ORAL CARE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to an oral care assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

The history of the toothbrush dates back thousands of years, to the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians. Today, toothbrushes can be found in many shapes and sizes. While the bristles are usually made of nylon, the softness of the bristles can vary widely, depending on the customer's preferences. The length of the handle and the materials from which the handle is made can also both vary according to customer wants and needs. More recent designs also include cordless, battery-powered motorized toothbrushes as well.

Portable motorized toothbrushes have made today's on-the-go lifestyle easier for frequent travelers, commuters, and busy parents alike. In addition, many people have prescription or over-the-counter medications or other consumables that they wish to also take with them when they are away from their home for work or leisure. Having to pack so many small items creates many problems, the most common of which is limited space when it comes to travel, shipping, or storing these items. In addition, when packing many small items such as toothbrushes and pill bottles or small candy cases, there is an increased chance that these smaller items will be misplaced or lost altogether—which can be a critical issue for some people in terms of their hygiene and their health.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the aforementioned needs, embodiments of the present disclosure proved a detachable cordless toothbrush assembly and pill dispenser device that function as separate modules and join together to create a single, small, travel—and storage-friendly compact unit. The head of the cordless toothbrush may be inverted downward into the device to achieve this small size and easy storage presentation.

By combining the portable motorized toothbrush with a travel and storage container for pills and other consumables, embodiments of the present disclosure helps to alleviate many concerns and inconveniences for travelers and commuters in today's on-the-go world. Its compact size also makes storage of items more convenient.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide for a single device that comprises at least two units, a motorized toothbrush unit in its collapsed position joined to a second unit that is a medication or consumables dispensing unit.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide that the two units are separated at the securement member junctions, and the medical or consumables dispensing unit is engaged for use.

In another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide that the two units are separated at the securement member junctions, the toothbrush head is lifted into its full extended position, and the toothbrush is used as a manual or motorized device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Sample embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description, are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1A (FIG. 1A) is a perspective view of an oral care assembly unit together with a dispenser unit, with both units connected to form a single device.

FIG. 1B (FIG. 1B) is a perspective view of the oral care assembly unit and the dispenser unit, with the two units separated.

FIG. 2A (FIG. 2A) is an exploded perspective view of the interior components of the oral care assembly unit.

FIG. 2B (FIG. 2B) is an exploded perspective view of the interior components of the dispenser unit.

FIG. 3A (FIG. 3A) is perspective view of the two units from above the device, where the units are attached to each other, with the toothbrush head retracted in its storage position.

FIG. 3B (FIG. 3B) is bottom perspective view of the two units from below the device, where the units are attached to each other, with the toothbrush head retracted in its storage position.

FIG. 3C (FIG. 3C) is a side elevation view of the device, where the units are attached to each other, with the toothbrush head retracted in its storage position.

FIG. 3D (FIG. 3D) is a front elevation view of the consumables dispensing unit.

FIG. 4A (FIG. 4A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toothbrush unit with the toothbrush head in its fully extended upright presentation for use as a toothbrush.

FIG. 4B (FIG. 4B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toothbrush unit showing the rotation of the toothbrush head at approximately 45° between its fully extended and collapsed presentations.

FIG. 4C (FIG. 4C) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toothbrush unit showing the toothbrush head it is collapsed position.

FIG. 4D (FIG. 4D) is an exploded vertical cross-sectional view of the toothbrush unit showing the toothbrush head detached from the main body of the toothbrush unit.

FIG. 5 (FIG. 5) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser unit.

FIG. 6 (FIG. 6) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser unit with the consumables sleeve mechanism extended to present the medication or consumable to the user at the top of the column.

FIG. 7A (FIG. 7A) is an operational side elevation view of the dispenser unit that illustrates the dispensing presentation.

FIG. 7B (FIG. 7B) is the same view as FIG. 7A but showing the interior cross-section of the dispenser unit.

FIG. 8A (FIG. 8A) is an operational vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser unit with an alternative front-loading consumables sleeve.

FIG. 8B (FIG. 8B) is an operational vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser unit with a top-loading consumables sleeve for compact medications or consumables.

FIG. 8C (FIG. 8C) is an operational vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser unit with a top-loading consumables sleeve for larger or oddly-shaped medications or consumables.

FIG. 8D (FIG. 8D) is an operational vertical cross-sectional view of the dispenser unit with a top-loading consumables sleeve for square or other compact medicines or consumables.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A new oral care assembly unit 103 of the present disclosure is depicted throughout FIGS. 1A-8D. This oral care assembly unit 103 is a new way to keep a toothbrush compact for ease of storage, good hygiene, and especially travel and to also keep track of the consumables dispenser which may dispense pills or medications, as well as a wide variety of other consumables to the user at the press of a button. Keeping these two devices connected as a single unit and collapsed as shown in FIG. 3 decreases the risk of loss or exposure of the oral cavity to germs during and after travel and storage.

FIG. 1 depicts that the oral care assembly unit 103 includes at least two modules: a first module 101, which may be referred to as a toothbrush module 101, and a second module 102, which may be referred to as a dispenser module 102 for dispensing consumables. The toothbrush module 101 may be moveable or convertible between at least two positions. Toothbrush module 101 may be moveable between a collapsed position (as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B) and a deployed, extended, or fully upright position (as shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4A). When the toothbrush module 101 is in the collapsed position, the collapsed position or orientation assists with easy carrying, travel, and storage, as shown more fully in FIG. 3. The two modules, toothbrush module 101 and dispenser module 102, may be selectively connected and carried as a single unit 103, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Additionally, the two modules, toothbrush module 101 and dispenser module 102, may be selectively disconnected and used independently as shown in FIG. 1B. Either module could be engaged and used while the two modules are joined as a single unit 103.

FIG. 1B depicts the toothbrush module 101 in its deployed or fully upright position. The toothbrush module 101 has a top end 1D spaced apart from a bottom end 1H defining a vertical or first direction therebetween, a front surface 1G1 opposite a rear end 1G2 defining a transverse direction or second direction therebetween, and a first side 1E1 opposite a second side 1E2 defining a lateral or third direction therebetween. In one embodiment, the vertical direction, the transverse direction, and the lateral direction are orthogonal to each other.

