ADJUSTABLE TOOTHPICK HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

An adjustable toothpick holding device comprising curved body 1 developed to be mounted on rim portion of a snack bowl, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 determine dimensions of rim portion, a pair of motorized clamping units 3 to acquire a grip on rim portion for affixing body 1, a proximity sensor for monitoring distance of a user present in proximity to body 1, an ultrasonic sensor for determining dimensions of toothpick, plurality of motorized iris lids a laser measurement sensor for monitoring tip of engaged toothpick, a motorized gripper 5 to rub tip of toothpick in view of sharpening toothpick and a microphone 6 for receiving voice commands of user regarding accessing of stored toothpicks.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable toothpick holding device, capable of determining the dimensions of a rim portion of a snack bowl for adjusting the toothpick as well as able to measure the size of the toothpick the user is holding in a controlled way so the user is able to place the toothpick inside the snack bowl. Also, has the ability of monitoring the tip of the engaged toothpick to rub the tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] User generally eats different varieties of meals in their day-to-day lives, and while chewing the meal some meal gets stuck in between the teeth's thereby they use a sharp wooden tool having pointed tip usually known as toothpick. A toothpick is a small thin stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance with at least one and sometimes two pointed ends to insert between teeth to remove waste, usually after a meal. However, these toothpicks need to hold efficiently for their use. People usually uses toothpick holders for holding toothpicks as these are small containers or cases specifically designed to store and dispense toothpicks, often made of plastic, metal or wood. But these are less durable as well as needs to be replaced after a certain period of time. So, people use an equipment that holds the toothpick efficiently.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for holding toothpick. People usually uses toothpick holders for holding toothpicks as these are small containers or cases specifically designed to store and dispense toothpicks, often made of plastic, metal or wood. But these are less durable as well as needs to be replaced after a certain period of time. People also use toothpick boxes, as these are small boxes or cases with a lid used to store toothpicks, often made of plastic or metal. But these fails to hold the toothpicks in an efficient manner.

[0004] WO1984003618A1 discloses about an invention that includes a toothpick holder provided with a plurality of toothpick-gripping openings oriented to hold toothpicks in different positions to facilitate access to different portions of the teeth. The holder is generally T-shaped, with an elongate handle having a cross-piece at one end. The cross-piece has oppositely oriented openings and in its opposite ends and, respectively, for selectively holding first one toothpick and then another such that the toothpicks are properly oriented to gain access to different areas of the teeth. Each opening is larger on one side than on the other, defining a shoulder. As a toothpick is inserted through the opening, the narrow edge engages the shoulder and a portion of the narrow edge is shaved off or rolled back, tending to wedge the toothpick in place.

[0005] US4397327A discloses about an invention that includes a toothpick holder for holding a toothpick in any one of several adjusted positions for facilitating access to difficult to reach areas of the mouth, includes a handle with a toothpick retainer projecting perpendicularly therefrom, with aligned openings in the retainer for snugly receiving a toothpick. The retainer is held latched in position relative to the handle by a releasable latch, which can be manipulated to release the retainer either for removal from the handle or adjustment to a different position relative thereto. The openings in the retainer are of different size and are configured to snugly receive at both openings spaced portions of a toothpick. Further, the holder of the invention is specifically designed to properly orient a toothpick having a wedge-shaped cross section for optimum cleaning of the space between the teeth.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of holding toothpicks. However, these devices are incapable of determining the dimensions of a rim portion of a snack bowl for adjusting the toothpick. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in determining the dimensions of the toothpick held by the user in a regulated manner and are insufficient in allowing the user to insert toothpick inside the snack bowl.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that detect the dimensions of a rim portion of a snack bowl in order to adjust the toothpick efficiently. In addition, the developed device should also determine the dimensions of the toothpick held by the user in a regulated manner to allow the user to insert toothpick inside the snack bowl.

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 is capable of determining the dimensions of a rim portion of a snack bowl for adjusting the toothpick.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining the dimensions of the toothpick held by the user in a regulated manner to allow the user to insert toothpick inside the snack bowl.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the tip of the engaged toothpick to rub the tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick.

