Anti-Septic Dispensing Device

Abstract

An anti-septic dispensing device allows items, such as gloves, to be reliably removed one at a time from a container while limiting the risk for contamination of the items and/or transmission of infectious agents to the items during removal. The device has a plurality of panels that define a space for receiving one or more containers. One panel contains an aperture aligned with an opening in the container received in the space. A flexible sheet is arranged surrounding the aperture in the one panel. The flexible sheet includes a passage that provides reach-in access to the items. The anti-septic dispensing device includes an antimicrobial component on the flexible sheet and/or the panels. The antimicrobial component limits the potential for transmission of infections agents during the item removal process.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/696,887 filed Sep. 5, 2012 and hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers and devices for storing and dispensing items, such as disposable gloves, while inhibiting contamination of the items.

BACKGROUND

Boxes of disposable gloves are found in almost every location where disposable gloves are used, such as medical facilities (hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, physician's and dentist's offices, clinics), industrial first aid stations, food service facilities, schools, police and fire departments, high-tech clean rooms, beauty salons, homes, postal facilities, correctional facilities and any other place disposable gloves are needed. Further, because of the increasing seriousness of present day diseases, especially antibiotic resistant microorganisms, various regulatory agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control, have instituted certain precautions that workers must take to protect the public health. The use of protective disposable gloves is one of the primary elements in preventing the spread of infection, and, as such, protective disposable gloves are being dispensed in more locations and in more facilities.

Disposable gloves have become the most ubiquitous form of barrier-type personal protective equipment creating a world market of $2 billion in 2009 and projected to reach $3.4 billion by the year 2015. Factors contributing to the rise in consumption levels include healthcare reforms in several countries, and rising emphasis on health, occupational safety and hygiene among end-users in medical, dental and service industries. In many settings, disposable gloves are either legally mandated or considered to be integral with the principles of good practice. Therefore it is desirable that even non-sterile gloves remain as clean as possible prior to use to prevent biological and physical contaminants that might be transferred, for example, to a patient or to food.

Typically, disposable gloves are dispensed from a container, such as a disposable cardboard box or similar packaging. The glove boxes are often stored in a wall mounted rack or holder providing easy access to clinicians and other workers. When someone reaches into the box to select a glove, it is selected from a “pile” of gloves that are arranged in random orientation within the glove box. A person selects a glove through a large opening in the glove box. This large opening often results in more than one glove being removed from the box. Often, the additional glove or gloves removed from the box fall to the floor, thus compromising their cleanliness. Alternatively, a falling glove or gloves may be “caught” by a worker and stuffed back into the glove box, which also compromises the cleanliness of the gloves and may further contaminate the gloves in the box. Clinicians and other workers may also attempt to prevent this from happening by covering the glove box opening with one hand while removing a glove with the other, coming into contact with multiple gloves and further compromising the cleanliness of gloves in the box.

Several types of glove dispensers have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,815 issued to Robson on Oct. 1, 1968 entitled “Dispensing Package” describes a dispensing package and carton to dispense stacked articles such as gloves, by compressing the articles within the carton to facilitate removal from an opening. Because disposable gloves are normally shipped in their own disposable boxes, this prior art suffers from the disadvantage that it requires the removal of gloves from the shipping container to be stacked in the dispensing device thereby potentially jeopardizing the cleanliness of the gloves. This dispensing device also lacks a means for preventing removal of more than one glove at a time. U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,244 issued to Irvin on Mar. 24, 1970, entitled “Top Opening Dispenser for Plastic Gloves” has a plastic shell with an opening in the top but also requires the clinician or worker to transfer gloves to the dispenser and lacks a means to prevent multiple gloves from being dispensed or to protect the cleanliness of the gloves.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,063,233 issued to Jordan on Jun. 20, 2006 entitled “Method of Folding Gloves and Dispenser Therefor”, describes a method for folding disposable gloves and a container to dispense such gloves, however, this invention requires pre-arranged gloves, and is not designed for use with the random orientation or “pile ” of gloves that are normally present in boxes of disposable boxes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,293 issued to McLaughlin on Jul. 4, 1989 and entitled “Disposable Glove Dispensing Apparatus” relates to a disposable glove dispenser with a glove packet or package that is mounted on the inside of dispenser. This apparatus suffers from the disadvantage of requiring the use of a special packet of gloves and cannot be used with commercially available boxes of disposable gloves.

