US3918117A

US3918117A - Surgical washing device

Info

Publication number: US3918117A
Application number: US520801A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lucille I Plante
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1974-11-04
Filing date: 1974-11-04
Publication date: 1975-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-11

Abstract

A washing device is provided which is particularly adapted for employment in hospitals, laboratories, convalescent homes, etc., by the employer thereof. The washing device is operable for purposes of promoting more efficient scrubbing of the arms and hands of a person where scrubbing and cleansing thereof are required. The washing device includes an enclosure having a pair of openings provided in one end wall thereof through which access may be had to the interior of the enclosure. The pair of openings are each provided with means operable to close off the openings while yet permitting the hands and the arms of a person to be inserted therethrough. Within the interior of the enclosure, there is suitably supported for rotational movement a multiplicity of longitudinally extending brushes positioned so as to be capable of engaging a person''s arms when inserted within the enclosure and operable to effect a scrubbing thereof. In addition, there is also mounted within the enclosure a plurality of vertically extending rotatable brushes which are suitably located so as to be capable of being engaged by a person''s hands when the latter are inserted within the enclosure and which are operable for effecting a scrubbing of the person''s hands. In the interior of the enclosure adjacent to the top wall thereof there is suitably arranged relative thereto at least first pipe means operable for transmitting clean hot water to the interior of the enclosure whereat the clean hot water is caused to be sprayed into engagement with a person''s hands and arms located thereat. The washing device is equipped with suitable drive means operable for imparting rotation to the brushes, and control means operable for controlling the operation of the device. In accord with the preferred form of the washing device, the enclosure is provided with a cover which is attached thereto whereby to be movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the enclosure so as to enable access to be had to the interior thereof for purposes of performing maintenance and/or minor repairs on the equipment housed therein.

Description

United States Patent [191 Plante 1 Nov. 11, 1975 SURGICAL WASHING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Lucille I. Plante, l6 Pinecrest Drive.

Plainville. Conn. 06062 [22] Filed: Nov. 4, 1974 [2]] Appl. No.: 520.801

[52] US. Cl 15/21 D [51] Int. Cl. A47K 7/04; 8088 l/04 [58] Field of Search 15/21 R. 21 C. 21 D, 97 R. 15/4 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.952.859 9/1960 Alcamo 15/21 D 2.961.672 11/1961) Alcamo 15/21 R 3.081.471 3/1963 Newell 15/21 D 3.439.370 4/1969 McLaughlin 15/4 Primary IitaminerEdward L. Roberts provided with means operable to close off the openings while yet permitting the hands and the arms of a person to be inserted therethrough. Within the interior of the enclosure. there is suitably supported for rotational movement a multiplicity of longitudinally extending brushes positioned so as to be capable of engaging a persons arms when inserted within the enclosure and operable to effect a scrubbing thereof. In addition. there is also mounted within the enclosure a plurality of vertically extending rotatable brushes which are suitably located so as to be capable of being engaged by a persons hands when the latter are inserted within the enclosure and which are operable for effecting a scrubbing of the persons hands. In the interior of the enclosure adjacent to the top wall thereof there is suitably arranged relative thereto at least first pipe means operable for transmitting clean hot water to the interior of the enclosure whereat the clean hot water is caused to be sprayed into engagement with a person's hands and arms located there-at. The washing device is equipped with suitable drive means operable for imparting rotation to the brushes. and control means operable for controlling the operation of the device. In accord with the preferred form of the washing device. the enclosure is provided with a cover which is attached thereto whereby to be movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the enclosure so as to enable access to be had to the interior thereof for purposes of performing maintenance and/or minor repairs on the equipment housed therein.

10 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 11,1975 Sheet10f3 3,918,117

24 PIC-3.2

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet3of3 3,918,117

I38 FIG-9 a l SURGICAL WAS HING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It has been known heretofore in the prior art to provide devices which are particularly suited to be employed for purposes of effecting sterilization of portions of the human anatomy through washing the particular portion of the latter under controlled conditions. There are a variety of situations for which the aforementioned sterilization is required to be performed. Perhaps the most common of these comprises the scrub down which is performed by doctors, nurses and other operating room personnel preparatory to their performing an operation and/or assisting therein. In this particular case, the scrub down is performed for purposes of cleansing the arms and hands of the aforereferenced personnel. Some of the other facilities in which such devices find application are in laboratories, convalescent homes, and other similar establishments associated with the performance of services relating to the fields of medical and/or health care.

Insofar as concerns the design of such devices there are two characteristics relating thereto which are of primary importance. First, the device must be capable of effectively and efficiently performing the intended function of cleansing the arms and hands of the person utilizing the device. Secondly, the cleansing of the persons arms and hands must be capable of being accomplished through the use of the device in a relatively short period of time. Another characteristic which is of lesser importance but which it is still nevertheless desirable that such a device possess is that the device as nearly as possible be capable of effecting the required cleansing of the arms and hands of the person without the need to resort to any further human scrubbing. There are dual reasons which make the latter characteristic desirable. One is that it eliminates the possibility of there being an ineffective scrubbing resulting from the use of poor techniques being employed by the individual. Another reason is that it eliminates the possibility that the individual may experience arm fatigue resulting from the need to scrub manually.

The nature of the construction of some of the prior art forms of such washing devices is best understood with reference to some of the prior art patents which have issued heretofore in this areai To exemplify the development which has taken place here to date, reference is first had to U.S. Pat. No. 2,962,859, which shows a scrubbing machine including a pair of scrubbers each adapted to receive an arm therewithin. Each scrubber comprises a cylindrically arranged series of individual rotatable scrubbing elements such as elongated portions with bristles or equivalents, made from foam rubber or plastic. Provision is also made for simultaneously rotating the scrubbing elements. U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,672 shows a scrubbing brush comprising an elongate hollow casing and a plurality of elongate, rotatable, axially straight bristle brushes circularly arranged axially within the casing. The bristles along the axis of each brush vary in length substantially inversely with the longitudinal variation of the arm space. The interior surface of the casing corresponds to the peripheral contour of the bristles of the brushes and is adjacent the end of the bristles. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,471, there is shown a hand washing machine wherein there is rotatably supported a pair of cylindrical scrubbing brushes with which the hands of the user may be en- .gaged by insertion ofthe hands through hand openings formed in a flexible panel. The machine alsohas a predetermined cycle of operation that is electrically activated when the user inserts his hands through the hand openings. The final patent which will be referred to herein by way of illustration is US. Pat. No. 3,439,370, which shows a hand washing machine including a housing haveing an access opening formed in one wall thereof and in which a powered movable brush means is disposed. The access opening in the housing is positioned relative to the powered brush means in a manner so that a persons hands may be readily inserted into the housing through the access opening and engaged with the powered brushes. The machine includes means for discharging soap and water within the housing in a manner operative to apply soap and water to the hand of a user of the machine.

