U.S. patent application number 16/136640 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-11 for splash-proof covers for drains and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Boehringer Technologies, LP. Invention is credited to Bradley Boehringer, William C. Dackis, Kevin Klocek, Helmut Laenger, Barbara McConnell, Nora Powell, Christopher L. Radl, Trevor Smith.
Application Number | 20190106869 16/136640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65993871 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190106869 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Radl; Christopher L. ; et
al. |
April 11, 2019 |
SPLASH-PROOF COVERS FOR DRAINS AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
Disclosed are splash-proof covers and methods of use to prevent
liquid within a pipe under the drain of a sink having a basin from
splashing out of the sink. The covers include a central body
portion having an undersurface from which plural spaced apart,
suction cups project downward. The covers may include an
anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal agent and are configured to be
disposed in the sink with each of the suction cups releasably
engaging respective portions of the basin surrounding the drain and
with the central body portion being located directly over the drain
and spaced slightly thereabove. The central body portion enables
water from a faucet to flow under it into the drain while providing
a barrier to prevent any liquid within a pipe under the drain from
splashing back into the sink.
Inventors: |
Radl; Christopher L.;
(Malvern, PA) ; Boehringer; Bradley; (West
Kingston, RI) ; McConnell; Barbara; (Malvern, PA)
; Klocek; Kevin; (Feasterville, PA) ; Laenger;
Helmut; (Huntingdon Valley, PA) ; Powell; Nora;
(West Chester, PA) ; Smith; Trevor; (West Chester,
PA) ; Dackis; William C.; (Medford, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Boehringer Technologies, LP |
Phoenixville |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65993871 |
Appl. No.: |
16/136640 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62570169 |
Oct 10, 2017 |
|
|
|
62679126 |
Jun 1, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 1/14 20130101; E03C
1/186 20130101; E03C 1/264 20130101; E03C 1/181 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/181 20060101
E03C001/181; E03C 1/186 20060101 E03C001/186 |
Claims
1. A splash-proof cover for a sink including drain and a basin
surrounding the drain, said splash-proof cover comprising: a
central body portion having an upper surface and an undersurface;
and plural suction cups connected to said central body portion,
each of said suction cups projecting downward from the undersurface
of said central body portion, said suction cups being spaced from
one another, said splash-proof cover being configured to be
disposed in said sink with each of said suction cups releasably
engaging by suction respective portions of the basin surrounding
the drain and with said central body portion being located directly
over the drain and spaced slightly thereabove, whereupon said
central body portion shields the drain from above but enables water
from a faucet to flow under said central body portion into the
drain and with said central body portion providing a barrier to
prevent any liquid within a pipe under the drain from splashing
back into the sink.
2. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, wherein said upper surface is
contoured to reduce splashing of water from the faucet which
impacts said upper surface.
3. The splash-proof cover of claim 2, wherein said upper surface is
convex and at least a portion of said undersurface is concave.
4. The splash-proof cover of claim 2, wherein said central body
portion additionally comprises plural reinforcing ribs projecting
downward from said undersurface.
5. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, wherein said splash-proof
cover is formed of a flexible material.
6. The splash-proof cover of claim 5, wherein said flexible
material comprises a plastic.
7. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, wherein said splash-proof
cover additionally comprises three legs projecting outward from
said central body portion, each of said legs including an
undersurface from which a respective one of said suction cups
projects downward.
8. The splash-proof cover of claim 2, wherein said contoured upper
surface comprises a plurality of spikes.
9. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, additionally comprising at
least one projection extending upward from said splash-proof cover
to enable said splash proof cover to be grasped thereby to
facilitate removal of said splash-proof cover from said sink.
10. The splash proof-cover of claim 9, wherein said at least one
projection comprises a tab located adjacent one of said suction
cups.
11. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, wherein said upper surface
terminates in an annular rim in the form a return extending under a
portion of said undersurface to increase the distance that any
microbes on said undersurface have to traverse to reach said upper
surface.
