Patent Abstract:
A soap dispenser system for dispensing soap in response to a user&#39;s action, such as pumping force to a dispenser pump of a soap container. The soap container has a theme identifier device corresponding to the soap container. A supportive base detachably connects to the soap container. The base includes a receiver device for detecting the theme identifier device of the soap container when the soap connector is connected to the base. A readable data storage is connected to the receiver device. The storage contains data representing a variety of different human perceptible media, such as audio (e.g., animal, people, or musical sounds). At least one of the variety of media corresponds to the theme identifier device of the soap container. An output device delivers the media to a user of the soap container. A processor connected to the receiver device, the storage, and the output device responds to the receiver detecting the theme identifier device and dispensing action by a user to obtain soap from the container. The processor selectively controls the output device to deliver specific media (from among the variety) to the user corresponding to the theme identifier device of the soap container. The system can encourage frequent and efficacious washing. The media encourages washing for recommended wash times, for example, the system delivers 20-30 seconds (or such other period as desired for the particular embodiment) of animal sounds for entertainment and measure of recommended wash time when an animal themed soap container is used.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a conversion of and has benefit of priority of the following application, which is co-pending and has at least one same inventor of the present application: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/336,831, titled “Timing soap dispenser base apparatus”, filed Jan. 27, 2010. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention is related to hand hygiene and is more particularly related to a soap dispenser base apparatus that helps time hand washing duration and encourages more frequent hand washing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In a variety of different fields, businesses and residences, there is a great desire that people wash their hands more effectively and more frequently. The US Center for Disease Control has stated that “The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands”. And yet, many people, through lack of knowledge, poor habits or simple negligence either do not wash their hands frequently enough or effectively enough. 
         [0004]    One of the keys to effective hand washing is the duration of the time one should wash their hands. For many years, parents have instructed their children to time their hand washing by singing songs that last roughly 20-30 seconds (the desired hand washing period) as they wash their hands. A popular example of an attempt to get a child to time their hand washing is singing the “Happy Birthday Song” twice while washing. 
         [0005]    Others (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,925) have attempted to take the guesswork out of timing for 20 seconds by including a timing mechanism as part of the soap dispenser apparatus itself. Also, others have attempted to notify a user of the soap of the desired wash duration by providing soap that changes color after some period of time as the soap is being lathered up (example, Inspector Hector™ soap from ViJon Corporation). Other schemes have supplied a marker on a soap dispenser in a manner that tags a mark on the user&#39;s hand which requires 20 seconds or so of lathering to wash off (e.g., SquidSoap™ from SquidSoap LP). The attempts described above to help a user know how long to wash their hands all require that each individual soap dispenser have some type of timing, marking or a soap with color changing capability. This requirement that each and every soap dispenser have special timing capabilities can raise the cost of the soap dispenser. 
         [0006]    To help address the problems, another approach provided a timing mechanism in a base product that allowed multiple different soap dispensers to be used on the same timing base (U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,245 and hereinafter the &#39;245 patent). The &#39;245 patent allows for soap dispensers (i.e. bottles) that do not have timing mechanisms and this allows for less expensive soap dispensers than ones which have timing features included on each bottle. The &#39;245 patent provides significant improvements to encourage hand washing. 
         [0007]    It would be advantageous to further entice use of a soap dispenser for hand washing. Enticing hand washing through use of a soap dispenser (especially for children) is an excellent way to get users to wash more often and to wash more thoroughly and effectively. More frequent washing in conjunction with improved hand washing duration can result in dramatically improved hand washing efficacy. Therefore, it would be a significant improvement to provide a cost effective, multi-use soap dispenser that entices use of the soap dispenser for frequent washing and effective washing duration. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    An embodiment of the invention is a soap dispenser system including a soap container with a pump dispenser. The system includes a base for attaching and supporting in attachment the soap container and the pump dispenser, in combination, and a circuit of the base capable of outputting a plurality of different audible signals. The soap bottle includes attachment means intended to be detachably attached in use to said base, and when attached to the base, communicates with the base and the base selectively outputs one of the plurality of different audible signals corresponding to the soap bottle. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the invention is a soap dispenser system including a base with lights and a soap bottle with attachment means capable of detachably connecting to the base. The lights of the base selectively illuminate only when dispensing force is applied to the soap bottle. 
