JP2008500882A - Soap dispenser and how to guarantee clean hands - Google Patents

Abstract

  A method and apparatus for ensuring clean hands is disclosed. The method includes marking the user's hand with a readily identifiable substance that can be washed off with the cleaning component (19) when using the soap dispenser.

Description

  This application is filed on June 1, 2004, by (1) John Lynn et al., US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 575,910, entitled “Soap Dispenser that Marks Hands to Assure Sanitation”, (2) John. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 583,451, filed June 28, 2004 by Lynn et al. And entitled “Soap Dispenser and / or Base Product”, (3) by John Lynn et al. November 22, 2004. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 630,361, entitled “Soap Dispenser That Assassination”, and (4) John Lynn et al., December 8, 2004 Filed claims priority to "Soap Dispenser That Assures Sanitation" entitled U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 634,211.

  The present disclosure generally marks a person's hand and provides a signal to help enforce hygiene, especially in the field of maintaining hygiene using a soap dispenser By doing so.

  It is highly preferred to encourage people to wash their hands more effectively and more frequently in a variety of different areas, including work and residence. The US Centers for Disease Control states that the most important thing a person can do to avoid getting sick is to wash their hands. Still, many people do not wash their hands often enough or effectively enough because of lack of knowledge, lack of customs, or simply neglect.

  An example of what is particularly needed to ensure sanitary hands is the food service industry. For decades, it is known that those who prepare food, serve, etc. have to clean and sanitize their hands before handling the food to be served. This need is self-evident when food service employees enter the toilet. Toilet bacteria (such as those found in Escherichia coli, feces and raw food) are well-known health hazards, and customers who do not know it must properly clean / sanitize the hands of restaurant employees. May be transmitted. These and other concerns also suggest the need to sanitize hands in private residences, particularly in families with children.

  Currently, parents and health industry personnel are trying to address the problem of inadequate hand washing with rules and regulations concerning hand washing. For example, in many food industry facilities, there is a sign that states that "employees must wash their hands before leaving." However, methods that require a person to follow rules or policies with little or no enforcement or supervision are usually insufficient to maximize compliance. Such rules and regulations ensure that even if a hand wash is performed, it is performed correctly (eg, with a sufficient cleaning configuration, for a sufficiently long period of time or with sufficient rubbing to kill bacteria) There is little or no use for it. In addition, there are several different commercial soap dispensers that have methods that attempt to ensure hand washing frequency by electronic counting, identification, monitoring, and the like. However, none of these techniques attempt to guarantee hand washing effectiveness in addition to hand washing frequency. This distinction is important because people wash their hands often enough, but not often enough. In short, frequency alone is insufficient to ensure effective hand washing.

  At present, there are several systems that are intended to address the problem of inadequate hand washing. These systems are usually very complex and are therefore prohibitively expensive. For example, US Pat. No. 5,670,945 discloses a complex system having a sanitized basin with a moisture proof switch and proximity detector in the sanitized basin. A person must insert both hands into the sanitized basin at the same time to initiate the desired output signal. US Pat. Nos. 6,426,701, 5,945,910, 5,812,059, 5,202,666, 4,896,144, 3,967,478 No. 5,610,589, 4,688,585 and 5,199,188, and US patent applications 2003/0030562, 2003/0197122, 2003/0019536 and 2004. / 0001009 all involve relatively complex systems that include components of complex electronics, position sensors, pumps, etc. (usually mixed together with complex intents that require hand washing). In short, currently available systems are usually expensive, complex to install, difficult to maintain, and difficult to train for user operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,925 discloses a soap dispenser having a timing mechanism for when to use the soap dispenser. The timing mechanism is included in the housing of the soap dispenser, so the timing mechanism must be changed each time the soap dispenser is replaced. Also, the timing mechanism only provides an indication of the shortest time that the user should wash his hands, and does not provide a mechanism to confirm that the user has actually washed his hands over that shortest time.
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  According to the present disclosure, the drawbacks and problems associated with clean hand guarantees are greatly reduced or eliminated. In certain embodiments, during hand washing, the user's hand is marked with an easily identifiable material.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method that helps to ensure the cleaning of a human hand using a soap dispenser that includes a cleaning component is washed off with the cleaning component when using the soap dispenser. It can include marking the user's hand with an easily identifiable substance.

  According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus useful for ensuring human hand cleaning includes a soap dispenser and a marking mechanism coupled to the soap dispenser. The marking mechanism marks the hand of the user of the soap dispenser to facilitate better hand cleaning.

  According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a method useful for ensuring the cleaning of a human hand using a soap dispenser that includes a cleaning component includes identifying the user of the soap dispenser with an identification mechanism. Marking the user's hand with a readily identifiable substance that can be washed off with the cleaning ingredients when using a soap dispenser.

  The disclosure and its advantages can be more fully and thoroughly understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like features, and wherein:

  The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and its advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-6, where like numerals are used to indicate like corresponding parts.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a soap dispenser that marks a hand. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the dispenser includes a container 10 for the cleaning component 19. The container 10 has an opening 11 defined by a threaded male lip 12. The male lip 12 is designed to be fitted with a female screw cap 15 so that the cap 15 can be attached and removed so that the container 10 can be filled or refilled with the cleaning component 19. In other embodiments, the dispenser can be designed to be disposable after the cleaning component 19 is used up, thus eliminating the need for the cap 15.

  The container 10 can be designed to lie substantially flat on a surface such as a table, basin or counter. The container 10 can also be configured to attach to a wall or other vertical surface (not explicitly shown). Furthermore, the shape of the container 10 can be changed. For use with children, the container 10 may be made in the form of an animal or action hero. In this case, if an acoustic signal is provided, the acoustic signal of the instrument can be matched to the shape of the container. For example, if the container 10 is molded in the shape of a frog, the acoustic signal may provide a croaking noise.

