ES1247075U - DEVICE FOR HANDLING POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED OBJECTS (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Device configured to manipulate potentially contaminated objects, characterized by comprising: a first end (2), a second end (3), a body (1) arranged between both ends (2, 3), a push-button element (6) arranged at the first end (2) of the device and configured to manipulate an object, and a cap (8) configured to cover at least the first end (2), wherein the cap (8) comprises an absorbent porous element (7) arranged inside the cap (8), wherein the absorbent porous element (7) is configured to absorb a disinfecting fluid, so that when the push element (6) is covered with the cap (8), the push element (6) comes into contact with the absorbent porous element (7) and is impregnated by the disinfecting fluid. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

DEVICE FOR HANDLING POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED OBJECTS

Technical field of the invention

A subject of the present invention is a self-sterilizing device to replace or prevent manual contact with potentially contaminated objects in common use; in particular, it is intended for a device containing a push-button element for handling objects and preferably a reservoir with a disinfecting fluid to disinfect the push-button element, and which also serves to spray a surface potentially contaminated with viral and bacterial pathogens.

State of the art

Communicable infectious diseases pose a serious risk to the general population as a whole, and to health personnel in particular, due to the ease of transmission of the pathogens that cause these diseases. The risk of contagion is aggravated in epidemic or pandemic situations, in which large population groups are carriers of pathogens and spread them unintentionally.

Organizations like the WHO (World Health Organization) recommend protecting yourself from pathogens, in particular from viruses like the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (also known as Covid-19), avoiding contact with infected people. However, avoiding interpersonal contact is not enough; Communicable diseases can be spread through droplets from the nose or mouth that are thrown out when an infected person coughs or exhales. These droplets fall on objects and surfaces around the person, so other people can contract the disease if they touch these objects or surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

This means that objects such as doorknobs, stair handrails, subway bars, airport or supermarket trolleys or elevator buttons, among others, must be considered as potentially contaminated by pathogens. Also the keyboards and mice of computers, mobile screens or the glass doors of some public access premises, all of them surfaces that we touch continuously, are potential sources of viruses and other pathogens to which the population is constantly exposed. Furthermore, recent studies at airports show that Surfaces that passengers normally touch, such as trays for placing security checks, are an important source of virus transmission, especially respiratory viruses, which can accelerate the spread of contagious diseases.

The survival of pathogens outside an organism is variable, depending on the specific microorganism and the surface, and even in some cases, such as that of Covid-19, it is not known at the moment. In the latter case, it seems likely that it behaves like other coronaviruses, with a survival ranging from two hours to nine days. However, on some surfaces, such as cardboard or plastic, it could be longer, which shows that only a correct disinfection of the surfaces would be effective in preventing infections, both in healthcare settings and in community spaces and homes.

Fortunately, some pathogens, such as coronaviruses, are easy to eliminate with the appropriate disinfectant product; According to the WHO, its effective inactivation on surfaces can be achieved by applying disinfecting solutions, preferably those containing alcohol or sodium hypochlorite, commonly called bleach, but there are also many other disinfecting fluids that are capable of disinfecting a surface.

Furthermore, a large number of infections occur during the incubation phase of diseases during which infected people do not show clinical symptoms and it is impossible to know which people are capable of transmitting the disease.

Therefore, the need for new devices that help protect the population from the risks of contagion by pathogens deposited on surfaces of frequent contact is evident.

Description of the Invention

The present invention proposes a solution to the above problems by means of a device as defined in independent claim 1.

In particular, the invention provides in a first inventive aspect a device configured to handle potentially contaminated objects, characterized in that it comprises: a first end, a second end, a body arranged between both ends, a push-button element arranged at the first end of the device and configured to manipulate an object, and a cap configured to cover at least the first end, wherein the cap it comprises a porous absorbent element arranged inside the cap, where the porous absorbent element is configured to absorb a disinfecting fluid, so that when the push element is covered with the cap, the push element comes into contact with the absorbent porous element and is impregnated by the disinfecting fluid.

The device object of the invention, which will preferably have a cylindrical configuration and the dimensions of a ballpoint pen, allows manipulating objects with surfaces potentially contaminated with pathogens or in any other way, so as to avoid direct contact of the object with a part of the body of a user, in particular with the fingers; In addition, the device allows the button element to be sterilized without the need for other elements, simply by covering it with a cap that contains a porous element impregnated with a disinfecting fluid.

In this document, a push element should be understood as a suitable element to press, touch, exert pressure or otherwise manipulate an object, so that the device works analogously to a human finger, but avoiding direct skin contact. of the user with the potentially infected surface, thus reducing the risk of contagion.

