US20070261163A1

US20070261163A1 - System combining dental water pic, soap dispenser, mouthwash dispenser, and spray faucet

Info

Publication number: US20070261163A1
Application number: US11/433,975
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Lynam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-15
Filing date: 2006-05-15
Publication date: 2007-11-15

Abstract

The present invention provides a system combining a dental water pic, a mouthwash dispenser, a soap dispenser and a spray faucet unit. The water pic, mouthwash dispenser and soap dispenser are connected to a conventional sink unit having a traditional spray faucet system. The water pic is connected to a diverter valve such that the temperature of the water expelled by the dental pic is controlled by the user. The water pic is attached to the sink via extractable tubing, allowing a user to extend the dental pic from the sink. The mouthwash and soap dispensers have under-sink storage units in order to prevent the need for storage of containers between uses. The sink system provides an advantage in that it combines various hygiene tools, resulting in a more comprehensive sink unit. The water pic attachments can be used to clean braces, dentures and jewelry, among other things.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dental hygiene apparatus, and more particularly to water pic systems, soap dispensers, mouthwash dispensers, and spray faucets.
Adequate dental hygiene frequently necessitates use of a dental water pic, which is used to dislodge food particles from between the teeth and gums. Typically, water pics are self-contained units housing a motor that discharges water at a velocity sufficient to dislodge these particles. However, traditional water pic systems are cumbersome and noisy, and they often do not allow the user to control either the flow of water from the pic or the temperature of the water expelled from the pic. Furthermore, a conventional water pic must be stored between uses, creating an inconvenience for the user. A need therefore exists for a water pic system that minimizes the burdens associated with a free-standing motorized water pic and that simultaneously provides the user with additional temperature and water flow control.
Known mouthwash dispensers exist that are separate and independent from the traditional water pic apparatus. These dispensers may include a container that sits atop the surface of the sink and that must be stored between uses. Alternatively, mouthwash dispensers may be mounted in the sink in order to relieve the need to store the dispenser between uses; however, these dispensers are unassociated with the traditional water pic, thus necessitating two separate systems for comprehensive oral hygiene. A user must separately access the water pic and the mouthwash dispenser, making it more difficult to facilitate the use of both of these important dental care tools, and accordingly, less likely that they will be used.
Likewise, traditional soap dispensers exist that are separate and independent from the water pic apparatus and the mouthwash dispenser. Like the traditional mouthwash dispenser, conventional soap dispensers may include a free-standing container, or, alternatively, may be mounted in the sink. However, these dispensers have not been combined with other hygienic tools, such as a water pic and a mouthwash dispenser, to create a comprehensive sink system. A need therefore exists for a system that integrates the functions of built-in soap and mouthwash dispensers and that further includes a convenient and sophisticated water pic apparatus.
Additionally, known spray faucets exist which allow the user to utilize a spray function directly from the faucet itself. This type of spray faucet is often presented as a pull-down spray nozzle, which the user must detach and pull from the head of the faucet. This type of faucet is useful in that it provides for additional control in the spray function, and it also makes the spray nozzle less noticeable when not in use. However, the main benefit of the pull-down spray nozzle is its ability to increase available space on the sink top. A need therefore exists for a comprehensive sink system that replaces the conventional sink spray nozzle with several additional features, such as a water pic, a mouthwash dispenser, and a soap dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a comprehensive sink system that combines the features of a controllable water pic, a mouthwash dispenser, a soap dispenser, and a spray faucet.
In order to meet this and other objects of the present invention which will become apparent with reference to further disclosure set forth below, the present invention provides a system for combining a water pic, mouthwash dispenser, soap dispenser, and spray faucet into a single sink unit. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dental water pic is connected to the water supply serving an existing faucet. The dental water pic is further adapted to utilize a diverter valve in order for the temperature and water pressure to be controlled by the existing faucet apparatus. Since the water pic of the present invention provides a sophisticated water pic housed in the sink apparatus, the disadvantages associated with traditional water pic systems are alleviated.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the dental water pic is connected to a diverter valve which uses the hot and cold water connections already established for an existing faucet or traditional sink system. This provides for convenient installation of the comprehensive sink system and also guarantees that the temperature of the water expelled by the water pic is controlled by the user using the temperature adjustment system provided by the faucet system.
Additionally, the sink system in this exemplary embodiment eliminates the need for storage of individual containers, thereby eliminating inconvenience to the user. The comprehensive sink unit is designed to accommodate traditional sink features while simultaneously providing for the inclusion of a water pic, mouthwash dispenser, and soap dispenser in the sink function.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a water pic may be extended from the sink system during use. The present invention operates using an extensible tube between the sink system and the head of the water pic, thereby allowing for a free range of motion during use as well as aesthetic storage of the pic and the tube in the sink unit when not in use. The mouthwash pump and the soap dispenser may be used and maintained between uses in a stationary position in the sink unit. The mouthwash dispenser may also use a pull-out extensible tube between the sink system and the head of the mouthwash syringe, thereby allowing for a free range of motion during use as well as aesthetic storage of the mouthwash syringe and corresponding tube in the sink unit when not in use.
Moreover, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water pic, mouthwash dispenser, and soap dispenser are each connected to the sink system using a screwed flange. This provides for a firm connection between the tool and the sink system while simultaneously creating an aesthetically pleasing design when the tools are not in use.
Finally, the use of source containers stored underneath the sink provides for a method of refilling the mouthwash and soap dispensers. This eliminates the need for repeated storage and retrieval of bulky soap and mouthwash containers and ensures that a continuous supply of solution is available to the user.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated and constitute part of this disclosure, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a top view of a combination sink system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1(b) is a block diagram depicting a top view of a combination sink system and diverter valve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a functional diagram depicting a side view of the dental water pic and mouthwash dispenser portion of the combination sink system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a functional diagram depicting a side view of the soap dispenser portion of the combination sink system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Throughout the figures, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a combination sink system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
