Hand cleaner system

Abstract

A hand cleaner system for cleaning at least a portion of a human fingernail comprises a nail cleaner tip and a reservoir connected to the nail cleaner tip. The nail cleaner tip includes a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail, and the reservoir contains an antimicrobial solution that in operation may flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip. The system may also include a towelette containing an antimicrobial solution.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of clinical hand cleansing. Specifically, aspects of the invention relate to a hand cleaning system comprising a nail cleaner and a dose of antimicrobial solution for surgical scrub antisepsis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bacteria on the hands of surgeons can cause wound infections if introduced into the operative field during surgery because rapid multiplication of bacteria may occur under surgical gloves if hands are washed with a non-antimicrobial soap. Bacterial growth is slowed, however, after preoperative scrubbing with an antiseptic agent. Reducing resident skin flora on the hands of the surgical team for the duration of the procedure reduces the risk of bacteria being released into the surgical field should gloves become punctured or torn during surgery. A recent guideline issued from the Center for Disease Control on hand hygiene in healthcare settings recommends the use of brushless, alcohol-based hand rubs for surgical hand antisepsis. Alcohol hand rubs, when combined with preservatives or other antimicrobial agents, have been shown to have excellent antimicrobial efficacy for use as a surgical and healthcare hand antisepsis. Although recommendations suggest that hand washing without a brush is acceptable, a nail cleaner is still required to clean under the fingernails prior to performing the surgical scrub procedure.

These rinseless/brushless, alcohol-based solutions are typically dispensed from a bulk container by the application of pressure to a foot pump. In certain circumstances, the dispenser's performance may vary with each dispenser system and may give inconsistent dosage, leaving the healthcare worker to ensure they dispense the proper amount for a given surgical scrub.

Traditionally, nail cleaners have been supplied inside an antimicrobial-impregnated surgical scrub brush and have, therefore, always been available for performing a surgical scrub procedure. While nail cleaners are still required for a surgical scrub, the scrub brush, which contained the nail cleaner, is not. Consequently, nail cleaners have been made available in bulk packed containers to be placed near the scrub sinks. Such containers typically contain 50 to 500 nail cleaners and are used over the course of days or months. Without proper procedures in place, these bulk packed nail cleaners may be subject to cross contamination. An additional problem with the bulk packed nail cleaners is that they are an additional item to inventory, stock and ensure availability for the healthcare worker at each scrub sink.

A need exists for a novel integrated hand cleaner system containing a pre-dosed, alcohol-based antimicrobial solution to improve the compliance of the healthcare worker with the current recommendation for surgical hand antisepsis. Additionally, this novel hand cleaner may also contain a towelette to aid in the removal of contaminants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is directed to a hand cleaner system for use in cleaning at least a portion of a human fingernail. The hand cleaner system comprises a nail cleaner tip including a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail and a reservoir connected to the nail cleaner tip. The reservoir contains an antimicrobial solution that in operation may flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip. In one embodiment, the reservoir comprises a tube. In an alternate embodiment, the reservoir comprises a laminated film.

The reservoir may be sized and dimensioned to contain an amount of solution sufficient to clean under all of the fingernails, as well as the hand of a user, during a surgical scrub procedure. In one embodiment, the reservoir comprises a rupturable membrane. In another embodiment, the reservoir comprises a puncturable tube container.

The nail cleaner tip may include an end portion having a spatulate shape and convex curve when viewed from the side. The nail cleaner tip may also include a central channel that permits solution to flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip during use. In one embodiment, the nail cleaner tip is disengageable from the reservoir. In another embodiment, the nail cleaner tip may include a puncture member configured to puncture the reservoir.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a hand cleaner system including a nail cleaner tip connected to a reservoir containing a towelette. The towelette may contain an antimicrobial solution for use with the nail cleaner tip to clean a portion of a human fingernail. In one embodiment, the reservoir comprises a laminated film. In another embodiment, the towelette contains an amount of solution sufficient to clean the hands of a user during a surgical scrub procedure. The nail cleaner tip may be removably attached to the laminated film.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of cleaning hands. An apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a nail cleaner tip including a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail, a reservoir connected to the nail cleaner tip, and a selected amount of an antimicrobial solution disposed within the reservoir that, in operation, may flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip. The nail cleaner tip is passed between a clinician's nails and skin to clean under the nails of the clinician. The reservoir is then opened, and the antimicrobial solution is applied to the clinician's hands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 showing the system in an inactivated condition;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 showing the system in an activated condition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 showing the system in an inactivated condition;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 showing the system in an activated condition;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 showing the system in an inactivated condition;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 showing the system in an activated condition;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 showing the system in an activated condition;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 showing the system in an inactivated condition;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 showing the system in an activated condition;