The absorbent porous element, which is also called the absorbent element or porous element, is in one embodiment a portion of spongy material with a configuration complementary to the shape of the push element, it is arranged inside the cap, so that when it comes into contact with the push element, it is soaked by the fluid with which the absorbent porous element has previously been impregnated.

Disinfecting fluid should be understood as a fluid intended to decontaminate or sterilize a surface, with a fluid containing alcohol or sodium hypochlorite being a preferred option. In addition, the terms disinfecting fluid and fluid should be considered as synonyms, except where otherwise indicated.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a reservoir arranged inside the body and configured to contain the disinfecting fluid, wherein the first end, the second end or both ends comprise an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir so that the fluid exits through the opening to impregnate the porous absorbent element . The fluid is stored in the reservoir and is used to impregnate the absorbent porous element after one or more uses of the device; For this purpose, fluidic communication with the outside is established through an opening in one of the ends of the device, which allows the absorbent element of the cap to be re-impregnated when the cap covers the end of the device in which the opening is made.

In one embodiment, the push element is provided at the first end, and the opening at the second end. In this way, to re-impregnate the absorbent element, the cap is arranged covering the second end, the fluid leaves the opening and impregnates the porous element; the second end is then detached and the first end of the device is covered, bringing the impregnated porous element into contact with the push-button element, which is thus sterilized.

In another embodiment, both the opening and the push element are disposed at the first end of the device and the opening passes through the push element, so that impregnation of the absorbent element can be performed as long as the cap is covering the push element.

In one embodiment, the second end comprises an opening in fluid communication with the reservoir, and wherein the second end opening is configured to spray a surface with disinfecting fluid.

In addition to impregnating the absorbent porous element, this opening allows spraying and disinfecting any surface, other than the device, and even the parts of the body most exposed to pathogens, such as the user's hands. Unlike other applied solutions, such as the use of static disinfectant fluid dispensers, which require the user to move to the point where they are, or the containers or bottles of disinfectant fluid, which are bulky and inconvenient to use The present embodiment allows the user to carry the device with him at all times and even spray surfaces of different lengths without exposing himself to pathogens.

In one embodiment, either of the openings has a sprayer configuration. By sprayer is meant an element with a nozzle configuration or another similar configuration that allows a beam of fluid droplets of substantially small size to be projected onto a surface compared to the dimensions of the device. This allows, for example, the fluid to be impregnated homogeneously over the entire exposed surface of the absorbent porous element, thereby achieving effective disinfection of the entire surface of the push element. In another embodiment, the opening has a multi-hole plug configuration.

In one embodiment, the device comprises means for regulating the exit of the disinfecting fluid through the opening (s). To achieve the exit of the fluid from the tank through the opening, preferably an increase in pressure is induced inside the tank that contains the fluid, which being in fluidic communication, or fluid communication, with the opening is expelled through the latter to the outside. Also preferably, the opening or openings should have reduced dimensions compared to the size of the device, so that the fluid cannot flow freely to the outside but only selectively when the pressure inside the tank increases. In another embodiment, the fluid is exited through the opening by shaking the device to accelerate the fluid.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a mechanism configured to increase the pressure in the tank. Advantageously, the user can operate the mechanism to selectively vary the pressure inside the tank and achieve spraying or fluid absorption. In a particular embodiment, the mechanism is a button that presses the tank; in another particular embodiment, the mechanism is a piston or piston.

In one embodiment, the body comprises at least one elastically deformable wall portion such that deforming the body wall depresses the reservoir. Throughout this document it should be understood that the body wall comprises a wall that shapes and maintains the structure of the device. In one embodiment, the wall is thin and the body is substantially hollow. According to an embodiment, part or all of the body wall is made of an elastically deformable material that allows, on the one hand, to maintain the structural integrity and shape of the device, and on the other hand, to slightly deform the wall due to the effect of an external action or force. so that when the external action is interrupted, the wall of the device elastically returns to its original shape; preferably the tank also comprises walls of an elastic material and / or means to vary the internal volume of the tank.

This embodiment is advantageous because it allows pressing the body of the device and transmitting this action to the tank, with the result that the pressure inside increases. Another advantage, which is not exclusive to this embodiment, is that applying pressure to the device with the tank empty allows a depression to be generated that can be used to recharge the tank by immersing an opening in a container with disinfecting fluid.

In one embodiment, the body of the device is substantially hollow, and the wall of the body forms the reservoir therein. According to this embodiment, the tank is integrally formed by the body of the device, simplifying the design and reducing the number of elements.

