Patent Publication Number: US-2017367458-A1

Title: Cleaning and sanitizing system

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/64631, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application 62/090,744, filed 11 Dec. 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices and methods for hand sanitizing and cleaning. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to cleaning and sanitizing of fingers, including finger nails and crevice regions about finger nails. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years there has been an increased social expectation to limit communication of diseases through use of gloves and washing of hands. Concerns extend beyond occupational activities, such as provision of health care services and food handling, to all interactions which might expose persons to contagious diseases. Touching of surfaces, with which other persons come into contact, raises common concern over exposure to colds and influenza. These situations arise in shopping, transportation, handling of goods and packages, use of electronic payment key pads, and casual hand contact with the skin or clothing of other persons. Consequently, through individual efforts to limit the spread of infections, use of hand sanitizers has increased. 
     While it is recognized that application of sanitizing liquids on the surface of the hands can have a germicidal effect, simply rubbing a sanitizing liquid on the hands is not an effective means for removing bacteria from crevice regions of the same hands. There has not been a fast and convenient way of sanitizing portions of the hands which contain significant crevices. Finger nail regions are exemplary of hand surfaces about which germs and debris may collect. Because these areas do not readily or reliably receive the beneficial effects resulting from the simple rub-on application of sanitizing liquid to the skin, they are more prone to collect debris and provide moist environments to sustain bacterial growth. Given a growing awareness of the importance of diligently removing bacteria from hands, it is desirable to provide a finger nail sanitizing system which can be quickly and easily used, both during and immediately after many on-the-go activities prevalent in society. To more effectively stop the spread of such illnesses, such a system should easily provide both children and the elderly population with a portable and convenient means to limit or eliminate the harboring of bacteria about the finger nails and other crevice regions of the hands. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system suitable for cleaning or sanitizing fingers. The system includes a vessel for containing a first fluid, into which a finger can be inserted. The vessel has first and second opposing ends and an inner wall surface extending there between. A closure member is positionable about the first end to contain the fluid within the vessel. A sanitizing bowl has a first side shaped to hold the fluid, and is sized to be positioned within the vessel, along the inner wall surface of the vessel, with the first side of the bowl facing the first end of the vessel. There is also provided a series of cleaning elements, each having a tip, and each configured for placement along the first side of the sanitizing bowl so that when the cleaning elements are positioned along the first side of the bowl the cleaning element tips extend in a direction away from the sanitizing bowl. The tips are positioned to provide scrubbing or brushing action along a crevice region of a finger when a portion of the finger extends into the vessel and is moved along the tips to facilitate cleaning or sanitizing of the finger portion with the fluid. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1A  is a break-away view of a sanitizing system according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates details of a collection bowl which receives fluid present in the system; 
         FIG. 1C  is an exploded perspective view of a sanitizing receptacle which includes the collection bowl of  FIG. 1B  and a slotted spacer; 
         FIG. 2A  is a break-away view of a sanitizing system according to a second embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of a covering cap of the system shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a view from above of the covering cap shown in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a break-away view of a sanitizing system according to a third embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is an end view of a reservoir bowl shown in  FIG. 3A , positioned in a vessel; and 
         FIG. 3C  is an elevation view of a reservoir bowl shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     
    
    
     Features of the described embodiments are not necessarily drawn to scale in the figures. The figures facilitate illustration of specific features relevant to the invention. Like reference characters denote like elements throughout the figures and the text. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before describing in detail exemplary systems and methods relating to the invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides in a novel and non-obvious combination of elements and method steps. So as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, certain conventional elements and steps may be presented with lesser detail, while the drawings and the specification describe in greater detail other elements and steps pertinent to understanding the intended scope and embodiments of the invention. Also, the following embodiments are exemplary constructions which do not define limits as to structural arrangements or methods according to the invention. The now described embodiments are exemplary and permissive rather than mandatory and are illustrative rather than exhaustive. 
