Applicator device for dispensing liquids or gels

Abstract

The present invention relates to an applicator device for applying a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel across the outer surface of an elongated three-dimensional object or a covering thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator device for dispensing a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel across the outer surface of an elongated three-dimensional object or a covering thereof. Background Art

[0002] There are a variety of diseases that humans can contract due to exposure to viral strains (e.g., viral infections such as the common cold and flu) or dangerous germs (e.g., bacterial infections). Once infected by a human, disease symptoms may vary depending on factors such as the type of disease, the age and health status of the carrier, and various other factors. In mild cases, symptoms may include mild flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal effects, discomfort, and loss of productivity. In more severe cases, symptoms may require treatment in a hospital and lead to permanent health problems or even death.

[0003] Bacteria and viruses can be spread through person-to-person contact, where bacteria or viruses can be picked up through contact with a surface on which the bacteria or virus resides in an active state, and person-to-surface contact. Microorganisms associated with bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, etc., which are capable of causing disease, can be easily transferred from a dry, smooth surface to a clean hand after the surface has been contaminated.

[0004] Vaccinations have been developed for some strains of the virus, but there are still viruses and associated strains for which vaccinations do not exist and may never be successfully developed. The virus can be spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. People can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching, for example, their eyes, mouth or nose.

[0005] It is well known that hand hygiene is extremely important to mitigate the risk of virus and bacteria transmission, with hand washing with soap and the use of hand sanitizers being considered the best preventive measures. Hand sanitizers are typically applied to the hands before and / or after contact with a surface in order to kill viruses or bacteria that may have been transferred to the hands. There are also several antimicrobial cleaning products available that are used to clean, disinfect and / or sterilize surfaces before and after human contact at varying levels of intensity and effectiveness.

[0006] Hand sanitizers are typically in liquid or gel form that contain sufficient amounts of alcohol (primarily ethanol) to kill or reduce the number of microorganisms and bacteria. In the case of hand sanitizers, sanitizing liquids and gels are typically stored in handheld applicators for portable use (e.g., handheld tubes or squeeze bottles), or in fixed-station dispensers, which are more often used in public areas such as hospitals, offices, and grocery stores. Fixed-station dispensers can be mechanically driven (where the user is required to manually cause the liquid or gel to be dispensed), or automatic, such that the liquid or gel is dispensed based on sensing the presence of hands within a specific vicinity.

[0007] However, Applicants have recognized a number of deficiencies associated with existing devices for preventing or minimizing the occurrence of human-to-surface or surface-to-human transmission of microorganisms associated with viruses and bacteria.

[0008] The problem with most hand sanitizer bottles, applicators, etc. is that they are designed to apply the liquid or gel only to human hands and not to surfaces. Therefore, while effective in killing or reducing the number of germs and bacteria on the user's hands, thereby preventing or minimizing the occurrence of human-to-surface transmission (i.e., after the hand sanitizer has been applied), they have limited effectiveness in preventing, minimizing or addressing the occurrence of surface-to-human transmission.

[0009] Even if the hand sanitizer is applied to an object such as a shopping trolley handle, the user needs to spread the hand sanitizer along the length of the handle, thereby using their hand in contact with the handle for a long time to ensure that the sanitizing liquid or gel fully covers the entire surface. This is also likely to result in significant mess and waste of the sanitizing liquid / gel. Although a paper towel or hand towel can be used to spread the liquid / gel over the entire surface, the paper towel / hand towel represents yet another item that the user needs to carry or be supplied with.

[0010] The risk of contamination still exists because it is not possible for the user to ensure that a majority of the surface area of ​​the handle has received the necessary amount of disinfectant liquid or gel, and the same applies to adjacent parts of the trolley, such as adjacent armrest parts that the user may touch. Therefore, even if the user is very careful and applies the hand sanitizer to their own hands as well as the trolley handle, if a portion of the handle remains contaminated, the user may still be at risk of touching a contaminated surface and contracting a virus or bacteria after the effect of the hand sanitizer on their hands has worn off. In this regard, it is estimated that hand sanitizer has an effect for about two minutes on average.

[0011] Since hand sanitizer is effective for a relatively short period of time, there are also problems associated with interactions that cause contamination after the initial application of the hand sanitizer has worn off. For example, during a shopper's visit to a grocery store, the shopper may become contaminated after interacting with another shopper or one or more shelf items. If such interactions occur after the initially applied hand sanitizer has worn off, the shopper remains at risk. In this regard, applicants recognize the need to facilitate the rapid and easy reapplication of liquids or gels to manually manipulated surfaces (such as shopping cart handles) to allow the user's hands to be disinfected again during their visit to a particular location.

[0012] The above problems apply to other three-dimensional objects that users may encounter, such as handrails and railings. For example, going to a hospital may involve manipulating handrails located in hospital corridors. Similarly, going to a stadium may involve manipulating handrails and railings when walking to and then queuing up to certain locations such as restrooms or shops in the stadium. Since such objects may be touched by hundreds or thousands of people and are not disinfected after each contact, they are very likely to cause transmission from people to surfaces and from surfaces to people. Although this problem can be solved by having personnel permanently placed in various locations to disinfect surfaces after each contact instance, this is impractical and may result in significant additional costs for the venue and may affect the commercial viability of the venue and / or activity.

[0013] Furthermore, Applicant is not aware of any liquid or gel dispensing product that is truly compact and portable and capable of being stored in a user's pocket or bag, for example, for use on a surface when needed.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above problems, or to provide the public with a useful alternative. Summary of the invention

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an applicator device for applying a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to an outer surface of an elongated three-dimensional object or a covering configured to extend over a three-dimensional object, the applicator device comprising:

[0016] One or more segments forming a shape that substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the three-dimensional object or covering thereof to enable the one or more segments to engage with the outer surface, each or a combination of the one or more segments comprising:

[0017] one or more hollow reservoir bodies configured to hold the liquid or gel; and

[0018] a non-absorbent inner wall having one or more applicators associated therewith, which is in operable communication with the one or more reservoir bodies to facilitate transfer of liquid or gel from the interior of each reservoir body to the outer surface,

[0019] Therein, the one or more applicators are configured such that transfer of liquid or gel from the interior of each reservoir body to the outer surface occurs through the one or more applicators in response to movement of the applicator device along the elongated three-dimensional object or covering.

[0020] In one embodiment, the applicator device is shaped to substantially correspond to at least a portion of a cross-section of a three-dimensional object or covering and thereby enables at least partial engagement with the object or covering.

[0021] In one embodiment, each applicator device is a spray-type applicator that is activated to impart a burst of air and liquid from within one or more reservoir bodies onto the outer surface in response to movement of the device along the elongated three-dimensional object or covering.

[0022] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the object or covering includes one or more radial protrusions to facilitate movement of the applicator device along the elongated three-dimensional object or covering and uniform application of the liquid or gel on the outer surface.

[0023] In one embodiment, the one or more radial protrusions are in the form of one or more raised rifling that spirals around the outer surface of the object or covering along the length of the object or covering, the rifling imparting rotational motion to the applicator device as the applicator device moves along the length of the elongated object or covering.

[0024] In one embodiment, the rifling is a double helix, triple helix, or quad helix rifling.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the one or more applicators includes a substantially hollow housing extending into the reservoir body.

[0026] In this embodiment, one or more applicators are molded into one or more inserts.

[0027] In one embodiment, the one or more applicators are in the form of one or more roller ball applicators.

[0028] In this embodiment, the substantially hollow housing includes a first end that extends into the reservoir body and accommodates a ball at an opposite end, wherein:

[0029] the ball is positioned so that when the applicator device engages and moves along the outer surface, the ball is in rolling contact with the outer surface, and

[0030] As the applicator device is moved along the object or covering to apply the cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface, the ball rotates, transferring the liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body into the hollow housing, around the ball, and onto the outer surface.

