IE20200160U1 - A refillable container for the containment and dispensing of sanitiser fluid without a cartridge, valve or siphon pump that is wearable on the forearm or wrist - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention permits the user to travel between areas without the need to carry sanitiser fluid in a bag or pocket and dispenses 30 doses of sanitiser fluid. The present invention is worn on the forearm or wrist and is attached to the forearm or wrist by means of a strap. The container for containing the sanitiser fluid is located laterally on the wrist and the dispenser button located prominently on the anterior. A hinged openable cap serves for refilling the container. Refilling of the container may take place when the container is in place on the forearm or wrist or when not in place on the forearm or wrist. The present invention comprises of two parts. The first part comprises of a sanitiser fluid container, an ancillary container, a strap and a hinged lid. The second part comprises of the release button that when pressed releases a dose of sanitiser fluid through an aperture in the ancillary container. The present invention is made of polymer and is washable at 60 degrees centigrade. The container and release button are prominent on the forearm or wrist for ease of use and as a reminder to the wearer to use sanitiser.

Description

DESCRIPTION THE PRESENT INVENTION DISCLOSES A REFILLABLE CONTAINER FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF SANITISER FLUID THAT IS WEARABLE ON THE FOREARM OR WRIST AND DISPENSES 30 DOSES OF SANITISER FLUID WITHOUT A CARTRIDGE, VALVE OR SIPHON PUMP.

SARS-CoVZ is spread from person to person and from surface to person. Hand hygiene is advised to minimise transmission of SARS—CoVZ in hospitals and in the community.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges the importance of hand hygiene as a response to the international emergence of SARS-CoVZ and advises that unless hands are visibly soiled, an alcohol—based hand sanitiser is preferable to soap and water due to evidence of better compliance compared to soap and water. Hand sanitisers are generally less irritating to the skin and are effective in the absence of a sink.

It is advised during the SARS-CoVZ pandemic to pay special attention to thorough cleaning of frequently touched sites and horizontal surfaces in hospitals and nursing homes. However, it is not possible for all frequently used surfaces to be clean at all times. In large hospital wards and nursing homes the location of sinks and sanitiser gel dispensers may be at a distance from a carer during his/her work. Poor infrastructure is cited as the primary reason for noncompliance with hand hygiene regulations in acute hospitals. The immediate availability of sanitiser fluid may improve the adherence to hand hygiene guidelines and save time for healthcare workers.

During the SARS-CoVZ pandemic it is advised not to touch high-contact surfaces in public and not to touch eyes, mouth and nose to avoid transmitting SARS-CoVZ from surface to person. On average a person touches their face 23 times an hour of which 44% involves contact with eyes, mouth or nose. It is difficult for persons outside their own homes to avoid touching high contact surfaces either through necessity or by accident. Persons are advised to wash their hands when they return to their homes. This return journey may take an hour from the time of touching a high contact surface to reaching home, during which time a person may have touched their eyes, mouth or nose on average 5 times. The process of using a hand sanitiser container that is carried in a handbag or pocket has the potential to spread SARS—CoVZ through hands touching a number of surfaces both before and after hand sanitiser fluid is used.

Different methods of wearable sanitiser dispensers have been disclosed. These include those worn on the body and on the wrist.

A bracelet type dispenser Patent Number U52011155765A1 demonstrates a bracelet that holds a single dose of sanitiser fluid that can be dispensed by opening a cap at the front of the bracelet and pressing a pump at the back of the bracelet to release the sanitiser fluid.

Patent Number USZOO7088298A1 demonstrates a bracelet type dispenser that holds a small amount of sanitiser fluid. It comprises refill cartridges and a siphon pump and actuator.

Patent Number US 7316332 demonstrates a number of wrist and hand mounted sanitiser dispensers comprising a large number of components including pump assemblies and actuation components.

Patent Number U55217143 demonstrates an invention that contains one portion of fluid in a bangle shape.

Patent Number USZOO8/OO67193 demonstrates an invention with valves that contains a small amount offluid.

Patent Number USZOO4 /0138631 is a single use blister pack of a limited number of sanitiser fluid filled blisters.

What has not been disclosed is a container that is wearable on the wrist or forearm capable of holding a large amount of sanitiser fluid that is robust and refillable and does not comprise of a cartridge, valve or siphon pump.

The present invention relates to a dispensing container that relies on gravity and form to function and is inexpensive to make, robust, refillable and easy to use ensuring its affordability and its suitability for workers, sports players, shoppers, vulnerable people, children, and refugees.

The name of the present invention is ARM MOR. This is an Anglo—Irish name meaning big arm.

The present invention comprises of two parts. Fig 1,2,3,4,5,6 &7 illustrate the present invention.

