US20010050290A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20010050290A1
Application number: US09/845,094
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Sampson; Andreas Haase
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-01-19
Filing date: 2001-04-27
Publication date: 2001-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-19
Also published as: US6364165B2

Abstract

A system for selectively dispensing toothpaste from a flexible toothpaste tube includes a flexible boot having a flexible tube-receiving cavity and a boot nozzle with which an outlet of the toothpaste tube aligns. Pins are insertable into sleeves of the flexible boot and movable between open and closed positions for removal and insertion of the toothpaste tube. A presser engages the outer surface of the boot to selectively squeeze toothpaste from the toothpaste tube through the boot nozzle. A controller intermittently activates a driver which moves the presser along a track towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste. Jaws are positioned adjacent to the boot nozzle for selectively opening and closing the boot nozzle. A timer and an adjustable volume dispensing dial control the amount of toothpaste dispensed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/488,209, filed Jan. 19, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/116,407 filed Jan. 19, 1999.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toothpaste dispensing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toothpaste dispensing system which automatically dispenses a controlled and predetermined amount of toothpaste onto a toothbrush without the need for manual manipulation of either the dispenser or the tube of toothpaste.[0002]

It is very common to find unsightly partially-squeezed tubes of toothpaste in bathrooms. Oftentimes, these partially-squeezed tubes are found on the bathroom counter, giving the bathroom a cluttered or messy appearance. Another concern with hand-squeezed toothpaste tubes is that the amount of toothpaste administered at each brushing is inconsistent. At times too much toothpaste is squeezed from the tube and administered to the toothbrush. At other times, and particularly with children, too little toothpaste is administered to the toothbrush. Furthermore, the time actually spent brushing varies from brushing to brushing and may often be less than the dentist-recommended time.[0003]

Another problem with toothpaste tubes is that as they are emptied, it becomes increasingly difficult to dispense toothpaste and of ten times the tube is discarded before all of the toothpaste is used. Both the over-administration of toothpaste and the difficulty of emptying the tube of toothpaste results in toothpaste being wasted.[0004]

It is also common that the toothpaste tube is shared by more than one member of a family. In the event that a toothpaste tube is shared by more than one person, hygiene considerations take effect as the toothpaste tube can spread germs from sick family members. Some people consider toiletry items, such as toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes, personal and instead of sharing a single toothpaste tube, several toothpaste tubes for each member of the family may necessarily be stored in the bathroom creating additional clutter and storage problems.[0005]

Accordingly, there is a need for a toothpaste dispensing system which is capable of efficiently utilizing the toothpaste in the tube, preventing waste, and consistently administering toothpaste from brushing to brushing. What is also needed is a toothpaste system which is able to indicate the correct brushing time. What is further needed is a toothpaste dispensing system which requires minimal physical handling. Such a toothpaste dispensing system should be aesthetically pleasing and practical in use. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention resides in a system for selectively dispensing toothpaste from a flexible toothpaste tube. The system generally comprises a flexible boot having a flexible tube-receiving cavity and a boot nozzle at one end with which an outlet of the flexible tube is aligned. A presser engages the outer surface of the boot to selectively squeeze toothpaste from the flexible tube and through the boot nozzle. A driver selectively positions the presser along a track associated with the boot, and a controller intermittently activates the driver to move the presser along the length of the boot towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste therefrom.[0007]

Pins are insertable into sleeves of the flexible boot and movable between closed and open positions to selectively close a tube passageway to the cavity of the boot during operation, and open the tube passageway for removal and insertion of the flexible tube. The pins are moved into an open position when the presser is disengaged from the boot. Typically, the presser comprises rollers which compress opposing sides of the flexible boot upon activation of the controller and driver. Jaws are positioned adjacent to the boot nozzle for selectively opening and closing the boot nozzle, preventing undesirable flow of toothpaste through the boot nozzle.[0008]