12. The splash-proof cover of claim 11, wherein said upper surface
is convex.
13. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, additionally comprising an
anti-microbial agent.
14. The splash-proof cover of claim 13, wherein said anti-microbial
agent is an additive to a plastic resin which molded to form said
splash-proof cover.
15. The splash-proof cover of claim 13, wherein said anti-microbial
agent comprises a coating on said splash-proof cover.
16. The splash-proof cover of claim 13, wherein said anti-microbial
agent comprises a flexible LED or OLED panel operative when
activated to provide anti-microbial UV light from said upper
surface.
17. The splash-proof cover of claim 16, wherein said LED or OLED
panel is configured to be activated by water pressure.
18. The splash-proof cover of claim 1, additionally comprising a
color change agent.
19. The splash-proof cover of claim 18, wherein said color change
agent changes color upon exposure to gram negative bacteria.
20. The splash-proof cover of claim 18, wherein said color change
agent changes color when the amount of gram negative bacteria
reaches a predetermined threshold value.
21. The splash-proof cover of claim 18, wherein said color change
agent provides a visible color that dissipates as water is run over
said splash-proof cover.
22. The splash-proof cover of claim 18, wherein said color change
agent changes color over time.
23. A method of preventing liquid within a pipe under a drain of a
sink from splashing out of said sink, said sink including a drain
and a basin surrounding said drain, said method comprising:
providing a splash-proof cover comprising a central body portion
having an undersurface, a plural suction cups projecting downward
from said undersurface of said central body portion, wherein said
splash-proof cover is configured to provide an anti-microbial
and/or an anti-fungal effect; causing said suction cups to
releasably engage respective portions of said basin surrounding
said drain, whereupon said central body portion is located directly
over said drain and spaced slightly thereabove to shield said drain
from above but enabling water from a faucet to flow under said
central body portion into said drain and with said central body
portion providing a barrier to prevent any liquid within a piper
under said drain from splashing back into said sink.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said splash-proof cover is
located in a room in a medical facility.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said splash-proof cover is
removed from said sink and disposed of upon cleaning of said room.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to infection control
devices and methods and more particularly to devices and methods
for preventing splashing of contaminated liquids from pipes under
sink drains.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This utility application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/570,169 filed
on Oct. 10, 2017, entitled Splash-Proof Sink Drain Cover and Method
of Use, and Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/679,126, filed on
Jun. 1, 2018, entitled Splash-Proof Covers for Drains and Methods
of Use. The entire disclosures of these provisional applications
are incorporated by reference herein.
SPECIFICATION
Background of the Invention
[0003] Infection control is an important issue in modern hospitals.
With the increase in drug resistant bacteria, a greater emphasis is
being placed on infection prevention than ever before. As new
sources of contamination are identified, it has become apparent
that sinks are a definitive culprit. Resting water in the pipe
directly under the sink drain can become a breeding ground for
bacteria, other microbes and viruses. In many sinks, the drains are
positioned just under the faucet head so when water leaves the
faucet it hits the standing water below the drain directly. This
may create a spray of contaminated water that spreads the bacteria,
fungi, etc., to neighboring surfaces.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for a device which will enable a sink
drain to operate in a normal manner to enable water from a faucet
to flow into the drain, while preventing any splashing of liquids
from the drain pipe back into the sink, even if the faucet is
located directly above the drain. The subject invention addresses
that need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of this invention is a splash-proof cover for a
sink including drain and a basin surrounding the drain. The
splash-proof cover comprises a central body portion having an upper
surface, an undersurface and plural suction cups connected to the
central body portion. Each of the suction cups projects downward
from the undersurface of the central body portion. The suction cups
are spaced apart from one another. The splash-proof cover is
configured to be disposed in the sink with each of the suction cups
releasably engaging by suction respective portions of the basin
surrounding the drain and with the central body portion being
located directly over the drain and spaced slightly thereabove. As
such, the central body portion shields the drain from above but
enables water from a faucet to flow under the central body portion
into the drain and with the central body portion providing a
barrier to prevent any liquid within a pipe under the drain from
splashing back into the sink.
