CA2776275A1 - Hands free restroom stall lock - Google Patents

Hands free restroom stall lock Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2776275A1
CA2776275A1 CA 2776275 CA2776275A CA2776275A1 CA 2776275 A1 CA2776275 A1 CA 2776275A1 CA 2776275 CA2776275 CA 2776275 CA 2776275 A CA2776275 A CA 2776275A CA 2776275 A1 CA2776275 A1 CA 2776275A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
door
stall
restroom stall
motion
restroom
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2776275
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Georges Raymond Brow
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2776275 priority Critical patent/CA2776275A1/en
Publication of CA2776275A1 publication Critical patent/CA2776275A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B17/00Accessories in connection with locks
    • E05B17/22Means for operating or controlling lock or fastening device accessories, i.e. other than the fastening members, e.g. switches, indicators
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B1/00Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings
    • E05B1/0069Sanitary doorknobs or handles, e.g. comprising a disinfectant
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05BLOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B47/00Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
    • E05B47/02Movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means; Adaptation of locks, latches, or parts thereof, for movement of the bolt by electromagnetic means
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05FDEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/70Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
    • E05F15/73Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05YINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
    • E05Y2900/00Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/10Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
    • E05Y2900/112Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof for restrooms

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Description

HANDS FREE RESTROOM STALL LOCK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an automated restroom stall locking mechanism, and, more particularly, to an automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism that allows a person to wave their hands in front of the lock to activate the lock/latch release in hands free mode, thereby reducing the spread of germs and contagions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Many diseases, such as hepatitis, have been found to be transmittable due to a failure of people to wash their hands. In fact, certain public health laws require those in, for example, the food distribution field to wash their hands each time they exit these facilities before they resume their duties. In areas such as hospitals or labs, the spread of germs and contagions is a serious health concern. For this reason, many such facilities post visual signs which are intended to remind a person to wash their hands before entry/exit, but such signs can be easily ignored, and thus stronger warning systems are required if such spread of disease is to be checked or inhibited.
Accordingly, there is need for an automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism that allows a person to wave their hands in front of the lock to activate the lock/latch release in hands free mode, thereby reducing the spread of germs and contagions. To this end, the present invention effectively addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A general object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism that allows a person to wave their hands in front of the lock to activate the lock/latch release in hands free mode, thereby reducing the spread of germs and contagions.
A still further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism that may be attached to a hand sanitizer to compel stall users to sanitize their hands prior to exiting, with a view to reducing the spread of germs and contagions.
A still further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism that may communicate with voice, lights, sounds or illuminated signage the various functions of the locking system.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism comprising a housing being mounted within the restroom stall; a motion/presence ultrasonic detector being mounted on the housing and being adapted for detecting a visitor within the restroom stall; a door lock mechanism for locking and unlocking a door permitting entry or exit through the restroom stall; a processor being mounted in the housing and being electrically coupled to the motion/presence ultrasonic detector; and wherein when the motion/presence ultrasonic detector detects movement by the visitor within the restroom stall, the motion/presence ultrasonic detector transmits a signal to the microprocessor, whereupon, the microprocessor transmits an unlocking signal to the door lock mechanism to open the door to permit exit by the user. There are also three separate sensors in the unit: one to detect occupancy in the stall and a second to detect the door is in the closed position. A third sensor is used to detect a hand wave exit activation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism of the present invention; and Figure 2 illustrates the housing of the automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism of the present invention on the door.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention relates to an automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism, whereby when a user enters the restroom stall and pushes the door shut, the device senses the occupant's presence after the closing of the door and the stall locking mechanism locks the door. Sensors 1) detect the door has been closed; and 2) detects there is an occupant in the stall. Once the occupant is finished using the stall he/she waves their hands in front of the lock to activate the lock/latch release in hands free mode. All users of the stall may, at any time in an alternative embodiment, open or close the lock manually. With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, the automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism of =
