Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device that is capable of providing an efficient storage of the toothbrushes by sorting them according to different individuals, for allowing the users to allocate specific sections for storing their particular toothbrush and also provides a means of cleaning the bristles ensuring a germ free and hygienic storage of toothbrushes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, a toothbrush storage tool is designed to organize and manage toothbrushes within a designated space, such as bathroom cabinet or countertop. Therese typically involves slot, compartments or holders that separate toothbrushes based on user’s preferences. However, these holders have limited adaptability to varying toothbrushes sizes and shapes, which can result in inefficient use of space. Additionally, they also lack in providing hygienic storage to prevent cross-contamination or bacterial growth. Hence, a device needs to be developed that provides a hygienic organization and storing of the toothbrushes to prevent any bacterial growth on the toothbrushes.

[0003] Conventionally, a toothbrush storage tool is used to store toothbrushes to organize them for different individuals. These tools include toothbrush holders; these are well mounted on a fixed surface to keep toothbrushes organized, toothbrush stands; these are freestanding tools with individual slots for each toothbrush, toothbrush caddies; these are portable containers with dividers that can hold multiple toothbrushes. However, these holders and stand does not provide a potential hygienic storage that leads to germs development on the toothbrushes, also devices lack in providing an automated sorting of the stored toothbrushes of different individuals.

[0004] US5480038A discloses about a device that includes a reversibly mounted holder for storing toothbrushes within a gap defined between a platform and an adjacent plate, the toothbrush being further attached to the holder by a coiled strap to prevent removal of the toothbrush from the immediate vicinity. US’038 discloses about a device that includes a reversibly mounted holder for storing toothbrushes within a gap defined between a platform and an adjacent plate, the toothbrush is attached to the holder by a strap to prevent removal of the toothbrush. However, the device lacks in providing an automated sorting of the stored toothbrushes of different individuals also the device also lacks in cleaning the toothbrushes for making it germ free and ensuring hygienic storage.

