Method and apparatus for helping to assure the washing of hands
OwnerJohn M. Lynninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping to assure the washing of hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which can be removed by washing, and a marking mechanism is coupled to the easily identifiable substance. A hand of a person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. In one embodiment, a flush mechanism of a toilet or urinal is equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when a person flushes the toilet or urinal. In another embodiment, a door handle is equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when a person uses the door handle.
Claims28
A method for helping to assure washing of a person's hands, comprising:
- providing an easily identifiable substance which can be removed by washing with a sanitizing medium for a period of time sufficient to help assure sanitation of the person's hands;
- providing a marking mechanism coupled to the easily identifiable substance;
- and
- marking a hand of the person with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered by an event where washing of the hands is desired.
An apparatus for helping to assure the washing of a person's hands, comprising:
- an easily identifiable substance which can be removed by washing with a sanitizing medium for a period of time sufficient to help assure sanitation of the person's hands;
- a marking mechanism coupled with the easily identifiable substance;
- an actuating mechanism associated with an event where washing of the person's hands is desirable;
- and
- the marking mechanism operable to mark a hand of the person with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered by the hand operating the actuating mechanism.
An apparatus for helping to assure the washing of a person's hands, comprising:
- an easily identifiable substance which can be removed by washing to help assure sanitation of the person's hands;
- a marking mechanism and an actuating mechanism associated with an event where washing of the person's hands is desirable;
- the marking mechanism operable to mark a hand of the person with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered by the actuating mechanism responsive to said event;
- and
- the easily identifiable substance disposed within a replaceable container coupled with the marking mechanism.
A replaceable container for use in an apparatus for helping to assure washing of a person's hands, comprising:
- an easily identifiable substance, which can be removed by washing to help assure sanitation of the person's hands, disposed within the replaceable container;
- and
- the replaceable container operable to be releasably secured within a marking mechanism to mark a hand of the person with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered by an event where washing of the hands is desired.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.