WO2011034952A1

WO2011034952A1 - Sanitary systems

Info

Publication number: WO2011034952A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/048969
Authority: WO
Inventors: Montel Brian Anthony Willliams; Richard August Flak
Original assignee: Montel Media Group
Priority date: 2009-09-15
Filing date: 2010-09-15
Publication date: 2011-03-24

Abstract

Sanitary systems are disclosed that comprise: (1) an anti-microbial sheet that forms a barrier between a person and a surface; (2) a mask; and (3) a sanitary wipe. Sanitary systems of the present invention may further comprise one or more feet covers, sanitary covers and/or anti-microbial sprays. Methods of providing a sanitary environment by providing and/or utilizing said systems are also disclosed.

Description

SANITARY SYSTEMS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No.

61/242,702, filed on September 15, 2009, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to the fields of sanitation and sanitary systems. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention pertains to sanitary systems for passenger carriers, such as airplanes, automobiles, boats and trains.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Traveling by carriers such as airplanes, automobiles and trains has become prevalent. An existing problem associated with such forms of travel is that passengers are vulnerable to infection by various germs, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses (including the H1N1 virus). These germs are usually left behind by others on various parts of a carrier. The germs can also be released by other passengers through sneezing or coughing. Similar problems arise in public places, where members of the public are vulnerable to infection by germs released or left behind by others. Thus, there is currently a need for sanitary systems that address the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to sanitary systems that comprise: (1) an anti-microbial sheet that forms a barrier between a person (e.g., a passenger) and a surface (e.g., a passenger seat); (2) a mask; and (3) a sanitary wipe. In further embodiments, the sanitary systems of the present disclosure may also comprise one or more feet covers and/or sanitary covers (e.g., tray table sanitation covers and/or pillow covers). In further embodiments, the sanitary systems of the present disclosure also comprise a dispenser that houses and dispenses one or more components of the sanitary system (e.g., anti-microbial sheets). The sanitary systems of the present disclosure may also comprise an anti-microbial spray (e.g., an anti-bacterial spray).

[0005] Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of providing a sanitary environment by utilizing sanitary systems of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, sanitary systems and methods of the present disclosure may be utilized in a passenger carrier, such as a plane, an automobile, a train, and/or a boat.

[0006] A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systems and methods of the present disclosure can provide various advantages. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can provide an effective method of creating a sanitary environment through the use of a compact and portable sanitary system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] In order that the manner in which the above recited and other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended Figures. Understanding that these Figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying Figures in which: [0008] FIGURE 1 depicts a sanitary system in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A depicts a top view of the sanitary system. FIG. IB depicts a cross- sectional view of the same sanitary system.

[0009] FIGURE 2 depicts various components of a sanitary system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIGURE 3 depicts a dispenser that can be used with various components of the sanitary systems of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGURE 4 depicts a detailed view of an anti-microbial sheet in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGURE 5 depicts the application of various components of a sanitary system of the present disclosure in a passenger carrier. FIG. 5A depicts the application of mask 30 on passenger 50. FIG. 5B depicts the placement of anti-microbial sheet 20 on passenger seat 52. FIG. 5C depicts the placement of sanitary cover 40 on tray table 54. FIG. 5D depicts the use of sanitary wipe 18 to clean the hands of passenger 50.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word "a" or "an" means "at least one", and the use of "or" means "and/or", unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including", as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass both elements or components comprising one unit and elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, the term "component" refers to any one or more of the following items: (1) anti-microbial sheet; (2) mask; (3) sanitary wipe; (4) feet cover; (4) sanitary cover; and/or (5) anti-microbial spray.

[0014] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials defines a term in a manner that contradicts the definition of that term in this application, this application controls.

[0015] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides sanitary systems that comprise: (1) an anti-microbial sheet that forms a barrier between a person and a surface; (2) a mask; and (3) a sanitary wipe. In further embodiments, the sanitary systems of the present disclosure may also comprise one or more feet covers, sanitary covers, and/or anti-microbial sprays.

[0016] The sanitary systems of the present disclosure can have various embodiments. For instance, the individual components of the present disclosure can be associated with one another by co-storage in one or more housing units or containers (e.g., one or more boxes, bags, and/or wrappers). An embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1A and IB as sanitary system 10. In this embodiment, sanitary system 10 is protected by removable protective layer 12 (e.g., a plastic wrapper). Sanitary system 10 also comprises container 14 and subcontainer 16 for housing various components of the system. Sub-container 16 in this embodiment houses one or more sanitary wipes 18, which can be accessed via lid 17. As illustrated in FIGS. IB and 2, additional components of sanitary system 10 can be stored in container 14 (e.g., anti-microbial sheet 20, mask 30, sanitary cover 40, feet cover 45, and anti-microbial spray 47).

