Hand-held tissue dispensing device

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a hand-held tissue dispensing device is disclosed. The tissue dispensing device may be a puppet comprised of a sleeve portion into which a user's hand can be inserted. The sleeve may have an opening in the front side for dispensing tissues. The sleeve may have a compartment associated with the back side to hold tissues or other things. The sleeve may also have a sound circuit for generating audio outputs including sound effects and speech.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/555,801 filed Mar. 23, 2004 hereby incorporated herein by reference by its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a tissue dispensing device. In particular, this invention provides a hand-held tissue dispenser for wiping or helping a person blow his/her face, specifically their nose.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people have faced the difficult task of trying to help a child wipe their face or blow their nose. More specifically, many people find children to be uncooperative and difficult when trying to wipe their face or blow their nose. Quite often children tend to run away or turn their heads as someone is trying to help them, leaving people extremely frustrated. There is a need for a device that is appealing to children while at the same time aides in wiping a child's face or blowing their nose.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior tissue dispensing devices of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a hand-held tissue dispensing device for assisting a person in wiping a child's face blowing a child's nose. A hand-held tissue dispensing device is provided, including a sleeve having a first end, and a second end, and having a front side and a back side, with a first opening at the first end for receiving a user's hand, and a pocket associated with the front side for holding tissues, wherein the pocket has second opening for dispensing tissues. Additionally, a hand-held tissue dispensing device as described is provided with a compartment associated with the back side. Finally, a hand-held tissue dispensing device as described above is provided having an audio circuit for producing sound.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tissue dispensing device in use.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the tissue dispensing device.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the tissue dispensing device in which the sound circuit is being activated.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tissue dispensing device in which a tissue is being dispensed.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tissue dispensing device in which the movable members are manipulating a tissue.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective of the tissue dispensing device showing the compartment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first opening of the tissue dispensing device showing the pocket for holding tissues and the device for opening and closing the pocket.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of a side perspective as in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the tissue dispensing device in which the sound circuit is being activated as in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the tissue-dispensing device, showing the compartment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tissue dispensing device in which the device resembles a tiger.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tissue dispensing device in which the device resembles a bear.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the audio circuit and its elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the tissue dispensing device in use. FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a tissue dispensing device 10 including a sleeve 12. FIGS. 2 and 3 further show the sleeve 12 defined by a first end 14, a second end 16, a front side 18, and a back side 20. The sleeve 12, in this case may resemble a puppet, in which the first end 14 has a first opening 24 and a second end 16 that may be defined by the head of an animal or cartoon character likeness. For example, the puppet may be of an animal likeness comprising a horse, a tiger, a duck, a dog, a bunny, or a bear, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The puppet 32 may also be of a cartoon character likeness. Furthermore, while second end 16 may be defined by the head of the animal or cartoon character likeness, the rest of the sleeve 12 is defined by the body of the animal or cartoon character likeness.

FIG. 5 shows the sleeve 12 having movable members 26 of the animal or cartoon character. The movable members 26 may be in the form of paws, arms, legs, or ears. The movable members 26 are hollow and large enough to fit an average adult size finger into each.

The first end 14 has a first opening 24 that functions to receive a user's hand 28. As shown by FIG. 9, the sleeve 12 may be hollow and large enough for an average adult size hand 28. The hand 28 may be inserted from the first opening 24 and the user's fingers may be inserted into the movable members 26 of the puppet. Once the user's fingers are inserted into the moveable members 26 of the puppet, the moveable members 26 may be manipulated to grasp a tissue while blowing a child's nose or wiping their face. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the tips of the moveable members have a protective rubber or plastic tip that aids in grasping the tissue and protecting the moveable members 26 from getting dirty.

FIG. 4 shows the front side 18 of the tissue dispensing device 10. The front side 18, is part of the sleeve 12. The front side 18 may be located in the region of the animal or cartoon character that is typically the belly or stomach region. A pocket 30 is located at the front side 18 in the interior region of the sleeve 12, so that the pocket 30 cannot be seen from the outside of the tissue dispensing device 10. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the pocket 30 is formed by a lining between the front side 18 and the interior of the sleeve 12. The pocket 30 may be opened and closed by a velcro strip 34, a button or zipper that is used to open and close the pocket to secure the contents in the pocket. In one embodiment, the pocket 30 in the interior portion of the sleeve 12 may be used to hold tissues. Furthermore, the interior pocket 30 may hold clean tissues. A second opening is located on the front side 18. The second opening 36 is connected to pocket 30 at the front side 18. FIG. 8 depicts the positioning of the pocket 30 in the interior region of sleeve 12 connected to the second opening 36. This second opening 36 may be used for dispensing tissues. For example in one embodiment, a tissue that is held in the pocket 30 can be pulled and dispensed through the second opening 36, then placed in the moveable members 26 to blow a child's nose or wipe a child's face.

