GB2601107A

GB2601107A - Self sanitising devices

Info

Publication number: GB2601107A
Application number: GB2016321.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Fowler Christopher; David Walker Adam; Geoffrey Scott-Harden Simon; John Russell Stephen
Original assignee: Surfaceskins Ltd
Current assignee: Surfaceskins Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-14
Filing date: 2020-10-14
Publication date: 2022-05-25
Also published as: GB202016321D0

Abstract

A self-sanitising device 1 for storing and discharging sanitising liquid or gel like materials is disclosed. The device 1 comprises: a contact module 3, 3’ comprising a primary reservoir (35, fig. 6b) and a hand contactable delivery material 21, 21’; a secondary reservoir module 5 arranged to be secured above the primary reservoir (35, fig. 6b) during use of the device 1; and a support connection module 4 comprising a conduit system (41, fig. 11) to allow the secondary reservoir 5 to be in fluid communication with the primary reservoir (35, fig. 6b). The contact module 3, 3’ preferably comprises a two-part clam arrangement and a clamp 6 for securing the module to a door handle 2. During operation, the secondary reservoir 5 may replenish the primary reservoir (35, fig. 6b) and the contact surface is self-sanitised before being touched by subsequent users. There is also a self-sanitising device 1 comprising a hand contactable delivery material 21, 21’ and an associated reservoir (35, fig. 6b), wherein the reservoir (35, fig. 6b) comprises spacer fabric (27, fig. 6b) to accommodate liquid or gel material.

Description

SELF SANITISING DEVICES

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for storing and discharging materials such as liquids or gels onto the contact surface or surfaces of devices in a controlled way upon contact by a human or other object. In particular, the invention relates to devices that may be mountable upon a door handle and able to deliver, for example, an antimicrobial agent to the devices contact surface.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is widely recognized that there is a major problem with the spread of infectious agents and pathogens from one place to the next, as people touch one surface and then touch another surface. Contact -hence the word "contagious disease" -is the most common way that pathogens can spread from one individual to another. This transmission of microbes on the hands/skin/body of people/organisms may occur when they are in the first instance transferred onto any type of human contact surface e.g. door handle or door push plate or contact surface. Then when such contact surfaces are touched by the hands/skin/body of other persons/organisms the microbes on these contact surfaces may be picked up or transmitted to this new individual. Clearly, in a high contact and highly populated environment, such as a hospital, infectious agents and pathogens may be rapidly transmitted to staff and patients, with potentially serious consequences for patients. This is a particular problem in hospitals and medical centres, where the transmission of nosocomial infections or Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAls), by surface contact is a major cause of illness and death. This problem is not just limited to hospitals but to any building or public place where regular and persistent human contact occurs, such as residential care establishments, restaurants and take-aways, petrol and service stations (including fuel pump handles), hotels, leisure centres, cruise ships, warehouses, factories, retail shops, etc where the high touch surfaces may be contacted many times per hour. It is impractical for manual cleaning and disinfection protocols to be implemented as such short intervals and in so many locations, and because compliance with hand hygiene is typically <100% there is very high risk of infection and transmission amongst those in contact with contaminated surfaces. Problematic infectious agents include microbes (microorganisms), e.g. bacteria, fungi (including spores), protozoa, viruses, or prions. e.g. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), clostridium difficile (C.diff), norovirus and more recently Coronavirus.

[0003] There have been many attempts in the art to address this problem such as those described in US8777064B2, US9255423B2, US9670692B2, US20120131756A1, US9649398B1, US6874697B2, US20060153733A1, US7320418B2, US6863960, US4832942, US2002041824A1, US6821325 and US2007049894A1. Many of these methods have drawbacks and have complex mechanical attachments, disinfection mechanisms such as ultraviolet light, devices which incorporate batteries, electronics, additional levers or sensors and other features that add to complexity and cost. Many depend on the removal/replacement of the existing door handle, which is time consuming and costly when there is a need for rapid deployment of an infection control solution in multiple locations as in the present coronavirus pandemic.

[0004] More recent solutions are provided in published International applications W02007135424A1, W02013167746A1 and W02017001532. These references describe devices having a discrete porous contact surfaces through which material may be discharged when the contact surfaces are compressed by for example a human hand. These devices are a highly effective in infection control in multiple locations as in the present coronavirus pandemic as they can deliver high kill rate alcohol-based solutions or gels to contact surfaces efficiently. One drawback is that they have relatively limited capacity, which necessitates regular replacement and in addition suffers from evaporation losses from the stored liquid/gel.

[0006] Despite the available solutions there is a need for improved and alternative solutions and in particular to solutions that may be delivered rapidly and at low cost and in many cases may be retrofitted to existing door handle or other handle 30 arrangements.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Many high touch surfaces comprise handles of various dimensions made of various materials, including metals, polymers, glass, and ceramics. Handles are commonly provided as pull or lever formats and are considerably longer (L) than they are wide (1/10 (L/W aspect ratio of much greater than one). The self-sanitising devices of the present invention are configured to be secured to existing door handles without requiring any permanent modification/removal of those door handles.

[0007] Thus, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a self-sanitising device for storing and discharging sanitising liquid or gel like materials, which device comprises: (a) a contact module comprising a primary reservoir and a hand contactable delivery material; (b) a secondary reservoir module arranged to be secured above the primary reservoir during use of the device; and (c) a support connection module, for connecting the secondary reservoir to the contact module, comprising a conduit system to allow the secondary reservoir to be in fluid communication with the primary reservoir.

[0008] In an embodiment the device of the present invention is mountable upon a door handle and in particular a vertically orientated conventional D shaped door handle and preferably comprises features associated with the contact module and optionally the connection module that facilitate the orientation and securing of the device to such a handle.

[0009] In one arrangement the contact module may take the form of sleeve or multiple part clamshell arrangement. In both arrangements the contact module effectively comprises a bore for accommodating and surrounding the main contact bar of a door handle. The sleeve arrangement may be suitable when the door handle can be disassembled to allow the sleeve to be placed over the vertical bar of a door handle. In other door handle arrangements, where it is not possible to dissemble the handle or where the handle could not accommodate a sleeve arrangement e.g. a 0-shaped door handle, it is preferable to use a clamshell form of contact module.

[0010] In a arrangement the contact module comprises high friction pads located within the bore of the module and/or at the ends of the module. These high friction pads prevent the device from slipping or moving on the door handle and aid in maintaining robust attachment of the device to the door handle during use of the device.

[0011] The contact module may be arranged to be permanently secured to a door handle or may be an integral part of a door handle design. It is preferred that the contact module is not a permanent feature of the door handle but may be retrofitted to and easily removed from a conventional door handle without causing any damage to such a handle and without requiring any significant removal or adjustment of the handle components.

[0012] The primary reservoir of the contact module ideally has as small a volume as practically possible and has a volume that is smaller than that of the secondary reservoir. This small volume allows the device to be operated with reduced evaporation losses from the liquid or gel within the device during use thus extending the operating life of the overall device. This small primary reservoir in part also assists with ensuring that the contact module has a volume that is as small as practically possible so that it does not significantly alter the ergonomics of the door handle to which it is secured during use. It is important the users experience as conventional a user experience as possible when opening and closing the doors with the device of the present invention when it is attached to door handles.

[0013] The contact module preferably comprises a clamshell arrangement with two co-operating sections that may be connected and permanently or temporarily locked to each other around the main contact bar of a door handle. Typical door handles have a bar section for gripping by the human hand of a certain cross-section and therefore the two co-operating sections of the clamshell are shaped such as to accommodate the door handle bar section within the bore of the clamshell module once assembled from the two sections. The clamshell contact module will typically have a length and width that is consistent with the length and width of the contact bar of the door handle. The with will generally be larger than the door handlebar as is the handlebar is accommodated within the bore of the contact module. Preferably the contact module has a length and width that provides a L/W aspect ratio of greater than one and preferably greater than five.

[0014] The contact module sections are of similar construction. It is preferred that the inner most component of each half of the clamshell contact module is a liquid/vapour impermeable back panel shaped in the form of a tray. The tray preferably has a semi-circular or generally arcuate cross-section perpendicular to its longest dimension, which will be its length. The tray is covered and sealed by the hand contactable delivery material in the form of a sheet. This combination defines the primary reservoir, which is a region located between the top surface of the tray and the back surface of the sheet of hand contactable delivery material. The tray dimensions are selected to provide a short distance between the tray surface and the back surface of the sheet. Preferably, the primary reservoir further comprises a porous absorbent material which can hold a minimal amount of liquid or gel sanitizer material. In a preferred embodiment each tray of the clamshell contact module has a manifold end. Preferably, each of the trays has at least one liquid inlet passing from the exterior of the manifold and into the inside of the tray. Preferably, each tray comprises a liquid distribution channel internal from the manifold that is in fluid communication with the manifold inlet and the primary reservoir of each tray. In operation liquid passes through the inlet opening in the manifold and emerge within the tray into the liquid distribution channel and from that channel into the primary reservoir. The manifold may comprise connection means for co-operatively connecting the contact module to the support connection module.

[0015] The end of the contact module remote from the manifold end preferably comprises a locking flange arrangement; this flange arrangement co-operates with a clamp that may be attached to the flange to assist with locking the contact module to the door handle. Typically, this will be by friction between the back of the clamshell trays and the surface of the door handle.

[0016] The bottom of the secondary reservoir is preferably located at from 20 to mm, more preferably 20 to 100 mm and most preferably from 45-70 mm vertically from the top of the primary reservoir within the contact module. The bulk of the liquid or gel sanitising agent within the device is stored within the secondary reservoir. Preferably, the volumetric holding capacity of the secondary reservoir is from 50 to 500m1, more preferably from 50 to 300 ml and most preferably from 100-300m1, but larger quantities may be accommodated, depending on the required operating lifetime and dimensions of the device and door handle.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment the secondary reservoir module comprises a containment vessel for a replaceable (screw/click fit/press fit) vapour and liquid sealed container (cartridge/foil packs/bottle/ flexible tube), which holds the sanitising fluid/gel.