[0017] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, various components of a sanitary system may also be associated with a dispenser for housing and dispensing the components. FIG. 3 illustrates dispenser 50 as a non-limiting example. In this embodiment, dispenser 50 also contains roll 52 for dispensing various components. For instance, in some embodiments, dispenser 50 may be used to dispense anti-microbial sheet 20.

[0018] In other embodiments, various components of the present disclosure may only be stored in a bag, such as removable protective layer 12 shown in FIG. 1 (without container 14 or subcontainer 16). As set forth previously, removable protective layer 12 may be any container, such as a plastic wrapper, a bag, or a box.

[0019] The sanitary systems of the present disclosure can also be associated with additional objects. For instance, in some embodiments, the sanitary systems could be associated with a small container for disposing the components of the present disclosure after use. In further embodiments, the sanitary systems could be associated with any number of additional products for use in preventing infection by contact with germs. As discussed in more detail below, such additional items could also be stored in the pockets of an anti-microbial sheet.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, it is generally desirable that the sanitary systems of the present disclosure be compact such that the individual components can be stored in a housing unit that fits into a small area, such as a vending machine, purse, or food trey. Accordingly, it is also desirable that the individual components of the sanitary systems of the present disclosure be foldable such that they can compactly fit into the housing unit. This will allow the sanitary systems to be carried unobtrusively by the user, then unfolded and deployed where needed. It is further desirable that the individual components of the sanitary systems in the present disclosure be composed of recyclable and/or eco-friendly materials.

[0021] In other embodiments, one or more of the individual components in the sanitary systems of the present disclosure can be packaged in sterile form. For instance, a sterile and commercially available hand wipe package could be included as the sanitary wipe component of a sanitary system. Likewise, a sterile and commercially available mask could be included in a sanitary system.

[0022] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise different quantities of a sanitary system's individual components. For instance, in some embodiments, a sanitary system may comprise one anti-microbial sheet, one mask, four sanitary wipes, and two feet covers. Other variations in component use and quantity can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0023] Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of providing a sanitary environment. Such methods generally utilize the sanitary systems of the present disclosure.

[0024] The individual components of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail as specific embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not confined to such embodiments.

[0025] Anti-microbial Sheet

[0026] An anti-microbial sheet in the present disclosure refers to any material that can form a barrier between a person (e.g., a passenger on a carrier) and a surface (e.g., a passenger seat). For instance, in some embodiments, the anti-microbial sheet can form a barrier between the back of the passenger and the passenger's seat on an airplane. [0027] Anti-microbial sheets may be composed of one or more materials. Such materials may include, without limitation, polymers (e.g., plastics, acrylic polymers, and the like), cotton, silk, and other materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] In some embodiments, anti-microbial sheets of the present disclosure may also be associated with one or more anti-microbial agents that interfere with the growth and/or survival of various germs (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses). As a non-limiting example, such an antimicrobial agent could be a common antibiotic. In further embodiments, the anti-microbial sheet may be substantially impermeable to germs for additional protection.

[0029] Anti-microbial sheets of the present disclosure can also have various shapes and conformations. FIG. 4 illustrates anti-microbial sheet 20 in more detail as a specific and non- limiting example. In this embodiment, anti-microbial sheet 20 comprises a hooded section 22 and a barrier section 24. Anti-microbial sheet 20 in this embodiment also contains pockets 26-28 below perforated area 29. In some embodiments, various components of the present disclosure may be stored in the pockets. For instance, in one embodiment, mask 30, sanitary wipe 18, and feet cover 45 may be stored in pockets 26, 27 and 28, respectively.

[0030] Desirably, any pockets in anti-microbial sheet 20 are large enough to house the objects and tight enough to removably retain them. For instance, a pocket containing sanitary wipes may be air tight such that it will prevent any unpackaged sanitary wipes from drying up or being exposed to germs. It is also desirable that the pockets contain an effective amount of at least one anti-microbial agent.

[0031] Anti-microbial sheets of the present disclosure can also have various sizes. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, anti-microbial sheet 20 may have a length of about 4-5 feet and a width of about 36 inches. Hooded section 22 in this embodiment is 12 inches long. Other suitable sizes can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] In some embodiments, anti-microbial sheets of the present disclosure may also be stored in a dispenser, such as dispenser 50 shown in FIG. 3. Such dispensers help preserve the sterility of the anti-microbial sheets in a compact environment. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial sheets of the present disclosure may also be used as a pillow case.

[0033] In some embodiments, anti-microbial sheets of the present disclosure may also contain one or more objects that can help retain the anti-microbial sheet on a surface. Such objects may include, without limitation, a cardboard, a Velcro tab, an adhesive, and the like. Such objects may be positioned at one or more corners of the anti-microbial sheet. Such objects may also be used to identify the surface of an anti-microbial sheet that should desirably interact with a surface of interest (e.g., a passenger seat).

