Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a trolley handlebar disinfecting dispensing apparatus. The invention also relates to a method of disinfecting a trolley handlebar. The invention further relates to use of a dispensing apparatus to disinfect a trolley handlebar.

Background to the Invention

Many illnesses and diseases are spread through human contact with contaminated surfaces. Surfaces of greatest concern are ‘high-touch’ surfaces, those that are touched on a regular basis by multiple individuals, such as the handlebars of trolleys. With an increase in the risk of illness spreading, especially within public locations, it is important that measures are in place to control and prevent the spread of illness, such as flu or coronaviruses, on such ‘high-touch’ surfaces.

Sanitisers disinfect the surface onto which they are applied, such that the presence of germs on the surface is lowered to a safe level. Disinfecting handlebars on trolleys between uses can be effective in reducing the spread of germs from person to person.

At present, an individual must manually clean each trolley handlebar in turn, which is particularly cumbersome when a fleet of trolleys and/or trolleys with a high use turnaround rate require disinfecting.

As such, there is a need for a means to effectively and efficiently disinfect trolley handlebars.

Objects and aspects of the present claimed invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art. Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a trolley handlebar disinfecting dispensing apparatus, the dispensing apparatus comprising; a reservoir for storing sanitiser; at least one outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing sanitiser stored in the reservoir from the at least one outlet; wherein the dispensing mechanism is connected to the reservoir and the outlet; wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises a cooperating member for cooperating with a profile of a trolley; wherein the dispensing apparatus is arranged to dispense sanitiser from the at least one outlet in response to input from cooperating with a trolley.

In this way, there is provided an apparatus for simple and efficient disinfecting of trolley handlebars. The apparatus allows a user to disinfect trolley handlebars without direct contact with the apparatus or the dispensed sanitiser. Such an apparatus eliminates the need for an individual to manually apply and spread sanitiser onto a trolley handlebar.

Preferably, the dispensing mechanism is in an actuated configuration when the cooperating member is an actuated position. Preferably, the dispensing mechanism is in an unactuated configuration when the cooperating member is an unactuated position. Preferably, the cooperating member is configured for continuous movement between the actuated position and the unactuated position. Preferably, the dispensing mechanism is resiliently biased to the actuated configuration, preferably wherein a spring provides a resiliently biasing force.

Preferably, when the cooperating member is rotatably connected to the dispensing apparatus at a pivot member. Preferably, the pivot member is located at a first end of the dispensing apparatus and the cooperating member is located at a distal end of the dispensing apparatus. In this way, a large moment is provided and a reduced force from the cooperating member is required to pivot the cooperating member about the pivot member. Preferably, the dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense sanitiser in an uninterrupted manner. As such, in use, sanitiser can be deposited on the trolley handlebar with minimal dispersal upon exiting the outlet. Preferably, the dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense sanitiser in a discrete quantity. In this way, accidently continuous actuation of the dispensing mechanism does not result in continuous dispensing of sanitiser, reducing waste of resources and potential mess. Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense sanitiser as a mist. Dispensing of the sanitiser as a mist is not suited to many environments, such as outdoor environments where air currents may disperse the mist before it contacts the trolley handlebar, as this may result in inefficient sanitising of the handlebar.

Preferably, the dispensing mechanism comprises at least one pump for pumping sanitiser from the reservoir to the at least one outlet. Preferably, the dispensing mechanism comprises a rigid member arranged to actuate each pump of the at least one pump in response to the motion of the cooperating member.

Preferably, the rigid member is located at a predetermined distance relative to the cooperating member. In this way, motion of the cooperating member is directly translated into corresponding motion of the rigid member.

Preferably, the rigid member is arranged to actuate each pump of the at least one pump simultaneously. In this way, an equal force is applied to each pump by the rigid member and an equal distribution of sanitiser is dispensed from the outlets.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus comprises a plurality of outlets located along the length of the dispensing apparatus. More preferably, the plurality of outlets are located at discrete intervals along the length of the dispensing apparatus. In this way, sanitiser can be evenly dispensed along the entire length of the handlebar. As such, the user does not have to manually spread the sanitiser over the handlebar to ensure an adequate level of sanitisation is achieved. Preferably, the plurality of outlets are planar. Alternatively, the plurality of outlets complement the profile of the handlebar. In this way, sanitiser can be dispensed from each outlet proximate the corresponding portion of handlebar. Preferably, substantially all the outlets dispense sanitiser in a single direction.

Preferably, the plurality of outlets comprises at least six outlets. More preferably, the plurality of outlets comprises at least 8 outlets. In this way, sanitiser can be distributed at a number of locations along the length of the handlebar and uniformity of sanitisation of the handlebar is improved.