[0005] US3904362A discloses about a toothbrush holder system for separation, sterilization and antiseptic soaking of toothbrushes. The toothbrush holder system includes a compartmentalized fluid separating cup-shaped body and individual toothbrush holders for each compartment to immerse the toothbrush bristles in the antiseptic fluid and allow for ready removal. The wall of the adjacent toothbrush holders extends vertically higher than the internal compartment walls and join together at a point higher than the internal compartment walls so as to form a unitary solid wall above the compartment wall. US’362 discloses about a device that comprises of a toothbrush holder system for separation, sterilization and antiseptic soaking of toothbrushes. The toothbrush holder system includes a compartmentalized fluid separating cup-shaped body and individual toothbrush holders for each compartment to immerse the toothbrush bristles in the antiseptic fluid and allow for ready removal. However, the device lacks in providing a means for dispensing the waste water generated during sterilising the bristles which enhances the wastage of water.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices were developed for the storage of toothbrushes of different individuals in a sorted manner but the devices lack in providing an automated sorting of the stored toothbrushes of different individuals also the device also lacks in cleaning the toothbrushes for making it germ free and ensuring hygienic storage and also the device lacks in providing a means for dispensing the waste water generated during sterilization of the bristles of toothbrushes which enhances the wastage of water.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing an automated manner of sorting different toothbrushes of multiple individuals that provides the user an ease in locating designated toothbrushes, also the proposed device includes a means of dispensing waste water thus ensuring waste water management.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides an automated means of sorting toothbrushes in accordance to different individuals in view of assisting user in easily locating the designated brushes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device mixture that ensures a germ free and hygienic storage of the toothbrushes by sterilizing the bristles of the toothbrushes through different cleaning solutions.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the weight of the cleaning solutions, and also capable of notifying the concerned person, if the weight of cleaning solutions recedes the threshold value, ensuring proper and continuous cleaning of the toothbrushes.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device that provides an automated sorting of toothbrushes according to different individual, thus allowing an ease in locating the toothbrushes to the user. Additionally, the device also provides a means of cleaning the bristles of toothbrushes to inhibit germs and maintaining a hygienic storage.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device comprises of a cuboidal body developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, a plurality of suction cups arranged underneath and on back portion of the body for adhering to the surface for securing the body on the surface, a plurality of flaps arranged in the body forming multiple sections to hold toothbrushes, a rotatable artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the body for capturing and processing multiple images of the body, to detect presence of toothbrushes above the sections, a pair of motorized clipper integrated on inner periphery of each the section for gripping the toothbrushes’ handle, a laser measurement sensor embedded in the body for determining dimensions of the toothbrush, a motorized slider is integrated in between the clippers and inner walls of the sections to provide required translation to the clippers, along with the toothbrush in the sections, thus storing the toothbrush in the body, a multi-sectioned chamber arranged with the body for storing water and vinegar, a thermal imaging camera embedded in each of the section, for detecting the presence of germs on the toothbrush’s head to evaluate an appropriate composition of the water and vinegar required to eliminate the detected germs.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of a motorized lid integrated beneath each section of the chamber to dispense water and vinegar, that is received by a container arranged underneath the chamber to obtain a mixture of evaluated composition, an electronically controlled valve integrated in each section and configured with the container to dispense the mixture over the toothbrush head for sterilizing bristles of the toothbrush, thus eliminating germs and ensuring a hygienic storage, plurality of motorized iris operated apertures arranged on the base of the body for allowing waste water generated during cleaning, to get drained through the opened apertures, into a vessel arranged underneath the base, a weight sensor embedded in each section of the chamber to monitor weight of the water and vinegar, a speaker installed on the body to produce audio signals for notifying the user to refill the chamber in case the monitored weight recedes a threshold value, a plate installed on each section and configures with plurality of LEDs to display the brushes to the user for assisting them in easily locating the designated brushes and a user interface installed on a computing unit to allow user to allocate specific sections for multiple individuals.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device provides a mean of storing toothbrushes by sorting them in accordance to different individuals, thus providing them an easy way of locating the designated brushes, also the device is capable of providing sterilized bristles of toothbrushes to eliminate the germs and ensuring hygienic storage.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric of an adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, a plurality of suction cups 102 arranged underneath and on back portion of the body 101, plurality of flaps 103 arranged in the body 101 forming multiple sections, a rotatable artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is integrated in the body 101, a pair of motorized clipper 105 integrated on inner periphery of each the section, a multi-sectioned chamber 106 arranged with the body 101, a container 107 arranged underneath the chamber 106, a speaker 108 installed on the body 101, a plate 109 installed on each section and configured with plurality of LEDs 110.

[0023] The device herein includes a cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a stationary surface. The cuboidal design of the body 101 enhances the device stability and alignment. The body 101 is equipped with a plurality of suction cups 102 arranged underneath and on back portion of the body 101, this allows the body 101 to firmly adhere to a fixed surface, providing a stable attachment. By creating a vacuum seal, the suction cups 102 ensure the body 101 to remain securely in place, preventing any movement of the body 101. When the device is positioned and the suction cups 102 are arranged, air is evacuated from the cups, creating a pressure difference that holds the device securely in place. This vacuum seal is maintained by the rigidity of the suction cups 102 and the uniform distribution of the applied pressure. The suction cups 102 ensure maximum surface contact and stability, thus enhancing the device’s adherence to the surface. The body 101 is incorporated with plurality of flaps 103 arranged to form multiple sections. These flaps 103 are positioned to partition the body 101 into a series of individual sections each defined by the flaps 103. This configuration allows for the organized separation of the different sections of the body 101.