the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, will now be described. In one embodiment, the system of the present invention can be electrically coupled to a primary power supply (not shown), preferably by hardwiring an electrical supply to components of the system. In an alternative embodiment an alternate power source, such as, for example, a battery source or through electrical wiring, or through other means, could also be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.
The automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism 1 generally comprises a housing 3 that is mounted on a restroom stall door 5. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 3 is mounted on the inside of the stall door 5, though it will be readily understood that variations as to the placement of the housing 3 are possible, as would be readily understood by one skilled in the art.
A motion/presence ultrasonic detector 7 is mounted on the housing 3 and is adapted for detecting a visitor on the inside of the restroom stall, it being understood that the motion/presence detector 5 can be conventional in nature, and can also be a proximity detector. In a preferred embodiment, a processor (not shown) can also be included within the hands free restroom stall locking mechanism 1 it being understood that the processor is electrically coupled to other components of the system, as hereinafter described. It will, of course, be understood that the location of the processor or the motion/presence ultrasonic detector 7 could be varied, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, the processor can be housed in, or around the proximity of, the door 5, but alternatively may be located in a nearby location, or at a remote location from the door 5.
A hand sanitizer (not shown), in electronic communication with the other components, could also be utilized, where the device may be attached to a hand sanitizer to compel stall users to sanitize their hands prior to exiting.
A data storage device (not shown) can also be included, and preferably has recorded thereon a message indicating warnings such as a low supply warnings received from hand sanitizer, it being understood that variations to the type of information collected and stored by the data storage device are possible.
Examples of such information that could be collected and stored in the data storage device could include number of people entering and exiting the building, the number of people and/or percentage of people who used the hand sanitizer, and malfunction alerts. In an alternative embodiment, the data storage device can also store a "low battery" warning, that can be issued through a message conveying apparatus (not shown), when a battery powered power source is utilized and power is low.
It will be understood that the message conveying apparatus (not shown) can be arranged to be mounted near to (or upon) any of the hand sanitizer, housing 3 or door 5. It will also be understood that hand sanitizer is, preferably, arranged to be mounted on the outside or inside of the restroom stall, or indeed a plurality of hand sanitizers may be utilized to compel hand sanitization prior to exit or entry. Further, the device may be equipped to open through a radio activated signal, and, alternatively, the stall door may be equipped to open via a gravity hinge, spring loaded hinge or motorized opener/closer. In such an option, manual controls associated with the device may be made of antimicrobial products or coated with an antimicrobial coating.
The present invention may also comprise messaging options for a visitor, whereby the device may communicate with voice, lights, sounds or illuminated signage the various functions of the locking system. As one example, the automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism 1 will sound a message after being closed 15 minutes advising the device will automatically open in 2 minutes, though variations to this and to these times are possible.
Moreover, the lavatory stall locking device 9 (shown in Figure 1) can be designed to calibrate to the door 5 to which it is attached. An internal accelerometer can be used to calibrate the device. Furthermore, the lavatory stall locking device 9 is equipped with a radio device (not shown) that sends a signal to an external receiver (or processor) to notify if the device or restroom stall door is being vandalized.
In operation, when approaching the door 5, in a preferred embodiment, the visitor enters the restroom stall and pushes the door shut, the device senses the occupant's presence after the closing of the door 5 and the stall locking mechanism 9 locks the door 5. The motion/presence ultrasonic detector 7 detects the door 5 has been closed and then detects there is an occupant in . .
the stall. Once the occupant is finished using the stall he/she waves their hands in front of the motion/presence ultrasonic detector 7 to activate the stall locking mechanism 9 to open in hands free mode. It will, of course, be understood that the door can be normally in a locked position, the door being kept in a locked position by a door lock mechanism (not shown), such as a magnetic lock or other similar device, for locking and unlocking the door 5 permitting entry or exit. Further, when a hand sanitizer is utilized by the visitor the hand sanitizer transmits a signal to the processor, whereupon the processor will issue an unlocking signal to the stall locking mechanism 9 to unlock and open in hands free mode to permit exit for the visitor.
However, it will be understood that if the hand sanitizer has not been utilized, and no signal from the hand sanitizer has been transmitted to the processor, it is to be understood that the processor will only issue the unlocking signal to the stall locking mechanism 9 of the door 5 to unlock the door if a signal has been received from the hand sanitizer.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the processor is, preferably, in electronic radio communication with the hand sanitizer and other components of the system through electro-magnetic signals, or a combination thereof, as is conventionally known. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the electro-magnetic signals can include infra-red, RF, or any other electro-magnetic signal, as are well known in the art. Alternatively, the connection between these components could also be hard wired.