The toothbrush head 1 defines the top or upper end of toothbrush module 101 in the deployed or fully upright position. The shape of this toothbrush head 1 is defined by the top end 1D, first side 1E1 and second side 1E2, as well as a front-facing surface 1G1 and a rear-facing surface 1G2. The first side 1E1 and the second side 1E2 extend vertically downward from top end 1D to the lower end 1H of head 1. The front-facing surface 1G1 and a rear-facing surface 1G2 extend vertically downward from top end 1D to a lower end 1H of head 1. The lower end 1H has a greater or wider dimension relative to the top end 1D. As such, a neck 1J is defined near the lower end 1H of the head 1.

As with most toothbrush designs and models, the toothbrush head 1 has bristles 1A that may be composed of a variety of different natural and synthetic materials, as the user or manufacturer wishes. Bristles 1A extend outwardly in a cantilevered manner to free terminal ends. Bristles 1A are located toward the top end 1D of the head 1. While described in the generic form herein, this toothbrush head 1 may be replaced by any brand or design of toothbrush head to fit the device without violating the spirit of the present disclosure.

In one exemplary embodiment, first side 1E1 includes or defines at least one groove 1B. Groove 1B can be embodied as a short slot or depression that is located below the bristles 1A relative to the vertical direction. The groove 1B can have a length that is aligned in the vertical or first direction and a width that is aligned in the lateral or third direction. The groove may have dimension measured in the first direction that is greater than its dimension measured in the third direction. The groove helps to aid in the user's grip when raising the toothbrush head 1 into its full upright position and lowering the toothbrush head 1 into its fully collapsed position. Any type of alteration of the surface (either raised or lowered) of the sides 1E could be used to aid the user in this action without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, instead of a groove 1B, there may be a raised detent, protrusion or rib that is located below the bristles 1A relative to the vertical direction. The detent, protrusion or rib can have a length that is aligned in the vertical or first direction and a width that is aligned in the lateral or third direction. The detent, protrusion or rib may have dimension measured in the first direction that is greater than its dimension measured in the third direction. The detent, protrusion or rib helps to aid in the user's grip when raising the toothbrush head 1 into its full upright position and lowering the toothbrush head 1 into its fully collapsed position. Additionally, it Is possible for the groove 1B, detent, protrusion or rib to be located above or at equal height with bristles 1A. Further alternatively, the groove 1B, detent, protrusion, or rib could be located on or extend from either of the front surface 1G1 or rear surface 1G2, either above or below the bristles 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts that the bottom end 1H of toothbrush head 1 defines an aperture 1F. The aperture 1F is in open communication with a bore that extends vertically upward from the bottom end 1H into the body of the head 1. The shape of the bore is complementary to anchoring component 2B, discussed below. The bore within the body of head 1 may extend adjacent or beyond the neck 1J of the head 1. As such, the shape of the bore may account for the widened lower end 1H, the neck 1J, and the narrower upper portion of the head 1 defined between the front surface 1G1 and rear surface 1G2. Within the bore, and interior the body of the head 1, there may be a first securement member 1C. In one embodiment, the first securement member 1C is a magnet, however the securement member 1C may be any component that effectuates a releasable connection of the head 1 to the pivoting base 2 (described below).

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the toothbrush module 101 includes a base 2 that pivots as described herein. Base 2 is configured to releasably connect with toothbrush head 1. Accordingly, head 1 may be replaced after bristles 1A have worn or if replacement with another brand or style of toothbrush head is desired by the user. Base 2 includes a second securement member 2A, anchoring component or anchor 2B, and a bottom component 2C. The anchor 2B is shaped or configured as or similar to an elongated plate that extends upward from the bottom component 2C to an upper terminal end. In one embodiment, the upper terminal end 2G of anchor 2B is rounded or curved. The rounded or curved configuration of the upper terminal end 2G of the anchor 2B assists with inserting through the aperture 1F and into the bore formed within the body of head 1. The anchor 2B extends downward from the curved or rounded upper end downwardly toward the base component 2C. The lower end of the anchor 2B is widened relative to the upper end. In the widened lower end of the anchor 2B is formed a depression or hole that receives the second securement member 2A. In one embodiment, the hole and second securement member 2A are both centrally located. The widened lower end of the anchor 2B and the second securement member 2A are located vertically above the base component 2C when the toothbrush module 101 is in its deployed or fully upright position.

As stated previously, the toothbrush head 1 releasably connects with the base 2. When connected, anchor 2B of pivoting base head 2 fits within the bore on head 1. This top anchoring component 2B contains the second securement member 2A that complements the first securement member 1C located in the interior space or bore of the toothbrush head 1. The interior cavity or bore of the toothbrush head 1 is defined by the space occupied by this top anchoring component 2B via the opening 1F, as well as by the inclusion of first securement member 1C, which in the present embodiment is contemplated to be a magnet, as previously mentioned. Any type of other magnetic or mechanical securement member may be used as securement members 1C and 2A without violating the spirit of the present disclosure.

The first securement member 1C aligns with the second securement member 2A of the pivoting base head 2. These securement members may function in mechanical or magnetic ways that differ from that shown in the present disclosure, but their overall function is to keep the toothbrush head 1 secured to and aligned with the necessary components of the pivoting base head's top anchoring component 2B, even when the motorized component of the toothbrush module 101 is in use.

With continued reference to base 2, the bottom component 2C has a front surface 2C1 and a rear surface 2C2, and a first side 2C3 and second side 2C4. The front surface 2C1 may be convexly curved between the first side 2C3 and the second side 2C4, however it is possible for the front surface 2C1 to be flat and planar. A ledge 2B1 may be formed at the top or near the upper end of the bottom component 2C. The ledge 2B1 receives or contacts the lower end 1H of the head when the head 1 is connected base 2. Anchor 2B extends upward from the ledge 2B1.

Base 2 may be formed or cast as a single piece of plastic or other synthetic material. However, the base 2 may also be assembled from separate components that connect together. In either case, the bottom component 2C has an axis 2D around which the toothbrush head 1 and the pivoting base 2 rotate for storage of the toothbrush module 101 in the collapsed position.