         [0010]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is a soap dispenser system including a soap dispenser base capable of delivering a plurality of different audible signals, lights communicatively connected to the base, and a soap bottle containing soap, the soap bottle includes attachment means capable of detachably connecting to the base. The soap bottle, when connected to the base, is detected by the base via the attachment means. The base selectively delivers one of the different audible signals corresponding to the soap bottle upon, in use, dispensing soap from the soap bottle. 
         [0011]    Another embodiment of the invention is a soap dispenser system for dispensing soap in response to an action including a soap container having a theme identifier device corresponding to the soap container, a supportive base detachably connected to the soap container, a receiver device connected to the supportive base, for detecting the theme identifier device of the soap container when the soap connector is connected to the base, a storage connected to the receiver device, the storage containing data representing a plurality of different human perceptible media, at least one of the plurality corresponds to the theme identifier device of the soap container, an output device for delivering the plurality of different human perceptible media, and a processor connected to the receiver device, the storage, and the output device, the processor, responsive to the receiver detecting the theme identifier device and the action for dispensing the soap, selectively accesses and processes data of the storage representing the at least one of the plurality corresponding to the theme identifier device of the soap container, and controls the output device to deliver the at least one of the different human perceptible media corresponding to the theme identifier device of the soap container. 
         [0012]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of a soap dispenser system for a soap user. The soap container has a thematic device and dispenses soap in response to an action of the user. The method includes providing a base for the soap container, providing a thematic detector for the base, the thematic detector capable of discerning the thematic device of the soap container when the soap container contacts the base, connecting a controller to the thematic detector, and connecting a device for human perceptible output to the controller, the device controlled by the controller to output a human perceptible media corresponding to the thematic device of the soap container. 
         [0013]    Another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of a media player base for a soap dispenser container. The soap dispenser container includes a type identifier. The method includes providing a circuit to control an output media corresponding to the type identifier, connecting a detector of the type identifier to the circuit, connecting a sensor to the circuit, and housing the circuit, the detector, and the sensor as a unit. The circuit controls the output media corresponding to the type identifier, responsive to the detector based on the type identifier and to the sensor when soap is dispensed by the soap dispenser container. 
         [0014]    Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of a media player base for a plurality of different soap dispenser containers. Each of the plurality of soap dispenser containers includes a unique type identifier. The method includes providing a circuit to control a plurality of unique output media, each respective one of the plurality of unique output media corresponds to a respective one of the unique type identifier, connecting a detector to the circuit, the detector uniquely identifies each respective one of the unique type identifier for the circuit, connecting a sensor to the circuit, the sensor detects for the circuit when soap is dispensed from one of the plurality of soap dispenser containers then uniquely identified by the detector, and housing the circuit, the detector, and the sensor as a unit. The circuit controls delivery of the unique output media corresponding to the unique type identifier for the one of the plurality of soap dispenser containers, responsive to the detector based on the unique type identifier and to the sensor when soap is dispensed by the soap dispenser container. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment of the invention is a method of washing. The method includes placing a soap dispenser container having a type identifier on a media player base, detecting by the media player base the type identifier, detecting by the media player base that soap is dispensed from the soap dispenser container, and outputting by the media player base a select human perceptible media in response to the step of detecting the type identifier and detecting that soap is dispensed, the select human perceptible media corresponds to the type identifier. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a cross section of a soap dispenser base with a male attachment for mating with a bottle of soap, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross section of a bottle of soap with a female attachment suitable for mating with the male attachment of the soap dispenser base of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top down view of the base of  FIG. 1  showing a non-symmetrical shape of the male attachment and lights on a surface of the base, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a block functional schematic of an exemplary control system for controlling audible sound and visual light elements of the base of  FIG. 1 , according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of a process of an exemplary operation of the base of  FIG. 1  in use during hand washing, according to certain embodiments of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a system of a media player base for a soap dispenser bottle, according to certain embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a high level functional unit representation of a controller of the media player base of  FIG. 6 , according to certain embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a system  600  includes a media player base  602  and a soap dispenser bottle  604  (shown in phantom). The soap dispenser bottle  604  is interchangeable, and may be replaced with other soap dispenser bottles. The media player base  602 , however, is reusable for various dispenser bottles. For example, soap dispenser bottles are often consumables that are replaced when soap contents are depleted. The base  602 , therefore, is usable with replacements of the soap dispenser bottle  604  as will be further discussed. 
