Abstract:
Method and apparatus for disinfecting an item, for example, a handle for a door or a tap in a toilet facility. The apparatus includes a movable member, e.g., a door handle having a contact surface for being manually engaged to move the movable member; germicide applying means for applying germicide to the surface; and an operating mechanism coupled between the movable member and the germicide applying means and operable in response to movement of the movable member for applying germicide to the contact surface after movement of said movable member. The germicide applying means may be a pump. The operating mechanism may act to prime the pump when the door handle is turned to open the door. The germicide is sprayed over the handle after the handle is released and returns to its initial position. The return movement may be retarded.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims priority from PCT/GBO2/03537, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, which is based on and claims priority from British Application 0118774.9 filed on Aug. 1, 2001, the entire disclosure of each of the aforementioned applications are each herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method and apparatus for disinfecting items. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a handle, for example, a door handle, tap handle, or toilet cistern handle which has means to apply thereto a sterilising substance, such as a bactericide/disinfectant, subsequent to use of the article to which the handle is attached. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is well known that bacteria and other germs can be transferred between surfaces by human contact. Further, it is also known that human contact with a bacteria- or germ-laden surface can cause potentially infectious agents to be transferred to the human. Dirty or unclean surfaces can also become active breeding grounds for bacteria and other germs. 
     Whilst most people appreciate the benefits of washing their hands subsequent to using toilet facilities, some do not. In such cases, there is obviously a risk that a potentially infectious agent will be transferred from the unwashed hand to a surface. Such a surface may be a door handle used to open the door to the toilet facilities. Further, even if a person does wash their hands, a previous user may not have, thereby providing an opportunity for an agent to be transferred from a germ-laden door handle to the hand of the person who did wash their hands. These problems may be particularly acute in schools or in hospitals, although all toilet facilities suffer in this fashion. 
     Even when one washes one&#39;s hands, the tap or faucet is usually hand operated. This necessitates one&#39;s germ-laden hands contacting the tap, thereby potentially transferring those germs. After washing one&#39;s hands to clean them of any agents, one then has to turn the tap off, providing an opportunity for re-infection of one&#39;s hands. In hospital surgery units, this problem is alleviated by having either electronically activated taps, or by turning the tap on and off using one&#39;s elbow, actuating a specially adapted tap extension. 
     CH 568074 discloses a hollow handle in which is located a spongy material impregnated with disinfectant. Also housed within the cavity is a weight. As the handle is turned, the weight compresses the spongy material, forcing a small amount of disinfectant out of an aperture in the handle and onto the hand of the handle operator. 
     EP-A1-0351307, discloses a device in which the action of using a handle causes it to be axially reciprocated subsequent its release by the operator. During the reciprocating motion, an aseptisising product is applied thereto. DE-U-20000432 and DE-U-20001422 similarly provide handles which have disinfectant applied thereto, subsequent to their operation. 
     Accordingly, a need exists to overcome the problems and shortcomings of the prior art to provide a handle which can be used in a variety of situations, and in both high and low traffic zones and which effectively cleanses the handle. It is a further object to provide a self-sterilising handle of simple construction which has no need for electricity or other external power sources. It is a further object of the invention to provide a sterilising device which effectively exposes the gripping or actuation surfaces of a handle to a germicidal agent. It is another object that the hand of the handle operator is not exposed to the disinfecting agent. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a movable member, a contact surface engageable manually to move the movable member from a first to a second position, the member returning to its first position upon release of the contact surface, germicide applying means for applying germicide to the contact surface; and an operating mechanism coupled between the movable member and the germicide applying means to cause germicide to be applied to the contact surface, characterised in that the operating mechanism is operable during the return movement of the movable member to the first position to deliver a spray of an aerosol or mist of germicide onto the contact surface. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the invention, means are provided for retarding the return of the movable member to the first position after manual release of the contact surface. In this way, it is ensured that the handle has been manually released before it is sprayed. 
     The germicide applying means may conveniently comprise a reservoir for containing the germicide and a pump connected between the reservoir and an outlet for spraying onto the surface germicide received from the reservoir means via the pump. 
