U.S. patent application number 13/589105 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for sanitization devices and methods of their use.
This patent application is currently assigned to RJG ASSOCIATES, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is James KERR. Invention is credited to James KERR.
Application Number | 20130175458 13/589105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48627615 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130175458 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KERR; James |
July 11, 2013 |
SANITIZATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF THEIR USE
Abstract
The present invention relates to sanitization devices and
methods. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and
methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria
and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses,
footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws,
hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with
them. The device and method uses germicidal radiation which exposes
only the areas of the object that come into applied contact with
the device. A top platform of the device is partitioned so that
each partition can act independently of each other.
Inventors: |
KERR; James; (Old Orchard
Beach, ME) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KERR; James |
Old Orchard Beach |
ME |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
RJG ASSOCIATES, LLC
Port St. Lucie
FL
|
Family ID: |
48627615 |
Appl. No.: |
13/589105 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13344076 |
Jan 5, 2012 |
|
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13589105 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
250/492.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20130101; A61L
2202/14 20130101; A61L 2/0047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/492.1 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10 |
Claims
1) A device for sanitizing objects, comprising: a) a housing
comprising a bottom platform, sidewalls that enclose the sides of
the housing and a top platform that encloses the top of the housing
and is structurally attached to the housing, the top platform
comprising: i) a bottom layer comprising a support layer comprising
perforations which allow UVC light to pass through into the top
platform, ii) a UVC transparent layer above the bottom layer, iii)
sidewalls that enclose the top platform, iv) a partition aligned
from one sidewall of the top platform to the opposite sidewall of
the top platform dividing the top platform into two essentially
equal sections, v) a top layer comprising a deformable UVC
transparent fluorinated film, wherein the top layer and the bottom
layer are separated by a selected thickness, and vi) a UVC
absorbent fluid having a viscosity range between about 1 and about
500 centipoises situated between the top layer film and the bottom
layer, the amount of the fluid chosen to provide a selected
thickness; b) a UVC emitting device positioned between the bottom
platform and the bottom layer of the top platform.
2) The device of claim 1, wherein the UVC transparent layer above
the bottom layer is at least one of UVC. transparent film, quartz,
glass or plastic.
3) The device of claim 2, wherein the top layer further comprises
sections that block UVC radiation allowing a selected area that
allows UVC through.
4) The device of claim 3, further comprising at least one of a
timer, light switch, radiation monitor, signal light, auditory
signal or pressure switch.
5) The device of claim 2, further comprising one of more support
structures situated between the bottom platform and the bottom
layer of the top platform.
6) The device of claim 2, wherein the device is has a geometric
shape of circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular or other
polygonal shape with sidewall that are horizontal, slant inwardly
or outwardly.
7) The device of claim 2, wherein a device for removing debris from
the surface of an object to be sanitized is removably attached to
the housing.
8) A device for sanitizing objects, comprising: a) a housing
comprising a bottom platform, sidewalls that enclose the sides of
the housing and a top platform that encloses the top of the housing
and is structurally attached to the housing, the top platform
comprising: i) a bottom layer comprising a support layer comprising
perforations which allow UVC light to pass through into the top
platform, ii) a UVC transparent layer above the bottom layer, iii)
sidewalls that enclose the top platform, iv) a partition aligned
from one sidewall of the top platform to the opposite sidewall of
the top platform dividing the top platform into two essentially
equal sections, v) a top layer comprising a deformable UVC
transparent fluorinated film, wherein the top layer and the bottom
layer are separated by a selected thickness, and vi) a UVC
absorbent fluid having a viscosity range between about 1 and about
500 centipoises situated between the top layer film and the bottom
layer, the amount of the fluid chosen to provide a selected
thickness; b) a UVC emitting device positioned between the bottom
platform and the bottom layer of the top platform, wherein the
partition is comprised of one or more conduits that allow the UVC
absorbent fluid to pass through from one section of the top
platform to the other section of the top platform during
operation.
9) The device of claim 8, wherein the UVC transparent layer above
the bottom layer is at least one of UVC transparent film, quartz,
glass or plastic.
