Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ON-DEMAND AGENT DISPENSING DEVICES AND
RELATED METHODS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This application perfects and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No.
63/035,006, filed June 5, 2021, and entitled On-Demand Agent Dispensing
Devices and Related
Methods, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] The present disclosure relates generally to on-demand agent (e.g.,
disinfectant) dispensing
devices and related methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates
to agent (e.g.,
disinfectant) dispensing devices that can be removably affixed to a user or
surface that provide
easy on-demand access to an agent over an extended period of time, and related
methods.
BACKGROUND
[003] There is substantial evidence that pathogens (i.e., disease-causing
microorganisms, such as
various viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites) can be transmitted from a
first person to a second
person via the first person physically touching the second person (e.g., via a
handshake, hug, kiss,
etc.) or the first person physically touching or otherwise infecting (e.g.,
via one or more
respiratory function, a pet, etc.) a communal object (e.g., a surface, object,
knob, button, handle,
hand rail, key, screen, money, card, etc.) that is subsequently physically
touched by the second
person. Most commonly, pathogens are passed between people via physical touch
through their
hands - a pathogen becomes present one the first person's hand, and is
transferred to the second
person's hand via physical contact with the first person's hand or with an
object that that first
person's hand previously contacted or that the first person infected via one
or more respiratory
functions (e.g., breathing, coughing, sneezing, talking, etc.) or by a third
party (e.g., via another
person, a pet, etc.). Thus, not only can a person become infected by a
pathogen by touching their
eyes, nose or mouth with their hand (or with an object that that they touched
with their hand), they
can pass a pathogen to one or more other people by touching a communal object.
[004] Because many infectious pathogens (such as viruses, for example the
common cold) are
contracted and spread to others via physical touching primarily by the hands,
conventional
medical wisdom teaches that the best way to prevent contraction and
transmission of most
pathogens (and resulting infections) is by thoroughly and frequently
disinfecting/sanitizing/sterilizing one's hands throughout the day by washing
their hands with soap
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and water. In addition to and/or in place of washing one's hands, a topical
disinfecting/sanitizing/sterilizing agent such as, for example, a denatured
alcohol, an anti-bacterial
hand gel, or an anti-bacterial hand lotion to further protect the hands may be
utilized.
[005] Although these measures will help to control the spread of many
pathogens residing on the
skin, they are ineffective if not performed routinely and methodically.
Unfortunately, many
individuals do not have immediate access to facilities to adequately wash
their hands with soap
and water, and/or to a topical disinfectant. For example, many liquid and/or
gel topical
disinfectants are packaged in a bottle configured with a spray or squeeze
dispenser. These bottled
disinfectants requires the bottle to be carried by an individual, taken out
when disinfectant is
needed, and manually opened and applied to their hand(s). As such, they are
often not utilized as
often as they should and/or would be compared to if they were easily available
on-demand. As
another example, sanitizing wipes or towelettes that contained a liquid
topical disinfectant are
sometimes utilized, but include the same disadvantages as bottled
disinfectants.
[006] Hand sanitizer stations which contain a relatively larger reservoir
of a topical disinfectant
are also commonplace. Such stations are typically only found in high
population spaces, areas
where pathogens are more commonly found and/or areas where vulnerable people
are located.
Because of their scarcity, sanitizer stations thereby fail to protect users
from the constant barrage
of surfaces and 3rd parties individuals comes into contact with on a daily
basis.
[007] It is thereby an object of the on-demand disinfectant dispensing
devices and related
disinfecting methods provided herein to addresses one or more of the
aforementioned problems of
the prior art. The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices and related
disinfecting methods
disclosed herein solve the above noted deficiencies of current disinfectant
dispensing devices and
related disinfecting methods by, inter alia, providing a removably affixable
device that provides
on-demand access to a disinfectant to a user over an extended period of time,
and related
disinfecting methods (such as to disinfect an area, surface or object).
SUMMARY
[008] On-demand disinfectant dispensing devices (and disinfecting methods
utilizing such
devices) that can be removably affixed to a user or surface that provide easy,
available access to a
disinfectant over an extended period of time are disclosed herein. The present
disclosure provides
such devices and methods for disinfection of a user's body (e g , the skin of
a user's hand), as well
as potential transfer of the disinfectant to, and thereby disinfection of, the
skin of at least one other
person and/or a surface of an inanimate object via touching thereof by the
user after use of the
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disinfectant. The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices and methods are
thereby able to
provide an on-demand disinfectant to one or more people and/or surfaces.
[009] The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices provide a simple, cost
effective way to
reduce the spread of pathogens/infectious disease. The devices are self-
contained, are void of
bottles that need to be carried and opened, include a no spill solution, and
do not necessitate
pouring or spraying for use. In some embodiments, the on-demand disinfectant
dispensing devices
may be configured to be removably affixed to a user, such as to the user's
skin or the user's
clothing (or any other inanimate object carried or worn by the user). In such
a configuration, the
on-demand disinfectant dispensing device provides a no fuss anti-bacterial
action wearable. In
some embodiments, the on-demand disinfectant dispensing wearables may be
configured to be
removably affixed to an active point/portion of contact of the user that would
benefit from being
disinfected, such as on the inside of a user's hand (e.g., on the palm and/or
fingers), to target one
or more locations on one's body for an added level of protection and peace of
mind. In this way,
the active wearable on-demand disinfectant dispensing device can be applied
over the active
portion of the user and replace the portion with a disinfectant dispensing
surface and thereby a
disinfected/sterile surface. In some other embodiments, an on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
wearable may be configured to be removably affixed to a passive portion of the
user's skin (or an
object worn/carried by the user) (or on an inanimate object remote from the
user) that is spaced
from the point/portion of contact of the user, to allow for selective
application of the disinfectant
on the portion of contact of the user by passing the portion of contact of the
user on/over the
device. For example, a passive on-demand disinfectant dispensing wearable may
be removably
affixed to the back of a user's hand (or a user's forearm) or on clothing worn
by the user, and the
user may wipe their finger(s)/hand on/over the device to apply the
disinfectant thereto (and
thereby disinfect their finger(s)/hand). In such a passive disinfecting
embodiment, the on-demand
disinfectant dispensing wearable device provides quick and discrete on-demand
access to a
disinfectant where swiping/contacting the device disinfects a person's
point/portion of contact
(e.g., their hand(s) or other skin surface).
[010] The on-demand disinfectant dispensing device embodiments can thereby
be applied to an
active or passive surface portion of a user (or an object) to disinfect it,
and, potentially, passes it
on to a third party that subsequently touches the surface portion (i.e., pays
it forward). In this way,
the on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices can provide a level of
disinfecting of safety to the
user, with the additional benefit of protecting others that may touch a common
surface/object.
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Communal touchpoints can thus be sanitized and provide an integral part to the
health and
wellbeing of a community as a whole.
10111 The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices of the present
disclosure are configured to
provide a long lasting disinfectant supply. The on-demand disinfectant
dispensing devices include
an attachment layer or portion that is configured to removably attach to a
user or an inanimate
object. The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices also include at least
one reservoir and
metered/controlled release or dispensing layer or portion that overlies at
least a portion of the
attachment layer. The at least one reservoir and metered/controlled release or
dispensing layer is
configured to contain a volume of a liquid or gel topical disinfectant and
control the speed and
duration of the release of the disinfectant at/to an outer surface thereof
(and thereby to a user). In
some embodiments the at least one reservoir and metered/controlled release or
dispensing layer is
a single layer or portion, and in other embodiments it comprises a reservoir
layer or portion and a
and metered/controlled release or dispensing layer or portion that is separate
and distinct from the
reservoir layer or portion.
[012] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides s dispensing device
comprising: an
attachment portion comprising an attachment surface that is configured to
removably affix the
device to an object; and a reservoir and dispenser portion coupled to and
overlying at least a
portion of the attachment portion, the reservoir and dispenser portion
containing a volume of an
agent and configured to control a dispense rate of the agent to a user at an
exposed outer dispenser
surface portion thereof when the user touches the outer surface portion.
[013] In some embodiments, the attachment portion is configured to directly
removably attach to
skin of a user. In some embodiments, the attachment portion comprises a
biocompatible adhesive
layer that forms the attachment surface. In some embodiments, the
biocompatible adhesive
comprises a biocompatible pressure sensitive adhesive. In some embodiments,
the attachment
portion further comprises a removably protective film extending over the
biocompatible adhesive.
[014] In some embodiments, the attachment portion is configured to
removably attach to an
inanimate object. In some embodiments, the attachment portion comprises an
adhesive and/or at
least mechanical connector configured to removably attach to the inanimate
object and that forms
the attachment surface.