Preferably, the cooperating member comprises a cylindrical roller. Preferably, the reservoir is refillable. In this way, the dispensing apparatus can be refilled with sanitiser.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus includes a frame for mounting the dispensing apparatus above a trolley. Preferably, the frame extends beyond the length of the dispensing apparatus. Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus comprises attachment means for attaching the dispensing apparatus to an object in the external environment. In this way, the dispensing apparatus can be attached to existing frames and structures in the external environment.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus further comprises a progression mechanism for progressing a plurality of trolleys proximate said dispensing apparatus. In this way, reduced user interaction is required to progress and sanitise a plurality of trolley handlebars proximate the apparatus.

Preferably, the dispensing apparatus further comprises a locking member for locking the dispensing mechanism in the unactuated configuration and/or the actuated configuration. In this way, the dispensing apparatus can be locked to prevent accidental actuation. For example, the cooperating member can be locked in the unactuated position such that a trolley may pass proximate the dispensing apparatus without actuating the dispensing mechanism.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of disinfecting a trolley handlebar, the method comprising: providing the dispensing apparatus of the first embodiment; and providing sanitisation of a trolley handlebar. In this way, a method for efficiently and effectively disinfecting a trolley handlebar, requiring low user interaction and low demand on time, is provided.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided use of the dispensing apparatus of the first aspect of the invention to disinfect a trolley handlebar.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 depicts a deconstructed view of a dispensing apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 2 depicts a series of second deconstructed views of a second embodiment of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 depicts a view of the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 , located, in use, proximate a trolley; and

Figure 4 depicts a user progressing a trolley proximate the dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 .

Whilst Figures 3 and 4 depict the dispensing apparatus, in use, with a supermarket trolley, it is understood that the type of trolley or other type of portable load carrying apparatus to be sanitised by the dispensing apparatus is not particularly limited. It is envisaged that the present invention may be particularly advantageous for use with airport trolleys, warehouse or other workplace trolleys and trolleys employed in public environments.

With reference to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a dispensing apparatus 100 for sanitising a trolley handlebar. The dispensing apparatus 100 comprises a reservoir 101 for storing sanitiser. The reservoir 101 is refillable via an inlet 102. A user may fill, refill and empty the reservoir 101 with fluid such as sanitiser. The apparatus 100 further comprises a removably retainable lid 103 for covering the inlet 102 and preventing unwanted contaminants entering the reservoir 101. In this embodiment, the lid 103 is a screw cap lid. The reservoir 101 is elongate and spans the length of the dispensing apparatus 100. In this way, the weight of the reservoir 101 contents are distributed along the length of the dispensing apparatus 101.

The apparatus 100 further comprises eight outlets 106 and a dispensing mechanism 107 comprising eight pumps 104 wherein each pump 104 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 101. Fluid communication may be achieved by any suitable means, such as via an plurality of elongate flexible tubes. Each pump 104 comprises a pump head 105 in fluid communication with an outlet 106, such that fluid from the reservoir 101 may be pumped, in use, to each outlet 106 via the pumps 104.

The outlets 106 are planar and are located at discrete intervals along the length of the apparatus 101. In this way, the outlets 106 are each substantially an equal distance from the handlebar when a handlebar is passed proximate the apparatus, and sanitiser 120 can be dispensed along substantially the entire length of the handlebar. In this embodiment, all the outlets 106 dispense sanitiser 120 in a single direction. In embodiments where the trolley handlebar has a varying or non-linear profile, it is envisaged that the outlets 106 complement the profile of the handlebar such that the outlets 106 are each substantially an equal distance from the portion of handlebar passing proximate them, in use.

The pumps 104 are located at discrete intervals along the length of the dispensing apparatus 101. The uniform spacing of the pumps 104 along the length of the dispensing apparatus 100 ensures dispensed sanitiser 120 is evenly distributed by the apparatus 100. The dispensing mechanism 107 is configured to dispense fluid in an uninterrupted manner. In this way, in use, sanitiser 120 is deposited on the surface to be cleaned with minimal dispersal upon exiting each outlet 106. In further embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the outlets dispense fluid as a mist. However, dispensing of the sanitiser as a mist is not be suited to many environments, such as outdoor environments where air currents may disperse the mist before it contacts the desired surface, as this may result in inefficient sanitising of the surface.

The dispensing mechanism 107 further comprises a plurality of arms 114, a cooperating member 110 and a pivot member 113. In this embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 107 comprises three substantially identical arms 114, evenly spaced along the length of the apparatus 100. The pivot member 113 is connected to each arm 114 and located at a first end 115 of the dispensing apparatus 100 and the cooperating member 110 is rotatably connected to each arm 114 and located at a distal end 116 of the dispensing apparatus 100.