10) The device of claim 9, wherein the top layer further comprises
sections that block UVC radiation allowing a selected area that
allows UVC through.
11) The device of claim 10, further comprising at least one of a
timer, light switch, radiation monitor, signal light, auditory
signal or pressure switch.
12) The device of claim 9, further comprising one of more support
structures situated between the bottom platform and the bottom
layer of the top platform.
13) The device of claim 9, wherein the device is has a geometric
shape of circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular or other
polygonal shape with sidewall that are horizontal, slant inwardly
or outwardly.
14) The device of claim 9, wherein a device for removing debris
from the surface of an object to be sanitized is removably attached
to the housing.
Description
REFERENCE TO PRIOR FILED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/344076 filed
Jan. 5,2012 under 35 U.S.C..sctn.120.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to sanitization devices and
methods. More particularly, the disclosure relates to devices and
methods that significantly reduce or eliminate germs, bacteria
and/or other microorganisms from objects such as bags, purses,
footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet, hands, paws,
hooves or other anatomical surfaces, which come into contact with
them. The device and method use germicidal radiation which exposes
only the areas of the object that come into contact with the
device. The device is partitioned so that each partition can act
independently of each other.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Bacteria, viruses, germs, molds, fungi and other undesirable
microorganisms are transferred from one area to another through
contact with people, animals and objects that come into contact
with them.
[0004] The present disclosure is concerned with the problem of
spreading microorganisms that are carried on the outer surfaces of
footwear and other objects as well as hands, feet, paws, hooves and
other anatomical surfaces that have been exposed to areas
contaminated with undesirable microorganisms. The outer bottom
surfaces of footwear such as soles and heels can come into contact
with floor areas or outdoor ground areas that may be unsanitary and
contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, germs
molds, and fungi. Areas where such microbial contamination commonly
exists include hospital areas, such as emergency rooms, food
handling areas such as food markets, restaurants, recycling areas,
and refuse dumps as well as public toilets, public sidewalks and
streets, handrails on staircases and escalators, parks, park
benches, farms, or anywhere that the public frequents. Someone or
something that has been contaminated with an undesirable
microorganism can easily and unknowingly spread the microorganisms
around. In some cases the contamination can result from urine in
areas near public toilets and urinals, animal urine and feces as
well as human sputum on sidewalks, streets, lawns, etc.
[0005] The outer surfaces of other objects such as suitcases,
handbags, purses, briefcases, packages, and the like which come
into contact with such contaminated areas as airport bathrooms,
bars, and restaurants which may expose them to domestic and
international microorganisms also become contaminated and thereby
become a source of further microbial contamination. Thus, footwear
and other objects can carry microorganisms into the home, office,
car or other personal areas.
[0006] Further, house pets that have come into contact with
contaminated areas such as parks, yards, and the like can also
carry undesirable microorganisms into the home. In livestock areas
cattle, horses, sheep and the like constantly come into contact
with undesirable microorganisms and spread them around on the paws,
hooves or feet.
[0007] In all these scenarios, a person's hands may also become
contaminated by touching a contaminated area. This will result in
the transfer of the pathogenic microorganisms into the body through
subsequent touching of the mouth, eyes, ears, and such. Similarly,
bare feet can be exposed to microorganism contamination when
walking bare foot outside or in locker rooms, pools, showers and
the like and further spread them.
[0008] It is therefore highly desirable to eliminate or
significantly reduce the amounts of these microbes from surfaces
that carry them.
[0009] Solutions to this problem have been disclosed whereby
devices containing fluid disinfectants either wet the bottom of
footwear through sponge applications or a disinfectant is sprayed
onto the bottom of footwear. The solutions create other problems
such as slippery soles, tracking of the fluids and potential
exposure to toxic materials relating to the disinfectant. A dry
method would thus be more desirable.
