METHOD OF SECURING A BATHROOM DOOR WITH A LOCK INFORMED BY USE OF THE BATHROOM SINK

Abstract

A system and method for securing individuals within a bathroom until they have washed their hands is described. An electronic magnetic lock installed to the door of the bathroom, which is linked to a switch integrated into a faucet of a sink of the bathroom, prevents individuals from exiting the bathroom until the faucet is activated. Signage present within the bathroom informs individuals of the presence of the system, and an audible message, configured to automatically play over at least one speaker further informs them of the system, and reminds them to wash their hands in order to facilitate an exit of the facility.

Claims

1. A system for locking a door of a restroom automatically until a sink of the restroom is used comprising: an electronic magnetic lock, said electronic magnetic lock disposed on the door of the restroom; a motion-sensor switch, said motion-sensor switch disposed in communication with a faucet of the sink of the restroom; wherein said electronic magnetic lock is disposed in communication with said motion-sensor switch; at least one speaker, said at least one speaker disposed within the restroom; wherein said at least one speaker is disposed in communication with said motion-sensor switch; wherein said electronic magnetic lock is configured to lock the door of the restroom automatically upon closure of the door; wherein said electronic magnetic lock is configured to unlock the door only after said motion-sensor switch is activated; and wherein said at least one speaker is configured to sound an alert requiring use of the sink to exit the restroom via the door.

2. A method of ensuring use of a sink in a bathroom in order for a user to exit the bathroom via a bathroom door comprising: the user entering the bathroom via the bathroom door; an electronic magnetic lock of the bathroom door automatically locking, sealing the user within the bathroom; the user activating a faucet of the sink via a motion-sensor switch to wash their hands; the motion-sensor switch sending a signal to the electronic magnetic lock of the door, the signal instructing the electronic magnetic lock to unlock; and the user exiting the bathroom.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: at least one speaker audibly alerting the user of the need to use the sink prior to exiting the bathroom.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0011] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a view of the primary embodiment of the method system of the present invention shown as a flow chart diagram.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a flow chart detailing the process of installation of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 exhibits a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention by an individual using the bathroom.

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a basic view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the components of use in the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0017] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0018] The present invention is a method and system configured to facilitate automated securing of a restroom door. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with an electronic magnetic lock (10). Unlike conventionally installed electronic magnetic locks (10) which are generally wired into a button or manual door release (such as those conventionally found in banks and pawn shops), the electronic magnetic lock (10) of the present invention is instead wired into a motion-sensor switch (20) which is integrated with a sink faucet (30) of the bathroom. The motion-sensor switch (20) may be configured to activate automatically upon the detection of water, however it is primarily envisioned that the switch (20) is tied to the activation of the flow of water from the faucet itself. As many sinks are conventionally equipped with electronic, motion-detecting faucets already, it is preferable that the motion-sensor switch (20) of the present invention be integrated into (or added to) the electronic motion-detecting switch of the faucet itself.

[0019] It should be noted that some embodiments of the motion-sensor switch (20) of the present invention may be wirelessly connected to the electronic magnetic lock (10) of the present invention. However, in primary embodiments, the electronic magnetic lock (10) is wired directly to the motion-sensor switch (20) of the faucet (30) with at least one wire (60), preventing lock failure.

[0020] The system of the present invention is preferably outlined with signs (40) which are present on walls and/or doors of the restroom to inform individuals of the presence of the system, and to remind them to use sink to wash their hands in order to unlock the door. Additionally, at least one speaker (50) is preferably installed and present within the restroom. The at least one speaker (50) is configured to convey an audible message to individuals within the restroom in order to inform them of the automatic locking feature, and remind them to use the sink in order to wash their hands. The audible message is preferably automated, and is therefore automatically started after a short period of time has elapsed after the door has been opened. The speaker is preferably linked to a logic board, PCB, or other system-on-a-chip (SoC) which manages the locking/unlocking of the electronic magnetic lock (10), the playback of the audible message over the at least one speaker (50). Further, it should be understood that fire-safety systems, such as fire alarms, are configured to automatically override the locking feature of the electronic magnetic lock (10) of the present invention, providing for quick and safe exit of the restroom in the event of an emergency.

[0021] The process of installation and use of the system and apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, is preferably as follows: [0022] 1. First the user disassembles the lock of the door, including the brush plate and latch and sets the components aside. (100) [0023] 2. Then, the user installs a magnetic lock to the door and door frame. (110) [0024] 3. Next, the user installs motion-based faucets to bathroom sinks of the bathroom. (120) The motion-based faucet is equipped with the motion-activated switch (20) of the present invention. [0025] 4. Then, the user connects the switch with the magnetic door lock with a wire, or optionally, wirelessly with an RF receiver. (130) [0026] 5. Then, the user places a speaker in the bathroom and connects the speaker to the magnetic door lock such that, upon a failed attempt to open the door, the speaker automatically plays the message instructing the individual to first wash their hands to unlock the door. (140) [0027] 6. Finally, the user connects the magnetic door lock and the motion-activated switch to a power supply. (150)

[0028] As noted in FIG. 3, use of the present invention by an individual using the bathroom is as follows: [0029] 1. First the person walks into the bathroom upon opening the door via the door handle which is unlocked from the outside of the bathroom. (200) [0030] 2. Then, the inside door handle locks, locking the bathroom closed from the inside. (210) [0031] 3. While the outside door handle remains unlocked, the person goes to bathroom. (220) [0032] 4. Then, the person sees sign indicating a need to wash their hands prior to exiting the bathroom. (230) [0033] 5. Then, the person turns on the sink faucet via the motion-sensor switch to wash their hands. (240) [0034] 6. Then, the faucet switch sending signal to the magnetic door lock to open the lock. (250) [0035] 7. The inside door handle magnetic lock is opened. (260) [0036] 8. The person finishing washing his/her hands. (270) [0037] 9. The person exiting the bathroom, the process repeating for the next person. (280)

[0038] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0039] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.