GB2594467A

GB2594467A - A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2594467A
Application number: GB2006156.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Morning Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-04-27
Filing date: 2020-04-27
Publication date: 2021-11-03
Also published as: GB202006156D0

Abstract

A disposable wearable hand sanitiser dispenser 1 comprising a body 3 defining a reservoir 5 containing hand sanitiser. The body has at least one discharge outlet 7 in communication with the reservoir 5 for discharging hand sanitiser from the reservoir 5. The body 3 is constructed from a resiliently deformable material whereby application of pressure to the body 3 causes opening of the discharge outlets 7 and dispensing of hand sanitiser from the reservoir 5. The body 3 is configured for placement on the back of a wearer’s hand 9. In one embodiment there is an adhesive backing layer on the body to releasably secure it to the body of the wearer. In another embodiment the dispenser is connected by an elasticated hand strap (63, fig. 6). Preferably there is also a plurality of ventilation passageways, a plurality of discharge outlets and there is a one-way valve in the discharge outlets 7.

Description

"A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser"

Introduction

This invention relates to a wearable hand sanitizer dispenser.

Good hand sanitation is essential in the fight against many transmissible diseases, including viruses and other infections. Poor hand hygiene is considered to be a major cause of both hospital acquired infections (HAls) and community acquired infections (CAI s) In a hospital environment, it is now common practice to have wall-mounted antibacterial hand sanitizer dispenser units positioned prominently throughout the building. For example, it is common for hand sanitation units to be placed beside the entrance to a ward or patient's room. In this way, medical professionals, support staff, visitors and patients have access to the hand sanitizer dispenser and can sanitize their hands each time they enter and/or leave the area.

In addition to wall mounted hand sanitation units, many medical professionals that are in frequent direct contact with patients will be equipped with a portable hand hygiene dispenser device that they carry on their person for use before and/or after direct contact with a patient. These portable hand hygiene devices are particularly useful in a ward environment where there are multiple patients. The portable hand hygiene device obviates the need for the medical professional to return to the wall-mounted hand sanitation unit at the entrance to the ward each time they are about to come into contact with a different patient in the ward. It further obviates the need to have a hand sanitizer device at each bedside. Instead, the medical professional has the device on their person and can apply hand sanitizer from the device onto their hands after coming into contact with one patient before coming into contact with another patient.

Typically, the portable hand hygiene device will be a bottle filled with antibacterial liquid that can be carried in the medical professional's pocket, clipped to their belt or carried around their neck by a lanyard. -2 -

It is becoming increasingly common for private individuals to pay greater attention to the need for good hand hygiene. This is particularly the case since the outbreak of the Covid-19 global pandemic. It is believed that more and more private individuals are using antibacterial hand sanitizer dispensers than ever before. Hand sanitizing stations with hand sanitizer dispensers are now commonly found in shops, supermarkets and other businesses and hand sanitizer dispensers are becoming increasingly common in the home. It is now more commonplace for individuals to also carry a hand sanitizer dispenser with them on their person, typically in their pocket or bag, so that they have access to hand sanitizer when away from the homestead.

There are however numerous problems with the existing offerings of portable hand hygiene dispensers. First of all, as the individual reaches into their pocket or bag to retrieve the hand sanitizer dispenser, they risk contaminating their pocket or bag. Secondly, there is a degree of "out of sight, out of mind" in that if the hand sanitizer dispenser is stored in a pocket or bag, the individual may forget to use it as frequently or as appropriately as they should. Thirdly, it is inconvenient for the individual to have to reach into their pocket or bag each time that they wish to use the hand sanitizer dispenser and therefore there is a tendency for some individuals to not carry out a hand hygiene procedure each time that they should do so.

These problems are obviated to a certain degree by the provision of a hand sanitizer dispenser on a lanyard or a belt clip. These solutions make the hand sanitizer dispenser more readily accessible. In addition, wearable hand sanitizer dispensers are known in the art, such as those disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. US2012/0282011, in the name of Francois. US2012/0282011 discloses a wristband or a glove that has an antibacterial hand sanitizer dispenser containing a saturated sponge that may be mounted around the wearer's wrist. In this way, the wearer will have easier access to the hand sanitizer.

However, none of the proposed solutions fully address the problems outlined above.

Lanyards are often unsuitable as they are cumbersome and swing freely when the wearer bends forwards. Belt clips are not entirely suitable either as the hand sanitizer dispenser is to a large extent out of sight, can be forgotten about and not used as frequently as desired. -3 -

Wrist mounted units can get in the way of and/or be obscured by clothing, gloves or wristwatches mounted on the wearer's person. Furthermore, wrist mounted units with a sponge therein designed to restrict the flow of the sanitizing fluid, may result in an obstruction to the flow of the sanitizing liquid and reduce its efficacy over time. The sponge may also block visibility, leaving it impossible to judge the amount of sanitizing liquid left in the chamber. In addition, the known solutions are relatively expensive to produce and may be cumbersome to manufacture.