FIGS. 15-16 are cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hand cleaner system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-18 showing the system in an inactivated condition; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 17 taken along line 18-18 showing the system in an activated condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein relates generally to a convenient integrated hand cleaner system containing an antimicrobial solution for surgical scrub antisepsis. The system is designed to provide a structure specifically adapted for cleaning under the nails of a clinician, while also providing a selected unit dose of antimicrobial solution for cleaning the hands of the clinician. Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views thereof, FIG. 1 depicts one preferred embodiment of a hand cleaner system 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Hand cleaner system 10 generally comprises a reservoir 12 connected to a nail cleaner tip 14. Reservoir 12 contains an antimicrobial solution that in operation may flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip 14. Generally, the reservoir 12 can have various shapes and dimensions and can be incorporated into any type of package. In a preferred embodiment, reservoir 12 is defined by a tube or laminated film reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, reservoir 12 is sized and dimensioned to contain an amount of solution sufficient for a single dose. In a preferred embodiment, reservoir 12 may contain from about 0.5 mL to about 10 mL of solution. In this regard, reservoir 12 preferably contains enough solution to clean at least a portion of all of the fingernails and the hands and/or forearms of a user during a surgical scrub procedure. The hand cleaner 10 can also have various activation methods, such as a package with a rupturable membrane, a puncturable tube type container, a twist-off tip, etc. It will be appreciated that other accessible reservoirs may be employed, such as, for example, a formed foil package.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, hand cleaner system 10 may have an integrally molded or separately molded nail cleaner tip 14 that may be mounted in fluid communication with reservoir 12 so that, in operation, the solution may flow to the nail cleaner tip 14. In general, tip 14 comprises an elongate member 15 extending from a hub 17 with a distal end portion 18 having a spatulate shape. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end portion 18 is in the form of a convex curve when viewed from the side (FIGS. 2-3). Tip 14 may also include a central channel 19 to allow solution to flow from the reservoir 12 to the distal end portion 18 of tip 14 in operation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, various alternative nail cleaner tip designs for hand cleaner systems in accordance with the present invention are illustrated. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the nail cleaner tip may be molded separately from the reservoir and in operation can be mountably removable from the reservoir or package containing the reservoir. In this regard, hand cleaner system 10 of FIGS. 1-3 has a puncturable tube 13 defining reservoir 12 and nail cleaner tip 14 is separable from tube 13 and is configured to puncture tube 13 in use. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a removable cap 22 may be provided to cover tip 14 prior to use or during storage. Tip 14 includes a puncture portion 28 configured to puncture the distal end of tube 13 when tip 14 is mounted on the distal end of tube 13. Tip 14 also includes a central channel 19 that permits solution to flow from the reservoir 12 to the distal end portion 18 of tip 14 during use, as shown in FIG. 3. In operation, the solution may flow from reservoir 12 to the distal end portion 18 of tip 14 by applying external pressure to tube 13, such as, for example, by squeezing tube 13 by hand.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, an alternate hand cleaner system 40 is shown having a tube 42 and an alternate tip 44 having a central channel 46. Tube 42 defines a solution reservoir 41 and has a rupturable membrane 43. In this embodiment, tip 44 may be molded separately from the reservoir and in operation can be mountably removable from the reservoir or package containing the reservoir. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, a removable cap 48 may be provided to cover tip 44 prior to use or during storage. The rupturable membrane 43 may be broken or ruptured by applying external pressure to tube 42 such as by squeezing by hand to thereby force the liquid solution to break or rupture membrane 43. The proximal portion of tip 44 is hollow or open to permit fluid flow to channel 46 once membrane 43 is ruptured and allows solution flow to the distal end of tip 44 during use, as shown in FIG. 6. In operation, the solution may flow from reservoir 41 to the distal end of tip 44 by applying external pressure to tube 42, such as, for example, by squeezing tube 42 by hand.

An alternative embodiment of a hand cleaning system 50, shown in FIGS. 7-9, includes a similarly rupturable tube 52 that is an integrally molded unitary component with a nail cleaner tip 54 molded into the distal end of tube 52. Tube 52 defines a solution reservoir 51. As shown in FIGS. 7-8, a removable cap 58 may be provided to cover tip 54 prior to use or during storage. Tip 54 includes a channel 56 that permits solution to flow from the tube 52 to the distal end of tip 54 during use. Tube 52 includes a rupturable membrane 53 that may be broken or ruptured by applying external pressure to tube 52 such as by squeezing by hand. The proximal portion of tip 54 is hollow or open to permit fluid flow to channel 56 once membrane 53 is ruptured and allows solution flow to the distal end of tip 54 during use, as shown in FIG. 9.

