ELECTRONIC PAPER DISPENSER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to patent application Ser. No. 15/090,379 filed on Apr. 4, 2016 and entitled “Dr. Tinkle's Potty Pal (Electronic Toilet Paper Dispenser)”, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,292,544, patent application Ser. No. 16/418,716 filed May 21, 2019 and entitled “Electronic Toilet Paper Dispenser”, now abandoned and patent application Ser. No. 16/918,778 filed on Jul. 1, 2020 entitled “Electronic Paper Dispenser.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of paper dispensers and more particularly, is directed to a toilet paper dispenser that aids in the potty training of small children.

BACKGROUND

Tools, which limit the amount of paper dispensed, may include paper dispensers, guards, savers, any number of tools used to prevent the waste of paper.

Paper dispensers limit the amount of paper used by only allowing a certain amount of paper to be dispensed at one time. This is an important aspect of a paper dispenser that is intended to be used by small children. The guards and savers may include devices that attach directly to the toilet paper roll to limit unraveling of paper. The utilization of paper dispensers, guards and savers assist in eliminating the amount of waste associated with misuse of hygienic paper products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments generally relate to an electronic paper dispenser. The electronic paper dispenser may include an upper compartment. The upper compartment may have an inner compartment, wherein the inner compartment includes a motion sensor, rollers, and a paper feeder. The paper feeder dispenses paper upon the activation of the motion sensor, which is in communication with a processor, which sends a signal to the rollers to release paper.

The electronic paper dispenser includes an adjustable telescoping pole. The adjustable telescoping pole includes a top portion, which is connected to the upper compartment, wherein the top portion includes a height adjuster for adjusting the height of the electronic paper dispense. The adjustable telescoping pole incudes a bottom portion. The bottom portion is connected to a base.

Some embodiments of the paper dispenser may be used as a potty-training aid. Potty training is an important milestone in a child's development. It entails teaching a child to recognize body signals indicating a need to urinate and to have bowel movement. Being potty trained is often a requirement for a child to engage in certain activity. For example, entering daycare or preschool. Potty training also eliminates the need and expense of wipes, diapers or other absorbent garments.

Potty training typically involves at least three concepts:

• • 1) Following a prescribed schedule;
  • 2) Offering of praise and rewards as the child progresses; and
  • 3) Teaching proper hygiene.

The prior art is aware of potty-training charts. Such charts keep track of a child's progress and provides praise and rewards when certain milestones are meet.

For example, when the child successfully uses the potty or accomplishes another important task such as washing their hands after using the potty, a sticker or gold star is added to the chart.

Embodiments of the dispenser can function as a so-called potty-training chart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein, except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in and the property of the applicants. The applicants retain and reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other purpose.

Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present disclosure.

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 depicts an electronic paper dispenser according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a back of the electronic paper dispenser with the rear door closed.

FIG. 3 depicts a back of the electronic paper dispenser with the rear door open.

FIG. 4 depicts a detailed view of the electronic 5 paper dispenser according to one more embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the electronic paper dispenser according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a detailed view of the telescoping pole according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7B depicts perspective view and adjustable range of the adjustable telescoping pole according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the battery compartment.

FIG. 9 depicts an electronic paper dispenser according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates the exterior of an embodiment of a control unit for a paper dispenser.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment the control unit depicted in FIG. 10.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited to the particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

In the following description of FIGS. 1-8, any component described with regard to a figure, in various embodiments of the invention, may be equivalent to one or more like-named components described with regard to any other figure. For brevity, descriptions of these components will not be repeated with regard to each figure.

Thus, each and every embodiment of the components of each figure is incorporated by reference and assumed to be optionally present within every other figure having one or more like-named components. Additionally, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, any description of the components of a figure is to be interpreted as an optional embodiment, which may be implemented in addition to, in conjunction with, or in place of the embodiments described with regard to a corresponding like-named component in any other figure.

