WO2005094711A2 - Distributeur d'agent fluide - Google Patents

Distributeur d'agent fluide Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005094711A2
WO2005094711A2 PCT/GB2005/001207 GB2005001207W WO2005094711A2 WO 2005094711 A2 WO2005094711 A2 WO 2005094711A2 GB 2005001207 W GB2005001207 W GB 2005001207W WO 2005094711 A2 WO2005094711 A2 WO 2005094711A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dispenser
bracelet
curve
flowable agent
reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/001207
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2005094711A3 (fr
Inventor
Alan Joseph Green
Original Assignee
Green Alan J
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0407084A external-priority patent/GB0407084D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0407654A external-priority patent/GB0407654D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0407984A external-priority patent/GB0407984D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0408488A external-priority patent/GB0408488D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0409160A external-priority patent/GB0409160D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0410197A external-priority patent/GB0410197D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0415012A external-priority patent/GB0415012D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0419584A external-priority patent/GB0419584D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0420988A external-priority patent/GB0420988D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0422365A external-priority patent/GB2412567B/en
Priority claimed from GB0500534A external-priority patent/GB0500534D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0501487A external-priority patent/GB0501487D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0502639A external-priority patent/GB0502639D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0502994A external-priority patent/GB0502994D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0503100A external-priority patent/GB0503100D0/en
Application filed by Green Alan J filed Critical Green Alan J
Publication of WO2005094711A2 publication Critical patent/WO2005094711A2/fr
Publication of WO2005094711A3 publication Critical patent/WO2005094711A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/40—Packages formed by enclosing successive articles, or increments of material, in webs, e.g. folded or tubular webs, or by subdividing tubes filled with liquid, semi-liquid, or plastic materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2027—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide without heating
    • A01M1/2055—Holders or dispensers for solid, gelified or impregnated insecticide, e.g. volatile blocks or impregnated pads
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M29/00—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus
    • A01M29/12—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus using odoriferous substances, e.g. aromas, pheromones or chemical agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D34/00—Containers or accessories specially adapted for handling liquid toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. perfumes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
    • A61B90/80—Implements for cleaning or washing the skin of surgeons or patients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M35/00—Devices for applying media, e.g. remedies, on the human body
    • A61M35/003—Portable hand-held applicators having means for dispensing or spreading integral media
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C15/00—Other forms of jewellery
    • A44C15/002—Jewellery dispersing perfume or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D40/00—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks
    • A45D40/0087—Casings or accessories specially adapted for storing or handling solid or pasty toiletry or cosmetic substances, e.g. shaving soaps or lipsticks for samples

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved flowable agent dispenser.
  • it relates to a flowable agent dispenser capable of being worn on a limb to dispense flowable agent.
  • MRSA Metal Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
  • the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, has issued guidelines for preventing such infections, key to these guidelines being the step; "Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer”.
  • Dispensers of such agents are known in the art, and commonly take the form of bottles, wipes, tubes and filled blister packs. Furthermore, materials such as plastics and rubbers may be impregnated with antiseptic agents .
  • Alcohol based gels have been known for many years and various dispensing methods have been proposed, but yet no development in this time has brought the benefits of an extremely portable, convenient and measured dispensing method to the carrying of such gels.
  • Bottles and containers for attaching to belts, pockets and neckstraps are known, but dangle inconveniently and can be obtrusive.
  • Static dispensers have also been provided in wards, but it may be inconvenient to walk to and from such a dispenser and recontamination may occur in the return journey.
  • the present invention is intended, in at least one embodiment, to provide an apparatus and a method of dispensing cleaning and/or disinfecting fluid that is convenient and dispenses measured doses so as to encourage compliance with the practice of cleaning hands regularly to prevent cross infections.
  • US Patent Number 4,736,876, in the name Kriss (Kriss) discloses an array of shaped flexible containers that can be worn around a user's wrist.
  • the containers are opened and closed using holes and plugs that inelegantly control the dispensing of fluid from the containers.
  • the dispensers are. intended for dispensing soaps, and as such the containers are relatively large. Furthermore no ergonomic consideration is given as to the attitude of the wrist or position of the activating hand.
