GB2349131A

GB2349131A - Toothpaste dispensers

Info

Publication number: GB2349131A
Application number: GB9909095A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Benjamin Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-22
Filing date: 1999-04-22
Publication date: 2000-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-22
Also published as: GB2349131B; GB9909095D0

Abstract

A toothpaste dispenser 12 in the form of a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste tube is secured to a wall 22 in an inverted orientation. The trigger 14 has an actuating element 20 projecting therefrom. The actuating element 20 projects downwardly and outwardly from the trigger 14 and locates beneath the closure member 16. The head of a toothbrush 40 is inserted into a channel section of the actuating element 20 until is abuts an abutment face. The movement of the toothbrush and the actuating element 20 causes the trigger 14 to operate and the closure member moves from a closed position to an open position in order for toothpaste to be applied directly onto the head of the toothbrush. The toothpaste dispenser thereby dispenses a predetermined amount of toothpaste directly onto the head of the toothbrush and the area surrounding the closing member is left clean by the operating sequence.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TOOTHPASTE DISPENSERS Field of the Invention The invention relates to toothpaste dispensers and a method of dispensing toothpaste.

Background to the Invention Toothpaste dispensers are generally of one of two forms. The first form is a squeezable tube having a screw cap or a pop off cap. Such squeezable tubes require two hands in order to dispense toothpaste on to a toothbrush. One hand holds the toothbrush whilst the other hand squeezes the tube and directs the tube on to the toothbrush. Furthermore, with screw caps there is a tendency for people not to secure the cap back to the tube after applying the toothpaste. This causes the toothpaste adjacent to the dispensing aperture to coagulate, thereby resulting in a loss of toothpaste. Similarly, with pop off caps coagulation of the toothpaste may also occur adjacent to dispensing hole if the top is not secured to the tube properly. Once this occurs the cap may not fit the tube as effectively and further coagulation may occur.

Trigger action or pump action toothpaste dispensers have been introduced to overcome the problem of re-securing the cap to the toothpaste dispenser. However, these dispensers still require two hands in order to apply the toothpaste on to the toothbrush. Again, one hand is needed to hold the toothbrush whilst the other hand holds the dispenser with the thumb acting the trigger in order to dispense toothpaste on to the toothbrush. In addition, toothpaste may be collected on the area surrounding the dispensing aperture. Again, this toothpaste will coagulate resulting in a waste of toothpaste.

It can be difficult to persuade children of the importance of cleaning their teeth.

Current toothpaste dispensers do not offer any incentive to young children to clean their teeth and therefore many young children try to avoid brushing their teeth. This can result in dental problems later in life.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a toothpaste dispenser having an actuating element, the actuating element being arranged, in use, to be moved by a toothbrush to dispense toothpaste.

Preferably the toothpaste dispenser is arranged, in use, to dispense toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Preferably the toothpaste dispenser is arranged, in use, to dispense toothpaste directly onto the head of the toothbrush.

Preferably the actuating element is secured to the toothpaste dispenser. The actuating element may be integral with the toothpaste dispenser.

Preferably the actuating element is arranged, in use, to be moved pivotally.

The actuating element may comprise an abutment face for abutment by a toothbrush.

Guide means may be arranged to guide a toothbrush when the actuating element is being moved by a toothbrush. The guide means may comprise a channel section. The channel section may comprise two side walls and a lower wall. The side walls are preferably spaced from one another by a distance greater than the width of a toothbrush. The abutment face preferably connects the two side walls. The guide means may be connected to or comprise part of the actuating element.

Preferably the actuating element and the trigger are arranged, in use, to move pivotally. Preferably the pivotal movement of the actuating element and the trigger causes deformation of a resilient member. The deformation of the resilient member may cause toothpaste to be dispensed. Preferably the toothpaste dispenser has a plunger member which is arranged, in use, to seal the toothpaste in the toothpaste dispenser. Preferably the plunger member moves as toothpaste is dispensed or following the dispensation of toothpaste.

The toothpaste dispenser is preferably a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste dispenser. The actuating element is preferably secured to the trigger. The actuating element may be secured to the trigger by a screw. The actuating element may be integral with the trigger.

Preferably the toothpaste dispenser is mounted to a surface and preferably to a wall. Preferably the toothpaste dispenser is mounted using a bracket. The bracket may be detachable from the toothpaste dispenser. The bracket may be integral with the toothpaste dispenser.

The toothpaste dispenser may have a display panel. The display panel may be a cut-out figure.

The toothpaste dispenser may have audible means arranged, in use, to emit a sound. The audible means may be arranged, in use, to emit sound upon movement of the actuating element or the trigger.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing toothpaste on to a toothbrush comprising the steps of pushing a toothbrush against an actuating element wherein the actuating element causes toothpaste to be dispensed from a toothpaste dispenser.

Preferably the method comprises pushing a toothbrush against an actuating element wherein the actuating element causes toothpaste to be dispensed from a toothpaste dispenser directly onto the head of a toothbrush.

Preferably the method comprises dispensing toothpaste from a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste dispenser.