A combination sink I includes a dental water pic 2, a mouthwash dispenser 3, a soap dispenser 4, and a faucet 5 with a pull-down spray nozzle 6. The combination sink 1 also possesses a drain 9. The faucet 5 possesses a mechanism for controlling the temperature of the water, such as a handle 10. The dental water pic 2 and the mouthwash dispenser 3 are preferably contained within the same first circular insert having a chamfered edge 7. The dental water pic 2 possesses a mechanism for diverting the water source flowing to the faucet 5 to flow through the dental water pic 2. For example, the diverter valve 20 may be directly attached to the faucet apparatus 5, in which case the valve utilizes a single bypass mechanism, which allows a high rate of water flow to reach the water pic 2, with water flow also available to the faucet 5. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the diverter valve 20 may be located at a distance from the faucet 5, in which case it may utilize two input and two output controls in order to regulate the water temperature and alternate flow between the faucet 5 and the water pic 2. In either case, water flow is retained by the faucet apparatus 5. In the instance in which the water source is diverted to flow through the dental water pic 2, the temperature of the water flowing to the water pic 2 may be adjusted using the temperature control handle 10 of the faucet 5.
The soap dispenser 4 is situated in a second circular insert in the sink system having a chamfered edge 8. The soap dispenser 4 is operated by applying a force to the base portion of the dispenser and thereby releasing soap using a standard pump mechanism. The soap dispenser 4 therefore is not removable or extractable from its position in the second circular insert having chamfered edges 8. The mouthwash dispenser 3 may function in a stationary manner similar to the soap dispenser 4. Alternatively, the mouthwash dispenser 3 may be extractable from its position in the first circular insert 7 using an extensible tube. Where the mouthwash dispenser is removable from the first circular insert 7, it may be drawn toward the user to facilitate operation. Likewise, the dental water pic 2 may be withdrawn from its resting position on the first circular insert having a chamfered edge 7 and drawn toward the user to facilitate operation. When not in use, the dental water pic 2 sits upright in the first circular insert having a chamfered edge 7.
FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the dental water pic and mouthwash dispenser portion of the combination sink system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water pic used in the combination sink apparatus is Oral-B syringe heads but may alternatively be any comparable dental water pic. Also in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mouthwash dispenser used in the combination sink apparatus is either a stationary or a pull-out pump type dispenser but may alternatively be any mouthwash dispenser. The side view of FIG. 2 shows the chamfered edge of the first circular insert 7. The use of a chamfered edge on the first circular insert 7 allows for a more aesthetic and functional design of the combination sink system 1; as a result of the chamfered edge, the first circular insert 7 is connected to the combination sink 1 by a sloping plane. The horizontal surface of the combination sink 11 receives the sloping edge of the first circular insert 7, thereby disguising the mechanism of connection of the first circular insert 7 to the combination sink system 1. The chamfered edge of the first circular insert 7 further ensures that liquid collecting around the base of the soap dispenser 4 will be guided to the drain 9, thereby preventing accumulation of liquids, minimizing the amount of cleaning required, and lessening the chance that mold will form due to collected moisture.
The first circular insert 7 possesses a screwed flange 12 that serves to connect the first circular insert 7 to a corresponding receiving end contained within the combination sink 1. The screwed flange 12 rests below the horizontal surface of the combination sink unit 1 and is therefore not visible to the user. The dental water pic 2 and the mouthwash dispenser 3 are connected to separate tubes 13 made of rubber or any other suitable material. The tubes 13 pass through receiving holes in the first circular insert 7 and descend into the base of the combination sink unit 1. The tube descending from the mouthwash dispenser 3 attaches to a connector 14, which in turn is removably joined to a mouthwash container 15. The mouthwash container 15 may be further stored in a holder 16 made of wood or any other suitable material. The connector 14 is removable to allow for the refilling of the mouthwash container 15 upon depletion.
To use the dental water pic 2, the user may pull the pic 2 from its resting position in the first circular insert 7, thus pulling the tube 13 through the first circular insert 7 and exposing said tube 13. The tube 13 descending from the dental water pic 2 attaches to a water pic connector 19. The water pic connector 19 is further joined to a diverter valve 20, which allows for the water source to be redirected at the will of the user between the faucet 5 and the dental water pic 2. The diverter valve 20 may be any suitable valve for redirecting water from a source to two or more outlets, such as the sink faucet 5 or the hand-held water pic 2. When the water release lever 21 on the water pic 2 is depressed, a high pressure flow of water is diverted from the main faucet 5. However, due to the small water pic tubing size, there remains enough water pressure for water to flow to the faucet 5 as well as to the water pic 2. By virtue of the connection between the dental water pic 2 and the diverter valve 20, the user is able to control the temperature of the water expelled as a result of use of the dental water pic 2. The diverter valve 20 utilizes a hot water control 18 and a cold water control 17 in order to provide a comfortable water flow to the user of the dental water pic 2. In addition, the user is further able to control the rate of flow of water through the dental water pic 2 using a push button 21 located on the dental water pic 2.
FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the soap dispenser portion of the combination sink system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The soap dispenser 4 is connected to a second circular insert 8 contained within the combination sink 1. As described in reference to FIG. 2, the use of chamfered edges on the second circular insert provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. The horizontal surface of the combination sink 11 receives the sloping edge of the second circular insert 8, thereby disguising the mechanism of connection of the second circular insert 8 to the combination sink system 1. The chamfered edge of the second circular insert 8 further ensures that liquid collecting around the base of the soap dispenser 4 will be guided to the drain 9, thereby preventing accumulation of liquids, minimizing the amount of cleaning required, and lessening the chance that mold will form due to collected moisture.
The second circular insert 8 possesses a screwed flange 12 that serves to connect the second circular insert 8 to a corresponding receiving end contained within the combination sink 1. The screwed flange 12 rests below the horizontal surface of the combination sink unit 1 and is therefore not visible to the user. The soap dispenser 4 is connected to a tube 13 comprised of rubber or any other suitable material. The tube 13 passes through a receiving hole in the second circular insert 8 and descends into the base of the combination sink unit 1. The tube descending from the soap dispenser 4 attaches to a connector 14, which in turn is removably joined to a soap container 22. The soap container 22 may be further stored in a holder 16 comprised of wood or any other suitable material. The connector 14 is removable to allow for the refilling of the soap container 22 upon depletion.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art may consider modifications such as a non-chamfered edge, other types of materials suitable for use in the tubing, and non-circular sink inserts. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous techniques which, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A combination sink for permitting a user to utilize a faucet and a water pic from a common user-controlled water supply, comprising:

