WO2020170256A1

WO2020170256A1 - Antimicrobial sanitary system

Info

Publication number: WO2020170256A1
Application number: PCT/IL2020/050197
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gili REGEV YOCHAY; Tzvi Remenik
Original assignee: Tel Hashomer Medical Research Infrastructure And Services Ltd.; Hamat Sanitary Fittings And Castings Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-02-24
Filing date: 2020-02-24
Publication date: 2020-08-27

Abstract

An embodiment described herein relates to sanitary systems configured to gradually and continuously release an antiseptic composition, in a waste conduit leading from the sink to the trap, thereby killing bacteria and preventing presence of bacteria from a trap to a sink. Such a sanitary system is effective in limiting exposure of a user of a sink to bacteria which may be present in the trap and/or plumbing system connected to the sink. Optionally, the user of a sink may be someone washing his or her hands in the sink. Some embodiments relate to a sanitary system, comprising a sink; a waste conduit for collection and removal of waste from the sink; a reservoir positioned externally to the waste conduit, for containing an antiseptic liquid; and a liquid supply channel for providing antiseptic liquid from said reservoir to an interior portion of said waste conduit.

Description

ANTIMICROBIAL SANITARY SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Benefit is claimed to US Provisional Patent Application 62/809,678 filed February 24, 2019; the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] Provided herein are antimicrobial sanitary systems such as sinks.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Nosocomial infections are caused by bacteria, spread in healthcare environments, such as hospitals. These infections include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bacteremia and others. Many of the nosocomial infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, some of which are multi-drug resistant and are thus difficult to treat. (Bioscience Trends. 2016; 10(1): 14-21.)

[0004] One of the ways that nosocomial infection may spread is through surfaces contacted by patients in healthcare environments. In healthcare environments, frequent and thorough handwashing is highly encouraged in order to prevent spread of bacteria. However, sinks have been reported to be an important source of bacterial transmission from sink traps to the outer surfaces of the sink, and from there to the patients, causing nosocomial infection. (Appl Environ Microbol. 2017; 83(8): 1-12, Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018; 39(11): 1307-1315.)

SUMMARY

[0005] Described herein are sanitary systems which reduce exposure of users to bacteria. A commonly used element of many sanitary systems is a trap, through which waste water is conveyed from a sink, to a sewage disposal system, for example, a municipal sewage line. Traps are used to prevent flow of gas and/or odor from sewage systems to sink environments and to prevent clogs. Traps are an ideal environment for biofilm development and thus harbor large amounts of bacteria. It is suggested that one of the causes of spread of infections, for example nosocomial infections, is the upward movement of bacteria from a trap to an inner surface of a sink and then subsequently to the surrounding environment. (Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. (2018), 0, 1-9) Although a sink may be cleaned and disinfected regularly, it has been shown that regular daily cleaning does not remove the biofilm. Furthermore, it has been shown that even replacement of sink traps only transiently eliminates bacteria from the trap, and within days new bacteria that arise from the pipes grow and produce a new biofilm. A user of the sink, while washing his or her hands, may make contact with water droplets after they have contacted the bacteria on an inner surface of the sink. This contact may lead to the spread of nosocomial infection from the water droplets to the hands of the user.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the sanitary systems described herein are configured to gradually and continuously release an antiseptic composition, in a waste conduit leading from the sink to the trap, thereby killing bacteria and preventing presence of bacteria from a trap to a sink. Such a sanitary system is effective in limiting exposure of a user of a sink to bacteria which may be present in the trap and/or plumbing system connected to the sink. Optionally, the user of a sink may be someone washing his or her hands in the sink.

[0007] Some embodiments relate to a sanitary system, comprising: a sink; a waste conduit for collection and removal of waste from the sink; a reservoir positioned externally to the waste conduit, for containing an antiseptic liquid; and a liquid supply channel for providing antiseptic liquid from said reservoir to an interior portion of said waste conduit.

