Disinfecting System

Abstract

A disinfectant dispensing system for automatically cleaning a high-traffic surface. The automatic disinfectant dispensing system is configured to spray a disinfecting or sanitizing solution on a high-traffic surface for a predetermined time long enough to clean the surface after the surface has been touched and potentially contaminated. A liquid disinfecting or sanitizing solution is retained in a fluid storage component. The solution is dispensed to a plurality of fluid dispensing components via distribution tubing in fluid communication with the fluid storage component. Each of the fluid dispensing components is positioned near a high-traffic surface, such as a doorknob. A motion sensing element in each fluid dispensing components detects the presence of an external object, such as a hand, and activates a fluid dispersal element to dispense the disinfecting or sanitizing solution a period of time after the motion is no longer detected.

Claims

1. An automatic dispensing system comprising: a fluid storage component; a distribution component in fluid communication with the fluid storage component; and at least one fluid dispensing component supplied by the distribution component, the at least one fluid dispensing component comprising a motion sensing element and a fluid dispersal element; and wherein the fluid dispersal element disperses a fluid after the motion sensing element stops detecting the presence of an external object.

2. The automatic dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a disinfectant solution.

3. The automatic dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a sanitizing solution.

4. The automatic dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the fluid dispersal element disperses the fluid in an aerosolized spray.

5. The automatic dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the fluid dispersal element disperses the fluid a predetermined period of time after the motion sensing element stops detecting the presence of an external object.

6. The automatic dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the motion sensing element is an active motion sensor.

7. The automatic dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the automatic dispensing system is battery powered.

8. An automatic dispensing system for dispensing a cleaning solution comprising: a fluid storage component for retaining the cleaning solution; a distribution component in fluid communication with the fluid storage component; and a plurality of fluid dispensing components supplied by the distribution component, each fluid dispensing component comprising a motion sensing element, a pumping element, and a fluid dispersal element; and wherein the pumping element enables fluid dispersal element to disperse a quantity of the cleaning solution after the motion sensing element stops detecting the presence of an external object.

9. The automatic dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the distribution component comprises a valve activated by the motion sensing element to release the cleaning solution into the fluid dispersal element.

10. The automatic dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the motion sensing element comprises a sensing circuit and a circuit board in electrical communication with the pumping element.

11. The automatic dispensing system of claim 8, wherein each fluid dispensing component further comprises a timer in electrical communication with the motion sensing element.

12. The automatic dispensing system of claim 11, wherein each timer delays the dispersal of the quantity of the cleaning solution a predetermined period of time after the motion sensing element stops detecting the presence of the external object.

13. The automatic dispensing system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined period of time is adjustable.

14. The automatic dispensing system of claim 8, wherein each fluid dispensing component is battery powered.

15. The automatic dispensing system of claim 8, wherein each fluid dispensing component further comprises a spray angle adjusting element.

16. An automatic dispensing system for dispensing a cleaning solution comprising: a fluid storage component for retaining the cleaning solution; a distribution component in fluid communication with the fluid storage component; and a plurality of fluid dispensing components supplied by the distribution component, each fluid dispensing component comprising a motion sensing element, a pumping element, a timer, and a fluid dispersal element; and wherein the pumping element enables fluid dispersal element to disperse a quantity of the cleaning solution a predetermined period of time set by the timer after the motion sensing element stops detecting the presence of an external object.

17. The automatic dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the motion sensing element comprises a sensing circuit and a circuit board in electrical communication with the timer and the pumping element.

18. The automatic dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the distribution component comprises a valve activated by the timer to release the cleaning solution into the fluid dispersal element.

19. The automatic dispensing system of claim 16, wherein each fluid dispensing component further comprises a spray angle adjusting element.

20. The automatic dispensing system of claim 16, wherein the fluid dispersal element is manually activatable.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an automatic dispensing system of the present invention for dispensing a cleaning solution in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view one potential embodiment of a fluid storage component of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of the fluid storage component of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a distribution component of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a plurality of fluid dispensing components of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an overhead view of one potential embodiment of one of the fluid dispensing components of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of one of the fluid dispensing components of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention dispensing a cleaning solution on a high-traffic area surface in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of one potential embodiment of a spray angle adjusting element of one of the fluid dispensing components of the automatic dispensing system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, provides users with a disinfecting system capable of automatically spraying a sanitizer or disinfectant onto high-traffic areas such as door handles, elevator buttons, and the like. The system features a refillable main dispersing unit capable of storing a disinfecting or sanitizing liquid. The system also includes at least one motion sensor activated dispenser that can be installed over the high-traffic surface via adhesive, suction cups, or the like. The at least one motion sensor activated dispenser may be connected to the refillable main dispersing unit by a small rubber or plastic hose for fluid dispensing.

[0027] A device features a main storage unit for retaining the sanitizer that is connected to the at least one dispenser via the tubing that is activated by a motion sensor. The system may be mounted to a wall surface via a fastening system, such as suction, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. Each motion sensor may be generally circular or geometric in shape with several dispensing holes on the base. A backside of each dispenser may have a small tab or other adjusting mechanism for adjusting the angle of the dispenser in relation to the wall surface.