     Advantageously, the operating mechanism is operable to prime the pump with germicide during the movement of the movable member from the first to the second position. 
     In preferred embodiment of the invention, the pump has an operating element movable to prime the pump and further movable to eject germicide, the operating mechanism being operable in response to the movement and the return of the movable member to move the operating element of the pump. 
     The operating mechanism may suitably comprises a camming member mounted for turning movement in response to the movement and the return of the movable member, the camming member having a camming surface engaged with the operating element. 
     In accordance with a second aspect, the invention provides a self-sterilising handle assembly for a door or the like comprising a manually operable handle and a spray head, the handle being operable to open the door or the like, characterised in that the handle is arranged upon its manual release subsequent to operation of the door or the like, to cause the spray head to spray germicide over at least part of the handle. 
     In this specification, the terms “germicide” and “germicidal agent” are used to indicate an agent which is noxious to bacteria, viruses and other germs and/or which disinfects or tends to sterilise the surfaces with which it comes into contact. 
     The germicidal agent may comprise isopropyl alcohol (IPA), a germicidal concentration of chlorine containing substances, e.g. an aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidines, a solution of tea tree oil or other known germicidal substances such as iodophores, solutions of quaternary ammonium salts, phenols and aldehydes. It may also be selected to evaporate subsequent to its application to the handle means. 
     The source of germicidal agent is preferably a reservoir, housing the germicidal agent, in fluid connection with the delivery means. The reservoir may be removably mounted to the assembly, preferably being releasably secured thereto by means of a lock. The walls of the reservoir may be translucent or clear so that the level or amount of germicidal agent remaining therein is determinable by visual inspection and the act of drawing the liquid and spraying it is conspicuous to the user. 
     The assembly may further comprise a light and/or a phosphorescent panel to render at least part of the assembly visible in the absence of an external light source. The reservoir may be composed of a phosphorescent material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. In order that the invention may be better understood, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only and other features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of handle assembly; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are partial cut-away elevations of the handle assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are part sectional views of a second embodiment of handle assembly; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are part-sectional views of a third embodiment of handle assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation of a modification of the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view along line X-X′ of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view along line Y-Y′ of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of a retardation device for installation in a modification of the first embodiment; and 
         FIG. 9  is a view of a friction clutch for installation in a modification of the first embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It should be understood that these embodiments are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. 
     Referring firstly to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a handle assembly  1  for a door having a pivotable handle  2 , a housing  3  and a reservoir  5  for holding a germicidal agent. Projecting from the housing  3  is a spray head  4 . Suitable spray heads  4  spray liquids, although aerosol heads or nebulizers, which provide an aerosol or fine mist respectively, are preferred. The housing  3  and the reservoir  5  are mounted on a plate  6 . A tab  13  is provided in the housing  3 . 
     The reservoir  5  is translucent so that the contents can be viewed and is provided with a lock  7  to secure it to the plate  6 . 
     A tube  8  extends from the bottom of the reservoir  5  to a delivery device  10  and at the bottom of the reservoir. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2A , the delivery device  10  is in fluid connection with the spray head  4 , by means of a short, flexible tube  11 . 
     Apertures, such as screw holes  12 , are provided in the housing  3  which register with holes in the plate  6 . The handle assembly  1  is attached to a door by a plurality of screws  9  or the like, which extend through the holes  12  in the housing  3  and those in the plate  6 . (These may be covered by a plate or housing to prevent vandals removing the device.) 
     The reservoir  5  is connected to the plate  6  by the provision of extension portions (not shown) which allow disconnection of the reservoir  5  from the plate  6  by a simple lift-and-pivot action. The delivery device  10  is located within a recessed portion  5   a  of the reservoir  5 . 
     In  FIG. 2A , the handle  2  is shown in its rest position, with the door closed, a latch (not shown) being received within an aperture (also not shown) in the doorframe (not shown), as is well known. As can be seen, the handle  2  is connected to a spindle  15 , rotation of which causes the door latch to withdraw from, or extend in to, the aperture of the door frame. 