[0006] In accordance with one preferred aspect of the splash-proof
cover of this invention, the upper surface is contoured to reduce
splashing of water from the faucet which impacts the upper
surface.
[0007] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the contoured upper surface
comprises a plurality of spikes.
[0008] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the splash-proof cover
additionally comprises at least one projection extending upward
from the splash-proof cover to enable the splash proof cover to be
grasped thereby to facilitate removal of the splash-proof cover
from the sink.
[0009] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the at least one projection
comprises a tab located adjacent one of the suction cups.
[0010] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the upper surface terminates
in an annular rim in the form a return extending under a portion of
the undersurface to increase the distance that any microbes on the
undersurface have to traverse to reach the upper surface.
[0011] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the upper surface is
convex.
[0012] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the splash-proof cover
additionally comprises an anti-microbial agent.
[0013] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the anti-microbial agent is
an additive to a plastic resin which molded to form the
splash-proof cover.
[0014] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the anti-microbial agent
comprises a coating on the splash-proof cover.
[0015] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the anti-microbial agent
comprises a flexible light emitting diode ("LED") panel or organic
light emitting diode ("OLED") panel that is operative when
activated to provide anti-microbial UV light from its upper
surface.
[0016] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the LED panel or OLED panel
is configured to be activated by water pressure.
[0017] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the splash-proof cover
additionally comprises a color change agent.
[0018] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the color change agent
changes color upon exposure to gram negative bacteria.
[0019] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the color change agent
changes color when the amount of gram negative bacteria reaches a
predetermined threshold value.
[0020] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the color change agent
provides a visible color that dissipates as water is run over the
splash-proof cover.
[0021] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the
splash-proof cover of this invention, the color agent changes color
over time.
[0022] Another aspect of this invention is a method of preventing
liquid within a drain pipe under a drain of a sink from splashing
out of the sink. The sink includes a drain and a basin surrounding
the drain. The method comprises providing a splash-proof cover
comprising a central body portion having an undersurface, and
plural suction cups projecting downward from the undersurface of
the central body portion. The splash-proof cover is configured to
provide an anti-microbial and/or an anti-fungal effect and is
located within the sink so that the suction cups releasably engage
respective portions of the basin surrounding the drain, whereupon
the central body portion is located directly over the drain and
spaced slightly thereabove to shield the drain from above but
enabling water from a faucet to flow under the central body portion
into the drain. The central body portion provides a barrier to
prevent any liquid within a pipe under the drain from splashing
back into the sink.
[0023] In accordance with one preferred aspect of the method of
this invention, the sink is located in a room in a medical
facility.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary embodiment of a
splash-proof drain cover constructed in accordance with this
invention and shown in place in an exemplary sink;
[0025] FIG. 2 is another enlarged isometric view of the
splash-proof sink drain of FIG. 1, but showing the underside
thereof;
[0026] FIG. 3 is sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 1, but showing
another exemplary embodiment of a splash-proof drain cover
constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the cover
includes a contoured, e.g., spiked, upper surface to further reduce
splashing;
[0028] FIG. 4A is an enlarged top plan view of the portion of the
contoured upper surface of the splash-proof drain cover shown
within the area designed by the reference number 4A in FIG. 4;
[0029] FIG. 4B is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4B-4B
of FIG. 4A;
[0030] FIG. 4C is a sectional view taken along line 4C-4C of FIG.