There is clearly a need for an apparatus and method for dispensing items, such as disposable gloves from commercially available boxes which does not readily permit the dispensing of multiple gloves at one time unless desired, and which will not jeopardize the cleanliness or sterility of the glove being dispensed or the gloves remaining in the container.

SUMMARY

In one example concept, the invention concerns a container comprising a plurality of panels attached to one another surrounding and defining an enclosed space. An opening is positioned in one of the panels. A flexible sheet is attached to the one panel and overlies the opening. The flexible sheet has a first surface facing the enclosed space and a second surface facing away therefrom. At least the first surface of the flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component.

In a particular example embodiment, the anti-microbial component comprises a coating on the first surface of the flexible sheet. In another example, the anti-microbial component permeates the flexible sheet. In a further example embodiment, the second surface of the flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component. In this example embodiment, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the second surface of the flexible sheet.

In an example embodiment, each of the panels comprises an inwardly facing surface facing the enclosed space and an outwardly facing surface facing away from the enclosed space. In this example embodiment, at least one of the inwardly facing surfaces comprises an anti-microbial component.

In another example embodiment, at least one of the outwardly facing surfaces comprises an anti-microbial component.

By way of further example, each of the panels may comprise an inwardly facing surface facing the enclosed space and an outwardly facing surface facing away from the enclosed space, and all of the inwardly facing surfaces may comprise an anti-microbial component.

By way of further example, each of the panels may comprise an inwardly facing surface facing the enclosed space and an outwardly facing surface facing away from the enclosed space, and the flexible sheet may be attached to an inwardly facing surface of the one panel.

In an example embodiment, the flexible sheet comprises an aperture permitting access to the enclosed space. For example, the aperture may comprise a slit defined by first and second edges. The first and second edges may, for example, define projections juxtaposed with one another, or may have complementary curves. In another example, the first surface of the flexible sheet may have a rough texture. In an example embodiment, the flexible sheet may be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, plastic, vinyl and combinations thereof. By way of additional example, the anti-microbial component may be selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

In an example embodiment, the container may have a plurality of gloves positioned within the enclosed space.

By way of example, the container may have at least six of the panels which form a box. In another example embodiment, at least one of the plurality of panels comprises a cylindrical panel having first and second oppositely disposed ends and at least a first and a second panel of the plurality of panels are attached to the at least one cylindrical panel at the first and second oppositely disposed ends, respectively.

Another example embodiment includes a container comprising a plurality of panels attached to one another surrounding and defining an enclosed space. An opening is positioned in one of the panels. A flexible sheet is attached to the one panel and overlies the opening. The flexible sheet has a first surface facing the enclosed space and a second surface facing away therefrom. At least the first surface of the flexible sheet has a rough texture. In this example embodiment, the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of grooves in the first surface, or, the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of projections extending from the first surface, or the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of dimples in the first surface. This example embodiment is suitable for a plurality of gloves to be positioned within the enclosed space. By way of further example, the container may comprise at least six of the panels forming a box. In another example embodiment of the container, one of the plurality of panels comprises a cylindrical panel having first and second oppositely disposed ends. At least a first and a second panel of the plurality of panels are attached to the at least one cylindrical panel at the first and second oppositely disposed ends, respectively.

The invention further encompasses an anti-septic dispensing device for dispensing items from a container received by the device. In an example embodiment, the container has an opening therein providing access to the items stored therein. In a particular example embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of panels attached to one another and defining a space for receiving the container. The plurality of panels includes a first panel. An aperture is positioned in the first panel. The aperture is aligned with the opening in the container when the container is received within the space. A flexible sheet surrounds the aperture and defines a passage aligned with the opening. The flexible sheet has a first surface facing the space and a second surface facing away therefrom. In this example embodiment, at least the first surface of the flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component. By way of example, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the first surface of the flexible sheet. In another example, the anti-microbial component permeates the flexible sheet. By way of further example, the second surface of the flexible sheet may comprise an anti-microbial component. In this example, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the second surface of the flexible sheet.

In a particular example embodiment, the passage comprises a slit defined by first and second edges. By way of example, the first and second edges may define projections juxtaposed with one another. In another embodiment, the first and second edges have complementary curved shapes. In yet another example embodiment, the first and second edges overlap one another. By way of example, the first surface of the flexible sheet may have a rough texture. In an example embodiment, the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of grooves in the first surface, or the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of projections extending from the first surface, or the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of dimples in the first surface.

