Anti-Pathogenic Hand Sanitization Station

Abstract

An anti-pathogenic hand sanitizing station is disclosed without any need for plumbing to a central water source. The anti-pathogenic hand sanitizing station includes a sink unit having a back wall extending vertically upward from the sink unit, a hand wash station having a supply of fresh water in communication with the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, a soap dispenser emanating from the back wall and accessible from the hand sink, a hand sanitizer dispenser, also emanating vertically from back wall and also accessible from the hand sink, a source for disposable towels to dry one's hand after washing; and a waste bin for disposal of disposable products.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS WEB)

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hand sanitizing station, methods of manufacturing same, and methods of using same. More particularly, the invention relates to an anti-pathogenic freestanding hand sanitizing station.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional hand cleaning sinks are obviously well known in the art, including one of the most common types of plumbed in sinks in homes, commercial institutions and offices, i.e. a way to wash one's hands that includes a source of water, some soap and a means for drying one's hands.

However, during the COVED-19 crisis, practitioners of those age old inventions have become aware of certain problems which are presented by those prior art inventions. One particular problem that has plagued users has been that a readily available plumbed source of water is not always available. There are complexities which give rise to much greater needs to kill viruses on one's hands before their face is touched, which happens, on average, 23 times every hour. Since virus COVID-19 is transmitted so easily, medical advice dictates that one should wash their hands every half hour.

Clearly, access to a hand sanitizing station is more important than ever to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since one does not always have easy access to a sink with soap and water, people use individually packaged liquid alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill the virus.

It would be of a great advantage to the general public, and especially the medical, restaurant and work environment industries if there was provided a free standing hand sanitation unit, and method of making one, as well as a method of effectively using one for killing the COVID-19 virus on one's hands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above-noted advantages and desires of the industry, the present invention provides a free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, a method of making same, and a method of using it. This includes a hand wash station having a supply of fresh water, a soap dispenser, a hand sanitizer dispenser, a source for towels to dry one's hand after washing, and a waste bin for disposal of disposable products. This overcomes many of the aforementioned problems with the prior art because the present free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, includes all these features, but without any need for plumbing to a central water source.

One specific preferred aspect has certain features including the portability aspect and the efficacy of products being dispensed that are needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 virus in remote locations. An integral foot pump may be included to pump water up from a reservoir contained within the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit, such that hand washing is enabled. The contaminated gray water generated is then disposed of in any number of ways, such as vacuuming it up from the drainage reservoir, or even decontaminating it with an anti-viral like bleach.

Another preferred aspect includes a two sink application for simultaneous use by two people. Such a two-person hand wash station will have two sinks, back to back, with other optional features including a virus bather shield extending upwardly between the two sinks to provide physical distancing between the two people using the sinks. The virus barrier shield may be transparent/translucent, or it may include an opaque quality look for visual separation or it may include a mirrored surface for grooming.

The invention is particularly useful for applications of outdoor events, voting and polling stations, and any other place where there is an immediate need for decontaminating one's hands before making contact with hard surfaces which will be touched by another person thereafter.

Although the invention will be described by way of examples hereinbelow for specific aspects having certain features, it must also be realized that minor modifications that do not require undo experimentation on the part of the practitioner are covered within the scope and breadth of this invention. Additional advantages and other novel features of the present invention will be set forth in the description that follows and in particular will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination or may be learned within the practice of the invention. Therefore, the invention is capable of many other different aspects and its details are capable of modifications of various aspects which will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art all without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the rest of the description will be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the expected scope and various aspects of the present invention, reference shall be made to the following detailed description, and when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given the same reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit made in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a perspective view of the virus barrier shield;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit of FIG. 1 shown opened up for servicing;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of another aspect of a two-person the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit; and

FIG. 6 shows a multiple station version of the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit made in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit made in accordance with the present invention, where the sink unit is generally indicated by the numeral 10 with a sink 14 having a drain hole 18 at its bottom. Also included may be a soap or hand sanitizer dispenser 12. A faucet 16 dispenses water when pumped by foot pump 20. After the hand washing is finished, paper towels from paper towel dispenser 22 may be used for hand drying. In operation, someone will approach the sink unit, dispense soap and then begin hand washing. The resulting grey water can either be contained for sanitary disposal with indoor applications, or for outdoor applications, it may be released directly to the ground. For indoor applications, a rolling grey water tank may be removed from the sink unit and taken to a sanitary sewer access for proper discharge. Water from faucet 16 is pumped up and then used to rinse their hands and paper towels can be used to dry. In most aspects, a removable waste bin (not shown here, but shown in further aspects) is used to collect discarded paper towels after use.