[015] In some embodiments, the attachment portion comprises a carrier
layer. In some
embodiments, the carrier layer comprises at least one layer comprises of a
fabric, plastic or latex,
and wherein the attachment surface is formed by an attachment mechanism
coupled to the carrier
layer. In some embodiments, the carrier layer comprises a water absorbable
and/or air permeable
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fabric layer. In some embodiments, the fabric layer comprises a woven nylon
layer, a woven
polyester layer, Gore-Tex layer or a combination thereof
[016] In some embodiments, the attachment portion and the reservoir and
dispenser portion are
flexible. In some embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion comprises a
single layer. In
some embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion comprises at least one
reservoir layer or
portion that contains the volume of the agent and at least one dispenser layer
or portion that forms
the outer dispenser surface portion, the at least one reservoir layer or
portion and the at least one
dispenser layer or portion being separate and distinct from each other. In
some embodiments, the
reservoir and dispenser portion comprises a waterproof layer.
[017] In some embodiments, the volume of the agent is absorbed into the
reservoir and dispenser
portion. In some embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion defines at
least one inner
cavity that contains the volume of the agent. In some embodiments, the volume
of the agent
comprises a plurality of distinct agent portions distributed within the
reservoir and dispenser
portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of distinct agent portions
comprise capsulated agent
portions.
[018] In some embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion comprises
one or more layers of
a fabric, Gore-Tex, gauze, absorbing gel, plastic, paper, foam or a
combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion comprises one or more fabric
layers formed of
cotton, nylon, polyester or a combination thereof.
[019] In some embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion comprises a
plurality of
selectively removably attached stacked layers each with an upper surface that
forms the outer
dispenser surface portion when positioned as the uppermost layer. In some
embodiments, a
pore/perforation size, pore/perforation arrangement, density, thickness, and
capillary action of the
reservoir and dispenser portion is configured to control the amount of the
agent that travels
through the reservoir and dispenser portion and to outer dispenser surface
portion.
[020] In some embodiments, the agent is a liquid and/or gel. In some
embodiments, the agent is
solid.
[021] In some embodiments, the agent is a disinfectant. In some
embodiments, the disinfectant is
a biocompatible disinfectant. In some embodiments, the disinfectant comprises
ethyl, isopropyl,
ethanol (ethyl alcohol), triclosan, triclocarban, benzalkonium chloride,
benzethonium chloride or a
combination thereof In some embodiments, the disinfectant comprises ethanol
(ethyl alcohol). In
some embodiments, the agent comprises an essential oil. In some embodiments,
the agent
comprises a medicant or vitamin. In some embodiments, the agent comprises an
insecticide. In
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some embodiments, the agent comprises a fragrance. In some embodiments, the
agent comprises
a food product. In some embodiments, the agent comprises a cleaning product.
In some
embodiments, the agent comprises a paint.
[022] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a cover layer
overlying the outer
dispenser surface portion and removably attached thereto. In some embodiments,
an outer
dispenser surface portion of the cover layer comprises a visual and/or tactile
indication and/or is
configured to display a visual indication. In some embodiments, the device
further comprises a
backer layer overlying the attachment portion and removably attached thereto.
In some
embodiments, the outer dispenser surface portion of the cover layer comprises
at least one of a
visible light reflective material or an illumination device thereon.
[023] In some embodiments, the reservoir and dispenser portion is
configured to change color
between at least two differing total volumes of the agent contained therein.
In some embodiments,
the reservoir and dispenser portion comprises a plurality of removably coupled
overlying reservoir
and dispenser layers that each contain a volume of the agent, and wherein the
upper most reservoir
and dispenser layer forms the outer dispenser surface portion. In some
embodiments, the reservoir
and dispenser portion comprises at least one reservoir area and at least one
dispensing area that is
spaced from the at least one reservoir area, and wherein the at least one
dispensing area forms the
outer dispenser surface portion. In some embodiments, the at least one
reservoir area comprises a
compressible internal cavity that contains the volume of the agent and at
least one channel that
defines a pathway for the flow of the agent from the internal cavity to the at
least one dispensing
area.
[024] In some embodiments, the device is elongated and rolled upon itself
into a spiral form.
[025] In some embodiments, the device comprises a pocket with an internal
cavity, and the
reservoir and dispenser portion is positioned within the internal cavity of
the pocket. In some
embodiments, the attachment portion comprises a backside of the internal
cavity of the pocket.
[026] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of
disinfecting a surface. The
method comprises obtaining any of the devices discussed, wherein the agent of
the device
comprises a topical disinfectant; removably affixing the attachment portion of
the device to an
object; and transferring a portion of the disinfectant from the device via the
outer dispenser
surface portion to the surface.
[027] In some embodiments, the transferring the portion of the disinfectant
from the device to
the surface comprises engaging the outer dispenser surface portion and the
surface. In some
embodiments, the transferring the portion of the disinfectant from the device
to the surface
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comprises manually touching the outer dispenser surface portion to dispense
the portion of the
disinfectant, and manually transferring at least some of the dispensed portion
of the disinfectant to
the surface.
[028] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a disinfectant
construct comprising a
flexible and porous polymer member comprising internal voids in communication
with an outer
dispenser surface portion, and a disinfectant contained within the internal
voids of the member.
[029] In some embodiments, the disinfectant is naturally drawn to the outer
dispenser surface
portion from within the internal voids due to capillary action. In some
embodiments, the polymer
member comprises silicone, polyurethane, hydrogel or a combination thereof In
some
embodiments, the disinfectant is a liquid and/or gel biocompatible
disinfectant.
[030] In some embodiments, the member is thin and elongated. In some
embodiments, the
member is arranged in a rolled arrangement.
[031] In some embodiments, the construct further comprises an adhesive or
attachment
mechanism coupled to a backside of the member. In some embodiments, the
adhesive or
attachment mechanism is configured affix the member to an outer surface of an
object.
[032] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing
concepts and additional
concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not
mutually inconsistent)
are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed
herein and may be used to
achieve the benefits and advantages described herein.
[033] These and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure
will become apparent
from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the
disclosure taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[034] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become
better understood when the following detailed description is read with
reference to the
accompanying drawings. It should be understood that at least some of the
drawings are not
necessarily to scale (but at least some of the drawings may be drawn to
scale). In certain figures,
details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that
render other details
difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of
course, that the disclosure
is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the
figures. Like reference
numerals are utilized throughout the figures to represent like aspects
illustrated in the drawings,
wherein:
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[035] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an on-demand disinfectant dispensing
device according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[036] FIG. 2 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[037] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device of FIG. 1
removably affixed to an inanimate object worn by a user according to one
embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[038] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device of FIG. 1
removably affixed to a passive skin area of a user according to one embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
[039] FIGS. 5A-5M illustrates varying views of an on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device
according to FIG. 1 removably affixed to active skin areas of a user according
to one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[040] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate perspective top and bottom views,
respectively, a side cross-
sectional view of the on-demand disinfectant dispensing device of FIG. 1
including seal and
backing layers according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[041] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device of FIG. 1 as
the volume or availability of disinfectant therein lowers over a period of
time according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[042] FIG. 8 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
device with a disinfectant release top layer according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[043] FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
device with embedded discrete disinfectant volumes according to one embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
[044] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device of
FIG. 9 affixed to a user's hand and the user causing some of the embedded
discrete disinfectant
volumes to be dispensed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[045] FIG. 11 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
device with a plurality of removable disinfectant reservoir and dispensing
layers according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[046] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device with a
disinfectant reservoir area and at least one disinfectant dispensing area
according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
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[047] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device with a
disinfectant reservoir and pump area, at least one disinfectant dispensing
area and at least one
defined flowpath for the flow of disinfectant from the disinfectant reservoir
and pump area to the
at least one disinfectant dispensing area according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[048] FIG. 14 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
device of FIG. 13 extending through a defined disinfectant flowpath according
to one embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[049] FIG. 15 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the on-demand
disinfectant dispensing
device of FIG. 13 offset from the at least one defined disinfectant flowpath
according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[050] FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device configured
to be applied to a user's hand according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[051] FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of another on-demand disinfectant
dispensing device
configured to be applied to a user's hand according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[052] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an elongated on-demand
delivery device
configured to in a roll form according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[053] FIG. 19 illustrates an elevational perspective view of an on-demand
delivery device
configured in a pocket form according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[054] FIG. 20 illustrates a pocket-form on-demand delivery device
incorporated into a piece of
clothing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[055] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the on-demand delivery
device of FIG. 20
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[056] FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another pocket-form on-
demand delivery
device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[057] Aspects of the present disclosure and certain examples, features,
advantages, and details
thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting
examples illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known components, aspects,
materials,
chemicals, fabrication mechanisms, processing techniques, uses, etc., are
omitted so as not to
unnecessarily obscure the relevant details. It should be understood, however,
that the detailed
description and the specific examples, while indicating aspects of the
disclosure, are given by way
of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions,
modifications,
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additions, and/or arrangements, within the spirit and/or scope of the
underlying inventive concepts
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.
