US20220257069A1

US20220257069A1 - Hand dryer splash guard

Info

Publication number: US20220257069A1
Application number: US17/566,743
Authority: US
Inventors: Hussan Lal
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-12
Filing date: 2021-12-31
Publication date: 2022-08-18

Abstract

The invention discloses a splash guard that may be retrofitted to a hand dryer device to avoid spraying of water on the floor and on the walls. The splash guard is attached underneath the dryer device and is configured to catch the water displaced from a user's drying wet hands. The splash guard is formed of a housing that has side walls, a base, a perforated drip tray and a drawer arrangement to hold the displaced water. The housing is hollow and open fronted, for users to place their hands under the dryer device. The surface of the drip tray is anti-reflective and has perforations that stop water from splashing. The displaced water is directed to drip into the drawer that store up the exiting water to be removed at a later time. The drawer has transparent windows to indicate the level of water in the drawer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a complete specification of provisional patent application No. 63/148,786 entitled “HAND DRYER SPLASH GUARD” filed on Dec. 2, 2021.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure generally relates to drying implements and in particular to a splash guard that may be attached to a hand dryer to control the spray created by the hand dryer. The product applies to Category 21 (WIPO) anti spray, washrooms and drying apparatus. It also is applicable to these sub-categories D 0350 drying apparatus (serial number) S 0164 110097 (Basic No) D 0351, drying apparatus and installations S 0157 110222D 0348, dryers (Air) S 0161 110013, H 0023 Hair driers [dryers] S 0158 110095 H 0055, Hand drying apparatus for washrooms S 0160 110223.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Most washrooms are fitted with hand dryers as a cost-effective and non-touch means of drying a person's hands. This removes the need for environmentally harmful hand drying methods such as paper towels, or unhygienic options such as shared towels. Traditional hand dryers rely on blowing hot air to evaporate water off of a person's hands. Newer and more effective hand dryers tend to push water off of the hands using concentrated air pressure. The air pressure method forces liquid off of the hands of the user. The problem with the air pressure method is that the water being pushed by the concentrated air pressure sprays around the washroom. This leaves puddles of water on the floor creating slip hazards, and germs contained in the spray are spread around the washroom. Also mold appears on the grout between the tiles. Further cleaning the floors and the doors at regular intervals have to be done to get rid of the splashed water which will increase the cost of labor and cleaning products. The most sought-after hand dryers are those that can dry hands in the fastest way. To achieve this, they must deliver higher air pressures, which leads to a greater spray effect.
A splash guard for hand dryers that eliminates or reduces water from being splashed from the hands during the drying process onto the nearby walls and floor is disclosed in the patent application WO2013/082572. The splash guard may be configured to mount below existing wall mounted hand dryers or may include an integrated blower assembly having a blower positioned in the lower portion of the splash guard, such a below the outlet nozzle and the hands being dried. The invention in CN109222717 provides a hand washer capable of detecting bacteria, and belongs to the field of cleaning devices. The hand washer includes a main housing, a hand-washing function assembly and a control panel. The hand washing functional assembly is installed inside the main housing, comprises a mounting plate and a water supply part, a hand washing liquid part, a drying part, a bacterial detection and identification device and a sensor mounted on the mounting plate, and a control board for system control is also mounted in the main case, wherein the control board is respectively connected with the water supply part, the hand washing liquid part, the drying part, the bacterial detection and identification device and the sensor.
The application WO2018/220689 discloses a hand-drying device that comprises a water-receiving part that includes a bottom-surface-side water-receiving part that is divided into a detachable bottom-surface part, which is disposed below the hand insertion part and is removable, and a fixed bottom-surface part, which is disposed below the hand insertion part and is not removable. The detachable bottom-surface part is supported by the drain water container. However, when the water from the hands of the user fails on the surface of the water container there is a possibility that due to the pressure of the air from the hand-drying water may splash from the surface. Hence there is a need for a system or a device that helps control the effects of spray or splash created by high pressure hand dryers. An apparatus that may be retro fitted to a hand dryer to avoid spray on the walls and the floor is disclosed. The apparatus is easy to operate, install, maintain and is cost effective. The key elements of the product invention are to minimize potential hazards such as slips and falls, to reduce germs and bacteria spreading, to stop the water splashing and collecting under the hand dryer once the user has used the appliance, to eliminate mold appearing on the grout between tiles, to minimize cleaning processes and intervals, to facilitate differently abled or people on wheel chairs with easy cleaning without making their own clothes dirty from the dispersed or splashed water from their hands during hand drying; all of which will benefit companies in reducing expenditure in both labor and cleaning products (costs).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technology improvements have contributed to a rise in the number of hand dryer devices and equipment available to companies and other [public] users. Indeed, hand dryers are important as they impact on personal hygiene whilst creating an environment where all can have a mutually beneficial hygienic experience.
With a background in design engineering, one often looks for solutions beneficial to both professional development and the convenient needs of others. The nature of one's profession means the daily use of public washrooms. This prompted a recognition and identification of health-safety and hygiene concerns involving the use of public washrooms, a problem that is rather commonplace in public washroom facilities.
I viewed carefully existing hand dryers; firstly, to determine their manufacturing utility; and secondly, to ascertain whether or not modifications are needed, or even a new product invention for a general public hygiene boost for washrooms. I found that there was often moldy grout between tiles under the hand dryers due to water spray, with odor resulting from discoloration of the grout onto the tiles. This situation prevailed regardless of routine hygiene checks by staffers/cleaners.