[0034] Mask

[0035] Masks in the present disclosure refer to any objects that can provide users (e.g., passengers) with at least some protection against germs (e.g., germs in a carrier). In some embodiments, a mask is a breathing mask of sufficient mesh such that it partially or substantially filters various particles (e.g., dust, germs, etc.). In some embodiments, the mask may filter particles as well as an HEPA filter. In some embodiments, the mask is a hygiene barrier mask.

[0036] The masks of the present disclosure may also be composed of one or more materials. Such materials may include, without limitation, polymers (e.g., plastics, acrylic polymers, and the like), cotton, silk, and other materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. [0037] Mask 30 is shown in FIG. 2 as a non-limiting example of a mask that can be used with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The use of other similar masks can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0038] Sanitary Wipe

[0039] Sanitary wipes in the present disclosure refer to any materials that can wipe a surface. In some embodiments, sanitary wipes comprise one or more anti-microbial agents that interfere with the growth and/or survival of various germs (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and viruses) on various surfaces (e.g., try tables and/or passenger seats). In some embodiments, the anti-microbial agents can be ethyl alcohol, chlorine, and/or a common anti-biotic. In further embodiments, the anti-microbial agent may be a common anti-bacterial agent, such as benzalkonium chloride. Other suitable anti-microbial agents can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sanitary wipes of the present disclosure can have sufficient quantities of an anti-microbial solution to be effective as a wipe for surfaces of food trays, arm rests, and other similar objects. For instance, in some embodiments, sanitary wipes of the present disclosure may comprise about 0.1 15% by weight of benzalkonium chloride.

[0041] In some embodiments, sanitary wipes of the present disclosure may constitute antibacterial towelettes. In some embodiments, sanitary wipes of the present disclosure may be chlorine wipes with a 10% chlorine solution. In more specific embodiments, the sanitary wipes of the present disclosure may be "Fresh'N Up" Antibacterial Moist Towelettes® by Rockline Industries (Sheboygan, WI). Other suitable sanitary wipes can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0042] The sanitary wipes of the present disclosure may also be composed of one or more materials. Such materials may include, without limitation, polymers (e.g., plastics, acrylic polymers, and the like), cotton, silk, and other materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] Feet Cover

[0044] Feet covers in the present disclosure refer to any materials that partially or substantially cover a person's feet. In some embodiments, one or more feet covers may be used as a component of the sanitary systems of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the feet cover may be a pair of slippers or "booties." In some embodiments, the feet cover may be an anti-microbial cloth that substantially covers a person's feet.

[0045] Feet covers of the present disclosure may also be composed of one or more materials. Such materials may include, without limitation, polymers (e.g., plastics, acrylic polymers, and the like), cotton, silk, and other materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, feet covers are composed of the same materials as the anti-microbial sheets.

[0046] Feet cover 45 is shown in FIG. 2 as a non-limiting example. Additional feet covers can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] Sanitary Cover

[0048] Sanitary covers of the present disclosure generally refer to any materials that cover a surface. In some embodiments, the sanitary cover is a pillow cover, such as a pillow case. In further embodiments, the sanitary cover is a tray table cover. In some embodiments, a sanitary system may comprise both a pillow cover and a tray table cover. Other sanitary covers can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0049] The sanitary covers of the present disclosure may also be composed of one or more materials. Such materials may include, without limitation, polymers (e.g., plastics, acrylic polymers, and the like), cotton, silk, and other materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, sanitary covers are made of the same materials as the anti-microbial sheets. In some embodiments, the sanitary cover may also serve as an anti-microbial sheet. The sanitary covers of the present disclosure may also be associated with one or more anti-microbial materials.

[0050] Anti-microbial Spray

[0051] Anti-microbial sprays in the present disclosure refer to any containers or objects that release an anti-microbial material. In some embodiments, the anti-microbial spray is a container that stores and releases an anti-bacterial aerosol.

[0052] Anti-microbial spray 47 is shown in FIG. 2 as a non-limiting example. Additional antimicrobial sprays can also be envisioned by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] Applications

[0054] Sanitary systems and methods of the present disclosure have various applications. For instance, in some embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be utilized in passenger carriers, such as commercial or private planes, automobiles, trains, and boats. In more specific embodiments, the carrier can be a commercial airline, where passenger seats are used by a number of individuals, and the seats are not adequately sterilized between the uses.