     In one embodiment, a sanitizing system  10 , shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , enables penetration of a first fluid  8 , e.g., a fluid facilitating a cleaning or disinfecting function, into crevices along the surfaces of the fingers, particularly in areas adjoining finger nails. Debris may be simultaneously removed from the crevices. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1A , the system  10  comprises a portable vessel  12  in the shape of a cylindrical tube into which individual fingers may be inserted. The vessel  12 , shown in a vertical orientation above a horizontal ground plane, includes an inner wall  14  extending between first and second opposing ends  16 ,  18 . The first end  16  includes a first threaded opening  16   o  closeable with a sealing end cap  20 . In this embodiment the second end  18  of the vessel  12  is closed while the first vessel end  16  includes a threaded sealing cap  20  which covers the threaded opening to enable inversion of the vessel followed by again placing the first end of the vessel vertically above the second end. Such motion can effect replenishing of fluid  8  within a collection bowl. 
     The cap  20  includes threads (not shown) which mate with threads  22  formed along the end  16  on an exterior surface of the vessel. The second end  18  may also include a closeable opening  18   o . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the vessel end  18  does not include an opening. A sanitizing receptacle  24 , also shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 1C , is positioned within the vessel  12 . The receptacle may be accessed with a portion of a finger extending through the first opening  16   o . 
     The sanitizing receptacle  24  comprises a collection bowl  26 , spaced away from the first vessel end  16 . See, also,  FIG. 1B . In other embodiments, the sanitizing bowl may be attached along an interior wall of the vessel or formed as a removable insert suspended from the mouth of the first opening. 
     For the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the collection bowl  26  has a concave inner fluid-containing surface  26   i , positionable to face the vessel end  16  and hold the first fluid  8  while an opposing outer surface  26   o  of the bowl faces the second end  18 .  FIG. 1B  provides a perspective view from above a side of the collection bowl  26  to illustrate an exemplary shape of the bowl, applicable to several of the embodiments described herein. The sanitizing receptacle  24  also includes a slotted spacer  28  extending from the collection bowl  26  toward the vessel first end  16 . An exemplary design of the spacer  28  shown in  FIG. 1  has a tapered tubular shape with a maximum diameter at a first spacer end  28   m  near the vessel end  16  and a relatively small diameter at the opposing spacer end  28   s . The spacer  28  includes a pair of ports  28   p  which permit passage of fluid from a region  32 , between the sanitizing receptacle  28  and the vessel interior wall  14 , to the interior  34  of the receptacle  28  to fill the collection bowl  26 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment the spacer end  28   s  is circular in shape and sized to fit against a ridge  30  formed along an interior surface of a rim  26   r  of the collection bowl  26 . This effects a mating connection between the slotted spacer  28  and the collection bowl  26 . In other embodiments the slotted spacer  28  and the bowl  26  may be formed as one piece, e.g., by a plastic molding process. 
     When the vessel  12  is in an upright position (with respect to a horizontal ground plane, G), having the end  16  above the end  18 , the collection bowl  26  is positioned to receive the tip of a portion of a finger inserted into the vessel  12 . A person may extend a portion of the finger through the first vessel opening  16   o , into the bowl and along the fluid-containing surface  26   i . The collection bowl  26  includes a plurality of upright shafts, bristles or brushes, formed along the fluid-containing surface  26   i  of the sanitizing bowl. 
     A matrix of upright shafts, bristles or brushes is schematically shown in the figures as rod-like shapes formed along the fluid-containing surface  26   i  to provide a series of brush-like cleaning elements  38 . Each element  38  extends outward from the fluid-containing surface  26   i . The elements each include a cleaning element tip  38   t  which extends in a direction away from the collection bowl  26 . The matrix of elements  38  provides an array of cleaning element tips disposed to provide scrubbing or brushing action along a crevice region of a finger. With a gentle motion of the finger portion against the fluid-containing surface, the elements  38  can penetrate into crevice regions between the finger nail and the skin of the finger, including along the underside of the finger nail. 
     The elements  38  may be integrally formed with the fluid-containing surface  26   i , such as by a molding or etching process, or may be attached along this surface. Such attachment may be in a manner similar to that effected with a conventional bristle brush used for nail cleaning. In other embodiments, a matrix of bristles or other elements may be formed on a flexible layer which is attached to the fluid-containing surface  26   i.    