[0008] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a side view a sanitary system according to an embodiment;

[0010] Figure IB is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a sink of a sanitary system according to an embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a sanitary system according to an embodiment, taken along line A-A in Fig. 2D;

[0012] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a sink with a tailpiece removed, according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a tailpiece, according to an embodiment; [0014] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a popup unit inserted in a tailpiece, according to an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional of a strainer and part of tailpiece, according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 A is a schematic diagram of a side view a sanitary system according to an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a sink of a sanitary system according to an embodiment; and

[0018] Figure 4C is an enlarged cross-sectional of a strainer and part of tailpiece, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Unless otherwise noted, technical terms are used according to conventional usage. Definitions are provided as follows:

[0020] Antiseptic composition: A composition that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

[0021] Sanitary system: A system used for cleaning and/or removal of waste and water.

[0022] Sink: A basin with a water supply and a drain, configured for washing of a person or an article within or above a space defined by the basin. A sink may also refer to a basin of a shower, bathtub or other sanitary system.

[0023] Tailpiece: a pipe or tubing connecting an outlet of a plumbing fixture, such as the drain of a sink, to a trap or to a waste conduit.

[0024] Trap: A device having a water containing receptacle for preventing odors and/or gas emanating from a sewage system from entering the drain of a sink or a toilet. A trap is typically installed between a sink drain and a waste disposal line, such as a municipal waste disposal line, or septic tank. A trap may have a U-shaped conduit in which one end of the U-shaped conduit is fed by the drain and the other end of the conduit leads waste to a waste disposal line or septic tank.

[0025] Waste Conduit: A conduit flow-connected at one end to a drain and at its other end to a trap or to a municipal waste line or septic tank. A waste conduit is configured to convey waste, such as dirty water, away from a sink. [0026] Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word“or” is intended to include“and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term“comprises” means“includes.” The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation“e.g.” is synonymous with the term“for example.”

[0027] In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, all the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

Overview of Several Embodiments

[0028] Some of the embodiments described below relate to a sanitary system 10 as shown in a side perspective view in Fig. 1A. Sanitary system 10 comprises a sink 20 which preferably is a double-walled sink having an inner wall 22 and an outer wall 28, defining a cavity 24. Inner wall has an inlet 26 through which a liquid may be introduced to fill cavity 24.

[0029] At a lower end of sink 20 is a tailpiece 40, which is substantially cylindrical, and is connected at its upper end 47, as seen in Fig. 2C, to inner wall 22, above an aperture therein. The aperture is seen in Fig. 2B, denoted 11. Tailpiece 40, at its lower end 49, as seen in Fig. 2C, protrudes through aperture 11 formed in outer wall 28. A seal ring 34 around the outer perimeter of tailpiece 40 abuts against outer wall 28. A bracket 30 is configured to connect to a wall or other support surface at one end 33 and to engage and support sink 20 at its other end 43. Bracket 30 has an aperture 45 which fits around the perimeter of tailpiece 40, as seen. A securing nut 31 secures tailpiece 40 to bracket 30. Tailpiece 40, at its lower end 49 is flow-connected to a waste pipe 60. Waste pipe 60 has an elbow 62 and is flow connected to an elbow connector 64 which is flow connected to a trap 70. Trap 70 has a sewage outlet 72, through which waste water is conveyed from the trap to a sewage disposal conduit, or optionally to a septic tank. Trap 70 contains water in its lower end with the purpose of to prevent backflow of gas and/or odor from a municipal sewage conduit to sink 20.

[0030] Reference is now made to Fig. IB which is a schematic view of sink 20 of sanitary system 10 (Fig. 1 A). Inner wall 22 is fitted with a popup cover 32 fitted to drainage aperture 11 in inner wall 22. Presence of popup cover 32 limits or prevents water from flowing directly into the drain area of the sink and causing a splash of droplets of water from returning from the drain to the surface of inner wall 22. Optionally popup cover 32 causes dispersion of water flowing from the faucet thereby preventing the direct flow into the drain area.

[0031] Sanitary system 10 has a funnel 35 having outlets configured to fit in inlet 26 of inner wall 22. Funnel 35 may be used to pour antiseptic composition into cavity 24.

[0032] Reference is now made to Fig. 2A, which is a cross-sectional view of a portion of sanitary system 10 including tailpiece 40. Sink 20 has a medial wall 25 formed integrally with and connecting between inner and outer walls 22 and 28 respectively, so as to form aperture 11 for tailpiece 40.