The first side 2C3 of the bottom component 2C defines a depression or cutout that extends in the transverse or second direction. A stub axle 2E is located within the depression and extends in the lateral direction. The stub axle 2E defines a pivot axis 2D for the base 2 and the toothbrush head 1 to pivot. More particularly, when the toothbrush head 1 is connected to the base, they pivot together about the pivot axis 2D defined by stub axle 2E.

Located within the cutout or depression 2F of the bottom component of the pivoting base 2C, and circumscribing the stub axle 2E are parts that will help rotate and stabilize the toothbrush head 1 as it rotates between the fully upright toothbrush position and the collapsed toothbrush position about axis 2D. Starting with the parts closest to the exterior of the pivoting base housing 7, there is a right pivot lock 3 and a left pivot lock 6. Moving toward the interior and along pivoting base head axis 2D, there is a right pivot spring 4 and a left pivot spring 5, as displayed in FIG. 2A. The right pivot spring 4 and the left pivot spring 5 are shown in FIG. 2A as being torsion springs in the present embodiment but could also be any other type of spring. Additionally, the pivot locks 3 and 6 and springs 4 and 5 are a generic mechanism shown in the present embodiment for illustrative purposes, that can include any type or style of components that assist, bias, and/or lock the toothbrush head 1 into its fully upright position as shown in FIG. 1A and also in its collapsed position as shown in FIG. 3.

Toothbrush module 101 further comprises a housing 7. Housing 7 may also be referred to as a pivoting base housing 7. Housing 7 includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, a side, a front end, and a rear end. The housing 7 may be generally C-shaped when viewed from above. Stated otherwise, a vertically aligned slot 7A is defined between spaced apart vertical edges 7B defining the slot 7A therebetween. The slot is sized to accommodate the movement of the head 1 through the slot as the head 1 pivots between the collapsed position and the deployed or fully upright position.

On the interior surface of the housing 7 is a receiver 7C that is shaped complementary to stub axle 2E on the base 2. In one embodiment, receiver 7C may be a hook-shaped member that extends inwardly in a cantilevered manner from an inner surface of the side of the housing 7. Receiver 7C is configured to support the stub axle 2E in a pivoting connection or operative interaction. The receiver 7C is located more central than the slot 7A so as to position the pivot axis 2D centrally through the housing 7 when base 2 is connected to housing 7 via receiver 7C being operatively connected to stub axle 2E.

The pivoting base 2 and its attendant internal components, such as springs 3, 6 and locks 4, 5 are covered by the pivoting base housing 7, as illustrated in FIG. 2A and demonstrated more fully in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 4D. While these pieces are described separately herein, it is possible that they may be manufactured or cast as a single piece by the manufacturer of the product without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Toothbrush module 101 further includes a handle 8. The handle includes a top end 8B opposite a bottom end 8C, a first side 8D opposite a second side 8E, and a front-facing surface 8F opposite a rear-facing surface 8G. The handle housing 8 connects with pivoting base housing 7. More particularly, the top end 8B of the handle is operatively connected to the bottom end of the housing 7 by a lug 8A, which is raised above the top surface of the handle housing 8B and designed to fit securely or snap into the interior space of the pivoting base housing 7. Handle 8 may comprise a first side section 8D and a second side section 8E that selectively join together to form the assembled handle 8. When the first side section 8D and the second side section 8E are joined together, then meet along a vertically aligned seam or union and define an interior space of volume therein within which components of the handle are housed. It is also possible that a manufacturer may produce the exterior surface of the handle housing 8 as a single piece of plastic or other synthetic material without violating the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the toothbrush module 101 is a powered toothbrush that is configured to vibrate or otherwise agitate the bristles 1A on the head 1 of the toothbrush. As such, this exemplary embodiment enables the handle 8 of the toothbrush module 101 to function as a housing for the component parts of the toothbrush motor or vibramotor 12 (i.e., a vibrating motor or vibrator), a battery (which may be rechargeable or single-use) that powers the motor or vibramotor 12, as well as a purpose-built storage space 14 for the toothbrush module in its collapsed position.

This handle housing 8 features a top lug 8A that fits securely into the interior cavity or bottom end 7D of the pivoting base housing 7. The lug 8A may be positioned offset to one side from the portions of the cavity of the base housing 7 that is occupied by the pivoting and locking mechanism components as described, to affix the handle 8 and the base housing 7 together. In one embodiment, handle housing 8 is formed from plastic or resin material with which the other exterior components of the toothbrush module 1 are made. Its exterior facing sides 8C may be straight, diagonal, slightly curved, or otherwise, as to the preference of the manufacturer, without deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Approximately halfway between the top end 8B and the bottom end 8C of the handle 8, on the exterior-facing side of the handle housing 8, there is a button switch 9 that controls the interior motor 12 that powers the vibrating action of the toothbrush head 1, as shown in FIG. 1A. Button switch 9 is in operative electrical communication with vibramotor or motor 12 and the power source, such as battery 12B, to change the operational state of the motor between off and on. This location of button 9 does not necessarily need to have this precise physical orientation in all finished products; rather, it may be moved to accommodate functional needs or ergonomic or ornamental designs. Additionally, the device that turns on or turns off the motor does not need to be a button. Rather, a throw switch may be utilized in lieu of the button switch 9. Further alternatively, any other type of switch can be used that is in operative electrical communication with the vibramotor or motor 12 to effectuate switching the motor between its on-state and its off-state.

Storage space 14 may be located vertically below the button switch 9 on the exterior of the handle housing 8. As such, when the toothbrush module is not in use and the toothbrush head 1 is collapsed into its storage position, as shown in FIG. 3 and in cross-section in FIG. 4C, the control button switch 9 is obscured from view and shielded from outside interaction (i.e., covered) by the toothbrush head 1 and the toothbrush bristles 1A, as shown in FIG. 4C. This feature guards against unintentional engagement of the motor 12 while traveling, handling, or storing the device.

The lower portion of handle housing 8 features a toothbrush head backstop partition 11. This partition 11 acts as a wall that bounds and defines the outward-facing side of the toothbrush module 101 when the module is in its upright position for use of the device. When the toothbrush head 1 is rotated downward into its collapsed position 103, this partition 11 separates a toothbrush storage cavity 14 of the handle housing 8 from the interior components of the battery and motor apparatus. The toothbrush storage cavity 14 is open to the outside world when the toothbrush module is in its fully upright position 101. When in the collapsed position, this cavity's volume is defined by the presence of the toothbrush head 1, including the toothbrush bristles 1A, which will constitute the bulk of this volume, and the exterior dimension of the toothbrush module will be defined by the rear-facing surface 1G2 of the toothbrush head 1.

