EP0262921A2 - A set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets - Google Patents

A set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0262921A2
EP0262921A2 EP87308611A EP87308611A EP0262921A2 EP 0262921 A2 EP0262921 A2 EP 0262921A2 EP 87308611 A EP87308611 A EP 87308611A EP 87308611 A EP87308611 A EP 87308611A EP 0262921 A2 EP0262921 A2 EP 0262921A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shields
bactericidal
agent
formulation
rigid
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP87308611A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0262921A3 (en
Inventor
Trevor P. Woollard
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.)
PHONESHIELDS Ltd
Original Assignee
PHONESHIELDS Ltd
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 PHONESHIELDS Ltd filed Critical PHONESHIELDS Ltd
Publication of EP0262921A2 publication Critical patent/EP0262921A2/en
Publication of EP0262921A3 publication Critical patent/EP0262921A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/12—Sanitary or hygienic devices for mouthpieces or earpieces, e.g. for protecting against infection

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets.
  • British Patent Application No.8523521 discloses a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets, the set comprising a pair of plastic shields designed to clip over or into the telephone mouthpiece or earpiece respectively, each shield being impregnated with a bactericidal agent which is able to leech out of the shield over a period of time.
  • the shields of the prior art have the disadvantage that, because the bactericidal agent is impregnated, their time of action is relatively short, for instance about 3 days, even though any odour imparted by a perfume may last longer, and they are relatively complicated to manufacture.
  • a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets comprising a pair of rigid polyvinylchloride or rigid polystryrene shields designed to fit over or into the telephone mouthpiece and earpiece respectively, each shield having a bactericidal agent incorporated into its molecular structure.
  • the present invention provides a method of producing a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handset, comprising: preparing a rigid polyvinylchloride or rigid polystyrene formulation containing a bactericidal agent; and moulding the formulation to produce the shields.
  • the formulation is converted to the shields by vacuum forming or injection moulding.
  • the formulation containing the bactericidal agent prior to moulding, for instance by vacuum forming or injection moulding, has substantially no bactericidal activity, even though the bactericidal agent is merely mixed in the formulation.
  • the bactericidal agent is apparently incorporated into the molecular structure of the plastic and is activated.
  • the shields of the present invention have good bactericidal properties which can last up to 30 days or more and which extends not only to the immediate area of the shield but also to a "halo" area around it.
  • bactericidal agent In addition to the bactericidal agent, one or more of a germicidal agent, an algaecidal agent, a fungicidal agent, a biocidal agent, an anti-dandruff agent or a perfume may be included in the shields. These are preferably mixed into the formulation.
  • a perfume such as a lemon, pine or rose aroma be included in the shields.
  • the bactericidal agents are halogenated cyclic and heterocyclic compounds which are known as bactericides.
  • a particularly preferred source for the bactericide is Actifresh (Registered Trade Mark) supplied by British Sanitized Limited, which also contains the optional agents referred to above.
  • the amount of bactericidal agent will depend on the particular agent used, but will generally comprise between 2 and 7, preferably 3 and 5, percent by weight of the formulation.
  • the shields will generally be between 0.25 and 0.50, preferably 0.30 and 0.38, millimetres in thickness.
  • the shields will be shaped as appropriate so as to be able to fit over or into the mouthpiece and earpiece respectively, and also to be readily removable when the bactericidal activity of the shield has been substantially exhausted.
  • the shields will thus be disposable.
  • the shields may be perforated to match the perforations of the mouthpiece and earpiece respectively of the telephone handset.
  • holes in the shields may be offset with respect to the holes in the handset so as to reduce further the ingress or collection of dirt and/or germs. It is not necessary for the shields to be perforated since the shields without perforations are able to transmit sound without significant distortion.
  • the shields may come in many different shapes and sizes so as to be able to fit any type of telephone handset.
  • a plurality of sets of shields are provided for sale packed in a suitable moisture-­proof carton, with each set being individually sealed in an evacuated, sterile plastic or foil container.
  • the carton could be kept by a telephone handset, thereby allowing the telephone user to change the set at will.
  • the shields could be supplied in packages to cleaning contractors who could merely change the shields, for instance, at monthly intervals. This would represent a considerable cost and manpower saving compared to the normal cleaning operation, which needs to be carried out at least weekly.
  • the shields include a substance which changes colour when a predetermined reduction in the activity of the agents in the shield has occurred, or after the lapse of a predetermined time, thereby providing a ready indication as to when the shields should be changed.
  • the colour indicator is in the form of a micro dot or a micro dot matrix affixed to, applied to or incorporated in the shield.
  • the colour indicator could, for instance, change to red or could make visible a word such as "now" when the colour change occurs.
  • the substance which changes colour is a substance which is sensitive to ultraviolet or visible light.
  • the shields of the present invention differ from prior art shields in that they have no catches, flanges, ribs, clips or other mounting means or moving parts, nor do they include any lint, gauze, paper, card, filters or cloth. Moreover, they are not impregnated, dipped, coated, laminated or glued. They are therefore very simple. Nonetheless, they are highly effective, and produce a bactericidal effect not only on their immediate surface, but also in a "halo" area around them.
  • a formulation comprising rigid polyvinyl chloride (containing 7% plasticiser) and Actifresh PL-149 (which contains halogenated cyclic and heterocyclic compounds as the bactericidal agents) was prepared by mixing the components in a conventional plastics mixer.
  • the formulation contained 5% Actifresh.
  • the rigid polyvinylchloride is supplied by Wardle-Storeys plc of Earby, Colne, Lancashire under their designation DURA HIA.
  • the formulation thus produced was tested for bactericidal properties but was found to be substantially inactive.
  • the formulation was injection moulded at a temperature of 1000°C for 8 seconds to form sets of shields 0.30 millimetres thick and shaped so as to be able to fit over the mouthpiece and earpiece of a conventional GPO telephone handset. When tested, it was found that these sets were highly bactericidal and retained their activity for at least 30 days. The bactericidal activity was not limited to the immediate area of the shields, but extended also to a "halo" area around the shields.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

