Mouthwash Dispenser

Abstract

The invention provides a wall mounted dispenser configured for use with mouthwash and oral rinses, providing consumers with a neat and efficient means of dispensing measured doses of mouthwash in a container that is easily accessible. The Mouthwash Dispenser is comprised of an ample reservoir with an internally contained drainage pump and external spout or nozzle through which mouthwash is dispensed into a disposable cup or water glass.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/689,581 filed Jun. 8, 2012, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Mouthwash Dispenser.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of oral hygiene, and more specifically to the field of mouthwash dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for mouthwash dispensers. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No.4,257,538 to John H. Fowler describes a liquid dispenser for dispensing discreet amounts of a liquid such as a mouthwash and comprised of a container for a supply of a liquid and a base member which may be attached to the container in a horizontal, position to provide for a free standing condition of the assembly or in a vertical position for suspension from a pair of screws preset in a wall. A double acting valve provided with a laterally extending release bar is disposed at the bottom of the container, said valve being normally spring urged into a closing relation with a discharge port in the bottom of a dose cup, fixed relative to the bottom end of the container. When the top edge of a receptacle such as a drinking glass or paper cup is pressed upwardly against the release bar, the valve is moved from the discharge port of the dose cup permitting the liquid therein to flow into the drinking glass or other receptacle, and the valve is moved into a closing relation with a discharge port opening from the container.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,885 to Lawrence R. Hogan describes a dispensing system is disclosed which finds particular application as a sanitary food dispensing system, and which includes a support stand adapted to releasably support at least one portable modular dispenser housing in which is mounted a flexible fluid impervious container having a flowable food product contained in sealed relation therein and to which a compressible flow tube is affixed having a discharge fitment thereon facilitating removal of product from the container. A rotor is mounted within the dispenser housing for cooperation with the compressible flow tube to enable controlled portion dispensing of product from the discharge fitment through actuation of an external operating handle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,067 to Juan C. Garcia describes a wall plate is arranged for selective reception of a support member having a floor with an internally threaded cylindrical skirt arranged to receive a mouthwash dispensing fluid container therewithin and a valve plate reciprocally mounted relative to a bottom surface of the floor to permit selective fluid flow therethrough. The apparatus is further arranged to include an adapter head arranged to receive a mouthwash bottle thereon having a truncated conical directional conduit to receive an outlet opening of a fluid bottle.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved wall mounted mouthwash dispenser that is conveniently accessible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prototypical diagonal front view showing the device of the present invention having an opened lid, a mouthwash container, an easily viewable level window, a push button for dispensing liquid, and a small disposable paper cup used to hold an appropriate amount of mouthwash for gargling.

FIG. 2 is a front diagonal close up view showing a push button for dispensing liquid and a disposable cup placed under a dispensing spout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Proper hygiene is a key factor in maintaining a healthy and happy existence. Reducing germs and bacteria, hygiene rituals are important in making a person feel clean and fresh on a daily basis. Taking a quick shower or enjoying a long soak in a bathtub, washing one's hair and brushing one's teeth are all activities that cleanse the body and refresh the spirit. Properly caring for one's oral hygiene plays a considerable role in maintaining overall health. Brushing teeth removes plaque and tartar buildup, while following brushing by gargling with mouthwash kills germs and bacteria and freshens one's breath. Since most mouthwashes contain fluoride, they also promote healthy and strong teeth. Gargling with mouthwash presents a few drawbacks. Pouring a measured dose of mouthwash or similar oral rinse from an oversized container sometimes is difficult. Mouthwash is packaged in large plastic bottles which are tipped completely on their side to dispense the contained liquid. Holding approximately thirty two to sixty four ounces of fluid, mouthwash containers are heavy and awkward to manipulate, especially for children and those who suffer limited mobility. Because of the size and shape of mouthwash bottles, many consumers spill more mouthwash than they pour into their cup. Attempting to gargle before heading off to work, only to spill bright blue mouthwash down the front of one's shirt or blouse, is a completely aggravating experience. These cumbersome containers take up a considerable amount of much needed counter and medicine cabinet space in small bathrooms leading to unsightly and disorganized clutter.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Mouthwash Dispenser, is a specially designed wall mounted dispenser configured for use with mouthwash and oral rinses. It provides consumers with a neat and efficient means of dispensing measured doses of mouthwash in a container that is easily accessible. Manufactured of durable plastic material, the Mouthwash Dispenser is a wall mounted unit which is secured to any wall surface with simple screws or self adhesive strips positioned on the rear of the device. Oval in shape, the Mouthwash Dispenser 20 is a compact unit measuring approximately seven inches in height, three to five inches in width and six inches in depth. The Mouthwash Dispenser is comprised of an ample reservoir 22 with an internally contained drainage pump and external spout or nozzle 24 through which mouthwash is dispensed into a disposable cup or 26 water glass. The top of the Mouthwash Dispenser contains a removable lid 32, enabling the user to fill the reservoir with their favorite mouthwash, directly from above the container. The drainage pump comprises a spring loaded plunger operated by depressing an external push button stopper 34, when activated by a user, the push button stopper opens the drain allowing a premeasured amount of mouthwash to flow out through the nozzle located at the base of the Mouthwash Dispenser. Disposable cups and a handy holder for these cups are included with this system. A vertical window strip 36 is positioned centrally on the device to allow users to view and monitor the amount of liquid remaining in the dispenser. Attractive as well as practical, the Mouthwash Dispenser is produced in a standard white color, a neutral beige color and an array of other colors that appeal to individual taste or match an existing bathroom decor.