It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a wearable hand sanitizer dispenser that overcomes at least some of the above-identified problems. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a useful alternative choice for the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser comprising a body defining a reservoir containing hand sanitizer, the body having at least one discharge outlet in communication with the reservoir for discharging hand sanitizer from the reservoir, the body being constructed from a resiliently deformable material whereby application of pressure to the body causes opening of the discharge outlet and dispensing of hand sanitizer outwardly from the reservoir, and the body being configured for placement on the back of a wearer's hand.

By having such a hand sanitizer dispenser, the hand sanitizer dispenser will fit on the back of a wearer's hand where it will be in their line of sight and readily accessible practically at all times that they are carrying out a task. In order to dispense hand sanitizer, all the wearer has to do is place their other, free hand down on top of the hand sanitizer dispenser and apply pressure to dispense hand sanitizer from the reservoir onto their free hand. The wearer can then rub their hands together with the sanitizer thereby cleaning their hands in the process. The hand sanitizer dispenser is so readily accessible and so convenient to use, that the wearer will be less inclined to forget or consciously decide not to carry out a hand hygiene operation. Importantly, as the hand sanitizer dispenser is mounted on the back of the wearer's hand, it will not be obscured from view by clothing. The hand sanitizer dispenser therefore makes it easier for the wearer to carry out a hand hygiene operation. -4 -

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which there is provided an adhesive backing layer on the body operable to releasably secure the body to the wearer. This is seen as a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. In this way, the hand sanitizer dispenser can be stuck directly onto the back of the wearer's hand.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which there is provided a sacrificial strip covering the adhesive backing layer that is removable prior to placement of the body on the wearer. In this way, the wearable hand sanitizer dispenser may be provided as a disposable device if desired that may be used by a healthcare worker or other individual. Once the hand sanitizer dispenser is to be worn, the backing strip keeping the adhesive backing layer fresh is removed, exposing the adhesive backing layer, and the hand sanitizer dispenser is pressed firmly onto the wearer to stick the hand sanitizer dispenser to the wearer.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which the adhesive backing layer is provided with a plurality of ventilation passageways. This is seen as a particularly useful embodiment of the invention. By providing ventilation passageways, air may circulate under the hand sanitizer dispenser and around the adhesive backing layer. This will enable the skin below the hand sanitizer dispenser to "breathe" and will prevent sores or rashes from forming on the wearer's skin. Furthermore, it will facilitate intentional removal of the hand sanitizer dispenser.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which the adhesive is patterned to define the plurality of ventilation passageways. This is seen as a simple way of providing the ventilation passageways for throughpassage of air beneath the hand sanitizer dispenser.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which there is provided an elasticated hand strap connected to the body. The elasticated strap is seen as another useful way in which the hand sanitizer dispenser can be secured to the hand of the wearer, where it will be readily accessible. -5 -

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which the elasticated hand strap is dimensioned to extend from the body on the back of a wearer's hand between the first proximal phalange and the second metacarpal, along the palm of the wearer's hand, and around the fifth metacarpal back to the body. This is seen as a simple arrangement to keep the dispenser accessible.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which part of the hand strap extends around one of the first metacarpal and first proximal phalange.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim in which there are provided a plurality of discharge outlets spaced around an outer surface of the body. In this way, the antibacterial liquid, preferably a gel, will be dispensed evenly across a wider area on the wearer's hand for more effective application.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which there is provided a dedicated valve in the discharge outlet. It is envisaged that the discharge outlet could be provided by a simple slit in the body that will open under applied pressure and close again once the pressure is removed due to the resilient force of the hand sanitizer dispenser body. It is envisaged that such an arrangement will be suitable for gels in particular. For less viscous antibacterial solutions, such as liquids, a valve may be required in the discharge outlet to prevent escape of antibacterial liquid when the hand sanitizer dispenser is not being operated.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser in which the valve is a one-way valve. -6 -

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser according to the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a second embodiment of disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser according to the invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser of Figure 1 applied to a glove worn by a wearer; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser of Figure 1 applied to a tunic worn by a wearer; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser of Figure 1 applied to a car dashboard; and Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, comprising a body 3 defining a reservoir 5 therein for storage of an antibacterial liquid, preferably a gel, hand sanitizer. The body 3 has a plurality of discharge outlets 7 in communication with the reservoir 5 for discharging hand sanitizer from the reservoir. The body is further constructed from a resiliently deformable material whereby application of pressure to the body 3 causes opening of the discharge outlets 7 and dispensing of hand sanitizer outwardly from the reservoir 5. An adhesive backing layer (not shown) is provided on the body that is operable to secure the body to the back of the hand 9 of the wearer. -7 -