[0033] Reference is now made to Fig. 2B, which is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a portion of sink 20 without the presence of tailpiece 40. It should be noted that medial wall 25 has a plurality of openings 23, also seen in Fig. 2A in hidden detail, whose function is described in detail below, in conjunction with Fig. 2A.

[0034] Referring now generally to Figs. 2A-2C, tailpiece 40 has a generally radially protruding flange wing 54 which, when tailpiece 40 is inserted through aperture 11, fits snugly against a shoulder 27 formed in medial wall 25.

[0035] Tailpiece 40 further has a stepped portion 41 providing a lower portion 58 with a diameter which is less than the portion of the tailpiece 40 thereabove, thereby, when assembled with medial wall 25 to define a reservoir 50 which can contain a liquid, for example, an antiseptic composition, around the circumference of tailpiece 40. Reduced diameter lower portion 58 of tailpiece 40 is formed such that when assembled, it is in vertical registration with openings 23 (Fig. 2B), thus facilitating liquid flow communication between cavity 24 of sink 20 and reservoir 50.

[0036] Antiseptic composition may be introduced into cavity 24 via inlet 26, optionally using funnel 35. The composition may then flow from openings 23 of medial wall 25, and into reservoir 50, where the antiseptic composition is in contact with the outside of reduced diameter lower portion 58. One or more channels 55 (see also Fig. 2C) are formed in reduced diameter lower portion 58, to permit passage of the antiseptic composition from reservoir 50 to the interior of tailpiece 40.

[0037] A popup unit 36 is shown in Fig. 2A introduced into tailpiece 40. Popup unit 36 fits snugly into tailpiece 40, and may be removed easily by a user, for example, for cleaning. [0038] Tailpiece 40 has an abutment 42, which serves as a lower limiter for popup unit 36. When popup unit 36 is introduced into tailpiece 40, its downward motion relative to tailpiece 40 continues until stopped by abutment 42.

[0039] As seen in Fig. 2A, popup unit 36 comprises a strainer 38, popup cover 32, and a screw 37 connecting popup cover 32 and strainer 38. Strainer 38 is fitted with an O-ring 39. When popup unit 36 is in place in tailpiece 40 as in Fig. 2 A having strainer 38 in contact with abutment 42, O-ring 39 contacts channel 55, but does not provide a liquid-proof seal. O-ring 39 acts as a flow modulator which restricts but does not completely block flow of liquid from channel 55. Liquid such as antiseptic composition when introduced into reservoir 50, enters channel 55 and contacts O-ring 39, proceeding gradually into tailpiece 40. Antiseptic composition, after contacting O-ring 39, gradually flows downwards, towards waste pipe 60. Optionally, the antiseptic flows along the circumference of O-ring 39 then flows downward, providing a frequent deposition of antiseptic composition over time.

[0040] Although tailpiece 40 is shown equipped with a single channel 55, tailpiece 40 may comprise multiple channels around its circumference.

[0041] Tailpiece 40 is secured to sink 20 at its outer wall 28 by a seal ring 34. Seal ring 34 is secured by a rubber gasket 51, a washer ring 52, and a nut 53.

[0042] During operation of sink 20, a user turns on a flow of water from a faucet (not shown) configured to release water into sink 20. The faucet may be attached to sink 20, or may be positioned above sink 20 so that water flows from the faucet into sink 20. The user may wash his or her hands, for example, allowing water that has contacted his or her hands to pour into sink 20. Popup cover 32 covers drain opening, thereby preventing splashing of droplets from inside tailpiece 40 to user or to inner wall 22 of sink 20. Wastewater, after contacting user’s hand, body or other object being washed, flows downwards along inner wall 22, into a drain gap 52, which is located between inner wall 22 and popup cover 32. Optionally popup cover 32, prevents the direct flow of water from the faucet to the tailpiece by dispersing the water.