     Mounted about the spindle  15  is a part circular member  16 , defining a cam surface  17 . As shown, the cam surface  17  engages the upper surface of a pump member  18  of the delivery device  10 . Also provided is a torsion spring  19  which urges the handle  2  and part circular member  16  into the condition shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     The pump head  18  is resiliently urged into the extended condition shown in  FIG. 2B  by an internal compression spring (not shown). 
       FIG. 2B  shows the handle  2  in a position where it has been rotated about the spindle  15 , against the urging of the torsion spring  19 . Rotation of the handle  2  causes a simultaneous rotation of the part circular member  16 , causing the cam surface  17  to disengage the pump head  18  and thereby allowing the pump head  18  to rise, in response to the urging of the internal compression spring (not shown). 
     As the pump head  18  rises to the position shown in  FIG. 2B , a charge of the germicidal agent held in the reservoir  5  is drawn up tube  8 , forcing some germicidal agent into tube  11 . A non-return valve (not shown) is provided in the flow path, within delivery device  10 , between the tubes  8  and  11 . 
     As the handle  2  is released, the torsion spring  19  causes it to return to the position shown in  FIG. 2A , thereby bringing the cam surface  17  into engagement with the upper surface of the pump head  18 . The depression of pump head  18  forces the charge of germicidal agent held in the tube  11  out of the spray head  4 . As the charge is forced out of the spray head  4 , it becomes an aerosol, or is at least nebulized, whereupon it is sprayed over the handle  2 , coating the surfaces thereof with germicidal agent. 
     It will be appreciated that to open a door fitted with this assembly  1 , the user will grasp the handle  2  and rotate it anti-clockwise to the position shown in  FIG. 2B , withdrawing the latch from the door frame. The user will then push or pull the door open, as the case may be, and walk through. Upon release of the handle  2 , it will return to its starting position, causing germicidal agent to be applied to the surface of the handle  2 , thereby sterilising its surfaces. 
     The assembly  1  may be adapted for use on a door opening from the right. In that case the handle  2  will protrude toward the right (as opposed to that shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) and the spray head  4  will be mounted on the right-hand side of the housing  3 . In this case, the handle  2  will be rotated clockwise from the horizontal to open the door and will be urged counter-clockwise. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a second embodiment of handle assembly  20  for a pull handle door. The assembly  20  has a housing  23 , a reservoir  25 , a handle  22  and a plate  26  to which the housing  23  is mounted, the whole being secured to a door by screws extending through screw holes  32 . 
     Located within the housing  23  is a compression spring  39  and a member  36  which are mounted about a spigot  40  connected to the handle  22 . As with the first embodiment of handle assembly  1 , a spray head  24  is mounted in the housing  20  and is connected via a flexible tube  31  to a pump head  38 , the pump head  38  comprising part of a delivery device  30 . Depending from the delivery device  30  is a tube  28  which extends to or near the bottom of the reservoir  25 . The pump member has an internal compression spring (not shown), urging it into the position shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     The member  36  has a chamfered perimeter, to give a frusto-conical shape, the perimeter thereof providing an abutment surface  37 . The compression spring  39  urges the member  36  to the position shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     To open a door to which the assembly  20  is attached, a user pulls on the handle  22 , compressing the spring  39  and allowing the pump head  38  to rise. The rising pump head  38  draws germicidal agent from the reservoir  25 , through pipe  28  and into pipe  31 . A non-return valve (not shown) within the delivery device  30  prevents fluid in tube  31  from flowing back into tube  28 . 
     As the handle  22  is released, the compression spring  39  urges the member  36  to the left, as shown in  FIG. 3B , causing the depression of the pump head  38 , thereby forcing germicidal agent out through the spray head  24  and on to the handle  22 . 
     Therefore, as soon as the opener releases the handle  22 , after having stepped through the door, germicidal agent is sprayed onto the handle  22  to sterilise it. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a door handle similar to that discussed with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  but for a push door (similar components being denoted by the same number with a prime (′)). 