The body is configured for placement on the back of a wearer's hand 9. By this, what is meant is that the body 3 is suitably shaped to lie substantially flat on the back of the hand 9 of the wearer and is also dimensioned to fit on the back of the hand of the wearer. The body 3 is also able to flex with the hand as the hand is used by the wearer and the metacarpals move up and down with finger movement. The reservoir will be dimensioned to hold of the order of 20m1 (0.02 litres) to 25m1 (0.025 litres) of antibacterial liquid and it is envisaged that the body will be of the order of less than or equal to 1cm (0.01m) in height so that the body can lie substantially flat on the back of the wearer's hand. In this way, the hand sanitizer dispenser 1 will be unobtrusive and will not get in the way of the wearer in the performance of their duties.

In use, when a user wishes to dispense hand sanitizer from the hand sanitizer dispenser, all they have to do is, with their free hand, press down on the hand sanitizer dispenser 1. This will squeeze the body 3 and hand sanitizer will flow out of the discharge outlets onto the palm of the free hand pressing down on the hand sanitizer dispenser 1. The wearer then rubs their hands together in the known manner to spread the hand sanitizer onto their hands, thereby cleaning their hands. Once pressure is removed from the hand sanitizer dispenser 1, the resiliently deformable body 3 will assume its normal shape and the discharge outlets 7 will close once more.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an alternative configuration of hand sanitizer dispenser according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 21, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. The hand sanitizer dispenser body 23 is of generally square shape as opposed to the circular shape of the hand sanitizer dispenser 1 shown in Figure 1. Other body shapes will be readily envisaged and indeed the hand sanitizer dispenser may be a shape other than the circular or square shapes shown and may be shaped to follow the form of the back of the wearer's hand. The hand sanitizer dispenser has five discharge outlets 7 spaced apart from each other on the body. This will permit more even application of hand sanitizer onto the operator's hand. However, more or less discharge outlets could be provided if desired and this is not seen as limiting.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a view of the hand sanitizer dispenser of Figure 1 applied to the back of a glove 31 worn by the operator. In this way, the operator will not -8 -have to continuously change their disposable gloves and can use the hand sanitizer to sanitize the gloves from time to time. The hand sanitizer dispenser will still be unobtrusive to the wearer.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of the hand sanitizer dispenser 1 of Figure 1 applied to a tunic 41 worn by a wearer 43. The positioning on the tunic is not seen as particularly limiting and the hand sanitizer dispenser could be placed elsewhere. However, it will be understood that the adhesive backing layer will permit the hand sanitizer dispenser to be secured onto the tunic quickly with the minimum of effort.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of the hand sanitizer dispenser 21 of Figure 1 applied to a dashboard of a vehicle. It is envisaged that it may be useful to allow the user to stick a hand sanitizer dispenser onto their vehicle dashboard so that they can clean their hands before getting out of the car or after getting into the car. Indeed, the hand sanitizer dispenser could be placed on the door adjacent the handle for use prior to getting out of the car. Importantly, the hand sanitizer dispenser will be highly visible at all times and will remind the user to use it after getting into the car and/or before leaving the car. The provision of an adhesive backing on the disposable hand sanitizer dispenser makes it simple to adhere to such surfaces in convenient locations.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a third embodiment of hand sanitizer dispenser according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 61, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before. According to this embodiment, there is provided an elasticated hand strap 63 connected to the body 3 for securing the hand sanitizer dispenser to the back of the hand of the wearer. The elasticated strap is dimensioned to extend from the body 3 on the back of a wearer's hand between the first proximal phalange and the second metacarpal (i.e. between the thumb and the bone in the hand at the base of the index finger), along the palm of the wearer's hand, and around the fifth metacarpal (the bone in the hand at the base of the little finger) back to the body 3. If desired, part of the hand strap 63 may extend around the first metacarpal (i.e. the bone of the hand at the base of the thumb) to hold the hand sanitizer dispenser in position on the back of the wearer's hand. -9 -

Various modifications to the foregoing embodiments are envisaged. For example, the adhesive layer may be provided with a plurality of ventilation passageways to permit circulation of air to the skin, as well as facilitating controlled removal of the hand sanitizer dispenser from the back of the hand. The adhesive layer may be pattemed to provide the ventilation passageways. For example, the adhesive layer may be laid in strips (i.e. rows) of adhesive that are saw-tooth shaped, sine-wave shaped, in a dotted pattern or the like between adjacent rows of adhesive. The adhesive may be located around the periphery of the body with a portion central on the rear of the body free of adhesive.