FIGS. 6 and 10 show a compartment 38 at the back side 20 of the sleeve 12. As shown in FIG. 6 compartment 38 is mounted on the back side 20 of the exterior region of sleeve 12. In one embodiment, compartment 38 may resemble a backpack, where it looks as though the animal or cartoon character is wearing the compartment or backpack. Compartment 38 may be used to hold used tissues or other things. For example, the compartment 38 can hold discarded tissues for later disposal into a trash can. Alternatively, the compartment 38 can contain pockets into which tissues can be placed for later disposal.

FIGS. 3 and 9 show the tissue dispensing device 10 having an activation device 40 for producing sound. Since one of the overall objects of this invention is to help a user wipe a child's face or blow a child's nose, yet another aspect of the invention is to have the tissue dispensing device 10 that produces sounds that appeal to children. An activation device 40 that activates a sound is located anywhere on the sleeve 12. In one preferred embodiment, the activation device 40 may be located in the ear portion of the head at the second end 16 as depicted in FIG. 9. The activation device 40 may be located in any of the movable members 26 of the puppet such as the paws, arms, legs, or ears. The activation device 40 may be concealed within the puppet so it cannot be seen on the outside of the tissue dispensing device 10.

FIGS. 3 and 9 show the tissue dispensing device 10 having an audio output generating circuit 42 for generating audio outputs, including sound effects and speech. This audio output generating circuit 42 can be activated by the user at anytime through the use of an actuator 46 mechanism. As noted above, one of the objects of the invention is to assist a user when wiping a child's face or blowing a child's nose, thus, it is preferred that the sounds generated by the actuator 46 mechanism appeals to children.

FIG. 13 shows the audio output generating circuit 42 includes a control unit 44, at least one actuator 46, a memory 48, and an audio transducer 50, such as a speaker. Preferably, the control unit 44 is connected to the actuator 46 by wiring to form the actuator 46 mechanism. In other embodiments, the control unit 44 can be connected to the actuator 46 using any wired or wireless connections. For example, these may include radio frequency, infrared, or an ultrasonic receiver/transmitter.

The actuator 46 may be located anywhere on the tissue dispensing device 10. Preferably, the actuator 46 is a push-button type switch. The activation method for a push-button switch is typically in the form of a plunger that is pushed down to open or close the switch. In another embodiment, the switch may be any type of conventional switch that generates a signal in response to the relative movement of two parts (e.g., a reed switch, a leaf spring type switch, etc). However, it is noted that the actuator 46 may be any type of electrical switch as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one preferred embodiment, the actuator 46 is located on the ear portion of the head at the second end 16 as depicted in FIG. 9. In this manner, when the ear is squeezed, the audio output generating circuit 42 is activated and the dispenser appears to be talking to the child.

The audio output generating circuit 42 further includes a memory 48 coupled to the control unit 44. This memory may be any type of conventional memory, such as a disk drive, cartridge, or solid state memory. Different types of prerecorded audio outputs, such as sound effects and speech phrases are stored. One example of the prerecorded audio output is speech. For example, different phrases encouraging a child to blow her nose may be stored in memory. Another type of audio output is sound effects. In one embodiment, if the tissue dispensing device 10 resembles an animal, sound effects similar to that the animal makes are stored in memory 48. For example, if the dispenser 10 resembles a dog, the several sounds associated with a dog, such as a bark or a growl, are stored in the memory 48.

The control unit 44 includes a processor that can access data stored in the memory 48. The processor may be any type of conventional processor, such as an integrated circuit. The audio output generating circuit 42 further includes a power supply 52. Preferably, this power supply 52 is a battery.

The tissue dispensing device 10 further includes an audio transducer 50, such as a speaker, through which the audio output can be played. Preferably, the audio transducer 50 is coupled to the control unit via wiring. In other embodiments, the control unit can be connected to the audio transducer 50 using any wired or wireless connections.