  • Purgo Creations Inc. discloses a dispenser which partially solves the problems of Kriss above.
  • the application discloses a squeezable bladder with a nozzle to dispense fluid onto a hand in bursts. Such dispensing methods cause problems insofar as spatter is concerned. Additionally, Purgo does not consider the associated costs involved with producing such devices.
  • US Patent Number 4,078,660 in the name Lerro (Lerro) , discloses a device for wearing on the wrist for the dispensing of an emergency dose of a medicament.
  • the medicament is contained in a cup formed on a blister card, and can be easily released in an emergency.
  • Lerro is concerned only with solids, e.g. emergency pills, and a single dose of said pills.
  • a valve is a feature which controls the rate of flow, and is not descriptive of a simple on/off feature or a dosing feature.
  • a dispenser for enabling a user to selectively dispense a flowable agent
  • the dispenser comprising: at least one reservoir, the at least one reservoir adapted to contain the flowable agent; a valveless dispensing means; a dispenser locating means; wherein the dispenser locating means is adapted to locate the at least one reservoir around a limb of the user and the valveless dispensing means is capable of dispensing multiple controlled amounts of the flowable agent from the at least one reservoir.
  • the dispenser is capable, in this way, of dispensing a flowable agent to a hand for use on the hand or for application by the hand.
  • the valveless dispensing means dispenses multiple controlled measured amounts of the flowable agen .
  • valveless dispensing means dispenses multiple controlled amounts of the flowable agent upon manual activation.
  • each of the reservoirs comprises a vessel adapted to releasably retain a discrete volume of the flowable agent.
  • the reservoir is a single vessel extending substantially along the length of the dispenser.
  • the reservoir contains a textile, with the flowable agent held therein.
  • At least part of the vessel is at least partially flexible so as to be deformed under external pressure.
  • the vessel is elastically flexible so as to return to its original shape once external pressure is removed.
  • the vessel further comprises an openable means.
  • the openable means comprises a film of burstable material.
  • the burstable material is aluminium.
  • the openable means is adapted to break under direct pressure.
  • the openable means is formed by a film adapted to form at least part of a wall of the vessel.
  • the openable means is adapted to break without exerting pressure on the flowable agent in the vessel.
  • the reservoir comprises a blister pack containing the flowable agent capable of deforming when applying external pressure.
  • a blister pack is considered to be descriptive of all flexible, partially flexible and non-flexible sachets, as well as all flexible, partly flexible and non- flexible pharmaceutical packs.
  • the blister pack comprises a perforated portion adapted to become open in an action distinct from the application of external pressure.
  • the blister pack is located proximal to a substantially rigid material so as to engage the rigid material on application of external pressure.
  • the reservoir further comprises an exit means for directing a flowable agent flowing from the reservoir.
  • the exit means comprises an exit channel in fluid communication with the reservoir.
  • valveless dispensing means is integral to each of the at least one reservoirs.
  • valveless dispensing means is arranged to express fluid from the reservoir in a single continuous action.
  • valveless dispensing means comprises a spatter prevention means.
  • the spatter prevention means comprises a spatter reducing channel.
  • the spatter reducing channel is integral to the exit channel.
  • the spatter reducing channel comprises at least one chicane.
  • valveless dispensing means comprises a sliding cover mechanism covering an aperture in each of the at least one reservoirs.
  • the dispenser locating means is a bracelet.
  • the at least one reservoir and the valveless dispensing means are integral to the bracelet.
  • the bracelet is a substructure upon which the at least one reservoir and the valveless dispensing means are carried.
  • the bracelet comprises an elastic material to forcibly conform the bracelet to substantially encircle a limb of the user.
  • the bracelet comprises a flexible material capable of being formed into a curve.
  • the flexible material comprises a base layer of relatively stiff material and a covering layer of blister packs.
  • the flexible material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) .
  • the bracelet comprises a curve forming means adapted to form a curve in the bracelet upon activation of said curve forming means.
  • the curve forming means comprises at least one flexible dimple formed on the bracelet, the at least one dimple adapted to resiliently urge the bracelet to curve when it is inverted.
  • the curve forming means further comprises at least one curve retaining means adapted to cooperate with at least one dimple such as to provide a means for maintaining inverted the at least one dimple when inverted.