  The discharge pipe / outlet / hose 14 can be integrated into the cap 15 such that the pipe 14 extends through the opening 11. The discharge pipe 14 may also include an orifice 18 through which the cleaning component 19 exits the dispenser so as to guide the cleaning component 19 to a human hand. In one embodiment, the discharge pipe 14 can be moved up and down through the cap 15 and can be coupled to the pump mechanism 16, as used in liquid dispensers well known in the art. There may be a spring mechanism and a plunger. In other embodiments, the pump mechanism 16 may be any suitable type of pump used to force liquid out of the container. In one embodiment, the pump mechanism may be a foaming pump that mixes the cleaning component 19 and air before dispensing the cleaning component 19 through the orifice 18. An example of this type of pump is the RF-17 Palm Foamer manufactured by Rieke Packing Systems. The pump mechanism 16 may be coupled to the siphon / suction pipe 17. The up and down movement of the discharge pipe 14 associated with the pump mechanism 16 allows the cleaning component 19 to be sucked into the siphon pipe 17 and the pump mechanism 16, through the discharge pipe 14 and finally through the orifice 18. In other embodiments, any other mechanism can be used to dispense the cleaning component 19 from the container 10. For example, to ensure effective hand washing, the cleaning component 19 can be removed from a person by using any type of suitable electronic equipment that can mark a person's hand with an easily identifiable substance. Can be dispensed on the hand. The use of pump mechanisms to dispense cleaning components is known in the art, and thus various exemplary embodiments discussed herein may be used without departing from the spirit of the teachings of the present disclosure. Can be remodeled.

  The absorbent pad 13 and the compressible protective outer peripheral part 41 can cooperate to form a marking mechanism. The absorbent pad 13 can be any of several materials (eg felt used for markers or pad used for stamps). One commercially available absorbent pad is a felt “Fiber Engineered” manufactured by AFFCO of New Windsor, New York. The absorbent pad 13 may include an easily identifiable material that is used to mark a hand that contacts the absorbent pad 13. The protective perimeter 41 may be a molded compressible foam (or any other suitable compressible memory material) that surrounds the absorbent pad 13 and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the absorbent pad 13. When the protective outer peripheral portion 41 is formed from a foam, the foam may be a closed-cell foam that cannot pass easily identifiable substances by capillary action. The protective perimeter 41 has any shape so that the protective perimeter 41 prevents a user from accidentally marking clothing, towels and / or other items that have contacted the top of the discharge pump 14. be able to. However, when the user depresses the top of the discharge pipe 14, the user's hand first contacts the protective outer periphery 41, which compresses and allows the user's hand to contact the absorbent pad 13. Thus, the mark can be placed on the user's hand used to press the discharge pipe 14, and the cleaning component 19 can be dispensed to the other hand of the user.

  In some embodiments, there may be no automatic mechanism for replenishing easily identifiable supplies. Therefore, if the easily identifiable material is exhausted from the absorbent pad 13 or the easily identifiable material is dried and no longer marks the hand of the person pressing the absorbent pad 13, the absorbent The pad 13 can be removed from the discharge pipe 14, so a new absorbent pad 13 containing a readily identifiable material can be attached to the discharge pipe 14 and replaced with a used one. In one embodiment, the replacement of the absorbent pad 13 can be accomplished using the attachment mechanism 31, so that the attachment mechanism 31 is removed and then a new absorbent pad 13, a compressible protective perimeter 41 and / or Alternatively, by disposing the attachment mechanism 31 on the upper surface of the discharge pipe 14, it is possible to replenish a substance that can be used for area identification. The attachment mechanism 31 may be any double-sided tape, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), non-permanent adhesive glue and / or gel, Velcro ™ -like material and any mechanism capable of detachably coupling to the top of the discharge pipe 14. Including but not limited to other attachment mechanisms. In another embodiment, the absorbent pad 13 is delivered to the absorbent pad 13 as the soap dispenser is used (eg, a small mechanical pump such as that used to refill stamp pads). By using a reservoir of identifiable material, the easily identifiable material can be kept moist for a longer period of time.

  In a disposable soap dispenser, it may be desirable to run out of cleaning components (or vice versa) at about the same time as easily identifiable material runs out. In embodiments where the marking mechanism includes an absorbent pad, it may be preferable for the absorbent pad 13 to begin to dry as the cleaning component 19 runs out. This allows the user to discard the entire dispenser that has a marking mechanism at the top of the pump and is pre-filled and purchase a new dispenser. In this embodiment, the absorbent pad 13, the protective outer periphery 41, the attachment mechanism 31 and the discharge pipe 14 are combined to dispense the cleaning component 19 when a dispenser is used, and also to perform marking of a human hand. Can be a unit.

  Although a particular marking mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 1, the marking mechanism may be implemented using various techniques and configurations. For example, the marking mechanism may include any of the types of marking mechanisms described in US Pat. Nos. 6,031,461 or 6,211,788. Marking mechanisms may include (1) mechanical, (2) pneumatic, (3) pneumatic (mechanical), (4) electronic, and (5) systems of any combination thereof, but limited thereto Not. The marking mechanism may also dispense easily identifiable material as a spray, microdot or mist from a separate tube or nozzle in the immediate vicinity of the discharge pipe 14. In this embodiment, the easily identifiable material can be released onto the user's hand simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously) with the cleaning component, or the easily identifiable material can be mixed with the cleaning component 19.

  The easily identifiable material may be a variety of different types of materials such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 6,031,461 or 6,211,788. These materials may include inks, dyes, vegetable dyes, paints, colorants, pigments, greases and any combination thereof. Easily identifiable materials are not easily identifiable visually, but can be easily identified using other detection mechanisms such as UV light or using small metallic materials that are electronically detectable It may be designed to be possible. The easily identifiable material may further be an additional material such as a very small integrated circuit (sometimes referred to as “smart dust”).