By way of example, the flexible sheet may be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, plastic, vinyl and combinations thereof. In a further example, the anti-microbial component may be selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

In an example embodiment, a plurality of gloves may be positioned within the container.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the panels comprises an anti-microbial component. In this example embodiment, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the at least one panel. In another embodiment, the anti-microbial component may permeate the at least one panel. By way of example, the anti-microbial component may be selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zinc pyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

In a particular example embodiment, the first panel may comprise an anti-microbial component. By way of example, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the first panel. In another example, the anti-microbial component may permeate the first panel. By way of example, the anti-microbial component may be selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of panels may comprise the first panel having at least two sides oppositely disposed, a second and a third panel attached to opposite sides of the first panel, the second and third panels being oriented transversely to the first panel, wherein the space is defined between the first panel and the second and third panels. In another example, a fourth panel may be attached to the first panel and oriented transversely thereto. In an additional example, a fifth panel may be attached to the first panel and oriented transversely thereto.

In a particular example embodiment, a fourth panel may be attached to the second panel in spaced relation from the first panel, the fourth panel being oriented transversely to the second panel, and a fifth panel may be attached to the third panel in spaced relation from the first panel, the fifth panel being oriented transversely to the second panel.

In yet another example embodiment, a sixth panel may be attached to at least one of the one of the first second and third panels, in this example, the sixth panel being oriented transversely to the first panel, the second panel and the third panel.

In another example embodiment, a seventh panel is attached to the sixth panel, the seventh panel being oriented transversely to the sixth panel.

By way of further example, a fourth panel may extend between and be oriented transversely to the second and third panels. The fourth panel is attached to at least one of the second and third panels in this example.

In still another example embodiment, a fifth panel extends between the first panel and the fourth panel and is oriented transversely thereto. In this example, the fifth panel is attached to at least one of the first, second and third panels.

In another example embodiment, a sixth panel extends between the first panel and the fourth panel and is oriented transversely thereto. In this example embodiment, the sixth panel is attached to at least one of the first, second panel third panels and is positioned in spaced relation to the fifth panel.

In another example embodiment, one of the panels comprises a door hingedly attached to another of the panels adjacent thereto. The door is pivotably movable to provide access to the space for receiving the container.

In another example, the invention also encompasses, in combination, a container containing gloves and an anti-septic dispensing device for dispensing gloves from the container received by the device. The container has an opening therein providing access to the gloves. In a particular example, the device comprises a plurality of panels attached to one another and defining a space for receiving the container. The plurality of panels includes a first panel. An aperture is positioned in the first panel, the aperture being aligned with the opening in the container when the container is received within the space. A flexible sheet surrounds the aperture and defines a passage aligned with the opening. The flexible sheet has a first surface facing the surface and a second surface facing away therefrom. At least the first surface of the flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component in this example.

In an example embodiment, the anti-microbial component comprises a coating on the first surface of the flexible sheet. In another example, the anti-microbial component permeates the flexible sheet. By way of further example, the second surface of the flexible sheet may comprise an anti-microbial component. In this example, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the second surface of the flexible sheet.

By way of example, the passage may comprise a slit defined by first and second edges. In a particular example, the first and second edges define projections juxtaposed with one another. In another example, the first and second edges have complementary curved shapes. In yet another example, the first and second edges overlap one another.

By way of example, the first surface of the flexible sheet may have a rough texture. In an example, the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of grooves in the first surface, or the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of projections extending from the first surface, or the rough texture may be formed by a plurality of dimples in the first surface.

In an example embodiment, the flexible sheet may be formed from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, plastic, vinyl and combinations thereof. By way of further example, the anti-microbial component may be selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

In a particular example embodiment, at least one of the panels comprises an anti-microbial component. By way of example, the anti-microbial component may comprise a coating on the at least one panel. In another example embodiment, the anti-microbial component permeates the at least one panel. By way of example, the anti-microbial component may be selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zinc pyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the anti-septic dispensing device shown in FIG. 1 as a container of disposable gloves is being inserted through an open end;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device with one side panel removed;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device with a panel having holes to allow for wall mounting;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device with a hinged panel;