[0010] A device described in US Pat. Appl. 2010/0193709 utilizes a
platform that is transparent to UVC sanitizing radiation uses to
disinfect a shoe or foot. The transparent platform is made of glass
which blocks a certain portion of the UV light with only a
remainder of the light illuminating the shoe or foot. The platform
may also be a metal grid allowing for the UVC light to shine
through. The application also describes a cover that the feet or
shoes go into so that any stray UVC light does not escape. The
glass used in this application blocks the disinfecting UVC
wavelength of 254 nm and allows through the non-disinfecting UVB
and UVA wavelengths and is therefore not suitable for disinfecting
applications. The cover in this application presents a tripping
hazard as well as an imperfect cover for blocking stray UVC
light.
[0011] A device described in US Pat Appl. 2010/0104470 describes a
device that uses a UV light along with a platform preferably made
of Plexiglas and a "soft plastic material" on top of the platform
with a gel between the plastic and the Plexiglas that is absorptive
of the UV light. When a shoe steps on the platform the gel will be
pushed aside and the UV will shine through the Plexiglas, the "soft
plastic material" and onto the sole of the shoe. Radiation with
germicidal activity is 254 nm which will not pass through Plexiglas
which is polymethylmethacrylate. Although the application states
other transparent materials can be used for the platform, no
enabling materials are described therefore leaving those skilled in
the art to perform a substantial amount of research to find
suitable materials. Additionally, the application states "soft
plastic materials" that are substantially transparent to the
disinfecting radiation can be used, without any suggestion as to
what those materials might be, again leaving it to the practitioner
to perform a substantial amount of research to determine a material
which is soft, pliable and transparent to the disinfecting
radiation, which again is 254 nm. While many gels absorb radiation
there, not any gel will be suitable for this application. The gel
needs to have to correct viscosity so that it will push away when
pressure is applied but not be so viscous that when pressure is
removed, the gel will flow back into the area creating a
substantially uniform thickness ready for the next shoe to
disinfect.
[0012] Thus more efficient devices and methods and more suitable
materials are needed to properly eliminate or significantly reduce
undesirable microorganisms. Additionally these are no provisions
for hands sanitation, house pet sanitation or other animal
sanitation.
SUMMARY OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0013] It is an object of the current invention to overcome the
deficiencies commonly associated with the prior art as discussed
above and provide devices and methods that eliminate or
significantly reduce undesirable microorganisms from objects such
as bags, purses, footwear or other objects, as well as bare feet,
hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical surfaces.
[0014] In one embodiment, a device is provided for the elimination
or significant reduction of undesirable microorganisms from objects
which contains a housing having a bottom platform, sidewalls and a
top platform that encloses and is attached to the top of the
housing. The top platform is partitioned into two essentially equal
sections having a top layer made of a deformable UVC transparent
fluorinated film, a bottom layer containing a support layer
containing a number of perforations for allowing UVC light to pass
through, and may optionally contain a layer of a UVC transparent
material and sidewalls, with a UVC absorbent liquid contained in
the top platform between the top layer and the bottom layer. The
device has one or more UVC emitting devices situated in the
housing, between the bottom platform and the top platform.
[0015] In a second embodiment, a device is provided for the
elimination or significant reduction of undesirable microorganisms
from objects which contains a housing having a bottom platform,
sides and a top platform. The top platform is partitioned into two
essentially equal sections having a bag detachably connected to the
section made of a deformable UVC fluorinated film, a bottom layer
containing a support layer containing a number of perforations for
allowing UVC light to pass through, and may optionally contain a
layer of a UVC transparent material a bottom layer and sidewalls,
with a UVC absorbent liquid contained in the bag in the top
platform between the top layer and the bottom layer. The device has
one or more UVC emitting devices situated in the housing, between
the bottom platform and the top platform.
[0016] In each of the above embodiments a device for removing
debris may be attached to the housing.
[0017] In each of the above embodiments the viscosity of the UVC
absorbing liquid is between about 1 to about 500 centipoises.
[0018] In each of the above embodiments the optional UVC
transparent layer of the bottom layer is at least one of UVC
transparent film, quartz, glass or plastic.