[0043] Reference is now made to Fig. 2D which shows a top view of tailpiece 40 and popup unit 36. Strainer 38 is shown inserted in position within tailpiece 40, in contact with abutment 42. Popup cover 32 is transparent in Fig. 2C. Strainer 38, when viewed from a top view as in Fig. 2C, has an opening 59 for the passage of liquid such as wastewater, through strainer 38. Optionally the cross-sectional area of the opening 59 when seen in plan view, as in Fig. 2D, makes up more than 50% of the surface area of strainer 38. Optionally, opening 59 makes up between 50% and 70% of the surface area of strainer 38.

[0044] Reference is made to Fig. 3 showing a tailpiece 75. Tailpiece 75 is shown without presence of O-ring 39. Tailpiece 75 may be configured to change the flow rate of a liquid from reservoir 50 into interior of tailpiece 75 via channel 55. Strainer 38 has a ring cavity 80 configured to hold an O-ring (not shown). Ring cavity 80 may be formed so that its medial depth (indicated by double -headed arrow) varies along its circumference. For example, medial depth of ring cavity 80 at arrow x may be slightly larger than medial depth of ring cavity 80 at arrow y. When an O-ring having uniform depth along its circumference is introduced into ring cavity 80, distance between the outer surface of the O-ring at arrow x will be slightly larger than the distance between the outer surface of the O-ring at arrow y. The flow of liquid through channel 55 may vary based on distance between the O-ring and channel 55. Strainer 38 may be rotated within tailpiece 75 by rotation of popup unit 36, resulting in varying the section of ring cavity 80 presenting adjacent to channel 55, thereby modifying the flow of liquid from reservoir 50 into tailpiece 75.

[0045] Alternatively, other methods may be used to modify liquid flow rate via channel 55 into tailpiece 75. For example, a uniform depth of ring cavity 80, having the same depth at x and at y may be used. A washer may be introduced into tailpiece 75 to elevate ring cavity 80 relative to channel 55. An O-ring may have a tapered edge so that distance between the opening of channel 55 and the O-ring varies depending on the vertical position of the O-ring relative to channel 55, thereby allowing for different flow rates depending on vertical position of the O-ring relative to channel 55.

[0046] According to an embodiment, tailpiece 40 is configured to allow flow of liquid from reservoir 50 to inside tailpiece 40 at a rate of between 1 liter (L) every 6 hours 1 L every 7 days. Optionally, the rate is between 1 L every 12 hours and 1 L every 48 hours. Optionally, the rate is 1 L every 12-24 hours.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the antiseptic composition comprises a chlorine- containing ion. The ion may be hypochlorite. The composition may comprise sodium hypochlorite. The composition may comprise a hypochlorite ion in a concentration of between 500 and 2000 parts per million (ppm). Optionally, the hypochlorite ion is present in concentration of 1000 ppm. [0048] According to an embodiment, sink 20 may be a standalone sink, as depicted in Fig. 1A. Alternatively, sink 20 may be embedded in a countertop (not shown). Optionally, outer wall 28 may be hidden from a user’s view by being contained within an aperture of a countertop.

[0049] Embodiments described in Fig. 1A through 3 have a channel for conveying antiseptic composition situated in a tailpiece. Alternate embodiments of an antimicrobial sanitary system may have a channel for conveying antiseptic composition situated anywhere along the waste conduit between the inner layer of a sink and the trap. Such a channel may convey antiseptic composition from the outside of the waste conduit to the inside of the waste conduit.

[0050] Some embodiments described in Fig. 1A through 3 have a cavity situated between two walls of a sink configured to store and dispense antiseptic composition to a channel in the waste conduit. Alternate embodiments of an antimicrobial sanitary system have a receptacle, external to the sink, for storage and dispensing of antiseptic composition. Such a receptacle may be stored above the sink or below the sink. The antimicrobial sanitary system may further have a conduit flow-connected to the receptacle at one end, and flow-connected to a channel configured to convey antiseptic composition to the inside of the waste conduit. Optionally, the channel may be situated below the receptacle to allow for gravity to cause flow of antiseptic composition from the receptacle to the channel. The channel may be a channel which flows from the outside to the inside of the waste conduit.