A sacrificial backing strip may be provided to cover the adhesive layer until it is ready for use. Once the hand sanitizer dispenser is to be used, the sacrificial backing strip is removed, exposing the adhesive layer and the adhesive layer is sandwiched between the wearer and the body, thereby securing the hand sanitizer dispenser to the wearer. The hand sanitizer dispenser may be provided in a disposable pack for one-time use, for example, at the start of a wearer's shift or when the wearer is going shopping for groceries.

A separate tube of adhesive/glue may be provided to adhere the hand sanitizer dispenser to the back of the wearer's hand. In this way, the user will place some adhesive on the back of the hand sanitizer dispenser and/or on their hand and then press the hand sanitizer dispenser onto their hand to secure the hand sanitizer dispenser to their hand.

It will be understood that there are a number of different ways in which the body may be adhered to the user. For example, a double-sided adhesive tape already attached to the back side of the dispenser with a sacrificial strip protecting the adhesive layer could be provided. The sacrificial strip would be removed before use and the dispenser is then attached to the desired location (e.g. the back of the user's hand). The adhesive may be on all or part of the rear surface of the back side of the dispenser. For example, the adhesive may be located around the periphery of the rear surface of the dispenser, with a central portion free of adhesive. Alternatively, the dispenser could also be attached using tape (e.g. surgical tape) placed on two or more sides. The tape could be positioned partially over the front of the dispenser, then partially exposed to attach to the back of the hand or onto a glove. As a further alternative, the dispenser could be -10 -attached using an adhesive material which is pre-fixed around the complete edge of the dispenser. Similar to surgical tape, the adhesive strip would be partially attached to the dispenser and partially exposed to attach to the target surface. Finally, the material used to produce the base of the dispenser could be self-adhesive material on the rear surface thereof and no additional adhesive materials may be required.

A valve may be provided in each of the discharge outlets. The valves may be one-way valves. The number of discharge outlets may vary from one to several tens or even hundreds of discharge outlets. The discharge outlets may comprise small slits or apertures that open under pressure and self-seal once the pressure on the body is removed. The type, size and nature of the discharge outlets may be selected to suit the hand sanitizer liquid used in the reservoir. The more viscous the hand sanitizer, e.g. a gel, the less need there will be for small apertures or valve-controlled discharge outlets.

It is envisaged that the dispenser will be disposable. To that end, manufacture costs will be greatly reduced as simple materials and simple processes can be used to manufacture the dispenser. It is envisaged that the upper surface of the body of the dispenser at least will be constructed from a clear, transparent material so that the user can see the amount of antibacterial liquid still in the reservoir. A plastics material such as, but not limited to, polythene. Preferably, the materials used for manufacture will be biodegradable.

The discharge apertures are numbered and dimensioned to dispense a suitable amount of liquid consistently each time. For example, it is envisaged that of the order of 1.5m1 to 2m1 of antibacterial liquid would be suitable to adequately disinfect the user's hands. A reservoir that contained of the order of 20m1 would therefore allow for between 10 and 13 uses before a new disposable, wearable hand sanitizer dispenser had to be applied to the back of the wearer's hand.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not solely limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

-12 -Claims: (1) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser comprising a body defining a reservoir containing hand sanitizer, the body having at least one discharge outlet in communication with the reservoir for discharging hand sanitizer from the reservoir, the body being constructed from a resiliently deformable material whereby application of pressure to the body causes opening of the discharge outlet and dispensing of hand sanitizer outwardly from the reservoir, and the body being configured for placement on the back of a wearer's hand.(2) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 1 in which there is provided an adhesive backing layer on the body operable to releasably secure the body to the wearer.(3) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 2 in which there is provided a sacrificial strip covering the adhesive backing layer that is removable prior to placement of the body on the wearer.(4) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 2 or 3 in which the adhesive backing layer is provided with a plurality of ventilation passageways.A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 4 in which the adhesive is patterned to define the plurality of ventilation passageways.(6) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided an elasticated hand strap connected to the body.(7) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 6 in which the elasticated hand strap is dimensioned to extend from the body on the back of a wearer's hand between the first proximal phalange and the second metacarpal, along the palm of the wearer's hand, and around the fifth metacarpal back to the body. (5)-13 - (8) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 7 in which part of the hand strap extends around the first metacarpal.(9) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim in which there are provided a plurality of discharge outlets spaced around an outer surface of the body.(10) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in any preceding claim in which there is provided a dedicated valve in the discharge outlet. 10 (11) A disposable wearable hand sanitizer dispenser as claimed in claim 10 in which the valve is a one-way valve.