Preferably, this sealed container is fitted with a breather valve/orifice (if required) to prevent a vacuum and allow free flow of the contents from the secondary reservoir to the primary reservoir by gravity.

[0018] The secondary reservoir module containment vessel is preferably adapted to reversibly lock with the support connection module.

[0019] The support connection module is located between the contact module and the secondary reservoir module. The support connection module may have the following important functions depending on its final configuration. It may provide a means for connection between the secondary reservoir module and the contact module once the contact module has been attached to a vertical door handle. It may further provide physical support for the secondary reservoir module. It may further provide accommodation for, protection for and guidance for fluid transport conduits that transport fluid/gel from the secondary reservoir module to the contact module manifold.

It may further provide accommodation for and protection for an internal flow regulator for controlling fluid/gel flow from the secondary reservoir module to the primary reservoir if the contact module. It may also provide the primary means of supporting and securing the self-sanitising device to the top portion of a door handle.

[0020] Mien present and in a preferred embodiment the internal flow regulator comprises an entrance port and preferably at least two exit ports to two internal tubular fluid transport conduits of 4 mm (OD) and 2.5 mm (ID); these fluid transport conduits are provided fluid connection between the flow regulator and a manifold interface between the support and contact modules. This combination controls the flow of fluid/gel; from the secondary reservoir to the primary reservoir for the purpose of replenishing the fluid/gel in the primary reservoir following activation by compression of the contact module during use of the device. Depending on the viscosity of the liquid/gel and also the volume of liquid/gel that is fed via gravity to the flow regulator these dimensions can be altered to provide a desirable flow into the primary reservoir.

[0021] The support connection module has a lower end comprising a manifold that interfaces with the manifold of the contact module. It comprises fluid transport conduit openings that may be aligned with corresponding inlets in the manifold of the contact module and may also comprise cooperative fixing means to secure the two manifolds to each other. The two manifolds may also comprise cooperating aligned means to aid with assembly of the device and correct alignment of the conduits in each manifold. Proximate to the lower end of the support connection module there may be located a mechanism for reversibly locking the module to the upper section of the door handle. Optionally the containment vessel may have fixing means e.g. bracket to secure it to the door surface once the device is assembled. In addition the containment vessel may have instructions or advertising or other information printed to its exterior surface.

[0022] The upper end of the support connection module is adapted to accommodate the containment of the secondary reservoir module. This adaption may take the form of a simple twist lock engagement between to engaging flanges; this arrangement allows for quick and easy access to the removable and replaceable secondary reservoir for easy and quick replenishment of fluid/gel for the device.

[0023] During use a door user will grab hold of the contact module, which surrounds the door handle and in doing so will compress the contact module

RESERVOIR MATERIAL

[0024] In a preferred embodiment the contact delivery module, prior to assembly, is free of any liquid or gel in the primary reservoir. On assembly the secondary reservoir then primes the primary reservoir for use. This has advantages over prior art arrangements where the device is manufactured with factory fill liquid or gel; manufacture of the dry contact module is easier than a device with a factory fill of liquid or gel and is much lighter for handling and delivery. This benefit is enabled by the use of the secondary reservoir arrangement. The device of the present invention in a preferred embodiment requires a specific form of absorbent porous material in order to enable effective use of the requirement of secondary reservoir fill of the primary reservoir. In factory filed prior art devices the porous absorbent materials, especially VLAP required specific properties that are of no advantage in the preferred device of the present invention and in certain circumstances may be detrimental. The absorbent porous material ideally should have a form and properties that allow the liquid or gel from the secondary reservoir to flow freely and relatively quickly into the body of that material for the next delivery cycle. This means that the material will generally have high levels of porosity to allow rapid liquid flow. At the same time this porous absorbent material ideally has a reasonable level of robustness and resilience in the axis of compression during use so that it rapidly returns to its pre-compressed form for the net compression cycle. In addition, the body of the material assists in preventing or resisting lateral movement of liquid/gel within the body of the porous material during compression in order to maximise the delivery of liquid or gel to the contact module surface. The preferred absorbent materials for this use are what are referred to as spacer fabrics ad are as described in "Three-Dimensionally Knit Spacer Fabrics: A Review of Production Techniques and Applications", in the Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, Volume 4, Issue 4, Summer 2005, Shanna M. Bruer et.al.

[0025] The preferred absorbent material is a Spacer Fabric. Spacer fabric is warp knitted and produced on a double bed Raschel machine operating with 5-8 separate bars (preferred), with the face, back and connecting pile layers knitted simultaneously to make one integrated structure. Alternatively, weft knitted or woven spacer fabrics may be used, but warp knitted is preferred. The preferred materials is 100% PET continuous filament composition made preferably of multifilament (face and back) with monofilament in the connecting pile layer or all monofilament. Combinations thereof are also possible provided compression modulus is not compromised.

[0026] Thus, the present invention further provides a self-sanitizing device comprising a hand contactable delivery material and an associated reservoir, wherein the reservoir comprises spacer fabric to accommodate liquid or gel material.

[0027] Preferred Fabric basis weight: 300-320 g/m^2 (preferred) 200-450 g/mA2 (possible), with subsequent heat setting to improve dimensional stability. Preferred fabric thickness range: 3-18 mm (3-8 mm most preferred). Preferred porosity: 90-98%, most preferably 90-95%.

[0028] When present the porous absorbent material located within the primary reservoir is preferably a dual-sided compression resilient and elastic porous layer capable of repeated compression-recovery cycles without loss of thickness, and which contains a volume of liquid/gel partitioned within its internal pore volume. This layer preferably has a porosity of >75%, an uncompressed thickness of 2.5-15 mm (most preferably 2.5-10 mm) and a sanitising liquid/gel holding capacity of 20-80 ml prior immediately prior to compression. The layer preferably has a compression strength of 1.5-8.5 MPa and recovery of >75% of the original thickness after repeated loading.

Suitable layers include (i) knitted spacer fabrics of 250-350 g/m2 made of materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) filaments, with a mean of 4-8 connecting filaments per cm between the upper and lower surfaces. With spacer fabrics, the upper and lower surfaces are ideally of different open areas to allow the flow resistance of the liquid/gel to be modulated during compression, preventing excess delivery through the elastic continuous film layer (c); 00 polyurethane (PU) foams of open cell construction with or without hydrophilic additives; (hi) vertically lapped nonwoven fabrics; (iv) combinations thereof. The porous absorbent material is preferably hydrophobic to ensure that any aqueous liquid/gel is not held within the porous absorbent material on compression of the device when the contact module is grabbed by a user to ensure free movement of liquid/gel from the porous absorbent material, through the hand contactable delivery material and onto its exterior surface. The porous absorbent material should preferably have a level of porosity and hydrophobicity that does not however prevent liquid/gel from entering the pores for temporary storage within the primary reservoir.

[0029] Reservoir materials may have a compression modulus within the range of 150 to 650 N.m-2 and most preferably from 250-350 N.m-2. Compression modulus in the context of this aspect of the present invention relates to the resistance to permanent or semi-permanent reduction in material thickness with applied pressure.

[0030] Compression modulus is determined by taking a sample of the material of known thickness (typically within the range of 5 to 10 mm) and applying known weights (typically between 20 to 200 g) to the surface of the porous material e.g. foam, which is compressed when the weight is deposited on the material surface. The weight is applied over an area of 5.03 x 10-3 m2 for a period of 10 seconds after which the weight is removed and the material thickness is determined using a Shirley thickness gauge and compared to the thickness of the material prior to application of the weight.

[0031] The porous absorbent material should have a compression modulus that is not so high as to effectively prevent compression of the porous absorbent material during use in a delivery device with the resultant controlled displacement of compositions, such as cleaning fluids or gels, from the porous absorbent material e.g. spacer fabric. In addition, the porous absorbent material should not have a compression modulus that is too low. A low compression modulus would result in excessive displacement of compositions from the porous absorbent material as it would be susceptible to a large decrease in material thickness under relatively low forces and especially under the typical forces observed during use. It ideally has a compression modulus and properties that ensure it is resilient and able to return to its pre-compressed form after compression force is removed.

[0032] The porous absorbent material may be any porous material with the requisite properties and should have an interconnected pore network wherein individual pores are connected to others such that liquids can easily flow through the entire structure, displacing air that may be present. It may be a woven or nonwoven porous material or a foam or any combination of two or more of these materials. The porous absorbent may comprise a composite material and/or may comprise a multilayer material. The porous absorbent material may comprise one or more layers of porous material and may comprises one or more layers of foam material, preferably an open cell foam, e.g. reticulated foam. When a foam material preferably material comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane open cell foam. When a foam the material preferably comprises two or more layers of a hydrophilic polyurethane thermoset foam. Preferably the two or more layers of porous material are of the same thickness. One example of a suitable foam is Type 562-B as manufactured and supplied by Rynel Ltd. Co., Boothbay, U.S.A. Other suitable and preferred foams are those as described and prepared in WO 2005061600, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Thus the foam may be a low-density, open-cell, thermoplastic, absorbent foam, comprising at least two of the groups consisting of: a base resin, a surfactant, a thermoplastic elastomer, and a plasticizing agent and may be made by a method comprising the steps of: providing a foam polymer formula including the base resin, the plasticizing agent, and the surfactant; heating the foam polymer formula to create a polymer melt utilizing a blowing agent; foaming the polymer melt to a density of about 0.1 g cm-3 or less; and extruding the polymer melt to form an open-cell, soft, flexible, thermoplastic, absorbent foam.

