SOAP DISPENSING DEVICE FOR ASSISTIVE BATHING

Abstract

A soap dispensing device for assistive bathing, comprising a cuboidal housing 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in a hung state, rear portion of housing 1 is mapped with multiple suction cups 2 that are dedicated towards adherence of housing 1 on surface in a secured manner, multiple telescopically operated clamping units 3 positioned on motorized sliding channels 4 laid on internal peripheral portion of housing 1 for clamping of a soap bar manually placed by a user inside housing 1, an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module for monitoring that soap bar is clamped by clamping units, a pneumatically operated bar 5 attached with a blade arrangement 6 positioned inside housing 1 to cut bar into multiple pieces, a porous scrubber positioned on an end portion of conduit that is directed by microcontroller to move on body.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a soap dispensing device for assistive bathing that is capable of dispensing soap for assisting the user in bathing in an automated manner thereby reducing physical efforts of user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People typically use soap to remove dirt, germs, and bacteria that may cause illness and infections, especially before and after eating, coughing, sneezing, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. They often use soap dispensers to dispense soap, as this effectively cleans hands when rubbed thoroughly. However, these dispensers may not dispense soap evenly or at the right pressure for thorough cleaning. So, there is a need for equipment that dispense soap evenly at the right pressure for thorough cleaning during bathing.

[0003] Traditionally, people used soap and water to clean their bodies during bathing, as this is a traditional and effective method for removing dirt, germs, and bacteria from the skin. However, this method is a time-consuming process and inconvenient for some individuals in certain situations. However, these soap dispensers for bathing, especially when soap and water are not readily available. These dispensers effectively clean the body when soap is applied and rubbed thoroughly. Moreover, frequent use of soap may dry out the skin and cause irritation or dermatitis, especially for those with sensitive skin.

[0004] US5492247A includes an invention that is a kind of an automatic soap dispenser having an infrared sensing device and associated circuitry to trigger a driver device into operation. The dynamic power of the device is generated from a motor, through a speed reducing gear to deliver a low speed, high torque driving power to a toothed piece. The toothed piece is driven forward in a direction perpendicular to the soap feeding tube of the soap storage bag, allowing liquid soap in the feeding tube to be squeezed and dispensed for hands cleaning. When the squeezing operation is accomplished, the resiliency of the feeding tube pushes the toothed piece back to its original position and is ready for the next soap dispensing.

[0005] US5704723A includes an invention that is a kind of a dispensing device for releasing a liquid active material such as soap or other active formulation in the form of a concentrate. The dispensing device includes a foam-like outer cover that encloses a pouch which has a membrane allowing the material to transfer to the cover at a selected rate. The rate is determined by the type of material used for the membrane and the size and number of pores in it, allowing the liquid through at a desired rate. The rate is further determined by the amount of external squeeze pressure applied to the device. The pouch is refilled by a sack containing the concentrate. The sack also contains small holes or pores for ejecting the concentrate when pressure is applied. Because the pores in the sack face away from the pores of the pouch, the concentrate has time and space to mix with water to form a diluted mixture desired for washing.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of dispensing soap. However, these devices are unable to dispense soap to assist the user in bathing in an automated manner, thereby increasing the physical efforts of user. In addition, these existing device fail to cut the soap for utilized by the user during bathing.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that dispense soap to assist the user in bathing in an automated manner thereby reducing the physical efforts of user. Additionally, the device cut the soap for use by the user during bathing.

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 dispensing soap for assisting the user in bathing in an automated manner thereby reducing physical efforts of user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of dispensing water on the user's body in an appropriate manner thereby aiding the user to bath.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of cutting the soap to be utilized by user for bathing through a means provided in proposed invention.

[0012] Yet another objective is to develop a device that is durable and easy to operate.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to a soap dispensing device for assistive bathing that is capable of dispensing soap to assist the user in bathing in an automated manner thereby reducing physical efforts of user. Additionally, the proposed device cut the soap to be utilized by user for bathing through a means provided in proposed invention.