  A readily identifiable material can be selected or designed to require the desired type of hand washing once the material has been applied to the hand. For example, easily identifiable material can only be removed by washing with a cleaning component 19 (eg liquid soap or alcoholic component) and warm or lukewarm water in a sufficient amount of time, thereby maximizing human hand hygiene. Can be designed not to be able to. An example of a readily identifiable material can be found in “Care Bears Lite Up Stampers” manufactured by Rose Art, Inc. In cleaning experiments, the easily identifiable material applied with Care Bear stamp drops very slowly with water alone (takes 1 minute), but with soap and warm water it drops in about 15 to 20 seconds.

  Other readily identifiable materials include aqueous inks approved by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. One such commercially available ink is Turquoise I-7054 ink 203-52 manufactured by Ranger Ink. Additional inks or dyes that are commercially available are blue dyes such as 1-methylamino-4-o-tolylaminoanthraquinone (Blue 403, Sudan Blue B), and 1-hydroxy-4-p-toluinoanthraquinone. Violet dyes such as [toluinoanthraquinone] (violet 201, Arizroll Purple SS). In highly hygienic areas such as hospitals, nursing homes or doctor's offices, easily identifiable substances are highly effective anti-germ or anti-bacterial cleaning ingredients. composition] (eg alcohol based cleaners such as Purell manufactured by GOJO) may be designed to remove easily identifiable material.

  Because the time between hand marking and cleaning is short, discoloration of hands and soiling of clothing are usually not a problem. Nevertheless, contamination can be minimized as desired by placing easily identifiable material in the area of the hand that does not contact other items. For example, the mark may be placed between fingers with a hand web, palm or back of the hand. Placing the mark on a specific part of the hand can be accomplished, for example, by using a finger guide and / or trigger that guides the hand to a desired position prior to marking. The marking mechanism also applies an easily identifiable material to the hand in a very thin layer (eg as performed with a stamp mechanism), thereby maximizing the drying rate and minimizing dirt or discoloration. It may be designed to suppress.

  Another way to minimize dirt or discoloration (or to make sure it does not matter if it becomes contaminated or discolored) is easy to include ingredients that are easily removable from clothing and other items It is to mix identifiable substances. Examples of readily identifiable materials are issued to Kluger et al. And are described in US Pat. No. 5,043,013 entitled “Washable Ink Compositions”. US Pat. No. 6,147,607 also describes various materials that are easier to clean than typical inks, dyes or pigments.

  In order to prevent a person from trying to circumvent the marking mechanism by using paper towels, toilet paper or cloth as a barrier between the hand and the marking mechanism, the marking mechanism is described, for example, in US Pat. Techniques such as those disclosed in US Pat. No. 147,607 can be used. These techniques either perform marking with the abdomen of the finger (covering the marked area with paper or cloth becomes a problem) or keep the fibers or threads from the barrier used, thus trying to avoid the marking mechanism Including a finger guide that requires a rough surface (eg, Velcro ™ -like) to be used on the marking mechanism to account for attempts to do so. This application is particularly useful in residences where a limited number of people use the soap dispenser marking mechanism and attempts to avoid it are easy to track with those of a particular person. is there.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a hand marking soap dispenser that includes a signal and / or recording mechanism. The marking mechanism attached to the top of the discharge pipe 14 may function similarly to the marking mechanism described with respect to FIG. However, the illustrated marking mechanism may include an absorbent pad 13 that covers the top surface of the discharge pipe 14 and does not include a protective perimeter. The signal mechanism 51 and the recording mechanism 61 can be activated / triggered by depressing the discharge pipe 14 to dispense the cleaning component 19 and are therefore easily identifiable substances from the absorbent pad 13, Are marked almost simultaneously. Although only one configuration is shown, the soap dispenser can be configured in various ways as desired by the end user. For example, (1) include a signal mechanism but not include a recording mechanism to reduce the cost of soap dispensers, (2) include a recording mechanism but not include a signal mechanism, and (3) a signal mechanism and Both recording mechanisms are included, but either or both can be configured so that the end user can stop or activate as desired by using an on / off button or switch it can.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the signal mechanism 51, the recording mechanism 61, and the power source 21 have the container 10 attached to the container. The cover 68 can be coupled to or integrated with the container 10 to protect the signal mechanism 51, the recording mechanism 61, and the power source 21. A switch 27 that can flow power from the power source 21 to the signal mechanism 51 and the recording mechanism 61 may be associated with the container 10. Switch 27 may be implemented using various techniques including, but not limited to, contact switches, microelectromechanical switches, push buttons, toggles, cone rides, and any other suitable type of switch. it can. Accordingly, switch 27 can selectively couple signal mechanism 51 and recording mechanism 61 to power supply 21 via one or more wires 22 or other electrical conduits. In the exemplary mode described herein, the switch 27 can be activated by a trigger 28 coupled (or integrated) to the discharge pipe 14. When the discharge pipe 14 is pressed and the cleaning component 19 is dispensed, the trigger 28 comes into contact with the switch 27 and the signal mechanism 51 and / or the recording mechanism 61 can be activated. Therefore, the signal mechanism 51 and the recording mechanism 61 can be activated when the switch 27 is activated.

  As with existing soap dispensers, the unbiased normal position of the discharge pipe 14 is up (due to the spring inside the pump 16). Therefore, when the discharge pipe 14 is in the upper position, the trigger 28 can be maintained in a position not in contact with the switch 27, and therefore the signal mechanism 51 and the recording mechanism 61 are not activated (for example, the signal mechanism 51 generates a sound or a signal). And the recording mechanism 61 does not record any activity). The use of switches, power supplies, and signal mechanisms capable of generating sound are known in the art, and thus are discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the teachings of the present disclosure. Can be modified in various ways.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the marking mechanism acts as a mechanical trigger that activates the signal mechanism 51 and / or the recording mechanism 61 and also marks a person's hand depressing the absorbent pad 13 containing a readily identifiable material. . When a readily identifiable substance gets on a person's hand, the person seems to wash his hand to remove the mark. To remove a mark from one marked hand, it is usually necessary to use the other unmarked hand. As a result, both hands are clean.

