IES85173Y1 - A door handle and door handle cleaner - Google Patents
A door handle and door handle cleanerInfo
- Publication number
- IES85173Y1 IES85173Y1 IE2008/0382A IE20080382A IES85173Y1 IE S85173 Y1 IES85173 Y1 IE S85173Y1 IE 2008/0382 A IE2008/0382 A IE 2008/0382A IE 20080382 A IE20080382 A IE 20080382A IE S85173 Y1 IES85173 Y1 IE S85173Y1
- Authority
- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- door
- handle
- cleaning
- spray
- door handle
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 56
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 230000000249 desinfective Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 4
- 210000002445 Nipples Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 201000009910 diseases by infectious agent Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogens Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000881 depressing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B1/00—Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings
- E05B1/0069—Sanitary doorknobs or handles, e.g. comprising a disinfectant
Abstract
ABSTRACT A cleaning apparatus (100) for cleaning a door handle (103) mounted on a door (101), comprising a cleaning means (102) which in use is operatively connected to a door to apply a disinfectant to the door handle surface when the door is opened or closed. The cleaning means (102) comprises a reservoir of disinfectant liquid (105) and a spray head (102) to spray the disinfectant liquid onto the handle (103) when the door is opened or closed. The spray head (102) is operated by an actuating means (128,150).
Description
A Door Handle and Door Handle Cleaner
The present invention relates to a door handle and door handle cleaner and in
particular to a self cleaning door handle. The invention in particular relates to a toilet door
handle.
With the spread of disease and infection from surfaces, such as door handles, which
are contacted by many individuals a need arises for the regular cleaning or disinfection of
such surfaces. In particular this problem arises in hospitals and other establishments where
there is likely to be a considerable amount of bacteria or other germs. The problem arises
also in public bathrooms and toilets where some individuals fail to wash their hands. In
view of this concern many individuals try to open doors, particularly toilet doors with the
minimum amount of hand contact with the door.
According to the invention there is provided a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a door
handle mounted on a door, comprising a cleaning means which in use is operatively
connected to a door to apply a disinfectant to the door handle surface when the door is
opened or closed. The apparatus comprises a means for applying a disinfectant to the door
handle surface as the door is opened or closed. Preferably, a disinfectant is applied to the
door handle surface each time the door is closed.
Preferably, the cleaning means comprises a reservoir of disinfectant liquid and a spray head
to spray the disinfectant liquid onto the handle when the door is opened or closed.
The spray head is preferably operated by an actuating means.
The actuating means preferably comprises an actuating member which is operativcly
associated with the door frame, such that opening or closing of the door causes movement of
the actuating member to operate the spray head.
A cam member is in use preferably provided on the door frame to move the actuating
member to operate the spray head.
Preferably, the actuating member is in use spring urged against the cam member.
Preferably, the length of the actuating member is adjustable.
The actuating member is preferably hollow and the reservoir of disinfectant is connected to
the spray head by a conduit located within the actuating member.
The spray head preferably comprises a pair of spray outlets in use disposed above the door
handle.
The spray outlets are preferably directed at opposite sides of the door handle.
Preferably, the door handle is elongate.
The door handle is preferably freely rotatable.
In one embodiment preferably, a cleaning element is provided on the door handle, and
means is provided to move the cleaning element over the door handle surface.
The cleaning element may be annular, and a retaining means is provided to hold the cleaning
element in an upper position, the retaining means being released on closing of the door, such
that the cleaning element moves downwardly under gravity to wipe the door handle surface.
The invention further provides a door handle apparatus for mounting on a door comprising a
base member and a handle member, wherein the handle member is mounted on the base
member so as to be freely rotatable.
In another embodiment the disinfectant is applied by moving a cleaning element
across the door handle.
The cleaning element may be in the form of a cleaning pad which is moistened with
a liquid disinfectant or with a spray of disinfectant.
The cleaning pad is preferably treated with a disinfectant each time the door is
opened or closed. Alternatively, the cleaning pad is treated with a disinfectant on an
intermittent basis. The disinfectant may be applied on a time control system.
Preferably, the door handle is elongate and is mounted on the door on the inside part
of the door relative to the room, for example the toilet or bathroom.
The cleaning pad is preferably moved along the door handle by a mechanical system
operated by the opening or closing movement of the door.
The mechanical system preferably comprises a cleaning pad which is retained in a
top position and which is released on closing of the door, to move downwardly under
gravity to wipe the handle surface.
Preferably, a spring means is provided to return the cleaning pad to the top position.
