U.S. patent application number 09/845094 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-13 for toothpaste dispensing system.
Invention is credited to Haase, Andreas, Sampson, Wayne R..
Application Number | 20010050290 09/845094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26814207 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010050290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sampson, Wayne R. ; et
al. |
December 13, 2001 |
Toothpaste dispensing system
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.
Inventors: |
Sampson, Wayne R.; (Pembroke
Pines, FL) ; Haase, Andreas; (Plantation,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
26814207 |
Appl. No.: |
09/845094 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09845094 |
Apr 27, 2001 |
|
|
|
09488209 |
Jan 19, 2000 |
|
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|
60116407 |
Jan 19, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/102 ;
222/106; 222/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 35/28 20130101;
G01F 11/286 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/102 ;
222/333; 222/106 |
International
Class: |
B65D 035/28; G01F
011/06 |
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 driver for
selectively positioning the presser along a track associated with
the boot; and 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.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller comprises a
biased shaft positioned below the boot nozzle which, upon being
actuated, activates the driver.
18. The system of claim 16, 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.
19. The system of claim 16, 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.
22. The system of claim 16, wherein the pins are moved into an open
position when the presser is disengaged from the boot.
23. The system of claim 16, wherein the base includes a foot for
supporting the system in an upright position when placed on a
horizontal surface.
24. The system of claim 16, wherein the base includes a wall mount
fixture for supporting the system on a vertical surface.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the driver is directly
connected to electrical wiring within the vertical surface.
26. 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; 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; 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 cover releasably
connected to the base, wherein the cover and the base cooperatively
form a flexible boot-receiving cavity therebetween; 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.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the base includes a foot for
supporting the system in an upright position when placed on a
horizontal surface.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the base includes a wall
fixture for supporting the system on a vertical surface.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the driver is directly
connected to electrical wiring within the vertical surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] The system is preferably housed in a cover which is
releasably connected to a base which cooperatively form a flexible
boot-receiving cavity therebetween.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of components
comprising a toothpaste dispensing system embodying the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a toothpaste
dispensing system similar to FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 2,
illustrating an adjustable toothpaste dispensing dial and a reset
switch;
[0019] 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;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another toothpaste
dispensing system embodying the invention, having an electrical
plug for insertion into a wall outlet;
[0021] 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;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a partly exploded perspective view of yet another
toothpaste dispensing system embodying the present invention;
and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a partly exploded rear perspective view of the
toothpaste dispensing system of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
present invention is concerned with a toothpaste dispensing system,
generally referred to in FIGS. 1-4 by the reference number 10, in
FIG. 5 by the reference number 12, in FIG. 6 by the reference
number 14, and in FIGS. 7 and 8 by the reference number 15. In each
of the illustrated embodiments, functionally equivalent components
are given the same reference number.
[0025] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the toothpaste dispensing
system 10 is generally comprised of a housing 16 having base 18 and
a cover 20 connected to the base 18 to form a toothpaste
tube-accepting cavity 22 therebetween. The base 18 includes a
dispensing orifice 24 which conforms to and supports the outlet of
a toothpaste tube 26. As can be seen from the drawings, the base 18
is configured to at least partially surround the tube of toothpaste
26. The cover 20 is removably, and preferably hingedly, connected
to the base 18 and when closed fully encapsulates the toothpaste
tube 26 within the cavity 22 of the housing 16.