Additionally, sound effects may be stored in the memory 48, including the phases, “Ah, excuse me, can I wipe your nose please? Thank you.” and “Oh, hi there! Can I wash our face please? Thank you.” The stored sound can in the form of a phrase such as “Oh hello there! May I wipe your face please? Thank you.”

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A tissue dispensing device, comprising:

a sleeve having a first end and a second end, and a front side and a back side;

a first opening at the first end for receiving a user's hand;

a pocket associated with the front side for holding tissues, the pocket having a second opening for dispensing tissues.

2. The tissue dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is a puppet.

3. The tissue dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the puppet comprises a cartoon character likeness.

4. The tissue dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the puppet comprises an animal likeness.

5. The tissue dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the puppet has movable members.

6. The tissue dispensing device of claim 5, wherein the movable members comprise one of arms, hands, and ears of the puppet.

7. The tissue dispensing device of claim 5, wherein at least one of the movable members have a rubber or a plastic tip.

8. The tissue dispensing device of claim 5, wherein the movable are adapted to receive fingers from a user's hand.

9. The tissue dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the pocket is located in an interior region of the sleeve.

10. The tissue dispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a means for closing the pocket.

11. The tissue dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the means for closing is a Velcro strip, a zipper, or a button.

12. The tissue dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an audio circuit for producing sound.

13. The tissue dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the audio circuit is located at one of the movable members.

14. The tissue dispensing device of claim 12, wherein the audio circuit includes a control unit, at least one actuator, a memory, and an audio transducer.

15. A tissue dispensing device, comprising:

a sleeve having a first end and a second end, and a front side and a back side;

a first opening at the first end for receiving a user's hand;

a pocket associated with the front side for holding tissues, the pocket having a second opening for dispensing tissues; and

a compartment associated with the back side.

16. The tissue dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the sleeve is a puppet.

17. The tissue dispensing device of claim 16, wherein the puppet comprises a cartoon character likeness.

18. The tissue dispensing device of claim 16, wherein the puppet comprises an animal likeness.

19. The tissue dispensing device of claim 16, wherein the puppet has movable members.

20. The tissue dispensing device of claim 19, wherein the movable members comprise one of arms, hands, and ears of the puppet.

21. The tissue dispensing device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the movable members have a rubber or a plastic tip.

22. The tissue dispensing device of claim 19, wherein the movable members are adapted to receive fingers from a user's hand.

23. The tissue dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the pocket is located in an interior region of the sleeve.

24. The tissue dispensing device of claim 15, further comprising a means for closing the pocket.

25. The tissue dispensing device of claim 24, wherein the means for closing is a Velcro strip, a button or a zipper.

26. The tissue dispensing device of claim 15, wherein the compartment is located on an exterior region of the sleeve.

27. The tissue dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has an audio circuit for producing sound.

28. The tissue dispensing device of claim 27, wherein the audio circuit is located at one of the movable members.

29. The tissue dispensing device of claim 27, wherein the audio circuit includes a control unit, at least one actuator, a memory, and an audio transducer.

30. A tissue dispensing device, comprising:

a sleeve having a first end and a second end, and a front side and a back side;

a first opening at the first end for receiving a user's hand;

a pocket associated with the front side for holding tissues, the pocket having a second opening for dispensing tissues;

a compartment associated with the back side; and

an audio circuit for producing a sound.

31. The tissue dispensing device of claim 30, wherein the sleeve is a puppet.

32. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the puppet comprises a cartoon character likeness.

33. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the puppet comprises an animal likeness.

34. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the puppet has movable members.

35. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the movable members comprise one of arms, hands, and ears of the puppet.

36. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein at least one of the movable members has a rubber or a plastic tip.

37. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the movable members are adapted to receive fingers from the user's hand.

38. The tissue dispensing device of claim 31, wherein the pocket is located in an interior region of the sleeve.

39. The tissue dispensing device of claim 30, further comprising a means for closing the pocket.

40. The tissue dispensing device of claim 39, wherein the means for closing is a Velcro strip, a zipper, or a button.

41. The tissue dispensing device of claim 30, wherein the compartment is located on the exterior of the sleeve.

42. The tissue dispensing device of claim 30, wherein the audio circuit is located at one of the movable members.

43. The tissue dispensing device of claim 30, wherein the audio circuit includes a control unit, at least one actuator, a memory, and an audio transducer.