     To open a door to which the assembly  20 ′ is attached, a user pushes on the handle  22 ′, compressing the spring  39 ′ and allowing the pump head  38 ′ to rise, as shown in  FIG. 4A . The rising pump head  38 ′ draws germicidal agent from the reservoir  25 ′, through pipe  28 ′ and into pipe  31 ′. A non-return valve (not shown) within the delivery device  30 ′ prevents fluid in tube  31 ′ from flowing back into tube  28 ′. 
     As the handle  22 ′ is released, the compression spring  39 ′ urges the member  36 ′ to the right, as shown in  FIG. 3B , causing the depression of the pump head  38 ′, thereby forcing germicidal agent out through the spray head  24 ′ and on to the handle  22 ′. 
     Therefore, as soon as the user releases the handle  22 ′, after having stepped through the door, germicidal agent is sprayed onto the handle  22 ′ to sterilise it. 
     Whilst the invention with relation to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A and  4 B has been described as being for either a push or pull door, it will be appreciated that two compression springs  39  and  39 ′ could be mounted within the housing  23  with, say, a diamond-shaped member therebetween, an apex of which being biased into engagement with the pump head  38 ,  38 ′. Pushing the handle in either direction will cause the pump head  38 ,  38 ′ to rise, thereby priming the delivery means. The two compression springs  39  and  39 ′ will urge or bias the member toward a central position. Therefore, release of the handle will cause the diamond-shaped member to adopt the equilibrium position, ensuring the pump member depresses, thereby forcing germicidal agent from the spray head and onto the handle. 
       FIG. 5  shows a handle assembly  101 , which is a modification of the handle shown in  FIG. 1 , having a pivotable handle  102 , a housing  103  and a reservoir  105  for holding germicidal agent. The housing  103  and reservoir  105  are mounted or carried on a plate  106 . Located on the right-hand side of the housing  103  is a spray head  104 . The reservoir  105 , which may be either translucent or opaque, is provided with a lock  107 . The reservoir  105  may also be provided with a panel  200  for display of indicia, such as advertising and the like. 
     The handle  102 , is attached to a rotatable hub  201 . Mounted on the hub  201  is a push button lock  202 , as is known in the art, to lock the door when, say a toilet or bathroom is in use. 
       FIG. 6  shows the assembly  101  mounted on a door  300 , with a spindle  400  extending through the door  300  and engaging the assembly  101 . A further assembly  101  or conventional door handle  500  may be mounted on the other side of the door. 
     A torsion spring  119  is mounted about the spindle  400  which resiliently urges the handle  102  to the horizontal position shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     A pipe  108  extends from the bottom of the reservoir  105  to a delivery device  110 , having a pump head  118 . Mounted about the spindle  400  for rotation therewith, are two cam surfaces  116 ,  117 . 
     Cam surface  117  engages the pump head  118  for dispensing germicidal agent as previously explained. Cam surface  116  is arranged to arrest the return stroke of handle  102  as will be described below. 
       FIG. 7  shows the assembly  101  in the “closed door” position, i.e. with the handle  102  horizontal (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). A relatively short flexible pipe  111  provides fluid connection between the pump head  118  and the spray head  104 . 
     Mounted at the top of the housing  103  is a retardation device  150  comprising a flexible-walled tube  151  held between two hollow mountings  152 ,  153 . Preferably, the flexible-walled tube  151  is formed from PVC or other impact resistant and flexible plastics material. The internal volume of mounting  152  is in communication with the interior of the housing  103 , thus flexible-walled tube  151  is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing via mounting  152 . Mounting  153  is provided with a resiliently urged ball valve  154  whose principal axis is orthogonal to the axis of the tube  151 , and a throttle valve  155 , in line with the axis of the tube  151 , occluding the path between flexible-walled tube  151  and the interior of the housing  103  via mounting  152 . 
     When an operator opens the door  300  by operating the assembly  101 , he grasps the handle  102  and rotates it clockwise. Such rotation causes the hub  201  to rotate and, consequently, the spindle  400 , thereby withdrawing the door latch (not shown) from its lock (also not shown) mounted in the door-frame (not shown). Rotation of the handle  102  causes cam surface  117  to rotate clockwise about the spindle  400 , thereby disengaging the pump head  118 . As the cam surface  117  disengages pump head  118  the head  118  is urged upwards by an internally mounted compression spring (not shown), causing germicidal agent to be drawn from the reservoir  105 , through pipe  108  and into pipe  111 . 