The cooperating member 110 extends the length of the dispensing apparatus 100 and the longitudinal axis A of the cooperating member 110 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 101. The cooperating member 110 comprises a cylindrical roller. It is envisaged that the cylindrical roller may be made from any suitable material, in particular rubber or foam padding such that the cylindrical roller is substantially rigid but leaves minimal wear or damage to the surface to be tracked. The cooperating member 110 comprises a cooperating surface 111 comprising a tread. The tread improves traction between the cooperating member 110 and the surface to be cooperated with, such as a profile of a shopping trolley.

The cooperating member 110 is rotatably connected to each arm 114 and is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis A in both a clockwise and anticlockwise direction. In this way, the cooperating member 110 may cooperate, in use, with a trolley passing in both Direction B and Direction C normal to the cooperating member’s 110 longitudinal axis A. In Figure 1 , the cooperating member 110 is in an actuated position and the dispensing mechanism 107 is shown in an actuated configuration.

The pivot member 113 comprises an elongate bar which extends the length of the dispensing apparatus 100. The pivot member 113 is located at a predetermined distance relative to the reservoir 101. In this way, the pivot member 113 is limited to rotational motion about its axis only. The predetermined distance may be adjusted by the user to adapt the apparatus 100 to the required application. The pivot member 113 is rigidly connected to each arm 114 such that motion of the arms 113 provides equivalent rotational motion in the pivot member 113. The dispensing mechanism 107 is arranged such that the arms 114 rotate about the pivot member 113.

The dispensing mechanism 107 further comprises a rigid member 118 arranged to actuate each pump 104 in response to the motion of the cooperating member 110. The rigid member 118 is connected to each arm 114 such that motion of the rigid member 118 corresponds to motion of the arms 114. In this way, the dispensing mechanism 107 is arranged such that the rigid member 118 rotates about the pivot member 113. The rigid member 118 is located between the pivot member 113 and the cooperating member 110 at a predetermined distance relative to the cooperating member 110. The rigid member 118 is arranged to actuate each pump 104 simultaneously by providing a force on each pump head 105. The rigid member comprises a flat plate arranged to cooperate with each pump head 105 such that a substantially evenforce can be applied across all eight pump heads 205 for even dispensing of sanitiser from each pump 204.

The dispensing apparatus 100 further comprises a pair of springs 117 located at distal ends of the apparatus 100. Each spring is connected at a first end to the reservoir 101 and at a second end to an arm 114. In this embodiment, each spring 117 is connected to the arm 114 at the point wherein the rigid member 118 connects to the respective arms 114. The dispensing mechanism 107 is resiliently bias to the actuated configuration shown in Figure 1 and the springs 117 provide the resiliently biasing force F. The dispensing apparatus 100 further comprises a housing 108 which encases a portion of the dispensing apparatus 100. The housing 108 acts as a barrier to protect the mechanical components of the apparatus 100. The housing 108 comprises a plurality of apertures 109. The plurality of apertures 109 comprises eight apertures 109 located proximate each of the eight outlets 106 such that fluid dispensed from each aperture 109 can exit the housing 108 and enter the external environment. In further embodiments, it is envisaged that each outlet 106 is located in the external environment such that a portion of each pump 104 extends through each of the eight apertures 109 into the external environment.

The plurality of apertures 109 further comprises an elongate aperture 112 spanning the length of the apparatus 100. A portion of each arm 114 extends through the elongate aperture 112 such that the cooperating member 110 is located in the external environment of the housing 108. In this way, the cooperating member can cooperate with a trolley profile, in use, with reduced interference from the housing 108.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 is mounted on a frame 119 located in the external environment. In this way, the apparatus 100 can be employed using existing infrastructure. For example, the apparatus 100 can be mounted the existing frame 119 located at a supermarket premises, wherein the existing frame allows the passage of trolley beneath the frame 119. The apparatus 100 is mounted the frame 119 via a plurality of II shaped brackets. The brackets allow the apparatus 100 to be removably retained at any position along the frame 119.

The dispensing apparatus 100 is substantially symmetrical about a central axis normal to the longitudinal axis A of the cooperating member 110. The symmetry improves the weight distribution and stability of the apparatus 100 when mounted on a frame 119. The apparatus 100 is compact to increase flexibility of application.

With reference to Figures 2A-C, there is illustrated a series of deconstructed views of a second embodiment of the dispensing apparatus 100 of Figure 1. In the following description, similar reference numerals will be used to describe similar features of the second embodiment. The dispensing apparatus 200 is mounted to a frame 219 by a bracket 221 . Figures 2A and 2C depict the dispensing mechanism 207 in an actuated configuration. The cooperating member 210 is in an actuated position, with the resilient bias of the springs and the weight of the cooperating member 210 providing a downwards force on the cooperating member 210. The rigid member 218 is a predetermined distance from the cooperating member 210 and the rigid member 218 applies a downwards force on the pump head 205, such that the pump head 205 abuts the pump 204 and the pump 204 is in a depressed state. The pump head 205 provides a resisting force against the rigid member 218.