The first part comprises: (i) a main container for the storage of 75ml of sanitiser fluid, (ii) an ancillary container with aperture for the release of sanitiser fluid, (iii) a strap for attaching the container to the wrist or forearm, and (iv) a hinged lid for the purpose of refilling the container.

The second part comprises a button, that when pressed releases a 2.5ml dose of sanitiser fluid from the container through an aperture.

Another embodiment of the invention is one without the second part. The invention may be made in many colours with logos of clubs, businesses or artwork. Further embodiments of the invention are containers of different volumes and different dosage amounts.

The container capacity of 30 doses is based on a full day of a person that is not at home with access to a sink for hand washing or a healthcare worker that can be required to clean his/her hands 5 times for each patient in a 6 bed ward. The container can be transparent to allow the user to see how much sanitiser fluid is in the container at any time.

The container is filled from a large container of sanitiser fluid prior to attachment to the forearm or wrist. It is placed on a horizontal surface and the lid pushed open. The inner flange of the lid ensures that the lid remains in an upright position during filling and refilling. The strap further stabilises the container when it is placed on a horizontal surface. The container may be filled while the device is strapped to the forearm or wrist. The filled container is placed on the upper side of the left forearm and the strap is fastened around the wrist. To release a dose of sanitiser fluid the wearer brings his left forearm to a horizontal position across the front of the body in the same way as looking at a watch. When the forearm is in this position the button is facing the wearer. The wearer presses his right thumb on the button. The pressing of the button forces a 2.5ml dose of sanitiser fluid from the ancillary container through the aperture on to the palm of the right hand directly below it. During this process the dome shaped ancillary container is flattened. When the button is released the dome reverts to its shape and is refilled from the main container. Once the dome shaped ancillary container is refilled the next dose of sanitiser fluid is ready to be released.

The advantages of the present invention are: (a) Containment of a large number of doses of sanitising fluid. (b) Portability on the forearm. (c) Ease of manufacture as it does not contain siphon pumps, cartridges or multiple components. (d) Simplicity of use. (e) Inexpensive to manufacture. (f) Robustness. (g) Refillability and (h) Comfort due to ergonomic shape and flush features.

The present invention is demonstrated with reference to the accompanying drawings: Fig.1 shows the front view of the invention Fig.2 shows the end view of the invention Fig.3 shows the end view of the invention with lid Fig.4 shows the side view of the invention Fig.5 shows the side view of the invention with release button Fig.6 shows the section through the main and ancillary container of the invention Fig.7 shows a perspective view of the invention A = lVlain container, B = Release button, C = Lid, D = Wrist strap, E = Ancillary container, F = Aperture, G 2 Finger recess and H = Hinge CLAIMS . A refillable container for the containment of sanitiser fluid that is wearable on the forearm or wrist and dispenses 30 fixed doses of sanitiser fluid comprising: (a) a container for the storage of 75ml of sanitiser fluid comprising of: (i) a main container for the containment of sanitiser fluid; (ii) an ancillary container with an aperture for the release of sanitiser fluid; (iii) a strap for attaching the container to the wrist or forearm; and (iv) a hinged lid for the purpose of refilling the container. (b) a button that when pressed down on the ancillary container forces 2.5ml of fluid through an aperture. On release of the button the dome shape of the ancillary container reforms causing the button to revert to its original position.

. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the button is omitted and the ancillary container is pressed to release the sanitiser fluid.

. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the container is sized to contain in excess of 75ml of sanitiser fluid.

. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the container is sized to contain less than 75ml of sanitiser fluid.

. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the pressing of the button forces out in excess of 2.5ml of sanitiser fluid.

. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the pressing of the button forces out less than 2.5ml of sanitiser fluid.

Claims (6)

1. A refillable container for the containment of sanitiser fluid that is wearable on the forearm or wrist and dispenses 30 fixed doses of sanitiser fluid comprising: (a) a container for the storage of 75ml of sanitiser fluid comprising of: (i) a main container for the containment of sanitiser fluid; (ii) an ancillary container with an aperture for the release of sanitiser fluid; (iii) a strap for attaching the container to the wrist or forearm; and (iv) a hinged lid for the purpose of refilling the container. (b) a button that when pressed down on the ancillary container forces 2.5ml of fluid through an aperture. On release of the button the dome shape of the ancillary container reforms causing the button to revert to its original position.

2. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the button is omitted and the ancillary container is pressed to release the sanitiser fluid.

3. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the container is sized to contain in excess of 75ml of sanitiser fluid.

4. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the container is sized to contain less than 75ml of sanitiser fluid.

5. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the pressing of the button forces out in excess of 2.5ml of sanitiser fluid.

6. A device as recited in claim 1 wherein the pressing of the button forces out less than 2.5ml of sanitiser fluid. ONONROBV vm/Jmm L