The controller typically comprises a biased shaft which is positioned below the boot nozzle. Upon being actuated, the shaft activates the driver, which in turn positions the presser along the track to dispense toothpaste from the boot nozzle. Alternatively, the controller comprises an electronic sensor linked to the driver for automatically activating the driver upon sensing an object, such as a toothbrush, placed under the boot nozzle.[0009]

A timer is activated by the controller to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste from the flexible tube. An adjustable volume dispensing dial controls the amount of toothpaste dispensed.[0010]

A presser return switch is linked to the driver for releasing the presser from the flexible boot. The return switch can be actuated manually or automatically activated when the presser reaches a predetermined point along the track.[0011]

The system is preferably housed in a cover which is releasably connected to a base which cooperatively form a flexible boot-receiving cavity therebetween.[0012]

The base of the housing may include a foot for supporting the apparatus in an upright position when placed on a horizontal surface. Alternatively, the base includes a wall fixture for supporting the apparatus on a vertical surface. The wall fixture may include an electrical plug which is electrically connected to the driver and extends from the base for insertion into an electrical wall socket. In another embodiment, the apparatus is placed flush within a wall and directly connected to electrical wiring within the wall.[0013]

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.[0014]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:[0015]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of components comprising a toothpaste dispensing system embodying the present invention;[0016]

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a toothpaste dispensing system similar to FIG. 1;[0017]

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating an adjustable toothpaste dispensing dial and a reset switch;[0018]

FIG. 4 is a fragmented perspective view of the system of FIG. 2, illustrating an electronic sensor positioned near a dispensing orifice of the system;[0019]

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another toothpaste dispensing system embodying the invention, having an electrical plug for insertion into a wall outlet;[0020]

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of yet another toothpaste dispensing system embodying the invention, which is directly wired into electrical wiring within a wall;[0021]

FIG. 7 is a partly exploded perspective view of yet another toothpaste dispensing system embodying the present invention; and[0022]

FIG. 8 is a partly exploded rear perspective view of the toothpaste dispensing system of FIG. 7.[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with a toothpaste dispensing system, generally referred to in FIGS.[0024]1-4 by thereference number10, in FIG. 5 by thereference number12, in FIG. 6 by thereference number14, and in FIGS. 7 and 8 by thereference number15. In each of the illustrated embodiments, functionally equivalent components are given the same reference number.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the[0025]

toothpaste dispensing system

10 is generally comprised of ahousing16 havingbase18 and acover20 connected to thebase18 to form a toothpaste tube-acceptingcavity22 therebetween. Thebase18 includes a dispensingorifice24 which conforms to and supports the outlet of atoothpaste tube26. As can be seen from the drawings, thebase18 is configured to at least partially surround the tube oftoothpaste26. Thecover20 is removably, and preferably hingedly, connected to thebase18 and when closed fully encapsulates thetoothpaste tube26 within thecavity22 of thehousing16.

A[0026]

presser

28 having twoparallel members30 is movably disposed on atrack32 which extends approximately the length of thebase18. Initially, theparallel members30 of thepresser28 are disposed on either side of a closed andflattened end34 of thetoothpaste tube26 opposite the outlet. Theparallel members30 of thepresser28 compress the sides of thetoothpaste tube26 together as it moves downward, forcing toothpaste out of the outlet of thetoothpaste tube26 and through theorifice24. Preferably, thepresser28 comprises twoparallel rollers36 having extendingradial teeth38 which interfit with one another as thepresser28 is moved along thetrack32, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The[0027]

presser

28 is positioned along thetrack32 by adriver40 having amotor42. Thedriver40 andmotor42 are activated by acontroller44 which senses the placement of atoothbrush46 under thehousing16. Thecontroller44 includes circuitry on acircuit board48 built into or insertable into thebase18 of thehousing10. Acover plate50 lies over thecircuit board48 and flush with the base18 to conceal and protect thecircuit board48. Although thecontroller44 can be a lever or the like, preferably it is comprised of anelectronic sensor52, illustrated in FIG. 4, which emits an electromagnetic path towards theorifice24. When the electromagnetic path is broken by thetoothbrush46,toothpaste54 is dispensed onto thetoothbrush46, as illustrated in FIG. 5. An internal timer of thecircuitry48 controls the length of time thedriver40 is activated, and thus the distance thepresser28 moves, in order to dispense a predetermined and reproducible amount oftoothpaste54.