[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 adjustable toothpick holding device that is capable of providing a means for determining the dimensions of a rim portion of a snack bowl for adjusting the toothpick. Additionally, the proposed device also monitors the tip of the engaged toothpick to rub the tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable toothpick holding device comprises of, a curved body developed to be mounted on rim portion of a snack bowl, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the body to determine dimensions of the rim portion, a pair of motorized clamping units arranged underneath the body to acquire a grip on the rim portion for affixing the body on the bowl, a proximity sensor is mounted on the body for monitoring distance of a user present in proximity to the body, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the body for determining dimensions of the toothpick held by the user, plurality of motorized iris lids are integrated on surface of the body to allow the user to insert toothpick in the lids in view of engaging the toothpick in each of the lids, and a laser measurement sensor integrated inside the body for monitoring tip of the engaged toothpick positioned inside the body.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a motorized gripper installed inside the body to position a filer integrated on the gripper to rub tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick, a microphone integrated on the body for receiving voice commands of the user regarding accessing of the stored toothpicks, a UV (ultraviolet) lamp is installed inside the body to get illuminated for sterilizing ends of the toothpick in order to eliminate any germs deposited on the toothpick, and a battery is configured with the body for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[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 adjustable toothpick holding 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 adjustable toothpick holding device that detect the dimensions of a rim portion of a snack bowl in order to adjust the toothpick efficiently. In addition, the proposed device also determines the dimensions of the toothpick held by the user in a regulated manner to allow the user to insert toothpick inside the snack bowl.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adjustable toothpick holding device is illustrated, comprising a curved body 1 is mounted on rim portion of a snack bowl, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the body 1, a pair of motorized clamping units 3 is arranged underneath the body 1, plurality of motorized iris lids 4 are integrated on surface of the body 1, a motorized gripper 5 is installed inside the body 1, a microphone 6 is integrated on the body 1, a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 7 is installed inside the body 1.

[0023] The proposed device includes a curved body 1 developed to be mounted on rim portion of a snack bowl, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the body 1 and is integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body 1, respectively to determine dimensions of the rim portion. The imaging unit 2 comprises of a processor and a camera, which upon actuation captures multiple images of the eyewear. The camera comprises of a lens and a digital sensor, where the lens takes all the reflected light rays rebounding from the surrounding, together all light rays rebound back and meet on a digital sensor that is capable to extract the images. The extracted images of the surrounding the surface are processed by the processor and this processed data is sent to an inbuilt microcontroller. The microcontroller upon receiving and processing the images signal, for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body 1, respectively to determine dimensions of the rim portion.

[0024] A pair of motorized clamping units 3 are arranged underneath the body 1 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire a grip on the rim portion for affixing the body 1 on the bowl. The clamp is a fastening equipment used to hold rim portion tightly together. Clamping unit comprises a pair of curved motorize clamps, attached with motor to grip the front wheel and crossbar of bicycle. Motor is actuated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorize clamps to acquire a grip on the rim portion for affixing the body 1 on the bowl.

[0025] A proximity sensor is mounted on the body 1 and synced with the imaging unit 2 for monitoring distance of a user present in proximity to the body 1. The proximity sensor employs both inductive and capacitive principles. It employs an oscillating electromagnetic field to induce currents in surrounding of the user causing the capacitance of the sensor to fluctuate. This difference is measured and utilized to identify the body 1 in proximity of the user to the sensor. Furthermore, the sensor calibrates the fluctuated capacitance for monitoring distance of a user present in proximity to the body 1.

[0026] An ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the body 1 and synced with the imaging unit 2 for determining dimensions of the toothpick held by the user. The ultrasonic sensor consists of a transducer that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver that works in collaboration to detect level of the fluid within the container. The transducer typically contains a piezoelectric crystal or a similar material. When an electrical signal is applied to the crystal, it vibrates at a high frequency, typically in the ultrasonic range above 20 kHz. When the transducer is activated, it converts the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations or waves. These vibrations are transmitted as a focused beam of ultrasonic waves into the object. The ultrasonic waves propagate outward in a cone-shaped pattern from the transducer.

[0027] When the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter the toothpick in their path, a portion of the waves is reflected back towards the sensor. The amount of reflection depends on factors such as the distance, size, and surface characteristics of the toothpick. The same transducer that emitted the ultrasonic waves now acts as a receiver. It detects the reflected waves that bounce back from the toothpick and converts them back into electrical signals. The sensor for determining dimensions of the toothpick held by the user.

[0028] After determining dimensions of the toothpick held by the user, plurality of motorized iris lids 4 are integrated on surface of the body 1 that are actuated by the microcontroller in a regulated manner to The lid comprises of a ring and blades having multiple protrusion. The ring is constructed with multiple grooves that are linked with the protrusion of the blade. The ring is attached with groove to pull the protrusion within the grooves by the rotation of the ring. The pulling of the protrusions provide movement to the blades for opening and closing of the lid. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed. Based on the actuation, the ring regulates the opening and closing the lid to allow the user to insert toothpick in the lids in view of engaging the toothpick in each of the lids.

[0029] Then, a laser measurement sensor is integrated inside the body 1 for monitoring tip of the engaged toothpick positioned inside the body 1. The laser measurement sensor ends laser beams at two points of the object to form a triangle between the body 1 and the point of the acuity sensor from where lasers are emitted. The beams are bounced back towards the sensor and are sensed by the sensor with the angle formed between the emitting point and the surface at which laser beam are impact. The laser measurement sensor, after detecting the required data of dimension of the object sends the data to the microcontroller. After receiving data, the microcontroller analyzes the data to detect monitoring tip of the engaged toothpick positioned inside the body 1.