[0033] The porous absorbent material ideally has a void fraction of greater than 80%, preferably greater than 85% and most preferably greater than 90% as determined by gas pycnometry. Ideally, the porous absorbent material has a density of 0.2 g cm-3 or less, more preferably 0.15 g cm-3 or less and most preferably 0.10 g cm-3 or less as determined by ASTM D1622-98. The thickness of the porous material comprising the porous absorbent may be greater than 10 mm. The total thickness of the porous material comprising the porous absorbent is preferably less than 12 mm, preferably less than 11 mm and most preferably less than 10.5 mm. Most preferably it is within the range of 7 to 10 mm with a Coefficient of Variation of less than 5%. Typically, and preferably the reservoir material will have pores that are equally aligned in all planes x, y and z. [0034] The porous absorbent material ideally has a relatively high resiliency in combination with a compression modulus within the range of 150 to 650 N.m-2 and most preferably from 250-350 N.m-2. Preferably the resiliency as determined by ASTM 03575 is greater than 85%, more preferably greater than 90%, more preferably greater than 95% and most preferably within the range of 99-100%. Preferably the porous absorbent material exhibits a percentage strain as measured at 6.8 kPa by the method described in ASTM 03575 of 30% or less preferably 28% or less and most preferably 27%. Preferably the porous absorbent material has a mean flow pore diameter within the range of 80 to 400 microns.

[0035] The porous absorbent may comprise a composite material and/or may comprise a multilayer material. A nonwoven material may be composed of a variety of materials, such as, cellulose pulp or other absorbent fibrous material, capable of holding liquid within and between the pores of adjacent fibres. The porous absorbent preferentially has high capillarity, as characterized by a wicking height of over 10 mm, most preferably over 50 mm (test medium: water) when the material has its largest dimension in the vertical orientation, as this is especially advantageous when the device is in use in a vertical position. In a further alterative the porous layer may comprise a plurality of chambers each containing a porous material as hereinbefore described.

[0036] Vertically lapped nonwovens may be used as the porous absorbent material and consist of a web of nonwoven material that has been folded in on itself in a corrugated fashion to produce a concertina-like, three-dimensional structure that has been thermally bonded. They may also be referred to as perpendicular laid nonwovens. Examples of such materials suitable for use in the present invention include V-Lap materials as manufactured using the V-Lap Vertical Lapping System manufactured by V-Lap PTY Ltd, Australia and as described for example in W02006/092029, the whole contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and STRUTO materials as manufactured using the Struto system (Strut° International Inc.) as described in Chapter 2.12 in Russell S.J.: Handbook of Nonwovens, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, England, 2007, the whole contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0037] The material that is used in the manufacture of the vertically lapped nonwoven may be any material that may be formed into a web like structure, which may then be formed into a vertically lapped nonwoven. Preferably the material is in the form of a fibre, which may be laid as a web using various web forming techniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment the material base of the fibre used for forming the web comprises at least one synthetic polymer, preferably at least one synthetic thermoplastic polymer. The web may comprise a single type of fibre or fibres of a single material composition. In a preferred embodiment the web comprises a mixture of fibre types and/or fibre material compositions.

[0038] The fibre component may comprise synthetic thermoplastic polymer staple fibres such as for example polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (PA), PLA, PBT, PET, coPET, copolyester elastomers, HDPE, LDPE, PPS, PEI, PETG, PCT, elastomeric fibres or mixtures thereof. The fibre component may further comprise bicomponent fibres and/or conjugate fibres such as for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/copolyester or PET/PE or PP/PE or elk® (ELASTY-) binder fibre or conjugate/spiral PET. The bicomponent fibres are typically and preferably the binder component of the fibre composition. The conjugate fibres are preferably spiral fibres and preferably are spiral crimped fibres. These fibres will thus have a spring-like crimp. These conjugated fibres assist in providing the desired loft and resilience in the vertically lapped nonwoven material. The staple fibres may be used with or without hydrophilic treatment; it is preferred that they are hydrophilic treated.

[0039] The preferred ranges for the amount of staple thermoplastic fibre in the final web composition are from 5 to 65%, preferably 10 to 60%. The preferred ranges for the amount of bicomponent fibre in the final web composition are from 5 to 65%, preferably 10 to 60%. The preferred ranges for the amount of conjugate fibres in the final web composition are 0 to 60%, preferably 0 to 50%. Save that the amounts selected for each fibre component are such that the composition sums to 100% fibre.

[0040] It is preferred that the vertically lapped nonwoven has a density in the non-compressed state within the range of 20 to 90 kg.m-3, preferably within the range of 30 to 80 kg.m-s, more preferably within the range of 40 to 70 kg.m-3, more preferably within the range of 45 to 65 kg.m-3 and most preferably within the range of 50 to 60 [0041] The vertically lapped nonwoven material may be arranged in the device as a single layer or multiple layers. It is preferred that the vertically lapped nonwoven has a thickness within the range of 4 to 25 mm, more preferably 5 to 18 mm, more preferably 6 to 13 mm and most preferably 8 to 11 mm. The preferred thickness is around 9.5 mm ±0.5 mm. These thicknesses are preferred for planar embodiments of the device, where it is also preferred that the vertically lapped nonwoven material is a single layer of that material. In nonplanar embodiments such as tubiform devices the vertically lapped nonwoven may be and is preferably thicker or multi-layered. When present in multiple layers each layer of the vertically lapped nonwoven material may of the same or different thickness. In one tubiform embodiment the vertically lapped nonwoven material is a single layered material that is wound perpendicular to and around a central core backing layer and upon itself to form a multiple layered vertically lapped nonwoven material; in cross-section this would present as a spiral arrangement of vertically lapped nonwoven material.

[0042] It is preferred that the vertically lapped nonwoven material has a weight, at a target thickness of 9.5 mm, within the range of 200 to 900 g.m-2, preferably within the range of 300 to 800 g.m-2, more preferably within the range of 400 to 700 g.m-2, more preferably within the range of 450 to 600 g.m-2and most preferably within the range of 475 to 575 g.m-2. A weight of about 520 g.m-2is preferred. The related densities for these ranges and preferences may easily be determined at this target thickness. Weight values consistent with these ranges will vary proportionally with nominal thickness for a given density of material.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention comprise a vertically lapped nonwoven of weight at 9.5 mm of about 520 g.m-2, preferably with a density within the range of 52 to 58 kg.re. In one embodiment the vertically lapped nonwoven preferably comprises a fibre mixture comprising 20% by weight conjugate PET fibres, 40% by weight hydrophilic PET fibres and 40% by weight of PET/coPET fibres. In one preferred embodiment the conjugate PET fibres have a linear mass density of about 16.5 dtex, the hydrophilic PET fibres have a linear mass density of about 4.4 dtex and the PET/coPET fibres have a linear mass density of about 2.2 dtex. In a further preferred embodiment, the vertically lapped nonwoven comprises 20% by weight of spiral PET fibres (10 or 16.5 dtex), 40% by weight of hydrophilic PET fibres (4.4 dtex) and 40% by weight of PET/coPET (2.2 dtex).

[0044] The surface of the vertically lapped nonwoven storage material facing away from the delivery material may have a closed surface, which as a consequence exhibits no open surface pore structure or a pore structure in which the ratio of open area to total area is no greater than 0.3. This may be achieved for example by providing one surface of the vertically lapped nonwoven material with a skinned surface that may be produced by localised thermal treatment of the material. The composition of the vertically lapped nonwoven material being such that under the action of heat its surface melts or flows and coalesces and then solidifies when the heat source is removed. This skinned surface of the vertically lapped nonwoven material is in contact with the tray unit surface when used, which forms the back surface of the device. The use of a skinned surface in this manner will prevent liquid or gel material from escaping from the vertically lapped nonwoven material through this back surface and is also valuable in improving the mechanical stability of the vertically lapped nonwoven material storage layer.

DELIVERY MATERIAL ELASTOMERIC LAYER

[0045] The hand contactable delivery material is preferably an elastic sheet material and completely covers the contact module tray opening and is preferably adhesively attached to the edges of the tray to create a self-contained sealed unit and thus defining the primary reservoir. The porous absorbent material when present is preferably not physically adhered to the tray and is only brought into full physical contact with the tray and the back surface of the hand contactable delivery material when the contact module is laterally compressed to allow transport of liquid through the hand contactable delivery material and to its exterior surface forming a droplet over the location of each slit present in the compressed region. This allows the porous absorbent material to deform and distribute load separately and prevents occlusion of slits by an adhesive phase that could interfere with delivery.

[0046] The delivery material may be a liquid permeable or impermeable film or membrane. Preferably the delivery material is made of liquid impermeable material.

The film may be a porous film or a perforated film, e.g. a micro perforated film. The delivery material is preferably, a hydrophobic elastomeric microperforated film, which is microperforated when the film is pre-strained to minimise the open area prior to lateral compression during hand contact. A variety of films may be used. The film may be selected from any conventionally known film-forming polymers or blends thereof. It also be of monolithic, bilayer or multilayer construction. Preferably, the film will be elastomeric and therefore have elastic properties, i.e. preferably a high elastic recovery (>75% at 1% extension). Also, the film will be non-degradable and/or soluble in water or when in contact with an alcohol or an oil-water emulsion. The delivery material preferably comprises valve like pore or slits.

[0047] The perforations in the liquid delivery material, as slits and/or pore openings, may vary depending, inter alia, upon the nature and composition of the antibacterial formulation present in the porous absorbent layer. Thus the slits and/or pores of the microperforated film may consist of sub-micron dimensions, however, preferentially, a microperforated film with openings of from 20-500 pm diameter (as measured across their minor axis) may be used, that is for example more than 50% of the pores have a diameter in the range of from 20-500 pm, preferably more than 70%, more preferably more than 90%. It is particularly advantageous if the liquid contact delivery layer, e.g. the perforated film is elastic so that the slit and/or pore openings may further open to their maximum extent due to the forces introduced by the user on this surface during use and the displacement of the liquid/gel from the porous absorbent layer and then self-close by elastic recovery of the film when the forces are removed from the system and the liquid flow ceases. Nevertheless, it should be understood that perforated high modulus films may also be suitable. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for each of the layers in the multi-layer device to possess elastic properties.

