Receptacles – Container attachment or adjunct – Container holder
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-19
2001-11-06
Pollard, Steven (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Container attachment or adjunct
Container holder
C220S718000, C220S908000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311864
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to sanitary shields and more particularly to universal sanitary shields for media dispensers. Still more specifically, the present invention relates to sanitary shields which prevent contamination of dispenser terminals and media or products they dispense, by preventing direct contact between the dispenser terminals and the dispenser users or other foreign matter.
Many types of dispensers are known to the art for dispensing media or products. Such dispensers are known for use, for example, in the medical field, for industrial products such as dry chemicals and for various food products, such as ice cream, desert toppings, nuts, coffee, candy, soft drinks, water and the like. However these dispensers do not provide protection from contamination for the media or products being dispensed from contamination. Contamination of the dispenser terminals and the media or products they dispense may easily occur when contact is made with the user or foreign matter because the dispenser terminals are exposed. For example, children have been observed touching terminals of soda dispensers, water coolers and ice cream dispensers when they may have germs on their hands. Also people have been observed coughing or sneezing in close proximity to dispenser terminals. It is, therefore, highly desirable to provide a sanitary shield to prevent such contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a universal sanitary shield for media or product dispensers to protect the dispensing media or products and the dispenser terminals from contamination.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that effectively shields dispenser terminals and dispensing media or products from contact by users or other foreign matter.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a universal sanitary shield that is economical to manufacture and which may be readily manufactured, and easily be put on and taken off of a dispenser for replacement or cleaning by unskilled workers.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that may comprise a single component which may be made entirely of a single material such as a polycarbonate or other clear plastic material that can afford a good view of the product or media being dispensed.
Briefly, the present invention is directed, in its preferred embodiment, to a universal sanitary shield which effectively protects the terminals of dispensers and media, or products they dispense, from becoming contaminated from contact with users or with foreign objects such as air-born germs when someone sneezes or coughs. The sanitary shield is preferably a single component and preferably comprises a generally cylindrical shape somewhat larger in diameter and longer in length than the dispenser terminal and having open ends. It is preferably constructed of a clear plastic resin such as polycarbonate, but may be of glass, metal or other suitable material. One end of the shield is designed to snap, twist or otherwise be engageably attachable to a dispenser or dispenser terminal in such a way as to position the shield to effectively protect the dispenser terminal. The other end of the shield preferably terminates slightly beyond the end of the dispenser terminal. Thus, the universal sanitary shield prevents a user from contaminating the terminal by touching it and prevents contamination by shielding the terminal from a user sneezing or coughing on it.
Although four embodiments are illustrated, it will be understood that the device can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate a wide variety of dispensers or dispenser terminals. It will become clear that the present invention provides a unique and desirable device for dispensers by creating a sanitary shield for protecting dispenser terminals and dispensing media or products from contamination.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1709537 (1929-04-01), Owen
patent: 1715861 (1929-06-01), Owen
patent: 2552318 (1951-05-01), Hartmann
patent: 2678764 (1954-05-01), Carlson
patent: 2782614 (1957-02-01), Currie
patent: 3021977 (1962-02-01), Hester
patent: 4715510 (1987-12-01), van der Meulen et al.
patent: 5636871 (1997-06-01), Field
Jones Tullar & Cooper P.C.
Pollard Steven
LandOfFree
Universal sanitary shield for media dispensers does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Universal sanitary shield for media dispensers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Universal sanitary shield for media dispensers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2600049