[0051] Reference is made to Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C which is a schematic view of sanitary system 100. Fig. 4A is a side view of sanitary system 100 which includes a sink 110, a faucet 120, and a faucet knob 122. Faucet 120 is configured to emit clean water into sink 110 by allowing water flow using faucet knob 122. Clean water is conveyed to faucet 120 via cold water conduit 128 and hot water conduit 129. Water, after flowing into sink 110, is used for washing and becomes wastewater, which is then conveyed through a waste hole (not shown) formed in the bottom section of sink 110 into a tailpipe 140. Water then flows from tailpipe 140 into trap 150, then to a sewage treatment system (not shown). Faucet 120 is secured via a hole in a faucet base 112, and is held in place by a faucet bracket 118 (Fig. 4C). Faucet base 112 may be configured to be directly attached to sink 110, or separated therefrom. A ring 124 for introduction of an antiseptic surrounds faucet 120 adjacent to the upper surface of faucet base 112. Ring 124 comprises a conduit 126 (Fig. 4A) in fluid communication with an antiseptic line 132, operative to convey an antiseptic liquid from conduit 126 to a reservoir 130. As seen in Figs. 4A and 4C, reservoir 130 may be configured to surround a portion of tailpipe 140, shown and described below in conjunction with Fig. 4C in greater detail, and is shown in a cross-sectional view in order to visualize tailpipe 140.

[0052] Fig. 4B is a rear perspective view of sanitary system 100. A funnel 125 may be inserted into conduit 126 in ring 124. Reservoir 130 can be fed with antiseptic liquid via antiseptic line 132 and funnel 125.

[0053] Fig. 4C is a detailed view of reservoir 130 and tailpipe 140. Reservoir 130 has a ring cavity 134 which surrounds the exterior of tailpipe 140. Ring cavity 134 is configured to contain an O-ring (not shown), as described below. Tailpipe 140 has one or more channels (not shown) positioned along the region of the tailpipe adjacent to ring cavity 134.

[0054] During operation of sanitary system 100, antiseptic liquid is introduced, via funnel 125, through conduit 126, through the hole in faucet base 112, and into antiseptic line 132, filling reservoir 130. Antiseptic liquid flows to ring cavity 134, where it contacts an O-ring, which acts as a flow modulator which restricts but does not completely block flow of liquid from reservoir 130 and into a channel 135. Liquid such as antiseptic composition when introduced into reservoir 130, proceeds gradually into tailpiece 140. Optionally, the antiseptic flows along the inner circumference of tailpiece 140 then flows downward, providing gradual deposition of antiseptic composition over time, preventing bacteria and or biofilm from proceeding from trap 150 to sink 110 via tailpipe 140.

[0055] An advantage of sanitary system 100 is the ability to adapt the system of the invention to sinks which have been already installed. Sanitary system 100 may be adapted to a sink which is already in place, by merely replacing the existing tailpipe, and adding a reservoir, antiseptic line, ring and conduit. Sanitary system 100 does not require making an additional hole in faucet base 112, rather the existing hole in the faucet base configured for the faucet can be used for conveying antiseptic liquid.

[0056] Alternate embodiments of the system described in Figs. 4A-4C comprise a receptacle located at an easily accessible location, for example, above the sink or on the faucet base. The receptacle can be configured to feed a reservoir via an antiseptic line, which may flow through a hole in the faucet base or through the existing hole in the faucet base configured for the faucet.

[0057] In an alternate embodiment, the popup unit may contain a receptacle which may be filled with an antiseptic composition. The popup unit may also comprise a channel through which the antiseptic composition flows to the tailpiece. [0058] Without being bound by theory, it is suggested that one of the ways bacteria enter standard sinks, causing the spread of nosocomial bacteria, is by formation of biofilm in the waste conduit. As described above, a trap provides an environment with ideal conditions for growth of bacteria. Bacteria may form biofilm along the inner walls of the waste conduit, thereby leaving the trap, and“climbing” upwards along with the biofilm, towards the sink. It is suggested that gradual and constant flow of antiseptic composition along the inner walls of the waste conduit as achieved by antimicrobial sanitary systems described herein, can prevent formation of biofilm and thereby prevent spread of bacteria from a trap to a sink, in a way that once-daily or twice- daily applications of antiseptic composition fail. According to an embodiment, a smaller quantity of antiseptic composition may be used when administered when provided continuously relative to the amount needed for once-daily or twice-daily applications, and still provide better antimicrobial effect.