4;
[0031] FIG. 5 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 4, but showing
another exemplary embodiment of a splash-proof drain cover
constructed in accordance with this invention and having a
contoured, e.g., spiked, upper surface to further reduce splashing,
wherein the spiked upper surface is formed by an uppermost spiked
layer and a lowermost spiked layer which are interleaved;
[0032] FIG. 5A is an enlarged top plan view of the portion of the
contoured upper surface of the splash-proof sink drain cover shown
within the area designed by the reference number 5A in FIG. 5;
[0033] FIG. 5B is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5B-5B
of FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 5C is a top plan view of the lowermost of the two
interleaved spiked layers shown within the same area as that of
FIG. 5A;
[0035] FIG. 5D is a top plan view of the uppermost of the two
interleaved spiked layers shown within the same area as that of
FIG. 5A;
[0036] FIG. 6 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 1, but showing
another exemplary embodiment of a splash-proof drain cover having
constructed in accordance with this invention and having a
peripheral underhanging annular rim to serve as a return;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 6, but showing
another exemplary embodiment of a splash-proof drain cover
constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein the
splash-proof cover includes an anti-microbial agent and/or a color
indicating agent in the form of a coating or layer on the
splash-proof cover;
[0039] FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 8;
[0040] FIG. 10 is an isometric view, similar to FIGS. 6 and 8, but
showing still another exemplary embodiment of a splash-proof sink
drain cover constructed in accordance with this invention, wherein
the splash-proof cover includes a flexible LED or OLED panel for
producing anti-microbial UV light; and
[0041] FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 11-11
of FIG. 10, and showing the components for activating and
energizing the flexible LED or OLED panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0042] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein
like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in
FIG. 1 one exemplary splash-proof drain cover 20 constructed in
accordance with this invention. The cover is shown in its operative
position in a sink 10. The sink 10 is conventional and comprises a
basin 12, a drain 14 at the bottom of the basin, a drain pipe (not
shown) located under the drain, and a faucet (not shown) located
over the basin. In the exemplary embodiment the drain includes
plural holes or apertures 16 through which liquid in the basin can
flow into the drain pipe. It should be pointed out at this juncture
that the sink and drain are merely exemplary of a myriad of sinks
and drains for which the subject splash-proof cover has
utility.
[0043] The splash proof-cover 20 is constructed so that when in the
operative position within the basin 12 and it creates a physical
barrier between water leaving the faucet and contaminated standing
water within the drain pipe under the drain. This prevents splash
back and the spread of bacteria, etc., to surrounding surfaces.
[0044] The splash-proof cover 20 is preferably a one-piece unit
comprising a central body portion 22 from which plural, e.g.,
three, legs 24A, 24B, and 24C project outward. The underside of
each of the legs is in the form of a downwardly facing suction cup.
Thus, there are three, flexible suction cups 26A, 26B, and 26C.
Each suction cup includes a solid upper portion 30, from which a
slightly outwardly flared flexible sidewall 32 extends downward.
Each sidewall terminates in a circular free edge 34. The central
body portion 22 is located above the sidewalls 32 of the suction
cups and is of generally circular profile, although it could be of
other shapes. In any case, the central body portion 22 includes an
upper convex surface 22A (FIG. 3) and a lower concave surface 22B
(FIG. 3). Three reinforcing ribs 28A, 28B, and 28C project downward
from the concave surface 22B. Each of the ribs extends from a
central hub 36 outward toward a respective suction cup. Thus, rib
28A extends from hub 36 toward suction cup 26A, rib 28B extends
from hub 36 toward suction cup 26B, and rib 28C extends from hub 36
toward suction cup 26C. It should
[0045] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of this
invention the splash-proof cover 20 is shown as an integral unit.
It is formed of a somewhat flexible material, e.g., it is molded as
an integral unit of vinyl, polyvinylchloride (PVC), or some other
moldable somewhat flexible material. Moreover, the resin from which
the splash-proof cover 20 is molded can include an additive in the
form of an anti-microbial agent so that the resulting splash-proof
cover 20 exhibits anti-microbial action, i.e., will tend to kill
microbes which contact the cover. Such additives can be zinc,
copper, silver or any other additive which can be incorporated into
the material making up the cover and which will provide the cover
with an anti-microbial effect.
[0046] The splash-proof cover 20 of the subject invention, as well
as the other splash-proof covers of this invention (to be described
later), have particular utility in a hospital setting, e.g., in a
patient's room. However, it/they can be used in other rooms as
well. In fact, the splash-proof covers of this invention and their
methods of use are not limited to hospital settings. Thus, they can
be used in any setting wherein infection control is or can be an
issue.