Alternatively, a ratchet mechanism may be provided to move the cleaning pad
between a lower position and an upper position, or vice versa.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;
Figure l is a front view of an embodiment of a cleaning apparatus according to the
invention;
Figure 2 is a side View of the apparatus of Figure 1, with a door in the closed
position;
Figure 3 is a side View of the apparatus of Figure 1 with the door in an open position;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a spray head of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a partial View of the spray head of Figure 4 with the cover removed;
Figure 6 is an underneath plan view of the spray head of Figure 4 in a non-operative
position;
Figure 7 is an underneath plan View of the spray head of Figure 4 in an operative
position;
Figure 8 is a front View of the spray head in an operative position;
Figure 9 and 10 are perspective views of a housing for the spray nozzle;
Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the spray nozzle and housing;
Figure 12 is a perspective View of a door handle apparatus according to an aspect of
the invention;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a door handle apparatus
according to the invention;
Figure 14 is an exploded view of the door handle apparatus of Figure 12;
Figure 15 is a cross—sectiona1vicw of the door handle apparatus of Figure 12.
Figure 16 shows a self cleaning door handle apparatus mounted on a door, according
to the invention;
Figure 17 is a sectional View of the door handle apparatus of Figure 16;
Figure 18 illustrates the operation of the door handle apparatus of Figure 17;
Figure 19 illustrates the operation of the door handle apparatus of Figure 17; and
Figure 20 illustrates the operation of the door handle apparatus of Figure 17;
Referring now to Figures 1 to 15 there is shown therein a cleaning apparatus 100 for
cleaning a door handle mounted on a door 101. The apparatus 100 comprises a spray head
102 mounted above a door handle apparatus 103. The spray head 102 is operatively
connected to an actuating means 104 and a reservoir 105 of disinfectant liquid also mounted
on the door 101.
Referring now to Figures 12 to 15 there is shown therein a door handle apparatus 103
comprising a base member 106 and a handle member 107. The base member 106 comprises
a bracket 108 for securing to the door, and a hollow mounting collar 109, for receiving a
tubular section 110 of the handle member 107. A lower end 111 of the handle member 107
abuts a nylon washer 112 and a tubular section 110 is secured in the collar 109 by a nut 1 13
and a washer 114 and bushing 115, in such a manner that the handle member 107 is freely
rotatable in either direction about its axis on the collar 109. The ‘handle member can
therefore be continually rotated, in either direction and no stop is provided or necessary.
A sleeve 116 of a copper material may optionally be fixed in place over the handle
member 107. Copper is known as an antibacterial material but other materials , may also be
suitable. As a user grips the handle member 107 to open the door, the handle member 107
will rotate a certain amount so that a different part of the handle is contacted the next time
the door is opened. The relevance of this will be described further below.
Referring now to Figures 4, 5, 8 and 11, the spray head 102 comprises a base 117
and a removable cover 118 which is secured in place by bolts 119. Within the spray head
102 there is provided a pair of spray nozzles 131. Each spray nozzle 131 is mounted in a
housing 121 which is mounted to the base 117, by a bracket 122. Each bracket 122 has
pivoted thereon by means of a rod 123 a further bracket 124. The bracket 124 has a groove
125 to accommodate a wheel or cam 126 mounted on a block 127 connected to an actuating
member or rod 128. The base 117 has a guide slot 129 to accommodate a sidewall of the
block 127 to enable the block 127 to move vertically upwards and downwards within the
limits ofthe slot 129.
Each housing 121 has an annular recess 130 to accommodate a spray nozzle 131 and
a boss 132. The boss 132 has a hole 133 through which a tube or conduit 134 is inserted to
connect to the nipple 135 of the spray nozzle 131. The tube 134 which passes through the
hollow interior of the actuating member or rod 128 is connected at the top of the door 101 to
the reservoir 105.
The tube 134 preferably comprises silicon tubing which is particularly flexible. The silicon
tube 134 preferably has an 0.8mm bore which has been found to provide the optimum flow
to the nozzle from the reservoir 105 each time the spray nozzle 131 is actuated, and this size
of tubing is also very effective in priming the spray nozzle when the reservoir is first
connected to the tubing and air has to be expelled from the tubing 134 through the spray
nozzle 131. Further, depending on the type and size of spray nozzle 131 used, it may be
necessary to connect the tubing 134 in conventional manner, to a short length of another
silicon tubing (not shown) to connect to the nipple 135. In the present case the short length
of silicon tubing has a bore of 1.6mm for connecting to the nipple 135.
It will be clear that in use each bracket 124 abuts the respective boss 132 so that if
the bracket 124 pushes the boss inwards into the recess 130 the nozzle 131 is actuated to
emit a spray of liquid as indicated in Figures 7 and 8 from the nozzle opening 135.