Throughout the application, ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) may be used as an adjective for an element (i.e., any noun in 5 the application). The use of ordinal numbers is not to necessarily imply or create any particular ordering of the elements nor to limit any element to being only a single element unless expressly disclosed, such as by the use of the terms “before”, “after”, “single”, and other such terminology. Rather, the use of ordinal numbers is to distinguish between the elements. By way of an example, a first element is distinct from a second element, and the first element may encompass more than one element and succeed (or precede) the second element in an ordering of elements.

Throughout this application, elements of figures may be labeled as A to N. As used herein, the aforementioned labeling means that the element may include any number of items and does not require that the element include the same number of elements as any other item labeled as A to N. For example, a data structure may include a first element labeled as A and a second element labeled as N. This labeling convention means that the data structure may include any number of the elements. A second data structure, also labeled as A to N, may also include any number of elements. The number of elements of the first data structure and the number of elements of the second data structure may be the same or different.

In general, embodiments of the invention relate to an electronic paper dispenser.

The electronic paper dispenser can be activated by the wave a hand in front of a motion sensor in communication with a processor. Upon receiving the signal, the paper is released to the user. The number of sheets released can be determined by a sheet indicator switch. Also, the height of the electronic paper dispenser can be adjusted according to the preference of the user.

FIG. 1 depicts an electronic paper dispenser (10) for electronically distributing paper. The electronic paper dispenser (10) will include an upper compartment (12), an adjustable telescoping pole (9a) and a base (14). The electronic paper dispenser may have multiple levels of functionality and operational control.

In one or more embodiments, the upper compartment (12) houses components for distributing paper. Also, the upper compartment (12) houses the roll of paper for distribution. The paper is distributed upon detection of a hand waving motion on the outside of the upper compartment.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable telescoping pole (9a) is used to change the height of the of the electronic paper dispenser (10). Therefore, height of the electronic paper dispenser may be changed depending on the height of the user.

In one or more embodiments the base is used for stabilizing the electronic paper dispenser. The base prevents the electronic paper dispenser from being knocked over during use.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic paper dispenser may be made of shock-proof, child-safe materials which may include non-toxic foam, rubber or plastic to prevent damage and choking hazards, which allow easy clean-up and sanitizing.

The electronic paper dispenser may be offered in varying shapes, sizes, colors and character designs.

FIG. 2 depicts the back of the electronic paper dispenser with a closed rear door (7) in accordance with one or more embodiments. The back may include a rear door (7), 20 a latch (20), a power controller, and the adjustable telescopic pole (9a) with a height adjuster (9b).

In one or more embodiments the rear door (7) may be locked or unlocked using the latch (20) to give access to the upper compartment that houses all the electronic components and the paper roll.

In one or more embodiments, the back panel contains a power controller (1). The power controller (1) may be a power on/off push button/switch. The electronic paper dispenser is powered on or off by pressing or a button (or activating a switch). Once the power controller (1) is activated, the electronic paper dispenser will be in an on state. The on state may trigger the motion sensor readiness, as well as, lights and sounds.

In one or more embodiments, when the electronic paper dispenser is not being used, the electronic paper dispenser may go into a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the electronic paper dispenser will appear to be turned off. This allows the battery life to be conserved until the user is ready to dispense more paper. The electronic paper dispenser may be reactivated by detecting a wave of a hand, which will trigger the electronic paper dispenser to release paper.

In one or more embodiments, the height adjuster (9b) allows height of the adjustable telescopic pole (9a) to be changed by pressing the height adjuster (9b) to unlock the lock pin to allow the adjustable telescopic pole to slide up or down.

FIG. 3 shows a back panel of the electronic paper dispenser with the rear door (7) open. In this instance, the rear door (7) and latch (20) are shown unlocked. To open the rear door (7), the user may squeeze on the latch (20) to unclasp and gain access to the inner compartment (2). The latch (20) may be built with child safety in mind to prevent injury to children. To close the rear door (7) the user will raise the door back up and 15 push the latch back to its original position until they hear it click back into place, locking the device as shown in FIG. 2.