[058] Approximating language, as used herein throughout disclosure, may be
applied to modify
any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting
in a change in the
basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term
or terms, such as
"terms "substantially", "approximately", "about", "relatively," or other such
similar terms is not
limited to the precise value specified, and is used to describe and account
for small fluctuations,
such as due to variations in processing, from a reference or parameter. Such
small fluctuations
include a zero fluctuation from the reference or parameter as well. For
example, these terms can
refer to less than or equal to 5%, such as less than or equal to 2%, such as
less than or equal to
1%, such as less than or equal to 0.5%, such as less than or equal to 0.2%,
such as less than or
equal to 0.1%, such as less than or equal to 0.05%. In some instances, the
approximating
language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the
value.
[059] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
examples only and is
not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to
include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. Furthermore,
references to "one example" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding
the existence of
additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover,
unless explicitly stated to
the contrary, the terms "comprising" (and any form of "comprise," such as
"comprises" and
"comprising"), "have" (and any form of "have," such as "has" and "having"),
"include" (and any
form of "include," such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any
form of "contain,"
such as "contains" and "containing") are used as open-ended linking verbs. As
a result, any
examples that "comprises," "has," "includes" or "contains" one or more step or
element possesses
such one or more step or element, but is not limited to possessing only such
one or more step or
element. As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility
of an occurrence
within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property,
characteristic or function;
and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability,
capability, or possibility
associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be"
indicates that a
modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated
capacity, function, or
usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term
may sometimes not
be appropriate, capable or suitable. For example, in some circumstances, an
event or capacity can
be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur ¨
this distinction is
captured by the terms "may" and "may be."
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[060] As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term "entirety"
(and any other form of
"entire") means at least a substantial portion, such as at least 95% or at
least 99%. The term
"entirety" (and any other form of "entire"), as used herein, is thereby not
limited to 100%, unless
otherwise indicated.
[061] The terms "disinfecting," "sanitizing" and "sterilizing" (and the
equivalents thereof) are
used synonymously herein to refer to the action of trappings, removing,
killing, or inhibiting the
growth and/or reproduction of a pathogen (i.e., an infectious disease-causing
microorganism, such
as various viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites). Similarly, the terms
"disinfectant," "sanitizer,"
"sterilizer," "antimicrobial" and "antiseptic" (and the equivalents thereof)
are used synonymously
herein to refer to a substance that disinfects (i.e., that traps, removes,
kills, or inhibits the growth
and/or reproduction of a pathogen). The term "topical" is used herein to refer
to a disinfectant that
disinfects pathogens located on (the outside of) one's skin or the
outer/exterior surface of an
inanimate object).
[062] The terms "affix," "connect" "contact," "coupled" and/or the like are
broadly defined
herein to encompass a variety of divergent arrangements and assembly
techniques. These
arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to (1) the direct
joining of one
component and another component with no intervening components therebetween
(i.e., the
components are in direct physical contact); and (2) the joining of one
component and another
component with one or more components therebetween, provided that the one
component being
"affixed to," "connected to," "contacting" or 'coupled to" the other component
is somehow in
operative communication with the other component (notwithstanding the presence
of one or more
additional components therebetween). It is to be understood that some
components that are in
direct physical contact with one another may or may not be in fluid contact
with one another.
Moreover, two components that are fluidly/fluidically connected,
fluidly/fluidically coupled or in
fluid/fluidic communication may or may not be in direct physical contact, and
one or more other
components may be positioned therebetween.
[063] The present disclosure provides for on-demand disinfectant dispensing
devices, and
disinfecting methods utilizing such devices, that can be removably affixed to
an object (such as a
user or a surface of an inanimate object) that provide easy, available access
to a supply of a
disinfectant over an extended period of time. The on-demand disinfectant
dispensing devices
thereby provide for disinfection of a user's body (e.g., the skin of a user's
hand), as well as
potential transfer of the disinfectant to, and thereby disinfection of, the
skin of at least one other
person and/or a surface of an inanimate object via touching thereof by the
user after
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use/application of the disinfectant. The efficient (e.g., one step) on-demand
disinfectant
dispensing devices and methods are thereby able to efficiently provide an on-
demand disinfectant
(e.g., via single step, for example) to one or more people and/or surfaces.
[064] The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices provide a simple, cost
effective way to
reduce the spread of pathogens/infectious disease. The devices are self-
contained, are void of
bottles that need to be carried and opened, include a no spill solution, and
do not necessitate
pouring or spraying for use. As noted above, the on-demand disinfectant
dispensing devices may
be configured to be removably affixed to a user, such as to the user's skin or
the user's clothing (or
any other inanimate object carried or worn by the user). In such a
configuration, the on-demand
disinfectant dispensing device provides a no fuss anti-bacterial action
wearable device. The on-
demand disinfectant dispensing wearable devices may be configured to be
removably affixed to
an active point/portion of contact of the user that would benefit from being
disinfected, such as on
the inside of a user's hand (e.g., on the palm and/or fingers), to target one
or more locations on
one's body for an added level of protection and peace of mind. In this way,
the active on-demand
disinfectant dispensing wearable device can be applied over the active portion
of the user (e.g., a
user's elbow, palm, finger, etc.) and replace the portion with a disinfectant
dispensing surface ¨
and thereby a disinfected/sterile surface.
[065] In some other embodiments, the on-demand disinfectant dispensing
wearable device may
be configured to be removably affixed to a passive portion of the user's skin
(or an object
worn/carried by the user) (or on an inanimate object remote from the user)
that is spaced from the
point/portion of contact of the user, to allow for selective application of
the disinfectant on the
portion of contact of the user by passing the portion of contact of the user
on/over the device. For
example, a passive on-demand disinfectant dispensing wearable device may be
removably affixed
to the back of a user's hand or forearm, or on their clothing, and the user
may wipe their
finger(s)/hand on/over the exposed dispensing surface of the device to apply
the disinfectant
thereto (and thereby disinfect their finger(s)/hand). In such a passive
disinfecting embodiment, the
on-demand disinfectant dispensing wearable device provides quick and discrete
on-demand access
to a disinfectant where swiping/contacting the device disinfects a person's
point/portion of contact
(e.g., their hand(s) or other skin surface).
[066] The on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices disclosed herein can
thereby be applied to
an active or passive surface portion of a user (or an object) to disinfect it,
and, potentially, pass it
on to a third party that subsequently touches the surface portion (i.e., pays
it forward). In this way,
the on-demand disinfectant dispensing devices can provide a level of
disinfecting of safety to a
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user, with the additional benefit of protecting others that may touch the user
or even a common
surface/object. Communal touchpoints can thus be sanitized and provide an
integral part to the
health and wellbeing of a community as a whole via the disclosed on-demand
disinfectant
dispensing devices.
[067] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, in some embodiments a disinfectant dispensing
device 10
according to the present disclosure includes an attachment portion 12 and a
disinfectant reservoir
and dispenser portion 16
[068] The attachment portion 12 may comprise an attachment surface 17 that
is configured to
affix/couple the device 10 to an object (removably or fixedly) (e.g., a user
skin or a surface of an
inanimate object, as described above and further below). The disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 is coupled to and overlies at least a portion of the attachment
portion, as shown in
FIGS. 1-6. As also shown in FIGS. 1-6, the disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14
contains a volume of disinfectant 20. The disinfectant reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 is
configured to control a dispense rate (i.e., time release) of the volume of
topical disinfectant 20 to
a user at an exposed outer dispensing surface portion 16 thereof when a user
touches the outer
dispensing surface portion 16. In some embodiments, the disinfectant reservoir
and dispenser
portion 14 may be refillable.
[069] The device 10 (e.g., the attachment portion 12 and the disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser
portion 14) may be of any size and any shape. In some embodiments, the device
may be relatively
flat or thin in a thickness direction (e.g., comprise a patch, sheet or like
arrangement). In some
embodiments, the size and/or shape of the device 10 may correspond to a
particular surface/object
to which is can be removably coupled to. In this way, the device 10 may be
configured to a
particular usage (e.g., shaped and sized to removably attach to a particular
object or body portion
of a user). The device 10 (e.g., the attachment portion 12 and the
disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14) may be relatively flexible, such as easily manually
flexible.
[070] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the attachment portion 12 may define the
backside or
underside of the device 10, and include a backside attachment surface 17 that
is configured to abut
or overly another surface when the device 10 is coupled thereto. In some
embodiments, the
attachment portion 12 may include an adhesive on (or that forms) the
attachment surface 17 that is
configured to removably couple the device 10 to a surface. In some other
embodiments (not
shown), the attachment portion 12 may include a mechanical mechanism to
removably attach the
device to a surface. For example, the attachment portion 12 may include and/or
comprise a strap,
hook-and-loop (or hook-and-hook) fastener, snap fastener, button, strap,
elastic, suction
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cup/member, zipper, threaded post/aperture, magnet or any other fastener
mechanism that is
configured to removably couple the device 10 to another surface/object. It is
noted that the
particular design and configuration can of the attachment portion 12 can take
on any form with
respect to a particular surface/object sufficient to removable couple the
device 10 to the
surface/obj ect.