Additional features which enhance the operation of the[0028]

system

10 include aplatform56 having aclip58, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, which attaches to theclosed end34 of thetoothpaste tube26 to hold thetoothpaste tube26 in place while thepresser28 moves downwardly andforces toothpaste54 out of thetoothpaste tube26.Shelves60 are formed in thebase18 and cover20 to adjust the height of theplatform56 within thehousing16 to accommodate differentsized toothpaste tubes26.

Referring to FIG. 3, a[0029]

volume control dial

62 can be adjusted to alter the amount oftoothpaste54 dispensed when thesystem10 is activated. For example, when thevolume dispensing dial56 is placed in a first position enough toothpaste is dispensed for a child and when thedial56 is placed in a second or third position a greater amount of toothpaste is dispensed for an adult. When the nearly all of thetoothpaste54 has been dispensed from thetoothpaste tube26 and thepresser28 reaches a predetermined point near the dispensingorifice24 of thebase18, thepresser28 is automatically returned to its either its starting position or a predetermined position near the top of thetrack32. A manualpresser return switch64 is also provided and when depressed returns thepresser28 as described so that the user can easily remove partially filledtoothpaste tubes26.

Referring again to FIG. 1, although not a concern for most toothpaste brands, it has been found that at least one brand of toothpaste will gravitationally flow out from the[0030]

toothpaste tube

26 andorifice24 even when thepresser28 is not activated. To resolve this problem aflexible conduit66 extends from the dispensingorifice24. A pair ofjaws68 are disposed adjacent to and on either side of theconduit66 and selectively open when thesystem10 is activated to allowtoothpaste54 to flow through theconduit66, and close off theconduit66 in a pinching action when thesystem10 is not activated to preventtoothpaste54 from inadvertently flowing through theconduit66. The mechanism which controls the opening and closing of thejaws68 is linked to themotor42 so that when themotor42 is activating thedriver40 thejaws68 are open, and when themotor42 stops thejaws68 close.Springs70 are used to bias thejaws68 in an open position when themotor42 is running.

The[0031]

cover

20 has cut-outportion72 into which is inserted a preferablydigital alarm clock74 which includes anLCD display76, reset andcontrol buttons78, and atranslucent cover80 havingapertures82 through which thebuttons78 extend. Theclock74 preferably also includes a timer which alarms when dentist-recommended brushing time has elapsed. The timer can be set by one of thecontrol buttons78, or automatically set when atoothbrush46 activates thesystem10. In simpler models of thesystem10, adecorative plate84 is inserted into the cover cut-out72. Thecover20 also includesindentations86 which act as finger-holds to facilitate unhinging of thecover20 from thebase18. Thecover20 may be latched to thebase18, in which case a latch-release button88 is provided through thecover20.

The[0032]

system

10 further includes afoot90 attachable to thebase18 for supporting thesystem10 on a horizontal surface, such as the top of a counter. Thefoot90 separates into an uppervertical portion92 and a lowerhorizontal portion94 into whichbatteries96 are inserted. Thefoot90 includeselectrodes98 which contact thebatteries96 and transfer power to themotor42 andcircuitry48.Foot stabilizers100, usually in the form of suction cups, prevent thesystem10 from sliding or falling over on the counter.