The washing devices which have been referred to in the preceding paragraph are intended to merely exemplify some of the various forms thereof which have been provided previously. Notwithstanding the fact that these devices have existed heretofore, the performance of the latter when placed in actual use has not proven to be entirely satisfactory. As a result, very little use has been made of such devices here to date. Instead, most often the practice which is followed is the old-fashioned method wherein the individual for purposes of scrubbing down utilizes a sink wherein water and a disinfectant solution are caused to be dispensed onto the arms and the hands of the individual when placed over the sink under the control of a footoperated means whereby no contact occurs between the arms and hands of the individual and the washing facilities. The latter described procedure however, is disadvantageously characterized in that effective and efficient scrubbing is dependent on the use of good scrubbing techniques by the individual, a practice which is not universally followed by all. In addition, the above referenced procedure is not only time consuming but also is often found to produce arm fatigue. Therehas therefore existed a need to provide a washing device which would be capable of obviating the deficiencies found to be possessed by prior art forms of washing devices. More particularly, there has been evidenced a need to provide a washing, i.e., scrubbing device which is operable to promote more efficient scrubbing of hands and arms for surgery or in any area where sterility and cleanliness are necessary, to obviate the necessity of having to employ manual scrubbing with the attendant possibility that poor scrubbing techniques could be followed because of human error, to decrease. the time required to scrub because of the fact that a more efficient process is employed, and to eliminate the possibility that the individual may experience arm fatigue from scrubbing.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved washing device which is particularly suited to be employed in hospitals, laboratories, convalescent homes, etc., for purposes of effecting sterilization of a portion of the body of someone working thereat when this is required. I

Itisanother object of the present invention to provide such a washing device which is operable to promote moreefficientscrubbing of hands and arms for surgery or in any other area where sterility and cleanliness are necessary.

A further object ofthe present invention is to provide such a washing device which is operable to obviate the necessity of having to employ manual scrubbing with the attendant possibility that undesirable results could be produced because poor scrubbing techniques were followed arising out of human error.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a washing device which is operable to de crease the time required to scrub because of the fact that a more efficient process is employed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a washing device which is effective to preclude the possibility that the individual using the subject washing device will experience arm fatigue from scrubbing.

yet still another object of the present invention is to provide such a washing device which is capable of effectively and efficiently sterilizing the arms and hands of an individual, while yet being relatively easy to employ.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be readily attained in a washing device which is' particularly adapted for employment in hospitals, laboratories, convalescent homes, etc., by individuals working thereat. The washing device is operable for purposes of promoting more efficient scrubbing of a persons hands and arms for surgery, or for any other purpose where sterility and cleanliness are necessary. The washing device includes an enclosure having a pair of openings provided in one end wall thereof through which access may be had to the interior of the enclosure. The pair of openings are each provided with means operable to close off the openings while yet permitting the hands and arms of a person to be inserted therethrough. Within the interior of the enclosure there is suitably supported for rotational movement a multiplicity of longitudinally extending brushes positioned so as to be capable of engaging a person's arms when inserted within the enclosure and operable to effect a scrubbing thereof. In addition, there is also mounted within the enclosure a plurality of vertically extending rotatable brushes which are suitably located so as to be capable of being engaged by a persons hands when the latter are inserted within the enclosure and which are operable for effecting a scrubbing thereof. In the interior of the enclosure adjacent to the top wall thereof there is suitably arranged relative thereto at least first pipe means operable for transmitting clean hot water to the interior of the enclosure whereat the clean hot water is caused to be sprayed into engagement with a persons hands and arms located thereat. The washing device is equipped with suitable drive means operable for imparting rotation to the brushes, and control means operable for controlling the operation of the device.

In accord with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the enclosure of the washing device is provided with a cover which is attached thereto whereby to be movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the enclosure so as to enable access to be had to the interior thereof for purposes of performing maintenance and/or minor repairs on the equipment housed therewithin. A suitable gasketing means is provided between the edges of the cover and the surfaces of the enclosure which cooperate with the edges of the cover whereby to provide a watertight seal.

of the enclosure consists of a plurality of top brushes,

a plurality of bottom brushes, and another brush located intermediate the aforesaid top and bottom brushes. All ofthe aforereferenced brushes are suitably arranged relative to each other whereby a pair of spaces are formed therebetween suitably dimensioned so as to enable a persons arms to be inserted therewithin and into contact with selected ones of the brushes whereby the brushes are capable of functioning to scrub the arms. The pair of vertically extending ro-. tatable brushes are mounted adjacent the rear end wall of the enclosure and so as to extend substantially at right angles to the major axes of the pair of spaces formed by the longitudinally extending brushes whereby to be engageableby the hands and more, specifically the fingers of a person when the arms thereof are positioned in the aforedescribed pair of spaces.

There is alsoembodied in the enclosure a second pipe.

means which is operable vto transmit a suitable disinfec tant solution tothe interior of the enclosure whereat the latter solution is sprayed onto the arms and hands of a person when the latters arms and. hands are in-. sertedinto the washing device. The latter washing device alsois provided with a suitable drain means located in the bottom wall of the enclosure which is operable to remove from the interior of the enclosure the excess water and. disinfectant solution remaining after' latter has been sprayed on the persons arms and hands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE'DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a surgical washing device contructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view with the cover removed of a portion of the interior of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the liquid and disinfectant solution dispensing means thereof;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view with the cover removed of a portion of the interior of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the arrangement of the brush means therewithin;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view with the cover removed and with parts broken away of the interior of a surgical washing device contructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view with the cover removed of a portion of the interior of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention, illustrating the mounting means for one end of I the brush means housed therewithin;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the drive means for a first set of brush means of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention taken substantially on the line 7.-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the drive means for a second set ofbrush means of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention taken substantially on the line 8-8 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the drive means for a third set of-brush means of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention taken substantially on the line 99 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a portionof the housing of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention taken substantially on the line l10 in FIG. 2, illustrating the manner in which the cover and the base of the housing cooperate in the closed position of the cover to provide a watertight seal therebetween; and

FIG. 11 is an exploded view in cross section of a portion of the housing of a surgical washing device constructed in accordance with the present invention illustrating 'the'nature of the construction of the cover and the base of the housing by means of which a watertight seal is effected therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OFTHE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and more particularly FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is depicted therein a washing device, generally designated by reference numeral 10, constructed inaccordance with the present invention, which is particularly adapted to be employed in hospitals, laboratories, convalescent homes, etc. by the employees thereof. The washing device 10 is operable for purposes of promoting more efficient scrubbing of the arms and hands of an individual where such scrubbing is required to effect a sterilization of these parts of the individuals body. The washing device 10 embodies a housing of essentially two-part construction, namely a cover 12 and a base 14 which cooperate to form an enclosure for the operating components of the washing device 10. The cover 12 in accord with the illustrated embodiment of the washing device 10 is semicircular in cross section and is supported on the base 14 so as to be removable therefrom for purposes of providing access to the interior of the washing device 10 in order to enable maintenance and/or minor repairs to be performed on the components housed therewithin. Although a variety of means exists which might be employed for purposes of detachably fastening the cover 12 to the base 14, a multiplicity of snap clamp means 16 are preferably employed for this purpose. As best understood-with reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, three snap clamp means 16 are provided along each of the long sides of the washing device 10 so as to be located substantially in equally spaced relation relative to each other. Each of the snap clamp means 16 comprises a catch portion 18 which is carried by the base 14 and a hook portion, not visible per se in the drawings, which is cooperable with the aforedescribed catch portion 18 and which is carried by the cover 12.,In a manner well-known to those skilled in.the art, when the aforedescribed hook portion of eachofithe snap clamp means 16 is received in the corresponding catch portion 18 thereof the snap clamp means 16 are operable to securely fasten the cover 12 in the closed position thereof relative to the base 14.