[0031] In further alternative embodiments, one or more applicators are in the form of one or more pressure flap applicators.

[0032] In this embodiment, the substantially hollow housing comprises a first end that extends into the reservoir body and terminates at an opposite end in an X-shaped fin that, in its normal state, does not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough, wherein:

[0033] The X-shaped tabs are positioned so that when sufficient pressure is applied from liquid or gel that moves from the reservoir body into the hollow housing and toward the X-shaped tabs, the tabs open, thereby allowing the liquid or gel to transfer from the interior of the reservoir body through the opened tabs into the hollow housing and onto the exterior surface, and

[0034] Once the pressure ceases to be applied, the X-shaped fins return to their original state.

[0035] In yet another alternative embodiment, the plurality of applicators are in the form of one or more tapered slot applicators.

[0036] In this embodiment, the substantially hollow housing comprises a first end extending into the reservoir body and terminating at an opposite end in a tapered surface having a slit that in its normal state does not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough, wherein:

[0037] The tapered surface and associated slit are configured such that when the applicator device is engaged with and moved therealong, the tapered surface contacts the outer surface, and

[0038] When the applicator device is moved along the object or covering to apply a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface, contact between the tapered surface and the outer surface causes the liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body to transfer through the slit into the hollow shell and onto the outer surface.

[0039] In yet another alternative embodiment, the one or more applicators are in the form of one or more spray-type applicators.

[0040] In this embodiment, the substantially hollow housing comprises a first end that extends into the reservoir body and terminates at an opposite end in a bulb that comprises a plurality of apertures that in their normal state do not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough, wherein:

[0041] the plurality of orifices being configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied from a liquid or gel that moves from the reservoir body into the hollow shell and toward the plurality of orifices, the plurality of orifices permits the liquid or gel to transfer from the interior of the reservoir body through a burst of air and liquid or gel through the plurality of orifices into the hollow shell and onto the exterior surface, and

[0042] Once the application of said pressure ceases, said burst of air and liquid or gel ceases.

[0043] In one embodiment, the substantially hollow housing includes a cup at the reservoir body end of the housing, the cup configured to temporarily hold a volume of liquid or gel before the volume of liquid or gel is transferred to an external surface by an applicator.

[0044] In one embodiment, one or more of the reservoir bodies includes means for facilitating flow into the respective cup in the form of inwardly directed protrusions associated with the outer wall of the reservoir body, each inwardly directed protrusion facilitating flow by:

[0045] is located substantially coaxially with each cup to direct liquid / gel therein, and / or

[0046] Extends at least partially into the cup.

[0047] In one embodiment, the cup is crenellated and the inwardly directed protrusion is in the form of a protruding pin including at least one web portion which terminates in a nipple which extends a short distance into the cup to align with the space defined by the crenellations of radially opposed pairs of adjacent cups.

[0048] In one embodiment, at least one web portion comprises a main web portion terminating in said nipple and an additional reinforcing web portion together forming a substantially cross-shaped pin, wherein two or more pins arranged inside each reservoir body are linked by a track portion.

[0049] In one embodiment, when the outer surface of the object or covering includes one or more radial protrusions to facilitate movement of the applicator device, the individual applicators associated with the non-absorbent insert are radially separated at an angle substantially corresponding to the radial separation angle between the individual rifling lines.

[0050] In one embodiment, once the applicator device is engaged with the object, the distance that each applicator extends inwardly from the non-absorbent insert substantially corresponds to the distance that each rifling extends outwardly from the outer surface, so that each rifling serves as a guide for each corresponding applicator and substantially prevents the corresponding applicator from crossing the corresponding rifling, but instead causes the applicator to move alongside the rifling, which imparts the rotational motion to the applicator device.

[0051] In one embodiment, each non-absorbent insert further comprises a sliding connector extending along its inner surface, and the sliding connector is sized to fit within a spiral channel formed between at least two adjacent raised rifling grooves, the raised rifling grooves thereby serving as a guide for movement of the slide throughout the spiral channel.

[0052] In one embodiment, the slider is sufficiently raised from the inner surface of the non-absorbent insert to spread liquid or gel that has been applied by the one or more applicators across the surface of the corresponding channel.

[0053] In one embodiment, the object has a circular cross-section and the applicator device comprises two segments and one or more associated biasing means which rotatably bias the two segments in an engaged position towards each other on the three-dimensional object or covering.

[0054] In one embodiment, movement of the applicator device along the elongated three-dimensional object or covering is accomplished manually.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, movement of the applicator device along the elongated three-dimensional object or covering is achieved by drive means associated with the applicator device.

[0056] In one embodiment, the drive device is a drive motor housed within the end unit of the applicator device, the drive motor rotating an associated drive wheel, the drive wheel being positioned so that it is in frictional contact with the outer surface of the object or covering, and rotation of the drive wheel moving the applicator device relative to the outer surface.

[0057] In one embodiment, the one or more non-absorbent inserts are constructed of a rubber-like material such as Santoprene™ or any suitable flexible material.

[0058] In one embodiment, the applicator device comprises two sections connected by an articulating hinge which enables the separation distance between the two sections to be adjustable, allowing the device to be contoured to different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the applicator device is shaped to engage with a three-dimensional object of corresponding cross-sectional dimensions, including square, rectangular, circular, or oval.

[0060] In one embodiment, each reservoir body is constructed of a transparent material to enable a user to observe the level of liquid or gel in the reservoir body.

[0061] In one embodiment, the reservoir body is deformable and constructed of a resilient material.

[0062] In one embodiment, the reservoir body is constructed of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene (high density or low density), polyethylene terephthalate, or polylactic acid.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the reservoir body is non-deformable and constructed of a non-elastic material such as stainless steel.

[0064] In one embodiment, the liquid or gel is comprised of a composition for cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing an exterior surface of a three-dimensional object or covering or any additional object or surface to which the composition is subsequently transferred.

[0065] In one embodiment, the applicator device is configured for single use whereby each reservoir body is filled with a liquid or gel and is not refillable.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the applicator device is reusable whereby the reservoir body comprises an access valve or cap which enables the reservoir body to be refilled with a liquid or gel.

[0067] In one embodiment, the applicator device is stored in a pouch or container of corresponding size.

[0068] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an applicator device for applying a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface of a covering extending over an elongated three-dimensional object of circular or oval cross-section, the covering comprising raised rifling journalled around the outer surface of the covering along its length, the applicator device comprising:

[0069] One or more segments that together form an annular shape configured to surround the elongated object, wherein each or a combination of the one or more segments comprises:

[0070] a hollow reservoir body configured to retain the liquid or gel;

[0071] One or more non-absorbent inserts that form an inner wall of the reservoir body and include one or more applicators that facilitate transfer of liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body to the outer surface, wherein:

[0072] The applicators are radially separated by an angle substantially corresponding to the radial separation angle between the rifling grooves, and

[0073] each applicator extending inwardly from the one or more non-absorbent inserts a distance substantially corresponding to the distance each rifling extends outwardly from the outer surface, such that each rifling serves as a guide for each corresponding applicator such that when the applicator device is moved longitudinally, the applicator is substantially prevented from intersecting the corresponding rifling, which instead causes the applicator to move along the rifling to impart rotational motion to the applicator device; and

[0074] Therein, the one or more applicators are configured such that application of a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the exterior surface occurs by the one or more applicators in response to movement of the device along the rifled cover.

[0075] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a liquid / gel applicator assembly for a three-dimensional, elongated object, the assembly comprising: a cover for the three-dimensional, elongated object, the cover being constructed to extend over the object and comprising one or more raised riflings, the riflings extending around the outer surface of the cover along its length in a journal-like manner; and an applicator device comprising one or more segments, the one or more segments together forming a shape substantially corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the cover, wherein each or a combination of the one or more segments comprises: a hollow reservoir body, which is constructed to retain a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel; a non-absorbent insert, which is arranged in the device and forms an inner wall, the inner wall being constructed according to the non-absorbent inner wall defined in any one or more of claims 1 to 39; and wherein the one or more applicators are constructed so that the cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel is applied to the outer surface by the one or more applicators in response to the device moving along the object or cover.