[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a soap dispensing device for assistive bathing comprises of a cuboidal housing positioned on a fixed surface in a hung state and the rear portion of the housing is installed with plurality of suction cups that are dedicated towards adherence of the housing on the surface in a secured manner, plurality of telescopically operated clamping units arranged on motorized sliding channels laid on internal peripheral portion of the housing to dedicated towards clamping of a soap bar manually placed by a user inside the housing, a pneumatically operated bar integrated with a blade arrangement positioned inside the housing, an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module integrated with a processor positioned inside the housing, then a microcontroller linked with the module directs the sliding channels to translate the clamping units in a reciprocatory manner in view of taking the clamped bar in close proximity of the arrangement to aid the arrangement to cut the bar into multiple pieces.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a platform detachably mounted at a base portion of the housing that allows dispensing of the cut bars through the structures, a motorized iris operated lid that are accordingly directed by the microcontroller to open and close for allowing proper dispensing of the cut bars within the structures, a chamber arranged on the housing that is stored with water through a conduit connected with the chamber, a porous scrubber arranged on an end portion of the conduit that is directed by the microcontroller to move on the body as the conduit is connected with a motorized ball and socket joint that enables movement of the conduit on the user's body in an effective manner and a battery is associated with the device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of the device.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 a soap dispensing device for assistive bathing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a soap dispensing device for assistive bathing that is capable of dispensing soap to assist the user in bathing in an automated manner thereby reducing physical efforts of user. Additionally, the proposed device cut the soap to be utilized by user for bathing through a means provided in proposed invention.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of soap dispensing device for assistive bathing comprising, comprising a cuboidal housing 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in a hung state, rear portion of housing 1 is mapped with multiple suction cups 2, multiple telescopically operated clamping units 3 positioned on motorized sliding channels 4 laid on internal peripheral portion of housing 1, a pneumatically operated bar 5 attached with a blade arrangement 6 positioned inside housing 1, a platform 7 detachably mounted at a base portion of said housing 1.

[0024] The proposed device comprises of a cuboidal housing 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in a hung state. The cuboidal housing 1 is made up of stainless steel that offers a corrosion resistant, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. Further, the rear portion of the housing 1 is mapped with multiple of suction cups 2 that are dedicated towards adherence of housing 1 on surface in a secured manner. The suction cup is made of elastic, flexible material and has a curved surface. When the centre of the suction cup is pressed against the surface. The volume of the space between the suction cup and the flat surface is reduced, that creates a negative pressure to adhere the surface crating a partial vacuum inside the cup. The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the cup and the low-pressure cavity on the inside of the cup keeps the cup adhered of the housing 1 on surface in a secured manner.

[0025] Herein, the microcontroller actuates multiple telescopically operated clamping units 3 positioned on motorized sliding channels 4 laid on internal peripheral portion of housing 1 for clamping of a soap bar manually placed by a user inside housing 1. The telescopically operated clamping units 3 is powered by a pneumatic unit which including a pneumatic cylinder, air compressor, air valve, cylinder and piston. The valve is an air valve that allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus providing the required extension/retraction of the clamps.

[0026] The telescopically operated clamping units 3 is linked with a hinge that is activated by the microcontroller to provide back and forth movement of the clamp to clamp soap bar manually placed by a user inside housing 1. The hinge typically refers a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the clamping unit, while the moving component is connected to the other part that aids in providing back and forth movement to the clamping unit for clamping of a soap bar manually placed by a user inside housing 1.

[0027] As soon as the soap bar is clamped by the clamping units 3 as monitored through an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module attached with a processor positioned inside housing 1. The artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture the multiple image of the soap bar. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the user and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of the user by performing various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which is transmitted to the processor. The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes the information shared by the processor to monitor the clamping of soap bar by clamping unit.

[0028] Thereafter, a microcontroller linked with module actuates sliding channel to translate clamping units 3 in a reciprocatory manner for taking clamped bar in close proximity of arrangement. The sliding channel consists of a sliding-rail and multiple rolling members which are integrated with a step motor. On actuation the step motor rotates the rolling members in order to provide rolling motion to the members which results in sliding of the rod over the sliding-rail thereby translating clamping units 3 in a reciprocatory manner for taking clamped bar in close proximity of arrangement to aid arrangement to cut bar into multiple pieces.

[0029] Further, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatically operated bar 5 integrated with a blade arrangement 6 positioned inside housing 1. The pneumatically operated bar 5 is powered by a pneumatic unit thus providing the required extension/retraction of the blade arrangement 6 to aid arrangement to cut bar into multiple pieces. Herein, a platform 7 detachably mapped at a base portion of housing 1 wherein multiple net like structures is attached with platform 7 that allows dispensing of cut bars through structures. Each of the structures is attached with a motorized iris operated lid actuated by microcontroller to open and close for allowing proper dispensing of cut bars within structures. The motorized iris operated lid consists of a ring in bottom configured with multiple slots along periphery, multiple number of blades and blade actuating ring on the top. The blades are pivotally jointed with blade actuating ring and the base plate are hooked over the blade. The blade actuating ring is rotated clock and antilock wise by a DC motor embedded in ball actuating ring which results in opening of the lid to dispense the cut bars within structures.