With regard to the base 14, the latter has a generally rectangular-shaped circumference provided by a plurality of interconnected upstanding side walls 20. As best understood with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and of the drawings. the bottom wall '22 of the base 14 slopes downwardly substantially at the center thereof to a drain 24. More specifically, the angle of slope of the bottom wall 22 is selected to be such that the bottom wall 22 is capable of functioning in the nature of a funnel whereby in a manner which will be described more fully hereinafter fluid dispensed within the interior of the washing device upon hitting the surface of the L bottom wall 22 will be caused to flow to the drain 24.

The latter drain 24 is connected by pipe means 26 to a suitable waste disposal means (not shown) operable for disposing of fluid waste.

For obvious reasons, it should be readily apparent that when the cover 12 is in a closed condition relative to the base 14 and fluid is being dispensed into the interior of the. washing device 10 that this fluid should not be permitted to leak to the exterior of the washing device 10 through the joint formed by the interengagement of the cover 12 with the base 14 when the former is in its closed position relative to the latter. Accordingly, as best understood with reference to FIGS. 10 and 1] of the drawings, a watertight seal is preferably provided between the cover 12 and the base 14. For this purpose, the cover 12 all around the circumference thereof is provided with a flange 28 configured in the nature of an inverted L, the latter being defined by a horizontally extending portion 28a, as viewed with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, projecting outwardly from and formed integrally with the cover 12 and a vertically extending portion 28b projecting outwardly from and formed integrally with the horizontally extending portion 28a. With regard to the base 14, the side walls thereof all terminate in a substantially U- shaped flange 30 which is formed integrally with the side wall 20. Moreover the flange 30 has a groove32 formed therein, the latter being constructed so as to lie in a plane which is parallel to the plane of the adjoining side wall 20. In addition, the groove 32 is suitably dimensioned so as to be capable ofreceiving therewithin the vertically extending portion 28b of the flange 28 with which the cover 12 is provided as well as a portion of a Z-shaped gasket 34. The latter gasket 34 as best understood with reference to FIG. 11 of the drawings consists of a member having a pair of

end portions

34a and 34b formed integrally with and extending outwardly in opposite directions from a medial portion 340. As depicted in FIG. 10 of the drawings, the end portion 34b of the gasket 34 is suitably dimensioned so that the length thereof corresponds to the width of the groove 32 while the medial portion 34c of the gasket 34 is suitably dimensioned so that the length thereof corresponds to the depth of the groove 32 whereby the end portion 34b and the medial portion 34c of the gasket 34 are received in the groove 32 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 10 of the drawings.

.Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the front end-wall 36 of the cover 12 is provided with a plurality of suitably located openings formed therein. More specifically, adjacent to the top thereof there is formed in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12 a first rectangular opening (not shown) in which a plexiglas viewing window 38 is suitably mounted. Any suitable conventional form of mounting means (not shown) may be employed for purposes of mounting the window 38 in the aforedescribed rectangular opening. The latter window 38 is employed for purposes of providing a means of viewing the interior of the washing device 10 while the latter is in operation, i.e., when the cover 12 is in its closed position relative to the base 14 and fluid is being dispensed within the interior of the washing device 10. In addition, the front end wall 36 of the cover 12 is provided with another pair of'openings 40 and 42 formed therein so as to be located below and in spaced relation to the window 38. Moreover, the

openings

40 and 42 are suitably located in the front end wall 36 so as to be vertically aligned. as viewed with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, relative to each other. A

baffle

44 and 46 is mounted in the

openings

40 and 42, respectively, so as to be operable to close off the

respective opening

40 and 42 while yet permitting access to be had to the interior of the washing device 10 therethrough. More specifically, each of the aforereferenced baffles 44 and 46 consist of a plurality of pie-shaped

segments

44a and 46a, respectively, which each have the large end thereof suitably secured around the circumference of the

openings

40 and 42, respectively, and with the small end, i.e., the free end of each of the segments 44a being located substantially at the center of the opening 40 and with the free end of each of the segments 46a being positioned at the center, of the opening 42. The

segments

44a and 46a of the

baffles

44 and 46, respectively, are made from a suitable resilient material such as rubber whereby when a force is applied against the free ends of the segments 440 or the free ends of the segments 4611, the segments 440 or the segments 46a depending upon against which segments the force is being applied will deform inwardly to the extent necessary to permit the object such as the arm of an individual through the force being applied thereto thereby to pass through the corresponding opening, i.e., the opening 40 or the opening 42. In accord with the illustrated embodiment of the washing device 10, as best seen with reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the window 38 as well as each of the

baffles

44 and 46 is preferably supported in a

holder

48, 50 and 52, respectively, which in turn is mounted in the corresponding opening provided therefor in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12. Obviously, however, if so desired, the mounting of the window 38 and/or the

baffles

44 and 46 on the front end wall 36 of the cover 12 could be accomplished in some othermanner through the use of some other conventional form of means without departing from the essence of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a number of con trol elements are also supported at the front'of the washing device 10. More specifically, there is supported on the upstanding side wall of the base 14 at the front of the washing device 10 a control means by which control is effected over the operation of the washing device 10. In this regard, reference is had to the Start button 54 the actuation of which is operable to effect initiation of a cycle of operation of the washing device 10. There is also provided on the aforereferenced front side wall 20 of the base 14 another pair of

control buttons

56 and 58, which are operable to control the dispensing, in a manner to bemore fully described hereinafter, of the disinfectant solution and the liquid, respectively. Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings a timer means is supported on the side wall 20 so as to be interposed between the Start button 54 and the disinfectant solution control button 56. The timer means 60 is operable to control the lengthofthe. cycle of operation of the washing device 10. Namely, depending upon where the lever 60a of the timer means 60 is positioned, i.e.,adjacent to the numeral 1, 2 or 3 cycle of operation of the washing device 10 willrun for a period of one minute, two minutes or three minutes. The

control

54, 56 and 58 are suitably supported in the openings (not shown) provided therefor in the upstanding side wall 20 in accord with the method knownto those skilled in the art which is conventionallyemployed for purposes of supporting such control devices on a control panel. Moreover, the Start button 54 is suitably connected by electrical conductor means (not shown) in electrical circuit relation with an electrical motormeans 62 of conventional construction, the latter being depicted in FIG. 5 of the drawings, whereby the control of the electrical motor means 62 is aecom-,

plished therethrough. In addition, the Start button 54 is connected in electrical circuit relation through suitable conductor means (not shown) to anultraviolet light means 64 whereby the operating state, i.e., On or Off condition thereof is also controlled through the Start button 54. The

control buttons

56 and 58 on the other hand are connected in electrical circuit relation in a manner well-known to those skilled in the art to a pair of solenoid operated valves (not shown) whereby the flow of the disinfectant solution and the liquid to the interior of the washing device 10 is capable of being controlled therethrough. Finally, the timer means 60 is connected in electrical circuit relation with atimer (not shown) whereby in accord with the conventional mode of operation of a timer which is well-known to those skilled in the art, when the Starter button 54 has been actuated to initiate operation of the motor. means 62, the timer (not shown) which is connected in electrical circuit relation with the Start button 54 and the motor means 62 is effective to cause the motor. means 62 to terminate its operation after a predetermined time period, the latter being established by the position which is occupied by the lever 60a of the timer means 60, i.e., after one minute, two minutes or three minutes.