A[0033]

wall mount

102 is attachable to the rear of thebase18 for supporting thesystem10 on a vertical surface, such as a wall. As illustrated in FIG. 3, thewall mount102 includesrecesses104 which rest upon vertical supports, such as nails, which extend from the wall. Either thefoot90 or thewall mount102 may include atoothbrush holder106 for conveniently storingtoothbrushes46 in an aesthetically pleasing manner near the dispensingsystem10. As can be seen in the drawings, thetoothbrush holder106 can take many forms. For example, in FIG. 1, thetoothbrush holder106 clips onto the vertical portion of thefoot92. In FIGS.2-4, thetoothbrush holders106 extend upwardly from the lower portion of thefoot94. In FIG. 5, thetoothbrush holder106 is attached to or formed with thebase18 and is fan-shaped, havingguides108 and restingledges110 which support the insertedtoothbrushes46.

A second embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5 and generally includes the same features and components as[0034]

system

10 of FIGS.1-4, except that instead of usingbatteries96 as a power source, thesystem12 utilizes anelectrical plug112 extending from thebase18 for electrical connection by insertion into awall socket114. Theelectrical plug114 is electrically connected to theelectronic circuitry48 andmotor42 of thecontroller44 anddriver40. Theelectrical plug112, when inserted into thewall socket114, also acts to vertically support thesystem12 on the wall.

A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. An[0035]

aperture

116 sized to allow passage of the modifiedbase18 is cut into awall118. Thebase18 includestabs120 havingapertures122 through which screws124 or the like can be inserted and driven into aninternal support structure126, such as an internal beam or two-by-four, for secure attachment. Electrical leads128 extend from thebase18 for connection to the internal wiring of thewall118. The base18 also includesprojections130 which frictionally fit over a surroundingmolding132 of the modifiedcover20. Themolding132 extends into thewall118 and lies flush with thewall118 to conceal thewall aperture116 and give thesystem14 an aesthetically pleasing look. Although not illustrated, thesystem14 contains the same essential components (such as thepresser28,track32,driver40,controller44 etc.) as the previously described

systems

10 and12 and operates in the same manner. Although thissystem14 is more difficult to install, use of thissystem14 is advantageous as there is no need for the user to replacebatteries96 and thesystem14 does not occupy counter space nor does it protrude from thewall118.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a particularly preferred[0036]

system

15 embodying the present invention is illustrated. It has been found with prior art toothpaste dispensing systems, and to a certain degree in the previously described systems10-14 of the present invention, that thetoothpaste tube26 begins to collapse upon itself and lose structural integrity when one-third to one half of the toothpaste in thetoothpaste tube26 has been dispensed. This collapsing action can interfere with thepressers28 and disrupt the operation of the system10-14. Accordingly, there has been devised aflexible boot134 for use in thissystem15. Theboot134 is comprised of a flexible material, such as silicone, which can be compressed by therollers36 to dispense toothpaste from thetoothpaste tube26 residing within theboot134 in a controlled manner while preventing the collapse of thetoothpaste tube26. Theflexible boot134 defines a flexible toothpaste tube-receiving cavity into which thetoothpaste tube26 is inserted. Preferably, theflexible boot134 includes aslit136 or other passageway extending through an end of theflexible boot134 to facilitate the insertion and removal of thetoothpaste tube26.Sleeves138 are formed in theflexible boot134 at one end which are configured so as to receivepins140 associated with thebase18. Thepins140 hold theflexible boot134 in place and serve to open and close theslit136 as will be described more fully herein. Preferably, theslit136 includes a rounded cut-outportion142 which acts as a tear resistant feature of theslit136.

A[0037]

nozzle

142 is formed at an end of theflexible boot134 generally opposite thesleeves138. Theorifice24 of thebase18 is configured so as to accept thenozzle142 therethrough. Thenozzle142 preferably includes protrudingretainers144 which are insertable between the base18 and acontroller assembly146 to further secure and hold in place theflexible boot134.

The[0038]

controller assembly

146 includes a controller in the form of aguide shaft148 which is biased with a spring or the like in a forward or off position. Due to the gravitational flow of toothpaste problem experienced with certain brands of toothpaste, as described above, thecontroller assembly146 includes a pair ofjaws150 which are biased in the closed position so as to crimp upon and close thenozzle142 during non-operation of thesystem15, but are movable into the open position whenguide shaft148 is actuated, such as by pressing atoothbrush46 into contact with theguide shaft148. Thecontroller assembly146 is attached to the bottom of the base18 so that theguide shaft148 underliesnozzle142. In this fashion, when atoothbrush46 is engaged with theguide shaft148 to activate thedriver152, the bristles of thetoothbrush46 are positioned directly underneathnozzle142.