     As the spindle  400  rotates, cam surface  116  also rotates and, in so doing, engages and compresses flexible-walled tube  151  forcing the air within the tube  151  to be forced to the right and into the housing  103 . The passage of the cam surface  116  in this direction is relatively unrestricted. Simultaneously, air is drawn into the tube  151  through the ball valve  154 , which acts as a non-return valve. 
     When the handle  102  is released, the spring  119  urges the handle  102  towards the horizontal (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). However, as cam surface  116  engages the flexible-walled tube  151 , it compresses the walls thereof forcing air towards the left (as shown). The throttle  155  occludes the passageway thereby reducing the flow of air and causing the cam surface  116  and hence cam surface  117  to rotate relatively slowly. As (relatively slow) rotation of the cam surface  116  continues, due to the urging of the spring  119 , the cam surface passes by an equilibrium position (shown as being vertical as indicated by the dotted lines) after which the urging of the spring  119  will overcome the resistance offered by the air in the flexible-walled tube  151  and throttle valve  155 . Once the resistance offer by the air in the flexible-walled tube  151  has been overcome, the spring  119  causes relatively rapid counter-clockwise rotation of the spindle  400 . The relatively rapid rotation of the cam surface  116  brings the cam surface  116  into engagement with the pump head  118 , thereby forcing the pump head  118  downwards and thereby ejecting germicidal agent from the spray head  104  and onto the handle  102 . 
     By providing for such retardation of the return stroke of the handle  102 , it is less likely that a user will be sprayed with the germicidal agent. Thus a user will operate the handle  102 , walk through the door, the handle  102  will start to (slowly) rotate counter-clockwise and will then rotate relatively quickly and deliver a dose of germicidal agent onto the handle  102 . The user will have departed. 
     The degree or extent of retardation of the return stroke is controlled by the throttle  155 , which is preferably adjustable. If the throttle  155  is relatively open there will be a lesser degree of retardation and vice versa. The extent of retardation will be determined by the operating conditions of the door and of the site in which it is located. 
     Clearly, the assembly  101  could be used for left- and right-handed doors by the simple expediency of providing two ports where the spray head  104  can be mounted and by turning the hub  201  so that the handle  102  extends in the opposite direction. 
       FIG. 8  shows a modified retardation device  250  having a flexible-walled tube  251  held between two hollow mountings  252 ,  253  to define a passageway, the whole being retained in a casing  258 . The casing  258  also defines a bore  256  aligned parallel to the tube  251 . The hollow mounting  252  is in unrestricted fluid communication with the bore  256  via passageway  257 . 
     A resiliently urged ball valve  254  and throttle valve  255  are mounted within the casing  258  at an end thereof distant from the passageway  257 . The ball of ball valve  254  is urged into engagement with the end of a passage  259  which communicates with the bore  256 . The throttle valve  255  at least partially occludes one end of a passage  260 , the other end of the passage  260  being in fluid communication with bore  256 . 
     The entire volume defined by the tube  251 , mountings  252 ,  253 , bore  256  and passageways  257 ,  259 ,  260  is filled with a fluid, say a gas or a liquid such as water, an oil or other hydraulic fluid. 
     The direction of the movement of the cam  116 , in use, with respect to the tube  251  is indicated by the double-headed arrow. 
     Thus, and taking a right-handed door as shown in  FIG. 5 and 7 , as the handle is turned clockwise, cam  116  rotates clockwise bringing it into engagement with tube  251 . As the walls of the tube  251  are compressed together, continued rotation of the cam  116  causes fluid to be forced towards the right of the tube  251 , causing fluid to flow through passage  257 , along bore  256  and along passage  259 . The pressure of the fluid will act against the spring in ball valve  254  thereby letting fluid flow in to the interior of mounting  253 . Because the urging of the ball valve  254  is not very severe, relatively unrestricted flow is afforded the fluid around the closed-loop. 