In one or more embodiments, the inner compartment (2) may include the roll of paper (24) and have a sheet indicator switch (18). The sheet indicator switch (or button) allows the user to pre-set the number of sheets of paper that will dispense at one time from the electronic paper dispenser. The sheet indicator switch (18) is in communication with a processor. The sheets setting can range from 2 sheets to 10 sheets. To prevent sheets from dispensing unintentionally, the electronic paper dispenser may pause for five to ten seconds and then reset for the next use.

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the electronic paper dispenser (10). The electronic paper dispenser (10) may include an upper compartment (12) and an adjustable telescoping pole (9a). The upper compartment (10) includes the inner compartment (2), a motion sensor (3), lights (5), audio speakers (4), a paper feeder (6), a rear door (7), a latch (20), and a pair of rollers (16a, 16b).

In one or more embodiments, the inner compartment (2) houses the roll of paper (24) and the paper feeder/exit (6). To access the upper compartment (12), the user opens the rear door (7) by releasing the latch (20). Once the door is opened, the electronic paper dispenser may be automatically deactivated.

In embodiments, the pair of rollers (16a, 16b) is separated by an arm (not shown), which may be connected to the door. The pair of rollers (16a, 16b) provides an opening for feeding the paper through feeder/exit (6). The roll of paper 5 may then be placed into the inner compartment (2). In embodiments, one sheet of paper (24) may be fed through the opening between the pair of rollers (16a, 16b). Upon closing the rear door, the pair of rollers (16a, 16b) is lowered, holding the paper into position; and the device is reactivated and ready for dispensing.

In one or more embodiments, the electronic paper dispenser (10) may include a motion sensor (3). The motion sensor (3) is in communication with a processor not shown. The motion sensor activates the electronic paper dispenser (10) to release paper upon sensing the wave of a hand. Once the wave of a hand is sensed, the processor sends a signal to the rollers (16a, 16b) to dispense a preset number of sheets through the paper feeder (6).

In one or more embodiments, the upper compartment (12) may include a cutting device (not shown). The cutting device is located in the inner compartment (2) of the upper compartment (12) and between safety barriers to assist with detaching the paper from the roll. The cutting device may be placed in a location, which prevent the injuries.

In embodiments, the cutting device may cut completely through the paper or partially, leaving the paper to loosely hang from the mechanism in a manner that is easy to tear free.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the electronic paper dispenser (10). In one or more embodiments the motion sensor (3) may be contained in the nose area, which will detect passive motion and active waving—with up close, active waving, serving as the trigger to the feeder (6) for paper dispensing. As the paper exits the feeder (6), lights (5) may illuminate the paper. The lights may be light emitting diodes (LEDs) or any other type of light source.

In one or more embodiments, audio speakers (4) may be located in the roof of the mouth. The audio speakers (4) may project sounds while the paper is being dispensed. The lights and the sound may with turn off once the dispensing is complete.

FIGS. 6A-6B show a detailed view of the telescoping pole (9a) in a lowered and raised positions according to one or more embodiments. The telescoping pole (9a) includes a top portion (25a) and a bottom portion (25b). The top portion (25a) and bottom portion (25b) contain a first inner pole (26a) and a second inner pole (26b).

In one or more embodiments top portion (25a) of the telescoping pole (9a) may include the height adjuster (9b) for adjusting the height of the telescoping pole (9a). The height adjuster (9b) may be a u-shaped tab (shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3).

The u-shaped tab may have a protrusion on the inside of the tab. The bottom portion (25b) of the telescoping pole (9a) is attached to the base (14). The base includes a battery compartment (11).

In one or more embodiments, the second inner pole (26a) may include height holes (30). A small metal lock pin (28) may be located inside of the first inner pole (26a). The lock pin (28) may be a spring leg snap button, a push button lock pin, or other suitable system. The lock pin (28) connects the top portion (25a) of the telescoping pole (9a) to the bottom portion (25b) of the telescoping pole (9a). Upon compression of the height adjuster (9b), the lock pin (28) may be released from one height hole of the second inner pole (26b) and slid into another one of the height holes to securely set the height of the adjustable telescoping pole (9a) to a desired height setting.