FIG. 2 shows a two person sink unit, generally denoted by the numeral 30, with two first and second sinks 32 and 34 respectively. Paper towel dispensers 36 are mounted for ease of use on top of sink unit separator 42, the paper towel dispensers being located for easy access. Water filling channels 40 are easily accessed to replenish a fresh water tank contained therein (not shown here).

FIG. 3 is an exemplary barrier shield 50 designed to be fitted on sink unit separator 42 of FIG. 2. Such a virus barrier shield includes a screen 52 which may extend upwardly between the two sinks to provide physical distancing between the two people using the sinks. Virus barrier shield screen 52 not only acts as a biologic shield, it also acts as a back splash protector. Supports 54 may include at least one indent 56 for press fitting down onto the sink separator 42 of FIG. 2. This virus barrier shield may be transparent/translucent, or it may include an opaque quality look for visual separation or it may include a mirrored surface for grooming. I also envision that a soap dispenser or a hand sanitizer dispenser may be mounted on the virus barrier shield 52, as well as a paper towel dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit of FIG. 1 shown opened up for servicing. Sink unit 60 with sink drains 62. Soap pump orifice 64 includes feed tubes for dipping into a liquid soap reservoir, such that when soap is needed, pumping brings soap up to the surface. Waste water tank 66 receives the used grey water from the sink drains 62 after use. A stainless steel lid latch 68 is used to release the top of the sink unit 60. Foot pump 70 is used to bring water up through the faucet, shown in other aspects. An optional waste bin 72 may be suspended from the side of the unit to collect used paper towels. Water filling channel 74 is located above the fresh water reservoir for ease of refilling. At least one support strap 76 is attached to the lid to prevent unwanted motion of the lid. Drain lines 78 direct used grey water into wastewater tank 66.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another aspect of the present invention, showing an assembled two person sanitation unit 80 in a closed position, with two dedicated sinks 82 in opposing positions. In this aspect, faucet 84 comes out of the sink separator. Soap dispenser 86 may alternatively dispense soap or 60% alcohol hand sanitizer liquid. Again, using foot pump 88 brings water from the freshwater reservoir inside the sink unit 80 for rinsing of hands after washing. Paper towel dispenser 90 provides fresh paper towels, and waste bin 92 may collect used towels. M As shown in FIG. 4, a lid latch 94 is used to unhook the lid from its base unit for servicing.

Looking lastly to FIG. 6, there is shown a multiple station sink unit, including a multiplicity of sink units 100. As can be seen from this figure, a barrier shield may prove useful attached to the separation 102 between the units, as well as being mounting under the paper towel dispensers. These sinks can be placed side to side for an unlimited number of dual hand wash stations.

While the units described hereinabove are preferably made of polyethylene, fiberglass, aluminum, wood or any other suitable material, a coating or impregnation of anti-pathogenic properties or fragrances in the manufacturing materials can be used to also build portable hand wash stations, laboratory buildings, comfort stations and hand sanitizers. Since this portable freestanding anti-pathogenic hand sanitation system may be used both inside and outdoors, such use of materials will provide resistance to outdoor elements.

In addition to having our outdoor element resistance, a number of materials may be added to the construction materials, including fragrances, antimicrobial materials, and/or ultra-violet stabilizers. Various additives may be incorporated into master batches of polymers prior to manufacturing. Among many other suppliers, such materials are commercially available from Wells Plastics Limited of the United Kingdom, and may include compositions such as Oxo—biodegradable technologies to accelerate the environmental degradation after use. Highly effective ranges of antimicrobial additive concentrates are commercially available as a variety of polymer carriers and powder dispersions.

In these times of COVID-19 virus threats, keeping everyone safe is of utmost importance, so use of hand washing in a safe environment is more important than ever. In that regard, suitable plastics or metal materials used in the fabrication of the present invention may include resins or polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurea, polyurethane, or other suitable plastic materials. Depending on the desired application, hand sink may include, or may be coated with, any number of suitable anti-microbial materials, including such coatings such as Microban®, commercially available from Jon-Don Corporation of Chicago, Ill. Furthermore, a low concentration metallic silver component may be included or coated on my device for anti-microbial action in concentrations of from 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weight of the total fabrication weight of material.

