Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for helping to assure the washing of hands

US6031461A · kind A · utility

61Cited by
10References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 13, 1998
Grant dateFeb 29, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 13, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE05B1/0069
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for helping to assure the washing of hands. An easily identifiable substance is provided which can be removed by washing, and a marking mechanism is coupled to the easily identifiable substance. A hand of a person is then marked with the easily identifiable substance when the marking mechanism is triggered. In one embodiment, a flush mechanism of a toilet or urinal is equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when a person flushes the toilet or urinal. In another embodiment, a door handle is equipped with the marking mechanism, and the marking mechanism is triggered when a person uses the door handle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.