[0076] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an elongated three-dimensional object having an outer surface or a covering thereof, the three-dimensional object or the covering thereof comprising:

[0077] An applicator device constructed in accordance with one or more of the foregoing for applying a disinfecting liquid or gel to an external surface in response to the applicator device being moved along an object or covering. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the event is a sporting event and the physical environment and objects therein are generated and represented in three dimensions. In this regard:

[0079] Figure 1 Various views illustrating the use of an applicator device constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention on an elongated three-dimensional object.

[0080] Figure 2An example of a method for using a rifled elongated three-dimensional object is shown. Figure 1 Applicator device.

[0081] Figure 3 The invention illustrates the use of a slender object in the form of a wheelbarrow handle. Figure 1 and Figure 2 An applicator device wherein the cart handle includes a triple helical rifled cover portion.

[0082] Figure 4 Illustrated with Figure 3 Same embodiment, but the applicator device is from Figure 3 The original position shown is moved to the second position.

[0083] Figure 5 Various views of applicator devices constructed in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

[0084] Figure 6 Illustrated Figure 5 An applicator device of the type shown in FIG. 1 , demonstrating the extent to which the rotatable device sections can be rotated and also separated in order to accommodate objects of different cross-sectional sizes.

[0085] Figure 7 An example of a method for using a slender three-dimensional object in the form of a wheelbarrow handle is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The applicator device of the cart handle includes a cover portion having rifling.

[0086] Figure 8 Illustrated Figures 5 to 7 A perspective view of an applicator device and an associated carrying case.

[0087] Fig. 9 Various views of an applicator device constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated, including various views of the device being used on an elongated three-dimensional object of square cross-section.

[0088] Fig.10 An applicator device according to a further object of the invention is illustrated, wherein the applicator device comprises a drive unit for automating a sliding movement of the device along a three-dimensional object.

[0089] Fig.11 Various views of an applicator device constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated, wherein the interior wall of the reservoir body is formed by one or more non-absorbent inserts having multiple liquid / gel applicators.

[0090] Fig.12 Illustrated Fig.11 Various additional views of the applicator device.

[0091] Figures 13 to 16 This example shows that Fig.11 and Fig.12 Various views of different types of applicators used together with a non-absorbable insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] The reference to "cleaning" liquid or gel herein is not strictly limited to the preparation of removing microorganisms, dirt and impurities, and stronger preparations may also be included, such as disinfectants (i.e. reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface or object to a safe level) and antiseptics that sterilize (i.e. kill microorganisms) a surface or object. In other words, the word "cleaning" and any variation thereof are used in this specification to describe one or more of cleaning, disinfection and sterilization. In addition, it should be understood that the reference to "applying" cleaning, disinfection and / or sterilization liquid or gel to a surface can achieve many different results. For example, the application of liquid or gel can simply help clean the surface. In an alternative embodiment, the application of liquid or gel can be to apply liquid or gel to a surface in order to disinfect or sterilize a surface. In yet another embodiment, the application of liquid or gel can particularly enable the subsequent transfer of liquid or gel to another object or surface, such as subsequently transferring from the surface to which the liquid or gel is applied to the user's hand (when the user manipulates the surface).

[0093] The present invention relates to an applicator device 10 that is configured to be manually or automatically moved (slid) across an elongated three-dimensional object (e.g., a handrail or a shopping cart handle) to apply a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel (not shown) to an outer surface 14 of the three-dimensional object 12 or an object configured to cover the three-dimensional object (also referred to herein as a "cover"). The applicator device 10a includes one or more segments 16 that are formed into a shape that substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape 18 of the three-dimensional object 12 so that the one or more segments 16 can engage at least a portion of the cross-sectional shape. Each or a combination of the one or more segments 16 includes: a hollow reservoir body 20 that is configured to hold a liquid or gel in its internal chamber 21; and a transfer device 22 that substantially lines the inner wall 24 of the reservoir body 20, as described with reference to FIG. Figure 1-10 or forming part of the inner wall, as described in the embodiment of Figure 11-16 As described in the embodiments.

[0094] A transfer device 22, which may be in the form of, for example, an absorbent pad lining the reservoir body 20 or a non-absorbent insert forming the inner wall of the reservoir body, is in operable communication with the interior chamber 21. For example, in the case of an absorbent pad embodiment, one or more openings 26 may be disposed in the reservoir body inner wall 24 to facilitate transfer of liquid or gel from the interior of the chamber 21 to the absorbent transfer device 22 and then to the outer surface 14. Figure 11-16In the case of the non-absorbent insert embodiments, an applicator 27 associated with one or more inserts may be used to facilitate such transfer.

[0095] It should be understood that Figures 1 to 4 The applicator device embodiment 10a shown, Figures 5 to 8 The applicator device embodiment 10b shown, Fig.10 The applicator device embodiment 10d and Figures 11 to 16 The illustrated applicator device embodiment 10e is shaped to substantially correspond to at least a portion of a cross-section 18 of a three-dimensional object 12 to which the cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing liquid or gel is applied, thereby enabling at least partial engagement with the object 12. It should also be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the object 12 need not be limited to a circular cross-section and may be configured to correspond to a plurality of cross-sectional shapes of the object 12. Fig. 9 A related embodiment 10c (described in more detail below) is an example of using a similar device configured for use on a 3-dimensional object of square cross-section.

[0096] As described above, the transfer device 22 can be in the form of an absorbent pad that lines the inner wall 24 of the reservoir body 20 and is thereby arranged so that when the applicator device is attached to or engaged with the three-dimensional object 12, the transfer device 22 is arranged between the object 12 and the reservoir body 22 in a position that facilitates the transfer of liquid or gel. This configuration is present in each of the applicator devices 10a to 10d. In this regard, the reservoir body 20 may include a series of openings 26 along its inner wall so that liquid or gel that exits the interior chamber 21 of the reservoir body 20 through the series of openings 26 will contact the absorbent transfer device 22. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular number, location and / or size of such openings 26, so long as the openings are configured in such a manner that a volume of liquid or gel can be transferred to the transfer device 22 that is sufficient to ensure that the transfer device maintains sufficient moisture across its contact surface 28 (i.e., the surface that is in direct contact with the outer surface 14 of the object 12).

[0097] Figure 1-4 The illustrated embodiment 10a is an example of a single segment, closed ring device designed to engage an elongated object 12 around its entire circumference, such that installation of the device 10a requires mounting the device on the end of the object 12. Figure 3 and 4 In the case of the supermarket trolley 30 shown, it will be appreciated that one end of the trolley handle needs to be disassembled to allow the applicator device 10a to be installed, i.e., to enable the trolley end to be effectively inserted through the device. In the case of manufacturing a new trolley, the applicator device 10 can be manufactured well as a component integrated into the handle.

[0098] However, Figures 1 to 4The applicator device 10a of the invention may include an alternative design (not shown) that does not require disassembly of the cart handle relative to an existing cart. For example, the device may include a single section having an open annular configuration, whereby the device includes an opening along its length, and the device has sufficient flexibility to allow a user to manually "snap" the applicator device 10 onto an elongated object by passing the object through the opening. It should be understood that where the device 10 includes such an opening, the transfer device 22 will not extend around the entire circumference of the circular cross-section of the handle. Regardless, the applicator device may be rotated while sliding the device along the length of the elongated object 12 to ensure uniform application of the liquid or gel.