[0024] A push button is integrated into the device that allows for the control of electrical circuit in which the operator manually presses the button to actuate an internal switching mechanism. The material of a switch button includes metal or thermoplastic, the components of the push button are a button, a spring, two contacts, a connecting rod, two terminals and a battery. The push button is of two types which includes, a momentary contact switch and a latching contact switch. The device mainly uses the latching contact switch that maintains contact until the push button is manually reset. When the button is pressed the spring compresses allowing the connecting rod to press downwards, thus contacts come into contact with two normally open terminals and complete the circuit, thereby sending a signal to the battery to supply power which in turn switches on the device.

[0025] Upon receiving power supply from the battery, a rotatable artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 having a processor integrated on the body 101 is actuated to capture and process multiple images of the body 101 to display images to detect presence of toothbrushes above the sections. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 is rotatable allowing to capture image of the body 101 from different angles. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 comprises of a lens, an image sensor and a processor. Light from the surrounding strikes on the lens which is detected by the image sensor. The image sensor converts the photons of the light into an electrical signal. The image sensor is connected to the processor which further transmits the signal to the processor for processing. The processor performs various type of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification, thereby detecting the presence of the toothbrushes above the sections.

[0026] Based on the images captured by the artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 the microcontroller directs a pair of motorized clippers 105 integrated on inner periphery of each sections for gripping the toothbrush’s handle. The motorized clipper 105 comprises of two jaws connected by a hinge joint. The hinge joint is actuated by the electric motor that provides power supply to the motorized clippers 105 that actuates the opening and closing of the jaws, thereby securely gripping the toothbrush’s handle.

[0027] Following the gripping of the toothbrushes, a laser measurement sensor is actuated to determine dimensions of the toothbrushes. The laser measurement sensor is an electric component that uses a focused light beam to determine the dimension of the toothbrushes. The laser sensor calculates the time interval from the emission of the light pulse to the toothbrushes and back again to detect the dimension of the toothbrush. The sensor emits a laser beam using a laser diode, a lens and a photodetector. The diode in the sensor emits laser pulses that are reflected by the object onto the photodetector. The sensor scans the toothbrush from different angles, thus generating a signal including length and width of the toothbrush, thus determining the dimensions of the toothbrushes.

[0028] The microcontroller upon receiving signals from the laser measurement sensor actuates a motorized slider integrated between the clippers 105 and inner walls of the sections to provide required translations to the clippers 105 along with the toothbrushes in the section, thereby sorting the toothbrushes in the body 101. The slider comprises of a linear rail that is a fixed component to provide a precise path to the carriage. The carriage securely holds the motorized clipper 105. The sliding unit is actuated by the electric motor causing the transportation of the clippers 105. The toothbrushes gripped by the clippers 105 is also translated into the section with the movement of the clippers 105, thereby sorting toothbrushes in the body 101.

[0029] A multi-sectioned chamber 106 arranged with the body 101 to store water and vinegar. After translating the toothbrushes in sections, a thermal imaging camera embedded in each of the sections, detects the presence of germs on the head of the toothbrush to evaluate an appropriate composition of water and vinegar required to eliminate the detected germs. The thermal imaging camera detects the temperature of the toothbrush’s head by recognizing and capturing different levels of infrared light and identifying areas with elevated temperature. The elevated temperature indicates the presence of germs on the toothbrush. This thermal energy is converted into electrical signals that are transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller converts these signals into thermal images and assess the level of distribution of germs. Based on this data, microcontroller evaluates an appropriate composition of water and vinegar required to eliminate the detected germs.

[0030] Based on the evaluated composition of water and vinegar, a motorized iris lid integrated beneath each section of the chamber 106 are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense the water and vinegar, which is received in a container 107 arranged underneath the chamber 106, to obtain a mixture of evaluated composition. The motorized lid comprises of plurality of blades connected with an electric motor. The electric motor works bi-directionally; the anti-clockwise rotation of the motor facilitates the opening of the lid whereas the clockwise rotation allows for the closing of the lid. The motorized iris lid operates by adjusting its aperture size to control the flow of water and vinegar, into the chamber 106 in accordance to the evaluated composition.

