Patent Application
20110018412
This application is for a U.S. non-provisional application filed under 35 USC 111 and claiming priority to the Canadian Patent Application that has been assigned serial no. 2,642,688 that was filed on Nov. 3, 2008.
This invention relates to infection control systems in general, and sanitizing and isolation stations in particular.
Infection control has always been an important issue especially in public spaces including hospitals and workspaces. There are many different models of hand sanitizing stations and mobile isolation units currently available in the infection prevention and control industry. Some isolation units include an iron rod hamper that can serve many purposes such as storing supplies, dirty gloves or apparel, or used sanitizing napkins. Being formed and shaped by iron rods makes the hampers on these prior art isolation units difficult to clean and maintain. Furthermore, the inside of the hamper is exposed permitting objects to fall out of the hamper.
Prior art isolation units that are movable on wheels do not have a secure and convenient braking and locking mechanism for increased stability. These units are also not designed for safety in case the movable unit collides with people, walls or other objects.
Furthermore, prior art isolation units are generally stands with or without wheels. Having a larger cavity and bulky mass in the unit of this invention can effectively serve as a physical barrier in front of a two-way hospital door. Also, it can be used as a sanitizing station in hallway intersections.
The object of the present disclosure is to present embodiments of a mobile sanitizing and isolation station (the station) that is practical, easy to clean, sanitizes, generates awareness, safe and barrier-free for wheelchair access.
According to one aspect, the station relates to an isolation unit having a cabinet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall, a pillar having a top surface and side walls is situated on a top surface of the cabinet, and a storage compartment integrated with the cabinet for storing infection control supplies. The drawer is equipped with a nickel-plated lock that prevents tarnishing when cleaned and two like keys. Wheels are attached to the bottom surface of the cabinet to mobilize the unit and the wheels can be locked in placed. At least one sanitizing product can be mounted on the pillar. The isolation unit is easy to clean and helps prevent infection.
According to one aspect, the present station relates to a mobile station comprising a cabinet having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one side wall, and wheels attached to the bottom surface of the cabinet, a pillar having a top surface and at least one side wall suitable for placing at least one sanitizing product on the pillar, the pillar extending from the top surface of the cabinet, and a storage compartment in the cabinet.
The mobile station can further comprise at least one sanitizing product mounted on at least one of the side walls of the pillar, the at least one sanitizing product can comprise a dispenser, sanitizing cloths, or gloves, and can further comprise at least one message displayer attached on at least one of the side walls of the pillar for receiving a printed message.
The mobile station can further comprise a sign detachably situated on the top surface of the pillar for drawing users' attention and the sign can be octagonal in shape. The storage compartment can comprise a drawer with a front panel that slidably extends from one side wall of the cabinet. More than one drawer can be included and the drawer(s) can comprise a handle that is formed in an edge of the front panel of the drawer. In one embodiment, the handle does not protrude from the front panel of the drawer. The cabinet can be parallelepiped in shape and the vertical edges of the side walls can be rounded. The mobile station can further include a bumper surrounding the at least one wall of the cabinet and at least one brake to immobilize the mobile station. The brake can lock at least one wheel. The mobile station is preferably made of wood to faciliate cleaning. The wood can be laminated.
In another aspect, the present station relates to a sanitizing unit and a cabinet. The station can further comprise a pillar and sanitizing products mounted on the pillar, wheels and a ledge extending from a side wall of the pillar. A ledge can also extend from the cabinet. The station can further comprise a sign detachably extending from one surface of the pillar for drawing users' attention.
The invention is described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a various embodiments, aspects and features of the disclosed station, and wherein:
A pillar 14 extends from the top surface of the cabinet 10. Preferably, the pillar 14 is four-sided and its walls are suited for durably mounting at least four sanitizing products 16 such as hand sanitizer dispensers, sanitizing wipes, and sterile gloves. The sanitizing products can either be mounted with mechanisms such as screws, or the frame that covers and supports the sanitizing dispensers and other sanitizing products can be manufactured as part of one mold. Preferably, at least one side wall of the pillar has a message displayer 32, as shown in
The cabinet 10 also includes a storage compartment 18 that is preferably a dadoed drawer that extends from one wall of the cabinet 10 such that the contents inside the storage compartment can be viewed from above while the user is standing. The storage compartment 18 can be used to store infection control supplies, preferably to a capacity of at least 25 lbs. The drawer preferably does not have protruding handles. Instead, the front panel of the storage compartment 24 can have a lip 26, as shown in
Above the pillar 14 is a sign 22 that can be removed and replaced with another sign. The sign 22 is supported by a bracket 23 that adheres to the pillar 14. The sign 22 can be similar to a stop sign that is highly visible and reminds staff and public to clean their hands. Preferably, the sign is two-sided and 12″ (30.5 cm) in diameter. Alternatively, when used as a barrier in front of a two-way door as commonly seen in hospitals, the sign can direct hospital personnel or the public to use another door. The sign 22 can be placed to face any direction.
As shown in
Preferably, the height of the mobile station 5 is 53.75″ (136.5 cm). The base 20 is 22″ by 22″ (55.88 cm by 55.88 cm). The pillar 14 is preferably 10″ by 20″ (25.5 cm by 51 cm). This disclosed embodiment of the mobile preferably has a cavity and mass large enough to effectively serve as a physical barrier in front of a two-way hospital door to deter public or hospital staff members from using the door. Its size also enhances visibility of the station. In addition to its noticeable presence, the displayer in the message area or the sign above the pillar can instruct the public or hospital staff, for example, to enter, to not enter, to enter but clean their hands first, or to gown up.
In another embodiment, the station includes a ledge (not shown) extending from the pillar or the cabinet that permits placement of personal belongings, freeing up the users' hands for cleaning. Optionally, the top of the cabinet can be used as a ledge.
In yet another embodiment of the sanitizing station, it is stationary on the ground without wheels.
In yet another embodiment, the sanitizing station is mounted on a wall and positioned above ground. The station can be mounted with brackets fixed to the back of the station that are adapted to receive complementary brackets on the wall.
Various embodiments have been presented herein, along with various features, functions and aspects of the various embodiments. It should be appreciated that although some of the presented embodiments, features, functions and aspects are considered novel, not all embodiments must include all of the presented elements and in fact, various embodiments may utilize one or any combination of the afore mentioned features, functions and aspects. The embodiments and examples have been provided herein as non-limiting examples.
