US20070283490A1 - Door handle sanitation system - Google Patents
Door handle sanitation system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070283490A1 US20070283490A1 US11/423,007 US42300706A US2007283490A1 US 20070283490 A1 US20070283490 A1 US 20070283490A1 US 42300706 A US42300706 A US 42300706A US 2007283490 A1 US2007283490 A1 US 2007283490A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- dispensing
- door
- restroom
- receptacle
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/42—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked
- A47K10/424—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked dispensing from the bottom part of the dispenser
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/46—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper with means for storing soiled towels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/3266—Wet wipes
Definitions
- the present invention is directed toward an apparatus for sanitary exiting of public restroom facilities.
- the present invention provides a device for convenient, sanitary use of public restroom door handles during opening the door while exiting.
- the present invention provides a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that is effective, easy to use, and aids in controlling the spread of infectious disease.
- practice of the present invention involves a combination of components so configured as to provide an effective barrier between the handle of a restroom door and the patron's hand, while simultaneously providing for the sanitary disposal of any waste produced.
- the preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a door mounting member, a towel dispensing member, and a waste receptacle member in a novel, yet non-obvious configuration for placement in conjunction with the interior of a restroom door.
- the towel dispensing member is configured in the upper portion of the mounting member.
- the towel dispensing member is further configured to store and dispense a plurality of facial tissues, paper towels, or sanitary wipes positioned at a convenient height for the typical restroom patron.
- a waste receptacle member is mounted to the door mounting member beneath the towel dispensing member at such a distance from the dispensing member as to allow convenient access of the restroom patron.
- the mounting member is mounted to the interior of a restroom door at a height, which gives convenient access to a typical restroom patron.
- the preferred embodiment of the present invention is envisioned to be used in the following manner. First, the restroom patron thoroughly washes and dries their hands as known in the art. Next, the patron proceeds to the restroom exit door, wherein they remove a towel from the towel dispenser, apply the towel to the door handle, and open the door. Finally, as the patron exits the doorway, the towel is deposited into the waste receptacle member for sanitary disposal.
- an embodiment of the present invention provides a system for sanitary access to a public restroom door handle as well as disposal of any waste generated, while supplying a highly effective, convenient and simple method for preventing the spread of infectious disease.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention installed to the interior of a restroom door.
- a device for providing sanitary access to the handle of a restroom door is shown installed to the interior of a restroom door and generally designated by the numeral 10 .
- Device ( 10 ) may be comprised of any number of materials as known in the art including a number of metallic materials or injection molded thermoplastic materials.
- the primary components of the present invention incorporate a mounting member ( 12 ), a dispensing member ( 14 ), and a receptacle member ( 16 ).
- dispensing member ( 14 ) is attached to mounting member ( 12 ) in a manner suitable to the materials chosen as known in the art. Dispensing member ( 14 ) is attached to the upper portion of mounting member ( 14 ) and configured is such a way as to allow easy access to the dispensing units ( 18 ) to an average sized restroom patron when properly mounted. Additionally, receptacle ( 16 ) is configured near the lower portion mounting member ( 14 ) such that adequate space exists between dispenser ( 14 ) and receptacle ( 16 ) to allow convenient access to each. Finally, mounting member ( 12 ) is configured to mount to door ( 20 ) by any of a number of mounting means ( 22 ) as known in the art, such as adhesive or fasteners. Finally, device ( 10 ) is mounted to door ( 20 ) so as to allow convenient access of both the dispensing member and the receptacle member to a typical, public restroom patron.
- dispensing units ( 18 ) comprise a moist towelette, saturated in an antibacterial solution. This solution enhances the disease prevention function of device ( 10 ) by adding an additional cleansing step to both the user's hands and the restroom door handle ( 24 ).
- dispensing units may also be plain facial tissues or paper towels as known in the art.
- device ( 10 ) may be used in the following manner. First, a restroom patron thoroughly washes their hands. Next, the patron proceeds to door ( 20 ) and retrieves one dispensing unit ( 18 ) from dispensing member ( 14 ). The patron then applies dispensing unit ( 18 ) to handle ( 24 ) of door ( 20 ), while opening door ( 20 ), as a barrier between the patron's hand and handle ( 24 ) of door ( 20 ) itself. Finally, prior to their final exit, patron deposits dispensing unit ( 18 ) into receptacle member ( 16 ).