         [0025]    The soap dispenser bottle  604  contains soap  606  and includes a dispenser pump  608  of the type which may be pressed with downward (in  FIG. 6 ) force to dispense the soap  606 . The dispenser bottle  604  includes an identifier device  610 . The identifier device  610  is included as part of the bottle  604  and is detectable by the base  602  when the bottle  604  is located sitting atop the base  602 . The identifier device  610  is unique to the particular type of the bottle  604 , and the correspondence of the identifier device  610  with particular type of the bottle  604  will be later further addressed. 
         [0026]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 6 , the base  602  provides a stable support under the bottle  604  when the bottle  604  sits on the base  602 . The base may sit on a countertop, sink surface, or other generally horizontally disposed plane (not shown in  FIG. 6 ), and the bottle  604  is located atop the base  602  in use. The base  602  includes a detector device  612  (shown in phantom) for discerning the identifier device  610  of the bottle  604  when the bottle  604  is placed atop the base  602 . The base  602  also includes a media player device  614  (shown in phantom) connected to the detector device  612 . 
         [0027]    In operation, the base  602  is located on a support surface and the bottle  604  is placed on the base  602 . When the bottle  604  is placed on the base  602 , the detector device  612  of the base  602  discerns the identifier device  610  of the bottle  604 . The media player device  614  of the base  602 , in response to the discerned identifier device  610  of the bottle  604 , commences operations selective to the identifier device  610  and, thus, the particular type of the bottle. The identifier device  610 , because corresponding to the particular type of the bottle  604 , allows the media player device  614  to selectively operate for the bottle  604 , and its particular type. 
         [0028]    According to certain embodiments, for example, the bottle  604  can have a type that corresponds to a particular scheme or theme, such as that of a particular animal, event, person or other thing recognizable to a person who will wash with the soap  606  dispensed from the bottle  604 . In the case of a particular scheme or theme for any bottle, the bottle may include particular visible decorative indicia or emblem, shape of the bottle, color of the bottle or soap, and/or others. As a more specific exemplary possibility (among a wide variety of alternatives) for type of the bottle, the bottle may be dinosaur themed. Such dinosaur themed bottle may contain green soap and a decorative emblem of a dinosaur on the bottle. Because the identifier device  610  of the bottle  604  corresponds to the type and thus theme of the particular bottle, the detector device  612  of the base  602  can discern the identifier device  610  and then operate in accordance with the type and theme of the particular bottle. 
         [0029]    The media player device  614  of the base  602 , for example, includes or communicatively accesses data representing audible sounds, such as animal sounds which may include the sound of a dinosaur. The media player device  614  accesses particular data, and thus a particular sound is produced, corresponding to the identifier device  610  discerned by the detector device  612 . According to certain embodiments, the media player device  614  includes (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) a processor, data storage or memory, and sound output device connected to a power source. 