     When the handle is released, the internally mounted torsion spring  119  causes the handle to rotate anti-clockwise thereby causing cam  116  to rotate anti-clockwise. As the cam  116  engages the walls of tube  251  it compresses the walls, forcing fluid towards the left. The ball valve  254  acts as a non-return valve. Therefore, the only route for the fluid is via the throttle  255  which occludes the passageway  260 , restricting fluid flow around the closed loop and thereby retarding rotation of the cam  116  and, consequently, the handle. 
     The spring  119  continues to urge the cam  116  counterclockwise, forcing fluid passed the throttle  255 . Once the cam  116  has passed an equilibrium position, say where it is vertical, the walls of the tube  251  will no longer be crushed and fluid is no longer forced in one direction only. At this point, further rotation of the cam  116  will be relatively unrestricted, allowing relatively fast counter clockwise rotation of the cam  116  and cam  117 , allowing for depression of pump head  118 . 
     The push and pull handles  22 ,  22 ′ shown in  FIGS. 3A to 4B  could be provided with a similar mechanism to that described above, where the retardation device  150 ,  250  is parallel to the plane of operation of the handle and is mounted for engagement by the upper surface of member  36 ,  36 ′. 
       FIG. 9  shows a further retardation device, in the form of a friction clutch  160  having a housing  161  within which is mounted a rotatable hub  162 . The hub  162  has a through-bore  163  which can accept a spindle  400  in a friction fit or may be complementarily shaped to the external shape of the spindle  400 . In any case, the hub  162  is arranged to rotate with the spindle  400 . The friction clutch  160  allows for controlled slip between the hub  162  and housing  161  when a pre-determined force is exerted but allows free rotation in one direction. Thus, as the handle  102  is turned to open the door  300 , the clutch  160  provides no resistance, thereby allowing the cam surface  116  to disengage, and consequently prime, the pump head  118 . When the handle is fully turned, the spring  119  will exert maximum force upon the clutch  160 . At the maximum force, the clutch  160  slips slowly, allowing for relatively slow rotation between the housing  161  and hub  162 . After slipping slowly for a few seconds, the clutch  160  will give, allowing relatively fast rotation of the spindle  400  and causing the cam surface  116  to re-engage the pump head  118 , forcing germicidal agent from the spray head  104 . 
     The friction clutch  160  may be mounted at a location distant from the spindle  400  and be operably connected to the spindle  400  by a belt, chain, or the like. A suitable friction clutch  160  may be supplied by Huco Engineering Industries of Hertford, United Kingdom. 
     Other retardation devices may include a timer switch which forces a pawl to engage cam surface  117  for a pre-set time period, or a resiliently urged ratchet and pawl mechanism to retard the return stroke. In any case, it is necessary that the cam surface  116  engages the pump head  118  with sufficient force to eject a dose of germicidal from the spray head  104 , therefore, the return stroke must only be retarded for a small part of its travel. 
     Whilst a large number of germicidal agents may be used, it is preferred to use one which is rapidly evaporated once it is applied to the surface of the handle  2 ,  22 ,  22 ′,  102 . In order to use a rapidly evaporating germicidal agent it is necessary that its germicidal action is rapid, necessarily more rapid than the rate of evaporation. Suitable agents are IPA (isopropyl alcohol) and solutions of tea tree oil. A residue of germicidal agent may remain on the handle  2 ,  22 ,  22 ′,  102 . 
     In certain circumstances, it may be desired to have a relatively slowly evaporating germicidal agent. Low use doors in areas of potentially high germ concentrations may be such areas. 
     Applying the germicidal agent as a fine spray or aerosol helps both rapid evaporation, thereby ensuring that users do not get the agent on their hands and also helps the desideratum ensuring that all of the handle&#39;s surfaces have the agent applied thereto. Whilst we do not intend to be limited by any particular theory, our investigations that when the mist or aerosol emitted by the spray head  4 ,  24 ,  24 ′,  104  is so fine, residual air turbulence caused by the action of the door closing, encourages eddy currents to form. The so-formed whorls and vortices ensure that the germicidal agent is applied to surfaces which are not facing the spray head  4 ,  24 ,  24 ′,  104 . 