FIGS. 7, 7A and 7B show example embodiments of flexible sheets used with the anti-septic dispensing device;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a container of disposable gloves with the perforated cover being removed from the top face of the box to reveal the gloves;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the anti-septic dispensing device in FIG. 1 with a fully inserted container of disposable gloves as a glove is being removed;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device with a rack to allow for wall mounting;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device with an enlarged space to accommodate multiple boxes of gloves in one unit;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an anti-septic container for holding items;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are plan views of flexible sheets usable with the anti-septic container embodiment shown in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an anti-septic container for holding items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in detail in relation to various embodiments and implementations thereof, which are exemplary in nature and descriptively specific as disclosed. As is customary, it will be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended and that the invention encompasses such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention illustrated herein, as would normally occur in persons skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

One example embodiment of an anti-septic dispensing device 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 shows the device 10 receiving a container 12, in this example, a box of gloves. The anti-septic dispensing device 10 in this example is generally rectangular (matched to the shape of the container 12) and is comprised of a plurality of panels attached to one another, including a first panel 14. First panel 14 has two sides 14a and 14b oppositely disposed from one another. A second panel 16 is attached to side 14a and a third panel 18 is attached to side 14b. The second and third panels 16 and 18 are oriented transversely to the first panel 14, in this example substantially perpendicular. The panels 14, 16 and 18 define a space 20 which receives the container 12 as also shown in FIG. 2. In this example, the space 20 is further defined by a fourth panel 22 attached to second panel 16 in spaced relation to the first panel 14, and a fifth panel 24 attached to the third panel 18 and in spaced relation to the first panel 14. The fourth panel 22 is oriented transversely to the second panel 16 and the fifth panel 24 is oriented transversely to the third panel 18. Note that fourth and fifth panels 22 and 24 do not extend fully between the second and third panels 16 and 18, but project therefrom to form flanges that support and capture the container 12.

Device 10 also includes a sixth panel 26 which is attached to the first panel 14 and oriented transversely to the first, second and third panels. The sixth panel could also be attached to either or both the second and/or third panels, or to all three panels. A seventh panel 28 is attached to the sixth panel, oriented transversely thereto and positioned in spaced relation to the first panel 14. Sixth and seventh panels 26 and 28 further define space 20, and the seventh panel again forms a supporting flange which captures container 12. Panels 14, 16, 18, 22 and 24 also define an opening 29 which permits access to the space 20 and permits insertion of the container 12 as described below.

FIG. 3 shows a similar seven panel device embodiment 30 wherein a panel is absent from the long side 14a of first panel 14, but panels 16 and 18 are present on the short sides 14c and 14d of the first panel. In this embodiment, the container 12 is received in space 20 from the long side of the device 30, rather than the short side or “end” as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a five panel device embodiment 32 comprising a first panel 14 having second and third panels 34 and 36 attached to its opposite sides 14a and 14b, and fourth and fifth panels 38 and 40 attached to opposite sides 14c and 14d of the first panel 14. Together with first panel 14 the second through fifth panels 34, 36, 38 and 40 define the space 20 which receives the container 12.

FIG. 5 shows another five panel device embodiment 42, having a first panel 14 with second and third panels 44 and 46 attached to opposite edges 14a and 14b. A fourth panel 48 extends between the second and third panels 44 and 46, while a fifth panel 50 extends between the first and fourth panels. Note that in this example each panel is attached to an adjacent panel, though they need not be to maintain structural integrity of the device 42. Device 42 has mounting holes 52 in the fourth panel 48 to permit device 42 to be mounted to a structure, such as a wall. Space 20 defined by the panels 14, 44, 46, 48 and 50 is accessed through the open end 54 of the device 42.

FIG. 6 shows another example device embodiment 56 which comprises a first panel 14 to which are attached second and third panels 58 and 60. A fourth panel 62 extends between the second and third panels, a fifth panel 64 extends between the first and fourth panels 14 and 62, and a sixth panel 66 extend between the first and fourth panels in spaced relation to the fifth panel 64. At least one of the panels is removable from the others to access the space 20. In this example, the fourth panel 62 is pivotably movable via hinge 68.

By way of example, the device as exemplified by embodiments 10, 30, 32, 42 and 56 can be plastic, stainless steel, metal, or any other similar rigid or semi-rigid material.