[071] In some embodiments, the attachment portion 12 may include an
adhesive on (or that
forms) the attachment surface 17 that is configured to removably couple the
device 10 to an
inanimate object and/or skin of a user. In some such embodiments, the adhesive
may comprise a
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some such embodiments, the attachment
portion 12 may be
configured to directly removably attach to skin of a user via a biocompatible
(and/or medical
grade) adhesive, such as a biocompatible PSA, and/or an alcohol resistant
adhesive. In some
embodiments, the adhesive of the attachment portion 12 may comprise an acrylic
adhesive, an
epoxy adhesive, a styrene block co-polymer adhesive or a combination thereof.
In some such
embodiments, the adhesive of the attachment portion 12 may comprise an
acrylate, such as
methacrylates, epoxy diacrylates (i.e., a vinyl resin) or a combination
thereof. In some such
embodiments, the adhesive of the attachment portion 12 may comprise spirit gum
(mastic), matte
spirit gum, liquid latex, thickened latex, flexible collodion or a combination
thereof In some such
embodiments, the adhesive may comprise a biodegradable, natural and/or organic
adhesive. In
some embodiments, the tack, adhesion, shear strength and breathability of the
adhesive may be
configured such that the device 10 is biocompatible with respect to a user's
skin.
[072] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some embodiments, the attachment
portion 12 of the
device 10 may comprise an adhesive and a removable attachment protective film
26 extending
over the attachment surface 17 of the adhesive. The attachment protective film
26 may be
configured to cover and protect the adhesive prior to use (or when otherwise
not in use). The
attachment protective film 26 may thereby be configured to be removable from
the adhesive (e.g.,
peeled off) such that the adhesive remains coupled to the device 10 and is
effective in coupling the
device 10 to a surface. In some embodiments, the attachment protective film 26
may comprise a
plastic/polymer, coated paper, metallic/metalized layer (e.g., a foil layer or
aluminized material
layer) or a combination thereof. As also shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some
embodiment the
protective film 26 may include a tab 25 to aide in manually removing (e.g.,
peeling) the protective
film 26 from the attachment surface 17.
[073] In some embodiments, the attachment portion 12 may include at least
one carrier or
support layer. The carrier layer may support the attachment mechanism (e.g.,
an adhesive and/or
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mechanical fastener) (i.e., the attachment mechanism may be coupled to bottom
side of the carrier
layer). Further, the disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may be
coupled to and overly
(e.g., directly overly) the top side of the carrier layer. In some
embodiments, the carrier layer
comprises at least one layer of a fabric (woven or non-woven), plastic or
latex. For example, the
carrier layer may comprise a breathable fabric, such as a woven (or non-woven)
nylon, polyester
or Gore-Tex layer. The carrier layer may be flexible, and may comprise a water
absorbable and/or
air permeable fabric layer (particularly in embodiments of the device 10 for
use directly on the
skin of a user, as described further below).
[074] As also shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 of
the device 10 may include a dispenser protective film 24 extending over the
dispensing surface
portion 16. The dispenser protective film 24 may be configured to cover and
protect the
dispensing surface portion 16, and thereby the volume of disinfectant 20
contained within the
disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14, prior to use (or when
otherwise not in use). For
example, the dispenser protective film 24 may be effective in preventing (or
at least substantially
inhibiting) evaporation and/or leakage of the disinfectant 20 from the
disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 via the dispensing surface portion 16. The dispenser
protective film 24 may
thereby be configured to be removable from the dispensing surface portion 16
(e.g., peeled off)
such that the disinfectant 20 is able to be dispensed/flow through the
dispensing surface portion
16. In some embodiments, the dispenser protective film 24 may comprise a
plastic/polymer or
metallic/metalized layer (and potentially an adhesive). Removal of the
dispenser protective film
24 may thereby activate the device 10/ disinfectant reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 for use
(e.g., begin or initiate wicking and/or capillary action of the disinfectant
20 and/or evaporation of
the disinfectant 20 at the exposed dispensing surface portion 16).
[075] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover or protective
film 24 may include a
visual and/or tactile indication (not shown), or be configured such that a
visual and/or tactile
indication can be drawn or otherwise formed thereon. For example, the outer
surface of the
protective film 24 may include a logo, name, trademark or other visual
indication that may
enhance the aesthetic look and/or feel of the device 10. As another example,
the outer surface of
the cover or protective film 24 may be configured as a paper, chalkboard or
whiteboard type
configuration to allow for personalization of the device 10. In some
embodiments, the outer
surface of the cover or protective film 24 comprises at least one of a visible
light reflective
material and an illumination device thereon. aAs also shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B, in some
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embodiment the protective film 24 may include a tab 25 to aide in manually
removing (e.g.,
peeling) the protective film 24 from the dispensing surface portion 16.
[076] The disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may comprise one
or more layers
and/or more materials. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may comprise a single later comprised of
one or more
materials. In some other embodiments, as discussed further below, the
disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 may comprise one or more disinfectant reservoir layers
(or portions) and one
or more dispenser layers (or portions) that are separate and distinct from the
one or more
disinfectant reservoir layers (or portions).
[077] The disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 is configured to
contain the volume of
disinfectant 20. For example, the disinfectant 20 may be absorbed into the
disinfectant reservoir
and dispenser portion 14 (e.g., the disinfectant reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 may comprise
an absorbent pad, layer or portion). As another example, the disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 may form at least one cavity, opening or cell that contains the
disinfectant 20. The
disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 is also configured to dispense
the disinfectant 20 at
the dispensing surface portion 16 to a user who touches, such as wipes across,
the dispensing
surface portion 16. At least a portion of the disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 thereby
automatically controls the speed and duration of the release/flow of the
disinfectant at/to the outer
dispensing surface portion 16 (and thereby to a user on an on-demand basis).
For example, the
disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may be configured to draw or
otherwise provide a
portion of the volume of disinfectant 20 at or to the dispensing surface
portion 16 such that when
a user touches or wipes the dispensing surface portion 16, some of the
disinfectant 20 transfers to
the user.
[078] In some embodiments, the reservoir and dispensing functions or
processes of the reservoir
and dispensing functions or processes may be accomplished by a common layer or
portion of the
disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may be accomplished by a
common layer or
portion of the disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14. In some other
embodiments, the
reservoir and dispensing functions or processes of the reservoir and
dispensing functions or
processes may be accomplished by a common layer or portion of the disinfectant
reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 may be accomplished by differing layers or portions of
the disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser portion 14. In some embodiments, the disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 may comprise at least one layer or portion formed of a (woven or
non-woven) cloth or
fabric (e.g., a cotton, nylon, polyester or the like layer/portion), Gore-Tex,
gauze, absorbing gel
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(e.g., a hydrogel), flashspun high-density polyethylene (e g, Tyvek),
porous/filter paper, plastic
film, foam, hydrocolloid, alginate, polysaccharide pastes, granules and/or
beads, or a combination
thereof For example, is some embodiments the reservoir and dispenser portion
14 may comprise
one or more layers of cotton, polyester, silicone, polyurethane, polyamide,
polyethylene, hydrogel
or a combination thereof. In some such embodiments, the reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 may
include a cotton fabric layer or portion, a nylon fabric layer or portion, a
polyester fabric layer or
portion, a flashspun high-density polyethylene fiber layer or portion, a
hydrogel layer or portion, a
flexible polyamide net coated with silicone layer or portion, a hydrogel layer
or portion formed of
hydrophilic polymers, or a combination thereof.
[079] At least the dispensing portion of the disinfectant reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 may
be configured to control the amount and/or rate at which the disinfectant 20
moves or is drawn
therethrough (e.g., via capillary action) and to the dispensing surface
portion 16. The disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser portion 14 is thereby configured to meter/control the
release or dispensing
of the disinfectant 20 to/from/at the dispensing surface portion 16. For
example, at least one of the
pore/perforation size, pore/perforation size count/number, density, thickness,
and capillary action
of the disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may be configured to
control the amount
and/or rate at which the disinfectant 20 moves or is drawn to and through the
dispensing surface
portion. The disinfectant reservoir and dispenser portion 14 may be configured
such that a
particular dosage of the disinfectant 20 flows through the disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 and the dispensing surface portion 16 when a certain pressure
(e.g., a certain
magnitude, area, direction, etc.) is applied thereto by a user such that the
particular dosage of the
disinfectant 20 is transferred to the user thereby.
[080] In some embodiments, the device 10, including the disinfectant
reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 (including the dispensing surface portion 16) and the disinfectant
20, is configured
such that the disinfectant 20 is available/dispensable at the dispensing
surface portion 16 via
touching or swiping of the dispensing surface portion 16 by a user for at
least 2 hours, at least 3
hours, at least 4 hours, at least 5 hour or at least 6 hours after the
dispensing surface portion 16 is
initially exposed.