         [0030]    When any particular type of the bottle  604  contacts the base  602 , such that the identifier device  610  of the bottle  604  indicative of particular bottle type is discerned by the detector device  612  of the base  602 , the media player device  614  of the base  602  commences operating responsive to the particular identifier device (and therefore particular bottle type). When any different particular type of the bottle  604  (with different identifier device) instead contacts the base  602  (and the detector device  612  discerns the different identifier device), the media player device  614  of the base  602  commences differently operating in response to the different identifier device and therefore different particular type of the bottle  604 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , although  FIG. 7  shows a particular illustration, the illustration is intended and should be understood merely as a higher level functional block or unit representation of functional elements of a controller  700  of the base. Therefore, each specific element of the controller  700  should be understood as a functional unit or block in nature, and not necessarily as any particular electronic component or apparatus even if illustrated as such for purpose of explanation. 
         [0032]    Continuing to refer to  FIG. 7 , in conjunction with  FIG. 6 , the controller  700  of the media player base  602  comprises the detector device  612  and the media player device  614 . A power source  702  is connected to a first switch  704 . The first switch  704  remains open unless and until closed by dispensing the soap  606  from the bottle  604  for washing, for example, the first switch  704  closes (and connects the power source in closed circuit in the controller  700 ) only when a pumping force is made on the dispenser pump  608  of the bottle  604  to dispense soap  606  when the bottle  604  sits on the base  602 . 
         [0033]    As an alternative to a pumping force used to close the first switch  704 , it is possible to utilize a touch free soap dispenser system to trigger output of audible sound or other human perceptible media by the base or other configuration of components in similar to those of the system. One example of such a touch free dispenser system with the ability to utilize multiple refill bottles is the Lysol™ No-Touch Hand Soap system. 
         [0034]    The first switch  704  is connected to three identification switches  706   a ,  706   b  and  706   c . Each of the identification switches  706   a ,  706   b ,  706   c  connects to a processor (or logic circuit)  708 . The identification switches  706   a ,  706   b ,  706   c  in combination with the processor  708  are an example of the detector device  612 . In the example, a particular type of the bottle  604  may have an identifier device  610  that closes identification switch  706   c , but not identification switches  706   a  or  706   b . Per the example, the closed identification switch  706   c  instigates particular processing by the processor  708  corresponding to the particular identifier device  610  of the bottle  604  (and consequently the particular type of the bottle). A different bottle might, for example, have a different identifier device that closes identification switch  706   a , but not identification switches  706   b  or  706   c . In such instance, the processor  708  accordingly processes differently to correspond to the different identifier device (and thus different type of the bottle). 
         [0035]    The processor  708  is connected to one or more human detectable output devices, for example, a speaker  710  and/or one or more lights  712   a ,  712   b , such as LED or other lights. The output devices, for example the speaker  710  and lights  712   a ,  712   b , or some or all of these devices, are connected to an output switch  714  connected to or included in the processor  708 . The output switch  714  is controlled by the processor  708  for on and off operation of the output devices, or certain of them, and may additionally provide rectification, amplification or other function. 
         [0036]    The processor  708  includes or accesses one or more timing device and memory or other data storage (not shown in detail in  FIG. 7 ). Data representing one or more audible sounds and/or other human perceptible media is stored in the memory/storage. The memory/storage also holds data representing one or more control logic sets for control of timing and output from the output devices. 
         [0037]    In operation, when the switch  704  closes in response to a user dispensing the soap  606  from the bottle  604  via the pump  608 , the identifier device  610  of the particular type of the bottle  604  then in contact with the base  602  triggers one of the identification switches  706   a ,  706   b  or  706   c  closed. The processor  708  discerns which of the identification switches  706   a ,  706   b  or  706   c  thereby is closed, and commences processing data representing about a 20 to 30 second period of audible sound for output by the speaker  710 . Additionally, the processor  708  may process data representing state of the lights  712   a ,  712   b  for on or off control during the 20-30 second period of audible sound or otherwise. In effect, the processor  708  controls output of the speaker  710  and lights  712   a ,  712   b  providing about 20-30 seconds of audio sound and lighting after soap is dispensed. Alternately, time periods for output may be longer, shorter or otherwise. In other alternatives, sound may be output only after 20 seconds (or some other desired period) whereas lights may be powered on for the 20 seconds (or other period) prior to the sound output. Of course, numerous variations are possible in these outputs and control by the processor  708 , in view of the type of the bottle and identifier device and the capability of the base to detect the bottle type thereby and deliver human perceptible output as provided by the base. Also, because different bottles (with different identifier device) may have different themes, output by the base can be coordinated with the particular theme for each particular different bottle. 