In the various example embodiments, the first panel 14 is provided with an aperture 70. By way of example, the aperture 70 is shown centrally located and having an elongated shape, although the shape and location of the aperture may be extensively modified without deleteriously affecting the functionality. It can be circular, semi-circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other similar shape as dictated by the contents of the container. Aperture 70 is arranged so that it substantially aligns with the opening 72 in the container 12 when the container is received in the space 20 defined by the various panels comprising the device (see FIG. 4).

A flexible sheet 74 surrounds the aperture 70. The flexible sheet 74 may be attached to the panel 14 by adhesives such as glue, heat welded thereto, as well as by mechanical means such as fasteners and/or compression plates (thereby allowing removal and replacement). Additionally, the flexible sheet 74 may be attached to panel 14 in an injection molding process where the flexible sheet is placed in a mold, the mold is then closed, and plastic is injected to form the panel, the flexible sheet and the panel adhering to one another in the process. Flexible sheet 74 may be formed of flexible, resilient materials such as silicone, rubber, plastic or vinyl, which can be repeatedly deformed without fracturing, ripping or tearing.

Flexible sheet 74 defines a passage 76 that substantially aligns with the opening 72 in the container 12. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the passage 76 extends longitudinally along panel 14 and includes access holes 78 facilitating manual access to items, such as disposable gloves 80 within the container 12 (see FIG. 9). The passage can be a slit, or have an oval, circular, semi-circular, rectangular, triangular, or any other practical shape and may be arranged in any direction that allows access to the contents of container 12. As shown in FIG. 1, passage 76 comprises a slit 82, having first and second edges 84 add 86 in proximity to one another. Gloves 80, or other items, may be dispensed from between the edges 84 and 86 and are frictionally restrained by the flexible sheet 74. As shown in FIG. 7, friction between the flexible sheet 74 and the gloves 80 may be augmented by imparting a rough texture 88 to the surface 90 of the sheet 74 that faces the space 20 defined by the panels. Rough texture 88 may comprise, for example, grooves 92, projections 94 or dimples 96.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the edges 84 and 86 of the slit 82 have complementary curved shapes. In another example embodiment, shown in FIG. 7A, the edges 84 and 86 define projections 98 that are juxtaposed with one another and are interlocking. FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of the flexible sheet 74 wherein the slit 82 defining passage 76 has overlapping edges 84 and 86.

The anti-septic dispensing devices 10, 30, 32, 42 and 56 comprise an antimicrobial component 100 (see figures). The properties of the antimicrobial component limit the potential for transmission of infectious agents during the removal of items, such as gloves, from the container 12. The antimicrobial component 100 can comprise organic antimicrobials such as quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide; inorganic antimicrobials such as silver and copper; organometalic antimicrobials such as zinc pyrithione; bacteriacidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof as well as other antimicrobial component or components.

The antimicrobial component 100 can be sprayed, brushed, rolled, or printed on, incorporated into, or by any other means of inclusion and/or application, permeate the flexible sheet 74. It is advantageous, for example, that the anti-microbial component comprise a coating 102 on the surface 90 of flexible sheet 74 that faces the space 20 as shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7A, the anti-microbial component 100 may permeate the flexible sheet 74. As shown in FIG. 1, the anti-microbial coating 102 may be positioned on the surface 104 of flexible sheet 74 that faces away from the space 20.

The antimicrobial component 100 can also be sprayed, brushed, rolled, or printed on, incorporated into, or by any other means of inclusion and/or application, permeate any combination of panels, or to all surfaces and all panels of the anti-septic dispensing device 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is advantageous that the anti-microbial component 100 comprise a coating on at least one panel, such as first panel 14. In another example embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the anti-microbial component 100 permeates the first panel 14. The anti-microbial component 100 may also be part of all of the panels as shown in FIG. 6, either as a coating 102 or permeating the panels.