  In one embodiment, the signaling mechanism 51 can generate a signal that provides information regarding the desired duration of hand washing. For example, the signal can indicate the shortest period during which hand washing should be performed. The signal may be auditory, visual, olfactory, tactile, kinematic, or any other suitable type of signal that informs the user of the soap dispenser the minimum time required to wash out easily identifiable material. . In one embodiment, the signal mechanism 51 may be pressure driven by a processor to generate the desired sound. In other embodiments, the signal mechanism 51 may be any electronic or mechanical component that provides the desired signal. The signal can be activated for approximately 15 to 30 seconds to ensure good hand washing to kill microorganisms on the hand. Thus, the user has two completely different prompts (eg, marking mechanism and signaling mechanism) that help to ensure some minimum period of hand washing. In another embodiment, timing information separate from the signal mechanism 51 can be provided rather than being integrated into the signal mechanism 51.

  In an exemplary embodiment that uses a signal to force the use of a marking soap dispenser, a person may be used to listening and / or viewing the signal. As the user habituates it, does not use the marking soap dispenser and does not activate the signaling mechanism 51, does the intended user and the employee hear the signal while entering the toilet? It becomes obvious to both others who are expecting to see. A signal, or lack thereof, may begin to have Pavlov's reaction. Thus, the signal can basically convert spontaneous behavior into almost reflective behavior. As a result, the marking soap dispenser and accompanying signal can serve as a sign of cleanliness and hygiene, and other people interested in hand washing (eg restaurant guests, hospital patients and children) Reassure parents).

  In addition to the Pavlov effect (for example, the signal acts as a reminder to wash hands to the user), the signal mechanism 51 can also act as a positive facilitator. The child at home can be complimented every time the signal is activated when the hand is marked with a soap dispenser. For example, the signal can be selected from a menu that includes a series of different songs, beeps, sounds, instructions or noise. The soap dispenser is a game in which the marking mechanism teaches the child how to properly wash the hand with the appropriate amount of cleaning component 19 for the required time (eg hand washing, detergent and / or rubbing). If it is insufficient, it can be placed near the bathroom basin so that easily identifiable material does not fall off.

  In another embodiment, the signaling mechanism 51 can be designed to make it clear that the subject soap dispenser is not used. For example, the signal may be a light / button (eg, LED) and / or an audible signal that is designed to remain on for a period of time after using a soap dispenser. This delayed signal will be on or on only for some longer period of time than the average user is expected to be in the area (eg, about 1 to 5 minutes after using the dispenser and / or base) Can be designed to be. Thus, it can be expected that a person entering immediately after the user leaves the dispenser area will see or hear the delayed signal. If the signal is designed to be on over a predetermined engine, the user required for the soap dispenser cannot easily bypass the dispenser. This is because after the desired user leaves the dispenser area, it will be clear that there is no signal for those who enter the area for a predetermined period of time.

  In one embodiment, a display window 67 may be included to display information recorded by the recording mechanism 61. The display window 67 can be disposed outside the container 10 and can maintain communication with the recording mechanism 61 through the line 22. In another embodiment, the display window 67 may be simplified to reduce cost and may be a light display (eg, LED) that generates a signal for use of the dispenser as described above. The information collected by the recording mechanism 61 and displayed on the display window 67 includes the number of times the apparatus has been activated in a specific period, the number of activations, the frequency of use of the marking soap dispenser, and other information associated with the use of the soap dispenser. May include, but is not limited to. In this way, for example, the parent can check at the end of the day how many times the child has used the marking soap dispenser and when to use it. The recording mechanism 61 can be used to see the tendency of hand washing, reward positive behavior and insufficient hand washing to attempt to change. This information allows the parent (or employer) to monitor the hand washing procedure. Even better, since the mark is designed to require a specific type of hand wash (for example, a minimum of 15 to 30 seconds with warm water and soap), the recording mechanism 61 is basically a hand wash. Monitor hand washing effectiveness as well as frequency. This is because the mark can only be removed by hand washing with a minimum duration and efficacy (eg, sufficient scrubbing, energy or momentum).

  Recording mechanism 61 can be implemented using a variety of different technologies including, but not limited to, ICs, ASICs, EEPROMs, FPGAs, memory and processor combinations, and / or mechanical counters. As the cost of semiconductors decreases due to Moore's Law, integrated circuits become cheaper, and various different types of information can be collected, stored, and displayed at a lower cost. In fact, in the business scenario of the present disclosure where there are many users, employees can wear electronic badges (eg, RFID devices) or the recording mechanism 61 can distinguish between different person actions using a soap dispenser. By using biometrics to make it desirable, it may be desirable to track the behavior of a particular employee and the use of its marking mechanism.

  In another embodiment (not explicitly shown), the signal mechanism 51 and / or the recording mechanism 61 can be located away from the marking mechanism. This configuration is desirable when a person who monitors hand washing (eg, a restaurant owner or an infant's parent) wants to present signals and / or recorded information at a location other than where the soap dispenser is located. Sometimes. For example, if the signal from the dispenser operates only in the child's bathroom area, the parent may not be able to detect it. If the signal is audible, the signaling mechanism 51 can have a local or remote volume control so that the parent (or employer) can change the volume of the signal as needed. For example, a parent can place one or more remote signaling mechanisms in another area of the house, such as a kitchen or living room. The remote mechanism can be implemented by wiring the signaling mechanism 51 to a remote location or by using one or more wireless technologies. In general, telecommunications can be facilitated by placing one or more transmitter / transmitter / receivers in communication with one or more receiver / transmitter / receivers. Examples of wireless technologies capable of communicating according to the teachings of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, IEEE 802.11x technology, Bluetooth, GSM (Wide Area Vehicle Communication System), 3GSM, CDMA, TDMA, infrared, radio spectrum, and others. Not.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a hand marking soap dispenser that includes a base having a signal and / or recording mechanism. The marking mechanism attached to the top of the discharge pipe 14 may function similarly to the marking mechanism described with respect to FIGS. However, the illustrated marking mechanism may include a plurality of absorbent pads 13 in the area where the discharge pipe 14 is depressed. This is because in some cases where the absorbent pad 13 is small and the area where the hand presses the discharge pipe 14 is relatively large, pressing the soap dispenser will ensure that the person's hand is marked. This is because a plurality of absorbent pads 13 may be required.

