Claims:1. A system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage, the system comprising:
an apparatus (100) for supplying water to the user, the apparatus (100) comprises:
a connector support (102) vertically welded with a base plate (104) at one end and connected to a connector guide (106) at another end,
a spring guide (108) vertically welded with the base plate (104) at some distance away from the connector support (102) and in which a spring (110) is inserted, the spring (110) being connected with one end of a lever (112) whose another end is welded with the connector guide (106),
a plurality of water flow pipes (114a-114d) connected to each other with the help of a plurality of elbows (116a-116c) such that one end of the water flow pipe (114a) which is arranged on the base plate (104) is connected with a source of the water and one end of the water flow pipe (114d) is connected with a faucet (118), and
a flush cock (120) arranged in between the elbow (116a) and the water flow pipe (114b) in such a way that when a force is exerted on the lever (112), the flush cock (120) gets pressed in a downward direction allowing the water to exit from the plurality of water flow pipes (114a-114d) via the faucet (118).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprises:
an apparatus (200) for supplying a fluid to the user, the apparatus (200) comprises:
a connector support (202) vertically welded with a base plate (204) at one end and connected to a support plate (206) that supports a fluid dispenser (D), at another end, the connector support (202) being connected to a connector guide (208) proximal to the base plate (204),
a spring guide (210) vertically welded with the base plate (204) at some distance away from the connector support (202) and in which a spring (212) is inserted, the spring (212) being connected with one end of a lever (214) whose another end is cantilevered, the lever (214) being welded with the connector guide (208) proximal to the cantilevered end,
a hollow tube (216) welded upon the cantilevered end of the lever (214), the hollow tube (216) having a vertical pushing rod (218) inserted into it,
a plurality of guide bush (220) welded to the vertical pushing rod (218), each of the plurality of guide bush (220) having a stiffener plate (220a) welded with the connector support (202),
a push plate (222) welded proximal to a top end of the vertical pushing rod (218), above the push plate (222) and below the support plate (206), a flush cock (224) is arranged such that when the flush cock (224) is pressed in an upward direction by the push plate (222) due to a force exerted on the lever (214), the flush cock (224) allows the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser (D) to exit via a nozzle (226).
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the user’s foot is used to exert the force on the lever (112) of the apparatus (100) and lever (214) of the apparatus (200).

4. The system as claimed in 1, wherein the plurality of water flow pipes (114a-114d) is fastened with the plurality of elbows (116a-116c).

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the lever (112, 214) of the apparatus (100, 200) comprises a connector pin that is inserted in and welded with the connector guide (206, 208).

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of water or disinfectant fluid exiting the faucet (118) or fluid dispenser (D) depends on the extent of compression of the spring (110, 212) that further depends on the force exerted on the lever (112, 214), respectively.

7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser (D) is a disinfectant or an anti-microbial fluid.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the system is independently operable or attachable with any type of a washbasin.

