base component which is a vertically elongated box-like housing with a door that allows access to a hollow interior cavity; a cylindrical push mechanism which acts to draw toothpaste from a toothpaste cartridge and out a dispensing nozzle; a toothpaste cartridge configured in a cylindrical shape, with a check valve at a top and a sliding seal at a bottom; and a motion sensor in communication with a PCB, which then communicates with the cylindrical push mechanism to dispense toothpaste from the toothpaste cartridge; wherein the base component comprises a front side, a rear side, opposing sidewalls, a top surface, and a bottom surface; wherein the touchless toothpaste dispenser device is charged by a USB port; wherein the base component comprises a dial that allows users to customize how much toothpaste is dispensed onto the toothbrush at one time; and further wherein the motion sensor allows users to place their toothbrush under a dispensing nozzle, which activates the motion sensor to communicate with the PCB to actuate the cylindrical push mechanism to dispense toothpaste on a toothbrush hands-free.

15. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 14, wherein the base component comprises a manual on-off switch.

16. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 14, wherein the base component comprises an indicator light.

17. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 14, wherein the base component is manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof.

18. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 14, wherein the motion sensor is an ultrasonic motion detector.

19. The touchless toothpaste dispenser device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of automatically dispensing toothpaste hands-free, the method comprising the following steps: providing a touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprising a base component with a toothpaste cartridge; inserting a toothpaste cartridge into the base component; charging the device via USB port; positioning a toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle to activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor; and automatically dispensing toothpaste onto the toothbrush.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device of the present invention showing the device on a countertop in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIGS. 2A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device of the present invention showing how a toothpaste cartridge is inserted in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device of the present invention showing how the device is charged via a USB port in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device of the present invention showing how the motion sensor operates in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of automatically dispensing toothpaste hands-free in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 is an improved touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 that provides a user with a device for dispensing toothpaste hands-free. Specifically, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 comprises a base component 102 with a toothpaste cartridge 104. The toothpaste cartridge 104 is inserted into the base component 102 and toothpaste 106 is pushed out of each cartridge 104 via a cylindrical push mechanism 108. Users can place their toothbrush 110 underneath the dispensing nozzle 112 and activate the cylindrical push mechanism 108 via a motion sensor 114. Toothpaste 106 is applied to the toothbrush 110 without having to squeeze a toothpaste tube or touch the device 100.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the base component 102 retains a toothpaste cartridge 104. The toothpaste cartridge 104 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The top of the cartridge 104 comprises a check valve 200 which prevents contamination of the toothpaste 106. As toothpaste 106 is drawn up and out of the cartridge 104, the check valve 200 opens and allows the toothpaste 106 to flow in one direction. Once the toothpaste 106 stops flowing, the check valve 200 closes, preventing the release of more toothpaste 106. The opposing end of the cartridge 104 comprises a sliding seal 202, which moves upwards to help release the toothpaste 106 from within the cartridge 104.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 is charged by a USB port 300. Specifically, the rear side 128 of the base component 102 comprises the USB port 300 that accepts an electrical cord 302 for charging the device 100, as needed. In one embodiment, the USB port 300 allows charging of a rechargeable battery (not shown).

[0043] 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.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the top surface 132 of the base component 102 comprises a motion sensor 114. The motion sensor 114 is positioned directly above the dispensing nozzle 112. The motion sensor 114 is a conventional motion sensor as is known in the art. The motion sensor 114 may be an ultrasonic motion detector or other suitable motion detector as is known in the art. The motion sensor 114 and associated electronics are also in communication with the PCB 208, which then communicates with the linear actuator 204 to dispense toothpaste 106 from the cartridge 104. The motion sensor 114 allows users to place their toothbrush 110 under the dispensing nozzle 112, which activates the motion sensor 114 to communicate with the PCB 208 to actuate the linear actuator 204 to dispense toothpaste 106. Further, the motion sensor electronics on the printer circuit board 208 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 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 100 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 100 can be manufactured of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

[0047] In one embodiment, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 can be molded in various colors and patterns to match existing dcor and/or a user's bathroom. The device 100 can also be molded in the shape of various cartoon characters, etc.

[0048] 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.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of automatically dispensing toothpaste hands-free. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a touchless toothpaste dispenser device comprising a base component with a toothpaste cartridge. The method also comprises at 602, inserting a toothpaste cartridge into the base component. Further, the method comprises at 604, charging the device via the USB port. The method also comprises at 606, positioning a toothbrush underneath the dispensing nozzle to activate the cylindrical push mechanism via a motion sensor. Finally, the method comprises at 608, automatically dispensing toothpaste onto the toothbrush.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the touchless toothpaste dispenser device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.