Patent Publication Number: US-2003231980-A1

Title: Germ cleanable pull cord

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates generally to pull cords for call boxes used in hospitals and more specifically to a germ cleanable pull cord which may be thoroughly cleaned with a germicide or antiseptic cleaning medium.  
       [0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art  
       [0004] Pull cords for call boxes or the like used in hospitals are typically fabricated from a fine metal chain or a nylon cord. The call boxes are used by patients in a hospital to summon medical assistance. The fine metal chain cannot be fully cleaned from germs due to unreachable areas inside the links. The nylon cord cannot be fully cleaned from germs due to the inner fibers. Germs can be spread to a pull cord by hand contact, air borne contact, condensation, or through other types contamination. An additional source that retains germs in a hospital is not welcome. Pull cords fabricated from a fine metal chain or nylon are a potential source of germs when they cannot be fully cleaned.  
       [0005] Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a germ cleanable pull cord which is capable of being fully cleaned from germs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] The present invention provides a germ cleanable pull cord that is capable of being fully cleaned from germs. The germ cleanable pull cord includes an inner cord coated with an outer layer. The outer layer must have a smooth exterior surface free from ridges, pits, projections, or other surface irregularities to prevent germs from being retained thereupon after cleaning. Preferably, one end of the germ cleanable pull cord is knotted and retained in a call box or the like. Preferably, a pull knob is retained on the other end of the germ cleanable pull cord by inserting thereof through a hole in pull knob and knotting the other end of the germ cleanable pull cord. The smooth outer layer must be capable of enduring cleaning with a germicidal or antiseptic cleaning medium.  
       [0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a germ cleanable pull cord which may be thoroughly cleaned from germs with a germicidal or antiseptic cleaning medium.  
       [0008] These and additional objects, advantages, features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a germ cleanable pull cord extending from a call box in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0010]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a germ cleanable pull cord in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0011]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of one end of a germ cleanable pull cord attached to an activation switch of a call box in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0012]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a knotted germ cleanable pull cord retained by a pull knob in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0013] With reference now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a germ cleanable pull cord  1  attached to a call box  100 . With reference to FIG. 2, the germ cleanable pull cord  1  includes an inner cord  10  coated with an outer layer  12 . Preferably, the inner cord  10  is fabricated from a nylon material, similar to that presently used for pull cords on hospital call boxes. Preferably, the outer layer  12  is fabricated from a moldable plastic material. However, other materials could also be used. Alternatively, the outer layer  12  may be fabricated from a material which contains a germicide. The germicide may partially or completely eliminate the need for cleaning with a germicidal or antiseptic cleaning medium. The outer layer  12  must have a smooth exterior surface free from ridges, pits, projections, or other surface irregularities to prevent germs from being retained thereupon after cleaning. The outer layer  12  must be able to endure multiple cleanings with a germicidal or antiseptic cleaning medium. The germicidal or antiseptic cleaning medium is preferably a germicidal or antiseptic cleaning solution.  
     [0014] The color of the outer layer  12  is preferably white, but other colors may also be used. As an added safety feature, the outer layer  12  would be fabricated from a clear material and the inner cord coated or impregnated with a litmus substance. If the clear outer layer  12  would crack, the inner cord  10  would change color from white to another color when a germ contacts the litmus substance.  
     [0015] With reference to FIG. 3, one end of the germ cleanable pull cord  1  is knotted and retained in an activation switch  102  of a call box  100  or the like. However, other methods of retaining the germ cleanable pull cord  1  may also be used. With reference to FIG. 4, a pull knob  14  is attached to the other end of the germ cleanable pull cord  1 . Preferably, a counterbored hole  16  is formed in the pull knob  14 . The other end of the germ cleanable pull cord  1  is inserted through a back entrance of the counterbored hole  16  and knotted. However, other methods of retaining the pull knob  14  may also be used, such as molding the pull knob  14  on to the other end of the germ cleanable pull cord  1 . The pull knob  14  must be fabricated from a material which is able to endure multiple cleanings with a germicidal or antiseptic cleaning medium.  
     [0016] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.