A set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone headsets. The shields have a bactericidal agent incorporated into their molecular structure. The shields fit over or into the mouthpiece and earpiece respectively, and are readily removable from the headset, after the bactericidal activity of the shield has been exhausted.

Description

  • The present invention relates to a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets.
  • One of the problems with common telephones is that the mouthpiece and earpiece tend to harbour dirt and germs, and it is therefore not unusual for large organisations to employ specialised firms to clean their telephones on a regular basis. However, this is expensive, and it is an object of the present invention to do away with this cleaning requirement and at the same time to provide a telephone which is more hygienic and pleasant to use.
  • There have already been a number of proposals for the production of a set of shields for use on telephone handsets. Such shields have been made out of many materials, such as rubbers, plastics, metals and crepe or corrugated paper. Examples of such disclosures are US-A-3 169 171, US-A-4 570 038, US-A-2 080 676, US-A-2 288 975 and GB-B-2 119 203.
  • British Patent Application No.8523521 (publication number      ) discloses a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets, the set comprising a pair of plastic shields designed to clip over or into the telephone mouthpiece or earpiece respectively, each shield being impregnated with a bactericidal agent which is able to leech out of the shield over a period of time.
  • In the above British application, there is no indication as to the particular plastic material from which the shields are made. Moreover, it is specified that the bactericidal agent is impregnated into the shields.
  • The disclosure of the above British application is typical of many prior art disclosures in that it does not indicate that the choice of plastics material is in any way critical, nor does it contemplate any method for endowing the shields with bactericidal properties other than impregnation.
  • The shields of the prior art have the disadvantage that, because the bactericidal agent is impregnated, their time of action is relatively short, for instance about 3 days, even though any odour imparted by a perfume may last longer, and they are relatively complicated to manufacture.
  • It is an object of the present invention to overcome, at least to some extent, the above mentioned disadvantages.
  • According to the present invention, there is provided a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets, the set comprising a pair of rigid polyvinylchloride or rigid polystryrene shields designed to fit over or into the telephone mouthpiece and earpiece respectively, each shield having a bactericidal agent incorporated into its molecular structure.
  • In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handset, comprising:
    preparing a rigid polyvinylchloride or rigid polystyrene formulation containing a bactericidal agent; and
    moulding the formulation to produce the shields.
  • Preferably, the formulation is converted to the shields by vacuum forming or injection moulding.
  • It has surprisingly been found that the formulation containing the bactericidal agent, prior to moulding, for instance by vacuum forming or injection moulding, has substantially no bactericidal activity, even though the bactericidal agent is merely mixed in the formulation. However, on moulding the formulation, the bactericidal agent is apparently incorporated into the molecular structure of the plastic and is activated.
  • Thus, the shields of the present invention have good bactericidal properties which can last up to 30 days or more and which extends not only to the immediate area of the shield but also to a "halo" area around it.
  • In addition to the bactericidal agent, one or more of a germicidal agent, an algaecidal agent, a fungicidal agent, a biocidal agent, an anti-dandruff agent or a perfume may be included in the shields. These are preferably mixed into the formulation.
  • It is particularly preferred that a perfume, such as a lemon, pine or rose aroma be included in the shields.
  • Preferably, the bactericidal agents are halogenated cyclic and heterocyclic compounds which are known as bactericides. A particularly preferred source for the bactericide is Actifresh (Registered Trade Mark) supplied by British Sanitized Limited, which also contains the optional agents referred to above.
  • The amount of bactericidal agent will depend on the particular agent used, but will generally comprise between 2 and 7, preferably 3 and 5, percent by weight of the formulation.
  • The shields will generally be between 0.25 and 0.50, preferably 0.30 and 0.38, millimetres in thickness.
  • The shields will be shaped as appropriate so as to be able to fit over or into the mouthpiece and earpiece respectively, and also to be readily removable when the bactericidal activity of the shield has been substantially exhausted. The shields will thus be disposable.
  • The shields may be perforated to match the perforations of the mouthpiece and earpiece respectively of the telephone handset. Alternatively, holes in the shields may be offset with respect to the holes in the handset so as to reduce further the ingress or collection of dirt and/or germs. It is not necessary for the shields to be perforated since the shields without perforations are able to transmit sound without significant distortion.
