GB2592674A - Dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Dispensing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2592674A
GB2592674A GB2003295.9A GB202003295A GB2592674A GB 2592674 A GB2592674 A GB 2592674A GB 202003295 A GB202003295 A GB 202003295A GB 2592674 A GB2592674 A GB 2592674A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
sanitiser
dispensing apparatus
area
door handle
user
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Withdrawn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
GB2003295.9A
Other versions
GB202003295D0 (en
Inventor
Arthur Willacy George
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.)
Sandoor Ltd
Sandoor Ltd
Original Assignee
Sandoor Ltd
Sandoor 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 Sandoor Ltd, Sandoor Ltd filed Critical Sandoor Ltd
Priority to GB2003295.9A priority Critical patent/GB2592674A/en
Publication of GB202003295D0 publication Critical patent/GB202003295D0/en
Publication of GB2592674A publication Critical patent/GB2592674A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/22—Phase substances, e.g. smokes, aerosols or sprayed or atomised substances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/26—Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B1/00—Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings
    • E05B1/0069—Sanitary doorknobs or handles, e.g. comprising a disinfectant
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/15—Biocide distribution means, e.g. nozzles, pumps, manifolds, fans, baffles, sprayers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/02—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
    • B05B12/08—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means
    • B05B12/12—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature position or movement of the target relative to the spray apparatus
    • B05B12/122—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature position or movement of the target relative to the spray apparatus responsive to presence or shape of target
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B9/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour
    • B05B9/03—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material
    • B05B9/04—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump
    • B05B9/0403—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material
    • B05B9/0423—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent material, without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible container; with pump with pumps for liquids or other fluent material for supplying liquid or other fluent material to several spraying apparatus

Abstract

A dispensing apparatus (200) for dispensing sanitiser onto a door handle of a door, the dispensing apparatus comprising; a tank (210) for storing sanitiser; spray means comprising at least one nozzle (233a & 233b) for spraying sanitiser on to a door handle, the spray means located in a first area of the dispensing apparatus; and a sensing unit (241) for detecting a user, the sensing unit located in a second area of the dispensing apparatus; wherein the second area is removed from the first area. The apparatus may have a fixing means for attaching it to a surface. The dispensing device may also have a plurality of nozzles and the sensing device can be a motion sensor. The tank can be refillable and the device can have a timer for releasing of sanitiser at set intervals.