When a trolley is progressed beneath the apparatus 200, the cooperating member 210 cooperates with the profile of the trolley. The cooperating member 210 is forced upwards as it cooperates with the inclined profile of the trolley. The upwards motion in the cooperating member 210 raises the cooperating member 210 into an unactuated position. Figure 2B depicts the dispensing mechanism 207 in an unactuated configuration with the cooperating member 210 in the unactuated position.

In the unactuated configuration, the motion of the cooperating member 210 is translated along each arm 214 such that the rigid member 218 is also raised and loses contact with the pump head 205. The removal of the force on the pump head 205 removes the pump 204 from its depressed state and primes the pump for dispensing of sanitiser.

When a trolley handle passes underneath the apparatus 200, the trolley profile follows a sharp decline. Due to the resilient bias of the dispensing mechanism, the cooperating member drops in response to the decline of the trolley profile as the upwards force provided by the trolley is removed. The cooperating member 210 drops and returns to the actuated position such that the dispensing apparatus 207 is returned to the actuated configuration. As the dispensing apparatus 207 has been primed for the dispensing of sanitiser in the unactuated position of Figure 2B, sanitiser 220 is thus dispensed from the apparatus 200 onto a trolley handlebar when the dispensing apparatus 207 returns to the actuated configuration, as shown in Figure 2C. The cooperating member 210 is configured for continuous movement between the actuated position and the unactuated position. The elongate aperture 212 in the housing 208 allows the cooperating member 210 to move freely between the actuated position and the unactuated position.

Figure 3 depicts the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 , in use, proximate a trolley 322. With reference to Figure 3, the trolley profile which the cooperating member 310 follows, in use, is indicated. The progression of a trolley 322 proximate the dispensing apparatus 100 is shown. The trolley may be progressed in either direction underneath the apparatus 100. Configuration A illustrates the unactuated configuration of the dispensing mechanism when the cooperating member 410 is in the unactuated position. Configuration B illustrates the actuated configuration of the dispensing mechanism when the cooperating member 410 is in the actuated position.

As the trolley 322 passes underneath the apparatus 100 and cooperates with the cooperating member 310, the cooperating member 310 is pushed up and the pump is primed for the dispensing of sanitiser. When the cooperating member 310 reaches the handlebar and falls off the end of the trolley 322, the arm 314 is pushed down by the springs 317 and the resiliently biasing force F. The rigid member contacts the pump heads and pushes down on the pump heads such that the pumps are depressed and sanitiser is dispensed from the outlets.

In Configuration B, sanitiser is dispensed onto the handlebar of the trolley 322. When a plurality of trolleys are passed one after the other underneath the apparatus 100, the progression between the actuated and unactuated configurations of the dispensing mechanism is cyclical, as shown by the trolley profile. In this way, a user may progress a plurality of trolleys proximate the apparatus 100 such that each trolley is sanitised in turn. The user is not required to contact each trolley in turn as a single progressive force along the line of trolleys is required to progress all trolleys underneath the apparatus 100.

With reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated a user progressing a trolley 422 proximate a dispensing apparatus 400, substantially identical to the apparatus 100 of Figure 1. The dispensing apparatus 400 further includes a frame 419 for mounting the dispensing apparatus 400 above a trolley 422. The frame 419 extends beyond the length of the dispensing apparatus 100 and is substantially II shaped. The length of the frame 419 extends beyond the height of a trolley 422 and the width of the frame 419 extends beyond the width of a trolley 422. It is envisaged that the frame may be any suitable material, such as steel, for mounting the apparatus 400 above a trolley 422. The frame comprises a weighted base for improved stability. Additionally, the frame is fixed to the ground for stability and theft deterrence.

The dispensing apparatus 400 is mounted at the centre of the frame 419 such that sanitiser is dispensed evenly along the length of the trolley handlebar when the trolley 422 is progressed underneath the frame 419.

In further embodiments, it is envisaged that the frame 419 is adjustable such that the user can adjust the frame to suit one or more types of trolley 422. Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing apparatus 400 is adjustable relative to the frame 419, such as via mounting brackets, such that the user can adjust the apparatus to suit one or more types of trolley.

It is envisaged that the sanitising apparatus of the present invention may be situated proximate an existing trolley bay or rack, in use, to improve ease and convenience of trolley handlebar sanitisation. The apparatus may be situated such that a user can disinfect a trolley handlebar before returning the trolley to the trolley bay, without the apparatus obstructing use of the trolley bay.

Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above. For example, the springs may be any suitable resilient member such as a compression or torsion spring. The cooperating member may comprise any suitable member such as a wheel. Further, the cooperating member may comprises a plurality of rollers. Additionally, the invention may be employed for use on any suitable trolley or other type of portable load carrying apparatus, such as karts, trucks (such as sack trucks, pallet trucks or similar) and portable storage cages.