         [0038]    As described in connection with  FIGS. 6-7 , the identifier device  610 , the detector device  612 , and the functional unit representation of the controller  700  provide generalities of embodiments. Certain examples according to the foregoing general embodiments follow: 
       Examples 
       [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a soap dispenser base  11  comprises two major sections. A lower section  12  is designed to sit on a surface where one might find a soap dispenser (e.g. a counter top). An upper section  21  is capable of attaching to and sitting on top of the lower section  12  such that the lower section  12  and the upper section  21  fit together to form the base  11 . The upper section  21  is attached to the lower section  12  by sliding engagement in such manner that the upper section  21  is capable of moving up and down (over a small gap extent “A”) in relation to the lower section  12  in attachment thereto. A biasing device  14  keeps the upper section  21  in a normally raised position in sliding engagement vis-à-vis the lower section  12 , such that the gap extent “A” exists between portions of the upper section  21  and the lower section  12 . The biasing device  14  can be any of a large number of well known biasing mechanisms or components such as, for example, springs, foam, elastomers, O-rings and/or others. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a soap dispenser bottle  31  is capable of being detachably attached to the upper section  21  of the base  11 . As a pump  32  on the bottle  31  is depressed to get liquid soap from the bottle  31 , the pumping action on the dispenser bottle  31  applies downward pressure force on the upper section  21  of the base  11 . Further, the downward pressure force on the upper section  21  puts pressure on the biasing device  14  which in turn overcomes the upward bias and moves the upper section  21  downward relative to the lower section  12 , to close the small gap extent “A” (closed gap extent not shown in  FIG. 1 ) when the base  11  with bottle  31  is positioned stationary on a counter top or other surface or the like. 
         [0041]    The lower section  12  includes an appendage  13 . The appendage  13  is raised above the upper surface (in the illustration of  FIG. 2 ) of the lower section  12 . Further the bottom surface (in the illustration of  FIG. 2 ) of the upper section  21  may include a switch mechanism  22  that is directly above the appendage  13  when the upper section  21  is connected in sliding engagement with the lower section  12 . The appendage  13  and the switch  22  are placed and sized such that the appendage  13  does not touch the switch  22  because of the gap extent “A” maintained by the biasing device  14  when the bias is not overcome by sufficient downward pressure force applied to the upper section  21  to overcome the upward bias of the bias device  14 . The bias device  14  sufficiently biases the upper section  21  slidingly extended upward in attachment with the lower section  12  maintaining the gap extent “A” between the appendage  13  and the switch  22  when the soap bottle  31  sits in connection atop the base  11  full of soap (but without downward force for dispensing soap asserted on the pump  32  of the bottle  31 ). The upward bias of the upper section  21  vis-à-vis the lower section  12  maintains the switch  22  above and not in contact with the appendage  13 . However, the upward biasing from the bias device  14  is overcome when a downward pumping action is made by a user on the pump  32  to dispense soap. This downward pumping action exerts downward pressure force against the bottle  31  and consequently against the upper section  21 , thereby forcing the upper section  21  to slide downward in attachment to the lower section  12  to close the gap extent “A” and contact the switch  22  to the appendage  13 . 