[0048] The elastomeric nature of this layer in combination with the use of closed slits and/or pores and material selection for the layer has distinct benefits for the devices of the present invention. The elastic delivery material is generally a dry-state, non-porous and non-permeable elastomeric film material. The film used in the present invention preferably comprises closed slits and/or pores to minimise evaporative loss of the liquid contained beneath. The elastic delivery material with these properties acts as the final barrier between the primary reservoir in the interior of the contact module, which contains fluids/gels that incorporate volatile fluids (e.g. alcohol) and the exterior of the module.

[0049] A slit in this context is defined as a rectangular rather than substantially cylindrical opening such that the edges are capable of communicating when the material is in an unstrained state. When in position for use but without any applied pressure to the surface of the device the slits and/or pores of the delivery material are closed. In the closed non-impact state, and due to their method of manufacture, the layer material at the slit site is distorted effectively forming an overlapping and puckered arrangement closing the slit. In this position evaporation through the layer is significantly reduced compared to that observed with conventional porous layers because the two edges of the slit remain in communication closing the slit. With slits the separation of the adjacent parallel edges of these slits to open the closed slit is induced by mechanical force or shear induced in the elastic delivery material during use when the layer is contacted or impacted by a human hand. Thus, at the point of need and only at that point the slits are open and allow the passage of cleaning fluids or gels from the reservoir to and through the layer and to the contacted surface of the layer. This slit opening mechanism is a localized mechanism, meaning that areas in the delivery material that are remote from the point of contact are relatively unaffected when other slits are being opened during use. This means that slits remote from the impact site on the layer remain closed or relatively closed compared to those at the site of impact. This mechanism ensures that the maximum flux fluids/gel through the layer is at the point of contact. When the applied force of contact or impact is removed from the delivery material the opened slits return to their original closed position and function; the elastic recovery of the layer re-introduces the material distortion and puckering at the slit site closing the slit. With closed pores a similar mechanism occurs. In the closed non-impact state, and due to its method of manufacture, the layer material at the pore site is distorted effectively forming an overlapping and puckered arrangement closing the pore. On impact in use this region of the layer is elastically deformed, and the distortion and puckering are temporarily removed to open the pore.

When the contact pressure is removed the elastic recovery of the layer re-introduces the material distortion and puckering at the pore site closing the pore.

[0050] The elastic delivery material is fixed at its outer extremities to the tray so that when force is applied substantially perpendicular to the surface of the unfixed areas, the layer is partially elongated to accommodate the perpendicular displacement. This elongation of the film causes a temporary separation of the adjacent parallel edges of any slits and/or pores that are in the vicinity of the applied force. The adjacent edges return to their original position after the force is removed in order that the film remains substantially impermeable to liquid or gas in ambient conditions.

[0051] The slits and/or pores may be arranged in any fashion within the liquid contact delivery layer. They may be arranged in a parallel fashion either from top to bottom of the device or from side to side of the device within the liquid contact delivery layer. The slits may be arranged in a twill pattern. The slits may take the form of an x/y or other form of crossed slit.

[0052] Preferably to ensure that the parallel edges of the slits remain in the closest proximity, no stored strain is present in any direction within the layer after its integration into the device; this is especially beneficial when the slits are arranged in a twill fashion [0053] Preferably, there is no pre-strain transverse to the slot length after its integration into the device. In some embodiments an amount of pre-strain of preferably 0.2% -5% of the relevant dimension in the layer in a direction parallel to the slot length may be advantageous in ensuring tight closure of the slots through additional contact pressure induced at the parallel slot edges.

[0054] Any non-permeable non-porous elastic material may be used as the elastic delivery material. Preferably the layer is manufactured from an elastomeric polymeric material. By non-permeable is meant non-permeable to the typical components of the compositions located within the reservoir and used in the manufacture of cleaning fluids or gels that incorporate volatile fluids. The material may be a hydrophobic polymer, such as polyurethane (PU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) polyamide (PA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and copolymers thereof. The delivery material may comprise of a bilayer in which the upper and lower layers are formed from different polymers. Further examples of suitable materials for use as the delivery material include but are not limited to one or more of polysiloxane, vinyl methyl silicone, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPV (thermoplastic vulcanizates) , TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), TPE-E (thermoplastic polyester elastomers), TPC-ET (thermoplastic copolyester elastomers), TPE-A/TPA (thermoplastic polyamide elastomer), SBC (styrenic block co-polymers), SBR (Styrene butadiene rubber), Silicone, Polyisoprene, HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber), NBR (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber) XNBR (Carboxylated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber), Polybutadiene or copolymers thereof.

[0055] One preferred class of elastomeric materials for use as or in the delivery material of the present invention are manufactured using blown film extrusion processes and are therefore blown film materials. Another preferred class of elastomeric materials are cast extrusion films.

[0056] One preferred class of elastomeric material for use as or in the delivery material are multi-layered elastomeric materials with two or more layers, preferably three or more layers. In these multi-layered materials the main or core layer may be any suitable thermoplastic material as herein described and the additional layers may also be elastomeric thermoplastic materials or may be polymeric layers of other types and composition. It is preferred that these multi layered elastomeric materials are manufactured using blown film extrusion processes or may be manufactured using a combination of blown film extrusion processes and other techniques such as coating and/or lamination.

[0057] In one embodiment the delivery material comprises at least three layers of material. The core layer comprising one or more polymeric materials, preferably one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials and the top and bottom layers comprising one or more polymeric materials and wherein the top and bottom layers are of identical composition but of different composition to the core material. It is envisaged that there may be some common materials to both the core and the top and bottom layers but that the overall composition of the core layer is different from the other two identical layers. Preferably this structure is manufactured using blown film extrusion techniques. In a further embodiment this blown film material may then be provided with one or more additional layers upon one or more of its two surfaces using additional techniques such as extrusion, casting, coating and/or laminating of polymer materials onto one or more surfaces. This or these additional layers may be deposited on the surface of the blown film material in order to improve one or more properties required for the devices of the present invention. The additional material may provide improved bonding properties to the backing layer or tray unit during manufacture of the device whilst not compromising or significantly comprising the other desired properties of the contact liquid delivery layer. In a further scenario the added material may be advantageous in improving the printability of the exterior surface of the device again whilst not compromising or significantly compromising the other film properties.

[0058] Suitable multi-layered delivery material may comprise one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials as herein previously described as the core and top and bottom layers comprising one or more polyolefin materials with optionally one or more other polymeric materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The polyolefin materials may be preferably one or more of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and olefin co-polymers. The preferred elastomeric materials for the core comprise one or more of polyurethane (PU) based elastomers, elastomeric styrenic block copolymers (SBC), such as for example styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) block co-polymers, thermoplastic polyester elastomers or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) elastomers The multTlayered delivery material is preferably of overall thickness (as determined according to DIN 53 370) of from 50 to 300 microns, more preferably from 75 to 250 microns, more preferably 100 to 250 microns and most preferably 100 to 225 microns; with an ideal thickness of about 200 microns. Within this overall thickness each of the individual layers may be from 1 to 290 microns (for overall thickness of 300 microns), preferably for an approximately 100 micron multi-layered material the top and bottom layers may be from 1 to 10 micron, preferably from 3 to 5 micron, with a core layer of from 80 to 98 micron with each thickness selected to provide and overall combined thickness of about 100 microns. For an approximately 200 micron multi-layered material the top and bottom layers may be from 1 to 45 micron, preferably from 3 to 40 micron, more preferably 3 to 20 micron and most preferably 3 to 5 micron with a core layer of from 110 to 198 micron with each thickness selected to provide and overall combined thickness of about 200 microns. The preferred 100-micron film preferably has top and bottom layers of about 3 to 5 micron and a core of about 90 to 96 micron. One preferred 200-micron film preferably has top and bottom layers of 40 microns and a core of 120 microns. In a further preferred embodiment, the core is of about 190 to 194 micron with top and bottom layers of 3 to 5 micron of PP/LDPE. In a preferred embodiment the elastomeric core material is a co-extruded mixture of SBC and EVA elastomers and the top and bottom layers are co-extruded polyolefin mixtures of LDPE/PP, with the while film preferably manufactured as a co-extruded blown film. A preferred monofilm material is a mixture of SBC and EVA elastomers. The monofilm or the multi-layered film may be subsequently coated on one or both surfaces with polyolefin materials and preferably are coated on one surface with LDPE. In respect of the monolayer this may be one homogeneous polymer or polymer blend pf material. This monolayer may be manufactured from multiple layers combined to produce one integrated homogeneous material layer.

[0059] Preferably, the elastomeric film material has a maximum extension that is below the elastic limit of the layer material in order that on release of the impact force, up to 100% elastic recovery takes place so that the original positions of the slit edges and form of the slit are regained. This facilitates repeated, cyclic separation and recovery of the original slit edge positions and form. Closed pores are also able to return to their original pre-impact state.

[0060] The elastomeric film preferably exhibits a maximum extension of 500%- 850% and a peak load at 20% extension of between 5 to 15N/25mm and more preferably 7.5 to 12.5N/25mm and most preferably about 10N/25mm.

[0061] The breaking load of the film is preferably not less than 20 N/25mm, more preferably not less than 30N/25mm and most preferably not less than 40N/25mm (8 MPa).

[0062] The elastomeric film is preferably less than 1000 microns in thickness, more preferably less than 800 microns in thickness, more preferably 50 to 1000 micron in thickness, more preferably 50 to 800 microns in thickness, more preferably 50 to 500 microns, more preferably 100 to 200 microns. It is preferred that the thickness of the elastomeric film or whatever structure is greater than 100 microns, preferably greater than 150 microns and most preferably greater than 175 microns to provide the maximum valve like properties for the film to ensure low evaporation losses during use.

