Touchless sanitizer combination device

Disclosed embodiments provide a unique touchless combination device that provides simultaneous convenient use of three features, such as dispensing of liquid sanitizer, access to paper tissues, and a compartment for immediate and safe disposal of used tissues. Touchless operation is provided by use of several proximity sensors which allow to access and use all features of the device without need to touch any part of it. Disclosed embodiments also utilize UV LED lights for the purpose of disinfecting used and disposed tissues.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to personal product dispensing devices.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is in the field of sanitizing devices providing means for protecting user from bacterial contamination. More particularly, the present invention is a fully touchless wall-mounted, stand alone or desktop device that provides users' access to liquid sanitizer dispenser, dry or wet paper tissue dispenser and disposal compartment for storing used paper tissues.

There are numerous products and devices on a market which offer dispensing of sanitizing liquids and gels, as well as devices dispensing paper tissue and means of disposal of used tissues. Many of them require a user to touch parts of a device to use it. Touching parts of such products may reduce effectiveness of protection against bacterial contamination. It is therefore desirable to have improvements in sanitation devices.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments provide a unique touchless combination device that provides simultaneous convenient use of three features, such as dispensing of liquid sanitizer, access to paper tissues, and a compartment for immediate and safe disposal of used tissues. Touchless operation is provided by use of several proximity (and/or motion) sensors which allow to access and use all features of the device without need to touch any part of it. Disclosed embodiments may also utilize ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) lights for the purpose of disinfecting used and disposed tissues.

In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: an enclosure; a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a sanitizer dispenser; a pump, the pump coupled to the sanitizer dispenser, a sensor array, comprising a first proximity sensor, a second proximity sensor, and a third proximity sensor, a tissue compartment disposed within the enclosure, the tissue compartment comprising a tissue lid; a waste compartment disposed within the enclosure, the waste compartment comprising a waste lid; and wherein the memory comprises instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the pump to operate to dispense sanitizer from the sanitizer dispenser in response to detecting motion by the first proximity sensor.

In another embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: an enclosure; a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a sanitizer dispenser, a pump, the pump coupled to the sanitizer dispenser; a sensor array, comprising a first proximity sensor, a second proximity sensor, and a third proximity sensor, an AC (alternating current) power input port; a rechargeable battery coupled to the power input port; a switchover circuit configured and disposed to switch to battery power upon detecting a loss of AC power, a tissue compartment disposed within the enclosure, the tissue compartment comprising a tissue lid; a waste compartment disposed within the enclosure, the waste compartment comprising a waste lid; and wherein the memory comprises instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the pump to operate to dispense sanitizer from the sanitizer dispenser in response to detecting motion by the first proximity sensor.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided an apparatus, comprising: an enclosure; a processor, a memory coupled to the processor; a sanitizer dispenser; a pump, the pump coupled to the sanitizer dispenser; a sensor array, comprising a first proximity sensor, a second proximity sensor, and a third proximity sensor, a tissue compartment disposed within the enclosure, the tissue compartment comprising a tissue lid; a waste compartment disposed within the enclosure, the waste compartment comprising a waste lid; a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights disposed on an inside surface of the waste lid; and wherein the memory comprises instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to: operate the pump to dispense sanitizer from the sanitizer dispenser in response to detecting motion by the first proximity sensor, cause the tissue lid actuator to open the tissue lid in response to detecting motion by the second proximity sensor, cause the tissue lid actuator to close the tissue lid in response to detecting an absence of motion for a predetermined duration by the second proximity sensor, cause the waste lid actuator to open the waste lid in response to detecting motion by the third proximity sensor; cause the waste lid actuator to close the waste lid in response to detecting an absence of motion for a predetermined duration by the third proximity sensor; and activate the plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights in response to the closing of the waste lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments provide a unique touchless combination device that provides simultaneous convenient use of three features, such as dispensing of liquid sanitizer, access to paper tissues, and a compartment for immediate and safe disposal of used tissues. Touchless operation is provided by use of several proximity sensors which allow to access and use all features of the device without need to touch any part of it. Disclosed embodiments also utilize UV LED lights for the purpose of disinfecting used and disposed tissues.

Referring now to embodiments in more detail, inFIG.1there is shown sanitizing device2comprising front panel4and rear panel6with paper tissue door8and disposal compartment door (waste lid)12; paper tissue door activation proximity sensor10; disposal door activation proximity sensor14; locking snaps20; transparent sanitizer levels viewing plate16; hand sanitizing cavity18and “no-drip” dispensing rubber duckbill valve22.

Now referringFIG.2, sanitizing device2is shown in the rear isometric view with rear panel6, front panel4having locking tabs20; paper tissue door8and disposal door12as well as battery compartment24and wall hanging openings21and molded disposal frame hanging features, indicated generally as26. The front panel4and rear panel6couple to each other to form an enclosure which houses the various components of disclosed embodiments.

Now referring toFIG.3, the sanitizing device2is shown with front panel4open displaying inner setup of the device2with rear panel6, that holds molded partition40, which houses tissue compartment36. In embodiments, the tissue compartment36is a standard paper tissue box of Kleenex type. Sanitizing device2also comprises liquid sanitizer container42retained by holding frame46, attached with screws to the partition40; liquid bottle having top cap44and assembly of nozzle holding frame48and frame62where frame62is also attached to partition40with screws. Holding frame48securely holds “no-drip” dispensing rubber duckbill valve22. Rear panel6also features battery compartment50. In embodiments, the battery compartment holds four cells of type “D” for powering all functions of sanitizing device2of disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments may utilize other battery types, including, but not limited to, rechargeable batteries. Other embodiments may utilize AC power from a power grid for power. In some embodiments, the sanitizing device may utilize AC power as a primary power source, with the batteries in battery compartment50serving as a backup to allow operation during a power outage. In those embodiments, the device may include a switchover circuit that can perform a switchover from AC power to battery power upon detecting a loss of AC power. Thus, embodiments can include a switchover circuit configured and disposed to switch to battery power upon detecting a loss of AC power.

In embodiments that utilize the batteries in battery compartment50as a backup power source, the sanitizing device may enter a power-saving mode of operation while being powered from the batteries. In embodiments, the power-saving mode may include slowing the clock speed of the on-board processor in order to conserve power.

Also shown inFIG.3is a disposal compartment (waste compartment)30having top bags retaining bracket32featuring rubber flaps membrane34that is configured and disposed to hold a plastic bag from disposal bags roll38. Front panel4is attached in a pivoting manner to the rear panel6with system of hinges28. Front panel4is also shown with locking snaps20on both sides of front panel4; hand sanitizing cavity18; liquid sanitizer level viewing window16; paper tissue access door8and disposal door12with pusher52featuring UV LED lights54. Thus, embodiments can include a plurality of ultraviolet (UV) lights disposed on an inside surface of the waste lid.

Now referring toFIG.4, there is shown sanitizing device2in additional frontal isometric view with front panel4; rear panel6with tissue compartment36, held in place by molded partition40.FIG.4also shows liquid pump60attached to rear panel6with liquid flexible tube61and liquid flexible tube63connecting pump60with dispensing valve22held by arrangement of frames48and frame62.FIG.4also shows holding bracket46holding liquid sanitizer container42with top refill cap44. Shown is also rear panel6with battery compartment50; disposal compartment30attached to rear panel6via molded hanging features26and having top bag holding bracket32and disposal bags roll38. The pump60, container42, and dispensing valve22, comprise a sanitizer dispenser.

Referring now toFIG.5, shown is the sanitizing device2of disclosed embodiments with paper tissue door8open allowing access to paper tissue compartment36and disposal compartment door12open giving access to disposal compartment30with disposal bags retaining bracket32that has rubber membrane34. During use, a user may open paper tissue door8by waiving hand in front of corresponding proximity sensor10and then gains access to paper tissue compartment36. Then user gains access to the disposal compartment (waste compartment) by waving a hand in front of disposal proximity sensor14which activates opening of disposal compartment door12. Used paper tissues are deposited on rubber membrane34and after a preset time period disposal door12automatically closes, thereby pushing used tissue through membrane34into disposal bag with pusher52, that can include a plurality UV LED lights54which irradiate disposed tissue and disposal opening area with UV light killing bacteria. In embodiments, the UV LED lights54may illuminate for a predetermined duration upon the closing of the disposal door12. Thus, embodiments can include UV LED lights that are configured and disposed to illuminate an interior of the waste compartment for a predetermined duration in response to the closing of the waste lid. In some embodiments, the predetermined duration ranges from eight seconds to 15 seconds.

Referring now toFIG.6, there is shown a side section view of sanitizing device2of disclosed embodiments featuring Kleenex type standard paper tissue compartment36, held in place by molded partition40; also shown are “D” type battery cells powering the device. In embodiments, the battery compartment cavity is molded as integral part of rear panel6. Front panel4is attached to rear panel6with hinges28. Paper tissue retaining partition40is holding bracket46, which is holding in place liquid sanitizer container42.FIG.6shows a motor-less arrangement for opening paper tissue door8and disposal compartment door12using shape memory alloy actuator wire70with its frontal end attached to molded loop74and rear end attached to door hinge lever68. In embodiments, the actuator wire70can serve as a tissue lid actuator and/or a waste lid actuator. When low DC electric power is applied to shape memory alloy actuator wire70it shrinks generating at least 4 pounds of force and pulling hinge lever68, that opens paper tissue door8or disposal compartment door12. After a predetermined time, electric DC power to the shape memory alloy actuator wire is cut off by control module58(FIG.4) and shape memory alloy actuator wire70relaxes and extends its length allowing bias spring72to pull lever68back to closed doors position. In embodiments, the shape memory alloy actuator wire may be a FLEXINOL actuator wire sold by DYNALLOY, INC of Irvine Calif., USA.

FIG.7is a block diagram of components of disclosed embodiments. Device700includes a processor702, which is coupled to memory704. The memory704contains instructions, that when executed by processor702, perform steps in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Memory704may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), magnetic storage, and/or a read only memory such as flash, EEPROM, optical storage, or other suitable memory. The processor702is coupled to input/output (I/O) interface706. I/O interface706may include one or more GPIO (General Purpose I/O) pins that can be configured as inputs, outputs, or bidirectional pins. In embodiments, the processor702, memory704, and I/O interface706may be contained within a single integrated circuit701which may serve as control module58(FIG.4).

Sensory array708may include one or more proximity sensors. The sensors can include passive infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors, or other suitable proximity sensors. Some sensors in the sensor array708may be used to detect the presence of a hand of a user to cause dispensing of product and/or opening of lids for tissue dispensing and/or waste disposal. Sensor array708may also include level sensors for dispensed product such as soap (sanitizer), wipes/towels, and or other dispensed products. Thus, sensor array708may include a sensor configured and disposed to detect a sanitizer empty condition, and may further include a sensor configured and disposed to detect a tissue supply depleted condition. Sensor array708may further include a lid sensor for the waste compartment that indicates when the waste lid is completely closed. In embodiments, the UV lights are activated only when the waste lid is completely closed.

User interface710may include one or more LEDs. Thus, in embodiments, user interface710includes an LED user interface. In embodiments, a multicolor LED may be used, that is capable of illuminating in green, yellow, and/or red. In other embodiments, individual LEDs of various colors may be used. In some embodiments, the user interface710includes a red LED. In embodiments, when the device is functioning properly and sufficiently busy, then the LED may illuminate green. When levels of product such as soap are below a predetermined level, then the LED may illuminate yellow, indicating a need for upcoming service/replenishment. If a product is depleted, the LED may illuminate red, indicating immediate service/replenishment is needed. Other embodiments may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable user interface for conveying status information.

Actuators712may include motors, solenoids, shape memory alloy actuator wires, and/or other suitable mechanisms to open and close the waste compartment lid and/or tissue compartment lids during operation of the apparatus. Thus, embodiments can include a waste lid actuator and a tissue lid actuator. In embodiments, the actuators712are controlled by the processor702such that, in response to a sensor activation from sensor array708, the processor702asserts signals on I/O interface706which cause the corresponding actuators712to operate. For example, when a sensor corresponding to a tissue lid is activated, the processor702activates the actuator corresponding to the tissue lid. After a predetermined period of inactivity (e.g. three to six seconds), the processor702may activate the actuator to close the tissue lid. Thus, in embodiments, the processor702executes instructions to cause the tissue lid actuator to close the tissue lid in response to detecting an absence of motion for a predetermined duration by the second proximity sensor.

UV lights727may be configured and disposed to illuminate the contents of the waste compartment for a predetermined period of time upon detecting the closing of the waste lid. As an example, the processor702may receive a signal via I/O interface706from sensor array708and in response, activate a corresponding actuator712to open the waste lid. After a predetermined period of inactivity from the sensor, the processor702activates the corresponding actuator to close the waste lid. Upon detecting the closing of the waste lid (through a waste lid position sensor), the processor702then activates UV lights727for a predetermined duration (e.g., 15 to 30 seconds). This activation of the UV lights727serves to disinfect used tissues in the waste compartment, thereby reducing the risk of spread of disease and illnesses.

Embodiments include power source724which may include a rechargeable battery. In embodiments, the rechargeable battery may be a lithium-ion battery, nickel cadmium battery, or other suitable battery type. Some embodiments may receive primary power from an AC power source731. Embodiments may include a switchover circuit729that switches to the battery power of power source724in response to a loss of AC power from AC power source731. In embodiments, a relay may be used in the switchover circuit729, such that when the AC power source731is lost, the relay, upon losing power, switches to an input connected to the rechargeable battery power source724.

Other embodiments may utilize non-rechargeable batteries in power source724, and not utilize AC power. In some embodiments, a plurality of batteries, such as D cells or C cells may be configured in parallel or series within the power source724to obtain the necessary power for operation of sensors, actuators, pumps, and other components of the touchless sanitizer combination device.

The advantages of disclosed embodiments include, without limitation, a combination device that provides easy and fully touchless access to several features such as paper tissues, touchless activation of liquid sanitizer dispensing and touchless access to disposal compartment.