a combination sink housing having an insert adapted to receive a faucet, first and second inserts adapted to receive dispensers and a drain;

a water pic coupled to said housing at said first insert, and coupled to said water supply for receiving water therefrom;

at least one dispenser, coupled to said housing at said second insert, for dispensing a liquid selected from the group consisting of a mouthwash and a soap; and

a faucet coupled to said housing at said faucet insert, and coupled to said water supply for receiving water therefrom.

2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said water supply comprises hot and cold water sources, and further comprising means for regulating water temperature, coupled to said hot and cold water sources and to said water pic, for permitting a user to temperature control water emitted by said water pic.

3. A system as recited in claim 2, wherein said temperature regulation means comprises a diverter valve.

4. A system as recited in claim 3, wherein said diverter valve is positioned between said faucet and said housing and coupled to each, and is adapted to receive water from said hot and cold water sources and to provide temperature regulated water to said faucet and said water pic.

5. A system as recited in claim 3, wherein said diverter valve is positioned between said housing and said hot and cold water sources and coupled to each, and is adapted to receive water from said hot and cold water sources and to provide temperature regulated water to said faucet or to said water pic.

6. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said water pic is extractable from said sink unit.

7. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said water pic further comprises means for controlling the rate of water flow.

8. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said faucet further comprises a means for creating a spray flow.

9. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said water pic is coupled to said sink housing by at least one insert having a substantially threaded end.

10. A system as recited in claim 9, wherein said at least one insert includes a lip that rests on a horizontal surface of said housing.

11. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein said lip comprises a chamfered edge.

12. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a storage container, coupled to said at least one dispenser, for storing said liquid.

13. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second dispenser, coupled to said housing at either or both of said first or second inserts, adapted to receive a liquid.

14. A system for creating a combination sink for permitting a user to utilize a faucet and a water pic from a common user-controlled water supply, comprising:

combination sink housing means having an insert to receive a faucet, first and second inserts to receive dispensers, and a drain;

water pic means coupled to said housing at said first insert, and coupled to said water supply to receive water therefrom;

dispenser means, coupled to said housing at said second insert, to dispense a liquid selected from the group consisting of a mouthwash and a soap; and

water output means coupled to said housing at said faucet insert, and coupled to said water supply to receive water therefrom.