  • The shields may come in many different shapes and sizes so as to be able to fit any type of telephone handset. Preferably, a plurality of sets of shields are provided for sale packed in a suitable moisture-­proof carton, with each set being individually sealed in an evacuated, sterile plastic or foil container. The carton could be kept by a telephone handset, thereby allowing the telephone user to change the set at will.
  • Alternatively, the shields could be supplied in packages to cleaning contractors who could merely change the shields, for instance, at monthly intervals. This would represent a considerable cost and manpower saving compared to the normal cleaning operation, which needs to be carried out at least weekly.
  • Conveniently, the shields include a substance which changes colour when a predetermined reduction in the activity of the agents in the shield has occurred, or after the lapse of a predetermined time, thereby providing a ready indication as to when the shields should be changed. Preferably, the colour indicator is in the form of a micro dot or a micro dot matrix affixed to, applied to or incorporated in the shield. The colour indicator could, for instance, change to red or could make visible a word such as "now" when the colour change occurs. Preferably, the substance which changes colour is a substance which is sensitive to ultraviolet or visible light.
  • The shields of the present invention differ from prior art shields in that they have no catches, flanges, ribs, clips or other mounting means or moving parts, nor do they include any lint, gauze, paper, card, filters or cloth. Moreover, they are not impregnated, dipped, coated, laminated or glued. They are therefore very simple. Nonetheless, they are highly effective, and produce a bactericidal effect not only on their immediate surface, but also in a "halo" area around them.
  • One embodiment of the present invention is now described, by way of illustration only, in the following Example.
    • Example
  • A formulation comprising rigid polyvinyl chloride (containing 7% plasticiser) and Actifresh PL-149 (which contains halogenated cyclic and heterocyclic compounds as the bactericidal agents) was prepared by mixing the components in a conventional plastics mixer. The formulation contained 5% Actifresh. The rigid polyvinylchloride is supplied by Wardle-Storeys plc of Earby, Colne, Lancashire under their designation DURA HIA.
  • The formulation thus produced was tested for bactericidal properties but was found to be substantially inactive.
  • The formulation was injection moulded at a temperature of 1000°C for 8 seconds to form sets of shields 0.30 millimetres thick and shaped so as to be able to fit over the mouthpiece and earpiece of a conventional GPO telephone handset. When tested, it was found that these sets were highly bactericidal and retained their activity for at least 30 days. The bactericidal activity was not limited to the immediate area of the shields, but extended also to a "halo" area around the shields.
  • It will of course be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets, the set comprising a pair of rigid polyvinylchloride or rigid polystyrene shields designed to fit over or into the mouthpiece and earpiece respectively, each shield having a bactericidal agent incorporated into its molecular structure.
2. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in claim 1 wherein the amount of bactericidal agent comprises between 2 and 7 per cent by weight of the shields.
3. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in claim 2 wherein the amount of bactericidal agent comprises between 3 and 5 per cent by weight of the shields.
4. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the bactericidal agent is a halogenated cyclic bactericide or a heterocyclic bactericide.
5. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the shields are between 0.25 and 0.50 millimetres in thickness.
6. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in claim 5 wherein the shields are between 0.30 and 0.38 millimetres in thickness.
7. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the shields further comprise a germicidal agent, an algaecidal agent, a fungicidal agent, a biocidal agent, an antidandruff agent or a perfume.
8. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the shields further comprise a substance which changes colour when a predetermined reduction in the activity of the agents in the shield has occured.
9. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in claim 8 wherein the colour indicator is in the form of a micro dot or a micro dot matrix.
10. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in either claim 8 or 9 wherein the colour indicator is applied to or is incorporated in the shields.
11. A set of bactericidal shields as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the shields are perforated.
12. A kit comprising a plurality of sets of shields as claimed in any of the preceding claims.
13. A method of producing a set of bactericidal shields as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 11 comprising the steps of preparing a rigid polyvinylchloride or rigid polystyrene formulation containing a bactericidal agent; and moulding the formulation to produce the shields.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the formulation is converted to the shields by vacuum forming or injection moulding.
EP87308611A 1986-09-30 1987-09-29 A set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets Withdrawn EP0262921A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB868623447A GB8623447D0 (en) 1986-09-30 1986-09-30 Bacterial shields
GB8623447 1986-09-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0262921A2 true EP0262921A2 (en) 1988-04-06
EP0262921A3 EP0262921A3 (en) 1989-08-30