I observed the way in which most conventional hand dryers were installed and operated. Water tended to leave puddles or slip hazards once the user has operated it. This became a personal and public concern as well since this situation can result in the growth and spread of bacteria. It can lead to frequent accidents which can involve companies facing unnecessary law suits for damages caused by injuries to customers and other washroom users.
I have spent considerable time combining personal research with formal investigation into patents professionals. I consulted extensively with corporates and other food companies, to verify if this new product invention has any merit to environmental policies particularly during the global pandemic. Throughout verbal communication with management teams, they all expressed concerns and possible ways of combating problems associated with hand dryers. Positive feedback from business owners/managers altogether, further reinforced the desire and fulsome need, for this new product.
Thereafter, I finally designed the product that was literally achieved through a series of professional computer-aided design (CAD). This process consisted of labor-intensive work, under my guidance as the inventor, with the creation of over a hundred different 3D prototypes. This coupled with intensive 3D printing and over eleven months of designing, prototyping and testing, in an attempt to achieve product perfection. In the process, I acquired rudimentary and other high-tech skills in operating a 3D printer to reduce the heavy cost of prototyping. Eventually. I created my own prototype testing facility to achieve product perfection that is reflective of the modern hand dryer equipment.
The idea here is to demonstrate product efficacy in terms of technology improvements. The latter will be most demonstrative by the product's users finding it easy to operate. Companies and other public washroom providers will recognize the cost-effectiveness of the product, easy installation and less difficulty in product maintenance. In general terms, this new hand dryer aims to improve hygiene protocols for mass customer-users whilst enhancing the eco-friendlier image and reputation of companies and other public entities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a splash guard for a drying device. The splash guard includes a housing having a first side surface, a second side surface, a back surface, a base and a drawer fitting portion in a bottom surface. In various embodiments the base includes a hole incorporated in a predetermined position to allow a fluid to flow through it. In various embodiments the drawer includes a drawer front portion, a drawer back portion, a first drawer side portion and a second drawer side portion, removably fitted to the drawer fitting portion and comprising a recess molded at the bottom surface to facilitate removing the drawer from the drawer fitting portion. In various embodiments a perforated drip tray is removably attached over the base, wherein the drip tray is configured to prevent splashing of a fluid displaced from a drying wet surface and direct the fluid to the hole. The splash guard further includes a hook having a first end attached to the back surface and a second end having a locking attachment fitting into the recess and configured to hold the drawer in a locked position.
In some embodiments the perforated drip tray has an anti-reflective surface. In various embodiments the perforated drip tray includes an aperture that fits along the circumference of the hole in the base. In various embodiments the drawer is configured to receive the fluid from the hole. In various embodiments the drawer front portion has one or more fluid level indicators and a notch. In some embodiments the drawer includes a heater element tray placed inside the drawer. The heater element tray is configured to be heated up and dry the fluid when the dryer device turns on. In various embodiments the drawer back portion has an opening. In various embodiments the hole is configured to fit a tubular extension to drain the fluid to a drainage system. In various embodiments the hook is L shaped. In various embodiments the hook is made of a polymer.
In various embodiments the back surface includes a geometric shape selected from circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape. In various embodiments the back surface includes holes to attach the splash guard to a surface through screws. In various embodiments the surface includes wall, cupboard or portable stands. In various embodiments the housing includes a geometric shape selected from circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape. In various embodiments the splash guard is made of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, polycarbonate, aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, or any suitable material. In various embodiments the splash guard has an anti-microbial coating.
The Claim advantages being made are in accordance with the benefits to be derived from this invention. The product will aid in the improvement in hygiene standards with less odor emanating from lavatories and/or washrooms. Enable reduction in potential hazards; namely slips and falls, all of which can result in litigation against companies. The product will contribute to improved washroom hygiene, with limitless business benefits. These benefits are: increased employee productivity, increased engagement and morale. Customer retention, positive word-of-mouth and increased sale are all likely as well. Incrementally, such benefits can be converted into increased profit margins. Also, this product will have cost-impact benefits on companies and public concerns in terms of reducing labor cost by at least 30%.
Moreover, the hand dryer splash guard according to one embodiment behaves as a guard for a disabled person using a wheelchair as it prevents the water from their hands to splash over their own clothes and face. People on wheelchair when uses a public washroom and tends to clean their hands using hand dryers, they have to position beneath the hand dryer which ultimately causes water from their hands to splash over their body, face and clothes. In an embodiment, the splash guard of present disclosure installs beneath the hand dryer to collect the water being splashed during the drying of hands.
Additionally, the product invention will have key elements of durability, affordability and warranty. For instance, anti-microbial coating will be used to enhance product endurance. By applying this type of material also, it will help to keep the surface of the product cleaner by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. The product has been carefully designed to reduce the cleaning cost on labor and cleaning products on a daily basis. Its cost-effectiveness will be evidenced through a company installing this product and seeing productivity within eighty weeks of installation. The product itself, will have a standard one-year guarantee or warranty.
This and other aspects are described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention has other advantages and features, which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a splash guard, in isometric view.