         [0042]    In certain alternatives, the appendage  13  is not necessary if the switch  22  extends downward (in the illustration of  FIG. 2 ) far enough below the other portions and components of the upper section  21  to allow the switch  22 , but not other functional portions of the upper section  21  (as later described), to contact the lower section  12  when the upper section  21  slides downward against the bias closing the gap to the lower section  12 . 
         [0043]    A standard soap bottle typically may weigh about 2 lbs or less and the amount of pressure force needed to activate a typical soap dispenser pump is on the order of about 5-7 pounds of pressure force. This difference between the weight of a full soap bottle and the pressure needed to pump soap allows for a large variety of biasing approaches and mechanisms. In certain alternatives, the separate biasing device  14  may not be necessary, for example, the upper section  21  can be made of a flexible material that flexes down when downward pressure is exerted on it but then flexes back when the pressure is removed. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a control system  40  of the base  11 , such as, for example, an electronic circuit of electrical elements and connections, may be included in the upper section  21  (or, although not shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , may otherwise be communicatively connected to the upper section  21 ). The control system  40  includes the switch  22 . The switch  22  can be any of a large number of different types of switches such as contact switches, micro-electro-mechanical switches, pushbutton, toggle, slide, as well as other switches. The switch  22  is operative to switch “on” (close the circuit  40 ) when the switch  22  contacts the appendage  13  and to switch “off” (opening or shorting the circuit  40 ) when the switch  22  is not in contact with the appendage  13  for some period of time, such as, for example, from after about 20-30 seconds after contact is made to switch “on” or other time period as desired in the embodiment. Timing for switching by the switch  22  can be controlled by the processor  27  or another timer (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the system  40 , and alternately the switch  22  can comprise mechanical timed switching or other timing for switching as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the embodiments, the switch  22 , for example, operates to switch “on” power by closing the circuit of the system  40  when the switch  22  contacts the appendage  13  and the switch  22  thereafter remains “on” (closed circuit) for a desired period after the contact, such as for about 20-30 seconds. 
         [0045]    The switch  22  is communicatively connected to a power source  23  and a processor  27 . The power source  23  may be a battery (e.g. a nine volt standard battery or other battery) or another electrical source such as a direct or alternating current power supply, and the system  40  may include transducer, regulator, and/or other components as may be desired for powering the processor  27  and other components of the system  40 . The processor  27  is communicatively connected to a speaker/transducer  28 , a memory component  29  and one or more bottle identification button  26   a ,  26   b  and  26   c . The speaker/transducer  28  is capable of outputting an audible sound, for example, an animal sound or music, responsive to the processor  27  and power from the power source  23 . The memory component  29 , which may be included in the processor  27  or communicatively connected to the processor  27 , stores data representing one or more of the audible sounds for selective output by the speaker/transducer  28  under control of the processor  27 . The one or more bottle identification button  26   a ,  26   b ,  26   c  each provide a switch or flag input to the processor  27  for controlling processing operations of the processor  27 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a method  50  is performed by the base  11  when the bottle  31  is attached and downward pumping force is applied to the pump  32  for dispensing soap. In a step  51 , the switch  22  is triggered to “on” closing the circuit connecting the power source  23  to the processor  27 . In a step  52 , the processor  27  then commences processing for controlling the speaker/transducer  28  and the memory component  29 , in response to state of the button  26   a - c . In a step  53 , the processor  27  detects which, if any, of the bottle identification buttons  26   a ,  26   b  or  26   c  have been pushed (i.e., depressed, selected or otherwise activated by attachment of the bottle  31 ). In response to the step  53 , the processor  27  in a step  54  (accesses from the memory  29 , if necessary, and) processes data representing applicable media for output by the speaker/transducer  28 . The particular data processed in the step  54  represents particular media selected according to state of the button  26   a - c  detected in the step  53 . For example, in certain embodiments, the processor  27  in the step  54  processes data representing a song for delivery to the speaker/transducer  28  and, in a step  55 , the processor  27  controls the speaker/transducer  28  to output for about 20 to 30 seconds an audible sound of the song. In alternative embodiments, the processor  27  in the step  54  processes data representing the song for delivery to the speaker/transducer  28 , however, the processor  27  in the step  55  controls the speaker/transducer  28  to only output the audible sound of the song after about 20-30 seconds has passed from commencement of the step  51 . 