[0099] The skilled person will appreciate that by applying an external force (e.g., manual force) to the outer wall 32 of the reservoir body 20, the liquid or gel contained in the internal chamber 21 of the reservoir body 20 can be released from the interior of the reservoir body through the one or more openings 26, and the outer wall 32 can include one or more dimples 34 to facilitate the release. The skilled person will also appreciate that manually applying force to the reservoir body will cause the body to deform, thereby reducing the available volume in the chamber 21 and forcing the liquid or gel to leave the chamber 21 through the one or more openings 26. However, as will become apparent, there may be circumstances where the application of force is not required and the liquid or gel can be dispensed due to movement of the device (e.g., rotation) and / or by causing the transfer device to interact with the object 12 in a manner that causes or promotes the liquid or gel to be dispensed.

[0100] Thus, there may be benefits associated with rotating the applicator device 10a during movement across the outer surface 14, for example, to dispense a liquid or gel without having to depress the device. In this regard, the rotational motion may be imparted manually or by providing the three-dimensional object 12 with, for example, raised rifling that extends around the object 12 along its length. Such rifling may allow the applicator device 10a to rotate as it slides along the object 12. Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 includes a triple spiral rifling pattern, but other types of radially extending protrusions and patterns are possible.

[0101] like Figure 2-4As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a surface having a rifling can be provided to an otherwise planar object such as a shopping trolley handle by using a cover 38 adapted to fit over the handle (e.g., by inserting a flexible cover over the end of an existing shopping trolley handle and pulling it on, or by clamping a rigid cover to the handle). In this way, the outer surface 14 to which the cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing liquid or gel is to be applied is associated with the cover rather than the object 14. In addition to providing increased and uniform coverage with respect to the application of the liquid or gel (due to the rotation imparted to the device), the rifling 36 can facilitate movement of the applicator device because it can prevent the device from locking during movement. Although journaled extended rifling can have advantages, there may be situations where non-journaled extended rifling is sufficient to facilitate movement of the applicator device.

[0102] The use of radially extending protrusions on the object (such as raised rifling) can also be used as a means to promote the release of liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body 20, that is, by deforming the absorbent transfer device 22 as it moves over the protrusions and effectively squeezing the liquid or gel from the absorbent material.

[0103] Figures 5 to 8 An applicator device 10b constructed according to an alternative embodiment is illustrated, which includes two segments 16 rather than the annular shape according to the first embodiment. Each of the two segments 16 is of semi-annular configuration and enables the device 10 to be clamped onto an elongated object 12 of, for example, circular or elliptical cross-section or a covering associated therewith. Figure 5-8 When components associated with device 10b are identical and / or perform similar functions, the same reference numerals as those of device 10a are used to describe these components.

[0104] According to this second embodiment, two hinged semi-annular segments 16 together form an annular shape configured to substantially surround an elongated object 12. Each segment 16 includes its own separate reservoir body 20 and transfer device 22, but the device 10b can also be configured to share a reservoir body. The two segments 16 are hinged by a hinge member 40, and each segment 16 is rotatably associated with the hinge member, so that each part can rotate relative to the hinge member and thus rotate relative to each other, so that the device can be clamped to the elongated object 12.

[0105] like Figure 6As shown, the hinge member 40 can be an articulated hinge, which, in addition to allowing the segments 16 to rotate, also enables the spacing distance between the two segments 16 to be adjustable. Thus, the articulated hinge member 40 can accommodate elongated objects 12 of different cross-sectional shapes and sizes, such as circular cross-sectional objects of different diameters. An application of a device that can accommodate a variety of different diameters is a shopping trolley, where shoppers may prefer to apply disinfecting liquids or gels not only on the shopping trolley handle but also on adjacent metal frame members, which they may tend to contact when infants and children sit on the trolley. In the particular embodiment shown, the device 10b is configured to allow clamping to objects of multiple different diameters. According to a particular embodiment, the device 10b can be configured to clamp to objects with a diameter ranging from about 25 mm to 90 mm. It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the features of the device 10b, such as overall size and shape, can be changed to accommodate various objects of different shapes and sizes.

[0106] exist Figure 6 It should also be understood that when accommodating an object of large cross-sectional diameter, it is not possible for the transfer device 22 to contact the entire circumference. However, as described above with reference to the device 10a, the device 10B can be easily rotated once engaged with the object to ensure uniform application of the liquid or gel, and various examples are described herein to facilitate rotation of the device during movement along the object.

[0107] like Figures 5 to 8 As further shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the applicator device 10b may include a biasing device 42 (a plastic spring in this particular embodiment) that rotatably biases the two sections 16 in a direction toward each other so that the device 10b will always want to close, thereby clamping on the closest diameter, and can therefore be used for a variety of handles, armrests, etc. By accommodating a variety of objects of different sizes, the user does not need to purchase multiple different devices and can use a single device for multiple purposes (such as the shopping trolley handle / frame member example described above). As a result, the device 10b is not only designed for simple manufacture and assembly, but also improves efficiency of use.

[0108] When constructed in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the springs 42 effectively function as torsion springs because each spring includes a pin segment 44 secured within a corresponding aperture 46 in the side of the hinge member 40 and a curved resilient segment 47 at a location in contact with the inner wall 24 of the reservoir body but outside the interior chamber 21. The pin segment 44 is secured within the aperture 46 such that the curved resilient segment 47 extends at an angle that causes the resilient segment to provide a biasing force against the inner wall 24 when an attempt is made to rotate (open) the segment 16 from the clamped position. In other words, when an attempt is made to rotate (open) the segment, the curved resilient segment 47 will begin to become twisted and will apply a torque in the opposite direction that is proportional to the amount (angle) of its twist.

[0109] It will be appreciated that the applicator device 10a of the first embodiment is configured for use with elongated objects of predetermined cross-sectional dimensions and can be manufactured accordingly. On the other hand, the applicator device 10b of the second embodiment is configured to be adjustable so that it can be contoured to different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes.

[0110] The applicator device 10 b is also configured to be squeezed or pressed to facilitate release of the liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body 20 . Figures 5 to 8 Also shown in the embodiment of the present invention are orifices 48 spaced apart along the contact surface 28 of the absorbent transfer device 22. These orifices 48 are co-aligned with the openings 26 (also orifices in this embodiment) in the inner wall 24 of the reservoir body 20 and house a flow control device 50. In the embodiment shown, the flow control device is a valve 50 having a head 51 and a foot portion 52, and the individual valves linearly arranged within the body 20 are connected by a track portion 53. It should be understood that each head 51 includes a cylindrical lower end 54 and a slotted upper end 55, so that when the cylindrical lower end 54 is positioned in the opening 26, liquid or gel cannot pass through, but when the slotted upper end 55 is positioned in the opening 26, liquid or gel is allowed to pass through the groove.

[0111] The foot portion 52 of each valve 50 is designed to be resilient, so that pressing the foot portion 52 against the head 51 will cause the height of the valve 50 to decrease, and thus move the head 51 closer to the outer wall 32 of the reservoir body 20. Therefore, each valve 50 can be in the form of a one-way valve that can move between a first position, in which the opening 26 is blocked by the valve head lower end 54 and prevents liquid or gel in the reservoir body from passing through the corresponding opening 26, and a second position, in which the valve head 51 is retracted and the slotted upper end 55 allows liquid or gel to pass through the opening 26 and enables the transfer device 22 to absorb the liquid or gel.

[0112] The movement of each one-way valve 50 from the first position to the second position can be caused by applying an external force to the outer wall 32 of the reservoir body 20 at a position adjacent to the valve to deform the body and thereby cause the liquid or gel to want to move out of the chamber 21 through one or more openings. The valve leg portion 52 is arranged in the interior chamber 21 of the reservoir body 20 and can be arranged against or sufficiently adjacent to the outer wall 32 so that the force applied to the outer wall causes the valve to be pressed and moved from the first position to the second position. The push track portion 53 can also cause pressure to be applied to multiple valves 50 associated with the track portion 53.