In another embodiment, the device further comprises a container with a pressurized gas configured to selectively increase the pressure inside the tank, so that the fluid fluid is expelled through the opening (s). The decompression of a gas under pressure or another compressible fluid (being a fluid other than the disinfecting fluid) allows to produce an increase in pressure or volume in the tank. In a particular embodiment, the disinfecting fluid is a pressurized fluid that is ejected through the opening upon selectively decompressing it. In another embodiment, the disinfecting fluid is mixed with another compressible fluid that works as a pressurized gas or propellant.

In one embodiment, the reservoir is a disposable and / or refillable cartridge configured to be inserted into the body loaded with disinfecting fluid and removed from the body once it has been used up. Advantageously, the use of a pre-filled cartridge eliminates the need to refill the tank after the fluid has been used up; In addition, it allows the use of cartridges manufactured under sterile conditions, or that contain fluids that degrade rapidly in contact with the atmosphere. In a particular embodiment, the cartridge comprises both the disinfecting fluid reservoir and a container with a pressurized gas. In this way, once the fluid tank and the pressurized gas container are exhausted, they can be replaced with another cartridge in a comfortable, simple and clean way.

In one embodiment, the device comprises two caps. The cap not only serves to sterilize the push button element, it also allows covering those elements of the device that has become potentially contaminated after use, that is, the opening and the push button element. In addition, since traces of fluid may remain in the opening, the cap allows unintentional wetting of other surfaces, such as the user's clothing.

In another embodiment, the cap or caps are attached to a cord or chain to prevent loss. The cap or caps are attached by means of elements such as cords or chains to the body of the device, or to an anchoring element such as a clip that can be attached to a garment to avoid misplacing the caps.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 This figure shows a simple example of embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 This figure shows an example of embodiment with an opening in the second end of the device.

Figure 3 This figure shows an embodiment of an opening in the first end of the device.

Figure 4 This figure shows an example of embodiment with an integral tank and flexible walls.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment

The following detailed description sets forth numerous specific details in the form of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings can be practiced without such details.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device with an elongated shape, similar to a pencil or pen, a body (1) and a push-button element (6) at the first end (2), on the left. Separated from the body (1) is the cap (8), with a complementary configuration to the first end (2) and a threaded closure to ensure that the cap (8) remains attached to the body (1). Inside the cap (8) is the absorbent porous element (7), with a shape approximately complementary to that of the push element (6), but with slightly larger dimensions so that the push element (6) compresses the porous material and force the disinfectant liquid out. In this embodiment, the impregnation of the absorbent porous element (7) is performed by pouring the fluid from an external container. In one example, the material used in the device is metal; in another example, the device is made of a polymer. Preferably, in this and other embodiments, the absorbent porous element (7) is a flexible, porous material resistant to disinfecting fluid, for example, a polyurethane foam.

The composition of the disinfecting fluid will depend on the recommendations of the authorities and the specific circumstances; in one example, the fluid contains a 70 volume% ethyl alcohol solution; in other formulations 5% sodium hypochlorite is used; The use of commercial or sanitary grade disinfectant products is also contemplated. In the case of the first formulation, the fluid is at room temperature, a low viscous liquid, but the device can be loaded with a gel fluid that has a more viscous behavior.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the device, with a tank (4) of disinfecting fluid located inside the body (1) in fluid communication with an opening (5) arranged at the second end (3). Furthermore, in this example there is a second cap (8) with which the second end (3) can be covered. In this embodiment one of the caps (8) is in contact with the push element (6) and the other cap (8) is in contact with the opening (5) to keep impregnating the absorbent porous element (7), so that after one or more uses of the device, the caps (8) can be exchanged to sterilize the push element (6) with a cap (8) freshly impregnated.

The cap (8) also allows to cover and protect the opening (5), to prevent it from deteriorating, and to prevent the fluid from dripping and damaging other elements. Furthermore, by covering the push-button element (6) with a cap (8), unintentional contacts with its potentially pathogen-contaminated surface are avoided. In the example, each cap (8) comprises a screw closure; in other examples the closure of the cap (8) is by pressure and comprises a clip for attachment to the pocket.

In the example of Figure 3 the device has a means to regulate the fluid outlet, in the example shown, a mechanism (9) to vary the pressure inside the tank (4) and force the fluid out through the opening (5). The mechanism (9) is actuated by a button (10) at the end opposite to the push element (6). The specific mechanism (9) can have various common configurations, for example a piston system or a piston that presses directly on the tank (4), made of an elastically deformable material. In this example, the device has a single cap (8), which closes by simple pressure on the body (1) of the device.