With reference next particularly to FIG. 5 of the drawings, there will now be set forth hereafter a del scription of the nature of the construction of the interior of the washing device 10. Commencing at the front of the washing device 10, i.e., the left end thereof as viewed with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings ,there,

is provided thereat a compartment 66. One function of the compartment 66 is as an enclosure for the ultraviolet light means 64 to which further reference will be had hereinafter. The compartment 66 is defined by a front wall 68, the lower portion of which is positioned in juxtaposed relation to the inner surface of the upstanding front side wall 20 of the base 14, a sloping top wall 70, a rear wall 72, a sloping bottom wall 74, and

a pair of

side walls

76 and 78. The aforedescribed walls. 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 and 78 which together cooperate to define the perimeter of the compartment 66 are interconnected together through the use of any suitable conventional means (not shown) commonly found em-. ployed for. purposes of interconnecting two adjoining members, such as through the use of threaded fasteners, by welding, by being originally formed integral with each other, etc. Similarly, the lower portion of the front wall 68 of the compartment 66 may be secured to the upstanding front side wall 20 of the base 14 through the use of any suitable conventional form of fastening means (not shown) such as threaded fasteners, by being welded thereto, etc.

The front wall 68 of the compartment 66 has formed therein a pair of openings 80, only one of which is visible in the drawings. The latter openings 80 are suitably located in the front wall 68 and positioned relative to each other whereby when the front wall 68 is located relative to the upstanding front side wall 20 of the base 14 in the manner depicted in FIG. of the drawings and the cover 12 is secured in its closed position relative to the base 14, the openings 80 in the front wall 68 are aligned with the

openings

40 and 42 formed in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12. The top wall 70 and the bottom wall 74 are preferably sloped in order to cause any fluid dispensed within the interior of the washing device which might strike the top wall 70 and/or the bottom wall 74 of the compartment 66 to flow downwardly therealong towards the sloping bottom wall 22 of the base 14 and the drain 24 which communicates with the bottom wall 22. The ultraviolet light means 64 which consists of an ultraviolet light source and a holder therefor is supported spaced from but adjacent to the inner surface of the sloping top wall 70. Any suitable conventional mounting means (not shown) may be employed for purposes of causing the ultraviolet light means 64 to be supported in the aforedescribed manner. The ultraviolet light means 64, the function of which is to sterilize the back of the

baffles

44 and 46 by means of ultraviolet rays produced thereby when the washing device 10 is not running, is preferably positioned within the aforedescribed. compartment 66 in order to prevent the aforereferenced ultraviolet rays produced thereby from being visible through the window 36. Otherwise, these ultraviolet rays could prove injurious to the eyes of anyone peering through the window 36 into the interior of the washing device 10 when the ultraviolet rays were present.

Considering now in more detail. the nature of the construction of the rear wall 72, the latter as best understood with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings is essentially open whereby it is capable of functioning both as a support means in a manner yet to be described as well as providing openings therethrough which are aligned with the openings 80 in the front wall 68 of the compartment 66 and thereby also with the

openings

40 and 42 provided in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12. In accord with the illustrated embodiment thereof, the rear wall 72 as best seen in FIG. 6 of the drawings embodies a triangular-shaped portion 72a provided at each of the four corners thereof. In addition, the rear wall 72 also embodies a vertically extending portion 72b located substantially midway between the vertical side edges of the rear wall 72 as viewed with reference to FIG. 6. The vertically extending portion 72b also functions as a support means. The areas lying between the portions 72a and the portion 72b comprise two relatively large open areas through which access may be had to theinterior of the washing device 10.

' Referring again to FIG. 5 of the drawings, as best understood with reference thereto, a multiplicity of brushes are supported within the interior ofthe washing device 10 so as to be suitably located whereby they.

are positioned so as to be engageable with the arms of an individual which are inserted through the

openings

40 and 42 in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12. More specifically, the aforereferenced multiplicity of brushes includes a pair of horizontally extending

upper brushes

82 and 84, a pair of horizontally extending

lower brushes

86 and 88, and a single horizontally extending brush suitably supported so as to be located between the pair of

upper brushes

82 and 84, and the pair of

lower brushes

86 and 88. Each of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90, as best understood with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, is suitably supported in a manner yet to be described within the interior of the washing device 10 so as to extend substantially the length thereof. In accord with the illustrated embodiment of the washing device 10, the pair of

upper brushes

82 and 84 and each of the pair oflower brushes 86 and 88 is approximately four inches in diameter while the single brush 90 is approximately seven inches in diameter. Each of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 consist of an

elongated shaft

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100, respectively, from which a multiplicity of radially extending

bristles

82a, 84a, 86a, 88a and 90a, respectively, project. The latter bristles 82a, 84a, 86a, 88a and 90a are suitably selected so as to be sufficiently stiff so as to in the normal condition thereof maintain their perpendicular relationship relative to the corresponding

shaft

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100, respectively, while yet being deformable when the arms of an individual in a manner yet to be described are inserted on either side of the single brush 90 and between the pair of

upper brushes

82 and 84, and the pair oflower brushes 86 and 88. Moreover, the

bristles

82a, 84a, 86a, 88a and 90a are all formed of a suitable resilient material such as rubber, plastic, etc. whereby they will not scratch the skin of the arms of the individual when brought into contact therewith. For purposes of assembling the

bristles

82a, 84a, 86a, 88a and 90a on the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100, respectively, any conventional method commonly employed for this purpose may be used such as, for example, mounting one end of the

bristles

82a, 84a, 86a, 88a .and 90a in holes provided for this purpose around the circumference of the corresponding

shaft

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 so as to be located in substantially equally spaced relation relative to each other, etc.

Turning now to a consideration of the manner in which the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 are supported within the washing device 10, reference will be had for this purpose particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings. With reference first to the left end, as viewed with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90, this end of the latter is suitably supported in the rear wall 72 of the compartment 66. More specifically, each of the previously described corner portions 72a of the rear wall 72 as well as the vertical portion 72b thereof is provided with an opening (not shown) suitably located therein substantially at the center thereof. Each of these openings (not shown) is suitably dimensioned so as to be capable of receiving therewithin in supported relation for movement relative thereto the left end of a corresponding one of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90. Although not illustrated in the drawings in the interest of maintaining clarity of illustration therein; Itis to be understood that a suitably dimensioned conVElitional type of bushing may be posivided in the corner portions 72a and the vertical portion 72b for purposes of supporting for rotation therewithin the left end of a corresponding one of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90. Any suitable conventional method commonly found employed by those skilled in the art for purposes of supporting a bushing in an opening may be employed in connection with the use of the aforereferenced bushing as well as for purposes of ensuring that the left end of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 once positioned within a bushing will remain positioned therewithin,