FIG. 2A shows the splash guard, in side views, showing the housing.

FIG. 2B shows the splash guard, in front view.

FIG. 2C illustrates the back-side view of the splash guard.

FIG. 3 illustrates the perforated drip tray, in isometric view.

FIG. 4A illustrates the drawer, in isometric view.

FIG. 4B illustrates the drawer handle in the recess.

FIG. 5 illustrates the exploded view of the hand dryer splash guard.

FIG. 6 illustrates the exploded view of the hand dryer splash guard, in the backward direction.

FIG. 7 illustrates the tubular extension fitted to the hole in the base.

FIG. 8 illustrates the molding of the tubular extension on the bottom side of the housing.

FIG. 9 shows the opening in the drawer that accommodates the tubular extension.

FIG. 10 shows the hook, in an isometric view.

FIG. 11A shows the front view of dryer device and the splash guard.

FIG. 11B shows the side view of the dryer device along with the splash guard.

FIG. 11C shows the side view of the dryer device and the splash guard, with the splash guard placed much below the dryer device.

FIG. 12A illustrates the fitting of the back surface of the splash guard and the v-shaped hand dryer.

FIG. 12B shows the v-shaped hand dryer fitted with the splash guard.

Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

While the invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.
Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Additionally, a reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural unless otherwise stated or inconsistent with the disclosure herein.
The present subject matter is further described with reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 11B. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. It is thus understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, examples, and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The invention discloses a splash guard that may be retrofitted to a hand dryer device to avoid spraying of water on the floor and on the walls. The splash guard is attached underneath the dryer device and is configured to catch the water displaced from a user's drying wet hands. The splash guard is formed of a housing that has side walls, a base, a perforated drip tray and a drawer arrangement to hold the displaced water. The splash guard is attached to a surface like walls, cupboards or stands through screws. The housing is hollow and open fronted, for users to place their hands under the dryer device. The base has a drip tray that has perforations. The perforations stop water from splashing and direct the displaced water to drip into a drawer that store up the exiting water. The drip tray may be removed to clean the base and the tray. The walls and the perforated drip tray prevent water from being splashed in all directions, including the sides. The housing has a drawer fitting portion in the bottom surface. A drawer may be pushed into the drawer fitting portion and be removed. The drawer catches water through the hole in the base and stores it for removal at a later time. In various embodiments a hand dryer device is attached over the splash guard. In various embodiments the back surface of the splash guard has different geometric shapes to accommodate the hand dryer device.
In various embodiments the present subject matter is a splash guard 100 that may be attached to a hand dryer device. The splash guard 100 as shown in FIG. 1 includes a housing 110 that has a first side surface 112, a second side surface 114, a back surface 116, a base 120 and a drawer fitting portion 126 in a bottom surface 118. The first side surface 112, a second side surface 114 acts as walls and prevents water from splashing to the floor or the surface to which the hand dryer device is attached to. In various embodiments the base 120 includes a hole 122 that is bored in a predetermined position to allow a fluid to flow through it. The housing also includes a bottom surface that includes a drawer fitting portion 126 into which a drawer is fitted and may be removed when necessary. In various embodiments the housing is injection molded. In various embodiments the housing 110 is made of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, polycarbonate, aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, or any suitable material. FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C show the side view, front view and back view of the splash guard 100. The splash guard 100 has a geometric shape selected from circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape. The splash guard has high impact strength and is resistant to chemical corrosion.
In various embodiments the splash guard 100 as shown in FIG. 3 includes a perforated drip tray 150 that is placed over the base 120 and may be removed. The surface 156 of the drip tray is anti-reflective. The anti-reflective surface 156 avoids triggering of the sensors attached to the hand dryer device. The hand dryer device may include infrared sensors or any other sensor that may detect the movement of hands underneath the blower. The drip tray 150 has perforations 154 that prevent splashing of a fluid displaced from a drying wet surface. The perforations break up the wind force from the drier device thus avoiding the splashing of the fluid. In an exemplary embodiment the drip tray 150 has multiple funnel shaped small holes that help break down the high speed air pressure blowing from the hand dryers and direct the water to the hole 122. The drip tray 150 also includes an aperture that sits over the hole 122 in the base 120 of the housing. In various embodiments the drip tray 150 directs the fluid to the hole 122 through the aperture 152 and the fluid exits the base 120 to a drawer 130 that is configured to collect the fluid. The drip tray 150 may be removed from the base easily for cleaning. The perforated drip tray 150 is injection molded and is made of polymer. The drip tray has high impact strength and is resistant to chemical corrosion.