While other suitable anti-bacterial components may be utilized within or coated on the resin to accomplish this anti-microbial action, metal fabrication may be coated or plated with copper and its alloys, such as brasses, bronzes, copper, nickel, copper-nickel-zinc, and others; silver and silver containing alloys; zinc and zinc pyrion coatings on either plastic or metal; organosilanes; or other metallic antimicrobial materials. Silver compounds and silver ions may be incorporated into a polymeric construct material for the present hand sink to show antimicrobial properties. As a preferable aspect of the present invention, it has been shown that silver ions prevent DNA replication and affect the structure and permeability of the cell membrane. Silver also leads to UV inactivation of bacteria and viruses because silver ions are photoactive in the presence of UV-A and UV-C irradiation.

Antimicrobial polymers, also known as polymeric biocides, are a suitable class of polymers for the present invention with antimicrobial activity as they have the ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi or protozoans. Antimicrobial agents in concentrations of from 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weight of the total fabrication weight of material kill bacteria through different methods depending on the type of bacteria.

As untreated plastic articles can be attacked by microbic growth causing unsightly discoloration, unpleasant odors, and polymer degradation issues, antimicrobial additives can be incorporated within plastic resins during compounding or as a master batch during molding to provide a biocide treatment to control microbes. Bio-compatible technologies in concentrations of from 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weight of the total fabrication weight of material may be employed to make plastics and/or polymers antimicrobial with an antibacterial performance of up to 99% within 24 hours, thereby killing germs within short order after contacting with contaminated surfaces. In yet another aspect, BioCote® is able to provide antimicrobial additives for plastics and polymers of all types, and is commercially available from BioCote, Ltd. of Oxfordshire, Great Britain.

Examples

Polymers Synthesized from Antimicrobial Monomers and their Antimicrobial Properties
Monomer		Comparison
Inhibited Microbial	Antimicrobial	of Polymers
Species	Mechanism	with Monomer
Fungus: C.	Slow release of 4-	The homopolymer
Albicans; A. niger	amino-N-(5-methyl-	is more effective
	3-isoxazoly)	than the
	benzenesulfonamide	monomer at all
		concentrations.
Bacteria: Gram-	Tin moiety on the	Copolymerization
positive; Gram-	polymer surface	of antimicrobial
negative	interacts with the	monomer and
	cell wall.	styrene decreases
		the potency
		of the monomer.
Bacteria: S. Aureus;	The presence of	The homopolymer
P. aeruginosa;	benzimidazole-	more
E. coli;	derivatives inhibit	effective than
	cytochromeP-450	the monomer.
	mopnooxygenase
Bacteria: Gram-	Release of	—
positive; Gram-	norfloxacin which
negative	inhibits bacterial
	DNA gyrase
	and cell growth.
Bacteria:	Active agent is	The homopolymer
Pseudomonas	2,4,4′-	and copolymers
aeruginosa;	trichloro-2′-	with methyl
Staphylococccus	hydroxydiphenyl-	methacrylate,
	ether	styrene are all
		less effective
		than the monomer.
Bacteria; S. aurous,	Active agent is	Polymerization
P. aeruginosa;	phenol group.	significantly
		decreases the
		antimicrobial
		activity
		of the monomers.
Bacteria: E-coli	Direct transfer of	—
	oxidative halogen
	from polymer
	to the cell wall
	of the organism.
Bacteria: E. coli;	Release of 8-	The homopolymer
S. aureus;	hydroxyquinoline	and the
S. typhimurium	moieties	copolymers
		with acrylamide
		are both
		less effective than
		the monomer.
Bacteria: Gram-	Active agent is	The homopolymer
postive bacteria	Sulfonium salt	is more effective
		than the
		corresponding
		model compound
		(p-ethylbenzyl
		tetramethylene
		sulforium
		tetrafluoroborate).
Bacteria: Oral	Direct cationic	—
steptococci	binding to cell
	wall, which leads
	to the disruption
	of the cell wall
	and cell death.
Bacteria: S. aureus;	Cationic biocides	The monomers
E-coli	targets the	are not active,
	cytoplasmic	while homo-
	membranes;	polymers show
	Similarities	moderate
	of the polymer	activities
	pendent groups and	in concentration
	the lipid layer	from 1 mg/mL to
	enhances diffusion	3.9 mg/mL.
	into the cell wall
Bacteria: S. aureus;	Membrane disruption	—
E. coli
Bacteria:	Immobilization of	—
Staphlococcus;	high concentrations
E. coli	of chlorine to enable
	rapid biocidal activities
	and the liberation
	of very low amounts
	of corrosive free
	chlorine into water

The above examples include antimicrobial monomers which are included in a preferred aspect of the invention, and may be added into the plastic resin as a master batch formulation prior to molding. As noted, low concentrations of the antimicrobial monomers are effective, preferably included in an amount of from 1 mg to 3.9 mg per milliliter of resin.