[0059] Accordingly, it is preferably that the internal surface of a waste conduit between the sink and the trap be as smooth as possible to eliminated surfaces which are not easily reached by antiseptic composition.

[0060] Optionally, a surface of a sink and/or waste conduit may be coated with an antimicrobial coating. Such coatings include antimicrobial paint and antimicrobial metal. An electrostatic powder may be used as part of the coating. The coating may be applied by painting, or through physical vapor deposition (PVD). The antimicrobial metal may comprise silver, antimicrobial bronze, copper, or combinations thereof. Optionally, the waste conduit is made of metal. Optionally, the trap is made of metal.

[0061] In standard sanitary systems, a trap is often located directly vertically beneath the opening of the sink. In such sanitary systems, there is an increased risk of water splashing from the sink and rising up the waste conduit to the sink. Some embodiments include an elbow shaped tube connecting between the tailpiece and the trap, as in Fig. 1A. In such an embodiment, splashing from the trap to the sink and/or tailpiece is less likely, thereby reducing risk of bacterial contamination of the sink. Optionally, the elbow shaped tube has an angle of greater than 90°. Such an angle will prevent formation of biofilm in the tube and allow for easier cleaning.

[0062] In some standard sanitary systems, the faucet outlet is situated to pour water directly into the drain of the sanitary system. In such a situation, a drain, containing bacteria, may cause splashing of water back into the sink area, thereby increasing the risk of contamination of a person using the sink. According to an embodiment, the faucet outlet is situated so that water does not pour directly into the drain of the sanitary system, rather, the water flows along an inner surface of a sink then into the drain. This configuration can decrease contamination of a person using the sink by reducing splashing from the drain area to the sink surfaces.

[0063] Example 1:

[0064] A test was performed in a hospital setting involving six sinks, labeled sinks 1-6. All sinks were present in a hospital department for internal medicine in which Carbapenemase- producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) had been found. CPE, sometimes referred to as antibiotic- resistant bacteria, are considered particularly dangerous when they infect humans, as standard antibiotic is often insufficient to treat such infection. Sinks 1-4 were designated as control sinks. In sinks 5 and 6, sanitary systems as shown and described in conjunction with Figs. 1A-2D were installed.

[0065] The test was designated as starting at time 0, which was the time that sanitary systems were installed in sinks 5-6. Sinks 1-4 did not have sanitary systems as described in Figs. 1A-2D and sinks 5-6 before week 0 also did not have such sanitary systems. All sinks were similarly used by patients and/or staff of the department.

[0066] All sinks tested were cleaned once daily according to standard hospital protocol using

1 liter of sodium hypochlorite, at a concentration of 1000 parts per million. Each sink was tested once weekly for presence of CPE of the strains KP-KPC, Entero-KP, SM-KPC and DP-OXA48, starting from time 0, and most of the sinks were tested before time 0. Presence of one of the strains of CPE is indicated with a letter X. Absence of CPE is indicated by the number 0. A blank box indicates that no test was performed. Negative week numbers indicate weeks before week 0. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0067] Table 1:

[0068] As seen in the table above, hospital cleaning protocol was not sufficient to eliminate outbreaks of CPE in the department tested. After week 0, sinks 5 and 6 which comprised sanitary systems described herein, the presence of CPE was entirely or almost entirely eliminated. With regard to presence of CPE in sink 5 on week 3, it is suggested that this resulted from improper use of the sanitary system in sink 5, including removal of one of the integral parts of the sanitary system, against protocol. After this problem was fixed, no further CPE was found in this sink, even on weeks when CPE was found in other sinks of the same department.

[0069] Example 2:

[0070] A test was performed in a hospital setting involving six sinks, in two departments of internal medicine, Department A and Department B. All sinks were present in a hospital department for internal medicine in which CPE had been found. All sinks began as standard sinks without sanitary systems as described herein. At week 0, sanitary systems described in Figs. 1A-2D were installed in all six sinks. All sinks were similarly used by patients and/or staff of the department. [0071] All sinks tested were cleaned once daily according to standard hospital protocol using 1 liter of sodium hypochlorite, at a concentration of 1000 parts per million.