[0063] The number of slits per square area in the elastic layer is preferably between 40 to 150 slits/in2(6.2 to 23.3 slits/cm2), more preferably 50 to 140 slits/in2 (7.8 to 21.8 slits/cm2), more preferably 60 to 130 slits/in2(9.3 to 20.2 slits/cm2), and most preferably 63 slits/in2(9.8 slits/cm2) -126 slits/in2(19.5/cm2). It is preferred that the slit length is 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less and most preferably 1.5 mm or less. Preferably the slits are within the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm in length. The width of the slits is ideally as small as possible so that opposing sides of the slits are in contact when the elastic layer is not under any applied stress during use. There may be a small amount of separation and this may result in a slit width, which is preferably within the range of 5 to 200 p.m, preferably 5 to 150p.m, more preferably 10 to 150pm, more preferably 15 to 150p.m, more preferably 20 to 150 pm and more preferably less than 100 pm, more preferably less than 50pm and most preferably less than 20pm. Closed slits are preferred to closed pores but the elastic delivery material of the present invention may comprise slits and/or pores.

VVhen closed pores are present, they may be present in the same pore density as described for slits.

[0064] The slits may be imparted to an elastomeric film through use of a cutting tool that that has a plurality of blades that may be impressed into and cut through the elastomeric film, such as a stamp press. This may be undertaken in a continuous fashion by feeding a web or elastomeric film into an engraved or toothed slitting roller. Pores when introduced may be introduced by a suitable pin arrangement on for example a stamp press that punctures the film. The elastomeric film is designed to limit the evaporation of a 62% ethanol in water composition to a maximum of 5% after five days' exposure in an environment of 21°C and 65% RH. In a preferred embodiment the slits are arranged to be perpendicular to the longest axis of the contact module.

[0065] The method for the manufacture of an elastomeric film with valve like pores and/or slits comprises applying a strain to an elastomeric material, while the elastomeric material is under strain inducing a plurality of pores and/or slits through the elastomeric material, and removing the applied strain to enable the elastomeric material to elastically recover closing the pores and/or slits. In a preferred embodiment the applied strain is below 20% strain, preferably below 15% strain, more preferably below 10% strain and most preferably between 1 and 10% strain. The process in using elastomeric material under strain ensures that the pores and/or slits have a certain dimension; when the strain is removed the elastomeric film with pores and/or slits relaxes under elastic recovery and the pores and/or slits and the material around them contract with this recovery to a smaller dimension and to a closed state with localized distortion of layer material around the pores and/or slits. In this closed state these pores and/or slits may act as valves; closed when the film is relaxed and opened when the film is under strain. The valve like pores and/or slits may have a specific form due to the method of manufacture and not seen with conventional slitting and/or puncturing. This takes the form of excess material around the slit or pore site that protrudes from the surface of the film in the relaxed state. The film essentially has two major surfaces. When the film is slit or punctured under extension the slitting or puncturing device contacts one of these major surfaces, pushes through the film material and on puncturing the film material is exposed at the other film surface. When the slitting or puncturing tool is removed and the film is relaxed excess film material associated with the slit and/or pore protrudes from the surface of the film that is remote from that contacted by the slitting and/or puncturing tool. It is this protruding excess material in combination with the films elastic properties that provides the valve like function to the slits and/or pores. The protruding excess slit, and pore material may be located on the contact surface of the elastic delivery material or may be located on the surface that faces inwards into the device and towards the primary reservoir. It is preferred that the protruding excess slit, and pore material is on the inwards facing surface so as not to interfere with the contact surface. In a preferred embodiment the layer comprises slits and not pores. A benefit of using an elastomeric material as the hand contactable delivery material in the round contact module is that this arrangement assists in preventing bulging of the hand contactable delivery material once the primary reservoir is filled with liquid/gel and this is under pressure from the head of liquid/gel in the secondary reservoir.

ADL LAYER

[0066] In further embodiments the contact module may further comprise an Acquisition Delivery Layer (ADL) located between the contact delivery material and any absorbent porous material in the primary reservoir. This ADL layer may be referred to as a wicking layer or a mediating layer as described below.

[0067] The use of the wicking layer in this device has two important functions.

The first is to moderate or reduce the forced flow rate of liquid/gel from the reservoir to the liquid delivery contact layer and thereby control the volume of liquid delivered to that layer. The second is to act as a liquid distribution and wicking layer, which equalises the concentration of liquid across the working area of the device such that liquid is uniformly distributed immediately adjacent the liquid delivery contact layer even when acted upon by gravity. The reservoir layer is compressible and may see as much as a 50% reduction in volume when compressed, (i.e. 10mm + can be reduced to <5mm when compressed). Some of the liquid is forced out of the reservoir in to the wicking layer when the device is compressed. This is possible because the reservoir consists of interconnecting pores that communicate with the surface of the material of the reservoir layer. Some of the liquid expelled from the reservoir will be forced in to the wicking layer. However, because the wicking layer is thin compared to the reservoir and the rate of forced flow in to the wicking layer is high, the wicking layer reaches absorbent capacity quickly and any excess liquid will then pool in the bottom of the device. As the user removes the pressure from the device, this excess liquid is then reabsorbed back in to the reservoir and the wicking layer. Thus this function is to moderate the total volume of liquid that is transported to the contact layer when the delivery system is activated by the user. The wicking layer acts a flow resistor when forced flow of liquid is induced. Wien the delivery system is compressed by the user, liquid can be expelled from the reservoir and transported through the thickness of the wicking layer toward the contact layer. Drag forces created as the liquid passes around the multiple fibre surfaces in the wicking layer generate drag forces that resist the flow in this direction. The flow resistance induced by the wicking layer (through-thickness) ensures that excess fluid is not transported out of the delivery system on each activation. This ensures a more effective and efficient use of the liquid agents used with the device.

[0068] Preferably the wicking layer comprises porous material. Preferably the wicking layer comprises a woven or nonwoven fabric, most preferably a nonwoven fabric. The porous material of the wicking layer is preferably comprised of a pore structure that is capable of retaining and distributing in-plane (i.e. in the x and y planes), the cleaning fluid/gel by means of capillary forces. The predominant direction of fibre orientation in the porous wicking material is preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the delivery device, with preferably greater than 80%, more preferably greater than 90% of the pores aligned in the x-y plane. When the device is compressed, the porous material of the wicking layer is such that it restricts or moderates the total volume of cleaning fluid/gel that may be evacuated from the reservoir and passed transversely through the wicking layer and to the exterior of the device via the liquid delivery contact layer. In this way, over-delivery of cleaning fluid/gel to the exterior surface of the liquid delivery contact layer is reduced or prevented.

[0069] Wien the wicking layer comprises a woven or nonwoven fabric the transverse flow resistance of the wicking layer is partly influenced by the total surface area of the constituent fibres, which may be adjusted by selecting fibres having different diameters and/or cross-sectional shapes.

[0070] It is preferred that the wicking layer comprises fibre surfaces that are wettable, by the composition to be dispensed by the device e.g. cleaning fluids or gels and the like. In a preferred embodiment when the composition is aqueous the fibre surfaces are hydrophilic. Preferably the wicking layer has a sessile drop angle of less than 90° and more preferably less than 30°.

[0071] Suitable wicking materials include those composed of regenerated cellulose (specifically viscose, wood pulp, lyocell or Tencel®) which may be blended with synthetic materials (specifically PET, PA, PLA, PP or PE), wherein the synthetic component represents less than 40% by weight of the entire wicking material; plasma-treated aromatic and aliphatic polyesters and polyolefins; and blends thereof.

[0072] It is preferred that the wicking layer is a nonwoven fabric comprising a proportion of hydrophilic fibres or hydrophobic fibres that are surface modified using any method known in the art (e.g. plasma treatment, fibre finish, masterbatch additives) to enable them to be wetted by water and alcohol formulations (the latter including ethyl alcohol, i.e. ethanol). Inherently hydrophilic fibres in the art are composed of natural materials such as cellulose in native fibre form, e.g. cotton, flax, hemp, ramie, etc. or cellulose in regenerated form, e.g. lyocell (Tencel), viscose rayon, etc. [0073] Preferably the wicking layer is a nonwoven fabric formed using a drylaid web formation method, such as carding wherein the fibre orientation can be controlled during production to enable the directional permeability and capillarity of the structure to be adjusted if required. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fabric is produced from parallel-laid carded webs or cross-lapped carded webs wherein there is preferential fibre orientation in the machine direction (parallel-laid carded webs) or the cross-direction (cross-lapped webs) after bonding. Bonding is accomplished by a mechanical bonding technique. Suitable mechanical bonding techniques include hydroentangling (spunlace) and needlepunching or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the resulting fabrics preferably exhibit anisotropy in both permeability and capillarity as a result of preferential fibre orientation in one or more directions. Most preferably this is in the x-y plane of the wicking layer. When assembled in to the delivery device, the direction of predominant fibre orientation in the fabric is aligned with the long axis of the device, or depending on orientation of the device in a suitable direction to oppose gravity.

[0074] An embossed pattern may be applied to the fabric as part of the hydroentangling process producing areas of variable density. This is achieved by means known in the art using structuring support surfaces in the machine. A honeycomb pattern is particularly preferable in assisting with liquid distribution, since the differences in density also result in different permeabilifies and capillary pressure.

[0075] A particularly suitable and preferred material is a nonwoven fabric comprised of 100% Tencel® fibre prepared by carding, cross-lapping followed by needle punching. Preferably, this fabric has a mean thickness of between 0.5 and 2.0 mm, more preferably 1.0 to 2.0 mm. Preferably, 100% Tencel 1.7 dtex (linear density), 38 mm (mean fibre length), basis weight of the fabric: 80-100 g/m2.

[0076] Another preferred material is a 65 % Viscose rayon /35 % Polyester, g/m2, having thickness range: 1-2 mm. The fabric is produced by carding wherein the webs from two or more carding machines are deposited one on top of the other (without cross-lapping) and then mechanically bonded by hydroentangling.