In another alternate embodiment, shown in FIGS. 10-11, an exemplary hand cleaner system 60 may include a nail cleaner tip 64 attached to a package 62 containing a pouch holding a towelette 66 with a solution disposed on the towelette. In general, the towelette may be made from any material suitable for absorbing liquid. In one preferred embodiment, the towelette is made from a non-woven material, such as, for example, a polypropylene paper-based material. Alternatively, a pad made of a non-woven material, such as a foam or sponge, may be used. In a preferred embodiment, package 62 is a laminated foil package and includes a perforation line 68 to facilitate opening of the package. In alternate embodiments, package 62 may be made from any suitable tearable material. Package 62 may also have a notch 69 adjacent nail cleaner tip 64 and perforation line 68 to further assist in opening package 62. In general, the nail cleaner tip 64 may aid in opening the laminated foil package, which may be difficult to perform in a preoperative scrub environment, such as with wet hands. In particular, the positioning and rigidity of the nail cleaner tip 64 will aid the opening of the package 62 by making it easier to grip and tear the laminated film pouch. In operation, package 62 may be torn along perforation line 68 to gain access to towelette 66, and towelette may be removed to be used to apply the solution contained on the towelette to a user's nails, hands, forearms, or other area to be cleaned. In this regard, nail cleaner tip 64 and the portion of package 62 adjacent thereto may be used as a separate tool to clean the user's nails.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, an alternate twist-offhand cleaner system 80 is shown. The nail cleaner tip 84 of this embodiment may be incorporated into a twist-off area of a package 82, such that when nail cleaner tip 84 is to be used, the nail cleaner tip 84 twists completely from the remaining package 82 and the package seal is broken to allow access to the contents of the package. A removable cap 88 may be provided to cover tip 84 prior to use or during storage. Nail cleaner tip 84 may be positioned adjacent any seal area of package 82 with sufficient stiffness. In this regard, the nail cleaner tip 84 may be formed into the shape of a nail cleaner tip when the unit is sealed thereby requiring only one material for the package and nail cleaner tip. In one embodiment, package 82 may contain a solution. In an alternate embodiment, package 82 may contain a towelette with a solution disposed on the towelette. In operation, cleaner tip 84 may be separated from package 82 by, for example, twisting tip 84 to gain access to the contents of the package, e.g. a liquid solution or solution containing towelette, and the solution may be applied to a user's nails, hands, forearms, or other area to be cleaned. In this regard, nail cleaner tip 84 may be used as a separate tool to clean the user's nails.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, alternate hand cleaner systems 90, 100 are shown with separately molded nail cleaner tips 94, 104 incorporated into packages 92, 102. Hand cleaner system 90 includes a nail cleaner tip 94 sandwiched between the laminated foil layers of package 92, and hand cleaner system 100 includes a nail cleaner tip 104 externally attached to package 102. In either configuration, the molded nail cleaner tips 94, 104 may make it easier to tear open the package and access the contents of the package. Removable caps 98, 108 may be provided to cover tips 94, 104 prior to use or during storage. These configurations can also be incorporated into nail cleaning systems containing towelettes.

An alternative embodiment of a hand cleaning system 110, shown in FIGS. 17-19, includes a rupturable dimple pack 112 with a nail cleaner tip 114 molded into the distal end of pack 112. Dimple pack 112 defines a solution reservoir 111 that generally bulges outward from a central portion of pack 112. As shown in FIGS. 17-18, a removable cap 118 may be provided to cover tip 114 prior to use or during storage. Tip 114 includes a channel 116 that permits solution to flow from the pack 112 to the distal end of tip 114 during use. The proximal portion of tip 114 is hollow or open to permit fluid flow to channel 116 and allows solution flow to the distal end of tip 114 during use, as shown in FIG. 19. In operation, the solution may flow from reservoir 111 to the distal end of tip 114 by applying external pressure to reservoir 111, such as, for example, by squeezing pack 112 by hand.

The apparatus is to contain an alcohol-based antimicrobial solution (60-95%), which may contain one or more additional antimicrobial agents such as CHG, PCMX, triclosan, octenidine, hexachlorophene, PVP-I, iodine, quaternary compounds and the like in the range of 0.05% to 5% w/w. The alcohol can be, for example, ethyl, isopropal, n-propanol or a mixture of alcohols. The solution may also contain one or more additional components such as dimethicone, glycerin, cationic polymer such as PVP, cellulose, docosanol, BTMS, behenyl alcohol, poloxamer and the like.

The solution can be a “rinseless” or a “rinse” type of solution. One preferred solution is a rinseless antimicrobial solution containing 70% alcohol, 2% CHG, 5% moisturizers and 23% USP water. Other ingredients may be added as mentioned above. Additional moisturizer ingredients may be added to enhance texture and feel of the solution.