[0047] Use of the splash-proof cover 20 is as follows. The cover 20
is inserted into the basin 12 of the sink 10 so that the flexible
free edge 34 of each suction cup engages a respective surface of
the basin surrounding the drain 14, like shown in FIG. 1. Downward
pressure is then applied to the cover 20 to cause each sidewall 32
of each suction cup to flex and collapse to thereby adhere by
suction to the respective portion of the basin. Since the central
body section is located above the sidewalls 32, there will be a
somewhat narrow space between the under surface of the central body
section and the top surface of the drain 14. It is through this
space that water from the faucet, not shown, can flow into the
drain via the holes 16. Any standing water that may exist in the
drain pipe, and which may be contaminated with bacteria, microbes,
or other contaminants, will be prevented from splashing back into
the sink's basin by the barrier created by the overlying central
body section, even if the faucet with water running from it is
located directly over the drain. Moreover, the concave undersurface
of central body section acts to facilitate the barrier action of
the cover by directing any liquid from the drain pipe which may
attempt to splash out of the drain's holes to be directed back
through those holes into the drain pipe. The splash-proof cover 20
can be left in place until the basin is cleaned, e.g., when the
patient's room is cleaned during its turnover. At that time the
splash-proof cover is discarded, and a new splash-proof cover
mounted over the drain of the sink.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 4 there is shown another exemplary
splash-proof cover 200 constructed in accordance with this
invention. The splash-proof cover 200 is configured for use over
the drain 14 in a sink 10, like the splash-proof cover 20. The
splash-proof cover 200 is virtually identical to the splash-proof
cover 20 except for the configuration of its upper surface (to be
described shortly) and the addition of a tab (also to be described
shortly). In the interest of brevity those components of the
splash-proof 200 which are identical in construction and operation
to the like components of the splash-proof cover 20 will be given
the same reference numbers and their description and operation will
not be reiterated. Thus, as can be seen the upper surface 202 of
the splash-proof cover 200 is particularly constructed, i.e.,
contoured, to reduce or minimize the chance that water impacting
the surface 202, e.g., water from a faucet, will splash off that
surface. In the exemplary embodiment the contoured, anti-splash
surface 202 is in the form of a large plurality of pyramidal spikes
204. Each of the spikes is of short height, e.g., in the range of
approximately 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch and of a width at its base in
the range of approximately 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch.
[0049] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the use of
pyramidal shaped spikes is merely one example of various shaped
spikes which can be used to form the contoured anti-splash surface
202. Thus, the spikes may be in the form of short rod-like
projections (not shown), like the kind used for anti-splash pads in
urinals, or any other shape which will tend to reduce the splashing
of a liquid hitting it.
[0050] The splash-proof cover 200 also includes at least one
projection 206 which is provided to facilitate the removal of the
splash-proof cover 200 from the sink. In the exemplary embodiment
shown the cover 200 the projection 206 is in the form of a tab that
is unitary with and extends upward from the leg 24B. It should be
pointed out at this juncture that the tab 206 may be unitary with
and extend upward from any or all of the legs 24A-24C, if desired.
In any case, the tab 206 serves as a portion of the splash-proof
cover 200 which can be readily grasped by a user to remove the
splash-proof cover 200 from its operative position within the
sink.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 5 there is shown still another exemplary
embodiment of a splash-proof cover 300 constructed in accordance
with this invention. The cover 300 is also configured for use over
the drain 14 in a sink 10, like the splash-proof covers 20 and 200,
and is virtually identical to the splash-proof cover 200 except for
the use of two spiked layers 302A and 302B (to be described
shortly) which are interleaved to form the spiked upper surface of
the cover. In the interest of brevity those components of the
splash-proof 300 which are identical in construction and operation
with the like components of the splash-proof cover 200 will be
given the same reference numbers and their description and
operation will not be reiterated.