  Similar to the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 2, the signal mechanism 51 and the recording mechanism 61 may be associated with the dispenser. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the signal mechanism 51 and recording mechanism 61 can be included in the base / bottom 70 of the soap dispenser. In some embodiments, the base 70 can be removably attached to the container 10 so that the base 70 can be used with other soap dispensers. Furthermore, the removable base allows the removed / remaining soap dispenser to function as a simple soap dispenser without the signal / timing / recording function provided by the base 70. This removal of the base is desirable if the child / employee is well trained in hand washing and the timing / signal generation stops, but the soap dispenser itself wants to use it. There is.

  The base 70 may include a base bottom 70 that can be designed to lie approximately flat on a surface such as a basin, table or wall-mounted platform. The base bottom portion 70 can be movably coupled to a base cover 72 that moves up and down with respect to the base bottom portion 71. A base / dispenser attachment mechanism 79 can be coupled to the top surface of the base cover 72 (or alternatively to the bottom surface of the container 10). The attachment mechanism 79 can couple the base 70 to the container 10 permanently or detachably. If the attachment mechanism 79 is detachable, the entire base structure (eg, base bottom 71, base cover 72 and any internal electronics or components) can be removed from the container 10. An attachment mechanism 79 can optionally couple double-sided tape, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), non-permanent adhesive glue and / or gel, Velcro ™ -like material and soap dispenser to the top of the base cover 72. Including, but not limited to, other attachment mechanisms.

  If the base 70 is removable from the container 10, the soap dispenser user purchases both the base 70 and the soap dispenser, but replaces it with another soap dispenser to be used with the base 70. Can do. For example, the soap dispenser can be replaced if the cleaning component 19 is exhausted and / or if the user does not like the dispenser design or function. To replace the soap dispenser, the user removes the attachment mechanism 79 and removes the container 10 from the base cover 72 and reuses the attachment mechanism 79 or uses a different attachment mechanism to obtain a new soap dispenser. A donor can be coupled to the base 70. In another embodiment, an attachment mechanism may not be required, so a new soap dispenser is placed on top of the base cover 72 and gravity is present on the top surface of the base cover 72. Can be maintained in position. As long as the upper surface of the base cover 72 is flat, the new soap dispenser does not have to fit exactly in the area occupied by the base 70. For example, the new soap dispenser may be smaller or larger than the area occupied by the base 70, or the new soap dispenser has a completely different shape, but the dispenser is still flat and horizontal in the base cover 72. It can be arranged on the upper surface.

  It may be desirable to add a weight (not explicitly shown) to the base bottom 72 (or perhaps the base cover 72) that helps keep the center of gravity of the entire device low so that it does not fall over easily. This anti-tip function can also be achieved with some type of suction and / or attachment mechanism added to the bottom surface of the base bottom 71 in order to keep the base bottom 71 in contact with the surface on which it is placed.

  The signal mechanism 51, the recording mechanism 61, and the power source 21 may be disposed on the upper surface of the base bottom portion 71. In the illustrated embodiment, a switch (or pressure sensor) 27 can be located on the top of the power supply 21 and below the top cover of the base cover 72. The weight of the container 10 can have a tendency to depress the base cover 72 to the switch 27. This is because the base cover 72 can move up and down with respect to the base bottom 71 and the weight of the container 10 pushes the base cover 72 down. However, the base cover 72 contacts the switch 27 at a position where the spring / biasing mechanism 75 is not biased (for example, a normal rest position of the container 10 when placed on the top surface of the base cover 72). Can be prevented. The biasing mechanism 75 may be designed so that the base cover 72 can contact the switch 27 when a person depresses the discharge pipe 14 to dispense the cleaning component 19.

  In one embodiment, the soap dispenser (with or without the cleaning component) may weigh between about 1 pound (454 g) and 3 pounds (1362 g) and dispense to extract the cleaning component 19. The pipe 14 may require about 4 pounds (1816 g) to 5 pounds (2270 g) of pressure. Accordingly, the biasing mechanism 75 can be configured to prevent the base cover 72 from contacting the switch 27 until a person depresses the discharge pipe 14 to feed out the cleaning component 19. . When a person using the soap dispenser activates switch 27, signal mechanism 51 and recording mechanism 61 can operate as described with respect to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a commercial soap dispenser mounted on a wall that includes a marking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the soap dispenser includes a cover 90 that is coupled to the wall 100 using the attachment mechanism 101. The attachment mechanism 101 can be a bolt, screw, nail, hook, pin, rivet, ear, latch, clamp, or any other suitable type of fastener that can attach a dispenser to the wall 80. In other embodiments, the attachment mechanism 101 is removable from the wall 80 with double-sided tape, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), non-permanent adhesive glue and / or gel, Velcro ™ -like material and dispenser. Any other attachment mechanism that allows it to be mounted may be used. The soap dispenser further includes a container 91 disposed within the cover 90 and containing the cleaning component 19, and a container 97 disposed within the cover 90 and including an easily identifiable material 96.