Upon being actuated, the[0039]

guide shaft

148 activates thedriver152 which in turn causes aworm gear154 to rotate in the desired direction. Therollers36 are attached to aroller retainer plate156 movably attached to theworm gear154 on the back side of thebase18. Therollers36 include guide gears158 which engage atrack160 to maintain constant pressure and alignment of therollers36 over theboot134. As aroller retainer plate156 moves downwardly on theworm gear154, therollers36 compress opposing sides of theflexible boot134, as well as the contents of thetoothpaste tube26, to cause toothpaste to exit through thenozzle142. The amount of toothpaste delivered may be controlled by pre-setting thevolume control dial62, or by using a timer as disclosed above. Such a timer would be an integral part of the printedcircuit board48 which would disrupt power to thedriver152 after a predetermined set time period.

As the[0040]

rollers

36 approach thenozzle142 of theflexible boot134, theroller retainer plate156 will approach the base of theworm gear154, and the roller gears158 will approach the end of theguide track160. Thetoothpaste tube26 will be substantially emptied at this point, and therollers36 can be returned to their upmost position. Preferably, thesystem15 includes a presser return switch linked to thedriver152 which returns therollers136 to the upmost position and releases therollers36 from theflexible boot134. As can be seen in FIG. 7, thetrack160 diverges at its uppermost end so that therollers36 are disengaged from the outer surface ofboot134. As this occurs, a wedge-shapedportion162 of theretainer plate156 comes into contact with the ends of thepins140 protruding through the backside of the base18 to push thepins140 away from one another and stretch springs164 which serve to bias thepins140 into a closed position. As will be appreciated by the reader, when thepins140 are pushed away from one another, thesleeves138 of theflexible boot134 are also moved away from one another to open theslit136. This facilitates the removal of the exhaustedtoothpaste tube26 and the insertion of a new toothpaste tube into the cavity of theflexible boot134.

The[0041]

system

15 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 can include thecover20,foot90 for supporting the system in an upright position when placed on a horizontal surface, awall mount fixture102 for supporting thesystem15 on a vertical surface, or it may even be incorporated into theinternal wall system14 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In any event, the use of theflexible boot134 allows anysize toothpaste tube26 to be inserted therein and dispensed of toothpaste without collapse or crimping of thetoothpaste tube26.

In use,[0042]

batteries

96 are inserted into thefoot90 of thesystem10, thesystem12 is plugged into awall socket114, or thesystem14 is installed onto thewall18 in order to provide power to the system. Avolume dispensing dial62 is adjusted so that the systems10-15 will administer the desired amount oftoothpaste54. Thecover20 is opened and atoothpaste tube26 is inserted into the base with the open outlet resting in theorifice24 and theclosed end34 inserted between thepresser28 and into theclip58 of the adjustedplatform56, or into theflexible boot134. When atoothbrush46 is placed under theorifice24, the

controller

44 or148 activates themotor42 and

driver

40 or152 to move the presser28 a predetermined distance down the

track

32 or160. In the event the timer of thealarm clock74 is set, the timer alarms when the dentist-recommended brushing time has expired.

As can be appreciated by the reader, with the exception of inserting the[0043]

toothpaste tube

26 into thehousing cavity22, there is no need to touch the systems10-15 for the dispensing oftoothpaste54. The systems10-15 accurately dispense approximately the same amount oftoothpaste54 every time the systems10-15 are activated.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications of each may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.[0044]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for dispensing toothpaste from a flexible tube having an outlet at one end, the system comprising:

a flexible boot including a flexible tube-receiving cavity and a boot nozzle with which the flexible tube outlet aligns;

a presser for engaging the outer surface of the boot to selectively squeeze toothpaste from the flexible tube through the boot nozzle;

a driver for selectively positioning the presser along a track associated with the boot; and

a controller for intermittently activating the driver to move the presser along the length of the boot towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste from the boot nozzle.

