Enhanced Theft Deterrent Dispenser and Mounting Assembly
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved theft deterrent dispenser and mounting assembly that incorporates advanced security features to prevent tampering and unauthorized access to liquid contents.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Theft deterrent dispenser and mounting assembly', addressed the issue of liquid dispensers being vulnerable to theft in public bathrooms. However, the original design had limitations in detecting and responding to tampering attempts. The new inventive concept builds upon the original design by introducing advanced security features to overcome these limitations.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced theft deterrent dispenser and mounting assembly comprises a dispenser bottle with a proximity sensor to detect tampering, a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access, and an integrated, self-contained alarm system that sounds upon unauthorized access. The mounting assembly features a smart sensor that detects and alerts authorities of any unauthorized attempts to remove the dispenser bottle. Additionally, the dispenser bottle can be equipped with a GPS tracking device to locate and recover stolen liquid dispensers. The new inventive concept provides a comprehensive solution to deter theft and ensure the security of liquid dispensers in public bathrooms.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces novel security features, including proximity sensors, locking mechanisms, alarm systems, and GPS tracking devices, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide an inventive step in addressing the limitations of the original design and offer a more comprehensive solution to prevent theft and tampering.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the proximity sensor, locking mechanism, and alarm system. For example, the proximity sensor could be replaced with a pressure sensor or a vibration sensor to detect tampering. The locking mechanism could be designed to be electronic or mechanical, and the alarm system could be integrated with existing security systems. Additionally, the GPS tracking device could be replaced with other tracking technologies, such as RFID or Bluetooth.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced theft deterrent dispenser and mounting assembly has significant commercial potential in the hospitality, retail, and healthcare industries, where public bathrooms are common. The inventive concept addresses a critical need for secure and reliable liquid dispensers, providing a competitive advantage for businesses that adopt this technology. The market potential is substantial, with millions of public bathrooms worldwide that could benefit from this innovative solution.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47K5/1205 |
| A | A47 | A47K2201/02 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Liquid dispenser systems with security and mounting features, specifically for public bathroom environments, requiring expertise in mechanical design, sensor integration, and anti-theft mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or product designer with experience in commercial bathroom fixtures, familiar with sensor technologies, mounting assemblies, and security design principles for public dispensing systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding electronic security features to a liquid dispenser is a predictable extension of existing anti-theft design principles. The source patent's focus on preventing unauthorized removal naturally suggests incorporating more advanced technological deterrents. The proposed variations represent straightforward technological improvements using well-known sensor and tracking technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,126 |
|---|---|
| Title | Theft deterrent dispenser and mounting assembly |
| Assignee(s) | Cintas Corporate Services, Inc. |