     The collection bowl  26  is positioned along an interior wall  14  of the vessel  12  so that when the vessel  12  is partially filled with the first fluid  8 , and the vessel is in an upright position (e.g., with the first end vertically above the second end), fluid collects at the second end  18  and below the bowl  26 . When the vessel  12  is tilted, or fully inverted, so that the second end is vertically above the first end, the fluid flows toward the first end  16 . Then, when the vessel  12  is tilted back, with the collection bowl  26  returned to the upright position, the fluid flows toward the second end with a portion of the fluid entering into the bowl  26 . In the process of tilting or inverting the vessel  12  and returning the vessel to an upright position, the first fluid  8  passes through the ports  28   p  of the spacer, permitting passage of the fluid from the region  32  into the interior of the receptacle  28  to fill the collection bowl  26 . This permits the bowl to be filled or refilled prior to or during use of the system. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate an embodiment of the sanitizing system with like reference numbers denoting like features described for the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , including the sanitizing receptacle  24  and the sealing cap  20 . The vessel  12 ′ shown in  FIG. 2  includes features of the vessel  12 , and is of a cylindrical shape with the collection bowl  26  positioned away from the second end  18 . The vessel  12 ′ further includes a second threaded opening  18   o  along the second end  18 . The vessel  12 ′ may be of the squeezable type, for dispensing fluid through a small aperture  37  positioned along the opening  18   o . Fluid may be released upon application of pressure to an exterior wall surface  44  of the vessel  12 ′. 
     The vessel  12 ′ may contain the first fluid  8  (e.g., a fluid facilitating a cleaning or disinfecting function) or another fluid  36  (e.g., a fluid providing sanitizing, skin moisturizing, a moisture barrier or another type of skin protection) or a combination thereof. The fluid may be applied to crevices of a finger with aid of the sanitizing receptacle  24  as well as hands or other body portions by dispensing the fluid through the aperture  37  after opening a threaded end and removable covering cap  40 . The cap  40  comprises a body portion  40   a  and a lid  40   b  hinged to the body portion. In another embodiment, the aperture  37  is accessed to dispense a fluid by rotating a slotted end plate (not shown) which covers the aperture to selectively expose or cover the aperture  37 . 
     In the side perspective break-away view of  FIG. 2A , the hinged lid  40   b  is in a closed position, against the body portion  40   a .  FIG. 2B  provides a side view of the removable covering cap  40 .  FIG. 2C  is a view of the removable covering cap  40  from above, showing the lid  40   b  in an open position and thereby exposing the aperture  37 . The body portion  40   a  has interior threads (not shown) for mating engagement with threads  42  along the second vessel end  18  for attachment to the vessel  12 ′. The threads  42  are formed about the exterior wall surface  44  of the vessel. The cap  40  may be removed for filling the vessel  12  with fluid  8 . This is advantageous for embodiments which divide the vessel interior into multiple chambers. The cover lid  40   b  is flexibly attached to the cap body portion  40   a  to effect the hinge function for opening and closing of the lid. Once the aperture  37  is exposed, the fluid is dispensed by squeezing or inverting the vessel  12 ′ to squirt or otherwise dispense the fluid for rubbing application. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate another embodiment of the sanitizing system  10 , with like reference numbers denoting like features described for the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , including the sanitizing receptacle  24  and the sealing cap  20 . In this embodiment the system comprises a vessel  12 ″ in lieu of the vessels  12  and  12 ′. The vessel  12 ″ includes features of the vessels  12  and select features of the vessel  12 ′, and is also of a cylindrical tube shape with the collection bowl  26  positioned away from the second end  18  of the vessel  12 , e.g., midway between the first and second ends  16 ,  18 , or closer to the first vessel end. This provides room to attach the reservoir bowl  46  along the interior wall  14  near the second end  18  of the vessel  12 ″. 
     The vessel  12 ″ further includes the second threaded opening  18   o  along the second end  18  as described for the vessel  12 ′. A pump mechanism  52  is shown adjacent the second vessel end  18  before attachment thereto to illustrate an exemplary screw-on arrangement comprising threads  42  formed about an exterior wall surface  44  of the vessel as described for the vessel  12 ′. 
     The pump mechanism  52  includes a pump cap  55  having a depressible dispenser arm  57  connected to pump fluid through a hose  60  which extends into the reservoir bowl  46 . The pump cap  55  has interior threads (not shown) for mating engagement with threads  42  along the second vessel end  18  for attachment to the vessel  12 ″. With the vessel  12 ″ initially in a vertical position with respect to the ground plane, G, and the first end  16  above the second end  18 , the vessel contains fluid which collects at and above the second end  18 . When the vessel is positioned so that the second end of the vessel is above the first end of the vessel, fluid in the vessel  12 ″ flows toward the first end  16  with a portion of the fluid entering into the reservoir bowl  46  to provide a supply to the hose  60 , this enabling the fluid to be dispensed with the pump mechanism. 