         [0047]    Referring back to  FIGS. 1-3 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the identification buttons are automatically pushed (only one a time) when the bottle  31  is placed on the base  11  by aligning a male attachment  41  of the upper section  21  of the base  11  with a female attachment  33  on the underside of the bottle  31 . The male attachment  41  can snap into the female attachment  33 , such as, for example, via a lip  25  on the male attachment  41  and a corresponding channel  34  on the female attachment  33  (this snapping mechanism can be reversed such that the lip is part of the female attachment means). A wide variety of mechanisms and components are possible for detachably attaching the bottle  31  to the base  11  as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
         [0048]    When the bottle  31  is placed on the base  11  with the male attachment  41  inserted into and snapped onto the female attachment  33 , a bottle appendage  35  protruding from the female attachment  33  is located such that, as an example (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the appendage  35  pushes the button  26   a . When the base  11  is activated by someone pushing downward the pump  32  of the soap bottle  31 , the processor  27  detects that button  26   a  has been depressed and signals the speaker/transducer  28  to produce audible sound at the end of 20 seconds (or other desired period) from the time that the switch  22  first contacts the appendage  13 , for example, producing the sound of a dinosaur roaring after 20 seconds (or other period). 
         [0049]    When another type of soap bottle is placed on base  11  (e.g., a pony themed soap bottle rather than a dinosaur themed bottle), the appendage  35  is located in a different position (not shown in detail in  FIG. 2 ) relative to the male attachment  41  of the base  11 . This different position of the appendage  35  causes the appendage  35  to push, for example, bottle identification button  26   b  when downward force is applied to the pump  32  of the soap bottle  31 . In this case of a differently themed bottle of soap (with different male attachment  41  position) on the base  11 , the processor  27 , when operative because of contact of the switch  22  with the appendage  13 , detects that bottle identification button  26   b  is depressed. In response to detecting depression of the button  26   b , the processor  27  directs the transducer/speaker  28  to make a different audible sound after 20 seconds (or other desired period in the embodiment), for example, an audible neigh sound of a pony. In various alternatives, the processor  27  can have respective data file(s) representing the various audible sounds stored in the processor itself (such as in memory component or other storage of the processor  27 ), or the respective data file(s) representing the audible sounds may be stored on the memory component  29 , another storage communicatively connected to the processor for such sounds, or otherwise. The memory component  29  in certain alternatives may also be controlled by the processor  27  to program record(s) of usage of the base  11 , to provide feedback, such as by audible output of the speaker/transducer  28  or output report, about hand washing usage and trends, and to allow loading of additional data file(s) representative of sounds, alternative functions, or other features, or attachment of additional or ancillary components or elements, for example, visible clock, error reporter, soap level indicator, visual display, and/or others. 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments of the invention, audible feedback from speaker/transducer  28  may provide not only entertainment but may teach. For example, when triggered, the speaker/transducer  28  in certain embodiments is controlled by the processor  27  to play the ABC song (from data representing the song stored in memory, other storage, or otherwise generated) for the entire 20 seconds (or other desired period) of hand washing and, once 20 seconds (or other period) has passed, stops play of the song. This teaching capability may be of great interest to parents trying to educate children. In another example, a Spanish themed soap dispenser may trigger a base that aids a child to learn Spanish as they wash their hands, for example, through play for about 20 to 30 seconds of a Spanish tutorial for children output by the speaker/transducer  28  as controlled by the processor  27 . In other examples, the base  11  could include in memory various data files representing different educational information that cycles through as the base triggers the processor  27  to control output of the speaker/transducer  28  in response to depression of the soap dispenser. This could also be used by adults, in order to learn new languages, or skills. As can be understood, a wide variety of content can be stored as data files in memory and processed by the processor  27  as output of the speaker/transducer  28  or other device or display. 