[081] The volume of disinfectant 20 may be any biocompatible disinfectant
(i.e., safe and
effective for use with humans, such as on human skin), such as any topical
disinfectant effective
in killing and/or preventing reproduction of disease causing pathogens (such
as viruses and
bacteria, for example) when the disinfectant 20 and the pathogens physically
interact. The
disinfectant 20 may be effective on disinfecting a person's skin and in
addition to the surface of an
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inanimate object (such as a surface comprising plastic, metal, glass, paper,
carboard, etc.). For
example, the disinfectant 20 may comprise an alcohol sanitizer and/or an non-
alcohol sanitizer. In
some embodiments, the disinfectant 20 comprises ethyl, isopropyl, ethanol
(ethyl alcohol),
triclosan, triclocarban, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride or a
combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the disinfectant 20 comprises 1,2-hexanediol, ammonium
bicarbonate,
ammonium carbonate, benzalkonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chlorine
dioxide, citric
acid, dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, ethanol, ethyl, glutaraldehyde, glycolic
acid, hydrochloric
acid, hypochlorous acid, isopropyl, isopropanol, lactic acid, L-lactic acid,
octanoic acid,
peroxyacetic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, phenolic, potassium peroxymonosulfate,
quaternary
ammonium, silver, silver ion, sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate
peroxyhydrate, sodium
chloride, sodium chlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, sodium
dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate,
sodium dichloro-S-triazinetrione, sodium hypochlorite, thymol, triethylene
glycol, triclosan,
triclocarban, alcohol (e.g., at least 60% by volume), aloe gel, vinegar, an
essential oil,
aromatherapy compound, or a combination thereof, In some embodiments, the
disinfectant 20
may comprise at least one essential oil, such as geranium, lavender, sweet
marjoram, neroli,
palmarosa, peppermint, petitgrain, rose, tea tree, thyme, linalool oil or a
combination thereof In
some embodiments, the disinfectant 20 may be in liquid or gel form. In some
embodiments, the
disinfectant 20 may comprise a solution and/or a suspension, and may include
at least solid
disinfectants.
[082] It is also specifically disclosed herein that although embodiments of
the on-demand
dispensing devices (and related methods) of the present disclosure are
described with respect to
containing and dispensing a disinfectant (i.e., on-demand disinfectant
dispensing devices), the
devices may equally be employed to dispense any other solid, liquid or gel
agent. For example,
the devices may contain and be configured to dispense any pleasant or foul
odorous and/or tasteful
material (e.g., perfume, attractant/dettractant-repellant (e.g., bug or insect
repellant, etc.). As
another example, the devices may contain and be configured to dispense a skin
lotion (e.g.,
moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.), antiperspirant/deodorant, medication/medicine,
lubricant, friction-
enhancing material (e.g., a sticky or gritty material), any other
biocompatible material, biohazard
material or a combination thereof. In some such embodiments, the
medication/medicine may be a
medicant, a vitamin (vitamin C, B12, etc.) or supplement (e.g., caffeine,
nicotine, etc.),
a cannabinoid (e.g., cannabidiol (CBD)), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or
a food product
(e.g., sugar, candy, etc.). As a further example, the devices may contain and
be configured to
dispense a paint. As another example, the devices may contain and be
configured to dispense a
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cleaning product. As another example, the devices may contain and be
configured to dispense a
food product or foodstuff.
[083] As shown in FIG 3, in some embodiments, the attachment portion 12
(and potentially the
reservoir and dispenser portion 14) may be configured such that the device 10
is worn by a user 1
on a passive piece of clothing (e.g., hat, shirt, coat, pant, belt, shoe,
scarf, glove, sock, etc.) or
another inanimate object 2 (sweatband, kinesiology/muscle tape, heat/cool
pads, helmet,
protective pad/brace/splint/cast, headphones, luggage, personal accessories,
luggage, wallet, hand
bag/purse, athletic equipment, etc.) that is configured to couple to (i.e., be
worn or carried by) the
user 1. The device 10 may thereby be removably coupled to a passive portion of
the user 1 that is
spaced from the point/portion of contact of the user 1 that the user wishes to
apply the disinfectant
20 to via touching of the dispensing surface portion 16. As noted above, the
attachment portion 12
may include and adhesive or mechanical connection mechanism that is configured
to attach to a
specific or general surface, such as to the clothing 2 or another inanimate
object on/coupled to the
user 1 as shown in FIG. 3. In use, the user 1 can thereby removably couple the
device 10 to their
clothing 2 or another inanimate object on/coupled to the user 1 on a passive
portion of the user 1
(such as but not limited to over the user's 1 forearm, upper arm, chest, waist
or thigh), and touch
or wipe the dispensing surface portion 16 with one or more of their hands when
the user 1 desires
to disinfect their one or more of their hands (or another body portion or
inanimate object touched
by the user's 1 one or more hand). When the user 1 desires, the device 10 can
be removed from the
clothing 2 or another inanimate object on/coupled to the user 1 (preferably
without damaging the
surface outer surface thereof)
[084] As also discussed above and shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the
attachment
portion 12 (and potentially the reservoir and dispenser portion 14) may be
configured such that the
device 10 is worn by a user 1 directly on a passive portion of their skin 3.
The attachment portion
12 may thereby be configured to be biocompatible with a person's passive skin
3, and the device
may be breathable or otherwise resistant to causing the user to sweat beneath
the device 12.
For example, the device 10 may be configured to have an "invisible" feel when
attached to a user's
skin 3. The device 10 may thereby be removably coupled to a passive portion of
the skin 3 of the
user 1 that is spaced from the active portion or point/portion of contact of
the user 1 that the user
wishes to apply the disinfectant 20 to via touching of the dispensing surface
portion 16. In use, the
user 1 can thereby removably couple the device 10 directly to their skin 3 on
a passive portion of
the user 1 (such as but not limited to over the back of the user's hand,
forearm, upper arm or
thigh), and touch or wipe the dispensing surface portion 16 with one or more
of their hands when
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the user 1 desires to disinfect their one or more of their hands (or another
body portion or
inanimate object touched by the user's 1 one or more hand). When the user 1
desires, the device
can be removed from the skin 3 of the user 1 (preferably without hurting,
irritating or
otherwise damaging the skin 3).
[085] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5M, in some embodiments, the attachment portion
12 (and
potentially the reservoir and dispenser portion 14) may be configured such
that the device 10 is
worn by a user 1 directly on their active skin 4 or another area/surface of
the user 1 to
cover/replace the portion (at least partially) by the dispensing surface
portion 16. As noted above,
the "active" portion 4 of the user 1 may comprise an area that touches/makes
contact with at least
one other portion of the user 1, another person or an inanimate communal
object that will/could be
touched by another person to prevent the transmission/passing of a pathogen
from the active skin
portion/area 4 of the user 1 to the other portion(s) of the user 1 (e.g., the
user's 1 eyes, nose or
mouth), directly the another person, or indirectly to another person through
the communal
inanimate object. The attachment portion 12 may thereby be configured to be
biocompatible with
a person's active skin area 4, and the device 10 may be breathable or
otherwise resistant to causing
the user to sweat beneath the device 12. The device 10 may be removably
coupled to an active
skin portion 4 of the user 1 which the user wishes to apply the disinfectant
20 with. In use, the
user 1 can thereby removably couple the device 10 directly to an active skin
portion 4 of the user
1 (such as but not limited to over the palm and/or finger(s) of the user 1),
and the user 1 can touch
or wipe the dispensing surface portion 16 as desired to dispense the
disinfectant 20. When the user
1 desires, the device 10 can be removed from the active skin portion/area 4 of
the user 1
(preferably without hurting, irritating or otherwise damaging the active skin
portion/area 4).
[086] As shown in FIG. 5A, in some exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may
be configured
(e.g., shaped and sized) to removably couple to and extend over (e.g., cover)
the palm and at least
a portion of at least one finger 4 of a hand of a user 1. As another example,
in some embodiments
the device 10 may be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to removably couple
to and extend over
(e.g., cover) just a portion of the palm 4 of a hand of a user 1, as shown in
FIGS. 5B-5E. In some
other exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may be configured (e.g., shaped and
sized) to
removably couple to and extend over (e.g., cover) at least a portion of an
interior side of a finger 4
of a hand of a user 1, as shown in FIGS. 5F-5H. As another example, as shown
in FIGS. 5I-5K,
in some embodiments the device 10 may be configured (e.g., shaped and sized)
to removably
couple to and extend over (e.g., cover) just a portion of the forearm 4 of an
arm of a user 1. In
some other exemplary embodiments, the device 10 may be configured (e.g.,
shaped and sized) to
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removably couple to and extend over (e.g., cover) at least a portion of an
elbow 4 of an arm of a
user 1, as shown in FIGS. 5F-5H.