[0055] The application of various components of the sanitary systems of the present disclosure to a passenger on a carrier is shown in FIG. 5 as a non-limiting example. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5A, mask 30 may be applied to passenger 50. In some embodiments, the use of masks may be ideal for situations where a passenger is sitting next or near a potentially infected passenger who is sneezing and coughing. [0056] Likewise, as shown in FIG. 5B, anti-microbial sheet 20 may be placed on passenger seat 52 to form a barrier between passenger 50 and passenger seat 52. In this embodiment, antimicrobial sheet 20 is placed on passenger seat 52 such that barrier section 24 is at the front of passenger seat 52. In addition, barrier section 24 in this embodiment drapes down on passenger seat 52 to below the top of the passenger's neck. Likewise, hooded section 22 in this embodiment is at the back of the passenger seat near the back rest section. In such embodiments, the hooded section of the anti-microbial sheet can also serve as its own disposal bag after use.

[0057] Similarly, FIG. 5C shows sanitary cover 40 to be applied to tray table 54 of passenger seat 52. In addition, FIG. 4D shows sanitary wipe 18 being applied to the hands of passenger 50.

[0058] As set forth previously, the above-mentioned components of a sanitary system may be stored in pockets associated with an anti-microbial sheet, such as pockets 26-28 in anti-microbial sheet 20 shown in FIG. 4.

[0059] In further embodiments, the above-mentioned components may be detached from an antimicrobial sheet before use. For instance, in some embodiments, perforated area 29 may be used to detach various components in pockets 26-28 from anti-microbial sheet 20 (See FIG. 4).

[0060] Though not illustrated, a person of ordinary skill in the art can also envision additional applications of the present invention. For instance, sanitary wipe 18 may be used to wipe tray table 54. Likewise, anti-microbial spray 47 may be used to partially or substantially disinfect a passenger seating area.

[0061] Other Embodiments

[0062] Finally, it is to be understood that the sanitary systems and methods of the present invention have numerous embodiments. Although a purpose of the present invention is to protect passengers on commercially available seats from germs, one can envision other embodiments where the sanitary systems are used in other public or private areas. Non-limiting examples of such areas include bar stools, casino tables, slot machines, seats (e.g., sport event seats), and various other surfaces. However, to accommodate such areas, the sanitary systems of the present disclosure may require different geometries, shapes and conformations.

[0063] In other embodiments, one can also envision the use of the sanitary systems of the present disclosure in a medical environment, where the convenience of a disposable sanitary system, with all its necessary constituent products, could be an effective substitute for having to carry bulk supplies of each and individually dispense them.

[0064] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the description herein, utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The embodiments described herein are to be construed as illustrative and not as constraining the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. While some embodiments may involve particular mammals, the present disclosure encompasses other mammals, including experimental animals, companion animals, farm animals, primates and humans. While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, many variations and modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is only limited by the claims, including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that they provide procedural or other details consistent with and supplementary to those set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sanitary system comprising: a. an anti-microbial sheet, wherein said antimicrobial sheet forms a barrier between a person and a surface; b. a mask; and c. a sanitary wipe.

2. The sanitary system of Claim 1, wherein said person is a passenger on a carrier, and wherein said surface is a passenger seat on said carrier.

3. The sanitary system of Claim 2, wherein said carrier is an airplane.

4. The sanitary system of Claim 1, further comprising one or more feet covers.

5. The sanitary system of Claim 1, further comprising an anti-microbial spray.

6. The sanitary system of Claim 1, further comprising one or more sanitary covers.

7. The sanitary system of Claim 1, further comprising a dispenser, wherein said dispenser houses and dispenses at least one or more components of said system.

8. The sanitary system of Claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial sheet comprises one or more anti-microbial agents.

9. The sanitary system of Claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial sheet comprises one or more pockets, wherein said pockets house one or more components of said system.

10. The sanitary system of Claim 9, wherein said antimicrobial sheet comprises a perforated area above said one or more pockets, and wherein said perforated area can be used to detach said one or more pockets from said antimicrobial sheet.

11. The sanitary system of Claim 1, wherein said antimicrobial sheet comprises a hooded section and a barrier section.

12. The sanitary system of Claim 1, wherein said sanitary wipe comprises one or more antimicrobial agents.

13. The sanitary system of Claim 6, wherein said sanitary cover is a tray table sanitation

cover.

14. The sanitary system of Claim 6, wherein said sanitary cover is a pillow cover.

15. A method of providing a sanitary environment, wherein said method comprises providing a sanitary system comprising: a. an anti-microbial sheet, wherein said antimicrobial sheet forms a barrier between a person and a surface; b. a mask; and c. a sanitary wipe.

16. The method of Claim 15, wherein said person is a passenger on a carrier, and wherein said surface is a passenger seat on said carrier.

17. The method of Claim 15, wherein said sanitary system further comprises one or more feet covers.

18. The method of Claim 15, wherein said sanitary system further comprises one or more sanitary covers.

19. The method of Claim 15, wherein said sanitary system further comprises an antimicrobial spray.

20. The method of Claim 15, wherein said sanitary system is utilized in a passenger carrier selected from the group consisting of a plane, an automobile, a train, and a boat.