Lavatory System with Overflow Prevention and Other Features

Abstract

Systems and methods for a lavatory system are described that include a bidirectional hand dryer having a top, bottom, back, and right side and multiple sensors and LEDs. Upper and lower nozzles are also provided and respectively connected to upper and lower plenums. At least two flexible air delivery hoses are connected to the plenums. A motor housing is provided and includes a motor, ports connected to the hoses, noise abatement features, and a motor microcontroller. A hand-receiving cavity exists between the top, back, right, and bottom side for receiving at least one hand of a user. Tips are connected to the nozzles and emit high speed colliding columns of air to shear water off of the user's hand. The columns of air are spaced and calibrated in such a way as to reduce forces on the user's hand which would otherwise move the hand toward the side surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates in general to the field of lavatory systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lavatory system containing a combination wash basin with faucet, soap dispensing system, and bidirectional hand dryer which are triggered by sensors. Preferably, the system also has a number of unique use, overflow prevention, and cleaning features.[0003]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0004]As is known to those skilled in the art, lavatories in public places such as schools, libraries, airports, train and bus terminals, and shopping centers can be very busy at times. Further, depending on the volume of use and staffing, they can be messy, germ-filled environments that may be difficult for staff to adequately keep clean and safe. Thus, a previously recognized problem has been that often paper toweling runs out and waste baskets overflow. Further, the toweling and disposal thereof is costly. Mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The lavatory system also preferably includes a countertop integral with the wash basin. A frame under the countertop generally supports the countertop, wash basin with drainpipe, and motor. The frame includes a first generally triangular bracket mounted to a lavatory wall and a second generally triangular bracket mounted to a lavatory wall. A cover and end caps fit under the wash basin and countertop and mask the frame, motor, and drainpipe. A primary air inlet is in fluid communication with the motor and includes a small gap between the cover and / or at least one end cap and a lavatory wall to further attenuate the sound and minimize foreign object pick-up. An overflow prevention mechanism may include a lip integral with the wash basin that is located on a left side front edge of the wash basin and is lower than the bottom portion air outlets.

[0027]The upper to lower nozzle tip spacing is about 3.5 inches with a hand cavity width of about 10 inches to provide the user with optimal comfort when using. The tips are pointed protrusions and help pull static air into the air columns. The pointed shape also prevents water from entering the nozzles.

Problems solved by technology

As is known to those skilled in the art, lavatories in public places such as schools, libraries, airports, train and bus terminals, and shopping centers can be very busy at times. Further, depending on the volume of use and staffing, they can be messy, germ-filled environments that may be difficult for staff to adequately keep clean and safe.

Thus, a previously recognized problem has been that often paper toweling runs out and waste baskets overflow.

Further, the toweling and disposal thereof is costly.

Moreover, hand-washing and drying stations, countertops, and floors in such public buildings easily become wet and dirty and are rarely configured for efficient use, cleaning, and maintenance.

While electronic hand dryers have been around for decades, this previously recognized solution also has the disadvantage of relatively high cost.

The water on the floor may pool creating an unsafe, slippery, and germ-filled area.

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