[087] The device 10 may thus be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to
removably couple to and
extend over an area of a user 1 that is likely to contact another individual
or a surface that may be
contacted by another individual so as to dispense a liquid or gel agent 20,
such as but not limited
to a disinfectant, thereon/thereto. The device 10 may act as a barrier between
the user 1 and the
other individual or surface, and also act to carry forward the liquid or gel
agent 20 to the other
individual or surface.
[088] In yet another embodiment, the device 10, such as at least the
attachment portion 12, may
be configured to attach to an inanimate object (not shown) that is not worn or
carried by a user 1.
For example, the attachment portion 12 may be configured to removably (or
fixedly) attach to a
handle, knob, switch, arm rest, seat, steering wheel, transmission/shift
lever, athletic equipment,
medical equipment, office equipment, culinary equipment, military/defense
equipment, packaging
(e.g., a shipping or product packaging), furniture, pet product, or any other
item or surface that is
communal (i.e., likely to be touched by more than one person) or that is
positioned within/near a
communal space area, surface or item.
[089] It is specifically noted that embodiments of the device 10 disclosed
herein may be
configured to attach/couple (removably or fixedly) to any surface of any
object (living or
inanimate). Embodiments of the device 10 may be used on any surface to provide
on-demand
access to the disinfectant 20 contained therein for any purpose (such as to
provide to directly
provide the disinfectant 20 to a surface/portion or indirectly provide the
disinfectant 20 to a
surface/portion).
[090] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the device 10 may be
configured such that the
appearance of a portion of the device 10, such as the dispensing surface
portion 16, changes as the
volume of disinfectant 20 within the reservoir and dispenser portion 14. In
this way, the device 10
may automatically visually and/or tactically indicate the particular volume of
the disinfectant 20
within the reservoir and dispenser portion 14, and thereby available to the
user via the dispensing
surface portion 16, at any particular time. In this way and as shown in FIG.
7, as a device 10A
containing a first "full" volume of the disinfectant 20A transitions to a
device 10B containing a
second "medium" volume of the disinfectant 20B, the color of at least a
portion of the dispensing
surface portion 16 (for example) may change. Similarly, as also shown in FIG.
7, as the device
10B containing the second "medium" volume of the disinfectant 20B transitions
to a device 10C
containing a third "low" volume of the disinfectant 20B (or no available
disinfectant 20), the color
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of at least a portion of the dispensing surface portion 16 (for example) may
change again. It is
noted that the device 10 may be configured to variably change colors as the
volume of the
disinfectant 20 changes, or may only change colors once when the level of
disinfectant 20 is at
least substantially depleted and/or the level available to a user is
inadequate to disinfect (for
example). For example, the reservoir and dispenser portion 14 and/or the
disinfectant 20 may be
configured to change color with changes in the temperature, pH and/or
dryness/wetness (e.g.,
liquid vs. solid form) thereof. As the volume of the disinfectant 20 within
the reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 decreases (such as from being dispensed via the
dispensing surface portion
16, to a user and/or evaporating (or otherwise changing states), the
temperature, pH and/or
dryness/wetness (e.g., liquid/solid state) of the reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 and/or the
disinfectant 20 may change and cause a color change, such as with respect to a
material/component/chemical/additive of or within the reservoir and dispenser
portion 14 and/or
the disinfectant 20. In some embodiment, the reservoir and dispenser portion
14 and/or the
disinfectant 20 may be configured to change color with time, independently of
the actual volume
of the disinfectant 20. For example, the reservoir and dispenser portion 14
and/or the disinfectant
20 may include a pigment, ink dye or the like that degrades or absorbs over
time such that the
color thereof changes over time. In this way, the color of the device 10 can
indicate to a user how
long the device 10 has been in use, and thereby an indication of the potential
state of the volume
of the disinfectant 20 (e.g., the disinfectant 20 may evaporate over time).
[091] As another example, the device 10 may be configured such that the
size, shape, surface
texture and/or other physical dimension/aspect of the device 10 changes as the
volume of the
disinfectant 20 within the reservoir and dispenser portion 14 decreases to
provide a tactile
indication of the level thereof. For example, the dispensing surface portion
16 may include raised
bumps or the like that flatten/shorten as the volume of the disinfectant 20
within the reservoir and
dispenser portion 14 decreases.
[092] As noted above, the reservoir and dispenser portion of the on-demand
dispensing devices
of the present disclosure may include one or more layers or portions. For
example, as discussed
above with respect to the reservoir and dispenser portion 14, the exemplary
device 10 may include
a dual/integral reservoir and dispenser layer or portion 14 that is configured
as a reservoir that
contains/holds the volume of the disinfectant 20 and a dispenser that forms
the dispensing surface
portion 16 and controls the amount of disinfectant 20 that flows/is present at
the dispensing
surface portion 16 and is transferred to a user when the user contacts/wipes
the dispensing surface
portion 16.
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[093] An exemplary on-demand dispensing device 110 that includes separate
and distinct
reservoir and dispenser layers/portions is shown in FIG. 8. The device 110 of
FIG. 8 is
substantially similar to the device 10 described above with respect to FIG. 1-
7, and therefore like
reference numerals preceded with "1" are used to indicate like components,
aspects, functions,
processes or functions, and the description above directed to thereto equally
applies, and is not
repeated for brevity and clarity purposes.
[094] As shown in FIG. 8, the device 110 includes a dispenser/dispensing
portion or layer 130
overlying at least a portion of a reservoir layer or portion 132. The
reservoir layer or portion 132
is configured to contain the volume of disinfectant 120 therein. For example,
as discussed above,
the disinfectant 120 may be absorbed within the reservoir layer or portion 132
and/or the reservoir
layer or portion 132 may form a pocket or cavity that contains the
disinfectant 120. The dispenser
portion or layer 130 may be configured to control the release rate of the
disinfectant 120 to/onto
the dispensing surface portion 116, and thereby to/onto the user, when the
user contacts or wipes
the dispensing surface portion 116. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the
dispenser portion or
layer 130 may comprise pores, apertures, channels, cracks, valves, openings,
pathways or other
flowpaths 132 for the disinfectant 120 to flow or translate from the reservoir
layer or portion 132,
through the dispenser portion or layer 130, and to the dispensing surface
portion 116. The cross-
sectional size, length/thickness, density, and/or total number, for example,
of flowpaths 132 may
be configured to allow/promote wicking/capillary action of the disinfectant
120 from the reservoir
layer or portion 132 to/onto the dispensing surface portion 116 at a
particular rate and, thereby,
the release/dispense rate of the disinfectant 120 at the dispensing surface
portion 116. The
dispenser portion or layer 130 is thereby configured to allow/promote movement
of the
disinfectant 120 therethrough (e.g., via capillary action) at a controlled
rate to the dispensing
surface portion 116 to keep it loaded/activated with the disinfectant 120.
[095] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 210
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The device 210 of FIGS. 9 and
10 is substantially
similar to the device 10 of FIG. 1-7 and the device 110 of FIG. 8, and
therefore like reference
numerals preceded with "2" are used to indicate like components, aspects,
functions, processes or
functions, and the description above directed to thereto equally applies, and
is not repeated for
brevity and clarity purposes.
[096] As shown in FIG. 9, the device 210 includes a reservoir and dispenser
portion 214 that
includes a plurality of discrete solid, gel and/or encapsulated portions 238
that each comprise the
disinfectant 220. The discrete portions 238 are embedded or distributed within
an inner portion
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236 of the reservoir and dispenser portion 214 below the dispensing surface
portion 216. The
discrete portions 238 are configured to selectively release at least some of
the disinfectant 220 to
allow the disinfectant 220 to travel to the dispensing surface portion 216.
For example, the
discrete portions 238 may be configured to release disinfectant 220 upon the
application of a
particular pressure and/or temperature threshold. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the device 210 may
be attached to a user or surface 4, and the release mechanism may be applied
to the device 210 to
release the disinfectant 220 and, thereby, force or allow the disinfectant 220
to travel to the
dispensing surface portion 216 (and thereby to a user therefrom).
[097] As shown in FIG. 10, in one example the discrete portions 238 may
comprise encapsulated
portions 238 that rupture and release the disinfectant 220 upon the
application of pressure thereto.
In such an embodiments, the device 210 may be coupled to a user's inner
hand/palm 4, for
example, and the user can make a fist to squeeze and "crush" the encapsulated
portions 238 to
release the disinfectant 220. However, it is noted the device 210 may be
configured and/or used
with a myriad of differing applications and/or release mechanisms to release
the disinfectant 220
from the discrete portions 238.
[098] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 310
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 11. The device 310 of FIG. 11 is
substantially similar to the
device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8 and the device 210 of FIGS. 9
and 10, and
therefore like reference numerals preceded with "3" are used to indicate like
components, aspects,
functions, processes or functions, and the description above directed to
thereto equally applies,
and is not repeated for brevity and clarity purposes.