[0028] The system may be installed in a bathroom, near a door, in an elevator, or in other high-traffic areas. The system may be filled with a sanitizing or disinfecting agent and activated. The motion sensors detect when a person operates or touches the high-traffic area (e.g. a doorknob). Once the user's hand is removed from the high-traffic area, the disinfecting or sanitizing solution is sprayed onto the surface. The system ensures that these areas are automatically cleaned after use preventing the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic dispensing system 100. The automatic dispensing system 100 is configured for use in retaining and dispensing a fluid, such as a cleaning solution 10 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The automatic dispensing system may be placed in locations near high-traffic areas with frequently touched surfaces 30, such as a doorknob, an elevator button, or a flush handle as illustrated in FIG. 7. The cleaning solution 10 may be a disinfectant, a sanitizing solution, or a mixture thereof that can be dispensed on the frequently touched surface 30 as an aerosolized, fine droplet spray, or mist 20 a period of time after the frequently touched surface was last touched.

[0030] The automatic dispensing system 100 comprises a fluid storage component 102, a distribution component 118, and at least one fluid dispensing component 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fluid storage component 102 comprises a housing 104 and an interior reservoir 110 for retaining the cleaning solution 10. The housing 104 comprises a back 106 and a bottom 108. The interior reservoir 110 may retain the cleaning solution 10 directly, or a bag or other container of the cleaning solution 10 that may be inserted or loaded within through an opening 112 in the housing 102.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the fluid storage component 102 is attachable to a surface, such as a wall or door, adjacent to the frequently touched surface 30 to be cleaned via a mounting element 116. The mounting element 116 may be a bracket, suction element, adhesive, mechanical fastener, or the like, typically attached to the back 106 of the housing 102. Alternatively, the mounting element 116 could be positioned anywhere on an external surface of the housing as desired, such as a hanger (not shown) attached to a top of the housing 104. The fluid storage component 102 further comprises an outlet 114 in the bottom 108 or other lower portion of the housing 104 for engaging the distribution component 118.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the distribution component 118 is in fluid communication with the fluid storage component 102. The distribution component 118 comprises an outlet tube 120 and a plurality of dispensing component tubes 124. The outlet tube 120 and the plurality of dispensing component tubes 124 are typically manufactured from plastic, silicone or rubber tubing or hose. The outlet tube 120 engages the fluid storage component 102 through a reservoir connection end 122. The reservoir connection end 122 penetrates the housing 104 into the interior reservoir 110 of the fluid storage component 102.

[0033] Each of the plurality of dispensing component tubes 124 branch out distally from an end of the outlet tube 120 opposite the reservoir connecting end 122. Each of the plurality of dispensing component tubes 124 comprise a dispensing component outlet 126 that penetrates or enters the corresponding fluid dispensing component 130. Each of the plurality of dispensing component tubes 124 may further comprise a valve 128 controllable by the corresponding fluid dispensing component 130 for releasing the cleaning solution 10 into the fluid dispensing component 130. Alternatively, the valve 128 could be located anywhere within the automatic dispensing system 100

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the at least one fluid dispensing component 130 may be a plurality of fluid dispensing components 130 each supplied by the corresponding dispensing component tube 124. Each fluid dispensing component 130 comprises a housing 132. The housing is typically a circular, oval, or geometrically shaped plastic case. Each fluid dispensing component 130 further comprises a motion sensing element 138 and a fluid dispersal element 134. The fluid dispersal element 134 comprises a plurality of orifices 136 or nozzles that penetrate the housing 132 and are configured to disperse the fluid 10 in an aerosolized spray or mist after the motion sensing element 138 stops detecting the presence of an external object.

[0035] The motion sensing element 138 may comprise a sensing circuit 140 and a circuit board 142 in electrical communication with the sensing circuit 140. The sensing circuit 140 is configured to actively or passively detect the presence of an external object, such as a hand, as it engages the frequently touched surface. The motion sensing element 138 may be an active or passive motion sensor. The motion sensing element 138 may activate the valve 128 to release the cleaning solution 10 into the fluid dispersal element 134 for dispersion onto the frequently touched surface 30.

[0036] Each fluid dispensing component 130 further comprises a pumping element 144 and a timer 146. Both the pumping element 144 and the timer 146 are in electrical communication with the sensing circuit 140 and the circuit board 142. The pumping element 144 may be a motor electrically connected to the circuit board 142. The pumping element 144 enables fluid dispersal element 134 to disperse a quantity of the cleaning solution 10 after the motion sensing element 138 stops detecting the presence of the external object. The timer 146 delays the dispersal of a quantity of the cleaning solution 10 for a predetermined period of time after the motion sensing element stops detecting the presence of an external object. The timer 146 may permit a user to adjust the predetermined period of time as desired. In addition to a manual rubber button, the timer 146, the pumping element 144, and the motion sensing element 138, individually or in combination, may control activation and deactivation of the valve 128 to release the cleaning solution 10.

[0037] Each fluid dispensing component 130 further comprises a battery 148 for powering each fluid dispensing component 130. As illustrated in FIG. 8, each fluid dispensing component 130 further comprises a spray angle adjusting element 152. Each spray angle adjusting element 152 may be a tab, or similar structure, that extends out of a back of the housing 132 laterally to change the angle of the plurality of orifices 136 of the fluid dispersal element 134 allowing the installer to direct the spray of mist 20 of the cleaning solution 10. Additionally, each fluid dispensing component 130 may comprise a manual activation element 150 in electrical communication with the pumping element 144 for manually activating the fluid dispensing component 130 as desired.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the automatic dispensing system 100 may further comprise a fill/refill indicator line to show when the cleaning solution 10 is full and/or needs replenished (e.g., a 10% low), and a manual rubberized button with an elbow pictured on the front center of the dispensary unit/units to allow manual backup activation for instant dispensing of the solution 10.

[0039] It is contemplated that the automatic dispensing system 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.