[0026] A presser 28 having two parallel members 30 is movably
disposed on a track 32 which extends approximately the length of
the base 18. Initially, the parallel members 30 of the presser 28
are disposed on either side of a closed and flattened end 34 of the
toothpaste tube 26 opposite the outlet. The parallel members 30 of
the presser 28 compress the sides of the toothpaste tube 26
together as it moves downward, forcing toothpaste out of the outlet
of the toothpaste tube 26 and through the orifice 24. Preferably,
the presser 28 comprises two parallel rollers 36 having extending
radial teeth 38 which interfit with one another as the presser 28
is moved along the track 32, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0027] The presser 28 is positioned along the track 32 by a driver
40 having a motor 42. The driver 40 and motor 42 are activated by a
controller 44 which senses the placement of a toothbrush 46 under
the housing 16. The controller 44 includes circuitry on a circuit
board 48 built into or insertable into the base 18 of the housing
10. A cover plate 50 lies over the circuit board 48 and flush with
the base 18 to conceal and protect the circuit board 48. Although
the controller 44 can be a lever or the like, preferably it is
comprised of an electronic sensor 52, illustrated in FIG. 4, which
emits an electromagnetic path towards the orifice 24. When the
electromagnetic path is broken by the toothbrush 46, toothpaste 54
is dispensed onto the toothbrush 46, as illustrated in FIG. 5. An
internal timer of the circuitry 48 controls the length of time the
driver 40 is activated, and thus the distance the presser 28 moves,
in order to dispense a predetermined and reproducible amount of
toothpaste 54.
[0028] Additional features which enhance the operation of the
system 10 include a platform 56 having a clip 58, illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2, which attaches to the closed end 34 of the
toothpaste tube 26 to hold the toothpaste tube 26 in place while
the presser 28 moves downwardly and forces toothpaste 54 out of the
toothpaste tube 26. Shelves 60 are formed in the base 18 and cover
20 to adjust the height of the platform 56 within the housing 16 to
accommodate different sized toothpaste tubes 26.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, a volume control dial 62 can be
adjusted to alter the amount of toothpaste 54 dispensed when the
system 10 is activated. For example, when the volume dispensing
dial 56 is placed in a first position enough toothpaste is
dispensed for a child and when the dial 56 is placed in a second or
third position a greater amount of toothpaste is dispensed for an
adult. When the nearly all of the toothpaste 54 has been dispensed
from the toothpaste tube 26 and the presser 28 reaches a
predetermined point near the dispensing orifice 24 of the base 18,
the presser 28 is automatically returned to its either its starting
position or a predetermined position near the top of the track 32.
A manual presser return switch 64 is also provided and when
depressed returns the presser 28 as described so that the user can
easily remove partially filled toothpaste tubes 26.
[0030] 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 toothpaste tube
26 and orifice 24 even when the presser 28 is not activated. To
resolve this problem a flexible conduit 66 extends from the
dispensing orifice 24. A pair of jaws 68 are disposed adjacent to
and on either side of the conduit 66 and selectively open when the
system 10 is activated to allow toothpaste 54 to flow through the
conduit 66, and close off the conduit 66 in a pinching action when
the system 10 is not activated to prevent toothpaste 54 from
inadvertently flowing through the conduit 66. The mechanism which
controls the opening and closing of the jaws 68 is linked to the
motor 42 so that when the motor 42 is activating the driver 40 the
jaws 68 are open, and when the motor 42 stops the jaws 68 close.
Springs 70 are used to bias the jaws 68 in an open position when
the motor 42 is running.
[0031] The cover 20 has cut-out portion 72 into which is inserted a
preferably digital alarm clock 74 which includes an LCD display 76,
reset and control buttons 78, and a translucent cover 80 having
apertures 82 through which the buttons 78 extend. The clock 74
preferably also includes a timer which alarms when
dentist-recommended brushing time has elapsed. The timer can be set
by one of the control buttons 78, or automatically set when a
toothbrush 46 activates the system 10. In simpler models of the
system 10, a decorative plate 84 is inserted into the cover cut-out
72. The cover 20 also includes indentations 86 which act as
finger-holds to facilitate unhinging of the cover 20 from the base
18. The cover 20 may be latched to the base 18, in which case a
latch-release button 88 is provided through the cover 20.
[0032] The system 10 further includes a foot 90 attachable to the
base 18 for supporting the system 10 on a horizontal surface, such
as the top of a counter. The foot 90 separates into an upper
vertical portion 92 and a lower horizontal portion 94 into which
batteries 96 are inserted. The foot 90 includes electrodes 98 which
contact the batteries 96 and transfer power to the motor 42 and
circuitry 48. Foot stabilizers 100, usually in the form of suction
cups, prevent the system 10 from sliding or falling over on the
counter.