  • the curve retaining means is enhanced by at least one weakened fold line on the bracelet.
  • the at least one weakened fold line is formed such that it bisects a dimple.
  • the at least one weakened fold line is formed such that it does not cooperate with a dimple.
  • the at least one weakened fold line is oriented at an angle away from perpendicular to the direction of the bracelet, so as to form a helical curve.
  • the curve forming means comprises a plurality of hinged sections located on the bracelet and movable to provide a flexible curve in the bracelet.
  • the curve forming means comprises a plurality of angled sections adapted to form a curve in the bracelet.
  • the curve formed by the curve forming means is adapted to substantially encircle a limb of the user.
  • the curve formed by the curve forming means follows a helical path.
  • the curve forming means further comprises a securing means, capable of fixing the dispenser on a limb of the user.
  • the fixing means is effected by the helical path extending at least substantially circumferentially round a limb of the user.
  • the fixing means fixedly couples distal ends of the bracelet with a connection means.
  • connection means comprises at least one of the group comprising; Velcro connections, buckle connections, self-adhesive connections, tie-able connections, quick-release connections, and press fastenings.
  • a method for a user dispensing a flowable agent comprising the steps of: storing the flowable agent in at least one valveless vessel; moveably locating the at least one valveless vessel on a limb of the user; and expelling the flowable agent from at least one valveless vessel by application of an external pressure in a preferably continuous movement; such that the flowable agent is dispensed in controlled measured amounts.
  • a method of distributing fluid dispensers comprising the steps of: locating a flat length of dispenser within a distribution device; progressively removing the length of dispenser from the distribution device through a curve forming device; and curving the length of dispenser by means of the curve forming device; whereby as the length of dispenser is removed from the distribution device the curve forming device creates a curve in the length of dispenser.
  • the method comprises the additional step of inserting flowable agent in the length of dispenser within the distribution device.
  • the method comprises the additional step of removing a desired length of dispenser from the distribution device and cutting the length of dispenser appropriately.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where Fig.1(a) shows a dispenser in the form of a bracelet before curving, Fig.1(b) illustrates in more detail the dispensing means, and Fig.1(c) shows the dispenser after curving;
  • Figure 2 illustrates the positioning of the present invention on the arm of a user, where Fig.2 (a) shows the bracelet positioned near the wrist, Fig.2(b) shows the bracelet pushed up the forearm, and Fig.2(c) shows a longer embodiment extending more than once around the arm;
  • Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention comprising a preformed bracelet with a single, integral reservoir and a slide covering an aperture, where Fig.3 (a) shows the bracelet when the aperture is closed, and Fig.3(b) shows the bracelet opened to dispense fluid;
  • Figure 4 illustrates an alternative curve forming means with a weakened fold that is curved
  • Figure 5 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment where Fig.5 (a) shows how sachets are placed within a preformed bracelet, and Fig.5(b) how the bracelet is designed to burst the sachet on finger pressure.
  • Fig.1(a) -(c) shows a preferred embodiment of the dispenser 1 of the present invention, in the integrated form of a bracelet 2 which can be curved as and when required.
  • the bracelet 2 in this embodiment is capable of dispensing multiple controlled measured amounts of flowable agent.
  • the bracelet 2 in flattened form as shown in Fig.1(a), incorporates a number of features.
  • the bracelet 2 comprises a number of flowable agent filled blisters 3 integral to the main body of the bracelet 2.
  • These blisters 3 are preferably any suitable shape and preferably protrude out of the top 4 and bottom 5 surfaces of the bracelet 2.
  • the blisters 3 are rounded as is more clearly illustrated in Fig.1(c) .
  • the top surface 6 of the blister and the bottom surface 7 of the blister 3 preferably mirror one another at either side of the bracelet 2. This means that when the top surface 6 is depressed, such as by thumb or finger pressure, it collapses inwards and conforms to the shape of the bottom surface 7. This again preserves the aesthetic nature of the blisters 3 as there is no unsightly bulging or deformation once fully depressed, but more importantly ensures that the entire contents of the blister 3 may be expelled.
  • the top surface of the blister 6 is preferably integral to the top surface 4 of the bracelet, and consists of a lidding material.