  The container 91 may be a pressure (eg, a pressure applied when the dispenser user pushes the lever 94 toward the container 91 without permanently losing an elastomer bag, thermoplastic bottle, or size or shape. And any other container that can hold the deformation. An outflow groove 92 containing a valve 93 can be arranged at the bottom of the container 91. In one embodiment, the valve 93 can prevent the cleaning component 19 from being drained from the container 91 by gravity through the outflow groove 92 when the container 91 is not squeezed. As shown, the dispenser may also include a container 97 containing an easily identifiable material 96. Container 97, like container 91, may be an elastomer bag, a thermoplastic bottle, or any other container capable of holding a deformation under pressure without permanently losing its size or shape. The container 97 may also have an outflow groove 98 that includes a valve 99. The valve 99 can prevent the easily identifiable material 96 from being expelled from the container 97 by gravity until the container 97 is squeezed. The use of compressible containers, outflow channels and valves in commercial dispensers is known in the art, and thus exemplary implementations discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the teachings of the present disclosure. Various forms can be modified.

  In one embodiment, the container 97 is attached to (or integral with) the container 91 so that the easily identifiable material 96 dries almost simultaneously with the cleaning component 19 being completely drained from the container 91. It can be sized to hold enough. Container 97 may be much smaller than container 91. This is because during washing of the hands, a much larger amount of cleaning component 19 may be used than the amount of easily identifiable substance 96. For example, the container 97 may be about one-fifth to two to four orders of magnitude smaller than the container 91 such that both containers are substantially free of individual substances. In another embodiment, the container 91 eliminates the cleaning component 19 prior to the easily identifiable material 96 to ensure that the mark is placed in the user's hand when using the soap dispenser. Can be of any size. This is because the dispenser cannot function without the cleaning component 19. When containers 91 and 97 are attached to each other or integrated with each other, the containers 91 and 97 are both replaced when the container 91 is free of cleaning components and / or the container 97 is readily identifiable material 96. can do. The integrated configuration can simplify the maintenance of the soap dispenser, so the exchange and / or replenishment of the easily identifiable substance 96 can no longer replace the cleaning components with a conventional dispenser. Not more difficult.

  In another embodiment, containers 91 and 97 may be independent of each other, and replenishment and / or exchange of either material may not be contingent on the level of the other container. This independent configuration can optimize the use of the materials contained in containers 91 and 97, which can increase the amount of maintenance required for the dispenser. However, the container 97 may be large enough so that replenishment and / or replacement of easily identifiable material 96 is rarely performed to minimize maintenance problems. This is because the amount of easily identifiable material 96 that is normally required for each use is very small.

  The amount of cleaning component 19 and / or easily identifiable material 96 can be monitored, for example, by including a transparent window in cover 90. In other embodiments, the cover 90 may be transparent or the dispenser may include a sensor that notifies the user when the cleaning component 19 and / or the easily identifiable material 96 is exhausted. If containers 91 and 97 are integrated, the monitoring mechanism may detect the level of cleaning component 19 contained in container 91 to indicate that containers 91 and 97 should be refilled and / or replaced. it can. If containers 91 and 97 are separate, the dispenser can include separate monitoring mechanisms for cleaning component 19 and easily identifiable material 96, respectively.

  The soap dispenser may further include a lever 94 that can be pushed inward or pulled outward by the user's hand, so that the action causes the lever 94 to move around a pivot point 95 attached to the cover 90 (eg, Rotate counterclockwise as shown in FIG. The action of the lever 94 applies pressure to both vessels 91 and 97, so that the cleaning component 19 and easily identifiable material 96 can be dispensed through the outflow channels 92 and 98, respectively. As shown, the shape of the surface 100 adjacent to or in contact with containers 91 and 97 has a topographic feature designed to apply pressure to both containers 91 and 97 simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously). Good. As a result of the pressure that the lever 94 applies to the containers 91 and 97, the cleaning component 19 is forced through the valve 93 and the easily identifiable substance 96 is forced through the valve 99.

  In another embodiment, lever 94 is used as a trigger for an electronic or pneumatic mechanism to force both cleaning component 19 and easily identifiable material 96 out of containers 91 and 97, respectively, and place them in a human hand. . In this embodiment, containers 91 and 97 may not be compressible and may be cartridges or some other type of container commonly used with inks or dyes.

  The size and type of outflow channels and valves of both containers 91 and 97 can be designed to spray or release the proper amount of cleaning component 19 and / or easily distinguishable material 96. Typically, the amount of easily identifiable material 96 required to mark a person's hand in a very visible usage is small, so that cleaning component 19 is more easily identifiable than material 96 for each use. A much larger amount is required. Accordingly, the outflow groove 98 and the valve 99 may be smaller than the outflow groove 92 and the valve 93. In one embodiment, the outflow groove 92 of the container 91 and the outflow groove 98 of the container 97 are very Can be placed close to. However, it is also possible to place the easily identifiable substance 96 on the back of the user's hand and the cleaning component 19 on the front of the hand (eg the palm).

  In another embodiment, the container 97 may include a plurality of outflow grooves or nozzles with a plurality of orifices to dispense easily identifiable material 96 into multiple areas of the user's hand. In a further embodiment, the outflow channel 92 that dispenses the cleaning component 19 is surrounded by the outflow channel 98 such that the easily identifiable material 96 is dispensed to the user's hand in a ring surrounding the cleaning component 19. It's okay. With multiple marks, it is necessary to wash the hands more thoroughly, so that multiple marks can be designed to be placed to facilitate optimal hand cleaning. As mentioned above, this forces the user to perform a good hand washing operation, otherwise the hand mark becomes obvious.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a wall mounted commercial hand marking soap dispenser that includes a sensor 106 that detects use of the dispenser. In one embodiment, the dispenser may be a non-contact soap dispenser, such as a “One Shot” dispenser designed and manufactured by Technical Concepts. As shown, the dispenser may include a sensor 106 that detects the presence of a user's hand located under the dispenser. When the sensor 106 detects the user's hand, it dispenses both the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable material 96 into the user's hand. The sensor 106 may be any type of active or passive sensor that detects the presence of the user's hand under the dispenser. For example, the sensor 106 may be an infrared sensor as described in US Pat. No. 5,492,247.