[0033] A wall mount 102 is attachable to the rear of the base 18
for supporting the system 10 on a vertical surface, such as a wall.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the wall mount 102 includes recesses 104
which rest upon vertical supports, such as nails, which extend from
the wall. Either the foot 90 or the wall mount 102 may include a
toothbrush holder 106 for conveniently storing toothbrushes 46 in
an aesthetically pleasing manner near the dispensing system 10. As
can be seen in the drawings, the toothbrush holder 106 can take
many forms. For example, in FIG. 1, the toothbrush holder 106 clips
onto the vertical portion of the foot 92. In FIGS. 2-4, the
toothbrush holders 106 extend upwardly from the lower portion of
the foot 94. In FIG. 5, the toothbrush holder 106 is attached to or
formed with the base 18 and is fan-shaped, having guides 108 and
resting ledges 110 which support the inserted toothbrushes 46.
[0034] A second embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5 and generally
includes the same features and components as system 10 of FIGS.
1-4, except that instead of using batteries 96 as a power source,
the system 12 utilizes an electrical plug 112 extending from the
base 18 for electrical connection by insertion into a wall socket
114. The electrical plug 114 is electrically connected to the
electronic circuitry 48 and motor 42 of the controller 44 and
driver 40. The electrical plug 112, when inserted into the wall
socket 114, also acts to vertically support the system 12 on the
wall.
[0035] A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG.
6. An aperture 116 sized to allow passage of the modified base 18
is cut into a wall 118. The base 18 includes tabs 120 having
apertures 122 through which screws 124 or the like can be inserted
and driven into an internal support structure 126, such as an
internal beam or two-by-four, for secure attachment. Electrical
leads 128 extend from the base 18 for connection to the internal
wiring of the wall 118. The base 18 also includes projections 130
which frictionally fit over a surrounding molding 132 of the
modified cover 20. The molding 132 extends into the wall 118 and
lies flush with the wall 118 to conceal the wall aperture 116 and
give the system 14 an aesthetically pleasing look. Although not
illustrated, the system 14 contains the same essential components
(such as the presser 28, track 32, driver 40, controller 44 etc.)
as the previously described systems 10 and 12 and operates in the
same manner. Although this system 14 is more difficult to install,
use of this system 14 is advantageous as there is no need for the
user to replace batteries 96 and the system 14 does not occupy
counter space nor does it protrude from the wall 118.
[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a particularly
preferred 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 systems 10-14 of
the present invention, that the toothpaste tube 26 begins to
collapse upon itself and lose structural integrity when one-third
to one half of the toothpaste in the toothpaste tube 26 has been
dispensed. This collapsing action can interfere with the pressers
28 and disrupt the operation of the system 10-14. Accordingly,
there has been devised a flexible boot 134 for use in this system
15. The boot 134 is comprised of a flexible material, such as
silicone, which can be compressed by the rollers 36 to dispense
toothpaste from the toothpaste tube 26 residing within the boot 134
in a controlled manner while preventing the collapse of the
toothpaste tube 26. The flexible boot 134 defines a flexible
toothpaste tube-receiving cavity into which the toothpaste tube 26
is inserted. Preferably, the flexible boot 134 includes a slit 136
or other passageway extending through an end of the flexible boot
134 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the toothpaste tube
26. Sleeves 138 are formed in the flexible boot 134 at one end
which are configured so as to receive pins 140 associated with the
base 18. The pins 140 hold the flexible boot 134 in place and serve
to open and close the slit 136 as will be described more fully
herein. Preferably, the slit 136 includes a rounded cut-out portion
142 which acts as a tear resistant feature of the slit 136.
[0037] A nozzle 142 is formed at an end of the flexible boot 134
generally opposite the sleeves 138. The orifice 24 of the base 18
is configured so as to accept the nozzle 142 therethrough. The
nozzle 142 preferably includes protruding retainers 144 which are
insertable between the base 18 and a controller assembly 146 to
further secure and hold in place the flexible boot 134.