[099] As shown in FIG. 11, the device 310 includes a plurality of stacked
or overlying reservoir
and dispenser portions/layers 314. The reservoir and dispenser portions/layers
314 each include a
back side surface 318 that overlies and is removably coupled/attached to the
top side of an
immediately underlying reservoir and dispenser portions/layers 314 (or the
attachment layer or
portion 312). As noted above, the reservoir and dispenser portions/layers 314
may be comprise of
one or more portions, layer and/or materials.
[0100] The top side surface of the upper most reservoir and dispenser
portions/layers 314 of the
device 310 comprises or forms the dispensing surface portion 316, as shown in
FIG. 11. The
reservoir and dispenser portions/layers 314 may be removably coupled to each
other via any
adhesive or mechanical connection (such as a hook and loop fastener) that is
configured such that
an uppermost exposed reservoir and dispenser portions/layers 314 can be
manually removed from
the device 310 (e.g., manually peeled off the device 310) to expose the
immediately underlying
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reservoir and dispenser portions/layers 314 when the volume of disinfectant
320 in the uppermost
exposed reservoir and dispenser portions/layers 314 is depleted/dried.
[0101] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 410
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 12. The device 410 of FIG. 12 is
substantially similar to the
device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210 of FIGS. 9 and
10 and the device
310 of FIG. 11, and therefore like reference numerals preceded with "4" are
used to indicate like
components, aspects, functions, processes or functions, and the description
above directed to
thereto equally applies, and is not repeated for brevity and clarity purposes.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 12, the on-demand disinfectant dispensing device 410
comprises at least
one reservoir area 442 and at least one dispensing area 440. The reservoir
area 442 comprises an
area of the reservoir and dispenser portion/layer 414 that comprises the
volume of the disinfectant
420, and the dispensing area 440 comprises an area of the reservoir and
dispenser portion/layer
414 that is configured to control the release of the volume of the
disinfectant 420 and comprises
the dispensing surface portion 416 where the disinfectant 420 is ultimately
released. For example,
as shown in FIG. 12, the dispensing area 440 may comprise a plurality of
holes, pores or other
passages 432 that are spaced from, but in communication with, the reservoir
area 442.
[0103] The device 410 is configured that the application of pressure on the
reservoir area 442
forces disinfectant 420 from the reservoir area 442 and to and through the
dispensing area 440 to
the dispensing surface portion 416. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the
device 410 may be
configured such that pressure applied on the reservoir area 442 along one or
more particular
directions may act to force the disinfectant 420 through the dispenser
portion/layer 414 and to and
through the apertures/passageways 432 of the dispensing area 440. In this way,
the device 410
may be configured to release/dispense the disinfectant 420 based on a the
application of pressure
(e.g., hand or finger swipe)on and/or along the dispensing area 440 to
dispense the disinfectant
420 through the dispenser portion/layer 414 and to and through the
apertures/passageways 432 of
the dispensing area 440. The trajectory/directional application of
pressure/force on the reservoir
area 442 toward the dispensing area 440 may be more effective in dispensing
the disinfectant 420
or required to dispense the disinfectant 420.
[0104] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 510
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 13-15. The device 510 of FIGS. 13-15 is
substantially
similar to the device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210
of FIGS. 9 and 10,
the device 310 of FIG. 11 and the device 410 of FIG. 12, and therefore like
reference numerals
preceded with "5" are used to indicate like components, aspects, functions,
processes or functions,
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and the description above directed to thereto equally applies, and is not
repeated for brevity and
clarity purposes.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the on-demand disinfectant dispensing device
510 comprises at
least one reservoir and pump area 542, at least one dispensing area 540 and at
least one defined
flowpath/channel 544 for the flow of the disinfectant 520 from the reservoir
and pump area 542 to
the dispensing area 542. The reservoir and pump area 542 may comprise a volume
of the
disinfectant 520 contained within a defined flexible internal cavity, opening
or pouch that it is
fluid communication with at least one defined flowpath/channel 544, as shown
in FIGS. 13-15.
The reservoir and pump area 542 may form a raised area that is visually and/or
tactically
identifiable by a user. The flexible internal cavity of the reservoir and pump
area 542 may be
substantially sealed but for the at least one defined flowpath/channel 544
such that compression of
the reservoir and pump area 542 forces the disinfectant 520 out from the
cavity and into and
through the at least one defined flowpath/channel 544. As shown in FIG. 14,
the area surrounding
the reservoir and pump area 542, or at least positioned between the reservoir
and pump area 542
and the reservoir and pump area 542 may be sealed off or blocked by a sealing
portion 546. As
shown in FIG. 15, the at least one defined flowpath/channel 544 may extend
through the sealing
portion 546 and is configured to contain and direct a flow of the disinfectant
520 from the of the
flexible internal cavity of the reservoir and pump area 542 to the dispensing
area 542.
[0106] The dispensing area 540 may be configured to hold/contain a volume of
the disinfectant
520 delivered from the reservoir and pump area 542 via the at least one
flowpath/channel 544 and,
ultimately, control the release/dispensing of the disinfectant 520 at the
dispensing surface portion
516, as discussed above. The reservoir and pump area 542 may thereby serve as
an on-demand
supply of the disinfectant 520 for the dispensing area 540 as the disinfectant
520 therein/thereof
becomes depleted. In use, a user can apply pressure to the outside or top side
519 of the reservoir
and pump area 542 to compress/pressurize the internal cavity thereof, and
thereby force a portion
of the volume of the disinfectant 520 from the internal cavity, into and
through the at least one
defined flowpath/channel 544, and to the dispensing area 542. In some
embodiments, the
dispensing area 542 is configured to control the rate of release of the
disinfectant 520 from the
dispensing surface portion 516. In some embodiments, the application of
pressure on the reservoir
and pump area 542 may force the disinfectant 520 through the dispensing area
542 and release
disinfectant 520 from the dispensing surface portion 516.
[0107] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 610
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 16. The device 510 of FIG. 16 is
substantially similar to the
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device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210 of FIGS. 9 and
10, the device 310
of FIG. 11, the device 410 of FIG. 12 and the device 510 of FIGS. 13-15, and
therefore like
reference numerals preceded with "6" are used to indicate like components,
aspects, functions,
processes or functions, and the description above directed to thereto equally
applies, and is not
repeated for brevity and clarity purposes.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 16, the on-demand disinfectant dispensing device 610
comprises at least
one reservoir and pump area 642, at least one dispensing area 640 and at least
one defined
flowpath/channel 644 for the flow of the disinfectant 620 from the reservoir
and pump area 642 to
the dispensing area 642 and, ultimately, out of the dispensing surface portion
616. As shown in
FIG. 16, the dispensing device 610 differs from the dispensing device 610 as
it is configured for
an active skin portion 4 of a user 1. The pump area 642 is configured such
that closing of the
user's 1 hand/palm compresses the internal cavity thereof to
compress/pressurize the cavity and
thereby force the disinfectant 620 through a plurality of channels 644 to the
dispensing area 640.
In some embodiments, the dispensing area 640 may comprise a plurality of
spaced release points
or areas.
[0109] The device 610 may be configured such that the disinfectant 620 is
dispensed due to
movement of the user 1, such as but not limited to a haptic gesture of the
user 1. For example, as
shown in FIG. 16, the device 610 may be configured such that the reservoir and
pump area 642 is
positioned in a palm area of the device 610 (i.e., that is positioned on the
user's 1 palm when the
device 610 is attached to the user's inner hand 4), and include a plurality of
channels 644
extending to a plurality of dispensing areas 640 (such as near the user's 1
finger(s)). As shown in
FIG. 16, in some embodiments the device 610 may extend over the user's 1 palm
and at least one
finger when attached to the user's 1 inner hand 4. In this way, a user 1 can
selectively apply the
disinfectant 20 to their palm and/or at least one finger simply by compressing
their hand or
making a fist (i.e., compressing the internal cavity of the reservoir and pump
area 642) (or
otherwise compressing the reservoir and pump area 642). In one exemplary
embodiment, the
device 610 may also extend to at least a portion of the back of the user/s 2
hand 4, such as
extending over/around the tip of at least one finger of the user's 1 hand 4.
[0110] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 710
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 17. The device 610 of FIGS. 13-15 is
substantially similar to
the device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210 of FIGS. 9
and 10, the device
310 of FIG. 11, the device 410 of FIG. 12, the device 510 of FIGS. 13-15 and
the device 610 of
FIG. 16, and therefore like reference numerals preceded with "7" are used to
indicate like
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components, aspects, functions, processes or functions, and the description
above directed to
thereto equally applies, and is not repeated for brevity and clarity purposes.
[0111] The dispensing device 710 is substantially identical to the dispensing
device 610 but for
the inclusion of a plurality of reservoir and pump areas 742 (or a plurality
of internal cavities of a
reservoir and pump area 742) and a plurality of portions that extend over a
plurality of a user's 1
fingers when the device 710 is coupled to the user's inner hand 4. As shown in
FIG. 17, the device
710 is may thereby be configured to suit any wearer (e.g., any body portion or
any surface of any
inanimate object) and any movement/re-arrangement of the device 710 to
compress the reservoir
and pump areas 742 and cause the disinfectant 720 to be selectively dispensed.