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for sanitary exiting of public restroom facilities. In particular, the present invention provides a device for convenient, sanitary use of public restroom door handles during opening the door while exiting. A device is configured to the interior of a restroom door where a dispenser is mounted above a receptacle unit. The dispenser may contain antibacterial wipes, paper towels, or facial tissues. A restroom patron, after washing their hands, removes a towelette from the dispenser and applies it to the restroom door handle as a barrier between their hand and the handle. The restroom patron then deposits the towelette in the receptacle unit prior to exiting the restroom.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for sanitary exiting of public restroom facilities. In particular, the present invention provides a device for convenient, sanitary use of public restroom door handles during opening the door while exiting.
- 2. Background Information
- It has been well documented that frequent hand washing is the best method of preventing the spread of infectious disease, whether bacterial in nature or viral in nature. This simple method of disease prevention and control has been endorsed from nearly every medical source from the American Medical Association to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, no matter how effective the measure of prevention may be, it only works if it is consistently practiced. Moreover, in a situation where a number of people are continuously contacting a particular surface, it only takes one person's failure to practice proper hygiene to potentially infect the others.
- No place is this more prevalent than public restroom facilities. By the nature of the facility persons leaving the facility without thoroughly washing their hands potentially transport numerous germs and bacteria. To compound the potential for spreading the same, persons leaving a public restroom facility are all touching the same spot, the door handle. This, of course, presents no problems if everyone practices proper hygiene; however, clearly everyone does not.
- In order to combat this problem, many take an extra precaution when leaving the restroom. After drying their hands, they take an extra paper towel and use it as a barrier between their hand and the door when opening the door. However, in most restrooms, a waste basket is not conveniently place near the exit, leaving the restroom patron to either take the paper towel with them or drop it at the entrance of the door. The latter, in turn, leads to a host of other sanitation problems. Additionally, many restrooms now utilize automatic, hot air hand dryers, leaving the sanitary patron no alternative outside of taking their chances that all those that previously accessed the door also practiced thorough hand washing techniques.
- In view of the limitations of products currently known in the art, a tremendous need exists for a convenient apparatus for sanitary access to the handle of a public restroom door. Applicant's invention, by its novel design provides a solution in view of currently available devices.
- In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that is convenient.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that is effective.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that is simple to use.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that creates a barrier between a person's hand and the handle of a door.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that aids in the prevention of infectious disease.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that provides for disposal of any waste produced.
- In satisfaction of these and other related objectives, the present invention provides a device for sanitary access to a restroom door handle that is effective, easy to use, and aids in controlling the spread of infectious disease. As will be discussed in the specification to follow, practice of the present invention involves a combination of components so configured as to provide an effective barrier between the handle of a restroom door and the patron's hand, while simultaneously providing for the sanitary disposal of any waste produced.
- The preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a door mounting member, a towel dispensing member, and a waste receptacle member in a novel, yet non-obvious configuration for placement in conjunction with the interior of a restroom door. The towel dispensing member is configured in the upper portion of the mounting member. The towel dispensing member is further configured to store and dispense a plurality of facial tissues, paper towels, or sanitary wipes positioned at a convenient height for the typical restroom patron. Additionally, a waste receptacle member is mounted to the door mounting member beneath the towel dispensing member at such a distance from the dispensing member as to allow convenient access of the restroom patron. Finally, the mounting member is mounted to the interior of a restroom door at a height, which gives convenient access to a typical restroom patron.
- In practice, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is envisioned to be used in the following manner. First, the restroom patron thoroughly washes and dries their hands as known in the art. Next, the patron proceeds to the restroom exit door, wherein they remove a towel from the towel dispenser, apply the towel to the door handle, and open the door. Finally, as the patron exits the doorway, the towel is deposited into the waste receptacle member for sanitary disposal.
- In summary, then, an embodiment of the present invention provides a system for sanitary access to a public restroom door handle as well as disposal of any waste generated, while supplying a highly effective, convenient and simple method for preventing the spread of infectious disease.