[0052] The layer 302B, which forms the lower layer of the cover 300
is in the form of a thin, circularly shaped convex shaped member
that is configured for disposition on the convex upper 22A surface
of the central portion 22 of the cover 300. The layer 302A can be
formed of any suitable material, e.g., a plastic, silicone, rubber,
etc., and is located and secured within an annular wall 304 that
projects slightly upward from the upper surface 22A. The annular
wall 304 bounds the outer periphery of the circular layer 302A to
secure that layer in place. The layer 302A includes a plurality of
spike projections 204A, each of which is configured and sized like
the spikes 204 of the splash-proof cover 200. However, instead of
the spikes 204B being disposed immediately adjacent one another,
like that of the splash-proof cover 200, the spikes 204A of the
lower layer 302A are spaced from one another by respective openings
or holes 306 (FIG. 5B). Each of the openings 306 is of the same
size and shape, e.g., triangular shaped, as the base of each spike
204A. The upper layer 302B also comprises a thin, circularly shaped
convex member formed of the same material as that of the layer 302A
and is configured for disposition spaced slightly above the bottom
layer 302A. The upper layer 302B is secured in place by the annular
wall 304 as shown in FIG. 5B. Like the lower layer 302A, the upper
layer 302B also includes a plurality of spikes 204B, each of which
is configured like the spikes 204A. Moreover, the spikes 204B of
the layer 302B are spaced from one another by respective openings
or holes 306. Each of the openings 306 of the layer 302B is of the
same size and shape as the base of each spike 204B.
[0053] As can be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, with the upper layer 302B
disposed above the lower layer 302A the openings 306 of the upper
layer are located over the spikes 204A of the lower layer, so that
when viewed from above the spikes 204A and 204B of the layers 302A
and 302B, respectively, appear interleaved. As should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the use of the two
interleaved and spaced layers 302A and 302B provides the
splash-proof cover 300 with even greater splash suppression than
the splash-proof cover 200, since some water reaching the upper
layer 302B will pass through the openings 306 in that layer to the
underlying bottom layer 302A and out through openings (not shown)
in the annular wall 304.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 6 there is shown still another exemplary
embodiment of a splash-proof cover 400 constructed in accordance
with this invention. The cover 400 is also configured for use over
the drain 14 in a sink 10, like the splash-proof covers 20, 200 and
300, and is virtually identical to the splash-proof cover 20 except
for the inclusion of a return 402 (to be described shortly). In the
interest of brevity those components of the splash-proof 400 which
are identical in construction and operation with the like
components of the splash-proof cover 20 will be given the same
reference numbers and their description and operation will not be
reiterated. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 7 the upper surface 22A of
the splash-proof cover 400 terminates in an annular rim 402 in the
form a "return" extending under a portion of the undersurface 22B.
The annular rim thus extends the undersurface 22B from the point at
which it ends in the embodiment 20 to the free end 404 of the rim,
i.e., provides an additional surface 406 from the free end 404 to
the point at which it merges with the undersurface 22B. This
feature thus increases the distance that any microbes on the
undersurface 22B have to traverse to reach the upper surface
22A.
[0055] Turning now to FIG. 8 there is shown still another exemplary
embodiment of a splash-proof cover 500 constructed in accordance
with this invention. The cover 500, is also configured for use over
the drain 14 in a sink 10, like the splash-proof covers 20, 200,
300 and 400, and is virtually identical to the splash-proof cover
400 except for the inclusion of an anti-microbial layer or coating
502 (to be described shortly) on the cover. In the interest of
brevity those components of the splash-proof 500 which are
identical in construction and operation with the like components of
the splash-proof cover 400 will be given the same reference numbers
and their description and operation will not be reiterated. Thus,
as can be seen in FIG. 9 the upper surface 22A and the contiguous
surface of the return 402 includes a layer or coating 502 of an
anti-microbial agent. That anti-microbial agent coating or layer
may be in the form of single layer or multiple layers. Any suitable
anti-microbial agent can be utilized. Moreover, if desired the
layer or coating 502 may also include any suitable anti-fungal
agent along with the anti-microbial agent or in lieu thereof.