[0113] like Figure 8 As shown, the applicator device 10b can be stored in a correspondingly sized and / or shaped carrying case 56, which can be in the form of a pouch or container 56, for example. The skilled person will appreciate that the ability to carry such a compact and portable device enables a person to easily store and then use the device as needed (e.g., when visiting a grocery store or when attending any public event that may require the user to manually contact one or more elongated objects that may be contaminated). The user can simply remove the device from their pocket or bag, attach the device to the object, and slide the device along the object (rotating it if necessary) to ensure that the liquid or gel is dispensed over the entire surface area of ​​the object. Thus, such a device can be used to clean, disinfect and / or sterilize the surface area of ​​an object (depending on the specific liquid / gel formulation), and can also have the same effect on the user's hands when in contact with the object (i.e., because the liquid or gel will be transferred to the user's hands after contact). In the case of a grocery store, this will have the added benefit of providing protection to the user's hands during subsequent interactions with people or objects (e.g., when manipulating additional goods (such as grocery items) whose surfaces may also be contaminated).

[0114] Once the device has been used, the user can then pack the applicator back into its storage box 56 for future use. Of course, the device need not be a portable device, and as previously described, can be manufactured so that it is already integrated with objects such as trolley handles, handrails, railings, etc. For example, such a device can be permanently mounted on handrails and railings at a stadium, and as described in more detail below, their movement can even be automated so that the device does not require manual manipulation.

[0115] The applicator device may be manufactured for single use, whereby the reservoir body 20 is filled with a liquid or gel and is not refillable. Alternatively, the applicator device may be reusable, whereby the reservoir body 20 includes an access valve or cap (such as a Fig.11 10e in the figure), the access valve or cover enables the reservoir body to be refilled with liquid or gel (for example by a liquid / gel injection device not shown).

[0116] exist Fig. 9 An applicator device 10c according to another embodiment is shown in various views in FIG. 1 , and it should be understood that the device 10c is configured for use on a flat surface 58 of a three-dimensional object. For example, the device 10c can be used to apply a cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing liquid or gel to an elongated object having a square or rectangular cross-section. Since the two sections 16 of the device 10c are hinged 60, it should be understood that the angle between the two flat surfaces 58 does not necessarily have to be a right angle, because the device 10c can be adjusted to any angle between, for example, 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0117] exist Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, it will be appreciated that each of the two sections 16 of the device 10c includes a reservoir body 20 having an interior chamber 21 and one or more openings 26 extending along the interior wall 24 of each reservoir body 20 (according to the previous embodiments). However, in this particular embodiment, the one or more openings 26 are in the form of a single elongated opening rather than a plurality of apertures. Further, the transfer device 22 itself includes a plurality of circular notches 62 that do not extend all the way through the transfer device 22. In this way, the notches facilitate sliding the transfer device 22 across the surface 58.

[0118] It should be understood that while each of the three embodiments described above includes minor variations, such as including different types of openings in the inner wall of the reservoir body, configurations of the transfer device, and different types of hinges, these are described and illustrated by way of example only, and each embodiment may be modified to incorporate one or more features of the other embodiments. For example, Fig. 9 The device 10c can be well combined with the aforementioned flow control device, and Figure 1-4 The device 10a may also incorporate a transfer device having a plurality of circular indentations across its contact surface. In fact, it should be understood that any of the embodiments described herein may well be configured to include one or more features from another embodiment, if applicable.

[0119] As previously mentioned, movement of the devices 10a-10c (i.e., sliding of the devices along the elongated object 12) need not be accomplished manually and can be accomplished preferably automatically, which provides a significant benefit as there will be no need to manually manipulate the devices in order to apply a cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing liquid or gel to a particular surface. Fig.10 An example of a device 10 d incorporating a drive unit 63 accommodating a drive device 64 is illustrated.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive device 64 is a drive motor and associated electronics 66 and associated drive wheel 68. The drive motor and electronics 66 and drive wheel 68 are supported by one or more frame members 70, and although not shown, the drive motor and electronics 66 will also utilize a battery also supported by one or more frame members 70, which provides power to the drive motor 66. The drive wheel 68 is positioned so that its rolling surface contacts the outer surface 14 of the elongated member 12, and the skilled person will understand that when the drive wheel 68 is rotated, its rolling surface will roll on the outer surface 14 and cause the device 10d to move longitudinally along the outer surface. If the outer surface 14 has rifling, as described in one or more of the previous embodiments, such rifling will cause the device 10d to rotate during its automatic longitudinal movement, which will ensure that the liquid or gel is completely and evenly applied across the entire surface area of ​​the outer surface 14 of the object.

[0121] As previously mentioned, the device according to the aforementioned embodiment can be a single-use device or a reusable device. Regarding the latter, the reservoir body 20 can be made of a material with sufficient elasticity to ensure that after deformation to enable the transfer of liquid, the body returns to its original shape for future use. Of course, the reservoir body 20 does not have to be deformable. In this regard, the reservoir body 20 can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel, but if it is made of a non-deformable material such as stainless steel, it will be necessary to use another mechanism for releasing the fluid from the inside of the metal chamber. For example, as previously mentioned, the release of the liquid or gel can be achieved only as a result of the interaction between the transfer device 22 and the outer surface 14 of the object 12 or its covering. The liquid or gel can also leave the chamber 21 of the reservoir body 20 through one or more openings 26 and / or by the natural migration of the gel from the wet area to the dry area or the natural migration of the gel or liquid from a higher concentration to a lower concentration under the action of gravity (or the centripetal force when the device rotates).

[0122] The reservoir body 20 may be constructed of a transparent material to enable a user to observe the level of liquid or gel in the reservoir body to determine whether the internal chamber needs to be refilled. The reservoir body 20 may be constructed of any suitable plastic material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene (high density or low density), polyethylene terephthalate, or polylactic acid. Preferably, the reservoir body may be constructed of environmentally sustainable, recyclable materials, and the use of such materials is feasible as long as the reservoir body is able to meet its functional requirements as described herein.

[0123] In further embodiments, the reservoir body may be partially permeable to the gel or liquid contained within the chamber to provide a protective gel or liquid to the exterior of the reservoir body. This will ensure that the device 10 itself does not provide a surface through which microorganisms or viruses could potentially be transmitted when a user attempts to manually press or move the device.

[0124] The transfer device 22 may be constructed of any suitable absorbent material, such as a sponge, including, for example, cellulose fiber foam. When the transfer device 22 is in the form of a non-absorbent insert, it may be constructed of, for example, a material similar to that of the reservoir body 20. The liquid or gel contained in the reservoir body 20 may be made of any suitable composition for cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing the outer surface 14, depending on the application. For example, in the case where the device is used to kill viral and bacterial microorganisms, the reservoir body may be filled with any antiseptic, antibacterial or antiviral medium. For example, in the case of a trolley handle application, a composition similar to that currently used in conventional disinfectant hand sanitizers may be used, although the present invention is not intended to be limited to any one particular liquid or gel.

[0125] exist Figure 11-15 In the embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the transfer device 22 is alternatively constructed of a substantially non-absorbent material and that the transfer device 22 forms the inner wall of the reservoir body 16 rather than lining the inner wall of the reservoir body 20. In this regard, the applicator device 10e includes a transfer device 22 in the form of one or more non-absorbent inserts 72 (in the illustrated embodiment, two inserts 72 configured to be clamped together to form a ring) having a plurality of applicators 74 that are appropriately positioned to effectuate the transfer of a liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body 20 to an outer surface 14 (which may be an outer surface of an object or a cover 38 for an object, as shown). It should be understood that in this embodiment, the transfer of the liquid or gel is effected by rotation of the device 10, which causes the applicators 74 to move across the surface 14 disposed between the various protrusions of the rifling 36 and dispense the liquid or gel onto the surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the rifling 36 is a quad-helical rifling (ie, four rifling grooves that are radially spaced at equal angles and that correspondingly spiral around the cover such that they are spaced apart by a substantially constant distance).