In other exemplary embodiments, not shown, the tank (4) is formed by an initially sealed fluid cartridge, which is inserted into the device and once exhausted is removed for disposal or refilling, as appropriate. In another example, the device comprises a compressed air capsule, or other compressed gas, in fluid communication with the interior of the tank (4), and a valve that allows the gas to be released in a controlled manner inside the tank (4 ), so as to increase the pressure in the tank and push the fluid towards the opening (5). In a particular example of the embodiment, the cartridge integrates both the fluid cartridge and the compressed air container, which can be replaced after the charge is exhausted.

Figure 4 shows an example of embodiment in which the tank (4) is formed by the body (1) of the device itself. In this embodiment, the body (1) is made of a flexible and tough polymeric material, which has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape and structure of the device, and allows the walls to be elastically deformed by pressing them with the fingers, so that when stop pressing, the body walls (1) return to their initial shape; In addition, in some embodiments (not shown) the walls have folds, protrusions, protrusions and / or indentations that favor controlled deformation at specific points on the body (1). In Figure 4 a possible shape of the body deformed under pressure is represented in broken lines.

In the shown embodiment, the device has two openings (5), one at the end of the push-button element (6), the first end (2), and another at the second end (3). The opening (5) of the second end (3) is configured as a sprayer to spray the fluid over a large area, but advantageously the same device can use a plurality of interchangeable or combinable elements as opening (5), such as a plug with holes . The fluid communication between the opening (5) and the tank (4)

one

it can be established by means of a duct or simply, as in the example shown, by connecting the sprayer to the tank (4).

In this embodiment, the tank (4) can be recharged with fluid in the following way: when the tank (4) is empty, an opening (5) of the device is immersed in a container with disinfecting fluid, and at the same time as the another opening (5), for example closing the cap (8) with force, the walls of the body (1) of the device are squeezed and the accumulated air is expelled inside the tank (4); When the pressure stops, due to elasticity the walls return to their initial shape and a depression is generated inside the tank (4) that draws the fluid into the interior.

Similarly, to spray a surface with the fluid or to impregnate the porous element (7), it is enough to lightly press the body (1) of the fluid-loaded device to increase the pressure in the tank (4) and force the fluid out to outside through opening (5).

Additionally, to avoid the loss of the caps (8), in an embodiment not shown, they are attached to a cord or chain, either together, or to a ring attached to the body (1) of the device, so that when opening the device or recharge the caps (8) are not lost. In another embodiment not shown, the caps (8) comprise a fastening clip to fasten them, for example, to the pocket of a garment.

Claims (12)

1. Device configured to manipulate potentially contaminated objects, characterized by comprising: a first end (2), a second end (3), a body (1) arranged between both ends (2, 3), a push-button element (6) arranged at the first end (2) of the device and configured to manipulate an object, and a cap (8) configured to cover at least the first end (2), wherein the cap (8) comprises an absorbent porous element (7) arranged inside the cap (8), wherein the absorbent porous element (7) is configured to absorb a disinfecting fluid, so that when the push element (6) is covered with the cap (8), the push element (6) comes into contact with the absorbent porous element ( 7) and is impregnated by the disinfecting fluid. 2. Device according to the preceding claim, further comprising a tank (4) arranged inside the body (1) and configured to contain the disinfecting fluid, wherein the first end (2), the second end (3) or both ends (2, 3) comprise an opening (5) in fluid communication with the tank (4) so that the fluid exits through the opening (5) to impregnate the porous absorbent element (7). Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the second end (3) comprises an opening (5) in fluid communication with the tank (4), and where the opening (5) of the second end (3) is configured to spray a surface with disinfecting fluid. Device according to any of claims 2-3, wherein any of the openings (5) has a sprayer configuration. 5. Device according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the device comprises means for regulating the exit of the disinfecting fluid through the opening (s) (5). Device according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the body (1) comprises at least one elastically deformable wall portion, so that at the to deform the body wall (1) the tank (4) is pressed. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (1) of the device is substantially hollow, and the wall of the body (1) forms the tank (4) therein. Device according to any of claims 2-7, further comprising a container with a pressurized gas configured to selectively increase the pressure inside the tank (4), so that the fluid fluid is expelled through the one or more openings (5). 9. Device according to any of claims 2-8, wherein the reservoir (4) is a disposable and / or refillable cartridge configured to be inserted into the body (1) loaded with disinfecting fluid and removed from the body (1) once has run out. 10. Device according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the cartridge comprises both the disinfecting fluid reservoir (4) and a container with a pressurized gas. 11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises two caps (8). 12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (s) (8) are attached to a cord or chain to prevent loss. one