2. The system of

claim 1

, including jaws positioned adjacent to the boot nozzle for selectively opening and closing the boot nozzle.

3. The system of

claim 1

, wherein the controller comprises a biased shaft positioned below the boot nozzle which, upon being actuated, activates the driver.

4. The system of

claim 1

, wherein the controller comprises an electronic sensor linked to the driver for automatically activating the driver upon sensing an object placed under the boot nozzle.

5. The system of

claim 1

, including a timer associated with the driver and activated by the controller.

6. The system of

claim 1

, including a presser return switch linked to the driver which releases the presser from the flexible boot.

7. The system of

claim 5

, wherein the presser return switch is automatically activated when the presser reaches a predetermined point along the track.

8. The system of

claim 1

, including an adjustable volume dispensing dial linked to the driver.

9. The system of

claim 1

, wherein the presser comprises rollers which compress opposing sides of the flexible boot upon activation.

10. The system of

claim 1

, including pins associated with the base which are insertable into sleeves of the flexible boot and movable between closed and open positions to selectively close a tube passageway to the cavity of the boot during operation, and open the tube passageway for removal and insertion of the flexible tube.

11. The system of

claim 10

, wherein the pins are moved into an open position when the presser is disengaged from the boot.

12. The system of

claim 1

, including a cover releasably connected to a base which cooperatively form a flexible boot-receiving cavity therebetween.

13. The system of

claim 12

, wherein the base includes a foot for supporting the system in an upright position when placed on a horizontal surface.

14. The system of

claim 12

, wherein the base includes a wall mount fixture for supporting the system on a vertical surface.

15. The system of

claim 14

, wherein the driver is directly connected to electrical wiring within the vertical surface.

16. A system for dispensing toothpaste from a flexible tube having an outlet at one end, the system comprising:

a base;

a flexible boot associated with the base, the boot including a flexible tube-receiving cavity and a boot nozzle with which the flexible tube outlet aligns;

jaws positioned adjacent to the boot nozzle for selectively opening and closing the boot nozzle;

pins associated with the base which are insertable into sleeves of the flexible boot and movable between closed and open positions to selectively close a tube passageway to the cavity of the boot during operation, and open the tube passageway for removal and insertion of the flexible tube;

a presser comprising rollers disposed within the base for engaging the outer surface of the boot to selectively compress opposing sides of the flexible boot to squeeze toothpaste from the flexible tube through the boot nozzle;

a cover releasably connected to the base, wherein the cover and the base cooperatively form a flexible boot-receiving cavity therebetween;

a controller for intermittently activating the d river to move the presser along the length of the boot towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste from the boot nozzle.

, including a timer associated with the driver and activated by the controller.

20. The system of

claim 16

, including a presser return switch linked to the driver which releases the presser from the flexible boot, wherein the presser return switch is automatically activated when the presser reaches a predetermined point along the track.

21. The system of

claim 16

, including an adjustable volume dispensing dial linked to the driver.

26. A system for dispensing toothpaste from a flexible tube having an outlet at one end, the system comprising:

a base;

a driver for selectively positioning the presser along a track associated with the boot;

a controller for intermittently activating the driver to move the presser along the length of the boot towards the boot nozzle to dispense a measured amount of toothpaste from the boot nozzle, the controller comprising a biased shaft positioned below the boot nozzle which, upon being actuated, activates the driver;

a timer associated with the driver and activated by the controller;

a presser return switch linked to the driver which releases the presser from the flexible boot, wherein the presser return switch is automatically activated when the presser reaches a predetermined point along the track; and

an adjustable volume dispensing dial linked to the driver.

, wherein the base includes a wall fixture for supporting the system on a vertical surface.

29. The system of

claim 28