  Both the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable material 96 can be dispensed into the user's hand by a dispensing mechanism that includes a biasing mechanism 105 and a drive 108. In one embodiment, the sensor 106 can communicate with a biasing mechanism 105 (eg, a motor) through an electronic connection 107 (eg, a wire) that uses a drive 108 to move the surface 100 of the lever 94 to the container 91 and Push into 97. Similar to the mechanism described with respect to FIG. 4, the resulting pressure on containers 91 and 97 forces material 96 that is easily distinguishable from cleaning component 19 through valves 93 and 99, respectively, into the user's hand. Put it on. Although a particular drive mechanism is illustrated, the drive mechanism may be mechanical, electronic, pneumatic, or electronic / pneumatic and includes components such as pumps, motors, atomizers and / or compressors, so Upon detection of the presence of the hand under the donor, the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable substance 96 can be dispensed into the user's hand. One such suitable drive mechanism is a liquid pump mechanism as described in US Pat. No. 6,607,103. The use of drive mechanisms in commercial dispensers is known in the art, and thus various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the teachings of this disclosure. Can do.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a wall mounted commercial hand marking soap dispenser with the ability to identify different users. In certain circumstances, a marking soap dispenser can be used to mark the hand of a particular user of the dispenser and not mark other users. For example, a marking soap dispenser does not want to mark the customer's hand to ensure that the employee effectively cleans the hand, but the manager wants to mark the employee. Can be used in the restroom of the restaurant you think. In one embodiment, a restaurant toilet may have two separate soap dispensers. One soap dispenser may include a marking mechanism and be labeled "employee soap dispenser" and the other may be a conventional dispenser that does not mark a person's hand. In another embodiment, rather than using two dispensers, the dispenser may have a sensor that distinguishes between two or more classes of users. For example, the dispenser recognizes that the employee is using the dispenser and dispenses both the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable material 96 into the user's hand. On the other hand, if a non-employee (eg, a customer) uses the dispenser, the dispenser can dispense only the cleaning component 19 into the user's hand.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, a user's class can be identified by using the sensor 110, which can be worn by the user with some distinguishing feature such as an electronically distinguishable instrument 121, It can be designed to detect whether it is attached or close to it. For example, the sensor 110 can detect whether the electronically distinguishable instrument 121 is within some desired distance from the soap dispenser (eg, about zero to 5 feet (152.4 cm)). In this embodiment, all restaurant employees can embed a device 121 (eg, an RFID device) that can be electronically distinguished in name tags, wristbands, clothing, or even subcutaneously. As shown, the name tag 120 can be attached to a user (or pinned to clothing) with a band 122 and may include an electronically distinguishable instrument 121. In another embodiment, sensor 110 may be a biometric sensor (not explicitly shown) that distinguishes the user by using fingerprints, irises or other biometric features (eg, explicitly shown in the United States). Patents 6,206,238 and 5,960,991).

  The soap dispenser as shown in FIG. 6 is connected to both the sensor 106 (for example, a sensor for detecting a hand) and the second sensor 110 (for example, a sensor for detecting a user's class) by a connection 107 (for example, a line). Processor 111 may also be included. The processor 111 may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), user writable gate array (FPGA), or any other configured to execute processing instructions. It may be a digital or analog circuit. When the sensor 106 detects a hand (or any other item) under the dispenser, the sensor 106 can communicate a signal to the processor 111.

  When the processor 111 receives a signal from the sensor 106, it can determine whether the sensor 110 has detected the presence of the electronically distinguishable instrument 121. If the sensor 110 detects an electronically distinguishable instrument 121, the sensor 110 communicates a signal to the processor 111 to indicate the presence of the electronically distinguishable instrument 121, so that the processor 111 detects the cleaning component 19. The soap dispensing mechanism 130 is instructed to dispense to the user's hand, and the substance dispensing mechanism 131 is instructed to dispense easily identifiable material 96 to the user's hand. In one embodiment, the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable material 96 can be dispensed into the user's hand at approximately the same time. However, if the sensor 106 detects the user's hand under the dispenser and the sensor 110 does not detect the presence of the electronically distinguishable instrument 121, the processor 111 will remove the desired amount of cleaning component 19. Only the soap dispensing mechanism 130 can be instructed to dispense. Thus, a soap dispenser marks it with a readily identifiable substance 96 when the desired user (eg, an employee) cleans his hand, while others (eg, non-employees) mark it. do not do.

  The soap dispenser may further include a power mechanism 120 (eg, a battery) that provides power to various electronic components. The power mechanism 120 may be internal or external to the dispenser so that the electronic components (eg, sensors 106 and 110, microprocessor 111, and dispense mechanisms 130 and 131) receive the power necessary for operation. If the power mechanism 120 is a battery, the dispenser may provide information regarding the amount of charge remaining in the battery and may include a life indicator associated with the power mechanism 120. In another embodiment, a monitoring mechanism (eg, a sensor) can be associated with container 91 and / or container 97 to indicate the amount of cleaning component 19 and / or easily identifiable substance 96, respectively. This monitoring mechanism can be used to determine if the cleaning component 19 and / or the easily identifiable material 96 should be replaced.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the method of dispensing the cleaning component 19 and / or the easily identifiable material 96 must be accomplished by applying pressure to the containers 91 and 97 as shown in FIGS. Good. Alternatively, the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable material 96 can be dispensed using individual dispensing mechanisms 130 and 131 that receive signals from the processor 111 through line 107. The dispensing mechanisms 130 and 131 use the communicated signals to easily identify the cleaning component 19 through the outflow groove 92 and the material 96 through the outflow groove 98 so that the substance is placed in the user's hand. Release. However, in another embodiment, the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable material 96 can be dispensed using a compression mechanism (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) to compress the containers 91 and 97. The mechanical lever used to trigger the processor 111 and the dispensing mechanism 131. The processor 111 can now be used to determine if the sensor 111 has detected an electronically distinguishable instrument 121, so that when the processor 111 receives a signal from the sensor 110, the processor 111 detects the cleaning component 19. The dispensing mechanism 131 is instructed to dispense the substance 96 as it is pushed out of the container 91.