- Applicant's invention may be further understood from a description of the accompanying drawings, wherein unless otherwise specified, like referenced numerals are intended to depict like components in the various views.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention installed to the interior of a restroom door. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a device for providing sanitary access to the handle of a restroom door is shown installed to the interior of a restroom door and generally designated by thenumeral 10. Device (10) may be comprised of any number of materials as known in the art including a number of metallic materials or injection molded thermoplastic materials. In the preferred embodiment, the primary components of the present invention incorporate a mounting member (12), a dispensing member (14), and a receptacle member (16). - Still referring to
FIG. 1 , dispensing member (14) is attached to mounting member (12) in a manner suitable to the materials chosen as known in the art. Dispensing member (14) is attached to the upper portion of mounting member (14) and configured is such a way as to allow easy access to the dispensing units (18) to an average sized restroom patron when properly mounted. Additionally, receptacle (16) is configured near the lower portion mounting member (14) such that adequate space exists between dispenser (14) and receptacle (16) to allow convenient access to each. Finally, mounting member (12) is configured to mount to door (20) by any of a number of mounting means (22) as known in the art, such as adhesive or fasteners. Finally, device (10) is mounted to door (20) so as to allow convenient access of both the dispensing member and the receptacle member to a typical, public restroom patron. - In the preferred embodiment, dispensing units (18) comprise a moist towelette, saturated in an antibacterial solution. This solution enhances the disease prevention function of device (10) by adding an additional cleansing step to both the user's hands and the restroom door handle (24). However, dispensing units may also be plain facial tissues or paper towels as known in the art.
- In practice, device (10) may be used in the following manner. First, a restroom patron thoroughly washes their hands. Next, the patron proceeds to door (20) and retrieves one dispensing unit (18) from dispensing member (14). The patron then applies dispensing unit (18) to handle (24) of door (20), while opening door (20), as a barrier between the patron's hand and handle (24) of door (20) itself. Finally, prior to their final exit, patron deposits dispensing unit (18) into receptacle member (16).
- Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.
Claims (13)
1. An apparatus for sanitary access to a restroom door handle, comprising:
a mounting member, said mounting member configured for mounting said apparatus to a door via an attachment means;
a dispensing member, said dispensing member configured for substantially enclosing a plurality of dispensing units, said dispensing member having an opening for manually dispensing said dispensing units, said dispensing member being attached to the upper portion of said mounting member; and
a receptacle member, said receptacle member being attached to the lower portion of said mounting member, said receptacle member being positioned beneath said dispensing member.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of dispensing units are moist towelettes saturated in antibacterial solution.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of dispensing units are paper towels.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plurality of dispensing units are facial tissues.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment means is an adhesive.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment means is a fastener.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receptacle member is larger in size than said dispensing member.
8. A restroom door unit, comprising:
a door member;
a handle member, said handle member attached to said door member;
a mounting member, said mounting member attached to said door member via an attachment means, said mounting member positioned adjacent said handle member;
a dispensing member, said dispensing member attached to the upper portion of said mounting member, said dispensing member configured to substantially enclose a plurality of dispensing units, said dispensing member configured to manually dispense said dispensing units; and
a receptacle member, said receptacle member attached to the lower portion of said mounting member, said receptacle member configured beneath said dispensing member, said receptacle member being larger in size than said dispensing member.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said attachment means is an adhesive.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said attachment means is a fastener.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said plurality of dispensing units are moist towelettes saturated with antibacterial solution.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said plurality of dispensing units are paper towels.
13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said plurality of dispensing units are facial tissues.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/423,007 US20070283490A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-06-08 | Door handle sanitation system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/423,007 US20070283490A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-06-08 | Door handle sanitation system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070283490A1 true US20070283490A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