[0072] The sinks were tested for CPE as in Example 1. The results are shown in Tables 2 and

3.

[0073] Table 2:

[0074] As shown in Table 2, sinks in hospital departments A and B were frequently contaminated by CPE. The introduction of sanitary systems described in Figs. 1A-2D was effective in reducing amount of infection in both hospital departments.

[0075] Example 3: Summary of various technologies used to limit CPE

[0076] In a hospital in Israel having infection of CPE in various departments, a number of technologies were attempted to limit bacterial growth in sinks. Sinks were modified and were cleaned and tested as described in Example 1. The control group were sinks in which the sink trap was replaced with a standard PVC trap and cleaned according to standard protocol. Group 1 had a siphon replaced with Smart Siphon. Group 2 used Acetic Acid for cleaning. Group 3 used Actizyme treatment. Group 4 used a commercially available moveo self-disinfecting siphon. Group 5 used a copper replacement sink trap in place of a PVC. Group 6 used a nickel sink trap. Group 7 used sanitary system described in Figs. 1A-2D. The results of infection are tabulated in Table 3 below. Percent of total contamination represents the number of weeks CPE was found relative to weeks analyzed.

[0077] Table 3:

[0078] The data shown in Table 3 indicates that group 7, comprising a large number of sinks according to embodiments described herein, eliminated contamination and provide long-term protection from contamination. Various attempts were made to limit CPE, but few of them were successful. Replacement of a PVC trap with a copper trap was somewhat successful in increasing median time to re-contamination. The most successful technology was introducing a sanitary system 10 described herein.

[0079] These data from examples 1-3 indicate that CPE presence can be successfully controlled using sanitary systems described herein.

[0080] An embodiment relates to a sanitary system, comprising: a sink; a waste conduit for collection and removal of waste from the sink; a reservoir positioned externally to the waste conduit, for containing an antiseptic liquid; and a liquid supply channel for providing antiseptic liquid from said reservoir to an interior portion of said waste conduit. Optionally, the channel is located within a tailpiece of the waste conduit. Optionally, the reservoir or a portion thereof surrounds the external circumference of a portion of the waste conduit. Optionally, the reservoir is situated on a tailpiece portion of the waste conduit. Optionally, the tailpiece comprises a portion having a narrowed diameter relative to another portion of the tailpiece, which together with a surface of the sink, define a reservoir. Optionally, the system further comprising a flow modulator. Optionally, the flow modulator comprises an O-ring. Optionally, the system comprises a receptacle configured to allow flow of liquid from the receptacle to the reservoir. Optionally, the receptacle is situated between an inner layer and an outer layer of a sink. Optionally, the reservoir is external to the sink. Optionally, the system further comprises a conduit and an antiseptic line, configured to convey antiseptic composition from the conduit to the reservoir. Optionally, the system further comprises a faucet, the faucet having a base comprising an aperture to hold a portion of the faucet. Optionally, the antiseptic line proceeds through the aperture. Optionally, the system comprises a tailpiece and a trap, wherein the tailpiece and the trap are connected via an elbow shaped tube. Optionally, the system further comprises a popup unit having a strainer. Optionally, strainer comprises an opening, making up between 50% and 70% of the surface area of the strainer. Optionally, the system further comprising an O-ring configured to contact the channel and to modulate flow of liquid through the channel. Optionally, the O-ring is situated in a cavity situated within a strainer. Optionally, the system comprises a popup cover situated in a sink and above an opening of the waste conduit. Optionally, a sink, waste conduit, or any portion thereof is coated with an antimicrobial coating. Optionally, the antimicrobial coating comprises one or more than one of: silver, antimicrobial bronze, or copper. Optionally, the antimicrobial coating is applied through painting. Optionally, the antimicrobial coating is applied through physical vapor deposition. Optionally, upon introduction of an antiseptic composition, the system delivers one liter of antiseptic composition to an inside cavity of a waste conduit between every 6 hours and every 7 days. Optionally, upon introduction of an antiseptic composition, the system delivers one liter of antiseptic composition to an inside cavity of a waste conduit between every 24 and 48 hours. Optionally, the antiseptic composition is a chlorine-ion containing composition. Optionally, the antiseptic composition comprises sodium hypochlorite. Optionally, the antiseptic composition is an aqueous solution comprising 1000 parts per million of hypochlorite ion per liter.