The bottom of the handle housing 8 features a battery door 10 that may be removed for easy replacement of the battery 12B that will supply the power for the action of the motor 12. Alternatively, if battery 12B is a rechargeable battery, the door 10 may be absent and there by a charging port on the bottom of housing 8 instead. The battery 12B rests with its positive end on this terminal relay 12D, which may be attached or affixed to the battery door 10 itself. Directly above the battery's negative terminal is negative terminal relay 12A. Positioned adjacent to this negative terminal relay 12A is the motor 12. The motor 12 is connected to a circuit board 12C, which, together with the battery and attendant relays, comprise the majority of the interior cavity 13 of the handle housing 8.

As previously discussed, the toothbrush head 1 is collapsible. This collapsing action is achieved by rotating the toothbrush head 1 and the pivoting base housing 7 around the pivoting base head axis 2D, as shown in action in cross-sectional view at a 45° angle in FIG. 4B. Once the rotation has moved or pivoted about 180° about the pivot axis 2D from the starting point of the upright toothbrush position, the toothbrush head 1 comes to rest in the interior cavity of the handle housing 8, as shown in cross-section in FIG. 4C. Namely, the bristles 1A are stored within storage space 14 and the front surface 1G1 is positioned closely adjacent and covers button switch 9.

Still referring to FIG. 4C, the toothbrush module 101 is shown in the collapsed position. In this collapsed position, the toothbrush bristles 1A are facing the interior of the device, as shown in FIG. 4C. The rotation of toothbrush head 1 has been halted by the toothbrush backstop partition 11, as shown in FIG. 4C. This toothbrush backstop partition 11 is more fully visible in FIG. 2A, where it is shown that this is simply a piece of plastic or other material built into the handle housing 8 against which the toothbrush head 1 and toothbrush bristles 1A come to a rest. This prevents a full 360° rotation of the toothbrush head 1 and the pivoting base housing 7 around the pivoting base head axis 2D and fully stops the toothbrush head 1's rotation after about 180° from the fully upright position 101.

Storage of the toothbrush module 101 in the collapsed position accomplishes several goals. The first of these is the secure storage of the module 101 either separately or affixed to the dispenser module 102. If joined, the two modules 101, 102 are designed to take up the smallest possible space for storage and travel purposes. In addition, by joining two such smaller devices into one unit as is seen in FIG. 1 et seq., most travelers are less likely to misplace the unit than they would be to misplace each single device.

The storage of the toothbrush module 101 in the collapsed position may also achieve a hygienic purpose, by positioning the toothbrush bristles 1A facing the enclosed interior of the handle housing 8 and thus shielding the toothbrush bristles 1A from contamination with outside bacteria, viruses, or other phages or compounds that might induce illness if introduced to the human oral cavity. In the collapsed position, the toothbrush module 101 is secured in the present embodiment by the right pivot lock 3 and the left pivot lock 6.

While the mechanism inside of the pivoting base housing 7 in the present embodiment is comprised of a right pivot lock 3, right spring 4, left spring 5, the left pivot lock 6, it is understood that these particular members could be replaced in the design of the toothbrush module by any members that secure the toothbrush head 1 in its upright position but that also allow for the lowering of toothbrush head 1 to rotate into its collapsed position as shown in FIG. 3 and further described herein.

It is noted that any brand or variety of toothbrush head may be modified to fit onto the toothbrush module 101 for use with the motorized toothbrush. Modifications to such designs of other manufacturers' toothbrush heads must of course be made to secure the toothbrush head 1 to the pivoting base head 2 for use with the present embodiment. These options are all contemplated and included within this disclosure as potential avenues for modification by manufacturers and licensees in the future.

While the present embodiment of the toothbrush module 101 as disclosed herein describes a collapsible toothbrush that is designed to be raised and lowered by a user's hand, it is also contemplated that this action may be accomplished by an electrical control and apparatus to be included within the present design.

As presently illustrated, the raising and lowering of the toothbrush head 1 is accomplished by the user's manual actions. To raise the toothbrush head 1 from its collapsed position, the user must simply grip the toothbrush head 1 at the grip groove 1B or other designated surface area as preferred by the manufacturer, and then manipulate the toothbrush head 1 and manually raise it into the fully upright position as shown in FIG. 1 et seq.

After the toothbrush module 101 is in its fully right position, the user then engages the internal motor 12 by pressing the button switch 9 on the exterior-facing side of the toothbrush module 101 as shown in FIG. 1B. This button engages the internal circuitry 12C that is powered by the battery 12B that is located within the handle housing 8. Such engagement causes the motor 12 to vibrate the pivoting base head 2 and the toothbrush head 1, to allow the user to then use the device as directed by his or her dentist or as is commonly used in the field of art.

When the user is finished using the toothbrush as a motorized device, he or she then simply disengages the motor 12 by again engaging the button switch 9 that then stops the electrical current flowing from the battery 12B to the motor-controlling circuitry 12C and thus, the motor 12 ceases to function. The toothbrush module 101 may then be reset to its collapsed form 103 for hygiene, storage, and/or travel purposes.

In its present form, it is contemplated that the motorized action of the toothbrush module will be powered by existing circuitry and disposable or rechargeable/reusable battery technology. As previously discussed, the circuitry will be located on the interior side of the handle housing 8, as illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 4C. As can be seen in FIG. 4C's cross-sectional view, when the toothbrush module is in its collapsed position, the front-facing surface 1G1 of the toothbrush head 1 rests parallel to the toothbrush backstop partition 11, which in turn keeps the toothbrush head 1 from touching the circuit board 12C. Of course, this circuit board 12C may be modified or even relocated within the interior cavity of the handle housing 8, as required or necessitated by the design or manufacture of a particular embodiment of the device deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure.

If the battery is a replaceable battery, the battery will be able to be removed and reinserted via the battery door 10 located on the bottom or downward-facing side of the handle housing 8, as illustrated more fully in FIG. 3B. This battery is displayed in the present embodiment to be a standard AA 1.5V disposable battery, but any type or style of battery may be used to power the motorized action of the toothbrush module 101 as desired by a particular manufacturer. Indeed, if the battery selected for inclusion and use with the device is not disposable but is instead given a fixed position within the handle housing 8, the battery door 10 may be removed from the design altogether.