  • the bottom surface of the blister 7 is preferably integral to the bottom surface of the bracelet 5, and consists of a base material which is preferably stiffer than the lidding material, the lidding material being relatively flexible.
  • an exit channel 8 located adjacent the blister 3 and extending outwards therefrom towards a top edge 9 of the bracelet 2.
  • the exit channel 8 is, as the blister 3, integral to the bracelet 2, and extends (from the reader's point of view) downwards for a distance much less than the protrusion of the bottom blister surface 7 to form a depression.
  • the top of the channel 8 is sealed by the lidding material 10, integral to the bracelet 2, save for a small aperture 11 in the material.
  • the aperture 11 takes the form of a narrow slit.
  • the channel 8 is in fluid communication with the blister 3 such that a fluid path may be established between the inside of the blister 3 and the exterior of the blister 3, through the aperture 11, via the exit channel 8.
  • Fig.1(b) shows an enlarged view of one of the exit channel 8 regions .
  • Preventing leakage from the aperture 11 is a suitable material, preferably a dead-fold aluminium strip 12 extending along the length of the bracelet 2, and wide enough to cover the channels 8 and most importantly the apertures 11.
  • the deadfold aluminium strip 12, being located over an aperture 11, is therefore burstable under direct pressure, for example by a finger.
  • a number of dimples 13 are also located on, and integral to, the bracelet 2.
  • the dimples 13 are raised mounds formed in the surface of the bracelet 2 protruding towards the reader (from the reader's point of view with regard to the figures) , and may be any shape but are preferably generally pear shaped with a top portion extending between two blisters 3 and the side portions extending roughly perpendicularly thereto.
  • the dimples 13 are formed at the same time as the bracelet. It may be observed at this point that the blisters 3 are oriented so as to be at an angle substantially off perpendicular to the edge 9 of the bracelet.
  • the dimples 13 are also oriented correspondingly.
  • a curve is formed locally in the material of the bracelet 2 as an effect.
  • a number of weakened fold lines 14 run across the width of the bracelet 2 in a direction parallel to the blisters 3 and preferably extend over each of the dimples 13.
  • the dimple 13 is forced through the weakened fold line 14 assists in the creation of a fold in a direction opposite to the direction of the force that formed it and the dimple 13 and fold line 14 combine to exact a staying effect on the curve of the bracelet 2.
  • the effect is that the sum of all the local curves in the bracelet 2 form a continuous curve.
  • the dimples 13 may also be formed not between the blisters 3 but in line with midlines of the blisters 3.
  • the weakened fold line 14 cannot cooperate with the blister 3.
  • the curving mechanism is the same, but the dimples 13 rely on a relative stiffness forced by the dimple inversion rather than the fold line 14 to retain the dimple 13 in its inverted state.
  • the curve is effected by a combination of dimples 13 in line, and out of line, with the blisters 3, without and with weakened fold lines 14, respectively.
  • the perimeter of the dimple 13 may be perforated. This adds a local weakness in the material that allows the dimple 13 to be pressed through with ease.
  • the perimeter might be defined by an otherwise weakened line.
  • a user will preferably begin with a flat section of bracelet 2 such as shown in Fig.1(a) .
  • the blisters 3 on the bracelet are preferably filled with a fluid, such as an alcohol based cleaning gel, and the apertures 11 are sealed with the dead-fold aluminium strip 12 preferably thermally glued in place.
  • a helical bracelet 2 comprising a row of alcohol gel filled blisters 3, capable of ergonomically dispensing controlled amounts of the gel.
  • This bracelet 2 can then be placed on the wrist 15 of the user, as shown in Fig.2 (a), who might be a nurse in a ward in a hospital.
  • the positioning of the bracelet 2 is adjustable, and this adjustment is facilitated by the flexible nature of the material and the fact that the end points 16 are not attached to one another.
  • the bracelet 2 is naturally held in place.
  • it can simply be pushed up further onto the forearm 17, as shown in Fig.2(b), where it will resize appropriately.
  • the helical nature of the bracelet 2 not only offers this resizing usefulness on a single user, but means that different users with different arm thicknesses may still make use of the same, or a similar, bracelet 2.