[0056] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the use of an
anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal agent in a layer or coating is
also contemplated for use in the embodiment of the splash-proof
cover 20 in lieu of incorporating such an agent(s) into the resin
from which the splash-proof cover is molded. Moreover, it is also
contemplated that an anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal agent can be
applied as a coating of one or more layers onto a contoured
splash-proof upper surface of the splash-proof covers 200 and
300.
[0057] As an alternative to or an addition to the use of an
anti-microbial and/or anti-fungal agent in the layer or coating
502, that layer or coating may include any suitable coloring agent
that will automatically change color in the presence of gram
negative bacterial. That coloring agent can be selected so that it
changes color to indicate the presence of any gram negative
bacteria or to change color when the amount of gram negative
bacteria reaches a predetermined threshold value. In either case,
such a feature will enable the personnel to readily determine the
presence of gram negative bacteria in the sink so that splash-proof
cover can be removed, and the sink cleaned to remove any residual
gram negative bacteria from it, whereupon a new splash proof cover
can be put in its operative position in the sink over the
drain.
[0058] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the coloring
agent used in the layer or coating 502 need not be responsive to
the presence of gram negative bacteria or any microbes for that
matter. Instead the coloring agent may serve to indicate how long
the splash-proof cover has been in use, thus providing an
indication of when it should be removed. In this regard, the
coloring agent may be selected so that its color changes or
dissipates as water runs over it over time.
[0059] Turning now to FIG. 10 there is shown still another
exemplary embodiment of a splash-proof cover 600 constructed in
accordance with this invention. The cover 600, is also configured
for use over the drain 14 in a sink 10, like the splash-proof
covers 20, 200, 300, 400 and 500 and is virtually identical to the
splash-proof cover 500 except for the inclusion of an ultra-violet
(UV) producing panel 502 (to be described shortly) in lieu of the
anti-microbial layer 502. In the interest of brevity those
components of the splash-proof 600 which are identical in
construction and operation with the like components of the
splash-proof cover 500 will be given the same reference numbers and
their description and operation will not be reiterated. Thus, as
can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 the upper surface 22A includes a UV
producing panel 602 mounted thereon. The UV-producing panel 602 can
be any suitable flexible LED panel or OLED panel, which when
activated or energized emits UV light t that is of a suitable
wavelength and intensity to have an anti-microbial effect. The LED
or OLED panel 602 is preferably flexible and configured so that it
can be readily mounted and secured to the upper surface 22A or may
be embedded in the central body portion 22 so that its upper
surface forms the upper surface of the splash-proof cover 600. Any
suitable means for activating the UV panel 602 to produce the
microbe-killing UV light may be employed. However, it is preferred
that the UV-producing panel 602 be configured to be activated or
energized in response to water pressure on the splash-proof cover
600. To that end, the power source and associated electrical
components 604 for activating/energizing the panel 602 may be
located within a compartment 606 in the central hub 36.
[0060] It should be pointed out at this juncture, that while many
of the splash-proof covers described above are preferably
integrally molded units, those constructions are merely exemplary.
Thus, if desired, a splash-proof cover in accordance with this
invention may be formed of separate components which are secured or
assembled together. For example, the cover may comprise a separate
central body portion from which three arms project, and three
separate suction cups each of which is secured into a slot at the
end of each arm. Moreover, it is contemplated that the splash-proof
cover need not be made up of three legs and three suction cups.
Thus, the splash-proof cover can be configured to include any
number of legs and any number of suction cups. Further still, while
the central body section is shown being generally circular in shape
and having a convex upper surface and a concave lower surface that
is also merely exemplary. Thus, the central body portion can be of
various different shapes. Further yet, the cover need not make use
of projecting arms for mounting the suction cups. In such a case
the suction cups can be mounted directly on the central body
portion.
[0061] Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully
illustrate our invention that others may, by applying current or
future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions
of service.
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