[0031] Upon obtaining the composition in the container 107, the microcontroller directs an electronically controlled valve integrated in each of the section and configured with the container 107, dispenses the composition of the water and vinegar over the toothbrush to sterilize bristles of the toothbrush, thus eliminating germs and ensuring hygienic storage. The electronically controlled valve operates by regulating the flow of the liquid composition from the container 107 to the toothbrush. The valve comprises a diaphragm and an electric motor. The electric motor supplies power to the valve that alters the position of the diaphragm. This alteration allows the adjustments in the valve’s aperture that regulates the flow of composition upon the toothbrushes, thus ensuring the sterilization of the bristles of toothbrushes.

[0032] Following the cleaning of the toothbrush’s head, the waste water generated gets drained through plurality of motorized iris operated apertures arranged on the base of the body 101 into a vessel arranged underneath the base. The motorized iris apertures open to allow the waste water to flow through, directing it efficiently into a vessel positioned underneath the base. The iris apertures ensure precise and control over the drainage process, facilitating an effective removal of waste water while minimizing spillage and overflow.

[0033] The sections of each chamber 106 is embedded with a weight sensor that monitors the weight of the water and vinegar. The weight sensor is a type of weight transducer that converts an input mechanical force such as load, weight, or pressure into an electrical output signal that can be measured, converted and standardized. The weight sensor comprises of a diaphragm, a strain gauge and an electrical circuit. Upon applying weight integrated diaphragm deforms that is detected by a strain gauge. This deformation changes the applied force into an electrical charge that is transferred to the electrical circuit to generate an electrical signal. These signals are transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0034] In case the determined weight of the water and vinegar recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 108 installed on the body 101 to produce audio signals notifying the user regarding refilling of the chamber 106. The speaker 108 is a device that enables the user to listen to the command generated by the device. The speaker 108 comprises of two magnets, a voice coil and the diaphragm. When the electric current is applied on the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field causing the back and forth movement of the diaphragm. This movement in the diaphragm converts the electrical signals into the mechanical energy, to produce sound waves, thereby notifying the user to re-fill the chamber 106.

[0035] A plate 109 installed on each section and configured with plurality of LEDs 110 (Light Emitting Diodes) for displaying the allocated brushes for each individual, in view of assisting the user in easily locating the designated brushes. The LED is a semiconductor unit that emits light when an electrical current flows. When an electric current is applied to the junction, electrons releases energy in the form of photons, thus illuminating the surrounding by emitting a beam light into the surrounding to display the allocated brushes or each individual, thus allowing the user to easily locate the designated brushes.

[0036] A computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller, wherein the computing unit is installed with a user interface that is accessed by the user to facilitate the allocation of specific sections for allowing multiple individuals to store their toothbrushes. Through the user interface, the users input allocation preferences and monitor real-time data. The wireless communication ensures that these preferences are transmitted to the microcontroller. This unit facilitates personalized management of the device, allowing each section to be assigned and managed according to individual needs.

[0037] The device is controlled with the power supplied through the battery that provides electricity to all the electrical and electronic components configured with the device. The battery includes of an anode (negative charge) and a cathode (positive charge), the electrolyte which is Potassium hydroxide and Lithium hexafluorophosphate, the separator and the current collectors. To accept and transmit energy the battery is connected to an external circuit. Electrons move through the circuit, while ions move through the electrolyte synchronously thus generating providing energy to the device.