Preferably the method includes pushing a toothbrush against an actuating element which is secured to the trigger of a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste dispenser.

Preferably, the method includes pivoting the actuating element with respect to the toothpaste dispenser.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an actuating element integral with the trigger of a toothpaste dispenser; Figure 2 is a side view of an actuating element secured to a toothpaste dispenser; Figure 3 is a front view of an actuating element secured to a toothpaste dispenser; Figure 4 is a plan view of a toothpaste dispenser; Figure 5 is a side view of a toothbrush located adjacent to an actuating element of a toothpaste dispenser; Figure 6 is a side view of a toothpaste dispenser applying toothpaste to a toothbrush ; Figure 7 is a side view of a toothbrush and a toothpaste dispenser following the application of toothpaste on to the toothbrush; Figure 8 is a rear view of an actuating element and toothpaste dispenser for children; Figure 9 is a front view of an actuating element and toothpaste dispenser for children; and, Figure 10 is a front view of an actuating element and toothpaste dispenser having a display panel.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments As shown in Figure 1, the toothpaste dispenser 12 is secured to a wall 22 in an inverted orientation. The toothpaste dispenser 12 is a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste tube. These tubes are usually free standing and require two hands in order to apply the toothpaste on to a toothbrush. Toothpaste is dispensed from the toothpaste dispenser 12 by applying pressure to the trigger 14. This pressure causes pivotal movement of the trigger 14. The trigger 14 is connected to a closure member 16. The trigger 14 is pivotally connected to the toothpaste dispenser 12. Pressure is manually applied to the trigger 14 which causes the closure member 16 to pivot away from the dispensing hole and for the body of the trigger to pivot towards the body of the toothpaste dispenser 12. Projections (not shown) on the internal surface of the body of the trigger abut a diaphragm (not shown) located in the outlet section 18. On pressing the trigger 14 the projections abut the diaphragm and cause it to deform. The deformation of the diaphragm causes a pressure on the toothpaste located within the body of the toothpaste dispenser. This pressure causes toothpaste to be dispensed through the dispensing hole. The action of the trigger 14 means that a pre-determined amount of toothpaste is dispensed each time the trigger 14 is fully pressed down. An inner plunger 30 moves down the body of the toothpaste dispenser thereby sealing the toothpaste inside the toothpaste dispenser hygienically.

The closure member 16 in the conventional upright position seals the toothpaste dispenser 12 and prevents coagulation of the toothpaste. With the toothpaste dispenser in an inverted position the closure member 16 also prevents toothpaste flowing out of the toothpaste dispenser 12 under the action of gravity. Movement of the trigger 14 causes movement of the closure member 16 and, therefore, the trigger 14 controls the flow of toothpaste from the toothpaste dispenser. The internal operation of the trigger 14 on the toothpaste is not described in detail here. The invention relates to the actuating element 20 which is designed to be secured to the trigger of any toothpaste dispenser having a trigger 14 which operates a closure member 16.

The toothpaste dispenser 12 is secured to a wall 22 using a bracket 26. The bracket 26 has two circular bracket members 24 which locate around the toothpaste dispenser 12 and hold the toothpaste dispenser 12 in an inverted orientation. The bracket members 24 may be adjustable to enable an empty toothpaste dispenser 12 to be replaced by a full toothpaste dispenser. Alternatively, the bracket 26 may be more permanently fixed to the toothpaste dispenser 12, for example with glue. The bracket 26 is mounted to the wall 22 by screws (not shown).

The trigger 14 has an actuating element 20 projecting therefrom. The actuating element 20 projects downwardly and outwardly from the trigger 14 and locates beneath the closure member 16. The actuating element is shaped to receive a toothbrush. Alternatively, the actuating element may be separate from the trigger 14 and secured to the trigger 14, as shown in Figure 2. The separate actuating element 20 is secured to the trigger 14 by screws (not shown). The actuating element 20 has a forwardly facing abutment face 21, as shown in Figure 3. The actuating element 20 has a channel section for receiving a part of the head of the toothbrush. The channel section has two side walls 32,34 and a bottom section 36. The side walls 32,34 are spaced apart by a distance slightly greater that the width of the head of a toothbrush.

This arrangement enables the end of the head of the toothbrush to abut the abutment face 21.

As shown in Figure 4, the toothpaste dispenser has an outer sleeve 28 which surrounds an inner plunger 30. As the trigger 14 of the toothpaste dispenser 12 is pressed causing toothpaste to be dispensed the inner plunger 30 seals the toothpaste in the toothpaste dispenser.

The action of the actuating element 20 for dispensing toothpaste is shown in Figures 5 to 7. Firstly, the head of the toothbrush 40 is inserted in to the channel section of the actuating element 20. The two side walls 32,34 of the channel section of the actuating element 20 guide the head of the toothbrush 40 until it abuts the abutment face 21. Movement of the toothbrush is continued and the actuating element 20 is moved. The actuating element 20 causes the trigger 14 to operate and also the closure member 16 to move from a closed position to an open position. The operation of the trigger 14 causes toothpaste to be dispensed from the dispensing aperture 42.