FIGS. 7A-7B shows the perspective view and adjustable range of the adjustable telescoping pole (9a) with height adjuster and base (14). In embodiments, the adjustable telescoping pole (9a) is shown lowered to a minimum height and raised to a maximum height.

FIG. 8 shows the perspective view of the battery compartment (11) located in the base (14) of the product. In embodiments, the power source may be a lithium battery.

In other embodiments the electronic paper dispenser may include an adapter for plugging the dispenser into a source.

The embodiments provide a sanitary way to receive paper without touching the paper dispenser.

The embodiments provide an easy-to-use tool that will reduce waste while training the operator to use proper amounts of paper.

In a further embodiment, the electronic paper dispenser includes an electronic display (900) as generally shown in FIG. 9. Display (900) is shown more detailly illustrated in FIG. 10.

Also included in the paper dispenser are a plurality of night lights (901) which can be used to illuminate the dispenser during periods of darkness, a motion sensor (902) for sensing motion near the dispenser and a light sensor (903) for sensing the degree of light around the dispenser.

With reference to FIG. 10, Display (900) includes a Display Screen (1001) for displaying visual images in the forms of videos and still pictures, a plurality of Softkeys (1002)-(1005), a microphone (1006) and a speaker (1007).

Display (900) is controlled by a Control Unit (1100) as illustrated in FIG. 11. The Control Unit includes Central Processing Unit (CPU) (1101) which is used to execute computer software instructions as is known in the art. CPU (1101) is coupled, via bus (1102), to ROM Memory (1103), Flash Memory (1104), RAM Memory 1105, Mass Storage (1106) and I/O Interface (1107).

ROM Memory (1103) and Flash Memory (1104) may be used to store computer software instructions for execution by CPU (1101).

RAM memory (1105) may also be used for storing computer software instructions, and especially for storing information that is only needed for a short period of time. Mass Storage (1106) is used for longer and larger data storage needs as may be required to store for example, an electronic profile of a particular child undergoing potty-training or various potty-training software routines or potty-training charts.

I/O Interface (1107) allows the system of the present invention to communicate via bus (108) to other parts of the system, such as Time-Of-Day Clock (1109), Human Interface Output Device (1110) and Human Interface Input Device (1111) as discussed below.

The underlying firmware or software which CPU (1101) executes may be updated from time to time in order to correct programming errors or to add additional features to the paper dispenser. Such upgrades can be accomplished by electronic transfer from an Application Software Repository (ASR) which might reside on the Internet. The CUP (1101) is coupled to the Internet via Wi-Fi Modem (1112).

Human Interface Output Device (1110) is coupled to Screen (1001), Night Lights (901) and Speaker (1007) and provides audio and video output as controlled by the software running on CPU (1101).

Human Interface Input Device (1111) is coupled to Softkeys (1002)-(1005), Microphone (1006), Motion Sensor (902) and Light Sensor (993). The softkeys are programmable buttons which allow user commands to be input to CUP (1101). The Softkeys can be programed to trigger various functions of the paper dispenser. In particular the presence of Microphone (1006) allows for voice activation of programmed functions.

Time-of-Day Clock (1109), Motion Sensor (902) and Light Sensor (903) may be used to trigger CPU (1101) to turn Night Lights (901) on and off depending on the time of day, the detention of motion near the paper dispenser or the degree of ambient light in the vicinity of the dispenser.

The programmability of Control Unit (1100) allows the paper dispenser to provide a number of useful activities, especially in relation potty-training of children. Putting the Control Unit in Education mode, executes a programmed instruction as an aid in potty training the child.

Wi-Fi Modem (1112) provides access to resources on the Internet, such as software updates as previously mentioned. More importantly, additional educational programs can be downloaded to Control Unit (1100) from time-to-time so that the educational content programmed into the Control Unit will remain fresh.

A Bluetooth Module (1114) may also be provided which can be used as a communications path for controls signals, data and status information.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on the embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than as specifically described herein.