       FIG. 3B  is an end view illustrating the cone-shape of the reservoir bowl  46  positioned along the vessel interior wall  14 . The illustrated embodiment of the reservoir bowl has four slot-like openings  50 .  FIG. 3C  is an elevation view of the reservoir bowl  46  further illustrating the exemplary slot-like openings. The exemplary reservoir bowl  46  comprises a lower section  46 L in the form of a continuous conical surface for holding fluid, and an upper section  46 U which is an extension of the conical surface having the slot-like openings  50 . 
     The reservoir bowl  46  may be suspended from along the interior wall  14  of the vessel  12 ″ near the second end  18 . When the vessel  12 ″ is tilted with respect to the ground plane, G, so that after the second end is vertically below the first end, the second end is then inclined above the first end. This causes fluid initially at the second end to flow toward the first end as the vessel second end becomes inclined above the first end. In this process a portion of the fluid flows through the openings  50  and into the reservoir bowl  46  so that, with the vessel placed in a substantially vertical position, the pump mechanism is above the first end and the lower section  46 L of the reservoir bowl  46  holds fluid for operation of the pump mechanism. Thus, with the vessel  12 ″ filled with a fluid, the openings  50  permit flow of this fluid into the reservoir bowl  46  whenever the vessel  12 ″ is inverted, from one vertical position having the first end  16  above the second end  18 , to a second vertical position having the second end above the first end. 
     For the multiple illustrated embodiments the vessels  12 ,  12 ′ and  12 ″ define a chamber volume bounded by the vessel inner wall  14  and the first and second opposing vessel ends  16 ,  18 . The vessels  12 ,  12 ′ and  12 ″ may also be formed as multiple chambers. By way of example, an optional divider wall  54 , shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3A , is positioned across a vessel inner wall  14 , e.g., midway between the vessel ends. This creates a first chamber  56  adjacent the first end  16  and a second chamber  58  adjacent the second end  18 . 
     During use of the system  10 , the chamber  56  contains a quantity of first fluid  8  suitable for nail and crevice cleaning and sanitizing along surfaces of the fingers. The first chamber  56 , accessed for filling with fluid  8  through the opening  16   o  at the first end  16 , facilitates cleaning and sanitizing of finger nails with the collection bowl  26  of the vessel  12 ′ or  12 ″ in a manner similar to that described for the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
     The chamber  58  contains another fluid  36  suitable for sanitizing, skin moisturizing, providing a moisture barrier or providing another type of skin protection. The fluid  36  may be a skin lotion or a fluid having greater germicidal capability than the fluid  8 , cleaning capability or properties beneficial for skin conditioning. Examples of other kinds of fluids include anti-biotic ointments, sunscreens, and solutions containing an alcohol or a peroxide. The fluid  36  may be dispensed through an aperture or through the pump mechanism  52  for application on skin surfaces generally. The second chamber  58  includes an opening  18   o  at the second end  18  of the vessel  12 ′ or  12 ″ to facilitate filling the chamber with the fluid  36 . In other embodiments having the divider wall  54  in the vessel, the reservoir bowl  46  may be omitted and the fluid supply hose  60  may extend through the chamber  58  to the divider wall  54 . 
     In still other embodiments, the sanitizing receptacle  24  may be replaced with a trough or similar type of open container positioned against the interior vessel wall along one side of the vessel. Fluid can fill the trough as the vessel is tilted, or fully inverted, with respect to the ground plane, G, and then returned to an upright position with the first end  16  above the second end  18 . When second end  18  is vertically above the first end  16 , the fluid flows toward the first end  16 . Then, with the vessel returned to the upright position, with the first end  16  above the second end  18 , the fluid flows toward the second end with a portion of the fluid entering into the trough. 
     The cleaning elements  38  and cleaning element tips  38   t  have been schematically illustrated with shapes of pillars as might be provided in a simple molding process. It is to be understood that the cleaning elements may be formed in a variety of manners and may comprise natural or synthetic bristles between which a finger may extend as they bend. The cleaning elements may extend upward along the sanitizing bowl  26  toward the rim to more effectively clean cuticles. Also, the cleaning elements may be manufactured in a process separate from that of the inner fluid-containing surface  26   i  of the collection bowl  26 . 
     While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.