[0030] Herein, a chamber is positioned on the housing 1 for storing water wherein an inbuilt pump within chamber pumps up stored water to be flown through a conduit connected with chamber and water is dispensed on user's body. The pump comprises of an impeller configured with multiple vanes and which is directly coupled with the shaft of a motor to rotate the impeller.

[0031] Further, the motor is capable of converting current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required rotational power to the impeller. The impeller vanes are designed in such a way that on rotation the impeller creates the negative pressure for pumping up stored water to be flown through a conduit connected with chamber and water is dispensed on user's body.

[0032] Thereafter, the microcontroller actuates a porous scrubber positioned on an end portion of conduit to move on body as conduit is linked with a motorized ball and socket joint that enables movement of conduit on user's body in an effective manner. The motorized ball and socket joint comprises of a cup-shaped cavity coupled to a ball-shaped head, and it is constructed in a manner that provide a wide range of motion, as well as the provide the movement in all directions and rotate about its central axis which is governed by a motor embedded in the cavity. On actuation the motor provides the rotational motion to the joint which leads to movement of conduit on user's body in an effective manner. Further, the user is required to apply cut bricks of soap on body portions simultaneously with dispensing of water to bath properly.

[0033] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0034] The proposed device works best in the following manner where a cuboidal housing 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in a hung state wherein rear portion of housing 1 with multiple suction cups 2 that are dedicated towards adherence of housing 1 on surface in a secured manner. Further, the microcontroller actuates the telescopically operated clamping units 3 dedicated towards clamping of a soap bar manually placed by a user inside housing 1. As soon as soap bar is clamped by clamping units 3 as monitored through an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module integrated with a processor. Thereafter, the microcontroller linked with module directs sliding channels 4 to translate clamping units 3 in a reciprocatory manner for taking clamped bar in close proximity of arrangement to aid arrangement to cut bar into multiple pieces. Herein, a platform 7 comprises of multiple net like structures that allows dispensing of cut bars through structures, wherein each of structures is configured with a motorized iris operated lid that are accordingly directed by microcontroller to open and close for allowing proper dispensing of cut bars within structures. Herein, the chamber that is stored with water, wherein an inbuilt pump within chamber pumps up stored water to be flown through a conduit connected with chamber and water is dispensed on user's body. Further, the microcontroller actuates the porous scrubber to move on body as conduit is connected with a motorized ball and socket joint that enables movement of conduit on user's body in an effective manner. Herein during dispensing of water, user is required to apply cut bricks of soap on body portions simultaneously with dispensing of water to bath properly.

[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) A soap dispensing device for assistive bathing, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 1 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in a hung state, wherein rear portion of said housing 1 is installed with plurality of suction cups 2 that are dedicated towards adherence of said housing 1 on said surface in a secured manner;
ii) plurality of telescopically operated clamping units 3 arranged on motorized sliding channels 4 laid on internal peripheral portion of said housing 1, wherein said clamping units 3 are dedicated towards clamping of a soap bar manually placed by a user inside said housing 1;
iii) a pneumatically operated bar 5 integrated with a blade arrangement 6 positioned inside said housing 1, wherein soon after said soap bar is clamped by said clamping units 3 as monitored through an artificial intelligence enabled image capturing module integrated with a processor positioned inside said housing 1, then a microcontroller linked with said module directs said sliding channels 4 to translate said clamping units 3 in a reciprocatory manner in view of taking said clamped bar in close proximity of said arrangement in order to aid said arrangement to cut said bar into multiple pieces;
iv) a platform 7 detachably mounted at a base portion of said housing 1, wherein multiple net like structures is configured with said platform 7 that allows dispensing of said cut bars through said structures, wherein each of said structures is configured with a motorized iris operated lid that are accordingly directed by said microcontroller to open and close for allowing proper dispensing of said cut bars within said structures;
v) a chamber arranged on said housing 1 that is stored with water, wherein an inbuilt pump within said chamber pumps up said stored water to be flown through a conduit connected with said chamber and said water is dispensed on said user's body; and
vi) a porous scrubber arranged on an end portion of said conduit that is directed by said microcontroller to move on said body as said conduit is connected with a motorized ball and socket joint that enables movement of said conduit on said user's body in ana effective manner, wherein during said dispensing of water, said user is required to apply said cut bricks of soap on body portions simultaneously with dispensing of water to bath properly.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated clamping units 3 and pneumatically operated bar 5 are powered by a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said clamping units 3 and bar.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device that powers all electrical and electronically operated components of said device.

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