The second module of the oral care assembly device is the dispenser module 102 for a plurality of consumables, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1n more detail in cross-sectional view in FIG. 5. The dispenser module 102 has a top end 36 spaced apart from a bottom end 37 defining a vertical or first direction therebetween, a front surface 34 opposite a rear-facing surface 35 defining a transverse direction or second direction therebetween, and a first side 38A opposite a second side 38B defining a lateral direction therebetween. In one embodiment, the vertical direction, the transverse direction, and the lateral direction are orthogonal to each other.

In one embodiment, the rear-facing surface 35 is complementary to the rear-facing surface 1G2 of the toothbrush module 101, discussed above, such that module 101 and module 102 are configured to fit together back-to-back. Within the housing components of each of these modules, the toothbrush module 101 and the dispenser module 102, there are additional securement members 15 and 27, respectively, presently contemplated and displayed in FIG. 2A as magnets that secure the two modules together for easy storage and/or travel. An alternative embodiment of the present design could include these securement members 15 and 27 as being any components that create and effectuate a releasable connection between the toothbrush module 101 and the dispenser module 102. For example, corresponding male-to-female mechanical connections can be used to connect module 101 and module 102.

In the present embodiment, the exterior housing of the dispenser module 102 includes at least two components, namely, a top dispenser housing 25 and a lower dispenser housing 32, as shown more fully in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, these housing pieces 25 and 32 may be formed or cast as two horizontally complementary pieces that secure together at a vertical line intersection, or as a single piece of plastic or other synthetic material, thereby making up the outer dispenser housing 37. However, in the present embodiment disclosed and discussed herein, these housing components are displayed as separate components that connect together. One exemplary feature of the housing pieces of the dispenser module 102 is that they complement and are designed to connect to the corresponding pieces of the toothbrush module 101 to join the entire oral care assembly 103 as a single unit.

In the present embodiment, the top dispenser housing 25 and the lower dispenser housing 32 have at least four vertical sides 34, 35, 38A, and 38B. On the top dispenser housing 25, the lateral sides 38A and 38B are longer in width than their corresponding sides on the lower dispenser housing 32. In one embodiment, the vertical direction, the transverse direction, and the lateral direction of these sides are orthogonal to each other, as shown in FIG. 2B. It is contemplated, however, that the exterior design could include differently oriented or slightly curved sides in place of the more squared-off presentation displayed in the figures herein, as the manufacturer or licensee desires, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The top surface 36 of the dispenser module includes a dispenser door 21 and an aperture 36A defined in a lower depending member 21A that extends downwardly from a lower surface of the door. The aperture in the lower depending member 21A allows for the connection of the dispenser door 21 to rest flush with the rest of the top surface 36, as shown in FIG. 2 and in cross-sectional view in FIG. 6. This door 21 occupies at least most of the top surface 36 in the present embodiment, but may, of course, vary in design and presentation, perhaps not even being located on the top surface 36 at all, depending on the ergonomic and/or ornamental design needs of the manufacturer or licensee. All of these alternative embodiments are contemplated within this disclosure.

In the present embodiment, the top dispenser door 21 is operably connected to a consumables sleeve 22 and a latch control mechanism 23 by the lower depending member 21A. The top portion of the consumables sleeve 22 rests within the interior cavity of the top dispenser housing 25. In addition to this top portion of the consumables sleeve 22, the volume of the top dispenser housing 25 is at least partially occupied by a latch control mechanism 23, that is displayed in the present embodiment to be a simple mechanical release component that allows for the release and opening of the top dispenser door 21, although any type of simple latch mechanism, such as a magnetic hold and release feature, may be employed in the final design of the dispenser module 102.

The top dispenser housing 25 has an open top side 25A located vertically above a bottom end 25B. In one embodiment, the front surface 25C is shown as an arced or curved surface that encompasses approximately 180° of a circle, with both ends touching opposite sides of the flat surface of 25D, to create the D-shape or closed horseshoe shape in the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 et seq.

The consumables sleeve 22 of the present embodiment is depicted with two main sides, the smooth, flat side of 22C and the arced or curved surface of side 22D, roughly mirroring the shape of the top dispenser housing 25, in which interior cavity the top portion of the consumables sleeve 22 rests. While used in the present design, this basic shape of the sleeve 22 may be modified to include more or no flat or straight sides. Similarly, the exact dimensions of the sleeve 22 may vary widely, depending on the nature of the consumables 22A to be inserted and used with the sleeve. It is even contemplated that more than one style of sleeve 22 could be offered to users for their own interchangeability, depending on the users' preferences at any particular time. Varying shapes and sizes of the consumables sleeve 22 are all contemplated for use in the dispenser module 102.

One embodiment of the consumables sleeve 22, as shown in FIG. 2 et seq., shows that the consumables sleeve 22 defines an opening 22B that corresponds to and aligns with the aperture 36A when the consumables sleeve 22 is raised for presentation of a consumable 22A to the user. Like the shape and style of the consumables sleeve 22 itself, this opening 22B for the direct removal of the consumables 22A may vary in shape and size depending on preference. For smaller consumables, such as small pills or tablets, a smaller aperture 22B would be used, but a larger opening would be used for larger consumable products.

The latch control mechanism 23 in the present embodiment at least partially surrounds the interior circumference of the top dispenser housing 25. As with the top dispenser housing 25 and the consumables sleeve 22, the latch control mechanism 23 is also displayed as having a “D” or a closed-horseshoe shape in the present embodiment. The mechanism in the present embodiment is a simple push-to-close latch, but any type or style of latching mechanism may be used in the device design to the manufacturer's or licensee's preference, including magnetic or electronic mechanisms. This latch mechanism 23 is releasably secured to the top dispenser door 21 to hold the door in place when the device is not in use or otherwise engaged for refilling, cleaning, etc. When engaged by the user, the latch control mechanism 23 releases the top dispenser door 21 from its closed position and may further release the entire top dispenser door 21 via the door's depending member 21A from the top dispenser housing 25 entirely to aid in the reloading of consumables 22A into the consumables sleeve 22.