  Although specific mechanisms for dispensing the cleaning component 19 and the easily identifiable substance 96 have been described, there are many ways to dispense the cleaning component 19 and / or the easily identifiable substance 96 from individual containers. . These mechanisms may include motors, pumps, sprayers, printing presses, valves, compressors, jets, fans, and any combination thereof. Also, the mechanism used to dispense the cleaning component 19 may be different from the mechanism that dispenses the easily identifiable substance 96. The use of a dispensing mechanism in a commercial dispenser is known in the art, and thus various modifications are made to the exemplary embodiments discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the teachings of the present disclosure. be able to.

  In other embodiments, the signal, timing and / or recording features described and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be included in the commercial dispenser shown in FIGS. Not shown). The recording function can also be effectively used in combination with an electronically distinguishable instrument 121 (or biometric instrument) to track the use of a soap dispenser by a particular individual. For example, for RFID devices designed to distinguish specific items / persons (eg, electronic badges described in US Pat. No. 5,610,589, incorporated herein by reference), FIGS. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 1 can take a record and indicate trends relating to a particular use of the dispenser by a particular user (eg, employees and / or doctors and nurses). The information recorded includes the identity of the user, the time of use by the identified user, the frequency of use by the identified user during a specific period (eg, user shift), and the use of the identified user But not limited thereto.

  One example of a commercially available system that uses employee badges and reporting software to monitor hand washing is the iHygene System manufactured by Woodward Laboratories. The iHygiene System is a contactless soap dispenser that includes a wireless monitoring system that communicates with a badge that is enabled for wireless communication. The system stores handwashing hygiene compliance statistics that are stamped with time and date, thereby allowing hygiene compliance to be tracked by location, shift, time of use, personnel, etc. Although specific monitoring mechanisms have been described, the use of monitoring mechanisms in commercial dispensers is known in the art and thus discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the teachings of the present disclosure. Various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiment.

  The idea of “soiling” a person's hand when using a soap dispenser seems to be counter-intuitive, but it is an easily identifiable substance, marking, in order to clean the hands more effectively afterwards. Proper selection of the mechanism and signal mechanism results in a particularly clean hand. The concept of generating a dispenser usage signal to force the dispenser usage helps to increase the frequency of hand washing.

  Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a marking soap dispenser according to the teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a marking soap dispenser that includes a signaling mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a marking soap dispenser that includes a removable base having a signaling mechanism in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wall mounted commercial soap dispenser in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a wall mounted commercial soap dispenser that uses a sensor to detect when a soap dispenser is used in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of a wall mounted commercial soap dispenser that includes sensors used to distinguish between different user classes in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Claims (20)

  Use of a soap dispenser that is operable to contain a cleaning ingredient to help ensure the cleaning of a human hand, wherein the washing ingredient is washed off when the soap dispenser is used A method comprising marking a user's hand with an easily identifiable substance that can be made.   The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a signal indicating that the user has used the soap dispenser.   The method of claim 2, wherein the signal comprises at least one of an auditory, visual, olfactory, tactile, and kinematic signal.   The method of claim 2, wherein the signal comprises a timer operable to inform the user of a desired duration of hand washing.   The method of claim 2, further comprising activating a delay signal for a predetermined amount of time after the soap dispenser is used.   The method of claim 2, wherein the signal is designed to give a pavlov effect to the user to force the user to use the soap dispenser.   The method of claim 1, further comprising recording information regarding the use of the soap dispenser.   The method of claim 7, wherein the recorded information is selected from a group consisting of time of use, identity of the user, frequency of use, location of the soap dispenser, and combinations thereof.   Providing the marking of the hand of the user comprises providing a marking mechanism coupled to an activation mechanism operable to dispense the cleaning component and including the easily identifiable material; The method of claim 1. The marking mechanism is
An absorbent pad having a first thickness;
A compressible protective outer periphery that surrounds the absorbent pad and is operable to bring the user's hand into contact with the absorbent pad during use of the activation mechanism; The method of claim 9, wherein the method has a second thickness greater than the first thickness of the absorbent pad.   The method of claim 9, wherein the marking mechanism comprises a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the easily identifiable substance to the hand of the user substantially simultaneously with the dispensing of the cleaning component. A device that helps to ensure human hand washing,
Soap dispenser,
A marking mechanism coupled to the soap dispenser for marking the hand of the user of the soap dispenser to facilitate better hand cleaning.   The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a signaling mechanism coupled to the soap dispenser to force the user to use the soap dispenser.   13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a recording mechanism coupled to the soap dispenser for collecting information regarding use of the soap dispenser. The marking mechanism is
An absorbent pad comprising an easily identifiable material, the absorbent pad having a first thickness;
The apparatus of claim 12, comprising a compressible protective perimeter surrounding the absorbent pad, wherein the compressible protective perimeter has a second thickness greater than the first thickness of the absorbent pad.   13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the marking mechanism comprises a dispensing mechanism that dispenses an easily identifiable substance to the user's hand substantially simultaneously with dispensing of a cleaning component.   The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the dispensing of the easily identifiable substance is selected from the group consisting of spraying, microdots, gravity drops, printing, mist, and jetting. A method that helps to ensure the cleaning of a human hand using a soap dispenser that is operable to contain cleaning ingredients,
Identifying a user of the soap dispenser based on a personnel identification device associated with the user;
Marking the user's hand with a readily identifiable substance that can be washed off with the cleaning ingredients when using the soap dispenser.   The method of claim 18, further comprising recording information regarding the use of the soap dispenser.   The method of claim 18, further comprising marking the hand of the user when a sensor associated with the soap dispenser detects the personnel identification device.

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