Family
ID=38820375
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/423,007 Abandoned US20070283490A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2006-06-08 | Door handle sanitation system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070283490A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100294806A1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2010-11-25 | Mcdowell Thomas | Door Handle and Antibacterial Dispenser |
US20120228322A1 (en) * | 2010-11-17 | 2012-09-13 | William Comerford | Wall mounted tissue press with integrated tissue dispenser |
US20140137369A1 (en) * | 2012-11-15 | 2014-05-22 | Brylin Innovations, LLC | Self-sanitizing door handle |
USD796222S1 (en) | 2016-07-21 | 2017-09-05 | Stanley Hodges, Sr. | Door mounted tissue dispenser |
US20220133101A1 (en) * | 2020-11-03 | 2022-05-05 | Thomas J. TRIOLA | Paper dispenser |
US20220249305A1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-11 | Sharon Norman | Clean Diaper and Wipe Dispensing Cabinet |
US11426861B2 (en) | 2018-08-28 | 2022-08-30 | Sheryl A Fulkerson | Special compact and portable door pull for sanitary use |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4644689A (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1987-02-24 | Arians Michael W | Sanitary device |
US6237805B1 (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 2001-05-29 | Mike J. Katsanevas | Door towel dispenser |
US6264035B1 (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 2001-07-24 | Orange Plastics, Inc. | Dispenser for merchandise bags |
US6299892B1 (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 2001-10-09 | Robert A. Schmitz | Composition of matter having bioactive properties |
US6364156B1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2002-04-02 | Paul C. Smith | Goods dispenser |
US20030197026A1 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2003-10-23 | Ashe Jason C. | Sanitizing stand and method for dispensing free public health cleaning and sanitizing supplies |
-
2006
- 2006-06-08 US US11/423,007 patent/US20070283490A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4644689A (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1987-02-24 | Arians Michael W | Sanitary device |
US6299892B1 (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 2001-10-09 | Robert A. Schmitz | Composition of matter having bioactive properties |
US6264035B1 (en) * | 1997-01-20 | 2001-07-24 | Orange Plastics, Inc. | Dispenser for merchandise bags |
US6237805B1 (en) * | 1997-11-12 | 2001-05-29 | Mike J. Katsanevas | Door towel dispenser |
US6364156B1 (en) * | 1999-03-11 | 2002-04-02 | Paul C. Smith | Goods dispenser |
US20030197026A1 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2003-10-23 | Ashe Jason C. | Sanitizing stand and method for dispensing free public health cleaning and sanitizing supplies |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100294806A1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2010-11-25 | Mcdowell Thomas | Door Handle and Antibacterial Dispenser |
US20120228322A1 (en) * | 2010-11-17 | 2012-09-13 | William Comerford | Wall mounted tissue press with integrated tissue dispenser |
US8783508B2 (en) * | 2010-11-17 | 2014-07-22 | William P. Comerford | Wall mounted tissue press with integrated tissue dispenser |
US20140137369A1 (en) * | 2012-11-15 | 2014-05-22 | Brylin Innovations, LLC | Self-sanitizing door handle |
USD796222S1 (en) | 2016-07-21 | 2017-09-05 | Stanley Hodges, Sr. | Door mounted tissue dispenser |
US11426861B2 (en) | 2018-08-28 | 2022-08-30 | Sheryl A Fulkerson | Special compact and portable door pull for sanitary use |
US20220133101A1 (en) * | 2020-11-03 | 2022-05-05 | Thomas J. TRIOLA | Paper dispenser |
US20220249305A1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-11 | Sharon Norman | Clean Diaper and Wipe Dispensing Cabinet |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9175498B2 (en) | Sanitary dispensing system | |
US20070283490A1 (en) | Door handle sanitation system | |
US6749148B2 (en) | Commercially modeled portable towelette dispenser system with sensor means | |
US20060289558A1 (en) | Publicly-accessible moist hand cleaning wipe station | |
US6213424B1 (en) | Towelette dispenser apparatus | |
EP0901336B1 (en) | Automatic hand washing and drying apparatus including combined blow drying means and towel dispensing means | |
US7357274B2 (en) | Tissue dispenser | |
US6789695B1 (en) | Door handle disinfecting/cover dispensing system | |
US7588168B2 (en) | Combination dispenser for carrying product dispensers | |
US6968982B1 (en) | Multiple-mist dispenser | |
US2814081A (en) | Rapid hand sanitizer | |
US20100163569A1 (en) | Publicly-accessible moist hand cleaning wipe station | |
CA2820789C (en) | An apparatus for drying and sanitizing hands | |
US6237805B1 (en) | Door towel dispenser | |
US6508383B2 (en) | Door sanitation system | |
CA2757878C (en) | A wall mounted tissue press with integrated tissue dispenser | |
US20060151519A1 (en) | Restroom sanitary exit methodology and system | |
US8372207B1 (en) | Method of and apparatus for maintaining hygiene for upper extremity amputation or hemiplegia | |
US20040020815A1 (en) | Hygienic device and method for particular use in grasping a doorknob | |
US20210146409A1 (en) | Restroom cleaning management system method of use | |
WO2006084107A2 (en) | Sanitizing device and method of sanitizing | |
US8551398B1 (en) | Disinfectant handle covering and method of applying | |
US6353971B1 (en) | Touchless door pull apparatus | |
US20040020799A1 (en) | Hygienic device and method for use | |
US20060208130A1 (en) | Pre-moistened towelette dispenser |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |