APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CLEANING HANDS

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a user's hands has a spray chamber with an opening for user to insert his or her hands into the chamber. A supply of a cleaning solution is provided, and preferably comprises a storage tank with a concentrated solution. This solution is mixed with an incoming freshwater supply, e.g. in a venturi valve, and supplied through spray nozzles into the chamber. A sensor detects the presence of a user's hands and automatically operates the spray nozzles for a predetermined time. The apparatus can also include a fan with its own timer, to provide a supply of drying air. Thus, a user can insert his or her hands, clean them with the cleaning and/or disinfecting solution, remove the hands and dry them, without requiring any manual operation.

Description: Title: APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CLEANING HANDS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning a user's hands, and more particularly is concerned with apparatus which enables washing and disinfecting of hands, without requiring a user to manually operate or physically touch the equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many instances, in a variety of businesses and institutional situations, where it is desirable, or even essential, that a person have clean hands. For example, anyone handling food, in restaurants or other situations, should ensure their hands are well cleaned, before handling food. In a variety of medical and laboratory situations, it is necessary for personnel to clean their hands regularly, to ensure that an individual does not pick up a disease or infection and to prevent transmission of disease and infection. In many cases, while facilities might be provided for cleaning or washing of hands, these are not completely effective. In many cases, this requires someone to seek out a washroom or the like, in order to wash or clean their hands. If washrooms and the like are not properly maintained, there can be problems with soap or cleaning solutions being available and/or towels to dry one's hands. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a device that can be used for washing and /or disinfecting a user's hands, which device should be simple, compact and readily installed at a variety of different locations. The present inventor has additionally realised that the present invention should ideally automatically provide for both a water and necessary cleaning /disinfecting solution, without requiring manual operation by the user. Additionally, the device should incorporate means for drying a user's hands after cleaning. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a user's hands, the apparatus comprising: a spray chamber; an opening in the spray chamber open to the exterior, to enable a user's hands to be inserted into the chamber; a spray means for generating a spray of a cleaning liquid within the spray chamber and mounted on the spray chamber; a supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the spray means; a valve means connected between the supply means and the spray means for controlling supply of the cleaning liquid; a sensor means mounted on the spray chamber, for sensing the presence of a user's hands within the spray chamber; and a control circuit including a first timer and connected to the sensor means and the valve means, the control circuit opening the valve means to supply the cleaning liquid to the spray means when the sensor means detects the presence of a user's hands and maintaining the valve means open for a period determined by the first timer. Preferably, the supply means comprises a storage tank for a concentrated cleaning solution and a first inlet for a water supply, and the valve means is then connected to both the first inlet and the storage tank and has an outlet connected to the spray means, the valve means, when open, mixing the concentrated solution and the water in a desired ratio, to form a dilute solution which is supplied to the spray means. The spray chamber preferably then includes an outlet for waste cleaning solution, adapted to be connected to an external drain. Advantageously, the valve means comprises a venturi valve. The apparatus can further include a fan means for providing a flow of drying air. The fan is conveniently connected to and controlled by the control circuit and the control circuit then preferably includes a second timer for timing operation of the fan. More preferably, the control circuit includes a relay and the valve means includes an actuating solenoid. The first timer is then connected to the relay for actuation thereof, and the relay includes a first contact means connected to the solenoid for actuation thereof, to open the valve means, and to the second timer, to commence actuation thereof. Preferably, the spray chamber is generally cylindrical and the opening into the spray chamber is generally rectangular and is inclined downwardly into the spray chamber. In a more preferred aspect of the present invention, the opening is provided at the front of the spray chamber and the spray means comprises a pair of spray nozzles mounted to the spray chamber below the opening and directed upwardly and rearwardly, and optionally a further spray nozzle mounted above the opening and directed downwardly and rearwardly. The storage tank can be mounted either above or below the spray chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the storage tank is mounted above the spray chamber, so as to provide a compact unit which can be mounted on a counter surface or the like. The supply means preferably includes a filling funnel mounted above the spray chamber and connecting to the storage tank. A vent, to vent air from the storage tank during filling, can either be connected to the exterior or to the spray chamber. Another aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning and disinfecting solution and the storage tank is preferably filled with this solution, the cleaning solution comprising: 1.6 - 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 - 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 - .4% lauramine oxide; .2 - .6% tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view looking in the direction of arrows 3-3 of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a detailed, enlarged view of a single spray nozzle; Figure 5 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 1, showing an outer casing removed; Figure 6 is a schematic of an electrical control circuit; Figures 7 and 8 show views similar to Figures 2 and 3 of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 9a is a sectional view in a horizontal plane of the second embodiment; and Figure 9b is a view similar to Figure 9a, showing details of a panel with electrical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A first embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by the reference 10. The apparatus 10 has an external casing 12, which can be formed from sheet metal or the like in known manner. As shown in Figure 1, this casing 12 includes an opening 14 for a user's hands, as detailed below, and an outlet vent 16 for a fan. Referring to Figure 5, with the casing 12 removed, the apparatus 10 shows a base 20, with a support framework 22 extending upwardly from the base 20. A rear wall 24 extends up from the base 20, and forms part of the casing 12. Mounted on top of the support framework 22 is a drum 26 defining a cylindrical spray chamber 28. The opening 14 is rectangular and is inclined downwardly into the cylindrical spray chamber 28 as shown. As most clearly shown in Figure 3, the opening 14 is defined by a generally rectangular tubular member 18, effectively extending through the outer casing 12 and into the spray chamber 28. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, three spray nozzles 30 are mounted in the drum 26. Details of the nozzles 30 are shown in Figure 4. Each nozzle 30 comprises an atomizing fog nozzle producing a divergent spray. The preferred spray nozzle is a Lennox humidifier nozzle #21060 with a #54G49 holder supplied by LENNOX. This provides a 90° wide hollow cone spray at a flow rate of 3.00 gallons per minute. The actual atomizing nozzle is indicated at 32 and is secured to a mounting bracket 34, which clamped, secured by adhesive or otherwise attached to the drum 26. An angled compression fitting 36 provides a connection to flexible P.V.C. tubing 38, the tubing 38, together with other standard fittings connecting the nozzles 30 together. Below the drum 26, there is a storage tank 40 for a concentrated cleaning and /or disinfecting solution, details of which are given below. The storage tank 40 is provided with a screened, generally conical refilling funnel 42 connected by tubing 44 to the top of the tank 40. A back pressure vent tube 46 (see Figure 3) is provided. A filtered suction pickup 48 extends from near the bottom of the tank 40 out through the top surface of the tank 40, and as shown in Figure 2, to a venturi valve 50. This connection is made by further tubing 52 and a non-return valve 54. A valve 56 is provided to enable the flow rate through the venturi valve 50 to be adjusted. The outlet of the venturi valve 50 is connected to a union 58, providing a connection to the spray nozzles 30. The inlet of the venturi valve 50 is connected by a solenoid valve 60, including an actuating solenoid, to an inlet 62 providing a connection to a conventional freshwater source, i.e. to a water supply within a building. The venturi valve 50 is preferably a single stage injector, supplied by DEMA Engineering Company of St. Louis, MO., U.S.A. It serves to dilute the concentrated cleaning solution to a desired ratio with the water, to form a dilute solution. For waste water and cleaning solution, an outlet 70 is provided in the bottom of the drum 26. This outlet 70 is connected by tubing 72 to an outlet 74, which can be connected to conventional drains within a building. At the front of the apparatus 10, various electrical control elements are arranged on a panel 76. The electrical interconnection of these various elements is shown in Figure 6. A junction box 78 is provided with an input lead 79 (Figure 6), for connection with a conventional electricity supply, for example, 120 volts AC in North America. The junction box 78 is connected to a transformer 80 which converts the input supply to a 24 volt AC supply for powering the other components, as indicated in Figure 6. The junction box 78 and transformer 80 are weather proof and designed to withstand water spillage. Mounted on the right hand side of the transformer 80, as shown in Figure 2, is a housing 82 for various low level electronics, and beside this is a fan 84. 2"x4" louvered vents 83 are provided for the incoming air to the fan 84. Along the bottom of the panel 76, there is a first, multifunctional timer 86 for the spray nozzles and a second timer 87 for the fan, as detailed below. Beside the timers 86, 87, there is a relay 88. Also forming part of the electronic circuitry is a photoelectric proximity sensor 90, shown in Figure 3. Preferably, this is Model No. 13106R6513 supplied by Cutler- Hammer Eaton of Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. Turning to Figure 6, as shown, the transformer 80, effectively included in the enclosure 78 of the junction box is provided with the input 79 for connection to a conventional 120 VAC supply. This is transformed down to 24 volts AC and connected to a pair of supply lines 92. As shown, the proximity sensor 90 is connected between the lines 92 and has an output 91, connected to the first timer 86. A contact pair 86a is an internal contact pair of the timer and serves to initiate operation of the timer 86. The timer 86 controls a pair of contacts 86b, which when closed actuate the relay 88. The relay 88 in turn closes a pair of contacts 88a, so as to actuate the solenoid valve 60. Simultaneously, the closure of the contacts 88a activates the second timer 87. The second timer 87 closes a pair of contacts 87a, to provide power to the fan 84. As shown, for the fan 84, a bridge rectifier 85 is provided between the supply lines 92, to provide a DC supply for the fan 84. Additionally, to monitor the level of liquid in the storage tank 40, a probe 94 is provided. The probe 94 is connected to a level sensor 95, which is also connected to a lower level warning light 96 which is provided through the front of the casing 12. Accordingly, in use, the apparatus is installed and connected up to conventional electrical and freshwater supplies. The storage tank 40 is filled with a suitable concentrated cleaning and disinfecting solution through the funnel 42. In accordance with the present invention, a preferred cleaning and disinfecting formulation comprises: 1.6 - 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 - 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 - .4% lauramine oxide; .2 - .6% tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition. When a user wishes to wash and disinfect their hands, he or she simply inserts the hands through the opening 14. The presence of the hands is detected by the proximity sensor 90. This activates the first timer 86, which in turn actuates the relay 88. The relay 88 opens the solenoid valve 60, permitting fresh water to flow through to the venturi valve 50. In the venturi valve 50, the low pressure entrains cleaning solution from the tank 40 into the freshwater flow, to provide a desired dilution of the cleaning solution in the range 18:1 to 20:1. The cleaning solution is then sprayed from the nozzles 30 and, in known manner, the user can rub his or her hands together and ensure they are adequately washed. The spraying operation is timed for a period set by the timer 86. The sloping of the opening 14 ensures that any drops of solution falling on it are directed back in the chamber 28. When the solenoid 60 is actuated, as shown in Figure 6, the second timer 87 is also actuated. This timer 87 can then immediately, or after a set delay, actuate the fan 84. In any event, the timer 87 sets the fan 84 to run for a period of time after the timer 86 is turned off and the dispensing of the cleaning solution ended. The fan 84 produces a flow of air, for drying purposes, discharging out from the outlet vent 16. Thus, after a user has washed and disinfected his or her hands, their hands can be placed in front of a vent for drying purposes. If desired, a heater can be provided in addition to the fan 84. At the end of the drying cycle, the timer 87 shuts off the fan 84, and the apparatus can then remain dormant and ready for another user. The casing 12 can be formed in any known manner. Here, the casing 12 has generally rectangular top and bottom surfaces and includes the rectangular rear wall 24. At the front, the casing 12 has a front wall 32, with lower and upper portions 34, 36 (Figure 3). The lower portion 34 is generally vertical and the upper portion 36 is inclined backwards slightly, with the opening 14 perpendicular to the upper portion 36. The sides of the casing 12 are then correspondingly shaped. In Figures 7-9, a second embodiment is shown and denoted by the reference 100. Elements common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numeral as in the first embodiment, but with the suffix a. For brevity, a detailed description of similar or common components is not repeated, and it is to be understood that the individual components function as in the first embodiment. The second embodiment of the apparatus 100 provides a more compact unit intended for mounting on a counter, table, wall or the like. As such, in many institutional, business and other settings, it should be easy to find a suitable surface for mounting the unit, and it then occupies little space. The principal difference in the second embodiment is that the drum is now located below the storage tank. This is because the unit is intended for mounting on an elevated surface. For this purpose, the drum 26a has an external diameter of 10y inches. The drum is centred at 6- j - inches above the base 20a of the device. Here, rubber bumper pads 21a are provided. Consequently, the opening 14a is much closer to the base 20a than in the first embodiment. The arrangement of the spray nozzles is modified as compared to the first embodiment. A single pair of nozzles 30a are provided. In Figure 7, these are inclined at an angle of 60° towards the centre of the chamber, as viewed from the front. Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, the nozzles 30a are also inclined at 60° to the horizontal, so as to be directed rearwardly. The opening 14a is now tapered, and is provided above the centre line of the drum 26a, as best shown in Figure 8. At the bottom of the drum 26a, there is a drain screen 31 provided above the outlet connected to the outlet tube 72a. The back pressure vent 46a, instead of being connected to atmosphere, is now connected to the spray chamber, as shown. The arrangement of the fan has now been altered. The fan 84a has the actual fan or drive motor provided on one side, as shown in Figure 7. An elongate grill or outlet vent 16a is provided. Turning to the arrangement of the control circuitry, similar components are provided as for the first embodiment and these operate similarly. However, the physical layout of their components has been varied. Thus, the panel 76a is now horizontal. The arrangement of the solenoid valve 60a and the venturi valve 50a are shown in Figure 9b. The non-return valve 54 and the valve 56 setting the flow rate would be retained, and the outlet of the venturi valve 50a is connected to tubing 38a and then through to the nozzles 30a. The overall profile of the front panel 32a is varied. It has a planar lower portion 34a and a rounded upper portion 36a. At its upper edge, as indicated at 33a, there is a hinge or the like permitting the front cover to be detached. A cam lock 37a at the bottom enables the front cover to be released at the bottom and then pivoted upwards. The hinge arrangement 33a can comprise a tongue and groove arrangement formed between folded ends of the panel sheets, permitting the front panel 32a to be removed, for servicing, maintenance etc. On the right hand side as indicated at 98, a NEMA 4 fuse holder can be provided and 99 indicates a grommet for an input power supply cable. The tubing for the different connections can be sized for the intended use. In this preferred embodiment, the connection tube 44a for filing the storage tank and the drain tube 72a are both — inch vinyl tubing. The other tubing, the connection tubing 38a to the nozzles, the back pressure vent tubing 46a, the filtered suction pick-up tubing 48a and the water inlet connection tubing 62a are all - inch P.V.C. tube. It will be appreciated that while a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, numerous variations are possible within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, while it is convenient for both the drum 26a and storage tank 40a to be generally cylindrical, other shapes and profiles could be adopted. In particular, other shapes for the spray chamber 28a may prove desirable for certain applications. The size of the storage tank 40a can be chosen depending upon an intended application, levels of usage and desired times between refilling.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for cleaning a user's hands, the apparatus comprising: a spray chamber; an opening in the spray chamber open to the exterior, to enable a user's hands to be inserted into the chamber; a spray means for generating a spray of a cleaning liquid within the spray chamber and mounted on the spray chamber; a supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the spray means; a valve means connected between the supply means and the spray means for controlling supply of the cleaning liquid; a sensor means mounted on the spray chamber, for sensing the presence of a user's hands within the spray chamber; and a control circuit including a first timer and connected to the sensor means and the valve means, the control circuit opening the valve means to supply the cleaning liquid to the spray means when the sensor means detects the presence of a user's hands and maintaining the valve means open for a period determined by the first timer. 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supply means comprises a storage tank for a concentrated cleaning solution and a first inlet for a water supply, and the valve means is connected to both the first inlet and the storage tank and has an outlet connected to the spray means, the valve means, when open, mixing the concentrated solution and the water in a desired ratio, to form a dilute solution which is supplied to the spray means. 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spray chamber includes an outlet for waste cleaning solution, adapted to be connected to an external drain. 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the valve means comprises a venturi valve. 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, which includes a fan means for providing a flow of drying air. 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fan is connected to and controlled by the control circuit and the control circuit includes a second timer for timing operation of the fan. 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control circuit includes a relay and the valve means includes an actuating solenoid, wherein the first timer is connected to the first relay for actuation thereof, and the first relay includes a first contact means connected to the solenoid for actuation thereof, to open the valve means, and to the second timer, to commence actuation thereof. 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, which includes a level sensor on the storage tank, wherein the level sensor is connected to the control circuit and the control circuit includes an indication means, for providing an indication when the level in the storage tank falls below a predetermined level. 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the spray chamber is generally cylindrical and the opening into the spray chamber is generally rectangular and is inclined downwardly into the spray chamber. 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the opening is provided at the front of the spray chamber and the spray means comprises a pair of spray nozzles mounted to the spray chamber below the opening and directed upwardly and rearwardly. 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the storage tank is mounted below the spray chamber and the supply means includes a filling funnel mounted above the spray chamber and connecting to the storage tank and a vent to vent air from the storage tank during filling. 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the valve means comprises a venturi valve and wherein the storage tank includes a filtered suction pickup extending from a position adjacent the bottom of the storage tank to the venturi valve. 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, which includes a framework for supporting the spray chamber and the storage tank and an external casing surrounding the framework, the storage tank and the spray chamber, with the opening for the spray chamber extending through the casing into the spray chamber, and wherein the control circuit is provided on a panel below the spray chamber and the opening and wherein the control circuit includes a supply line for a connection to a conventional alternating current supply, a junction box to which the supply line is connected and a transformer connected to a junction box, wherein the transformer and the junction box are provided with a weatherproof enclosure and the transformer transforms the supply voltage to a lower voltage. 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, which includes a framework for supporting the spray chamber and the storage tank and an external casing surrounding the storage tank and the spray chamber, with the opening for the spray chamber extending through the casing into the spray chamber, wherein the apparatus is adapted for mounting on an elevated surface and the storage tank is provided above the spray chamber, and wherein the control circuit is provided on a panel mounted above the spray chamber and wherein the control circuit includes a supply line for a connection to a conventional alternating current supply, a junction box to which the supply line is connected and a transformer connected to the junction box, wherein the transformer and the junction box are provided with a weatherproof enclosure and the transformers transform supply voltage to a lower voltage. 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the opening into the chamber opens above a centre line of the chamber is of rectangular section, and tapers inwardly. 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the spray nozzles are mounted adjacent ends of the spray chamber and are directed rearwardly and inwardly towards the centre of the chamber. 17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the storage tank is provided with a cleaning solution comprising: 1.6 - 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 - 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 - .4% lauramine oxide; .2 - .6% tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition. 18. A cleaning and disinfecting solution comprising: 1.6 - 2% N-alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; 1.6 - 2% didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; .2 - .4% lauramine oxide; .2 - .6% tetrasodium salt of EDTA; 4% glycerin; and water, the amount of water forming the balance of the composition.

Inventors: DEIBERT RONALD HENRY, DEIBERT, RONALD, HENRY
Applicants: 700303 ALBERTA LTD, 700303 ALBERTA LTD.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A61B19
IPC codes: A47K7, A61B19, A61L2, C11D1, C11D3