Thus, vertical downward movement by the actuating member 128 pushes the block
127 downwards, causes the wheel or cam 126 to push against the brackets 124, which in
turn push the bosses 132 outwardly to activate the nozzles 131. The actuating rod 128 is
spring urged upwardly by a spring means 140 to a raised position in which there is no force
on the brackets 124.
Mounted adjacent to the top of the door 101 is a block 150 which is adjustable
vertically and which accommodates the end of the rod 128. The spring means l4() could be
accommodated, if desired within the block 150. Mounted on top of the block 150 is a cam
or roller 151. A further cam member 160 is mounted on the door frame 161 just above the
block 150.
Referring in particular to Figures 2 and 3 it will be clear that in the open position of
the door the spring means 140 urges the block 150 to an uppermost position in which the rod
128 and block 127 are in their uppermost position and no pressure is exerted on the spray
nozzles 131 by the brackets 124.
However, when the door is closing the roller or cam 151 abuts the underside of the
cam member 160 mounted on the door frame, so that the block 150 and rod 128 are pushed
downwardly against the bias of the spring 140, so that the block 127 in the spray head 102
activates the nozzles 131 and causes a spray of disinfectant fluid to be directed over the
handle 107. As shown in Figures 7 and 8 since the nozzles 131 are positioned above and are
directed downwardly and inwardly towards the handle 107, a spray 200 of the liquid is
directed onto the handle 107.
When the door is next opened, the rod 128 again moves upwardly so that the spray
nozzles are again ready to operate when the door closes again.
Therefore, each time the door closes a spray 200 of liquid is directed onto the handle
107.
It will be appreciated that the spray head may be operated by any suitable form of
actuating means. Thus, the actuating member 128 may be operated by having it operatively
associated with the door frame, or in any other preferred way, so that opening or closing of
the door causes the spray head to activate and spray a jet of disinfectant liquid onto the door
handle.
Also, when a user grips the handle 107 to open the door, and then releases the handle
107, the handle 107 will rotate a little, so that each time the spray head activates, a different
portion of the handle will be brought into alignment with the spray from the spray head.
However, it will also be appreciated that since the spray from the nozzles 135 will be in the
form of a cone type pattern, even if the handle 107 did not rotate the complete handle will
receive an application of the disinfectant spray.
Further, it will be appreciated, that the block 150 will be mounted on the door 101
for slideable vertical movement as the door is opened and closed. Alternatively, it will be
appreciated that the cam or roller 151 may be attached to the top of the rod 128, so that the
rod 128 may move vertically within the block 150. In this case, the block 150 will be
hollow or will have a cylindrical channel 170 to accommodate the uppermost end of the rod
to facilitate upward or downward movement of the rod 128.
Referring now to the Figures 16-20 there is shown therein another embodiment of a
door handle apparatus 10 according to the invention. The door handle apparatus 10
comprises a door handle 11 in the form of an elongate cylinder. The upper end 12 of the
door handle 11 is mounted in a hollow housing 13 which in turn is fixed to the inside surface
14 of a door 15. Similarly, the lower end 16 of the door handle 11 is mounted to a hollow
enclosure 17 which is fixed to the inside surface 14 of the door 15.
The housing 17 includes a conduit 18 for a coil spring 19 which is connected to a
cable 20. The end of the coil spring 19 is provided with a plate 21. A spring loaded catch
22 is provided at the lower end 16 of the handle 11 so as to retain the coil spring 19 in a
compressed state within the conduit 18,
An annular cleaning head 23 is provided on the handle 11 and is free to move
upwardly and downwardly on the handle 11 to clean the handle surface. The cleaning head
23 may comprise a cloth material or pad or alternatively may comprise a brush type cleaning
head including a plurality of bristles. A spring loaded catch 24 is located at the top end 12
of the door handle 11 to retain the cleaning head 23 in the upward position as shown in
Figure 17.
A housing 25 is provided in the enclosure 13 and contains two nozzles 26. The
housing 25 is attached to an operating arm 27 which is pivoted at coupling 28. The housing
is connected to a feed tube 29 which is connected to a reservoir 30 of disinfectant fluid in
the housing 17,
The spring loaded catch 24 is attached to an arm 31 which is moved horizontally to
release the catch 24 thereby allowing the pad 23 to fall downwardly along the handle and
clean the handle surface by wiping it. The feed tube 29 supplies disinfectant liquid from the
reservoir 30 to the housing 25 which directs a spray of the liquid through the nozzles 26 onto
the pad 23. The arm 27 serves to operate the nozzles 26 so that when the arm 27 is moved it
activates the housing 25 to provide a spray of liquid on to the pad 23. The housing 25 and
arm 27 are arranged to operate in a similar fashion to a conventional liquid spray operated
by depressing the actuator of a container containing liquid.