The other ends, i.e., the right ends as viewed with ref- 'erence to FIG. of the drawings, of the

brushes

82, 84,

86, 88 and 90 are each suitably supported in a manner yet to be described in the rear wall 102 of a second compartment. generally designated by reference numeral 104,'with which the washing device is preferably provided at the rear thereof. One function which the compartment 104 serves is that of an enclosure for the drive means of the washing device 10. As best un derstood with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the compartment 104 in addition to the aforedescribed rear wall 102 also includes a top wall 106, a front wall 108 and a pair of side walls 110, only one of which is visible in the drawings. The

walls

102, 106, 108 and 110 are all suitably interconnected together so as to provide in the assembled condition thereof a substantially closed enclosure. In this connection, it is to be understood that the bottom wall 22 of the base 14 of the washing device 10 also functions as the bottom wall for the compartment 104. The

aforedescribed walls

102, 106. I08 and 110 are interconnected together through the use of any suitable conventional means (not shown) commonly found employed for purposes of interconnecting two adjoining members such as through the use of threaded fasteners. by welding, by being originally formed integral with each other, etc.- Similarly, the lower portion of the front wall 108 of the compartment 104 is preferably secured to the upstanding rear side wall of the base 14 through the use of any suitable conventional form of fastening means (not shown) such'asthreaded fasteners, by being welded thereto,

etc. I

'In accord with the illustrated embodiment of the washing device 10, the right ends of the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90, as best understood with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, are each preferably constructed so as to be of reduced diameter. Moreover, the portions of the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 which are of reduced diameter are inserted through openings (not shown) pro vided for this purpose in the rear wall 102 of the compartment 104 whereby to be rotatable relative thereto. The aforedescribed openings (not shown) are suitably dimensioned and located relative to each other whereby these openings are aligned with the openings (not shown) which as previously described are provided in the rear wall 72 in the compartment 66. In addition, it will be noted that inasmuch as the aforementioned openings (not shown) which are provided in the rear wall 102 of the compartment 104 correspond in diameter to the diameter of the portions of the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 which are of reduced diameter, the extent to which the right endsof the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 extend through the aforereferenced openings (not shown) provided in the rear wall 102 is limited by the interengagement of the portions of the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100 which are not of reduced diameter with the outer surface of the reariwall 102.

Although not shown in the drawings in the interest of maintaining clarity of illustration therein, it is to be understood that a suitably dimensioned conventional form of bushing may be positioned within each of the openings (not shown) provided in the rear wall 102 of the compartment 104 for purposes of supporting for rotation therewithin the right end of a corresponding one of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90. Any suitable conventional method commonly found employed by I those skilled in the art for purposes of supporting a bushing in an opening may be employed in connection with the use of the aforedescribed bushings.

Referring again to FIG. 5 of the drawings, each ofthe pair of

upper brushes

82 and 84, and each of the pair of

lower brushes

86 and 88 has a

pulley

112, 114, 116 I and 118, respectively, affixed at the right endof the corresponding

shaft

92, 94, 96 and 98 of the former. More particularly, the.

pulleys

112, 114, 116 and 118 are affixed on the reduced portion of the

shafts

92, 94, 96 and 98, respectively. In this connection, the reduced portions of each of the

shafts

92 and 96 of the

brushes

82 and 86, respectively, are substantially equal in length and exceed in length the length of each of the reduced portions of the

shafts

94 and 98 of the

brushes

84 and 88, respectively, the latter referenced reduced portions being substantially equal in length, whereby the

pulleys

112 and 116 lie in the same verticalplane and are spaced axially along the major axis of the wash-.

ing device 10 from the

pulleys

114 and 118 which lie in the same vertical plane. The brush on the other:

hand has affixed thereto on the shaft thereofa double pulley 120. More specifically, the double pulley is affixed on the reduced portion of the shaft 100 intermediate the ends of the aforereferenced reduced portion whereby one of the grooves (not shown) with which the double pulley 120 is provided is located in the same vertical plane as the

pulleys

112 and 116 while the other groove (not shown) with which the double pulley 120 is provided lies in the same vertical tation is imparted to the

pulleys

112, 114, 116, 118 and A 120 this rotation is in turn transmitted to the corresponding

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 110, respectively, causing the latter to rotate and also the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90. To this end, the

pulleys

112, 114, 116,

l

18 and 120 are rigidly affixed through the use of any conventional form of fastening means on the

shafts

92, 94, 96, 98 and 100, respectively. Finally, as best understood with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings, the

pulleys

112 and 116 are interconnected together and to the double pulley 120 by means of a first belt.

122. Similarly, the

pulleys

114 and 118 are interconnected together and to the double pulley 120 by means of a second belt 124. More particularly, the

belts

122 and 124 which may be of any suitable conventional construction, i.e., may comprise a V belt, etc., are received within suitably dimensioned grooves (not shown) provided therefor in the

pulleys

112, 114, 116,

l

18 and 120 whereby rotation of the double pulley 120 is imparted through the belt 122 to the

pulleys

112 and 116 causing the

brushes

82 and 86 to rotate and through the belt 124 to the

pulleys

114 and 118 thereby causing the

brushes

84 and 88 to rotate. It can thus be seen that when the shaft 100 of the brush 90 is caused to rotate in a manner yet to be'described, rotation of the shaft 100 is imparted in turn through the belt and pulley construction described hereinabove to the other four shafts, i.e., the

shafts

92, 94, 96 and 98 of the

brushes

82, 84, 86 and 88, respectively.

Turning next to a description of the manner in which rotation is imparted to the drive pulley 120, reference will be had for this purpose to FIGS. 3 and of the drawings. As depicted in FIG. 5, the reduced portion of the shaft 100 of the brush 90 at the free end thereof has affixed thereto a gear 126. The gear 126 is rigidly secured to the shaft 100 whereby the gear 126 and the shaft 100 rotate in unison. Moreover, the gear 126 is suitably located on the shaft 100 whereby the teeth thereof are engageable with the teeth of another gear 128 which itself is rigidly affixed to one end of a shaft 130, so as to be rotatable therewith. The diameter as well as the number of teeth with which each of the

gears

126 and 128 are provided are suitably selected whereby the gear 128 is operable to drive the gear 126 in accord with a preselected gear ratio. The shaft 130 in turn comprises an output shaft of the electrical motor means 62. The latter electrical motor means 62 preferably includes an electrical motor of conventional construction with which a suitable speed reducer means of conventional design is cooperatively associated in accord with conventional practice which is wellknown to those skilled in the art for purposes of reducing the speed of rotation of the shaft 130 to a desired rate. As has been described previously hereinabove, operation of the electrical motor means 62 is initiated through actuation of the Start button 54 while termination of the operation thereof is accomplished through operation of the timer means 60 in a manner which also has been described previously. The electrical motor means 62, asbest understood with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, is preferably suitably mounted on the inside surface of the front wall 108 of the compartment 104. Any suitable conventional form of fastening means (not shown) may be employed for purposes of attaching the electrical motor means 62 to the front wall 108.

Turning now to a consideration of FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings, as illustrated therein the washing device preferably embodies another pair of

brushes

132 and 134. The latter brushes 132 and 134 are intended to be operable for purposes of effecting a scrubbing of the fingertips of an individual when the arms thereof are inserted through the

openings

40 and 42 which are provided in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12. To this end, the

brushes

132 and 134 are supported within the interior of the washing device 10 so as to have the major axis thereof extending at right angles, i.e., vertically, relative to the major axis of 'the washing device 10. Moreover, as best understood with reference to FIG. 4 of the drawings, the

brushes

132 and 134 are suitably supported within the interior of the washing device 10 so as to be aligned with but extenda rright angles to the horizontal axis defined by theopening '40 in the front end wall 36, the opening 80 in the front-wall 68 and the opening in the rear wall 72, and defined by the opening 42 in the front end wall 36, the other opening in the front end wall 68 and the other opening in the rear wall 72, respectively. Each of the

brushes

132 and 134 embodies a construction which is similar to the construction of the other, brushes 82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 which has been described previously hereinabove. More specifically, each of the

brushes

132 and 134 preferably is comprised ofa

shaft

136 and 138, respectively, from which a multiplicity of radially extending bristles extend. The latter bristles are suitably mounted on the

shafts

136 and 138 such as for instance by having one end thereof suitably received in holes provided for this purpose around the circumference of the

shafts

136 and 138 in a manner which is wellknown to those skilled in the art. The bristles are preferably formed of a suitable material which although having sufficient stiffness to maintain the desired perpendi'cular relationship thereof relative to the major axis of the

shafts

136 and 138 are nevertheless sufficiently'resilient so as not to scratch the skin of the fingers -of an individual when the latter members are brought into engagement with the bristles.