Installation and use of the Mouthwash Dispenser is simple and straightforward. According to easily followed package instructions, a user mounts the Mouthwash Dispenser in an appropriate location within the home. Most likely, one affixes the Mouthwash Dispenser to a bathroom wall directly above or beside a bathroom sink, providing ready access to the mouthwash after brushing one's teeth. After installing the present invention, a user opens the top and fills the Mouthwash Dispenser with their favorite liquid mouthwash or oral rinse. Once filled, the Mouthwash Dispenser is utilized upon demand. After flossing and brushing their teeth, a user places a provided cup beneath the unit and depresses its external stopper. This action forces an internal plunger upwards, causing a measured dose of mouthwash to flow out through the present invention's nozzle into the cup below. The user then gargles as usual, killing germs and bacteria while freshening their breath.

Eliminating the need to juggle a bulky and heavy container of mouthwash, using the Mouthwash Dispenser is a practical alternative to pouring mouthwash directly from a bottle. The Mouthwash Dispenser dispenses mouthwash in a neat and orderly fashion. Operated with a simple push button mechanism, the present invention effectively eliminates sloppy drips and messy spills associated with pouring mouthwash straight from the bottle. Conveniently affixed to the wall, this compact and easily accessible holder handily alleviates the problem of crowded medicine cabinets and bathroom counters. Without supersized mouthwash bottles taking up necessary space, the Mouthwash Dispenser ensures a neat and orderly bathroom space. Durably constructed of quality materials, the Mouthwash Dispenser will withstand years of repeated use. Simple to use and affordably priced, the present invention enables consumers to enjoy a cleansing and refreshing dose of mouthwash in an easy and expedient manner.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device comprising: a reservoir having an internally contained drainage pump and external nozzle through which mouthwash is dispensed, further comprising a hinged or removable lid, enabling the user to fill the reservoir.

2. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 1 wherein the drainage pump comprises a spring loaded plunger operated by depressing an external push button stopper, when activated by a user, the push button stopper opens a drain allowing a premeasured amount of mouthwash to flow out through the nozzle located at the base of the device.

3. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 2 further comprising disposable cups and a handy holder for the cups.

4. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 2 wherein the reservoir comprises a vertical window strip positioned centrally on the reservoir to allow users to view and monitor the amount of liquid remaining in the dispenser.

5. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 4 produced in a standard white color, a neutral beige color and an array of other colors that appeal to individual taste or match an existing bathroom decor.

6. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 2 secured to any wall surface with simple screws or self adhesive strips positioned on the rear of the device.

7. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 2 manufactured of durable plastic material.

8. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 2, wherein the cross-section of the reservoir is oval.

9. The wall mounted mouthwash dispenser device of claim 2, measuring approximately seven inches in height, three to five inches in width and six inches in depth.