To use the apparatus, the clinician is provided the hand cleaning system apparatus including a nail cleaner tip having a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail. A reservoir is connected to the nail cleaner tip. A selected amount of an antimicrobial solution is disposed within the reservoir. The clinician passes the nail cleaner tip between his or her nails and skin, thereby removing debris disposed therein. The clinician then opens the reservoir, either by displacing the nail cleaner tip from the reservoir, compressing the reservoir to rupture a membrane or tearing open the foil package that forms the reservoir. Once the reservoir is open, the antimicrobial solution is applied to the clinician's hands and rubbed thoroughly over the skin of the clinician's hands. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the solution may be used to clean all areas of the clinician's hand and forearms, and is not limited for use on the clinician's fingernails. Depending on the solution selected, there may be no need to rinse off the solution. It will be appreciated that, depending on the apparatus employed, the antimicrobial solution may be delivered to the clinician's hands through a channel in the nail cleaner tip. Further, a towelette may be provided in the reservoir, in which case the clinician would apply the antimicrobial solution to the hands by wiping the clinician's hands with the towelette impregnated with the antimicrobial solution.

While this invention is satisfied by embodiments in many different forms, as described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described. Numerous variations may be made by persons skilled in the art without departure from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention will be measured by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hand cleaner system, comprising:

a nail cleaner tip including a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail; and

reservoir connected to the nail cleaner tip,

wherein a selected amount of an antimicrobial solution is disposed within the reservoir that, in operation, may flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip.

2. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a flexible tube.

3. The hand cleaner system of claim 2, wherein the tube comprises a puncturable membrane.

4. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a laminated film.

5. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is sized and dimensioned to contain an amount of solution sufficient to clean the hands and under at least a portion of the fingernails of a user during a surgical scrub procedure.

6. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir comprises a rupturable membrane.

7. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the nail cleaner tip includes an end portion having a spatulate shape and convex curve when viewed from the side.

8. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the nail cleaner tip includes a central channel that permits solution to flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip during use.

9. The hand cleaner system of claim 1, wherein the nail cleaner tip is disengageable from the reservoir.

10. The hand cleaner system of claim 9, wherein the nail cleaner tip is threadably disengageable from the reservoir.

11. The hand cleaner system of claim 9, wherein the nail cleaner tip includes a puncture member configured to puncture the reservoir.

12. A hand cleaner system, comprising:

a nail cleaner tip including a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail; and

a reservoir connected to the nail cleaner tip, the reservoir containing a towelette, the towelette containing an antimicrobial solution for use with the nail cleaner tip to clean at least a portion of a human fingernail.

13. The hand cleaner system of claim 12, wherein the reservoir comprises a laminated film.

14. The hand cleaner system of claim 12, wherein the towelette contains an amount of solution sufficient to clean under at least a portion of the fingernails of a user.

15. The hand cleaner system of claim 13, wherein the nail cleaner tip is removably attached to the laminated film.

16. A method of cleaning hands comprising:

providing an apparatus comprising:

a nail cleaner tip including a tip surface configured to engage a portion of a human fingernail;

a reservoir connected to the nail cleaner tip; and

a selected amount of an antimicrobial solution disposed within the reservoir that, in operation, may flow from the reservoir to the nail cleaner tip;

cleaning under the nails of a clinician by passing the nail cleaner tip between the clinician's nails and skin;

opening the reservoir; and

applying the antimicrobial solution to the clinician's hands.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising delivering the antimicrobial solution through a channel in the nail cleaner tip.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the reservoir comprises removing the nail cleaner tip.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the reservoir comprises unthreading the nail cleaner tip from the reservoir.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the reservoir comprises displacing the nail cleaner tip such that it pierces the reservoir.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein opening the reservoir comprises compressing the reservoir such that a membrane of the reservoir ruptures.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a towelette, wherein applying the antimicrobial solution to the clinician's hands comprises wiping the clinician's hands with a towelette including the antimicrobial solution.

23. A hand cleaner system for clinicians comprising:

a flexible reservoir containing a selected amount of an antimicrobial solution for cleaning a clinician's hands prior to performance of a medical procedure; and

a nail cleaner tip including a tip surface configured to selectively engage a portion of a human fingernail,

wherein the flexible reservoir is attached to the reservoir, and wherein the reservoir is adapted to release the antimicrobial solution under the control of the clinician.

24. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, wherein the reservoir is adapted to be directly compressed by the clinician.

25. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, wherein the nail cleaner tip is permanently attached to the reservoir.

26. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, wherein the nail cleaner tip is removably attached to the reservoir, permitting removal of the nail cleaner tip before or during release of the antimicrobial solution.

27. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, wherein the nail cleaner tip is displaceably mounted to the reservoir such that displacement of the nail cleaner tip provides access to the antimicrobial solution in the reservoir.

28. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, wherein the nail cleaner tip is integrally formed with the reservoir.

29. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, further comprising a towelette disposed in the reservoir.

30. The hand cleaner system of claim 23, wherein the reservoir is a foil package and the nail cleaner tip is attached to the package such that removal of the nail cleaner tip opens the reservoir.