[0077] Preferably the nonwoven fabric has a bubble point pore diameter of between 50 to 100 pm, more preferably 60 to 90 pm, more preferably 70 to 80 pm and most preferably about 75 pm.

[0078] A Preferably the nonwoven fabric has a mean flow pore diameter of between 15 and 30 pm, more preferably 20 to 25 pm and most preferably about 23 pm.

[0079] It is preferred that the wicking layer is from 0.5 to 3.0 mm in thickness, more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm in thickness and most preferably 1 to 2.0 mm in thickness.

[0080] Preferably the wicking layer material has a mean flow pore diameter of between 10 to 100 microns.

[0081] These wicking layers are required to act as a liquid distribution and wicking layer by means of capillary forces, to be highly absorbent. They have a higher capillarity than the reservoir material that they are in contact with. This means that they essentially act as on intermediate store of liquid or gel like material that is absorbed from the reservoir throughout its contact with the wicking layer. The liquid or gel like material therefore being held proximate to the contact liquid delivery layer within this wicking layer [0082] In contrast the liquid mediating layer of the present invention has a capillarity that is less than that of the reservoir material or vertically lapped nonwoven material. In addition, it is not an absorbent material and unlike the wicking layer is unable to absorb and store liquid or gel like material from the reservoir material or vertically lapped nonwoven material. Thus in this aspect of the present invention the liquid mediating layer when the device is not under compression in use acts as a barrier between the liquid containing reservoir or vertically lapped nonwoven material and the liquid contact delivery layer.

[0083] The use of a liquid mediating layer, which does not have wicking properties, in place of the prior used wicking layers has certain advantages. Firstly, the liquid remains in the reservoir or vertically lapped nonwoven material when there is no compression and does not significantly contact the liquid contact delivery layer; this means that there is less liquid loss during use and that the contact liquid delivery layer is not adversely affected by continuous contact with the liquid, especially those containing alcohol. Because the liquid mediating layer is devoid of liquid without compression of the device there is no or reduced liquid loss from the device. In addition, the lack of absorption, which in wicking layers resulted in the increased loss of volatile components such as alcohol, means that the composition of the liquid phase is more stable. With preferential loss of volatile components in wicking layer based systems the liquid composition could vary over time, which is undesirable.

[0084] The liquid mediating layer may be made of any highly porous and hydrophilic material that is non-absorbent with respect to reservoir or vertically lapped nonwoven materials. Alternatively, the liquid mediating layer may be made of a hydrophobic material that is non-absorbent whose surface has been modified to provide hydrophilicity. Any material that may be placed adjacent to a reservoir or vertically lapped nonwoven material, without absorbing liquid contained in those materials is suitable. The liquid mediating layer should be non-wicking in nature. The surface of the liquid mediating layer being hydrophilic allows the liquid or gel-like material stored in the reservoir or vertically lapped nonwoven materials to pass through it on compression of the device and to emerge from the liquid contact delivery layer.

[0085] Suitable mediating layer materials may be nonwoven materials such as spunbond (S) or meltblown (M) or a combination of these types of materials in SMS and SMMS nonwovens that are formed of 3 or 4 layers of spunbond and meltblown plies. Other combinations of spunbond and meltblown nonwovens are also suitable including SMMS, SM as well as others known in the art. Other suitable mediating layer materials may be needlepunched, hydroentangled, or a woven or knitted structure.

[0086] Preferred mediating layer materials are spunbond nonwoven materials.

Preferably these mediating layer structures comprise thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic polymers and polyolefins e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide and mixtures of one or more of these materials. Preferably the mediating layer structures comprise polypropylene. Preferably these materials are hydrophilic and this includes materials that have been treated to render them hydrophilic. These materials may be rendered hydrophilic through surface coating, plasma treatment, UV grafting and/or through used of hydrophilic masterbatch additives. The surface energy of the material is modified and selected so as to allow adequate wetting of its surfaces by the liquid or gel compositions used in the device; this modification will depend on the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid or gel material. Preferably these materials are of high porosity and low weight per unit area. Preferably their weight per unit area is less than 60 g.m-2, preferably less than 50 g.m-2, more preferably less than 40 g.m-2 and most preferably between 10 and 30 g.m-2.

Preferably these weight values are at mediating layer thickness within the range of 0.125 to 0.2 mm and most preferably within the range of 0.15 to 0.175 mm. The layer may be meltblown or a combination of spunbond and meltblown. One preferred embodiment comprises a mediating layer of 20 g.m-2 hydrophilic spunbond polypropylene.

[0087] Preferred mediating layer materials have a porosity (as measured by the method described at page 413 of in Russell S.J.: Handbook of Nonwovens, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, England, 2007) of at least 80%, more preferably at least 85% and most preferably at least 88%.

[0088] It is important that the absorbency preferably moisture absorbency of the mediating layer is as low as possible so that when in contact with reservoir or VLAP layer no liquid is absorbed by the mediating layer from the reservoir or VLAP layer. Preferably the moisture absorption of this mediating layer from the reservoir or VLAP layer is less than 0.5% by weight, more preferably less than 0.3% by weight, more preferably less than 0.2% by weight and most preferably less than 0.1% by weight. Thus the mediating layer has little or no capacity to absorb moisture from the reservoir or VLAP layer under capillary forces. Despite this function and property, the mediating layer will have a relatively high absorptive capacity for water. With hydrophilic spunbond materials as mediating layers it is preferred that they are of a form and composition such that they have an absorptive capacity of at least 100%, preferably at least 150%, more preferably at least 200% and most preferably at least 250% and around 275% as determined by the Edana method WSP 010 1 R3(12). The properties of the mediating layer are such that on release of user pressure during use of the device any liquid that has been forced from the reservoir into the mediating layer on compression of the device is not retained in the mediating layer material but is reabsorbed into the reservoir material. As it is required for the liquid or gel to be able to freely pass through the mediating layer on compression of the device as indicated above the material of this layer is such that it may be easily wetted by the liquid or gel material and thus not impeding the flow of the liquid or gel from the reservoir and through its bulk to the contact delivery surface. It is preferred that the thickness of the mediating layer is less than 0.5 mm, more preferably less than 0.4 mm, more preferably less than 0.3 mm and most preferably is 0.25 mm or less and preferably between 0.05 to 0.25 mm. It is preferred that the mediating layer has an air permeability within the range of 200 to 400, preferably 225 to 350 and most preferably 250-300 crr3/cm2s-1.

FURTHER FEATURES

[0089] The device of the present invention may be manufactured from various materials. The tray sections of the contact module are preferably non-porous and non-permeable and composed of a hydrophobic polymer. Exemplary hydrophobic polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and copolymers thereof. This tray unit may be moulded, formed, cut, injection moulded, vacuum formed, thermoformed, and die-cut or formed through other methods. The material used has good vapour barrier properties; suitable materials include PET, APET, RPET, PP, PE, HDPE, ABS and similar materials. This tray unit acts as suitable container for the liquid absorbent materials (VLAP and/or reservoir) and the liquid or gel like materials.

[0090] The self-sanitising device of the present invention is operated one or more active sanitizing agents. Any conventionally known antimicrobial composition may be used, most preferably, disinfectants are used, for example, alcohols, such as "surgical alcohols", e.g. ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol/isopropanol; chlorhexidine (0.5 -4% w/v) including alcoholic formulations, isopropyl alcohol (60-70% v/v), ethyl alcohol (80% v/v) with or without emollients, povidone-iodine (0.75-1%), peroxygen based on potassium peroxomonosulphate or mixtures thereof.

[0091] Other antimicrobial compositions which may be mentioned include, quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride, iodine, phenol (carbolic acid) compounds, peracetic acid or silver compounds, or mixtures thereof. A preferred antimicrobial composition is an alcohol-rich composition, such as that commercially available as Cutan from Deb Limited in the UK. An especially preferred antimicrobial agent has an alcohol content of from 58 to 78% w/w, preferably from 68 to 72% w/w and most preferably alcohol content of 70% w/w.

[0092] It is an especially preferred feature of all aspects of the present invention that the device is adapted to remain bacteriostatic, fungistatic and vinstatic during its lifetime.

[0093] A further preferred antimicrobial agent is one which is capable as acting as bactericidal agent or bacteriostatic agent, e.g. to MRSA. The antibacterial agent is especially a bactericidal agent or a bacteriostatic agent to one or more of MRSA, MSSA, Necrotizing fasciitis, Escherichia coli, NorA, Clostridium difficile, Norovirus, enterococcus faecium and pseudomonas aruginosa. For example, vancomycin, methicillin, etc. Examples of antifungal agents include, boric acid, or combined antibacterial and antifungal agents, such as triclosan.

[0094] The sanitizing agent present may be any agent that is effective against infectious agents include microbes (microorganisms), e.g. bacteria, fungi (including spores), protozoa, viruses or prions. e.g. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), clostridium difficile (C.diff), norovirus and coronavirus and it's variants.

[0095] The rheological properties of the fluid/gel may be controlled for optimum performance. This should be controlled and adjusted to accommodate any specific formulation to ensure an adequate flow rate and flow volume between the secondary and primary reservoirs through the flow regulator that is sufficient to permit rapid replenishment and satisfactory delivery to the elastic delivery material. The gel preferably has a viscosity in the range of from 1000 -2500 mPa.s (20°C) and a dynamic viscosity behaviour as exemplified in Graph 1.

[0096] During replenishing cycles, the mean flow rate of the fluid/gel between the secondary and primary reservoirs is preferably 4-55 m/hr and most preferably 20-45 ml/hr. When using gel, the density is preferably 800-900 kg/ma. The formulation is ideally of pH 67. Example formulations based on high alcohol contents (not limited to), which are also relevant to general hand sanitisation use, are as follows: Gel Dvnarritc ViscosItv to -Shear fl Graph 1 Dynamic viscosity of preferred sanitising fluid/gel (@24.5 degrees C).