         [0051]    In order to assure that appendage  35  on bottle  31  is oriented correctly vis-à-vis the bottle identification buttons  26   a ,  26   b  and  26   c , the male attachment  41  and the female attachment  33  in certain embodiments are each shaped in a non-symmetrical manner, so that the bottle  31  must be selectively oriented for placement on the base  11  for attaching the male attachment  41  and the female attachment  33 . Referring to  FIG. 3  for an example of non-symmetrical shapes, the base  11  includes an irregularly shaped male attachment  41 . A corresponding female attachment  33  on the bottle  31  must be similarly shaped for attaching the bottle  31  with the base  11 . This assures that the bottle  31  is selectively oriented in location in connection to the base  11 . This further assures that the appendage  35  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) can properly depress a select bottle identification button  26   a ,  26   b , or  26   c  that is intended for the particular bottle  31  (i.e., this assures that the base  11  provides the applicable audible noise when triggered for the particular bottle  31 , such as, for example, when the bottle  31  has particular theme and a corresponding sound for that theme applies). 
         [0052]    In addition to triggering audible timing prompts as discussed above, in certain embodiments of the invention, the processor  27  communicatively connects to lights  24   a  and  24   b , for example. These lights  24   a ,  24   b  can be positioned for external viewing in the top of the base  11  and directed into the bottle  31  when positioned on the base  11 . The lights  24   a  and  24   b  in certain embodiments are controlled by the processor  27  to emit on when the pump  32  is pressingly pumped, and then to turn emission off 20-30 seconds later. This allows a hand washing user to know that the base  11  is working properly. It also can result in some entertaining or interesting visual effects in the soap itself in certain embodiments. It is not necessary that the lights be pointed up into the soap, however; in some embodiments lights are included in a side of the base  11 . Such arrangement of lights, for example, provides user information about operability of the base  11 , such as that the base  11  is active for operation when the lights are on. In other embodiments, lights can provide additional signal(s) of hand washing timing, such as could be especially useful for those unable to discern audible sounds or for aiding stimulation of the user through other features of the base  11 . In certain alternatives, a top surface of the base  11  is transparent and lights  24   a  and  24   b  are not on the top surface of base  11  but instead are located underneath the transparent surface of the base  11 . 
         [0053]    Although the base  11  and its operation during hand washing have been described, the base  11  can alternatively be provided with similar or additional elements, components or connectors for other wash or dispensing situations. For example, the base  11 , if incorporated with or communicatively connected to appropriate output devices, can provide a wide variety of output from the base initiated upon dispensing action. For example, other visual, audio, video, media or report outputs can be delivered from the base, either to components incorporated in the base or to external communicatively connected components. In certain alternatives, additional switch or control mechanisms may be included in the base or otherwise in embodiments, for example, a switch may be included to allow selective turn “off” of sound output or other features (such a mechanism may be desirable to parents, in particular, in embodiments for use by children). In other alternatives, the base and the soap bottle or other soap vessel may be contained within an enclosure or be connected by attachment mechanisms that prevent unauthorized disengagement of the base and bottle or vessel. Such base and soap bottle or vessel combination may be targeted for washing by restaurant employees or others in food, drug, medical, or other environment where non-contamination, cleanliness, and effective washing is important. Because sounds, lights, and other output of the base can be varied for an applicable target audience of washing users, a communication port or other device can be included in the base for varying operations and output. For example, soap of the dispenser having suspended air bubbles can be illuminated via lights of the embodiments, providing dramatic lighting effects in the soap as the light bounces off of the bubble interfaces. All variations of designs, configurations, output elements, shapes, circuits, and devices therefor, as may be applicable for target use, target user and environment of use, are within the scope of the foregoing. 
         [0054]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0055]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and device(s), connection(s) and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0