  • the helical shape means that more blisters 3 can be used on one bracelet 2 rather than if it was one continuous loop. Because the helical shape is able to overlap itself, as can be seen in Fig.2 (a) and Fig.2(b), and more obviously in Fig.2(c), extra blisters 3 can be carried.
  • the shape of the blisters 3 themselves have many advantages in use.
  • One advantage relates to airflow when located on the wrist/arm of a user.
  • the protruding lower surfaces 7 of the blisters rest on the wrist 15 or arm 17 of the user such that the main body of the bracelet 2 is held away from the skin.
  • this defines passageways 18 through which air may flow.
  • airflow such as facilitated by these passageways 18 prevents build up of moisture on the skin under the bracelet 2 which might harbour bacteria which can thrive in such conditions.
  • Another advantage to the configuration of the blisters 3 described is that a two-stage ejection procedure is employed. This provides a fail-safe mechanism which prevents accidental expulsion of the fluid in the blisters 3, and also has other advantages which will become apparent in the next few paragraphs .
  • the bracelet 2 When the user decides to dispense the fluid in one of the blisters 3,. the bracelet 2 will preferably already be located at the wrist 15. Otherwise the user may slide the bracelet down the arm to the wrist 15. This is the most ergonomic position for dispensing alcohol cleaning gel, for example, as it will be located near the hands to be cleaned.
  • the aforementioned two-stage ejection procedure is used.
  • the dead-fold aluminium strip 12 is punctured at the aperture 11 of one of the as yet unused blisters 3. This puncture provides an exit route for the contents of the blister 3.
  • the user uses the finger or thumb to press the top portion of the blister 6, at the end distal from the aperture 11, sliding the finger towards the aperture 11.
  • the top portion of the blister 6 deforms toward the bottom portion 7 and the sliding motion ensures that all of the fluid in the blister 3 is ejected through the aperture 11. This depression is aided by the relative flexibility of the lidding material with respect to the base material.
  • the location of the hand in the vicinity of the blister 3 means that the fluid is ejected into the hand ready for use.
  • the effect of the two stage procedure and the exit channel 8 is also to reduce the splatter often associated with blisters 3 and other liquid dispensers.
  • the exit channel 8 not only serves to dissipate the kinetic energy of the fluid, but in the first instance provides an area to puncture the blister 3 without pressurising the fluid within. This prevents fluid ejecting upon puncturing the blister 3, but also means that no pressure is required to be directly exerted on the fluid within the blister 3. This has direct effects on manufacture; seals 19 between the blisters need not be so strong and therefore the blisters 3 can be located closer together.
  • blisters 3 Another key advantage to the blisters 3 is that having discrete vessels allow small doses, e.g. l-2ml, of fluid to be dispensed accurately. This minimises the amount of fluid used in excess of that required.
  • Alternative blisters might take the form of flat top ampoules, which might comprise peelable seals or burstable lids. Retaining the curved bottom surface 7 retains the airflow advantage, while a flat top might reduce bulkiness and be less obstrusive.
  • FIG.3(a) and Fig.3(b) A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Fig.3(a) and Fig.3(b).
  • This embodiment shows a bracelet 20 which is preformed into a shape to conform to the wrist of a user.
  • the bracelet 20 in this embodiment is capable of dispensing multiple controlled amounts of flowable agent. 1
  • the bracelet 20 is a split ring shape, which allows,
  • the bracelet 20 there is a single reservoir 21 that0 extends the length and breadth of the ⁇ bracelet 20.
  • This1 contains, as preferred above and for example, an alcohol2 cleaning gel.
  • an alcohol2 cleaning gel Such is the design of the bracelet 20 in3 this embodiment that it lends itself to production by4 blow moulding. This embodiment therefore possibly5 reduces demands with regard to manufacturing6 capabilities.78
  • the bracelet 20 also has an aperture 22 located in the9 middle of the bracelet 20, such that when being worn it 0 points downwards in the same direction as the palm.
  • the bracelet 20 when not in use the bracelet 20 can be rotated 1802 degrees on the wrist so that the fluid inside flows away3 from the aperture under the effects of gravity.45 Covering the aperture 22 is a simple slide 23 that slides6 across to reveal the aperture 22, and slides back across7 to reseal the aperture 22.