As best understood with reference to H6. 5 of the drawings, the mounting of the

brushes

132 and 134 is accomplished in accord with the illustrated embodiment of the invention through the use of a pair of upper brackets 140, only one of which is visible in the drawings, and a pair of lower brackets 142, only one of which is visible in the drawings. The pair of upper brackets and the pair of lower brackets 142 are suitably mounted on the outer surface of the rear wall 102 of the compartment 104 so as to project outwardly therefrom substantially at right angles to the plane of the rear wall 102. In addition, the pair of upper brackets 104 are suitably spaced from the pair of lower brackets 142 so as to enable the fingertip brushes 132 and 134 to be interposed therebetween. Each of the

brackets

140 and 142 is provided with a suitably dimensioned opening (not shown) formed therein substantially at the center thereof and operable to enable the opposite ends of the

shafts

136 and 138 of the fingertip brushes 132 and 134. respectively, to be received therewithin for rotation relative thereto. Although not depicted in the drawings in the interest of maintaining clarity of illustration therein, some form of conventional bushing is preferably provided in each of the aforedescribed openings (not shown) formed in the

brackets

140 and 142 with the ends of the

shafts

136 and 138 of the fingertip brushes 132 and 134 in turn being received within the bushings. In accord with the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the pair of upper brackets 140 and the pair of lower brackets 142 are preferably fastened to the rear wall 102 by being welded thereto. Obviously, however, other means could be utilized, if so desired, for effecting the mounting of the

brackets

140 and 142 on the rear wall 102.

Continuingwith a description of the nature of the construction of the fingertip brushes 132 and 134, as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings a

pulley

144 and 146 is affixed to one end of each of the

shafts

136 and 138, respectively, through the use of any suitable conventional form of fastening means not shown) whereby the shaft 136 and the pulley 144, and the shaft 138 and the pulley 146 each rotate together as a unit. Rotation is imparted to the

pulleys

144 and 146 and therethrough to the

brushes

132 and 134, respectively, from another pulley 148 which is rigidly fastened to another output shaft 150 of the electrical motor means 62 as to be rotatable therewith. More specifically, rotation is imparted to the

pulleys

144 and 146 from the pulley 148 by means ofa belt 152 which functionsto interconncct together all of the three

pulleys

144, 146 and 148. For the latter purpose, each of the three

pulleys

144, 146 and 148 is preferably provided with a groove (not shown) formed in the circumference thereof which is suitably dimensioned and configured so as to be capable of receiving the belt 152 therewithin whereby the belt 152 while being retained in the aforedescribed grooves is nevertheless free to pass around the

pulleys

144, 146 and 148.,

The final portion of the washing device 10 which has yet to be described comprises the means by which fluid is dispensed within the interior of the washing device 10. The fluid which is dispensed therewithin is designed to cooperate with the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 and the fingertip brushes 132 and 134 to effectuate in an effective and efficient manner the desired scrubbing of the arms, hands and fingers of an individual when positioned within the interior of the washing device 10 as a result of being inserted through the

openings

40 and 42 provided in the front end wall 36 of the cover 12. The aforereferenced means by which fluid is dispensed within the interior of the washing device 10 includes a disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 and a liquid dispensing means 156. As best understood with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings, the disinfectant solution means 154 consists of a vertically extending conduit 158 having one end thereof connected influid flow relation with a horizontally extending closed loop conduit 160. The latter closed loop conduit 160 is provided with a multiplicity of openings (not shown) which are provided at spaced intervals along the length thereof and are formed therein so as to point downwardly, as viewed with reference to F1G.5 of the draw,- ings. The latter referenced openings (not shown) are operable to cause disinfectant solution which is flowing through the conduit 158 and closed loop conduit 160 to be sprayed from the latter into the interior of the washing device in the manner which has been schematically illustrated in connection with one opening formed in the closed loop conduit 160 in FIG. 4 of the drawings. it is to be underestood that the aforereferenced openings (not shown) with which the closed loop conduit 160 is provided are suitably arranged whereby to provide a spray pattern which insures that the disinfectant solution being sprayed into the interior of the washing device 10 is capable of being applied to substantially all portions of the arms, hands and fingers of an individual when positioned within the washing de vice 10. In this connection, it is to be noted that the disinfectant solution being sprayed from the closed loop conduit 160 is actually sprayed in large part onto the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 and the fingertip brushes 132 and 134 and is carried by these brushes into engagement with the arms, hands and fingers of the individual positioned within the interior of the'washing de vice 10. Insofar as concerns the nature of the disinfectant solution which is sprayed from the closed loop conduit 160, the former may take the form of any of the well-known bactericidal solutions which have commonly been employed heretofore by those skilled in the art for purposes of effectuating the sterilization of these portions of the human body. I

Withrcgard to the liquid dispensing means 156, the latter which is similar in, construction to the aforedcscribed disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 is operable to cause water which is at an elevated temperature to be dispensed within the interior of the washing device 10. More specifically, the liquid dispensing means 156 consists of a vertically extending conduit 162 having one end thereof connected in fluid flowrelation with a horizontally extending closed loop conduit 164. As best understood with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings, the length of the vertically extending conduit 162 of the liquid dispensing means 156 exceeds the length of the vertically extending conduit 158 of the disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 whereby the closed loop conduit 164 of the liquid dispensing means 156 is positioned above and in spaced relation to the closed loop conduit 160 of the disinfectant solution dispensing means 156. The closed loop conduit 164 is also provided with a multiplicity of openings (not shown) which are provided therein in suitably spaced relation relative to each other along the length thereof and are formed therein so as to point downwardly as viewed with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings. The

latter described openings (not shown) are operable, in

the manner schematically illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings in connection with one of the openings with which the closed loop conduit 164 is provided, to cause hot water which is flowing within the conduit 162 and the closed loop conduit 164 to be sprayed from the latter into the interior of the washing device 10. Like the openings (not shown) with which the closed loop conduit 160 is provided, the openings (not shown) in the closed loop conduit 164 are suitably arranged relative to each other to provide a spray pattern whereby to insure that the hot water which is being sprayed within the washing device 10 reaches all portions of the arms, hands and fingers of an individual when positioned within the washing device 10. Moreover, like the disinfectant solution which is sprayed into the interior of the washing device l0-from the closed loop conduit 160, the hot water which is sprayed fromthe closed loop conduit 164 is by and large sprayed onto the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 and the fingertip brushes 132 and 134 and is transmitted thereby to the aforereferenced arms, hands and fingers of the individual.