[0038] The controller assembly 146 includes a controller in the
form of a guide shaft 148 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, the controller assembly 146 includes a pair of
jaws 150 which are biased in the closed position so as to crimp
upon and close the nozzle 142 during non-operation of the system
15, but are movable into the open position when guide shaft 148 is
actuated, such as by pressing a toothbrush 46 into contact with the
guide shaft 148. The controller assembly 146 is attached to the
bottom of the base 18 so that the guide shaft 148 underlies nozzle
142. In this fashion, when a toothbrush 46 is engaged with the
guide shaft 148 to activate the driver 152, the bristles of the
toothbrush 46 are positioned directly underneath nozzle 142.
[0039] Upon being actuated, the guide shaft 148 activates the
driver 152 which in turn causes a worm gear 154 to rotate in the
desired direction. The rollers 36 are attached to a roller retainer
plate 156 movably attached to the worm gear 154 on the back side of
the base 18. The rollers 36 include guide gears 158 which engage a
track 160 to maintain constant pressure and alignment of the
rollers 36 over the boot 134. As a roller retainer plate 156 moves
downwardly on the worm gear 154, the rollers 36 compress opposing
sides of the flexible boot 134, as well as the contents of the
toothpaste tube 26, to cause toothpaste to exit through the nozzle
142. The amount of toothpaste delivered may be controlled by
pre-setting the volume control dial 62, or by using a timer as
disclosed above. Such a timer would be an integral part of the
printed circuit board 48 which would disrupt power to the driver
152 after a predetermined set time period.
[0040] As the rollers 36 approach the nozzle 142 of the flexible
boot 134, the roller retainer plate 156 will approach the base of
the worm gear 154, and the roller gears 158 will approach the end
of the guide track 160. The toothpaste tube 26 will be
substantially emptied at this point, and the rollers 36 can be
returned to their upmost position. Preferably, the system 15
includes a presser return switch linked to the driver 152 which
returns the rollers 136 to the upmost position and releases the
rollers 36 from the flexible boot 134. As can be seen in FIG. 7,
the track 160 diverges at its uppermost end so that the rollers 36
are disengaged from the outer surface of boot 134. As this occurs,
a wedge-shaped portion 162 of the retainer plate 156 comes into
contact with the ends of the pins 140 protruding through the
backside of the base 18 to push the pins 140 away from one another
and stretch springs 164 which serve to bias the pins 140 into a
closed position. As will be appreciated by the reader, when the
pins 140 are pushed away from one another, the sleeves 138 of the
flexible boot 134 are also moved away from one another to open the
slit 136. This facilitates the removal of the exhausted toothpaste
tube 26 and the insertion of a new toothpaste tube into the cavity
of the flexible boot 134.
[0041] The system 15 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 can include
the cover 20, foot 90 for supporting the system in an upright
position when placed on a horizontal surface, a wall mount fixture
102 for supporting the system 15 on a vertical surface, or it may
even be incorporated into the internal wall system 14 as
illustrated in FIG. 6. In any event, the use of the flexible boot
134 allows any size toothpaste tube 26 to be inserted therein and
dispensed of toothpaste without collapse or crimping of the
toothpaste tube 26.
[0042] In use, batteries 96 are inserted into the foot 90 of the
system 10, the system 12 is plugged into a wall socket 114, or the
system 14 is installed onto the wall 18 in order to provide power
to the system. A volume dispensing dial 62 is adjusted so that the
systems 10-15 will administer the desired amount of toothpaste 54.
The cover 20 is opened and a toothpaste tube 26 is inserted into
the base with the open outlet resting in the orifice 24 and the
closed end 34 inserted between the presser 28 and into the clip 58
of the adjusted platform 56, or into the flexible boot 134. When a
toothbrush 46 is placed under the orifice 24, the controller 44 or
148 activates the motor 42 and driver 40 or 152 to move the presser
28 a predetermined distance down the track 32 or 160. In the event
the timer of the alarm clock 74 is set, the timer alarms when the
dentist-recommended brushing time has expired.
[0043] As can be appreciated by the reader, with the exception of
inserting the toothpaste tube 26 into the housing cavity 22, there
is no need to touch the systems 10-15 for the dispensing of
toothpaste 54. The systems 10-15 accurately dispense approximately
the same amount of toothpaste 54 every time the systems 10-15 are
activated.
[0044] 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.
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