, In a further embodiment, the processor may also issue an audible message to individuals who are attempting to enter (or exit) the door 5, and who have not utilized the hand sanitizer, through the playing of a recorded audio message or reminder (such as, " please sanitize your hand " or "please sanitize your hands to exit this stall") through the message conveying apparatus, it being understood that variations as to the type of message conveyed are possible. It will, of course, be understood that multiple such reminders could be effected, if the processor is so programmed.
It will also be understood that such reminder messages can also be conveyed in the form of a visual reminder, such as through use of an LED sign (not shown), or other types of sounds that are emitted for the user to hear, it being understood that variations to these conveyed messages are possible, such as MP3's.
The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims (3)

1. An automated hands free restroom stall locking mechanism comprising:
a housing being mounted within the restroom stall;
a motion/presence ultrasonic detector being mounted on the housing and being adapted for detecting a visitor within the restroom stall;
a door lock mechanism for locking and unlocking a door permitting entry or exit through the restroom stall;
a processor being mounted in the housing and being electrically coupled to the motion/presence detector; and wherein when the motion/presence ultrasonic detector detects movement by the visitor within the restroom stall, the motion/presence ultrasonic detector transmits a signal to the microprocessor, whereupon, the microprocessor transmits an unlocking signal to the door lock mechanism to open the door to permit exit by the user.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a power source constructed and arranged for connection to components of the system.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the motion/presence ultrasonic Detector further comprises three separate sensors.
CA 2776275 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Hands free restroom stall lock Abandoned CA2776275A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2776275 CA2776275A1 (en) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Hands free restroom stall lock

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2776275 CA2776275A1 (en) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Hands free restroom stall lock

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2776275A1 true CA2776275A1 (en) 2013-11-03

Family

ID=49546685

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2776275 Abandoned CA2776275A1 (en) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Hands free restroom stall lock

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2776275A1 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8400310B2 (en) Automated hand cleaning reminder system for an entranceway
CA2674654A1 (en) Door controlling hand disinfectant system
US9922534B2 (en) Automatic hygiene compliance assistance
US7893842B2 (en) Systems and methods for monitoring health care workers and patients
US9311809B2 (en) System and method for improving hand hygiene
US8120481B2 (en) Emergency services notification station and door unlock device
US20150199883A1 (en) Hand Sanitation Dispensing and Tracking Systems and Methods
US8963721B2 (en) Hand hygiene compliance device
US9761114B2 (en) Car seat child-aware alert system and application
US20120154155A1 (en) Personal monitoring system
US20020000449A1 (en) Hand antiseptic system and method
US20220366775A1 (en) System and device for management of medication delivery devices
US20090309723A1 (en) Public distress beacon and method of use thereof
EP3266008B1 (en) Activating an alarm if a living being is present in an enclosed space with ambient temperature outside a safe temperature range
US20120293329A1 (en) Wireless dog barking alarm system
GB2458118A (en) An alarm or door lock that is responsive to a hygiene operation
US20140375458A1 (en) Dispensing Device
GB2535649A (en) Human sensing toilet occupancy detection alarm
CA2776280A1 (en) Door locking hand sanitizer system
GB2469482A (en) Door control linked to operation of hand wash dispenser
US10223895B2 (en) Systems for monitoring hand sanitization
CA2776275A1 (en) Hands free restroom stall lock
WO2001024133A1 (en) Safety cubicle with alarm
US11810444B2 (en) Notification apparatus
KR20140109521A (en) Household Management System and Method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Dead

Effective date: 20141127