  • the aperture 11 acts only as8 an exit hole, and offers no means for controlling the9 rate of flow.
  • the slide 23 offers another significant advantage in that it is an ergonomic on/off mechanism which offers superior control of agent exit when compared to the state of the art.
  • the slide 23 can be moved by the hand to uncover the aperture 22, the bracelet 20 squeezed by the hand to dispense fluid into the hand, and the slide 23 moved back to cover the aperture 22, all in one continuous movement of the hand.
  • the bracelet 20 may be provided in a flat, tubular form (not shown) which is then shaped to form a curve before placing on the wrist.
  • bracelets 20 can be designed in the knowledge that a certain number of uses are possible before the need to refill.
  • Figure 4 illustrates an alternative curve forming means applicable to the type of dispenser conceived in Figure 1.
  • Figure 1 uses a number of invertable dimples 13 to effect a curve.
  • Figure 4 shows a bracelet 26 in flat form with a curved weakened line 27 extending the length of the bracelet 26.
  • the folding portion 28 is folded downwards, the effect of the curved weakened fold line 27 is that the bracelet 26 is forced to curve.
  • the bracelet 26 may form a curve or loop preferably without any further components being required.
  • fasteners 29 to fixedly attach the ends of the bracelet 26 to retain its shape.
  • the bracelet 26 also comprises a land area 35 which is designed to accept any curve forming means, for example a coil, at any stage including manufacture or use.
  • Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein sachets 30 of fluid have been inserted into a preformed bracelet 31.
  • the bracelet 31 has a raised and angled portion 32 designed to locate the sachets 30 on the bracelet 31, and also to offer a hard and sharp edge 33 onto which the sachet 30 can be forced in order to burst the sachet 30.
  • Fig.5 (a) shows the sachet 30 on the bracelet 31 in its normal state
  • Fig.5(b) shows how the sachet 30 deforms as finger pressure 34 urges it towards the sharp edge, the sachet 30 rising up at this point to meet the sharp edge 33 whereupon further pressure will cause the sachet 30 to burst, expelling the contents therefrom.
  • the bracelet is preferably secure but not necessarily close fitting. If the bracelet is not secure enough in its own nature, then securing means such as adhesive, buckles, clips, straps, buttons or elastic bands might be used, to name but a few, once the bracelet is on the arm.
  • the bracelet of the present is shaped into a curve, coil or helical curve before it is placed on the wrist or arm, which serves to provide this secure fastening.
  • the dispensers may be distributed from a wall mounted unit containing extensive lengths of blisters to be curved on exit.
  • an exemplary wall mounted unit may have two toothed wheels designed to interact on rotation.
  • the region containing the dimples 13 passes through the toothed wheels which in turning press the dimples 13 through to invert them. This means that the bracelet 2 is already curved when it exits the unit. The user can then choose to cut the bracelet 2 to a length suited, if predetermined lengths are not already defined.
  • the wall mounted unit may involve loading the unit with a length of bracelet 2 without any fluid therein or the aluminium strip 12 sealing the apertures 11. The unit could then proceed to fill the blisters 3 and seal the apertures 11 with the aluminium strip 12 before passing through the toothed wheels to curve the bracelet 2.
  • the advantages of filling immediately before distribution are that the demands on the material may be less strict as the bracelets 2 are not being stored with the fluid in them; less time is available for the contents to degrade the material for example.
  • the bracelet 2 may be made of a relatively thinner material which will be more flexible, but more importantly more cost effective.
  • the process may be aided by re-inverting the dimples 13 to return the bracelet 2 to its flat form, as in Fig.1(a).
  • the ergonomic advantages of the present invention are clear from the described embodiments above.
  • the fluid can be dispensed to the hand with relative ease, the bracelet of at least one embodiment can then be moved up the arm, and the user can continue with their work without having to leave the spot.
  • the present invention encourages a superior level of protection by facilitating frequent hand disinfection.