[0112] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 810
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 18. The device 810 of FIG. 18 is
substantially similar to the
device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210 of FIGS. 9 and
10, the device 310
of FIG. 11, the device 410 of FIG. 12, the device 510 of FIGS. 13-15, the
device 610 of FIG. 16
and the device 710 of FIG. 17, and therefore like reference numerals preceded
with "8" are used to
indicate like components, aspects, functions, processes or functions, and the
description above
directed to thereto equally applies, and is not repeated for brevity and
clarity purposes.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 18, the reservoir and dispenser portion/layer 814 of
the on-demand
disinfectant dispensing device 810 comprises at least one (manually) flexible
and porous polymer
member comprising internal voids in communication with the outer dispenser
surface portion 816
thereof The member may be comprised of any flexible porous polymer. For
example, the polymer
member may be formed of silicone, polyurethane, hydrogel or a combination
thereof The
member may form an elongate and/or sheet-like shape, and may be arranged into
a roll form
(which may facilitate the application of the device 810). The member may be
any shape and/or
length to suit a particular surface.
[0114] Also shown in FIG. 18, the polymer member of the device 810 includes a
disinfectant
agent 820 contained within the internal voids of the member. The member is
configured such that
the disinfectant 820 is naturally drawn to the outer dispenser surface portion
816 from within the
internal voids, such as due to capillary action (and/or evaporation of the
disinfectant 820 at the
dispenser surface portion 816).
[0115] In some embodiments, the device 810 may include an adhesive or
attachment mechanism
coupled to a backside of the polymer member configured to attach/affix the
device 810 to a
surface, as discussed above (and potentially a protective film thereover). In
some other
embodiments, the device 810 may be void of an adhesive or attachment mechanism
coupled to a
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backside of the polymer member (which may be applied/coupled thereto just
prior to being
coupled to a surface, for example).
[0116] In some embodiments, the member may include perforations, cuts, gaps or
the like (not
shown) configured to allow a portion(s) of the member to be manually
separated. In some
embodiments, the device 810 may include a dispenser device that holds the
member and allows
the member to be dispensed therefrom. In some such embodiments, the dispenser
device may
include a cutting implement configured to selectively cut the member.
[0117] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 910
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 19. The device 910 of FIG. 19 is
substantially similar to the
device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210 of FIGS. 9 and
10, the device 310
of FIG. 11, the device 410 of FIG. 12, the device 510 of FIGS. 13-15, the
device 610 of FIG. 16,
the device 710 of FIG. 17 and the device 810 of FIG. 18, and therefore like
reference numerals
preceded with "9" are used to indicate like components, aspects, functions,
processes or functions,
and the description above directed to thereto equally applies, and is not
repeated for brevity and
clarity purposes.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 19, the device 910 includes a pocket portion 950 with
an internal cavity
957 and the reservoir portion 932 that contains a disinfectant 920 therein
configured to couple
(e.g., removably) within the internal cavity 957. In some embodiments, the
pocket portion 950
may be formed of or comprise a backing layer or portion 952 that is configured
to prevent the
disinfectant 920 from passing therethrough. For example, the backing layer or
portion 952 may be
waterproof or water resistant, as shown in FIG. 19. As also shown in FIG. 19,
the pocket portion
950 may include a front portion 954. The front portion 954 and the backing
portion 952 may
cooperate to form the internal cavity 957 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0119] In some embodiments, the front portion 954 may include or define an
opening or window
such that an outer surface of the reservoir portion 932 is exposed when the
reservoir portion 932 is
positioned within the pocket portion 950. In such an embodiments, the
reservoir portion 932 may
comprise the reservoir portion and the dispensing portion 914, as discussed
above. In this way, the
outer surface of the reservoir portion 932 may define the disinfectant
dispensing surface 916.
[0120] In some other embodiments (not shown), the front portion 954 may extend
over at least a
substantial portion of the outer surface of the reservoir portion 932 when the
reservoir portion 932
is positioned within the pocket portion 950. In such an embodiment, the
reservoir portion 932 may
comprise the reservoir portion of the device 910 as discussed above, and the
front portion 954
may comprise (and thus be configured as) the dispensing portion 914 of the
device 910, as
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discussed above. In this way, the outer surface of the front portion 954 may
define the disinfectant
dispensing surface 916.
[0121] The backside of the pocket portion 950 may include the attachment layer
or portion 912 of
the device 910 and be configured to couple (removably or fixedly) to any
myriad of surfaces, as
discussed above.
[0122] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 1010
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. The device 1010 of FIGS. 20
and 21 is
substantially similar to the device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8,
the device 210 of
FIGS. 9 and 10, the device 310 of FIG. 11, the device 410 of FIG. 12, the
device 510 of FIGS. 13-
15, the device 610 of FIG. 16, the device 710 of FIG. 17, the device 810 of
FIG. 18 and the device
910 of FIG. 19, and therefore like reference numerals preceded with "10" are
used to indicate like
components, aspects, functions, processes or functions, and the description
above directed to
thereto equally applies, and is not repeated for brevity and clarity purposes.
[0123] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the device 1010 is substantially similar
to the device 910
discussed above with respect to FIG. 19. Device 1010 differs from the device
910 in that the
pocket portion 1050 is integrated into another object 2, such as a clothing
item or other item that
would be worn or carried by a user. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the front
portion 1054 of the
pocket portion 1050 defines a window or opening 1056 such that the outer
surface of the reservoir
portion 1032 is exposed when the reservoir portion 1032 is positioned within
the internal cavity
1057 of the pocket portion 950. The reservoir portion 1032 thereby comprises
the reservoir
portion of the device 1010, and the front portion 1054 comprises (and is thus
configured as) the
dispensing portion 1014 of the device 101. The outer surface of the front
portion 1054 also
thereby defines the disinfectant dispensing surface 1016, as shown in FIGS. 20
and 21.
[0124] Another exemplary embodiment of an on-demand dispensing device 1110
according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 22. The device 1110 of FIG. 22 is
substantially similar to the
device 10 of FIG. 1-7, the device 110 of FIG. 8, the device 210 of FIGS. 9 and
10, the device 310
of FIG. 11, the device 410 of FIG. 12, the device 510 of FIGS. 13-15, the
device 610 of FIG. 16,
the device 710 of FIG. 17, the device 810 of FIG. 18, the device 910 of FIG.
19 and the device
1010 of FIGS. 20 and 21, and therefore like reference numerals preceded with
"11" are used to
indicate like components, aspects, functions, processes or functions, and the
description above
directed to thereto equally applies, and is not repeated for brevity and
clarity purposes.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 22, the device 1110 is substantially similar to the
device 1010 discussed
above with respect to FIGS. 1920 and 21. Device 1110 differs from the device
1010 in that the
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front portion 1154 extends over at least a substantial portion of the outer
surface of the reservoir
portion 1132 when the reservoir portion 1132 is positioned within the internal
cavity 1157 of the
pocket portion 1150. The reservoir portion 1132 comprises the reservoir
portion of the device
1110 as discussed above, and the front portion 1154 comprises (and thus is
configured as) the
dispensing portion 1114 of the device 1110, as discussed above. In this way,
the outer surface of
the front portion 1154 defines the disinfectant dispensing surface 1116
[0126] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not
restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects
thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the various examples without
departing from their scope.
While dimensions and types of materials may be described herein, they are
intended to define
parameters of some of the various examples, and they are by no means limiting
to all examples
and are merely exemplary. Many other examples will be apparent to those of
skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples should,
therefore, be
determined with reference to the claims included herein, along with the full
scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled.
[0127] As used herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English
equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, as
used herein, the
terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as reference
labels, and are not intended
to impose numerical, structural or other requirements. Forms of term "based
on" herein
encompass relationships where an element is partially based on as well as
relationships where an
element is entirely based on. Forms of the term "defined" encompass
relationships where an
element is partially defined as well as relationships where an element is
entirely defined. Further,
the limitations of the claims included herein are not written in means-plus-
function format and are
not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph,
unless and until such
claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement
of function cavity
of further structure. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such
objects or advantages
described above may be achieved in accordance with any particular example.
Thus, for example,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and methods described
herein may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage
or group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or
advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein.
31
CA 03185820 2022-12-02
WO 2021/248127 PCT/US2021/036212
[0128] While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection with
only a limited number
of examples, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not
limited to such disclosed
examples. Rather, this disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of
variations,
alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore
described, but which are
commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while
various examples
have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may
include only one
example or some of the described examples. Also, while some disclosures are
described as having
a certain number of elements, it will be understood that the examples can be
practiced with less
than or greater than the certain number of elements.
[0129] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing
concepts and additional
concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not
mutually inconsistent)
are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed
herein. In particular, all
combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure
are contemplated as
being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
32