In various embodiments the splash guard 100 includes a drawer 130 as shown in FIG. 4A. The drawer 130 includes a drawer front portion 132, a drawer back portion 134, a first drawer side portion 136 and a second drawer side portion 138. The drawer is fitted to the drawer fitting portion 126 along the first drawer side portion 136 and the second drawer side portion 138. In various embodiments the drawer has a recess 128 molded at the bottom surface of the drawer. The recess 128 facilitates removing the drawer 130 from the drawer fitting portion 126 using the fingers of a user as shown in FIG. 4B. In one embodiment the recess 128 is a hidden drawer handle to pull the drawer out after releasing the hidden lock or hook 166. The drawer is fitted in the drawer fitting portion 126 such that the hole 122 in the base opens up in the drawer.
In one embodiment the fluid that falls on the base 120 is collected in the drawer 130 through the hole 122. In various embodiments the drawer front portion 132 has one or more fluid level indicators 140 and a notch 142. The level of fluid collected in the drawer may be seen from outside through the fluid level indicators 140. The fluid level indicators 140 are transparent windows through which the level of water collected may be seen. In an exemplary embodiment the fluid level indicators 140 are oval shaped transparent water level windows that show the water level in the drawer. The drawer 130 is removed from time to time to dispose the fluid collected in the drawer. The notch helps in the easy removal of the drawer from the drawer fitting portion 126. In some embodiments the drawer includes a heater element tray 148 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The tray 148 is placed on the inside of the drawer 130. In various embodiments when the hand dryer comes on, it heats up the tray 148 and helps the drained water collected in the tray 148 to evaporate. An exploded view of the drawer arrangement is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The drawer is injection molded and is made of polymer. The drawer has high impact strength and is resistant to chemical corrosion.
In one embodiment the hole 122 in the base 120 is configured to fit into a tubular extension 146 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The tubular extension 146 extents into the drainage system carrying the fluid received from the hole 122 to the drainage system. This avoids the need to manually empty the drawer.
In various embodiments in such an arrangement the drawer back portion 134 has an opening to accommodate the tubular extension as shown in FIG. 9.
In various embodiments the splash guard 100 has a hook 160 to lock and unlock the drawer to the drawer fitting portion 126 as shown in FIG. 10. The hook has a first end 162 attached to the back surface 116 and a second end 164 having a locking attachment 166 fitting into the recess 128. In various embodiments the hook is configured to hold the drawer 130 in a locked position preventing the drawer to be opened and closed unwantedly. In one embodiment the locking attachment 166 is configured to automatically lock in the drawer when the drawer gets pushed in to the housing. In various embodiments to unlock the drawer, the second end 164 having the hook 166 is pressed down allowing the hook to flex and move out of the recess 128 in the drawer. In various embodiments the hook is injection molded and is made of a polymer. The hook has high flexural strength, low friction and has high impact strength.
In some embodiments the back surface 116 may include geometric shapes configured to accommodate a drier device. The geometric shape may be circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape. In some embodiments the splash guard is attached to a surface through screws. The back surface 116 comprises holes 170 to hold the screws. In various embodiments the surface includes wall, cupboard or portable stands. In various embodiments the splash guard 100 is attached underneath a hand dryer 200. The splash guard 100 is attached to the surface to which the hand dryer is attached. The air from the hand dryer dries the hand while the splash guard 100 is configured to catch the water displaced from a user's drying wet hands. The attachment of the splash guard 100 underneath the hand dryer 200 is shown in FIG. 11A-11C. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 12A the back surface may be molded to fit underneath a v-shaped hand dryer 200. The splash guard 100 has a scooped profile 180 allowing it to slide neatly underneath the dryer as shown in FIG. 12A. This provides a tight seal and ensures that all the water blown from the hands is collected safely in the splash guard 100. FIG. 12B shows the v-shaped hand dryer fitted with a splash guard. In various embodiments the splash guard has an anti-microbial coating. The coating enhances the endurance of the splash guard and keeps the splash guard surface clean by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
The advantage of the splash guard for a hand dryer device include collecting and holding the collected water within the product and preventing water from splashing back up onto the user's hand and sides of the guard by the unique perforated tray hence preventing mold and mildew damages on the grout between the tiles of the floor under the hand dryer and avoiding potential slip hazards. Also the invention improves the hygiene standards, provides cleaner washroom facilities, and avoids smell or odor. Further the product is easy to operate, easy to install, easy to maintain, is cost effective and cleaning cost on labor and cleaning products is reduced on a daily basis. Further, the splash guard helps differently abled users of the hand dryers to conveniently use the hand dryer without splashing the water on their hands over their clothes, body and face.
Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely as illustrating different examples and aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention includes other embodiments not discussed herein. Various other modifications, changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the system and method of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described here.