Description

DISPENSING APPARATUS
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing sanitiser onto a door handle of a door. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising a dispensing apparatus and a door handle. The present invention further relates to a use of a dispensing apparatus to sanitise a door handle. The present invention further relates to a method of sanitising a door handle.
Background to the invention
Many diseases, illnesses and infections are spread through human contact with contaminated surfaces. Surfaces of greatest concern are 'high-touch' surfaces, those that are touched on a regular basis by many individuals, such as door handles. With an increase in the risk of illness spreading, especially within public locations, it is vital that measures are in place to control and prevent the spread of illness on such 'high-touch' surfaces.
Sanitisers disinfect the surface onto which they are applied, such that the presence of germs on the surface is lowered to a safe level. Sanitising door handles can be effective in reducing the spread of germs from person to person.
There are a number of problems with known devices for sanitising door handles. Many devices fail to dispense sanitiser directly onto the door handle, instead disinfecting the hand of the user before or after they come into contact with the door handle. Often, such devices are non-universal as they are mounted directly onto or around the door handle. Further, some devices replace the door handle, making them costly and challenging to install. Automatic dispensing of sanitiser may occur, which may be undesirable for users with allergies or skin conditions. Additionally, many devices require human contact to activate, creating a surface on the device on to which germs may accumulate.
Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a dispensing apparatus for dispensing sanitiser onto a door handle of a door, the dispensing apparatus comprising; a tank for storing sanitiser; spray means comprising at least one nozzle for spraying sanitiser on to a door handle, the spray means located in a first area of the dispensing apparatus; and a sensing unit for detecting a user, the sensing unit located in a second area of the dispensing apparatus; wherein the second area is removed from the first area.
Preferably, the dispensing apparatus further comprises fixing means for fixing the dispensing apparatus to a door. More preferably, the fixing means is arranged to fix a first surface of the dispensing apparatus to the door.
Preferably, the first area is located on a second surface of the dispensing apparatus, the second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. More preferably, the second area is located on a third surface of the dispensing apparatus, the third surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. Still more preferably, the second surface and the third surface are substantially perpendicular to each other. Alternatively, the second surface and the third surface are the same surface.
Preferably, the spray means comprises a second nozzle for spraying sanitiser on to a hand of a user. More preferably, the second spray nozzle is located in the second area.
Preferably, the spray means comprises a plurality of nozzles for spraying sanitiser onto a door handle. Preferably, the at least one nozzle is a full cone nozzle. Alternatively, the at least one nozzle is a fan nozzle. Preferably, spray angle of the at least one nozzle is between 25 and 75 degrees. More preferably, the spray angle of the at least one nozzle is between 45 and 70 degrees. Most preferably, the spray angle of the at least one nozzle is 65 degrees.
Preferably, the sensing unit comprises a motion sensor.
Preferably, the apparatus comprises a power unit. Preferably, the power unit comprises a least one battery. Alternatively, the power unit is mains operated.
Preferably, the tank is refillable. Preferably, the tank is suitable for storing fluid and/or foam sanitiser.
According to a second aspect of the invention. there is provided a kit of parts comprising the dispensing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention and a door handle. The dispensing apparatus in the second aspect may have any of the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a use of the dispensing apparatus according to first and second aspect of the invention to sanitise a door handle.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of sanitising a door handle, comprising: detecting the presence of a user in a first area; and spraying sanitiser on to a door handle in a second area, the second area removed from the first area.
Preferably, the method further comprises the step of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user. Preferably, the step of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user comprises spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user in the first area. Alternatively, the step of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user comprises spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user in the second area.
Preferably, the steps of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user and spraying sanitiser on to the door handle are substantially simultaneous.
Alternatively, the steps of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of the user and spraying sanitiser on to the door handle are separated by a predetermined time period. More preferably, the predetermined time period can be adjusted.
Detailed Description
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a deconstructed view of a dispensing apparatus with a single nozzle in accordance with the first aspect of the present claimed invention; Figure 2 depicts a deconstructed view of an alternative embodiment of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 depicts a view according to the second aspect of the present claimed invention wherein, in use, the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 is fixed proximate a door handle; Figure 4 depicts a view of a user interacting with the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 according to a third aspect of the present claimed invention; Figure 5 depicts a view of a door handle during user interaction with the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1, according to a third aspect of the present claimed invention; and Figure 6 depicts a flowchart of a method according to a fourth aspect of the present claimed invention With reference to Figure 1, a deconstructed view of a dispensing apparatus 100 is shown. In the embodiment below, the apparatus 100 is a sanitiser dispensing apparatus.