  • Another benefit of the present invention is with regard to third party observation of good practice. For example, locating the dispenser on the wrist or arm of a nurse provides a visual indication to a patient that the nurse has a facility for cleaning his or her hands. In this way, a patient may bring it to the attention of the nurse if they did not observe the nurse cleaning his or her hands before approaching them. This could encourage nurses, or in fact any medical practitioners, to visibly clean their hands in front of a patient so as to gain their trust and minimise the risk of cross infection.
  • the visual reminder of a dispensing bracelet as disclosed in this application could serve to reduce these numbers, and the use of alcohol based gels could overcome the aversion to cleaning caused by soap related skin problems.
  • the flowable agent is not intended to be limited to disinfecting or cleaning fluid, or alcohol gels.
  • a grip enhancing solution may be used to prevent slippage for users participating in sports such as weightlifting, rock climbing or acrobatics and gymnastics.
  • the fluid could be a hair product and the bracelet able to conveniently locate the individual doses on a hairdresser's arm.

Abstract

L'invention concerne la distribution d'agents fluides d'un distributeur conçu pour être situé sur le poignet ou sur le bras d'un utilisateur. Ce distributeur peut être rempli d'un agent fluide tel qu'un gel de nettoyage à base d'alcool, et peut distribuer de façon ergonomique cet agent fluide selon de multiples quantités commandées. Des modes de réalisation de cette invention permettent qu'un utilisateur place un tel distributeur de façon mobile sur le bras, et permettent également de distribuer le fluide en continu sans nécessiter de clapets. Les distributeurs de cette invention sont flexibles et destinés à faciliter une désinfection répétée des mains dans des environnements tels que des unités d'hôpitaux.
PCT/GB2005/001207 2004-03-30 2005-03-30 Distributeur d'agent fluide WO2005094711A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (32)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0407084.3 2004-03-30
GB0407084A GB0407084D0 (en) 2004-03-30 2004-03-30 An agent dispenser
GB0407654.3 2004-04-03
GB0407654A GB0407654D0 (en) 2004-04-03 2004-04-03 An agent dispenser
GB0407984.4 2004-04-08
GB0407984A GB0407984D0 (en) 2004-04-08 2004-04-08 An agent dispenser
GB0408488A GB0408488D0 (en) 2004-04-16 2004-04-16 An agent dispenser
GB0408488.5 2004-04-16
GB0409160.9 2004-04-24
GB0409160A GB0409160D0 (en) 2004-04-24 2004-04-24 An agent dispenser
GB0410197.8 2004-05-07
GB0410197A GB0410197D0 (en) 2004-05-07 2004-05-07 An agent dispenser
GB0415012A GB0415012D0 (en) 2004-07-03 2004-07-03 An agent dispenser
GB0415012.4 2004-07-03
GB0419584.8 2004-09-03
GB0419584A GB0419584D0 (en) 2004-09-03 2004-09-03 An agent dispenser
GB0420988A GB0420988D0 (en) 2004-09-22 2004-09-22 An agent dispenser
GB0420988.8 2004-09-22
GB0422365A GB2412567B (en) 2004-03-30 2004-10-08 An agent dispenser
GB0422365.7 2004-10-08
GB0500534A GB0500534D0 (en) 2005-01-11 2005-01-11 An agent dispenser
GB0500534.3 2005-01-11
GB0501487.3 2005-01-25
GB0501487A GB0501487D0 (en) 2005-01-25 2005-01-25 An agent dispenser
GB0502639.8 2005-02-09
GB0502639A GB0502639D0 (en) 2005-02-09 2005-02-09 An agent dispenser
GB0502994.7 2005-02-12
GB0502994A GB0502994D0 (en) 2005-02-12 2005-02-12 An agent dispenser
GB0503100A GB0503100D0 (en) 2005-02-15 2005-02-15 An agent dispenser
GB0503100.0 2005-02-15
GB0504749.3 2005-03-08
GB0504749A GB0504749D0 (en) 2005-02-15 2005-03-08 A mechanism to form stayed folds in flexible materials

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005094711A2 true WO2005094711A2 (fr) 2005-10-13
WO2005094711A3 WO2005094711A3 (fr) 2005-12-01

Family

ID=34624189

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2005/001207 WO2005094711A2 (fr) 2004-03-30 2005-03-30 Distributeur d'agent fluide

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2413055A (fr)
WO (1) WO2005094711A2 (fr)

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US8066444B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2011-11-29 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Disposable wipe with substance-filled blisters
US8395515B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2013-03-12 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US8639527B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2014-01-28 Ecolab Usa Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
WO2014173395A1 (fr) * 2013-04-26 2014-10-30 Nieland, Udo Structure plane flexible destinée à être montée de manière interchangeable
US8990098B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2015-03-24 Ecolab Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US9824569B2 (en) 2011-01-28 2017-11-21 Ecolab Usa Inc. Wireless communication for dispenser beacons