Claims

1. A splash guard (100) for a drying device comprising:

a housing (110) comprising a first side surface (112), a second side surface (114), a back surface (116), a base (120) and a drawer fitting portion (126) in a bottom surface (118), wherein

the base (120) comprises:

a hole (122) incorporated in a predetermined position to allow a fluid to flow through it;

a drawer (130) comprising a drawer front portion (132), a drawer back portion (134), a first drawer side portion (136) and a second drawer side portion (138), removably fitted to the drawer fitting portion (126) and comprising a recess (128) molded at the bottom surface (118) to facilitate removing the drawer (130) from the drawer fitting portion (126);

a perforated drip tray (150) removably attached over the base (120), wherein the drip tray (150) is configured to prevent splashing of a fluid displaced from a drying wet surface and direct the fluid to the hole (122); and

a hook (160) having a first end (162) attached to the back surface (116) and a second end (164) having a locking attachment (166) fitting into the recess (128) and configured to hold the drawer (130) in a locked position.

2. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforated drip tray (150) comprises an anti-reflective surface (156).

3. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perforated drip tray (150) comprises an aperture (152) that fits along the circumference of the hole (122) in the base (120).

4. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drawer (130) is configured to receive the fluid from the hole (122).

5. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drawer front portion (132) comprises one or more fluid level indicators (140) and a notch (142).

6. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drawer comprises a heater element tray (148) placed inside the drawer configured to be heated up and dry the fluid when the dryer device turns on.

7. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drawer back portion (134) has an opening (144).

8. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hole (122) is configured to fit a tubular extension (146) to drain the fluid to a drainage system.

9. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook (160) is L shaped.

10. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook (160) is made of a polymer.

11. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back surface (116) comprises a geometric shape selected from circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape.

12. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the back surface (116) comprises holes (170) to attach the splash guard to a surface through screws.

13. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface comprises wall, cupboard or portable stands.

14. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (110) comprises a geometric shape selected from circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other geometric shape.

15. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the splash guard is made of silicone, rubber, polyurethane, polycarbonate, aluminum, stainless steel, ceramic, or any suitable material.

16. The splash guard (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the splash guard comprises an anti-microbial coating.