[0030] Then, the microcontroller actuates a motorized gripper 5 is installed inside the body 1 to position a filer integrated on the gripper 5 to rub tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick. The gripper 5 operates as a robotic hand that is designed to grasp the corn effectively. The gripper 5 typically incorporates a motorized mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the jaws of the gripper 5. The motor generates the necessary force to move the gripper 5's fingers for the opening and closing of the jaws with precision. This motorized action is often controlled by the microcontroller to position the filer integrated on the gripper 5 to rub tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick.

[0031] Further, a microphone 6 is integrated on the body 1 for receiving voice commands of the user regarding accessing of the stored toothpicks. The microphone 6 consists of a voice receiver and transducer. The voice receiver receives the voice of the user while reading the book and synchronically the transducer converts the received voice in the form of a signal and transmits the signal to the microcontroller for receiving voice commands of the user regarding accessing of the stored toothpicks. In accordance to which the microcontroller directs actuation of the lids to get open for allowing the user to access the lid toothpick from the body 1.

[0032] Then, a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 7 is installed inside the body 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller to get illuminated for sterilizing ends of the toothpick in order to eliminate any germs deposited on the toothpick. The working principle of an Ultra Violet (UV) lamp involves the emission of UV radiation by a gas-discharge lamp. This type of lamp contains a low-pressure mercury vapor that emits UV light when an electric current passes through it. The emitted UV light is then emitted over the toothpicks in order to get illuminated for sterilizing ends of the toothpick in order to eliminate any germs deposited on the toothpick.

[0033] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the curved body 1 developed to be mounted on rim portion of a snack bowl, then the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the body 1 and is integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of body 1, respectively to determine dimensions of rim portion. The pair of motorized clamping units 3 is arranged underneath the body 1 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire the grip on the rim portion for affixing the body 1 on the bowl, The proximity sensor is mounted on the body 1 and synced with the imaging unit 2 for monitoring distance of a user present in proximity to the body 1. The ultrasonic sensor is integrated on the body 1 and synced with the imaging unit 2 for determining dimensions of the toothpick held by the user. After determining dimensions of the toothpick held by the user, plurality of motorized iris lids 4 are integrated on surface of the body 1 that are actuated by the microcontroller in a regulated manner to allow the user to insert toothpick in the lids in view of engaging the toothpick in each of the lids. Then, the laser measurement sensor is integrated inside the body 1 for monitoring tip of the engaged toothpick positioned inside the body 1. Then, the microcontroller actuates the motorized gripper 5 is installed inside the body 1 to position a filer integrated on the gripper 5 to rub tip of the toothpick in view of sharpening the toothpick. Further, the microphone 6 is integrated on the body 1 for receiving voice commands of the user regarding accessing of the stored toothpicks. In accordance to which the microcontroller directs actuation of the lids to get open for allowing the user to access the lid toothpick from the body 1. Then, the UV (ultraviolet) lamp 7 is installed inside the body 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller to get illuminated for sterilizing ends of the toothpick in order to eliminate any germs deposited on the toothpick.

[0035] 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 adjustable toothpick holding device, comprising:

i) a curved body 1 developed to be mounted on rim portion of a snack bowl, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on said body 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said rim portion;
ii) a pair of motorized clamping units 3 arranged underneath said body 1 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to acquire a grip on said rim portion for affixing said body 1 on said bowl, wherein a proximity sensor is mounted on said body 1 and synced with said imaging unit 2 for monitoring distance of a user present in proximity to said body 1;
iii) an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said body 1 and synced with said imaging unit 2 for determining dimensions of said toothpick held by said user, wherein plurality of motorized iris lids 4 are integrated on surface of said body 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller in a regulated manner to allow said user to insert toothpick in said lids in view of engaging said toothpick in each of said lids;
iv) a laser measurement sensor integrated inside said body 1 for monitoring tip of said engaged toothpick positioned inside said body 1, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized gripper 5 installed inside said body 1 to position a filer integrated on said gripper 5 to rub tip of said toothpick in view of sharpening said toothpick; and
v) a microphone 6 integrated on said body 1 for receiving voice commands of said user regarding accessing of said stored toothpicks, in accordance to which said microcontroller directs actuation of said lids to get open for allowing said user to access said toothpick from said body 1.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a UV (ultraviolet) lamp 7 is installed inside said body 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to get illuminated for sterilizing ends of said toothpick in order to eliminate any germs deposited on said toothpick.

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

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