A release or control button or switch 24 is located on the front-facing surface 34 of the top dispenser housing 25, although this button switch 24 could be relocated to any surface on the dispenser housing 25 or 32 without deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure.

The top dispenser door is designed to release from its secure resting and storage position and allow for the opening of the dispenser module in an upward or outward (relative to the interior of the dispenser 102) manner while still being operably connected to the consumables sleeve 22 that is located on the interior of the dispenser module 102, to allow access to the contents of the dispenser when engaged by the user as shown in FIG. 7A. The release mechanism that allows for the opening of the dispenser door 21 of the present embodiment is a simple mechanical release that is controlled by the latch control mechanism 23 that is located on the interior of the top dispenser housing 25 and is operably connected to both the button switch 24 and the top dispenser door 21. FIG. 7A shows this action in process from the fully exterior view, while FIG. 7B shows this action in process from the cross-sectional view of the dispenser module.

As previously mentioned, consumables sleeve 22 rests in the interior cavity of both the top dispenser housing 25 and the dispenser module housing 32, where it takes up the bulk of this volume when it is fully loaded with consumables 22A and in place inside of the dispenser, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The top dispenser door 21 is optionally removable to allow for easier loading and unloading of the consumables into the module. While the consumables sleeve 22 is made of plastic in the present embodiment, this component may be made of alternative materials without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The width and circumference of the consumables sleeve 22 define a majority of the width and circumference of the interior dispenser housing 25 and lower dispenser housing 32 or corresponding alternative pieces as the manufacturer desires, where the length of the consumables sleeve 22 is generally greater than the width of the sleeve but leaves room at the end of the interior cavity of dispenser module 102 opposite the top dispenser door 21 for the additional components of dispenser module 102 as discussed herein. The consumables sleeve 22 includes an opening 22B that allows for the removal of the consumable units 22A from the sleeve one at a time. This opening 22B thus has a width and vertical length that will be determined by the nature of the consumables to be dispensed, as well as the aesthetic and/or ergonomic desires of the manufacturer or licensee. For small pills or other consumables, for example, this opening 22B may be smaller than it would be for larger consumable units. An alternative embodiment to the inclusion of this opening 22B on the consumables sleeve 22 is that the opening 22B is wholly absent from the design and the user simply removes the consumables 22A directly from the consumables sleeve 22 at top of the dispenser module 102 when the dispenser door 21 is open.

The consumables sleeve 22, whether loaded or unloaded, rests atop the consumables pushing shelf 26, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The consumables pushing shelf 26 maintains the generally narrowed or “D” or closed-horseshoe or elongated half-circle shape of the interior of the consumables sleeve 22 and the other parts of the dispenser module 102 with this same general shape. This shape may, of course, be modified by the manufacturer or licensee to tailor to a specific design or aesthetic, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The consumables pushing shelf 26 is located within the interior cavity of the consumables sleeve 22, but the shelf 26 is not attached to the sleeve 22 or its interior sides. Rather, the shelf 26 is designed and sized to fit closely within the consumables sleeve 22 and operate therein. The shelf's boundaries are defined by four lateral sides 26A and a top covering side 26B, which are made of plastic or resin or any other natural or synthetic material. The bottom side of the consumables pushing shelf 26 is open and leads to a cavity 26C that is hollow and in which rests the first constant force spring 28, which in the present embodiment is a flat coil torsion spring but could also include any type or design of constant force spring. The term “constant force spring” is a term of art and is used herein to describe certain types of springs that accomplish the purpose of keeping direct upward pressure on the consumables pushing shelf 26, and does not necessarily imply or require any type of constant force to be applied throughout travel of or engagement of the consumables sleeve 22 or the consumables pushing shelf 26.

Within the interior cavity of the lower dispenser housing 32, the first constant force spring 28 is secured to the top spring housing 29, beneath which rests a second spring 31. The second spring 31 is secured to both the top spring housing 29 and the spring retention base 30. The spring retention base 30 is shown in the present embodiment to be a separate component of the device, but it is possible that this part is omitted from any manufacturer's final design and the second spring 31 is simply secured to the interior side of the bottom dispenser surface 37.

The consumables pushing shelf 26 guides the consumables sleeve 22 upward within the dispenser housing 25, 32 when the user engages the latch control mechanism 23 via the external dispenser button 24, but the shelf 26 is not permanently attached to the consumables sleeve 22 in the present embodiment, allowing for the removal of the consumables sleeve 22 for reloading and reinserting into the dispenser module. The consumables pushing shelf 26 is affixed to the top spring housing 29 so that upon removal of the consumables sleeve 22, the consumables pushing shelf 26 stays in place inside the dispenser module 102 while the user refills the consumables sleeve 22.

Below the first constant force spring 28 rests the assembly for the second constant force spring 31. This second spring 31 transfers pressure in an upward direction or an outward direction relative to the interior of the dispenser module 102, via the top spring housing 29 and first constant force spring 28 to the consumables pushing shelf 26, which in turn guides the consumables sleeve 22 upward or outward toward the top dispenser door 21 to present a single consumable at a time to the user when the latch control mechanism 23 is activated but the external dispenser button 24.

Having described the structure and basic function of the dispenser module 102 and the various components and connections therein, the methods of loading the consumables into the dispenser module for use will now be described.

The consumables themselves may encompass a multitude of shapes and in various quantities, depending on the user's preference. The various embodiments of consumables are loaded into the module by way of the consumables sleeve 22, as shown in FIG. 8. The consumable products 22A to be loaded and used with the consumables sleeve 22 are contemplated to encompass a variety of options, depending again on the user's preference and the shape or quantity of the consumables, as shown in cross-sectional view in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8A shows one embodiment of the dispenser module 102 whereby the consumables sleeve 22 is removed and loaded from the front of the device. Despite not being a top-loading approach to the dispenser module 102, the fitting together of the interior units of the dispenser module 102 is unchanged from the top-loading approach to the consumables sleeve 22, whereby the consumables sleeve still rests atop the consumables pushing shelf 26, and the function of the various internal components of the dispenser module 102 remain unchanged.