Completing the description of the nature of the construction of the disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 and the liquid dispensing means 156, in accord with the illustrated embodiment of the washing device 10 the vertically extending conduit 158 of the disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 functions to support one end of the closed loop conduit 160 with-the other end thereof being supported by a bracket 166 suitably dimensioned and configured so as to receive thereon at one, end thereof a portion of the closed loop conduit 160. The other end of the bracket 166 is suitably fastened, such as by being welded thereto, to the top wall 70 of the compartment 66. in a similar fashion, one end of the closedloop conduit 164 of the liquiddis-, pensing means ,156is supported by the vertically extending conduit 162 by virtue of the interconnection of one end thereof therewith. The other end of the closed loop conduit 164 is supported by a bracket 168 which is suitably configured and dimensioned at one end thereof soas to be capable of receiving a portion of the closed loop conduit 1 64 thereon. The other end of the bracket 168 also is preferably fastened tothe sloping top wall 70 of the compartment 66 by being welded thereto. In addition, as best understood with reference to FIG. of the drawings, suitably dimensioned openings (not shown) are preferably provided in the top wall 106 of the compartment 104 to enable the vertically extending conduit 158 and the vertically extend ing conduit 162 to be passed therethrough for purposes of effectuating the interconnection thereof with the

closed loop conduits

160 and 164, respectively, Finally, as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the rear upstanding side wall 20 of the base 14 has preferably formed therethrough three openings, designated in the drawings by the

reference numerals

170, 172 and 174. The

openings

170 and 172 provide a means whereby one end of the

conduits

158 and 162, respectively, may be passed therethrough for purposes of enabling a connection to be made between the

conduits

158 and 162 and a suitable source (not shown) of disinfectant solution and hot water, respectively. The third opening 174 is operable as a means for enabling electrical conductors (not shown) to be passed therethrough for connection at one end to the electrical motor means 62 with the other end of the aforereferenced electrical conductors preferably being equipped with a conventional plug which may be inserted into a common wall outlet for purposes of providing a source of electrical power to the washing device 10,,

There will now be set forth a description of the mode of operation of the washing device 10. It will be assumed for this purpose that the washing device has been connected to a suitable source of electrical power, thatthe Start button 54 has not been actuated to initiate rotation of the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 as well as the fingertip brushes l32 and 134, and that the ultraviolet light means 64 is operating to provide ultraviolet light rays which are being focused on the rear surface ofthe baffles 44 and 46. Moreover, it will also be assumed that the disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 and the liquid dispensing means 156 have in addition been connected to a suitable source of disinfectant solution and hot water, respectively. After the above has been completed, the washing device 10 is ready for operation. Accordingly, to operate the washing device 10 the button 56 which controls the flow of disinfectant solution through the disinfectant solution dispensing means 154 and the button 58 which controls the flow of hot water through the liquid dispensing means 156 are both depressed whereby to cause disinfectant solution and hot water to be sprayed into the interior of the washing device 10. Next, the

timer means 60 is set according to the length of the cycle of operation which is desired, i.e., one minute or two minutes or three minutes. Then, the Start button 54 is actuated to cause the ultraviolet light means 64 to shut off whereby ultraviolet rays are no longer produced therefrom, and to cause the

brushes

82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 as well as the fingertip brushes 132 and 134 to begin rotating, the power therefor being provided .brushes'84 and 88. It will of course be understood that the force involved in inserting the individual's hands and arms through the

openings

40 and,42, is sufficient to cause the

baffles

44 and 46 which are positioned therewithin to deform enabling the hands and arms of the individual to be easily passed therethrough. In accord with the preferred mode of operation of the washing device 10, the individual thereafter rotates his or her arms in a left to'right direction while the washing device 10 is running, i.e., all of the brushes embodied therein are rotating, to provide a vigorous scrubbing action between the arms, hands and fingers of the individual located within the washing device 10 and the brushes thereof. Finally, when the timer means 60 signifies the termination of the preselected cycle of operation, the individual removes his arms and hands from the interior of the washing device 10. Although the fact that the cycle of operation of the washing device 10 has been completed will become readily apparent to the individual when the brushes cease their rotation, the timer means 60 may also include some form of audible and/or visible means such as the ringing ofa bell and/or the illumination of a light which operates at the termination of the cycle of operation to alert the individual to remove his arms and hands from the washing device 10. In addition to causing the cessation of the rotation of the

brushes

82,84, 86, 88 and and that of the fingertip brushes 132 and 134, the timer means 60 could also be employed for purposes of causing the flow of disinfectant solution and hot water to cease when the cycle of operation is completed. Obviously, however, this function could also be performed in some other manner without departing from the essence of the invention, such as for instance by providing separate timer means for this purpose, permitting the disinfectant solution and the hot water to be dispensed only whilethe

buttons

56 and 58 are depressed, etc. Further, the timer means 60 could also be employed for causing the ultraviolet light 'means 64 to be once again activated upon the completion of a cycle of operation of the washing device 10 where upon ultraviolet rays are once again produced therefrom and are focused on the rear surfaces of the

baffles

44 and 46. Here also.

however, other forms of circuit means could be utilized to accomplishthis function without departing from the essence of the invention such as for'example, by utilizing a separate control button to turn the ultraviolet light means 64 On and'Off'.

I Although only one embodiment of a surgical washing device constructed in accord with the present invention has been described hereinabove and illustrated in the drawings, it is nevertheless to be understood that modifications in the construction thereof may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention. In this connection, some of the modifications which can be made in the surgical washing device have been alluded to hereinabove while others will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art when exposed to the present deseription and illustration of the construction of the surgical washing device 10. For example, although the washingjdevice l0 hasbeen described and illustrated as embodying fluid dispensing means consisting of both a disinfectant solution dispensing means and a liquid dispensing means, a single dispensing means capable of spraying a mixture of both disinfectant solution and hot water into the interior of the washing device 10 could obviously be substituted therefor if so desired without departing from the essence of the present invention. In addition, some other form of drive means could be uti' lized in the washing device for imparting rotation to the brushes embodied therein apart from the belt and pulley construction which has been described hereinabove and illustrated in the drawings, if so desired, without departing from the essence of the invention. Moreover. the cover 12 could be hinged to the base 14 so as to be merely pivotable relative thereto if so desired, rather than being completely removable therefrom for purposes of providing access to the interior of the washing device 10 without departing from the essence of the invention. Also. in accord with the preferred embodiment'of the invention. the cover 12 and the base 14 are preferably formed from a suitable plastic material capable of withstanding the temperature to which the water is heated and the wet environment which is present within the washing device 10. Other types of material could also be utilized for purposes of forming these components without departing from the essence of the invention.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a novel and improved surgical washing device which is particularly suited to be employed in hospitals, laboratories, convalescent homes, etc., for purposes of effecting a sterilization of a portion of the body of an individual working thereat when this is required. More-.

over. in accord with the present invention a surgical washing device has been provided which is operable to promote more efficient scrubbing of hands and arms for surgery or in any other area where sterility and cleanliness are necessary. The surgical washing device of the present invention is also operable to obviate the necessity of having to employ manual scrubbing with the attendant possibility that undesirable results could be produced because poor scrubbing techniques are followed stemming from human error. Furthermore, in accord with the present invention a surgical washing device has been provided which is operable to decrease the time required to scrub because of the fact that a more efficient process isemployed. Also, the surgical washing device constructed in accord with the present invention is effective to preclude the possibility that the individual using the subject washing device will experience arm fatigue from scrubbing. Finally, in accord with the present invention a surgical washing device has been provided which is capable of effectively and efficiently sterilizing the arms and hands of an individual, while yet being relatively easy to employ.