GEL A

GEL B

i) 80% Alcohol (Denatured), Aqua, Panthenol, Glycerine, Cetyl Alcohol Propylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30, Alkyl Acrylate, Crosspolymer, Aminomethyl, Propanol.

ii) Alcohol (ethanol), propan-2-ol, glycerine.

[0097] The total loading of antimicrobial agent in the porous absorbent layer is dependent upon, inter alia, the form, thickness, and density of this layer. This determines the total pore volume or porosity of the layer and therefore its absorbent capacity. The delivery rate may be controlled by the compression resistance of the material used, the total loading of the active agent, e.g. liquid, in conjunction with the properties of the delivery material and the viscosity of the liquid. The latter can be controlled by additives, such as a thickener, if required.

[0098] It should be understood that the function of the device of the present invention is not to deliver sanitising agents to the hands of users who operate the device when opening doors. That may occur but that is incidental to the primary purpose of the device, which is to provide a sanitized contact surface for subsequent users or the device. This contact surface is self-sanitized during and immediately after contact. Thus, any contagion that is transferred to its surface by a user is immediately neutralized before the next user. This mode of operation is highly effective in preventing transmission of contagions within a contact environment.

[0099] The invention will now be referred to by the following Figures, which show/ represent various forms/states and designs, the invention could take and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a self-sanitizing device attached to a door handle and according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded side view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top and bottom exploded view of the device of Figure 1, Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 6 (a) and (b) are side view and an exploded side view respectively of a clamshell contact module of a self-sanitizing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 (a) and (b) are perspective and exploded perspective views of the clamshell contact module of Figure 6; Figure 8 (a), and (b) are part views of the manifold end of one part of a clamshell contact module of a self-sanitizing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 (a) and (b) are manifold end view and exploded manifold end view of a clamshell contact module of a self-sanitizing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 (a) and (b are the left and rights side views of a support connection module of a self-sanitizing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present 20 invention; Figure 11 is a back view of a support connection module of a self-sanitizing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 (a) and (b) are top and bottom views respectively of a support connection module of a self-sanitizing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a partial sectional side view of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 (a), (b) and (c) are side views of a secondary reservoir module with tube, and integral secondary module and an integral support connection and secondary reservoir module; and Figure 15 shows cross-sectional views of alternative contact module arrangements.

[00100] With reference to Figure 1 a preferred self-sanitising device (1) is illustrated in-situ attached to a conventional D-shaped door handle (2) and has three key sections namely a clamshell contact module (3, 3'), a support connection module (4) and a secondary reservoir module (5). The two-part clamshell contact module (3, 3') is clamped around the long vertical section of the door handle (2) and the two-parts are clipped securely but reversibly to each other. In this arrangement the exterior surface of the hand contactable delivery material (21, 21') is exposed at the region of the handle (2), which would be gripped by anyone who wished to open a door to which it is secured. Also shown is a circular clamp (6) for aiding in the securing the two-parts of the clamshell contact module (3, 3') to each other and also to provide a friction clamp onto the surface of the door handle (2). This clamp (6) assists with preventing the contact module from moving down the door handle (2) bar during use of the device.

This clamp is secured to the clamshell contact module (3, 3') via a clamshell flange arrangement (partly shown 11') which is located at one end of the clamshell contact module (3, 3') and in the present case this is at the lowest point of the device (1). Also illustrated is an inspection window (7) on the side of the secondary reservoir module (5) so that the level of fluid/gel within the reservoir module may be observed during use of the device (1). It can be seen that the support connection module (4) is arranged so that it covers the top end of the D-shaped door handle (2) and in this embodiment is arranged to have two connections aligned with two axes; one connection is aligned with the central axis of the clamshell contact module (3, 3') and door handle (2) and the other is aligned with the secondary reservoir module (5). These axes through the design of the support connection module (4) are designed to be offset from each other, with the common axis with the secondary reservoir module (5) being located between the door surface and the axis common with the clamshell contact module (3, 3') and door handle (2). This offset arrangement allows the secondary reservoir module (5) to be located further back from the front of the door handle (2) and proximate to the door surface and for the weight of the secondary reservoir module (5) to be primarily located about an axis that passes through a non-vertically orientated portion of the 0-shaped handle. This arrangement is advantageous in ensuring that the secondary reservoir (5) is less prominent during use of the device (1) and therefore less susceptible to being mistakenly and inappropriately grabbed by a user and damaged during use. An additional advantage is that as the weight of the secondary reservoir module (5), in significant part, is supported through the top of the handle (2) less weight is borne by the clamshell contact module (3, 3') and this assists in ensuring that the device (1) remains securely attached to the door handle (2) and remains in the desired location upon the door handle (2).

[00101] The device (1) of Figure 1 is further illustrated in the exploded views of Figures 2, 3, and 4 (a) and (b), where the relationship of the individual components can be seen in more details and other features can be observed. With reference to Figure 2, the secondary reservoir module (5) consists of two components namely a containment (25) and a tube of fluid/gel (8), which is connected to the support connection module (4) via screw thread attachment to an internal flow regulator (20, not shown) secured within the interior of the support connection module (4). Also illustrated is an internal locking flange (9) located at one end of the secondary reservoir module (5) and which on assembly of the device (1), is inserted into and sits in locking arrangement within the body of the support connection module (4) at its top end (13). The support connection module (4) is open at its bottom and back providing a handle cavity (12); on assembly of the device (1) this handle cavity (12) enables the support connection module (4) to be able to be pushed onto and partially envelop the top portion of the D-shaped handle (2) within this cavity. The body of the support connection module (4) has a resiliently flexible locking section (15), which is portion of the connection module body that is relatively free to flex relative to the module body due to the presence of an adjacent slot (15') to this locking section; the locking section is designed to flex and deform as the support connection module (4) is pushed onto the top of the handle (2) and to return to it's pre-flexed state once the support connection module (4) has been fully attached to the top of the handle (2). This arrangement allows the support connection module (4) to be push fitted to the top of the handle (2) with relative ease and ensures that it is in a stable and locked position upon the handle (2) during use of the device (2). This resiliently flexible locking section (15), has enough resilience to ensure the support connection module (4) is securely attached to the door handle (2) but this is also low enough to allow the support connection module (4) to be removed from the door handle (2) when desired. Also illustrated is a lockable guide pin and receiver of an internal cantilever snap-fit (10 and 10') with the guide pin (10) located on the top section (3) of the clamshell contact module (3, 3') and the receiver (10') located within the support connection module (4). During assembly of the device (1), these two features allow the support connection module (4) to accurately align and secure the clamshell contact module (3, 3') on the door handle (2).

[00102] With reference to Figures 3 and 4 additional features illustrated are 14, 16, 18 and 19. On the internal locking flange (9) there is located locking pin (14), which engages with a corresponding locking groove (42, no shown) located within the support connection module top end (13) and upon a flange surface (not shown) that engages with the internal locking flange (9); during use the internal locking flange (9) of the secondary reservoir module (5) is inserted into the top end (13) of the support connection module so that the locking pin (14) engages with the locking groove and upon rotation of the secondary reservoir module (5) locks that module to the support connection module (4). The support connection module (4) and the clamshell contact module (3, 3') are interfaced to each other through co-operating and aligned manifolds (18 and 19). The manifold (18) of the support connection module (4) ensures that the fluid transport conduit(s) (41, not shown) are properly presented to corresponding inlets (36, not shown) at the manifold (19) of the clamshell contact module (3, 3'). Also, shown are the male portions of an annular snap fitting (16) located at the manifold (18), which engage with the corresponding annular female snap fitting (39, not shown), located within the manifold (19). These snap-fitting (16 and 39) ensure that the two manifolds (18 and 19) are tightly engaged and locked to each other after assembly of the device and are arranged optionally to be easily separated for disassembly of the device.