[0126] Each of the two inserts 72 includes a side flange 73 that is adapted to engage to connect the two inserts 72 and form the annular shape. Once engaged, the flanges 73 can be permanently fixed together, for example by sonic welding. The insert flange 73 is wedged between two opposing and correspondingly shaped reservoir body parts 20, which once engaged also form a substantially annular shape, and the engagement forms a sealed internal chamber 21 between each reservoir body part and the corresponding insert. The flange 73 may include one or more apertures to allow liquid or gel to pass between the two internal chambers 21.

[0127] Each reservoir body portion 20 also includes a series of internal structural members 75 that are positioned and dimensioned to reinforce the corresponding internal sleeve at desired locations and to increase the overall rigidity of the sleeve and reservoir body 20 .

[0128] Applicator 74a can be in the form of one or more roller ball applicators 74a, each roller ball applicator including a substantially hollow housing 76 formed in insert 72 (e.g., molded into the insert annular body). Each hollow housing 76 can include a crenellated cup 78 that extends into the reservoir body at one end so that the cup is in fluid communication with the interior chamber 21 of the reservoir body and receives a ball 80 at an opposite end adjacent to surface 14. Fig.11 As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 , the ball 80 is positioned so that when the applicator device 10 e engages and moves along the rifled cover 38, the ball 80 is in rolling contact with the outer surface 14. As the applicator device 10 e moves along the cover 38 to apply the cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface 14 thereof, the ball 80 rotates, thereby transferring the liquid or gel from the interior of the crenellated cup 78 into the hollow shell 76, around the ball 80, and onto the outer surface 14. This flow of liquid or gel is Fig.13 As shown in more detail, Fig.13 A simplified form of roller ball applicator 74a is depicted, including housing 76 , cup 78 (non-crenellated in this case), and ball 80 .

[0129] The skilled artisan will appreciate that when the device 10e includes a plurality of ball applicators 74a, the balls effectively cause the device 10e to act similar to a ball bearing about the object 12, as the balls allow the device 10e to very easily rotate and move along the surface 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the rifling 36 is associated with a cover 38 that has been fitted to a shopping cart handle, and when the device 10e is fitted to such a cover 38, it will be appreciated that the eight balls 80 associated with the eight applicators 74a are positioned to roll across the surface 14 of the cover. The extent of movement is limited by the rifling, as the rifling is raised high enough from the surface 14 to prevent the balls from rolling on the rifling.

[0130] The applicators 74a associated with the non-absorbent insert 72 may be radially separated by an angle that substantially corresponds to the radial separation between the rifling lines 36, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 , which is most clearly shown in the cross-sectional view of . Moreover, once the applicator device 10E is engaged with the covering 38, the distance that each applicator 74 extends inwardly from the non-absorbent insert 72 (e.g., the distance that the ball extends from the surface of the insert 72 when the applicator 74a is in use) substantially corresponds to the distance that each rifling 36 extends outwardly from the outer surface 14. In this way, each rifling 36 acts as a guide for each corresponding applicator 74, which is substantially prevented from passing over the corresponding rifling 36 when moving longitudinally, and instead causes the applicator 74 to move alongside the rifling 36, thereby imparting rotational motion to the applicator device 10e. Fig.11 In the example shown, there are four riflings 36 spaced at equal radial distances around the cover 38, and there are four applicators 74a associated with each of the two inserts 72 radially spaced at corresponding angles, however, other configurations and arrangements are possible.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the applicator 74a is positioned so that two balls are positioned in each of the four channels defined by the four riflings, and in particular, the balls are positioned so that if a ball at one end of the device is positioned at the center of a channel extending between two riflings, then the ball at the opposite end of the device located in the same channel will also be positioned at the center of the channel. In other words, the ball at one end of the device can be arranged at an angle corresponding to the angle of the spiral of the rifling with the ball at the other end of the device. The skilled person will understand that this particular orientation of the balls at the opposite ends of the device 10e allows some freedom of movement (i.e., some clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the device, even when the device is not moving longitudinally), but the radial movement is limited by the degree of radial separation of the rifling. The farther the riflings are spaced, the greater the range of radial movement possible. In any case, it will be understood that when the device is slid along the shopping trolley handle, one or more riflings serve as guides for the ball 80, and because the rifling is spiral, the rifling will rotate the device 10e as the device moves along the object.

[0132] Additional means of guiding the device 10e during movement along the object may be utilized. For example, Fig.11 and Fig.12The embodiment also includes a slide 81 attached along the inner surface of each insert 73 and oriented (angled) corresponding to the channel defined between two adjacent rifling grooves. The slide 81 is sized to fit within the channel between two adjacent rifling grooves. By including the slide 81, the rotation of the device is further restricted because the ball 80 is no longer able to rotate freely radially, i.e., between two adjacent rifling grooves as previously described, while remaining able to spiral longitudinally as the device moves along the object. Each ball 80 is effectively fixed radially in a position between two adjacent rifling grooves (e.g., in an intermediate radial position between the two rifling grooves).

[0133] The slides may be attached to the insert using any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, each slide 81 includes at least one pin 83 configured to be received in and retained by a correspondingly located socket 85 molded into the sleeve 73 .

[0134] The slide 81 may also be configured in a variety of different ways depending on the desired application. For example, the slide 81 may be configured so that it serves only as a guide and does not contact the surface 14 (e.g., Fig.11 and 12 14). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a slider 81 may be further raised from the insert so as to contact the surface 14 for spreading the liquid or gel dispensed by the front applicator 74. Of course, the use of the slider 81 is optional, and if the slider 81 is not used, the device 10e will function in the manner previously described, i.e., the ball 80 and therefore the device 10e are thereby capable of radial movement to the extent permitted by the rifling. As described above, radial movement will be limited according to the minimum radial arrangement between two adjacent riflings associated with the cover 38, between which the ball is located.

[0135] It should be understood that the slider 81 can also be used in the aforementioned embodiments, where the absorbent pad is used to line the interior surface of the reservoir body and transfer liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body to the surface 14. For example, the absorbent pad itself can be used as the slider, whereby the absorbent pad is shaped and oriented to be guided between adjacent raised rifling.

[0136] and Fig.11 and 12The reason that the cup 78 associated with each applicator 74a in the apparatus 10e is crenellated is to facilitate the passage of liquid or gel from within the reservoir body chamber 21 into the cup during rotation of the apparatus 10e. In this regard, as the apparatus rotates, the cup 78 picks up fluid, and the amount of fluid that is able to enter the cup may depend on the height of the crenellations. According to one embodiment, each cup may be sufficiently crenellated to ensure that sufficient liquid or gel is picked up by the cup to sustain a full rotation of the apparatus 10e. In other words, as the apparatus 10e rotates, the gel within the cup is dispensed by the roller ball 80, while at the same time, the cup 78 is effectively refilled by the movement of liquid or gel into the cup, including through the crenellations. The cup 78 may also include means for directing liquid or gel into the cup during rotation of the apparatus 10e, as described in more detail below.

[0137] Fig.14 An example of an applicator according to an alternative embodiment is shown, namely a pressure flap applicator 74b, which also includes a substantially hollow housing 76 that includes a cup 78 (in this case non-crenelated) at one end and extends into the reservoir body interior chamber at the other end. In particular, the housing 76 terminates in an X-shaped flap 82 that does not allow liquid or gel to flow through under normal conditions. The X-shaped flap 82 is raised and positioned so that when sufficient pressure is applied from liquid or gel that moves from the reservoir body 16 into the cup 78 and toward the X-shaped flap 82 (e.g., by rotation of the device 10e), the flap opens, thereby allowing the liquid or gel to transfer from the interior of the reservoir body 16 through the flap 82 into the hollow housing 76 and onto the outer surface 14, wherein once the application of said pressure ceases, the flap returns to their original state.