[0081] Some embodiments relate to a method for the antiseptic treatment of a sanitary system comprising, introducing an antiseptic composition into the reservoir of a sanitary system described herein, and causing water to flow into the sink.

[0082] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sanitary system, comprising:

a sink;

a waste conduit for collection and removal of waste from the sink;

a reservoir positioned externally to the waste conduit, for containing an antiseptic liquid; and

a liquid supply channel for providing antiseptic liquid from said reservoir to an interior portion of said waste conduit.

2. The sanitary system according to claim 1, wherein the channel is located within a tailpiece of the waste conduit.

3. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims wherein the reservoir or a portion thereof surrounds the external circumference of a portion of the waste conduit.

4. The sanitary system according to claim 3 wherein the reservoir is situated on a tailpiece portion of the waste conduit.

5. The sanitary system according to any of claims 2 or 4 wherein the tailpiece comprises a portion having a narrowed diameter relative to another portion of the tailpiece, which together with a surface of the sink, define a reservoir.

6. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a flow modulator.

7. The sanitary system according to claim 6 wherein the flow modulator comprises an O-ring.

8. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims comprising a receptacle configured to allow flow of liquid from the receptacle to the reservoir.

9. The sanitary system according to claim 8 wherein the receptacle is situated between an inner layer and an outer layer of a sink.

10. The sanitary system according to any one of claims 1-8 wherein the reservoir is external to the sink.

11. The sanitary system according to claim 10 further comprising a conduit and an antiseptic line, configured to convey antiseptic composition from the conduit to the reservoir.

12. The sanitary system according to claim 11 further comprising a faucet, the faucet having a base comprising an aperture to hold a portion of the faucet.

13. The sanitary system according to claim 12 wherein the antiseptic line proceeds through the aperture.

14. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims comprising a tailpiece and a trap, wherein the tailpiece and the trap are connected via an elbow shaped tube.

15. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims further comprising a popup unit having a strainer.

16. The sanitary system according to claim 15 wherein the strainer comprises an opening, making up between 50% and 70% of the surface area of the strainer.

17. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims further comprising an O-ring configured to contact the channel and to modulate flow of liquid through the channel.

18. The sanitary system according to claim 17 wherein the O-ring is situated in a cavity situated within a strainer.

19. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims comprising a popup cover situated in a sink and above an opening of the waste conduit.

20. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims wherein a sink, waste conduit, or any portion thereof is coated with an antimicrobial coating.

21. The sanitary system according to claim 20 wherein the antimicrobial coating comprises one or more than one of: silver, antimicrobial bronze, or copper.

22. The sanitary system according to claim 20 wherein the antimicrobial coating is applied through painting.

23. The sanitary system according to claim 20 wherein the antimicrobial coating is applied through physical vapor deposition.

24. The sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims wherein, upon introduction of an antiseptic composition, the system delivers one liter of antiseptic composition to an inside cavity of a waste conduit between every 6 hours and every 7 days.

25. The sanitary system according to claim 24 wherein, upon introduction of an antiseptic composition, the system delivers one liter of antiseptic composition to an inside cavity of a waste conduit between every 24 and 48 hours.

26. The sanitary system according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the antiseptic composition is a chlorine-ion containing composition.

27. The sanitary system according to claim 26 wherein the antiseptic composition comprises sodium hypochlorite.

28. The sanitary system according to claim 27 wherein the antiseptic composition is an aqueous solution comprising 1000 parts per million of hypochlorite ion per liter.

29. A method for the antiseptic treatment of a sanitary system according to any one of the previous claims comprising, introducing an antiseptic composition into the reservoir, and causing water to flow into the sink.