[0038] The device works best in the following way, the cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface that is arranged with plurality of suction cups 102 underneath and on back portion of the body 101 for allowing the body 101 to adhere on the surface for securing the body 101 on the surface as per requirement by the user, plurality of flaps 103 arranged in the body 101 to form multiple sections on the body 101, the rotatable artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 integrated in body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of the body 101 to detect the presence of toothbrushes above the sections, in accordance to which the pair of motorized clippers 105 integrated on the inner periphery of each section for gripping the toothbrushes’ handle, the laser measurement embedded in the body 101 that determines the dimension of the toothbrushes wherein the motorized slider integrated between the clippers 105 and inner walls of the section provides required translation to clippers 105 along with the toothbrush in sections, thus sorting the toothbrushes in the body 101, the multi-sectioned chamber 106 arranged with the body 101 that stores water and vinegar, when the thermal imaging camera embedded in each section of the body 101 detects the presence of germs on the toothbrush’s head, then the microcontroller is actuated that evaluates an appropriate composition of the water and the vinegar required to eliminate the detected germs.

[0039] Upon the evaluation of the composition the motorized iris lid integrated beneath each section of the chamber 106 dispenses the water and vinegar into the container 107 arranged underneath the chamber 106 to obtain a mixture of the evaluated composition, wherein the electronically controlled valve integrated in each of the section and configured with the container 107, dispenses the mixture over the toothbrush head, in view of sterilizing bristles of the toothbrush, thus facilitating in eliminating of the germs and ensuring a hygienic storage, plurality of motorized iris operated apertures arranged on the base of the body 101 for allowing waste water generated during cleaning, to get drained through the opened apertures, into a vessel arranged underneath the base, the weight sensor embedded in each section of the chamber 106 monitors weight of the water and vinegar, in case the monitored weight recedes a threshold value, a speaker 108 installed on the body 101 produces an audio signals for notifying the user to refill the chamber 106, the plate 109 installed on each section are configured with plurality of LEDs 110 (Light Emitting Diodes) for displaying the allocated brushes for each individual, in view of assisting the user in easily locating the designated brushes, the user interface installed on a computing unit wirelessly linked with the microcontroller allows user to allocate specific sections for multiple individuals.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable toothbrush storing assistive device, comprising:

i) A cuboidal body 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath and on back portion of said body 101 for adhering to said surface, in view of securing said body 101 on said surface, as per requirement;

ii) plurality of flaps 103 arranged in said body 101 forming multiple sections, wherein a rotatable artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 is integrated in said body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of said body 101, respectively to detect presence of toothbrushes above said sections, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized clipper 105 integrated on inner periphery of each said section for gripping said toothbrushes’ handle;

iii) a laser measurement sensor embedded in said body 101 for determining dimensions of said toothbrush, wherein a motorized slider is integrated in between said clippers 105 and inner walls of said sections that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide required translation to said clippers 105, along with said toothbrush in said sections, thus storing said toothbrush in said body 101;

iv) a multi-sectioned chamber 106 arranged with said body 101 for storing water and vinegar, wherein a thermal imaging camera embedded in each of said section, for detecting presence of germs on said toothbrush’s head, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluated an appropriate composition of said water and vinegar required to eliminate said detected germs; and
v) a motorized iris lid integrated beneath each section of said chamber 106, for dispensing said water and vinegar, that is received in a container 107 arranged underneath said chamber 106, to obtain a mixture of said evaluated composition, wherein an electronically controlled valve is integrated in each of said section and configured with said container 107, that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense said mixture over said toothbrush head, in view of sterilizing bristles of said tooth brush, thus facilitating in eliminating of said germs and ensuring a hygienic storage.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized iris operated apertures are arranged on said base of said body 101 for allowing waste water generated during cleaning, to get drained through said opened apertures, into a vessel arranged underneath said base.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in each section of said chamber 106 for monitoring weight of said water and vinegar, in case said monitored weight recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 108 installed on said body 101 to produce audio signals for notifying said user to refill said chamber 106.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user interface is installed on a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller for allowing said user to allocate specific sections for multiple individuals.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plate 109 installed on each section and configured with plurality of LEDs 110 (Light Emitting Diodes) for displaying said allocated brushes for each individual, in view of assisting said user in easily locating the designated brushes.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.