[0138] Fig.15 An example of an applicator according to a further alternative embodiment is shown, namely a slot-type applicator 74c, which also includes a substantially hollow housing 76 that includes a cup 78 (in this case non-crenelated) at one end and extends into the reservoir body interior chamber at the other end. In particular, the housing 76 terminates in a tapered surface 84 having a slit 86 at an opposite end that does not allow liquid or gel to flow through in its normal state. The tapered surface 84 and the associated slit 86 are configured so that the tapered surface contacts the outer surface 14 when the applicator device 10e is engaged with the cover 38 and moves along it. In this embodiment, when the applicator device 10e is moved along the cover 38 to apply the cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface 14, the contact between the tapered surface 84 and the outer surface 14 causes the liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body 16 to be transferred through the slit 86 into the hollow housing 76 and onto the outer surface 14.

[0139] Fig.16An example of an applicator according to yet another alternative embodiment is shown, namely a spray-type applicator 74d, which also includes a substantially hollow housing 76 that includes a cup 78 (in this case non-crenelated) at one end and extends into the reservoir body interior chamber at the other end. In particular, the housing 76 terminates in a bulb 88 that includes a plurality of orifices 90 that, in their normal state, do not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough. The plurality of orifices 90 are configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied from the liquid or gel that moves from the reservoir body 16 into the cup 78 and toward the plurality of orifices 90 (e.g., by rotation of the device 10e), the plurality of orifices 90 allow the liquid or gel to transfer from the interior of the reservoir body through the plurality of orifices 90 through the plurality of orifices 90 into the hollow housing 76 and onto the outer surface 14 through the air and a burst 92 of liquid or gel, wherein the burst 92 ceases once the application of pressure ceases.

[0140] In one or more of the various applicator embodiments described above that require movement of liquid or gel from the reservoir body into the cup 78, the reservoir body 16 may include means to facilitate or direct the flow of the liquid / gel into the cup 78. Fig.11 and 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the means for promoting or directing flow is in the form of a plurality of protruding pins 96 extending inwardly relative to the reservoir body outer wall 32. Each inwardly directed protruding pin 96 facilitates flow by being positioned substantially coaxially with each cup 78 so as to direct the liquid / gel therein and by extending a short distance into the cup 78.

[0141] In particular, according to the illustrated embodiment, the projecting pin 96 includes at least one web portion 97 terminating in a nipple 98 that extends a short distance into the cup to align with the space defined by diametrically opposed pairs of adjacent cup castellations, such as Fig.11 Thus, the web portion 97 is shaped and raised to a position above the cup (so that it is not in direct contact) to guide the liquid or gel to move in. The three-dimensional shape of the protruding pin 96 can be Fig.12 It is also understood that the web portion 97 may include additional reinforcing web portions 99. In the illustrated embodiment, these portions form a cross with the web portion 97. In addition, Fig.12 The embodiment shows that more than one protruding pin can be linked by the track portion 100, which can also be used to provide additional rigidity to the device 10e. The skilled person will appreciate that by providing an obstacle, any meniscus or similar fluid retention effect associated with the liquid or gel is broken, thereby facilitating the flow of the liquid or gel into the cup 78 through the pin 96.

[0142] An alternative to using a raised slider 81 to spread the dispensed liquid or gel across the surface 14 during movement of the device 10e may be in the form of a set of inwardly directed brushes (not shown). Figures 11 to 16 In the various applicator embodiments shown and described above, one or more of the non-absorbent inserts may also include at least one set of inwardly directed brushes (not shown) that extend toward the exterior surface 14 such that when the applicator device 10e is clamped onto the cover, the set of brushes contacts the exterior surface 14. The set of brushes may be arranged such that when the applicator device 10e is moved longitudinally along the cover 38 to apply the cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the exterior surface 14, the set of brushes moves over any liquid or gel that has been transferred by the various applicators and distributes it over an increased surface area.

[0143] The skilled person should now appreciate the advantages associated with using the apparatus 10a to 10e of the present invention. For example, by using Fig.11 and 12 With the device 10e shown, a user of a shopping trolley can slide (rotate) the device 10e from one end of the shopping trolley handle to the other with minimal effort in order to apply the disinfectant liquid or gel onto the shopping trolley handle cover, which then enables the disinfectant liquid or gel to be transferred to the user's hands as the cover is manipulated. Due to the action of the ball bearings, the user can, for example, tap the device 10e with a single finger to move it from one end of the handle to the other, thereby minimizing the amount of manual contact required to evenly apply the disinfectant liquid or gel across the surface 14 of the cover 38. Alternatively, the device can be automatically driven. Although the use of the roller ball and other applicators described can only dispense a "line" of liquid or gel as it moves across the surface 14, this will be sufficient because there are two roller balls in each channel, so any area not covered by the front applicator will likely be covered by the rear applicator. In any case, once the device is moved from one end of the handle to the other, it is likely that enough liquid will be released to enable the user to manipulate the shopping trolley handle (cover) themselves and be confident that a sufficient amount of disinfectant liquid or gel has been transferred to their hands. If the user prefers to reapply the sanitizing liquid or gel, the device 10e may be moved from one end of the handle to the other periodically throughout the shopping experience.

[0144] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprising" and "containing", will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated features or steps, or groups of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other features or steps, or groups of features or steps.

[0145] Any reference to prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

1. An applicator device for applying a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface of an elongated object of uniform cross-section or a covering configured to extend over an elongated object of uniform cross-section, the applicator device comprising: One or more segments formed into a shape that conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the elongated object of uniform cross-section or its covering so that the one or more segments can engage with the outer surface, each or a combination of the one or more segments comprising: one or more hollow reservoir bodies configured to hold the liquid or gel; and having a non-absorbent inner wall associated therewith, including one or more applicators disposed across a contact surface thereof in operable communication with said one or more reservoir bodies to facilitate transfer of said liquid or gel from the interior of each reservoir body to said outer surface, wherein the one or more applicators are configured such that transfer of the liquid or gel from the interior of each reservoir body to the outer surface occurs by the one or more applicators in response to movement of the applicator device along the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section.

2. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The applicator device is shaped to correspond to at least a portion of the cross-section of the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering and thereby enables at least partial engagement with the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering.

3. An applicator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each applicator device is a spray-type applicator that is activated to impart a burst of air and liquid from within the one or more reservoir bodies onto the exterior surface in response to movement of the device along the uniform cross-section elongated object or covering.

4. An applicator device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The outer surface of the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering comprises one or more radial protrusions to facilitate movement of the applicator device along the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering and uniform application of the liquid or gel on the outer surface.

5. The applicator device of claim 4, wherein: The one or more radial protrusions are in the form of one or more raised riflings which spiral around the outer surface of the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering along the length of the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering, the rifling imparting rotational motion to the applicator device as the applicator device is moved along the length of the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering.

6. The applicator device of claim 5, wherein: The rifling is double-helix, triple-helix or quadruple-helix.

7. The applicator device of claim 4, wherein: Each of the one or more applicators includes a hollow housing extending into the reservoir body.

8. The applicator device of claim 7, wherein: The one or more applicators are molded into the one or more inserts.

9. The applicator device of claim 8, wherein: The one or more applicators include one or more roller ball applicators.

10. The applicator device of claim 9, wherein: The hollow housing includes a first end extending into the reservoir body and receiving a ball at an opposite end, wherein: the ball being positioned so as to be in rolling contact with the outer surface when the applicator device is engaged with and moved along the outer surface, and As the applicator device is moved along the elongated object of uniform cross-section or covering to apply a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface, the ball rotates and thereby transfers liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body into the hollow shell, around the ball, and onto the outer surface.

11. An applicator device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The one or more applicators include one or more pressure flap applicators.

12. The applicator device of claim 11, wherein: The hollow housing includes a first end that extends into the reservoir body and terminates at an opposite end in an X-shaped fin that, in its normal state, does not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough, wherein: The X-shaped flaps are positioned so that when sufficient pressure is applied from liquid or gel that moves from the reservoir body into the hollow shell and toward the X-shaped flaps, the flaps open, thereby allowing liquid or gel to transfer from the interior of the reservoir body through the opened flaps into the hollow shell and onto the outer surface, and Once the pressure ceases to be applied, the X-shaped fins return to their original state.