FIGS. 8B-D illustrate other various possible embodiments of the consumable product units 22A themselves. The consumables 22A may have a compact shape as in FIG. 8B, or a more rounded and larger shape such as FIG. 8C, or they may have a square, cube, and/or other shape as shown in FIG. 8D. All of these various shapes are alternative embodiments of the design that are contemplated to fit inside of the consumables sleeve 22 to be stored and delivered to the user by the dispenser module in the same manner when the external control button 24 is engaged and releases the latch control component 23.

To release one of the consumables at a time (or more, if the user desires), the user presses the button or engages the switch 24. This button switch 24 then releases the mechanical, magnetic, or other hold of the latch mechanism 23, which in turns releases its grip on the top dispenser door 21, allowing the dispenser door 21 to open in an outward fashion. The consumables pushing shelf 26 and the constant force springs 28 and 31 below that, then raises the consumables sleeve 22 through the aperture 36A, where the consumables 22A are made available to the user for removal from the consumables sleeve 22, as displayed in FIG. 7. Once the user has removed the desired quantity of consumables 22A from the sleeve 22, the user then closes the top dispenser door 21 to the point where it re-engages with the latch control mechanism 23 to keep the door 21 secured in the closed position and the consumables 22A located within the dispenser secured for travel or storage.

Once the user is finished with both devices or simply wants to position the devices in their secured position as one unit 103, the user engages the securement members 15 and 27 within each module by placing the corresponding and complementary parts of each module back-to-back. As previously discussed, the securement members 15 and 27 used in the present embodiment are magnets, so that the user's mere placement of the toothbrush module 101 and the consumables dispenser 102 in close proximity to each other is enough to affect this engagement of the securement members and hold the modules together as one unit 103. However, it is again contemplated and herein disclosed that the securement members on the modules 101 and 102 may indeed be mechanical, electronic, or otherwise, in nature rather than the magnetic presentation described herein.

FIG. 3A-3D depict that when modules 101 and 102 are connected together as a single unit (with the toothbrush head in the collapsed position), the upper ends or limits of each respective module 101, 102 are positioned the same or very close to the same height establishing uniform shape or conformal surface spanning the edge where modules 101, 102 are connected. Further, the edge where the modules are connected may not be entirely straight between the upper end and lower end of single unit 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, near the upper end of the single unit 103, the edge is located centrally between the respective lateral sides defined by the modules 101 and 102. As the edge extends downwardly, the edge extends towards the side defined by the dispenser module 102 and away from the side defined by the toothbrush module 101. The angle at which the edge extends is in a range from about 45° to about 75° relative to top of the single unit 103. At the lower end of the angled section of the edge, a lower edge section extends downward to the bottom of the single unit 103. The lower edge section is positioned closer to the side defined by the dispenser module 102 and farther from the side defined by the toothbrush module 101. Additionally, the lower ends or limits of each respective module 101, 102 are positioned the same or very close to the same height establishing uniform shape or conformal surface spanning the edge where modules 101, 102 are connected which will allow the unit 103 to stand upright while being simultaneously supported by the bottom surface of each respective module 101, 102.

To disconnect the modules 101 and 102 from each other in the present embodiment, the user gently pulls the two modules apart to disengage the magnetic connection between the securement members. When the user re-engages the securement members to attach the two modules back together, the device is then ready for storage, travel, use, or otherwise as a single unit 103.

Either module 101 or 102, or both, may additionally include one or more sensors to sense or gather data pertaining to the surrounding environment or operation of the either module 101 or 102, or both. Some exemplary sensors capable of being electronically coupled with the either module 101 or 102, or both (either directly connected to either module 101 or 102, or both or remotely connected thereto) may include but are not limited to: a flowmeter, scale, or other detector to sense the number of consumables in the unit 101, accelerometers sensing accelerations experienced during rotation, translation, velocity/speed, location traveled, elevation gained; gyroscopes sensing movements during angular orientation and/or rotation, and rotation; altimeters sensing barometric pressure, altitude change, local pressure changes, submersion in liquid; impellers measuring the amount of fluid passing thereby; Global Positioning sensors sensing location, elevation, distance traveled, velocity/speed; audio sensors sensing local environmental sound levels, or voice detection; Photo/Light sensors sensing ambient light intensity, ambient, Day/night, UV exposure; TV/IR sensors sensing light wavelength; Temperature sensors sensing machine or motor temperature, ambient air temperature, and environmental temperature; and Moisture Sensors sensing surrounding moisture levels; timers to sense duration of use.

Either module 101 or 102, or both may include wireless communication logic coupled to sensors on either module 101 or 102, or both. The sensors gather data and provide the data to the wireless communication logic. Then, the wireless communication logic may transmit the data gathered from the sensors to a remote device. Thus, the wireless communication logic may be part of a broader communication system, in which one or several devices, assemblies, or systems of the present disclosure may be networked together to report alerts and, more generally, to be accessed and controlled remotely. Depending on the types of transceivers installed in the device, assembly, or system of the present disclosure, the system may use a variety of protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, MIWI, BLUETOOTH®) for communication. In one example, each of the devices, assemblies, or systems of the present disclosure may have its own IP address and may communicate directly with a router or gateway. This would typically be the case if the communication protocol is Wi-Fi®. (Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance of Austin, TX, USA; ZigBee® is a registered trademark of ZigBee Alliance of Davis, CA, USA; and BLUETOOTH® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Sig, Inc. of Kirkland, WA, USA).

The router or gateway communicates with a communication network, such as the Internet, although in some embodiments, the communication network may be a private network that uses transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) and other common Internet protocols but does not interface with the broader Internet, or does so only selectively through a firewall.

The system that receives and processes signals from either module 101 or 102, or both may differ from embodiment to embodiment. In one embodiment, alerts and signals from either module 101 or 102, or both are sent through an e-mail or simple message service (SMS; text message) gateway so that they can be sent as e-mails or SMS text messages to a remote device, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer, monitored by a responsible individual, group of individuals, or department, such as a user of unit 101. Thus, if a particular module 101 or 102, or both creates an alert because of a data point gathered by one or more sensors, that alert can be sent, in e-mail or SMS form, directly to the individual using unit 101. Of course, e-mail and SMS are only two examples of communication methods that may be used; in other embodiments, different forms of communication may be used.