The apparatus 100 comprises a body 101. The body 101 is a rectangular prism. The body 101 comprises a first surface (not shown), a second surface 102 and a third surface 103. The first surface is located on the back side of the apparatus 100. The second surface 102 is perpendicular to the first surface. The third surface 103 is also perpendicular to the first surface. The second surface 102 and third surface 103 are perpendicular to each other.
The apparatus 100 comprises a tank 110. The tank 110 is a rectangular prism. The tank 110 is watertight and suitable for storing a sanitiser 120, such as sanitiser fluid. The tank 110 has a removable portion for access into the tank 110 so that the tank 110 is refillable. The tank 110 can be removed from the apparatus 100 for maintenance and/or replacement.
The apparatus 100 further comprises a spray means 130. The spray means 130 is connected to the tank 110. The spray means 130 comprises an elongate member 131, a pump 132 and a nozzle 133.
The elongate member 131 is a cylindrical tube. The elongate member 131 is connected to the tank 110 such that sanitiser 120 in the tank 110 may enter the elongate member 131. The elongate member 131 is watertight. The end of the elongate member 131 removed from the tank extends to the second surface 102 of the apparatus 100.
The pump 132 is an electric pump. The pump 132 interacts with the elongate member 131. When the apparatus 100 is in an activated state, the pump 132 exerts a force on the elongate member 131. In this way, the sanitiser 120 travels from the tank 110 through the elongate member 131. The motion of the sanitiser 120 is assisted by the force of gravity. The force exerted by the pump 132 on the sanitiser 120 is such that the sanitiser traverses the length of the elongate member 131. Additionally, the pump 132 prevents unwanted motion of the sanitiser 120 through the elongate member 131 when the apparatus 100 is in a non-activated state so that sanitiser 120 does not leak out of the apparatus 100.
The nozzle 133 is located at the end of the elongate member 131 removed from the tank 110. The sanitiser 120 exits the elongate member 131 via the nozzle 133. The nozzle 133 extends through the second surface 102 of the apparatus 100 so that the sanitiser 120 is projected or sprayed from the spray means 130 into the external environment. The nozzle 133 is located in a first area A. The first area A is located on the second surface 102 of the apparatus.
The nozzle 133 controls the area of spray of the sanitiser. The sanitiser 120 exits the nozzle 133 at a velocity such that a cone of sanitiser 120 is emitted from the nozzle 133 and the sanitiser 120 is deposited or sprayed over a larger area than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle 133. The nozzle 133 has a spray angle a. The spray angle a of the nozzle 133 is 65 degrees.
The nozzle has an axis of projection X. The spray of sanitiser 120 is symmetrical about the axis of projection X. The axis of projection X is substantially perpendicular to the second surface 102 The apparatus 100 further comprises a sensing unit 140. The sensing unit 140 comprises a sensor 141, a power unit 142 and a control unit 143.
The sensor 141 is a motion sensor that detects the presence of a user within the region of detection of the sensor 141. The sensor 141 is located in a second area B. The second area B is located on the third surface 103 of the apparatus. In this way, the first area A and the second area B are removed from one another. As such, the spray of sanitiser 120 is not directed towards the region of detection of the sensor 141 In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 sprays twice when the sensor 141 detects motion of a user. There is a delay of 2 to 5 seconds between the two sprays. As such, the user can place their hand between the nozzle 133 and the door handle such that the first spray sanitises the user's hand, and then the user can remove their hand such that the second spray sanitises the door handle, and vice versa. This feature provides the benefit of sanitising both the user's hand and the door handle, with a single nozzle, in one activation of the apparatus 100.
The sensor 141 is powered by the power unit 142, that comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries. In this embodiment, the power unit 142 also serves to power the pump 132.
The control unit 143 comprises a control panel. The sensor 141 communicates with the control unit 143. When the sensor 141 detects the motion of a user, the apparatus is in an activated state and this is communicated from the sensor 141 to the control unit 143 via wireless communication. It is envisaged that any suitable communication means may be used.
The control unit 143 controls the pump 132. When the apparatus 100 is in an activated state, actuation of the pump 132 occurs and sanitiser 120 is sprayed or projected from the apparatus 100.
The apparatus 100 further comprises fixing means comprising an adhesive located on the first surface of the apparatus 100 to fix the first surface of the apparatus 100 to a door As such, no tools are required to fix the apparatus 100 to a door, providing the user with improved ease of installation of the apparatus 100.
Turning now to Figure 2, a dissected view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 200 of the first aspect of the present claimed invention is shown. The features of the apparatus 200 of Figure 2 are substantially identical to the features of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1. In the following description, similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features of the second embodiment.
The apparatus 200 comprises a spray means 230. The spray means 230 comprises a first elongate member 231A, a second elongate member 231B, a tank 210 and a pump 232.