13. An applicator device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The plurality of applicators includes one or more tapered slot applicators.

14. An applicator device according to claim 13, wherein: The hollow housing includes a first end extending into the reservoir body and terminating at an opposite end in a tapered surface having a slit that does not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough in its normal state, wherein: The tapered surface and associated slit are configured such that when the applicator device is engaged with and moved therealong, the tapered surface contacts the outer surface, and When the applicator device is moved along the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section to apply a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface, contact between the tapered surface and the outer surface causes the liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body to transfer through the slit into the hollow shell and onto the outer surface.

15. An applicator device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The one or more applicators are in the form of one or more spray-type applicators.

16. The applicator device of claim 15, wherein: The hollow housing includes a first end that extends into the reservoir body and terminates at an opposite end in a bulb that includes a plurality of apertures that, in their normal state, do not allow liquid or gel to flow therethrough, wherein: The plurality of orifices are configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied from a liquid or gel that moves from the reservoir body into the hollow shell and toward the plurality of orifices, the plurality of orifices allow the liquid or gel to transfer from the interior of the reservoir body through a burst of air and liquid or gel through the plurality of orifices into the hollow shell and onto the outer surface, and Once the application of said pressure ceases, said burst of air and liquid or gel ceases.

17. An applicator device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The hollow housing includes a cup at a reservoir body end of the housing configured to temporarily retain a volume of liquid or gel prior to transfer of the volume of liquid or gel to the outer surface via the applicator.

18. An applicator device according to claim 17, wherein The one or more reservoir bodies include means to promote flow into each cup in the form of inwardly directed protrusions associated with an outer wall of the reservoir body, each inwardly directed protrusion promoting flow by: is located coaxially with each cup to direct the liquid / gel therein, and / or Extends at least partially into the cup.

19. An applicator device according to claim 18, wherein The cup is crenellated and the inwardly directed protrusion is in the form of a projecting pin including at least one web portion terminating in a nipple-like protrusion which extends a short distance into the cup to align with the space defined by the crenellations of radially opposed pairs of adjacent cups.

20. The applicator device of claim 19, wherein: The at least one web portion comprises a main web portion terminating in the nipple and an additional reinforcing web portion together forming a cross-shaped pin, wherein two or more of the pins disposed inside each reservoir body are linked by a track portion.

21. An applicator device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The outer surface of the uniform cross-section elongated object or covering includes one or more radial protrusions to facilitate movement of the applicator device, each applicator associated with the non-absorbent insert being radially separated by an angle corresponding to the radial separation angle between each rifling.

22. An applicator device according to claim 21, wherein Once the applicator device is engaged with the elongated object of uniform cross-section, the distance each applicator extends inwardly from the non-absorbent insert corresponds to the distance each rifling extends outwardly from the outer surface, so that each rifling acts as a guide for each corresponding applicator and prevents the corresponding applicator from crossing the corresponding rifling, but instead causes the applicator to move alongside the rifling, imparting a rotational motion to the applicator device.

23. The applicator device of claim 21, wherein: Each non-absorbent insert also includes a sliding connector extending along its inner surface and sized to fit within the spiral channel formed between at least two adjacent raised rifling grooves, the raised rifling grooves thereby serving as guides for movement of the sliding connector throughout the spiral channel.

24. The applicator device of claim 22, wherein: The sliding connectors are sufficiently raised from the inner surface of the non-absorbent insert to allow liquid or gel that has been applied by one or more applicators to spread across the surface of the corresponding channels.

25. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The elongate object of uniform cross-section has a circular cross-section and the applicator device comprises two segments and one or more associated biasing means which rotatably bias the two segments in an engaged position towards each other on the elongate object of uniform cross-section or covering.

26. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: Movement of the applicator device along the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section is achieved manually.

27. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The movement of the applicator device along the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section is achieved by drive means associated with the applicator device.

28. An applicator device according to claim 27, wherein The drive device is a drive motor housed in an end unit of the applicator device, which drives an associated drive wheel that is positioned so that it is in frictional contact with the outer surface of the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section, and the rotation of the drive wheel moves the applicator device relative to the outer surface.

29. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The one or more non-absorbent inserts are constructed of a rubber-like material.

30. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: One or more non-absorbent inserts are constructed of Santoprene™ or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

31. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The applicator device comprises two sections connected by an articulated hinge which enables the separation distance between the two sections to be adjustable, allowing the applicator device to be contoured to different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes.

32. An applicator device according to claim 31, wherein The cross-section of the applicator device is shaped to engage with an object of corresponding cross-sectional dimensions including square, rectangular, circular or oval.

33. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: Each reservoir body is constructed of a transparent material to enable a user to observe the level of liquid or gel in the reservoir body.

34. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The reservoir body is deformable and constructed of a resilient material.

35. An applicator device according to claim 34, wherein The reservoir body is constructed from a plastic material.

36. The applicator device of claim 34, wherein: The reservoir body is composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or polylactic acid.

37. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The reservoir body is non-deformable and constructed of a non-elastic material.

38. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The reservoir body is non-deformable and constructed of stainless steel.

39. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The liquid or gel consists of a composition for cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing the outer surface of the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section.

40. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The applicator device is configured for single use whereby each reservoir body is filled with a liquid or gel and is not refillable.

41. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The applicator device is reusable whereby the reservoir body comprises an access valve or cap which enables the reservoir body to be refilled with a liquid or gel.

42. The applicator device of claim 1, wherein: The applicator device is stored in a pouch or container of corresponding size.

43. An applicator device for applying a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface of a covering extending over an elongated object of uniform cross-section of circular or oval cross-section, said covering including raised rifling journalled around said outer surface of said covering along its length, said applicator device comprising: one or more segments that together form an annular shape configured to surround the elongated object of uniform cross-section, wherein each or a combination of the one or more segments comprises: a hollow reservoir body configured to retain the liquid or gel; one or more non-absorbent inserts forming an inner wall of the reservoir body and comprising one or more applicators that facilitate transfer of the liquid or gel from the interior of the reservoir body to the outer surface, wherein: Each applicator is radially separated by an angle corresponding to the radial separation angle between each rifling groove, and each applicator extends inwardly from the one or more non-absorbent inserts a distance corresponding to the distance each rifling extends outwardly from the outer surface, such that each rifling serves as a guide for each corresponding applicator such that when the applicator device is moved longitudinally, the applicator is prevented from intersecting the corresponding rifling, which instead causes the applicator to move along the rifling to impart rotational motion to the applicator device; and Wherein the one or more applicators are configured such that application of a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the outer surface occurs by the one or more applicators in response to movement of the applicator device along the rifled cover.

44. A liquid / gel applicator assembly for an elongated object of uniform cross-section, the assembly comprising: a cover for the elongated object of uniform cross-section, the cover being configured to extend over the elongated object of uniform cross-section and including one or more raised rifling journalled around an outer surface of the cover along its length; and An applicator device comprising one or more segments that together form a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the covering, wherein each or a combination of the one or more segments comprises: a hollow reservoir body configured to hold a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel; a non-absorbable insert arranged in the applicator device and forming an inner wall configured as a non-absorbable inner wall as defined in any one or more of claims 1 to 42; and wherein the one or more applicators are configured such that application of a cleaning, disinfecting and / or sterilizing liquid or gel to the exterior surface occurs by the one or more applicators in response to movement of the applicator device along the elongated object or covering of uniform cross-section.

45. An elongated object having an outer surface and having a uniform cross-section or a covering thereof, the elongated object having a uniform cross-section or a covering thereof comprising:

44. An applicator device constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 43 for applying a disinfecting liquid or gel to said outer surface in response to movement of said applicator device along said elongate object or covering of uniform cross-section.

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