9. A method of operating a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage, the method comprising:
operating (302) an apparatus (100) for supplying water to the user, wherein a force is exerted on a lever (112) of the apparatus (100) of the system by the user’s foot causing actuation of a flush cock (120) that allows water to exit from a plurality of water flow pipes (114a- 114d) via a faucet (118); and
if required by the user, operating (304) an apparatus (200) for supplying a fluid to the user, wherein a force is exerted on a lever (214) of the apparatus (200) of the system by the user’s foot causing actuation of a flush cock (224) that allows the fluid stored in a fluid dispenser (D) to exit via a nozzle (226) of the apparatus (200).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser (D) is a disinfectant or an anti-microbial fluid. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure described herein, in general, relates to a safe and hygienic washing system that reduces the possibility of transfer of any infection to a user from the washing system.
[0002] In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system that doesn’t require a user to touch the system by his/her hands while operating the system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It has been a conventional practice to turn on a water faucet via the use of a user's hands. A water faucet is usually turned on by turning a knob with an uncleaned hand that contaminates the turning knob of the water faucet. Thus although the user’s hands get cleaned after washing, however, when the user turns the knob to shut the water supply, his/her hand will be contaminated and probably requires to be washed again. Due to this, many users do not dare to touch frequently used water taps in densely populated public places such as hospitals and public lavatories, as they are afraid of being contaminated and getting infectious diseases. Also, when the hands of the user are soapy, greasy, and dirty or employed for other purposes, it is not possible to conveniently turn the knob to shut or start the water supply or otherwise alter the water supply.
[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned issues, automated washing system are already proposed that uses high-tech sensors to dispense water and disinfectant solution for a limited time and quantity and doesn’t require the user to touch any of the components of such a washing system thereby reducing the risk of infection. However, such automated washing systems are very costly and also incur costs in their installation.
[0005] Another washing system existing as a state of the art is the foot-operated washing systems wherein the user can use his/her foot to start or shut the water supply instead of his/ her hand thereby reducing the risk of infection. However, such existing foot-operated washing systems are complex in structure. Moreover, although the systems are less expensive than automated washing systems but are still not economical.
[0006] In view of the above, there is a need to provide a washing system of a latter kind of washing system that addresses the above-mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0008] It is a general or primary object of the present disclosure to provide a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system that doesn’t require a user to touch the system by his/her hands to operate the system.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system that is simple in structure and economical.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0011] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0012] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage. The system comprises an apparatus for supplying water to the user. The apparatus comprises a connector support vertically welded with a base plate at one end and connected to a connector guide at another end, a spring guide vertically welded with the base plate at some distance away from the connector support and in which a spring is inserted. The spring is connected with one end of a lever whose another end is welded with the connector guide. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of water flow pipes connected to each other with the help of a plurality of elbows such that one end of a water flow pipe which is arranged on the base plate is connected with a source of the water and one end of the plurality of water flow pipes is connected with a faucet, and a flush cock arranged in between one of the plurality of elbows and one of the plurality of water flow pipes in such a way that when a force is exerted on the lever the push cock gets pressed in a downward direction allowing the water to exit from the plurality of water flow pipes via the faucet.
[0013] In an aspect, the plurality of water flow pipes is fastened with the plurality of elbows.
[0014] The system further comprises another apparatus for supplying a fluid to the user. The apparatus comprises a connector support vertically welded with a base plate at one end and connected to a support plate that supports a fluid dispenser at another end. The connector support is connected to a connector guide proximal to the base plate. The apparatus further comprises a spring guide vertically welded with the base plate at some distance away from the connector support and in which a spring is inserted, the spring being connected with one end of a lever whose another end is cantilevered. The lever is welded with the connector guide proximal to the cantilevered end. The apparatus comprises a hollow tube welded upon the cantilevered end of the lever. The hollow tube has a vertical pushing rod inserted into it. A plurality of guide bush is welded to the vertical pushing rod wherein each of the plurality of guide bush is having a stiffener plate welded with the connector support. A push plate is welded proximal to a top end of the vertical pushing rod. Above the push plate and below the support plate, a flush cock is arranged such that when the flush cock is pressed in an upward direction by the push plate due to a force exerted on the lever the flush cock allows the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser to exit via a nozzle.
[0015] In an aspect, the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser is a disinfectant or an anti-microbial fluid.
[0016] In an aspect, the user’s foot is used to exert the force on the lever of both the apparatus of the system.
[0017] In an aspect, the lever in both the apparatus comprises a connector pin that is inserted in and welded with the connector guide.
[0018] In an aspect, the amount of water or disinfectant fluid exiting the faucet or fluid dispenser depends on the extent of compression of the spring that further depends on the force exerted on the lever of both the apparatus respectively.
[0019] In an aspect, the system is independently operable or attachable with any type of a washbasin.
[0020] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method of operating a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage. The method comprises operating an apparatus for supplying water to the user wherein a force is exerted on a lever of the apparatus of the system by the user’s foot causing the actuation of a flush cock that allows water to exit from a plurality of water flow pipes via a faucet. If required by the user, operating an apparatus for supplying a fluid to the user wherein a force is exerted on a lever of the apparatus of the system by the user’s foot causing actuation of a flush cock that allows a fluid stored in a fluid dispenser to exit via a nozzle of the apparatus.
[0021] Therefore, the system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system as described above doesn’t require the user to touch the system by his/her hands to operate the system thereby reducing the risk of infection. Further, the system is simple in structure and economical.