Having thus described the invention, 1 claim:

1. A washing device operable to be used to effectively and efficiently scrub the arms, hands and fingers of an individual so as to effect a sterilization thereof comprising:

a. an enclosure for the operating components of the washing device including a base, a detachable cover, and means mounting said detachable cover on said base, said detachable cover including one wall having at least a pair of openings formed therein and means supported in each of said pair of openings for movement between a first position and a second position relative thereto and operable in said first position to provide a closure for each of said pair of openings and in said second position thereof to permit the fingers, hands and arms of an individual to be inserted through said pair of openin gs;

b. brush means mounted for rotation in said enclosure, said brush means including a plurality of upper brushes, a plurality of lower brushes, a cen-x ter brush and first means supporting said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush in said enclosure with the major axes of all of said plurality of upper brushes,

said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush extending horizontally and with said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush positioned relative to each other so as to form a horizontally extending passage located on each side of said center brush between said plurality of upper brushes and said plurality of lower brushes and aligned with said pair of openings in said wall of said cover for receiving brushes and second means supporting said plurality of fingertip brushes in said enclosure with the major axis of each of said plurality of fingertip brushes extending at.right angles to the major axis of each of said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush and with said plurality of fingertip brushes being positioned so as to have the major axes thereof aligned 1 with but extending at right, angles to said horizontally extending passages formed on either side of. said center brush for engagement thereby with the, fingertips of the fingers of an individual when the arms, hands and fingers thereof are located within said horizontally extending passages;

c. drive means supported within said enclosure including electrical motor means and means drivingly interconnecting said electrical motor means with said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes, said center brush and said plurality of fingertip brushes for imparting rotation thereto from said electrical motor means; and

d. fluid dispensing means including conduit means having a multiplicity of openings formed therein and means supporting said conduit means insaid enclosure in spaced relation to said horizontally ex- 7 tending passages formed on either side of said center brush, said conduit means being operable to dispense fluid through said multiplicity of openings,

thereof to spray the interior of said enclosure therewith to cause the fluid to be applied to the arms, hands and fingers of an individual when positioned within said horizontally extending passages.

2. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means mounting said detachable cover on said base comprises a multiplicity of snap clamps arranged in spaced relation around the periphery of said base.

and said detachable cover.

zontal plane with said shafts thereof positioned in spaced parallel relation to each other.

4. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of lower brushes comprises a pair of brushes each including a shaft and a multiplicity of radially extending brisltes projecting outwardly from said shaft, said pair of brushes both lying in the same horizontal plane with said shafts thereof positioned in spaced parallel relation to each other.

5. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of fingertip brushes comprises a pair of brushes each including a shaft and a multiplicity of radially extending bristles projecting outwardly from said shaft, said pair. of brushes both lying in the same vertical plane with said shafts thereof positioned in spaced parallel relation to each other.

6. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical motor means includes a first output shaft operatively connected to said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush for imparting rotation thereto therefrom and a second output shaft operatively connected to said plurality of fingertip brushes for imparting rotation thereto therefrom.

7. The washing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said means drivingly connecting said electrical motor means to said plurality of upper brushes, said pluarilty oflower brushes, said center brush and said plurality of fingertip brushes includes a first belt and pulley drive interconnecting said first output shaft of said electrical motor means with said plurality of upper brushes. said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush and a second belt and pulley drive interconnecting said second output shaft of said electrical motor means with said plurality of fingertip brushes.

8. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conduit means includes disinfectant solution dispensing means and liquid dispensing means.

9. The washing device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said disinfectant solution dispensing means includes a horizontally extending closed loop conduit having a multiplicity of openings formed therein for dispensing disinfectant solution therethrough and a vertically extending conduit having one end thereof connected in fluid flow relation with said horizontally extending closed loop conduit and the other end thereof connectable to a source of disinfectant solution.

10. The washing device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said liquid dispensing means includes a horizontally extending closed loop conduit having a multiplicity of openings formed therein for dispensing hot water therethrough and a vertically extending conduit having one end thereof connected in fluid flow relation with said horizontally extending closed loop conduit and the other end thereof connectable toa source of hot water.

Claims

1. A washing device operable to be used to effectively and efficiently scrub the arms, hands and fingers of an individual so as to effect a sterilization thereof comprising: a. an enclosure for the operating components of the washing device including a base, a detachable cover, and means mounting said detachable cover on said base, said detachable cover including one wall having at least a pair of openings formed therein and means supported in each of said pair of openings for movement between a first position and a second position relative thereto and operable in said first position to provide a closure for each of said pair of openings and in said second position thereof to permit the fingers, hands and arms of an individual to be inserted through said pair of openings; b. brush means mounted for rotation in said enclosure, said brush means including a plurality of upper brushes, a plurality of lower brushes, a center brush and first means supporting said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush in said enclosure with the major axes of all of said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush extending horizontally and with said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush positioned relative to each other so as to form a horizontally extending passage located on each side of said center brush between said plurality of upper brushes and said plurality of lower brushes and aligned with said pair of openings in said wall of said cover for receiving therewithin for engagement with said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush the fingers, hands and arms of an individual after the fingers, hands and arms of the individual have been passed through said pair of openings in said wall of said cover, said brush means further including a plurality of fingertip brushes and second means supporting said plurality of fingertip brushes in said enclosure with the major axis of each of said plurality of fingertip brushes extending at right angles to the major axis of each of said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush and with said plurality of fingertip brushes being positioned so as to have the major axes thereof aligned with but extending at right angles to said horizontally extending passages formed on either side of said center brush for engagement thereby with the fingertips of the fingers of an individual when the arms, hands and fingers thereof are located within said horizontally extending passages; c. drive means supported within said enclosure including electrical motor means and means drivingly interconnecting said electrical motor means with said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes, said center brush and said plurality of fingertip brushes for imparting rotation thereto from said electrical motor means; and d. fluid dispensing means including conduit means having a multiplicity of openings formed therein and means supporting said conduit means in said enclosure in spaced relation to said horizontally extending passages formed on either side of said center brush, said conduit means being operable to dispense fluid through said multiplicity of openings thereof to spray the interior of said enclosure therewith to cause the fluid to be applied to the arms, hands and fingers of an individual when positioned within said horizontally extending passages.

2. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means mounting said detachable cover on said base comprises a multiplicity of snap clamps arranged in spaced relation around the periphery of said base and said detachable cover.

3. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of upper brushes comprises a pair of brushes each including a shaft and a multiplicity of radially extending britles projecting outwardly from said shaft, said pair of brushes both lying in the same horizontal plane with said shafts thereof positioned in spaced parallel relation to each other.

5. The washing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of fingertip brushes comprises a pair of brushes each including a shaft and a multiplicity of radially extending bristles projecting outwardly from said shaft, said pair of brushes both lying in the same vertical plane with said shafts thereof positioned in spaced parallel relation to each other.

7. The washing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said means drivingly connecting said electrical motor means to said plurality of upper brushes, said pluarilty of lower brushes, said center brush and said plurality of fingertip brushes includes a first belt and pulley drive interconnecting said first output shaft of said electrical motor means with said plurality of upper brushes, said plurality of lower brushes and said center brush and a second belt and pulley drive interconnecting said second output shaft of said electrical motor means with said plurality of fingertip brushes.

10. The washing device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said liquid dispensing means includes a horizontally extending closed loop conduit having a multiplicity of openings formed therein for dispensing hot water therethrough and a vertically extending conduit having one end thereof connected in fluid flow relation with said horizontally extending closed loop conduit and the other end thereof connectable to a source of hot water.