The first elongate member 231A and the second elongate member 231B are independently connected to the tank 210. The first elongate member 231A comprises a first nozzle 233A. The second elongate member 231B comprises a second nozzle 233B. The first nozzle 233A is located in a first area A'. The second nozzle 233B is located in a second area B'. The first area A' is located on a second surface 202. The second area B' is located on a third surface 203. In this way, the first area A' and the second area B' are removed from one another. The first nozzle 233A has an axis of projection X'. The second nozzle 233B has an axis of projection Y'. The axis of projection Y' of the second nozzle 133B is substantially perpendicular to the axis of projection X' of the first nozzle 233A.
The apparatus 200 further comprises a sensing unit 240. The sensing unit 240 comprises a sensor 241. The sensor 241 is located in the second area B'. In this way, the second nozzle 2333 is adjacent the sensor 241. The second nozzle 2333 sprays or projects sanitiser 220 in a direction substantially into the region of detection of the sensor 241 The pump 232 interacts with both the first elongate member 231A and the second elongate member 231B in a similar way to the first embodiment of the invention. Sanitiser 220 is dispensed from the first nozzle 233A and the second nozzle 233B substantially simultaneously.
With reference to Figure 3, a view of the first embodiment of the dispensing apparatus 100 of Figure 1 is shown, in use, fixed to a door 150. The door 150 comprises a door handle 160.
The door handle has a longitudinal axis Z. In this way, a kit of parts is provided comprising the apparatus 100 and a door handle 160.
The apparatus 100 is fixed to the door via the fixing means of the apparatus 100. In this way, the apparatus is permanently mounted on the door 150. It is envisaged that the apparatus may be removably retained on the door 150.
The apparatus 100 is fixed adjacent to the door handle 160 of the door 150. The apparatus 100 is fixed such that the axis of projection X of the sanitiser 120 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z of the door handle 160 and more even distribution of the sanitiser 120 over the door handle 160 is achieved.
The apparatus 100 is fixed to the door 150 at a distance D from the door handle 160. The distance D is of a length such that the concentration of sanitiser 120 landing on the door handle 160 is adequate to disinfect the door handle 160.
The apparatus 100 is fixed at a height such that the central portion of the door handle 160 is sprayed with sanitiser 120. The height is determined by usage of the door handle 160, that is the portion of most frequent user contact of the door handle 160 is the portion sprayed by the apparatus 100 With reference to Figures 4 and 5, user interaction with the first embodiment of the apparatus 100 is shown. The use of an apparatus 100 to sanitise a door handle 160 according to the third aspect of the invention is described below.
A door 150 with a door handle 160 and the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 is provided. The apparatus 100 is fixed to the door 150 such that the configuration of Figure 3 is provided.
The nozzle 133 is located in a first area A and the sensor 141 for detecting motion of a user 170 is located in a second area B. In this way, the first area A and the second area B are removed from one another.
To activate the apparatus 100, a user 170 triggers the sensor 141 by moving their hand substantially towards or underneath the sensor 141 within the region of detection of the sensor 141 such that the sensor 141 detects the presence of the user 170. The motion of the user 170 is only detected within the region of detection of the sensor 141..
The apparatus 100 registers the user 170 activation and sprays or projects sanitiser or droplets of sanitiser 120 onto the door handle 160 from the nozzle 133 located in the first area A. The sanitiser 120 disinfects the surface on which it lands such that the door handle 160 consequently comprises a sanitised portion 180. The sanitised portion 180 is the region onto which the projection of sanitiser 120 contacts the door handle 160. The user 170 may then engage with the door handle 160 by pushing or pulling the sanitised portion 180 to open or close the door 150. . Alternatively, the door handle 160 can be used to open the door 150 without activation of the apparatus 100. This is preferred if the user 170 does not wish to contact the sanitiser, for example due to allergy.
With reference to Figure 6, there is provided a flowchart of a method 300 in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.
The first step 301 of the method 300 comprises providing a dispensing apparatus, such as the dispensing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, located adjacent to a door handle. The dispensing apparatus comprises a first area and a second area, the door handle being located proximate the second area. The second step 302 comprises moving a portion of a user, such as the user's hand, towards the first area of the apparatus.
Next, the third step 303 comprises the apparatus detecting the presence of the user in the first area. Finally, the fourth step 304a and fifth step 304b occur simultaneously. Upon detecting the presence of the user in a first area, sanitiser is sprayed or projected from the apparatus onto the user in the first area (fourth step 304a). Simultaneously, sanitiser is sprayed or projected from the apparatus onto the door handle located in the second area (fifth step 304b).
It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention is given by way of example only, and that various modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the fixing means may be any suitable permanent or semi-permanent means to fix the apparatus to a door such that it remains fixed, in use, for example adhesive, screws, hooks, brackets and suction means. The pump may comprise a power unit separate to the power unit of the sensing unit. The sensing unit may comprise any suitable sensor, for example a light, proximity or laser break beam sensor. A plurality of nozzles may be provided for spraying sanitiser on a door handle such that a greater portion of the door handle is sanitised. The at least one nozzle may be any suitable shape. Further, the nozzle shape may be determined by the handle shape.