     On average, a charge 0.05 ml has been found sufficient to spray onto the handle to sterile the surface thereof. Thus a reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  of 150 ml capacity would spray three thousand times before it is exhausted. The capacity of the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  may be matched to the expected ‘use-rate’ of the door. For example, for a door which is used frequently, a higher volume reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  may be used to ensure that the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  does not run dry and so that it is not necessary to change or fill the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  too frequently. 
     As a cleaner or janitor completes his or her round, it will be a simple task to check the volume of germicidal agent left within the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  . If it requires replenishing, the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  is simply detached from the housing  3 ,  23 ,  23 ′,  103  and re-filled with germicidal agent. Alternatively, the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  could be provided as a filled cartridge. In such cases the cleaner or janitor will simply remove an exhausted cartridge from the assembly  1 ,  20 ,  20 ′,  101  and replace it with a full one. 
     The reservoir or cartridge  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′ may have indicia such as advertising, instructions for use, instructions for replenishing the reservoir or changing the cartridge printed thereon, for example. 
     It will be noted that the germicide is applied to the handle as or after it moves to the rest position; that such movement can easily be retarded; the spray of germicide is visible to the user; the sprayed surface will not be wet to touch. The reservoir of germicidal agent may easily be replenished or replaced. 
     The lock  7 ,  107  may be provided to prevent unwanted tampering. In certain circumstances the lock  7 ,  107  will be seen as being unnecessary. 
     As an alternative to the lock  7 ,  107 , or additionally thereto, a small lamp may be provided within the housing  3 ,  23 ,  23 ′,  103  or a phosphorescent panel. The lamp will be actuated upon failure of ambient lighting to ensure that someone within, say, a washroom or toilet, can find the door. A phosphorescent panel will emit a limited amount of light subsequent to failure of ambient lighting. In place of a panel, the reservoir  5 ,  25 ,  25 ′,  105  may be formed from a phosphorescent material. 
     The tab  13  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B, may be solid or may have apertures formed therein. If solid, it may comprise a scented substance which emits a scent for air-freshening. If it has apertures therein, a scented substance or air-freshener may be located within the housing, the apertures allowing the scent or air-freshener to escape from the housing and in to the surrounding area. The cleaner or janitor will be able to replace the scented substance as part of their normal duties. In some situations, it will be preferred to not have a scented substance therein. In such cases, the tab may act as a plug. Alternatively, the assembly  1  may be absent a tab  13 . 
     It will be realised that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The apparatus may be adapted for mounting on or incorporation in a door handle; the means for spraying the germicide and/or the priming mechanism and the retardation means may each be different from what has been shown. The apparatus operates mechanically but electrical devices may also be used. 
     Whilst the invention has been described with reference to doors and door handles, it will be appreciated that a resiliently urged tap could likewise be provided with the spray head as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B and  5  to  7 . In public washrooms, taps, especially hot water taps, are often resiliently urged so as to prevent unnecessary wastage of water. Thus, by providing a source of germicidal agent, a spray head, a surface to abut a pump member, the invention could be adapted for use on a tap to disinfect the surfaces thereof after use. 
     The invention could similarly be applied to a toilet cistern handle. Each of the embodiments discussed could be used in toilet cisterns, with the housing, reservoir and spray head mounted within the cistern and being arranged to spray a germicidal agent onto the handle subsequent to its use. 
     It will be appreciated that the assembly  1 ,  20 ,  20 ′,  101  can be installed on doors for industrial refrigerators, vehicles, such as food delivery vehicles, aircraft and any other doors as well as doors in toilets and washroom facilities. 
     It will also be appreciated that the handle assemble  1 ,  20 ,  20 ′,  101  can be easily and cheaply be retro-fitted to existing doors without the need for extensive modification of the existing door. 
     Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it will be understood by those having skill in the art that changes can be made to this specific embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiment, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.