An exemplary manner of using the anti-septic dispensing device 10 is shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9 and involves inserting a container of disposable gloves 12 into the space 20 (see FIG. 2). Prior to inserting the container 12, the container should be opened to expose the gloves 80 as shown in FIG. 8. In most cases, this is done by removing a perforated cover 11, from the top face 13 of the disposable container of gloves 12 thereby creating the opening 72 in the container. This should be done with a gloved hand to avoid introducing contaminates into the container. Once the gloves 80 are exposed, one end of the container 12 is aligned with the opening 29 of the anti-septic dispensing device (see FIG. 2). The user applies light pressure to the end face 15 of the container 12 with one hand and to the end panel 26 of the anti-septic dispensing device with the other hand. Pressure is applied sufficiently to completely insert the container 12 into the anti-septic dispensing device 10 so that the opening 72 in the container 12 with the exposed gloves 80 is aligned with the opening 70 of the anti-septic dispensing device 10 (FIG. 9). In an alternate method of use, the container 12 may be first inserted into the device 10, and then the perforated cover 11 is removed. This method helps avoid contaminating the container.

Once the container 12 is inserted into the anti-septic dispensing device 10, gloves 80 may be removed by exerting a transverse force through the passage 76 defined by the flexible sheet 74 surrounding the aperture 70 in the panel 14. By pulling on the outermost glove 80 with sufficient force the outermost glove is separated from the remaining gloves in the 12 (See FIG. 9). Access holes 78 may be provided in the flexible sheet 74 for an additional means of reach in access and facilitate removal of the container when it is empty. Access holes 78 also allow visual inspection of remaining contents of container 12. When empty, the container 12 can be removed and replaced.

Various details of design and construction may be modified without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows the example embodiment 32 of the anti-septic dispensing device mounted on the container 12 of disposable gloves and inserted into a rack 106 which is mountable to a wall or other structure. Rack 106 holds the anti-septic dispensing device 32 and container 12. This example embodiment of the anti-septic dispensing device can also remain in place over a container 12 by friction, gravity, pressure or other force or other securing mechanism.

FIG. 11 shows embodiment 42 of the anti-septic dispensing device having an open end 54 large enough to allow for the insertion of two containers 12 into the space 20 defined by the various panels 14, 44, 46, 48 and 50. While the example embodiment 42 accommodates two containers 12, the space 20 could be enlarged to accommodate three, four or more containers.

The invention further encompasses an anti-septic container for holding items, such as gloves or other items which must be dispensed but also remain clean. An example embodiment of such a container 108 is shown in FIG. 12. Container 108 comprises a plurality of panels, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 attached to one another to define an enclosed space 122. An opening 124 is positioned in panel 110. A flexible sheet 126 is attached to panel 110 overlying the opening 124. Flexible sheet 126 may advantageously be attached on the surface of panel 110 facing enclosed space 122 as shown. Flexible sheet 126 has a first surface 128 facing the enclosed space 122, and a second surface 130 facing away therefrom. The flexible sheet 126 may be attached to the panel 110 by adhesives such as glue, heat welded thereto, as well as by mechanical means such as fasteners. Injection molding techniques, as described above, are also feasible. Flexible sheet 126 may be formed of flexible, resilient materials such as silicone, rubber, plastic or vinyl, which can be repeatedly deformed without fracturing, ripping or tearing.

Flexible sheet 126 defines a passage 132 that permits access to the contents of container 108. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the passage 132 extends longitudinally along panel 110 and includes access holes 134 facilitating manual access to items within the container 108, such as gloves 80. The passage 132 can be a slit, or have an oval, circular, semi-circular, rectangular, triangular, or any other practical shape and may be arranged in any direction that allows access to the contents of container 108. As shown in FIG. 12, passage 132 comprises a slit 136, having first and second edges 138 and 140 in proximity to one another. Gloves 80, or other items, may be dispensed from between the edges 138 and 140 and are frictionally restrained by the flexible sheet 126. Friction between the flexible sheet 126 and the gloves 80 may be augmented by imparting a rough texture 142 to the surface 128 of the sheet 126 that faces the interior of the container 108. Rough texture 142 may comprise, for example, grooves 146, projections 148 or dimples 150.

As shown in FIG. 12, the edges 138 and 140 of the slit 136 have complementary curved shapes. In another example embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, the edges 138 and 140 define projections 152 that are juxtaposed with one another and are interlocking. FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the flexible sheet 126 wherein the slit 136 has overlapping edges 138 and 140.

The anti-septic container 108 comprises an antimicrobial component 154. The properties of the antimicrobial component limit the potential for transmission of infectious agents during the removal of items, such as gloves, from the container 108. The antimicrobial component 154 can comprise organic antimicrobials such as quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide; inorganic antimicrobials such as silver and copper; organometalic antimicrobials such as zinc pyrithione; bacteriacidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof as well as other antimicrobial component or components.