As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure may include one or more electrical or other similar secondary components and/or systems therein. The present disclosure is therefore contemplated and will be understood to include any necessary operational components thereof. For example, electrical components will be understood to include any suitable and necessary wiring, fuses, or the like for normal operation thereof. It will be further understood that any connections between various components not explicitly described herein may be made through any suitable means including mechanical fasteners, or more permanent attachment means, such as welding or the like. Alternatively, where feasible and/or desirable, various components of the present disclosure may be integrally formed as a single unit.

Unless explicitly stated that a particular shape or configuration of a component is mandatory, any of the elements, components, or structures discussed herein may take the form of any shape. Thus, although the figures depict the various elements, components, or structures of the present disclosure according to one or more exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that any other geometric configuration of that element, component, or structure is entirely possible. For example, instead of a component being identified with a particular descriptive shape, that shape of the component can be semi-circular, triangular, rectangular or square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, diamond shaped or another parallelogram, trapezoidal, star-shaped, oval, ovoid, lines or lined, teardrop-shaped, cross-shaped, donut-shaped, heart-shaped, arrow-shaped, crescent-shaped, any letter shape (i.e., A-shaped, B-shaped, C-shaped, D-shaped, E-shaped, F-shaped, G-shaped, H-shaped, I-shaped, J-shaped, K-shaped, L-shaped, M-shaped, N-shaped, O-shaped, P-shaped, Q-shaped, R-shaped, S-shaped, T-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, X-shaped, Y-shaped, or Z-shaped), or any other type of regular or irregular, symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, embodiments of technology disclosed herein may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code or instructions can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers or in firmware. Furthermore, the instructions or software code can be stored in at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium.

Also, a computer or smartphone may be utilized to execute the software code or instructions in the circuitry of either module 101 or 102, or both via its processors may have one or more input and output devices. These devices can be used, among other things, to present a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include display screens for visual presentation of output and speakers or other sound generating devices for audible presentation of output.

The various methods or processes outlined herein may be coded as software/instructions that is executable on one or more processors that employ any one of a variety of operating systems of either module 101 or 102, or both. Additionally, such software may be written using any of a number of suitable programming languages and/or programming or scripting tools, and also may be compiled as executable machine language code or intermediate code that is executed on a framework or virtual machine.

In this respect, various inventive concepts may be embodied as a computer readable storage medium (or multiple computer readable storage media) (e.g., a computer memory, one or more floppy discs, compact discs, optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memories, USB flash drives, SD cards, circuit configurations in Field Programmable Gate Arrays or other semiconductor devices, or other non-transitory medium or tangible computer storage medium) encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods that implement the various embodiments of the of operating either module 101 or 102, or both discussed above, such as controlling the program for how long to operate the motor 12 of module 102. The computer readable medium or media can be transportable, such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above.

The terms “program” or “software” or “instructions” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects of embodiments as discussed above. Additionally, it should be appreciated that according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that when executed perform methods of the present disclosure need not reside on a single computer or processor but may be distributed in a modular fashion amongst a number of different computers or processors to implement various aspects of the present disclosure.

Computer-executable instructions may be in many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. As such, one aspect or embodiment of the present disclosure may be a computer program product including least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium in operative communication with a processor, the storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, implement a method or process described herein, wherein the instructions comprise the steps to perform the method(s) or process(es) detailed herein.

Also, data structures may be stored in computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown to have fields that are related through location in the data structure. Such relationships may likewise be achieved by assigning storage for the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium that convey relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish a relationship between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationship between data elements.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

“Logic”, as used herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system. For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled microprocessor, discrete logic like a processor (e.g., microprocessor), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmed logic device, a memory device containing instructions, an electric device having a memory, or the like. Logic may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. Where multiple logics are described, it may be possible to incorporate the multiple logics into one physical logic. Similarly, where a single logic is described, it may be possible to distribute that single logic between multiple physical logics.

Furthermore, the logic(s) presented herein for accomplishing various methods of this system may be directed towards improvements in existing computer-centric or internet-centric technology that may not have previous analog versions. The logic(s) may provide specific functionality directly related to structure that addresses and resolves some problems identified herein. The logic(s) may also provide significantly more advantages to solve these problems by providing an exemplary inventive concept as specific logic structure and concordant functionality of the method and system. Furthermore, the logic(s) may also provide specific computer implemented rules that improve existing technological processes. The logic(s) provided herein extends beyond merely gathering data, analyzing the information, and displaying the results. Further, portions or all of the present disclosure may rely on underlying equations that are derived from the specific arrangement of the equipment or components as recited herein. Thus, portions of the present disclosure as it relates to the specific arrangement of the components are not directed to abstract ideas. Furthermore, the present disclosure and the appended claims present teachings that involve more than performance of well-understood, routine, and conventional activities previously known to the industry. In some of the method or process of the present disclosure, which may incorporate some aspects of natural phenomenon, the process or method steps are additional features that are new and useful.

The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

While components of the present disclosure are described herein in relation to each other, it is possible for one of the components disclosed herein to include inventive subject matter, if claimed alone or used alone. In keeping with the above example, if the disclosed embodiments teach the features of A and B, then there may be inventive subject matter in the combination of A and B, A alone, or B alone, unless otherwise stated herein.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the term “effecting” or a phrase or claim element beginning with the term “effecting” should be understood to mean to cause something to happen or to bring something about. For example, effecting an event to occur may be caused by actions of a first party even though a second party actually performed the event or had the event occur to the second party. Stated otherwise, effecting refers to one party giving another party the tools, objects, or resources to cause an event to occur. Thus, in this example a claim element of “effecting an event to occur” would mean that a first party is giving a second party the tools or resources needed for the second party to perform the event, however the affirmative single action is the responsibility of the first party to provide the tools or resources to cause said event to occur.

When a feature or element is herein referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “above”, “behind”, “in front of”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “one particular embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “other embodiments,” or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. Furthermore, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) is intended merely to better illustrate or illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of that or those embodiments. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiment.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” or “approximately,” even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase “about” or “approximately” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/−0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/−10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Further, recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within that range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

Additionally, the method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

To the extent that the present disclosure has utilized the term “invention” in various titles or sections of this specification, this term was included as required by the formatting requirements of word document submissions pursuant the guidelines/requirements of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and shall not, in any manner, be considered a disavowal of any subject matter.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of various embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described.