The head of the toothbrush 40 is located underneath the dispensing aperture 42 and, therefore, the toothpaste is applied directly onto the head of the toothbrush. The head of the toothbrush 40 continues moving forward whilst the toothpaste is being applied to the head of the toothbrush 40 and this movement means that the toothpaste is evenly distributed on the head of the toothbrush 40. The movement of the toothbrush is ceased when the trigger 14 has been fully depressed. This results in a predetermined amount of toothpaste being dispensed on to the head of the toothbrush 40. The toothbrush is then removed from the channel section of the actuating element and the trigger returns to the rest position. In addition, the closure member seals the toothpaste dispenser 12. This sequence results in the area surrounding the closure member being left clean of any excess toothpaste.

The toothpaste dispenser 12 can be adapted to encourage children to clean their teeth. A cardboard cut out figure is attached to the dispenser, as shown in Figures 8,9 and 10. The cut out 50 is affixed to the front of the toothpaste dispenser 12. Initially, the cut out may be wrapped around the toothpaste dispenser 12 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The cut out may have a perforated strip 52 located centrally along the back of the toothpaste dispenser 12, as shown in Figure 8. The perforated strip 52 enables the toothpaste dispenser 12 to be packed, distributed and sold in the same manner as conventional toothpaste dispensers. The purchaser can construct the cut out by tearing along the perforated line and unwrapping the cut out, as shown in Figure 10.

Alternatively the cut out figure may be provided on a box in which the toothpaste dispenser is sold. The cut out may show a face with the actuating element and dispensing nozzle resembling a mouth. This arrangement, when operated, would resemble the toothpaste being ejected from the mouth of the cut out figure. This may encourage children to use the toothpaste dispenser. In addition, the actuating element and trigger arrangement may be arranged to emit a sound upon operation to further encourage children to use the toothpaste dispenser. The sound, may be, a voice which provides a message to the child, for example"well done". The audible means may be recordable so that the parent could record a message to be given. This could then be frequently changed to further interest the child.

Figure 8 shows a bracket 54 for securing the toothpaste dispenser to the wall.

The bracket 54 is arranged to receive the head of a screw already affixed to the wall.

The head of the screw is inserted in an aperture 56 and the toothpaste dispenser is then moved downwards so that the head of the screw cannot be directly removed from the aperture. This arrangement means that once a mounting screw is attached to the wall replacement toothpaste dispensers can be quickly and easily be affixed and removed from the wall. The bracket 54 is arranged to be directly on the opposite side of the toothpaste dispenser with respect to the dispensing hole. The aperture 56 is also arranged to be approximately in the centre of the length of the toothpaste dispenser.

The placement of the aperture 56 and the bracket 54 are arranged to secure the toothpaste dispenser firmly to the wall during the operation of dispensing toothpaste on to a toothbrush.

The rader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s).

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A toothpaste dispenser having an actuating element, the actuating element being arranged, in use, to be moved by a toothbrush to dispense toothpaste.

2. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the toothpaste dispenser is arranged, in use, to dispense toothpaste onto the toothbrush.

3. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the toothpaste dispenser is arranged, in use, to dispense toothpaste directly onto the head of the toothbrush.

4. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating element is secured to the toothpaste dispenser.

5. A toothpaste dispenser according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuating element is integral with the toothpaste dispenser.

6. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating element is arranged, in use, to be moved pivotally.

7. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating element comprises an abutment face for abutment by a toothbrush.

8. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein guide means are arranged to guide a toothbrush when the actuating element is being moved by a toothbrush.

9. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 8, wherein the guide means comprises a channel section.

10. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the guide means is connected to or comprises part of the actuating element.

11. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the toothpaste dispenser has a plunger member which is arranged, in use, to seal the toothpaste in the toothpaste dispenser.

12. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the plunger member moves as toothpaste is dispensed or following the dispensation of toothpaste.

13. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the toothpaste dispenser is a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste dispenser.

14. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the actuating element is secured to the trigger.

15. A toothpaste dispenser according to any preceding claim, wherein the toothpaste dispenser has audible means arranged, in use, to emit a sound.

16. A toothpaste dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the audible means is arranged, in use, to emit sound upon movement of the actuating element or the trigger.

17 A toothpaste dispenser substantially herein described with reference to, and as shown in any of the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of dispensing toothpaste onto a toothbrush comprising the steps of pushing a toothbrush against an actuating element wherein the actuating element causes toothpaste to be dispensed from a toothpaste dispenser.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises pushing a toothbrush against an actuating element wherein the actuating element causes toothpaste to be dispensed from a toothpaste dispenser directly onto the head of a toothbrush.

20. A method according to claim 18 or claim 19 comprising dispensing toothpaste from a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste dispenser.

21. A method according to any of claims 18 to 20, comprising pushing a toothbrush against an actuating element which is secured to the trigger of a pump action or trigger operated toothpaste dispenser.

22. A method according to any of claims 18 to 21, comprising pivoting the actuating element with respect to the toothpaste dispenser.

23. A method of dispensing toothpaste onto a toothbrush substantially as herein described with reference to the accompany drawings.