Specifically, an additive such as Ultra-Fresh NM-100, which is commercially available from Thomson Research Associates of Toronto Ontario Canada, may be incorporated into the precursor polymeric material prior to form the sink unit. Ultra-Fresh NM-100 is a fine crystalline white powder used in the treatment of extruded and molded polymers to inhibit bacterial growth responsible for mal-odors, staining and product degradation. Ultra-Fresh NM-100, based on Triclosan as the active ingredient, can be incorporated into products in the manufacturing process by direct addition or through the use of a resin pellet concentrate (5%-10% Ultra-Fresh NM-100). This treatment, when used according to recommendations, will last the lifetime of the product.

In a further aspect of the present invention, antimicrobial coatings may be utilized incorporating aqueous solutions for anti-virus, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, titanium dioxide compounds. Especially useful are nano-coatings that permanently bond to the surface of the hand sink so that neither bacteria, viruses, and fungi attach to the surface and grow. By “permanent” we mean that it will last the duration of the product or at least 3 years. Such an aqueous nano-coating is non-toxic and “kills” bacteria, fungi, and viruses on contact which is especially useful for this hand sink application which is a common breeding ground for gram negative organisms. Furthermore fragrance oils can be incorporated into the aqueous based antimicrobial coating.

It may also be desirable to incorporate fragrances into the master batches of the desired polymeric materials prior to manufacturing to offer manufacturers the ability to produce scented plastic goods that are attractive to consumers during their use. Such fragrances may enhance the experience of hand sanitation, and provide confidence to a user that the hand sanitation station is clean, and free from viruses. Although the present invention is preferably Rotocast, the unit may also be blow molded, injection molded, or be made of blown or thermal films.

The method of servicing and using the sink units includes the steps of preliminarily filling the fresh water reservoir with 1-2 gallons of water and gently rocking the hand wash station back and forth to flush out any scrap material. Then, one will tip the unit up, lie it on its end and drain water through the water fill hole. At this point the hand wash station is ready to fill with fresh water. After filling, one opens the top and places a waste container over the front lip of the unit. Liquid soap of any type is inserted into the soap reservoir by lifting top and filling the reservoir.

After the liquid soap is inserted, water is flowed into the sink through the water fill hole not to exceed capacity. An overflow mark and factory-drilled hole is located on the outside corner below the fill hole to indicate capacity.

Paper towels are inserted into the towel holder by lifting the towel holder lid, inserting towels and pulling the first towel out to get it started. Single, double, c-fold, or bi-fold towels may be used.

Methods for general maintenance for hose and foot pump are prescribed for care-free use. After each use, flushing out the system with any suitable disinfectant, preferably 1 oz. bleach to 3 gallons of water prevents calcium or lime build-up. Pump the foot pump until you smell bleach, and then store the unit away. Before next use, flush out with fresh water.

Seasonal maintenance requires further precautions. If storing in freezing conditions, empty all water and add some sort of anti-freeze, preferably 1 gallon of RV antifreeze. Pump both foot pumps until antifreeze comes out the faucets. Flush system with fresh water before next use.

In summary, numerous benefits have been described which result from employing any or all of the concepts and the features of the various specific aspects of the present invention, or those that are within the scope of the invention. The free standing anti-pathogenic hand sanitation station described above acts to reduce spread of viruses and disease for users.

The foregoing description of various preferred aspects of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings with regards to the specific aspects. The aspects were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An anti-pathogenic hand sanitizing station, without any need for plumbing to a central water source, comprising: a free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit having a back wall extending vertically upward from the sink unit;a hand wash station having a supply of fresh water in communication with the free standing anti-pathogenic sink unit;a soap dispenser emanating from the back wall and accessible from the hand sink;a hand sanitizer dispenser, also emanating vertically from back wall and also accessible from the hand sink;a source for disposable towels to dry one's hand after washing; anda waste bin for disposal of disposable products.

2. The hand sanitizing station of claim 1, wherein the free-standing sink unit has multiple vertical sides with least one hand sanitizer dispenser is mounted thereon on its face.

3. The hand sanitizing station of claim 1, wherein the free-standing sink unit being made of a material construction made of a weatherproof thermoplastic.

4. The hand sanitizing station of claim 3, the weatherproof thermoplastics further includes an antimicrobial polymeric biocides including a suitable class of polymers with antimicrobial activity having ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi or protozoans.

5. The hand sanitizing station of claim 4, wherein the antimicrobial polymeric biocides are included in concentrations of from 0.001% percent by weight to 5% percent by weight of the total fabrication weight of material.