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87308611A Withdrawn EP0262921A3 (en) 1986-09-30 1987-09-29 A set of bactericidal shields for use on telephone handsets

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0262921A3 (en)
GB (1) GB8623447D0 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990011015A1 (en) * 1989-03-21 1990-10-04 Hygienico Limited Process for preparing bactericidal matrices
DE9306160U1 (en) * 1993-04-23 1993-08-26 Knöller, Alois, 87527 Sonthofen Multi-phone hygiene products
GB2335566A (en) * 1998-03-18 1999-09-22 Bioshield Antimicrobial shield for a telephone handset or like acoustic apparatus
ES2154583A1 (en) * 1999-03-09 2001-04-01 Lejarza Pablo Jose Pascual Prophylactic and antiseptic protector for telephones and shared communication systems

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR718749A (en) * 1931-06-16 1932-01-28 Method and means for permanent sanitizing of various apparatus, in particular telephone apparatus
US2080676A (en) * 1936-03-19 1937-05-18 Stein Jacob Mouthpiece
GB1169288A (en) * 1966-11-10 1969-11-05 Herculite Protective Fab Antibacterial Materials and Process for Making Same
DE3004125A1 (en) * 1980-02-05 1981-08-13 Füssener Textil AG, 8958 Füssen Tensionable rope, fabric etc. of plastics, esp. polypropylene - changed by UV light dyed with pigments of different light fastness to indicate exposure
GB2119203A (en) * 1982-04-29 1983-11-09 James Richmond Hygiene device for telephone mouthpiece

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR718749A (en) * 1931-06-16 1932-01-28 Method and means for permanent sanitizing of various apparatus, in particular telephone apparatus
US2080676A (en) * 1936-03-19 1937-05-18 Stein Jacob Mouthpiece
GB1169288A (en) * 1966-11-10 1969-11-05 Herculite Protective Fab Antibacterial Materials and Process for Making Same
DE3004125A1 (en) * 1980-02-05 1981-08-13 Füssener Textil AG, 8958 Füssen Tensionable rope, fabric etc. of plastics, esp. polypropylene - changed by UV light dyed with pigments of different light fastness to indicate exposure
GB2119203A (en) * 1982-04-29 1983-11-09 James Richmond Hygiene device for telephone mouthpiece

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990011015A1 (en) * 1989-03-21 1990-10-04 Hygienico Limited Process for preparing bactericidal matrices
DE9306160U1 (en) * 1993-04-23 1993-08-26 Knöller, Alois, 87527 Sonthofen Multi-phone hygiene products
GB2335566A (en) * 1998-03-18 1999-09-22 Bioshield Antimicrobial shield for a telephone handset or like acoustic apparatus
EP0944291A1 (en) * 1998-03-18 1999-09-22 Bioshield (UK) Limited Antimicrobial shield
ES2154583A1 (en) * 1999-03-09 2001-04-01 Lejarza Pablo Jose Pascual Prophylactic and antiseptic protector for telephones and shared communication systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0262921A3 (en) 1989-08-30
GB8623447D0 (en) 1986-11-05

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