With reference to Figure 5, the section view of the device (1) fully assembled and attached to a D-shaped door handle (2), more clearly shows some of the features of the device. The two halves of the clamshell contact module (3, 3') are shown surrounding the upright bar of a D-shaped door handle (2); the locking clamp (6) has yet to be fully engaged to finally secure the clamshell contact module (3, 3') to the handle (2). The manifold (18) of the support connection module (4) and the manifold (19) of the clamshell contact module (3, 3') are aligned with, engaged with and locked to each other in part by the internal cantilever snap-fit (10 and 10') and the annular snap-fit (16 and 39, not shown). The secondary reservoir module (5), via the internal locking flange (9) of the containment (25) is engaged with and locked to the end (13) of the support connection module (4). A tube (8) of fluid/gel is contained within the containment (25) and is secured to an internal flow regulator (20), which is secured within the support connection module (4); in this instance the tube (8) and the top part of the internal flow regulator (20) are secured to each other via a screw fitting. One of two fluid transport conduits (41) is connected to one of two regulator ports (43, not shown) of the internal flow regulator (20). The fluid transport conduit (41) passes through the open body (12) of the support connection module (4) behind the door handle (2) top section and into the manifold (18). The fluid transport conduit (41) may be secured to the internal walls of the support connection module (4) via clips. The fluid transport conduit (41) is in fluid communication with the manifold interface (18,19) and feed into an inlet (36, not shown) at this interface, which in turn feeds into a liquid distribution channel (26) located within the tray (31) and on the opposite side of the manifold (19) from the inlet (36). This liquid distribution channel (26) preferably follows the arcuate path of the tray surface and is in fluid communication with the primary reservoir (35, not shown), which in this figure is filled with porous absorbent material (27), which absorbs and retains fluid/gel for delivery through the contact material (21). Also shown are contact surfaces (29) on the interior surface of the clam trays (31, 31'), which aid I supporting the clam shell body and offer points of friction between the clam shell body and the door handle (2) surface. As can be seen in the figure the support connection module (4) has a particular shape and form that is dictated by the functions it performs. In the first instance the support connection module (4) comprises a cavity (12) which can accommodate the top-section of the door handle (2). It can be seen that the locking section (10, 10') is designed to abut the exterior outer surface of the door handle (2); in this position the resiliently flexible locking section (15) has been able to deform during attachment of this module and now sits partially enveloping the door handle and assisting with locking the support connection module (4) to the door handle (2). The cavity (12) of the support connection module (4) also provides three other supporting structures (22, 23, 24). The first is a forward support (23), which follows the front contour and abuts the front surface of the door handle (20); in this location this support (23), when the connection module (4) is locked to the contact module (3, 3'), braces the support connection module (4) against the door handle (2). This forward support (23) is preferably foremost of the indicated y-axis. The second is a rear support (22), which is located towards the rear opening of the cavity (12); this rear support (22) sits directly upon and is braced against the horizontal top surface of the door handle (2). The rear support (22) is preferably between the door surface and the indicated x-axis. The third is an internal support (24), which offers a further point of contact and support against the door handle (2) surface. In the form of a ribbed section within the cavity (12) there may be more than one internal support (24), which may also act as a clip support for the fluid transport conduit (41). The arrangement and location of these support features (22, 23, 24) provide for a robust and secure connection and support of the support connection module (4) during use. Of particular note is the location of the rear support (22); in this location it has the additional function of offering support for the secondary reservoir module (5) so that most of the weight of the secondary reservoir module (5) is supported by the top of the door handle (2). The support connection module (4) has indicate axes X and Y that are preferably offset from each other, with the Y axis located foremost of the X axis. The X axis preferably passes through the centre of the secondary reservoir module (5) and behind the vertical portion of the door handle (2). The Y axis preferably passes through the centre of the door handle (2) and by arrangement through the centre of the contact module (3, 3') and the manifolds (18,19) of the connection module (4) the contact module (3, 3'). This offset axes arrangement of the components of the device (1) has the advantage of allowing a desirable weight distribution to be achieved when the device is attached to a door handle (3) and to provide adequate support for the device (1) in use. In addition, in this preferred embodiment it ensures that the front surface of the secondary reservoir module (5) is located behind the front surface of the contact module (3, 3'). During use of the device (1) when the contact delivery material (21) is deformed and compressed by a human hand fluid/gel passes from the primary reservoir (35), which in this case is filed with a porous absorbent material (27) also deformed and compressed, and through the contact delivery material (21) and onto its exterior surface sanitising it. Once the handle (2) is released from huma grip the contact delivery material (21) and porous absorbent material (27) revert to their pre-compressed state and in doing so instigate a relative negative pressure (vacuum effect) within the primary reservoir (35) and this causes fluid/gel to be pumped from the secondary reservoir (8) through the regulator (20) and via the fluid transport conduit (41, 41') into the liquid distribution channel (26, 26'). At this juncture the fluid/gel is able to move across and fill the top opening of the primary reservoir (35) and fluid/gel is able pass in an even distribution into the porous material (27) within the primary reservoir (35) and thus priming this reservoir for the next human contact with the door handle (2) and the contact module (3, 3'). The location of the secondary reservoir (8), being raised a distance above the top of the manifold, assists with the flow of fluid/gel from the secondary reservoir (8) into the primary reservoir (35) by means of gravity and this flow regulated by the internal regulator (20) and/or the rheology and properties of the fluid/gel.

[00103] The modular design of the device (1) allows the connection module (4) to remain secured to the door handle (2) as and when the contact module (3, 3') requires replacing or when the secondary reservoir (5) requires replacement or refiling.

[00104] With reference to Figures 6 (a) and (b) and 7 (a) and (b), it can be seen that each clam tray (31, 31') comprises a set of bonding surfaces (32, 33, 34 and 32', 33', 34') at the edges of the tray (31,31'), which in combination with the upright manifold (19), the upright flange area (11) and the tray interior walls (37, not shown) effectively define the upright edges of the tray. In addition the function bonding surfaces (32, 33, 34 and 32', 33', 34') is to provide a bonding surface for the hand contactable delivery material (21, 21'), which is bonded at its underside peripheral edges to these tray bonding surfaces to enclose the tray and define the primary reservoir (35). In this embodiment the primary reservoir (35) will accommodate porous material (27). The liquid distribution channel (26, 26') of each clam section can be seen proximate to the interior surface of the manifold (19).

[00105] With reference to Figures 8 (a) and (b), the tray interior walls (37) are indicated as is the relationship between the inlet (36) and liquid distribution channel (26). Point 38 indicates the top surface of the tray (31), which defines the bottom surface of the primary reservoir (35).

[00106] With reference to Figures 9 (a) and (b), the manifold end (19) of the contact module (3, 3'), is shown with contact surfaces (40, 40'), the inlets (36, 36'), one for each clam body (3, 3'). Connection features (17, 17', 10, and 39) are also shown.

[00107] With reference to Figures 10 (a) and (b), Figure 11, the connection module (4) is shown in greater detail and in particular the manifold region (18) showing the relationship between various features. As can be seen from Figure 11, the conduits (41) are located proximate to the interior walls of the connection module (4); this means that on assembly the door handle (2) when inserted into the cavity (12) does not impact or damage the conduits (41). Also, observable are the relative locations and dimensions of the resiliently flexible locking section and slot (15, 15'), which is able to flex into an open position to allow the door handle (2) to be inserted into the cavity (12) and is then able to return to the position indicated holding the handle (2) within the cavity.

[00108] With reference to Figures 12 (a) and (b), the connection module (4) is shown in greater detail and in particular the manifold region (18) and the top end (13), where the regulator ports (43) and locking grooves (42) are indicated.

[00109] With reference to Figures 13, the interfaces between the secondary reservoir module (8), the connection module (4) and the contact module (3, 3') are shown in greater detail as discussed with reference to previous Figures.

[00110] With reference to Figure 14 (a), (b) and (c), alternative secondary reservoir modules are illustrated. The arrangement in (a) is as described in previous Figures and consists of a replaceable or refillable tube (8) that has a screw adaptor at one end for attachment to the connection module (4) regulator (20). This tube (8), when in-situ is enclosed by containment (25), which is lockingly engaged with the connection module (4) via the flange (9) and locking pin (14). In the alternative arrangement (b) the secondary reservoir module (44) is a single container (47), which has one end adapted to be secured to the connection module (4). This unitary reservoir module (44) may be replaced for factory refill or may be provided with a refill filler cap as in (c). With embodiment (c) the features of the secondary reservoir and connection module are combined into an integrated module (45) wherein the containment portion (48) for the fluid/gel is integral with the connection portion (49). Also shown is a filler cap (46) for through which the containment (48) may be refilled with fluid/gel. With embodiment (c) the device (1) would consist of two components namely an integrated module (45), which may be connected to a contact module (3, 3').

[00111] With reference to Figure 15 several alternative embodiments of the contact module (3, 3') are shown. Figure (a) shows the two-part clam arrangement already discussed above. Figure (b) shows a simple sleeve arrangement, which is a one-part contact module and would be used when the door handle (2) can be partially disassembled to allow the sleeve arrangement to be used. Figure (c) shows a single piece contact module, which has an opening on one side for the whole length of the module. The dimensions of this slot opening along with the use of resiliently deformable materials in the manufacture of the contact module allows for this module to be push fitted over a round or alternatively shaped door handle (2). This design would potentially allow a single design of contact module to be used with door handles of various cross-section. The embodiment at (d) merely illustrates an embodiment wherein the contact module sections are asymmetrical; in this embodiment more fluid//gel may be dispensed from the top section when compared to the bottom section. Whilst the Figures illustrate door handles with a circular cross-section the invention can be adapted to be used with handles of other cross-sections such as square or rectangle or oval or asymmetrical.

[00112] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers or steps.

[00113] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. Where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features, integers, characteristics, compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

[00114] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A self-sanitising device for storing and discharging sanitising liquid or gel like materials, which device comprises: (a) a contact module comprising a primary reservoir and a hand contactable delivery material; (b) a secondary reservoir module arranged to be secured above the primary reservoir during use of the device; and (c) a support connection module, for connecting the secondary reservoir to the contact module, comprising a conduit system to allow the secondary reservoir to be in fluid communication with the primary reservoir.
2 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module comprises two cooperating sections.
3 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module comprises a two-part clam arrangement.
4 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module and support connection module have co-operating manifolds.
5 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support connection module comprises an internal flow regulator.
6 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module comprises a clamp for securing the module to a door handle.
7 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the secondary reservoir module and a portion of the support module are centred about an axis that passes behind the vertical section of the door handle when the device is attached to the door handle.
8 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module and a portion of the support module are centred about an axis that passes through the centre of the vertical section of any door handle when the device is attached to the door handle.
9 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, comprising the combined features of claims 7 and 8.
A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module comprises a liquid distribution channel arranged perpendicular to the primary reservoir.
11 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module comprises absorbent material in the primary reservoir.
12 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the absorbent material is a nonwoven.
13 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is a spacer fabric.
14 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, arranged so that the fluid of the secondary reservoir may flow from the reservoir through an internal regulator.
15 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support connection module comprises a cavity to accommodate part of a door handle.
16 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support connection module comprises a resiliently flexible locking section.
17 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support connection module comprises a rear support contact.
18 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary reservoir Is a region within the contact module defined by the hand contactable delivery material and a tray surface.
19 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary reservoir is free of liquid/gel prior to assembly of the device.
A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary reservoir is self-plenishing from the secondary reservoir.
21 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary reservoir is in direct fluid communication with the hand contactable delivery material.
22 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ADL layer located adjacent the interior surface of the hand contactable delivery material.
23 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the porous absorbent material sandwiches the ADL layer with the hand contactable delivery material.
24 A self-sanitising device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact module is free of liquid or gel prior to assembly of the device.A self-sanitizing device comprising a hand contactable delivery material and an associated reservoir, wherein the reservoir comprises spacer fabric to accommodate liquid or gel material.