DE102018003868A1 (de) * 2018-05-14 2019-11-14 Sandra Althoetmar Ringkörper
US10529219B2 (en) 2017-11-10 2020-01-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US10820992B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2020-11-03 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt, anchor, and tether and methods of implantation
US10820991B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2020-11-03 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt, anchor, and tether and methods of implantation
US11103351B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2021-08-31 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt and related method
US11123187B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2021-09-21 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial anchors and methods of implantation
FR3110360A1 (fr) * 2020-05-20 2021-11-26 Romain Filali bracelet d’application de fluide antiseptique pour les mains
USRE48951E1 (en) 2015-08-05 2022-03-01 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US11272815B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2022-03-15 Ecolab Usa Inc. Monitoring modules for hand hygiene dispensers
US11284333B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-03-22 Ecolab Usa Inc. Adaptive route, bi-directional network communication
US11337685B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2022-05-24 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter anchoring assembly for a mitral valve, a mitral valve, and related methods
US11877928B2 (en) 2020-10-01 2024-01-23 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter anchor support and methods of implantation

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US20030039048A1 (en) 2001-07-07 2003-02-27 Allan Hodkinson Drop-out management system and method

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8066444B2 (en) 2006-11-30 2011-11-29 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Disposable wipe with substance-filled blisters
US8639527B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2014-01-28 Ecolab Usa Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US8990098B2 (en) 2008-04-30 2015-03-24 Ecolab Inc. Validated healthcare cleaning and sanitizing practices
US8395515B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2013-03-12 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US8502680B2 (en) 2009-06-12 2013-08-06 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US9824569B2 (en) 2011-01-28 2017-11-21 Ecolab Usa Inc. Wireless communication for dispenser beacons
WO2014173395A1 (fr) * 2013-04-26 2014-10-30 Nieland, Udo Structure plane flexible destinée à être montée de manière interchangeable
USRE48951E1 (en) 2015-08-05 2022-03-01 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
US11272815B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2022-03-15 Ecolab Usa Inc. Monitoring modules for hand hygiene dispensers
US11903537B2 (en) 2017-03-07 2024-02-20 Ecolab Usa Inc. Monitoring modules for hand hygiene dispensers
US11337685B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2022-05-24 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter anchoring assembly for a mitral valve, a mitral valve, and related methods
US10820991B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2020-11-03 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt, anchor, and tether and methods of implantation
US11103351B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2021-08-31 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt and related method
US11123187B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2021-09-21 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial anchors and methods of implantation
US11911266B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2024-02-27 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt, anchor, and tether and methods of implantation
US10820992B2 (en) 2017-04-05 2020-11-03 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter atrial sealing skirt, anchor, and tether and methods of implantation
US10529219B2 (en) 2017-11-10 2020-01-07 Ecolab Usa Inc. Hand hygiene compliance monitoring
DE102018003868A1 (de) * 2018-05-14 2019-11-14 Sandra Althoetmar Ringkörper
US11711745B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2023-07-25 Ecolab Usa Inc. Adaptive route, bi-directional network communication
US11284333B2 (en) 2018-12-20 2022-03-22 Ecolab Usa Inc. Adaptive route, bi-directional network communication
FR3110360A1 (fr) * 2020-05-20 2021-11-26 Romain Filali bracelet d’application de fluide antiseptique pour les mains
US11877928B2 (en) 2020-10-01 2024-01-23 Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Transcatheter anchor support and methods of implantation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2413055A (en) 2005-10-19
WO2005094711A3 (fr) 2005-12-01
GB0507467D0 (en) 2005-05-18

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