Claims (19)

  1. Claims 1 A dispensing apparatus for dispensing sanitiser onto a door handle of a door, said dispensing apparatus comprising; a tank for storing sanitiser; spray means comprising at least one nozzle for spraying sanitiser on to a door handle, said spray means located in a first area of said dispensing apparatus; and a sensing unit for detecting a user, said sensing unit located in a second area of said dispensing apparatus; wherein said second area is removed from said first area.
  2. 2. The dispensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dispensing apparatus further comprises fixing means for fixing said dispensing apparatus to a door.
  3. 3. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fixing means is arranged to fix a first surface of said dispensing apparatus to said door.
  4. 4 The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first area is located on a second surface of said dispensing apparatus, said second surface substantially perpendicular to said first surface.
  5. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said second area is located on a third surface of said dispensing apparatus, said third surface substantially perpendicular to said first surface.
  6. 6. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second surface and said third surface are substantially perpendicular to each other.
  7. 7. The dispensing apparatus claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein said spray means comprises a second nozzle for spraying sanitiser on to a hand of a user.
  8. 8. The dispensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said second spray nozzle is located in said second area.
  9. 9. The dispensing apparatus claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein said spray means comprises a plurality of nozzles for spraying sanitiser onto a door handle.
  10. 10. The dispensing apparatus claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein said sensing unit comprises a motion sensor.
  11. 11. The dispensing apparatus claimed in any one preceding claim, wherein said tank is refillable.
  12. 12. A kit of parts comprising the dispensing apparatus of any one preceding claim and a door handle.
  13. 13. Use of the dispensing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 to sanitise a door handle.
  14. 14. A method of sanitising a door handle, comprising: detecting the presence of a user in a first area; and spraying sanitiser on to a door handle in a second area, said second area removed from said first area.
  15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user.
  16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user comprises spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user in said first area.
  17. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user comprises spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user in said second area.
  18. 18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the steps of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user and spraying sanitiser on to the door handle are substantially simultaneous.
  19. 19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the steps of spraying sanitiser on to a portion of said user and spraying sanitiser on to the door handle are separated by a predetermined time period.
GB2003295.9A 2020-03-06 2020-03-06 Dispensing apparatus Withdrawn GB2592674A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2003295.9A GB2592674A (en) 2020-03-06 2020-03-06 Dispensing apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2003295.9A GB2592674A (en) 2020-03-06 2020-03-06 Dispensing apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202003295D0 GB202003295D0 (en) 2020-04-22
GB2592674A true GB2592674A (en) 2021-09-08

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB2003295.9A Withdrawn GB2592674A (en) 2020-03-06 2020-03-06 Dispensing apparatus

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2848590A1 (en) * 2002-12-16 2004-06-18 Alexis Mihajlovic Autonomous device for disinfecting door handles, uses an aerosol cartridge to deliver a spray onto the door handle through nozzles surrounding the handle, when triggered by an electronic controller
US20060243762A1 (en) * 2005-01-10 2006-11-02 Hyso Technology Llc Controllable door handle sanitizer system and method
GB2510041A (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-07-23 Ladderbox Uk Ltd Anti-infection unit

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2848590A1 (en) * 2002-12-16 2004-06-18 Alexis Mihajlovic Autonomous device for disinfecting door handles, uses an aerosol cartridge to deliver a spray onto the door handle through nozzles surrounding the handle, when triggered by an electronic controller
US20060243762A1 (en) * 2005-01-10 2006-11-02 Hyso Technology Llc Controllable door handle sanitizer system and method
GB2510041A (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-07-23 Ladderbox Uk Ltd Anti-infection unit

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