A lever 40 is mounted on the door and is connected to the coupling 28 and is spring
urged upwardly, by a spring (not shown) in the coupling. The lever 40 projects very slightly
above the top of the door to engage the top 41 of the door frame 42 when the door is in a
closed position. In this position the spring loaded lever 40 is moved downwards on making
contact with the door frame (or on making contact with a bracket [not shown] attached to the
door frame).
As the lever 40 is pushed downwards, it pulls with it lever 27 and arm 31. This in
tum causes housing 25 to activate and the nozzles 26 spray disinfectant fluid on to the
handle 1 l and the cleaning pad 23. At the same time the spring loaded catch 24 is moved to
release the cleaning pad 23 so that it may fall downwardly along the handle Figure 18 thus
spreading the disinfectant fluid, along the handle surface to clean and disinfect it.
It will be noted that the cleaning head 23 may be attached to the handle 11 by means
of one ring inside the handle and one on the outside with the rings connected by a flange
projecting through a slot (not shown) in the handle 11.
As the cleaning head 23 falls freely down the handle 11 the ring inside the handle
makes contact with the catch 22 so that as the catch 22 is moved it releases compressed
spring 19 which then extends back up through the hollow handle 11 pushing the cleaning
head 23 back up along the handle 11 and forcing it into a primed position once again to be
retained in place with the catch 24, Figure 19.
As shown the plate 21 of the spring 19 is attached to a cable 20 which is connected
along the door but the end 61 is attached to the door frame at 62. As the door is opened,
with the cable attached to the door frame, the spring 19 is retracted into conduit 18 and
compressed again until it is retained by the spring loaded catch 22, which engages with the
handle 11, Figure 18.
The invention provides a simple, reliable and inexpensive cleaning apparatus for a
door handle which has application in a number of environments including hospitals and
restaurants, hotels, theatres etc. The invention will serve to reduce the spread of bacteria
and infection by reducing or eliminating contamination on surfaces commonly touched by
individuals, and in particular door handles in toilets and restrooms.
It will be appreciated that other mechanical systems for example a ratchet
mechanism may be employed to move a cleaning head over a handle surface. Also, suitable
electronic or electrical apparatus may be employed to move a cleaning element over a
handle surface and other modifications are envisaged, if desirable including timing systems
to intennittently wipe a handle or drying apparatus.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be
amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (5)
- l. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a door handle mounted on a door, comprising a cleaning means which in use is operatively connected to a door to apply a disinfectant to the door handle surface when the door is opened or closed.
- 2. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in Claiml wherein the cleaning means comprises a reservoir of disinfectant liquid and a spray head to spray the disinfectant liquid onto the handle when the door is opened or closed.
- 3. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the spray head is operated by an actuating means comprising an actuating member which is operatively associated with the door frame, such that opening or closing of the door causes movement of the actuating member to operate the spray head.
- 4. A cleaning apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 wherein a cam member is in use provided on the door frame to move the actuating member to operate the spray head.
- 5. A door handle apparatus for mounting on a door comprising a base member and a handle member, wherein the handle member is mounted on the base member so as to be freely rotatable.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IEIRELAND18/05/2007S2007/0363 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
IE20080382U1 IE20080382U1 (en) | 2008-11-26 |
IES85173Y1 true IES85173Y1 (en) | 2009-03-18 |
Family
ID=
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100147974A1 (en) | Door Handle and Door Handle Cleaner | |
CN107580505B (en) | Disinfection apparatus | |
US6237812B1 (en) | Aerosol dispensing system | |
US7338646B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for disinfecting items | |
US10487537B2 (en) | Cleaning device for door handles and push plates | |
KR20100028587A (en) | Device to promote hand sanitization | |
US11819170B2 (en) | Cleaning toilet seats | |
US9993124B2 (en) | Cleaning toilet seats | |
US20100037381A1 (en) | Toilet apparatus | |
IES85173Y1 (en) | A door handle and door handle cleaner | |
CN111818829B (en) | Dispenser and cleaning combination | |
AU2015201959A1 (en) | A door handle and door handle cleaner | |
IE20080382U1 (en) | A door handle and door handle cleaner | |
WO2013153168A1 (en) | Door handle with disinfectant spray | |
WO2012130577A2 (en) | Door handle cleaning apparatus | |
US20090101665A1 (en) | Hygenic soap and towel dispensing product | |
US20060248639A1 (en) | Bidet and method of using the same | |
WO2001045533A3 (en) | Cleaning device and method of use | |
KR200479513Y1 (en) | sweeping device | |
IE20120122U1 (en) | Door handle cleaning apparatus | |
IE20130314U1 (en) | Cleaning device for door handles and push plates | |
IE20130124U1 (en) | Door handle with disinfectant spray |