The antimicrobial component 154 can be sprayed, brushed, rolled, or printed on, incorporated into, or by any other means of inclusion and/or application, permeate the flexible sheet 126. It is advantageous, for example, that the anti-microbial component comprise a coating 156 on the surface 128 of flexible sheet 126 that faces the enclosed space 122 of the container 108. The anti-microbial component 154 may permeate the flexible sheet 126. The anti-microbial coating 156 may also be positioned on the surface 130 of flexible sheet 126 that faces away from the enclosed space 122 of the container 108.

The antimicrobial component 100 can also be sprayed, brushed, rolled, or printed on, incorporated into, or by any other means of inclusion and/or application, permeate any combination of panels, or to all surfaces and all panels of the container 108. It is advantageous for the anti-microbial component 154 to comprise a coating on at least one panel, such as panel 110. In another example embodiment, the anti-microbial component 154 permeates the panel 110. The anti-microbial component 154 may also be part of all of the panels, either as a coating 156 or permeating the panels 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, on the surfaces facing toward the enclosed space 122 as well as those facing away therefrom.

The container 108 may have many shapes, as shown in FIG. 15, wherein a panel 158 is cylindrical and second and third panels 160 and 162 are attached to oppositely disposed ends of panel 158.

The various example embodiments of the anti-septic dispensing device according to the invention provide numerous advantages over the prior art. The flexible sheet covering the opening of the anti-septic dispensing device allows users to reliably remove one glove at a time multiple times a day as might be common in a health care setting. The flexible sheet is of such strength as to not tear or rip with repeated use. The flexible sheet protects the gloves remaining in the box and helps maintain their cleanliness. The antimicrobial component of the anti-septic dispensing device also assists in maintaining the cleanliness of the disposable gloves and limits the transfer of hand borne pathogens to the gloves remaining in the container of disposable gloves. The anti-septic dispensing device according to the invention is versatile, as it is usable with multiple containers of gloves as well as with containes of gloves of various sizes. The anti-septic dispensing device according to the invention may operate in a free standing manner or may be conveniently mounted on a structure such as a wall to provide ready access to uncontaminated disposable gloves.

Accordingly, the anti-septic dispensing device can be used to reliably remove gloves one at a time from a container of gloves in a simple manner while limiting risk for transmission of infectious agents and other contaminants during the glove removal process. The device also limits waste by not allowing an additional glove or gloves to be removed from the container.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments.

Claims

1-25. (canceled)

26. An anti-septic dispensing device for dispensing items from a container received by said device, said container having an opening therein providing access to said items stored therein, said device comprising:

a plurality of panels attached to one another and defining a space for receiving said container, said plurality of panels including a first panel;

an aperture positioned in said first panel, said aperture being aligned with said opening in said container when said container is received within said space;

a flexible sheet surrounding said aperture and defining a passage aligned with said opening, said flexible sheet having a first surface facing said space and a second surface facing away therefrom, at least said first surface of said flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component.

27. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said first surface of said flexible sheet.

28. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said anti-microbial component permeates said flexible sheet.

29. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said second surface of said flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component.

30. The dispensing device according to claim 29, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said second surface of said flexible sheet.

31. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said passage comprises a slit defined by first and second edges.

32. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said first and second edges define projections juxtaposed with one another.

33. The dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein said first and second edges have complementary curved shapes.

34. The dispensing device according to claim 31, wherein said first and second edges overlap one another.

35. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said first surface of said flexible sheet has a rough texture.

36. The dispensing device according to claim 35, wherein said rough texture is formed by a plurality of grooves in said first surface.

37. The dispensing device according to claim 35, wherein said rough texture is formed by a plurality of projections extending from said first surface.

38. The dispensing device according to claim 35, wherein said rough texture is formed by a plurality of dimples in said first surface.

39. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said flexible sheet is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, plastic, vinyl and combinations thereof.

40. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said anti-microbial component is selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

41. The dispensing device according to claim 26, further comprising a plurality of gloves positioned within said container.

42. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein at least one of said panels comprises an anti-microbial component.

43. The dispensing device according to claim 42, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said at least one panel.

44. The dispensing device according to claim 42, wherein said anti-microbial component permeates said at least one panel.

45. The dispensing device according to claim 42, wherein said anti-microbial component is selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zinc pyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

46. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said first panel comprises an anti-microbial component.