[0022] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two apparatus of a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage, respectively, in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of operating a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0027] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0029] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0030] The terminology used herein is to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0031] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0033] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0034] Hereinafter, a description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] Reference is made to FIG. 1 and 2 showing the two main components or apparatus 100, 200 of a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage, respectively. The apparatus 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is used for supplying water to the user. The apparatus 100 comprises a connector support 102 that is vertically welded with a base plate 104 at one end and connected to a connector guide 106 at another end. In a preferred aspect, the connector support 102 is welded with the connector guide 106. In a further preferred aspect, the base plate 104 is made of metal. A spring guide 108 which is a hollow metal tube is vertically welded with the base plate 104 at some predefined distance away from the connector support 102. A spring 110 made up of a metal or alloy is inserted or guided in the spring guide 108. The spring 110 is connected with one end of a lever 112 whose another end is welded with the connector guide 106. In an aspect, the lever 112 comprises a connector pin (not shown in FIG. 1) that is inserted in and welded with the connector guide 106. The connector guide 106 provides pivoting motion to the lever 112.
[0036] The apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of water flow pipes 114a-114d connected to each other with the help of a plurality of elbows 116a-116c. In a preferred aspect, the plurality of water flow pipes 114a-114d is fastened with the plurality of elbows 116a-116c. In a further preferred aspect, the plurality of water flow pipes 114a-114d used is galvanized iron (GI) pipes. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the water flow pipe 114a is arranged on the base plate 104 and one end of the water flow pipe 114a is connected with a source of the water. The water flow pipes 114a and 114b are connected by the elbow 116a, the water flow pipes 114b and 114c are connected by the elbow 116b and the water flow pipes 114c and 114d are connected by the elbow 116c. An end of the water flow pipe 114d is connected with a faucet 118. In a preferred aspect, the end of the water flow pipe 114d is fastened with the faucet 118. A flush cock 120 is arranged in between the elbow 116a and the water flow pipe 114b. In a preferred aspect, the flush cock 120 is fastened to the elbow 116a and the water flow pipe 114b. In an operating condition, when a force is exerted on the lever 112 in a downward direction or the spring 110 is compressed the flush cock 120 gets actuated or pressed in a downward direction allowing the water due to pressure difference to exit from the plurality of water flow pipes 114a-114d via the faucet 118 to the user. When the force is released from the lever 112 or the spring 110 expands, the lever 112 returns to its original position. As a result, the flush cock 120 deactuates and shuts the water supply or disallows the water to exit from the plurality of water flow pipes 114a-114d.
[0037] The apparatus 200 as shown in Fig. 2 is used for supplying a fluid to the user. In an aspect, the fluid is a disinfectant or an anti-microbial fluid. The apparatus 200 comprises a connector support 202 vertically welded with a base plate 204 at one end. The other end of the connector support 202 is connected to a support plate 206 that supports a fluid dispenser D. The connector support 202 is connected to a connector guide 208 proximal to the base plate 204. In a preferred aspect, the connector support 202 is welded with the connector guide 208. In a further preferred aspect, the base plate 204 is made of metal. A spring guide 210 which is a hollow metal tube is vertically welded with the base plate 204 at some predefined distance away from the connector support 202. A spring 212 made up of a metal or alloy is inserted or guided in the spring guide 210. The spring 212 is connected with one end of a lever 214 whose another end is cantilevered. The lever 214 is welded with the connector guide 208 proximal to the cantilevered end. In an aspect, the lever 214 comprises a connector pin (not shown in FIG. 2) that is inserted in and welded with the connector guide 208. The connector guide 208 provides pivoting motion to the lever 214. As can be seen from Fig. 2 the point of connection of the connector support 202 with the connector guide 208 and point of connection of the lever 214 with the connector guide 208 is the same.
[0038] The apparatus 200 further comprises a hollow tube 216 which is welded upon the cantilevered end of the lever 214. The hollow tube 216 has a vertical pushing rod 218 inserted into it. A plurality of guide bush 220 is welded to the vertical pushing rod 218 and each of the plurality of guide bush 220 has a stiffener plate 220a welded with the connector support 20 so that a rigid connection is formed. A push plate 222 is welded proximal to a top end of the vertical pushing rod 218. A flush cock 224 is arranged above the push plate 222 and below the support plate 206. In an operating condition, when a force is exerted on the lever 214 in a downward direction or the spring 212 is compressed the cantilevered end of the lever 214 moves in an upward direction such that the flush cock 224 gets actuated or pressed in an upward direction by the push plate 222. As a result, the flush cock 224 allows the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser D to exit via a nozzle 226 to the user. When the force is released from the lever 214 or the spring 212 expands, the lever 214 cantilevered end of the lever 214 returns to its original position such that the flush cock 224 deactuates and shuts the fluid supply or disallows the fluid to exit from the nozzle 226.
[0039] In an aspect, the user’s foot is used to exert a force on the lever 112 of the apparatus 100 and the lever 214 of the apparatus 200 of the system thereby preventing the user to operate the system by hands. This helps in reducing the risk of infection. In a further aspect, the amount of water or disinfectant fluid exiting the faucet 218 or fluid dispenser D respectively depends on the extent of compression of the spring 110, 212 that further depends on the force exerted on the lever 112, 214 of the apparatus 100, 200 respectively. The apparatus 100 and 200 of the system are very simple in structure. Further, the system is economical as the components of the two apparatus 100 and 200 are economical. In an aspect, the apparatus 100 and 200 of the system can be operated independently or attached with a washbasin of any type with minor modification and adjustments.
[0040] FIG. 3 show a flowchart depicting a method 300 of operating the system for washing at least one of the user’s appendage. The method 300 comprises operating the apparatus 100 for supplying water to the user, wherein a force is exerted on the lever 112 of the apparatus 100 of the system by the user’s foot causing an actuation of the flush cock 120 that allows water to exit from the plurality of water flow pipes 114a-114d via the faucet 118 represented at block 302. To shut the water supply, the user needs to release the force from the lever 112 that will deactuate the flush cock 120.
[0041] The method 300 further comprises operating an apparatus 200 for supplying the fluid to the user, wherein a force is exerted on a lever 214 of the apparatus 200 of the system by the user’s foot causing an actuation of the flush cock 224 that allows the fluid stored in the fluid dispenser D to exit via the nozzle 226 of the apparatus 200 represented by block 304. This step of the method 300 depends on the requirement of the user whether the user desires to wash appendage with the disinfectant or anti-microbial fluid.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0042] The present disclosure provides a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system that doesn’t require a user to touch the system by his/her hands to operate the system.
[0043] The present disclosure provides a system for washing at least one of a user’s appendage and a method to operate such a system that is simple in structure and economical.
[0044] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.