47. The dispensing device according to claim 46, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said first panel.

48. The dispensing device according to claim 46, wherein said anti-microbial component permeates said first panel.

49. The dispensing device according to claim 46, wherein said anti-microbial component is selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

50. The dispensing device according to claim 26, wherein said plurality of panels comprises:

said first panel having at least two sides oppositely disposed;

a second and a third panel attached to opposite sides of said first panel, said second and third panels being oriented transversely to said first panel, wherein said space is defined between said first panel and said second and third panels.

51. The dispensing device according to claim 50, further comprising a fourth panel attached to said first panel and oriented transversely thereto.

52. The dispensing device according to claim 51, further comprising a fifth panel attached to said first panel and oriented transversely thereto.

53. The dispensing device according to claim 50, further comprising:

a fourth panel attached to said second panel in spaced relation from said first panel, said fourth panel being oriented transversely to said second panel; and

a fifth panel attached to said third panel in spaced relation from said first panel, said fifth panel being oriented transversely to said second panel.

54. The dispensing device according to claim 53, further comprising a sixth panel attached to at least one of said one of said first second and third panels, said sixth panel being oriented transversely to said first panel, said second panel and said third panel.

55. The dispensing device according to claim 54, further comprising a seventh panel attached to said sixth panel, said seventh panel being oriented transversely to said sixth panel.

56. The dispensing device according to claim 50, further comprising a fourth panel extending between and oriented transversely to said second and third panels, said fourth panel being attached to at least one of said second and third panels.

57. The dispensing device according to claim 56, further comprising a fifth panel extending between said first panel and said fourth panel and oriented transversely thereto, said fifth panel being attached to at least one of said first, second and third panels.

58. The dispensing device according to claim 57, further comprising a sixth panel extending between said first panel and said fourth panel and oriented transversely thereto, said sixth panel being attached to at least one of said first, second panel third panels and positioned in spaced relation to said fifth panel.

59. The dispensing device according to claim 58, wherein one of said panels comprises a door hingedly attached to another of said panels adjacent thereto, said door being pivotably movable to provide access to said space for receiving said container.

60. In combination, a container containing gloves and an anti-septic dispensing device for dispensing gloves from said container received by said device, said container having an opening therein providing access to said gloves, said device comprising:

a plurality of panels attached to one another and defining a space for receiving said container, said plurality of panels including a first panel;

an aperture positioned in said first panel, said aperture being aligned with said opening in said container when said container is received within said space;

a flexible sheet surrounding said aperture and defining a passage aligned with said opening, said flexible sheet having a first surface facing said space and a second surface facing away therefrom, at least said first surface of said flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component.

61. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said first surface of said flexible sheet.

62. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said anti-microbial component permeates said flexible sheet.

63. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said second surface of said flexible sheet comprises an anti-microbial component.

64. The combination according to claim 63, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said second surface of said flexible sheet.

65. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said passage comprises a slit defined by first and second edges.

66. The combination according to claim 65, wherein said first and second edges define projections juxtaposed with one another.

67. The combination according to claim 65, wherein said first and second edges have complementary curved shapes.

68. The combination according to claim 65, wherein said first and second edges overlap one another.

69. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said first surface of said flexible sheet has a rough texture.

70. The combination according to claim 69, wherein said rough texture is formed by a plurality of grooves in said first surface.

71. The combination according to claim 69, wherein said rough texture is formed by a plurality of projections extending from said first surface.

72. The combination according to claim 69, wherein said rough texture is formed by a plurality of dimples in said first surface.

73. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said flexible sheet is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of silicone, rubber, plastic, vinyl and combinations thereof.

74. The combination according to claim 60, wherein said anti-microbial component is selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zincpyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.

75. The combination according to claim 60, wherein at least one of said panels comprises an anti-microbial component.

76. The combination according to claim 75, wherein said anti-microbial component comprises a coating on said at least one panel.

77. The combination according to claim 75, wherein said anti-microbial component permeates said at least one panel.

78. The combination according to claim 75, wherein said anti-microbial component is selected from the group consisting of quat silane, triclosan, polyhexanide biguanide, silver, copper, zinc pyrithione, bactericidal long chain polymers, virucidal long chain polymers, polymeric biocides, ceragenin compounds and combinations thereof.