[0019] In each of the above embodiments the top layer may further
contain sections that block UVC radiation allowing a selected area
that allows UVC through.
[0020] In each of the above embodiments, the device may further
contain at least one of a timer, light switch, radiation monitor,
signal lights or pressure switch.
[0021] In each of the above embodiments there may be support
structures to support the top platform. In each of the embodiments
above the partition may contain conduits that allow the UVC
absorbent fluid to pass through from one section of the other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side view of one of the exemplary embodiments
showing the top platform, the bottom platform and the sidewalls of
the device.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of only the top platform
showing the top layer 26, the bottom layer 20, perforations in the
bottom layer 22 and the UVC absorbing liquid 28.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the top layer of the top platform
including the partition 40, areas that are impervious to UVC
radiation 42 and areas which are transparent to UVC radiation
46.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the top layer of the top platform
including removable bags 50 and tabs 52, for attaching the bags to
the frame of the top platform.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows the position of the UVC emitting devices when
positioned underneath the area where the object has been places and
the UVC liquid has been removed.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows the position of the UVC emitting devices when
positioned at an oblique angle to the area where the object has
been places and the UVC liquid has been removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0028] As used herein the term UVC refers to electromagnetic
radiation with wavelengths ranging between 200-280 nanometers,
inclusively.
[0029] As used herein the terms fluoropolymer, fluorinated film and
perfluoro polymer films refer to materials that contain fluorine
atoms bonded to carbon in the polymer and/or film.
[0030] As used herein the term absorbent refers to the property of
a material that prevents at least 85% of the specific radiation
wavelength from being transmitted at a chosen thickness of the
material. Also as use herein, when discussing a layer that is
transparent to UVC radiation, it is meant to describe materials
which allow UVC radiation to pass through without restriction to
the amount or percentage of the radiation which is allowed through.
In practice the amount of radiation allowed through and the amount
of time the UVC radiation is allowed to pass through determines the
efficiency of sanitization. A layer that lets through 25% UVC light
will require a longer time of exposure compared to a layer that
allows 50% of the UVC radiation through.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the current
disclosure of a top platform 10, a bottom platform 12, and
sidewalls 14, and one or more UVC emitting lamps 16. The housing
bottom platform and the sidewalls may be made from any of a number
of structural materials well known in the art including, for
example, plastic, metal, wood and other structural material. The
one or more UVC lamps 16 predominantly emit a wavelength of 254 nm.
The sidewalls could be vertical or could be slanted in or out
depending on the desired design of the device. The device may be of
any desirable geometric shape including, for example, circular,
oval, square, rectangular, triangular or other polygonal shape.
[0032] The most effective wavelength for killing or inactivating
microorganisms is the 100-290-nm range, which is the UVC wavelength
band. It is composed of short wavelengths from 200 to 280 nm. Most
commercially available UVC lamps are low pressure mercury vapor
lamps that give off a wavelength of 254 nm, which is near the
optimum for killing or inactivating microorganisms. Low-pressure
mercury-vapor lamps usually are made with a quartz bulb in order to
allow the transmission of short wavelength light. Natural quartz
allows the 254 nm wavelength to pass through but blocks the 184 nm
wavelength. Synthetic quartz may also be used which allows the 184
nm wavelength to pass, however 184 nm can produce ozone. The lamps
are generally doped with materials that suppress or eliminate the
184 nm wavelengths in low-pressure mercury vapor lamps.
[0033] Not to be held to theory, a wavelength of 254 nm UV will
break down the molecular bonds within the DNA of micro-organisms
producing thymine dimers in their DNA thereby destroying them,
rendering them harmless or prohibiting growth and reproduction. It
is a process similar to the UV effect of longer wavelengths DVB on
humans. However UVB and UVA do not act as sanitizing
radiations.
[0034] As an example, commercially available T5 size UVC germicidal
lamps range in input power from about 7-16 watts for a tube which
is 11.3 inches long. Output wattage for these lamps, consisting
primarily of 254 nm emissions, is approximately 2-4 watts with an
efficiency rating of between about 20 and about 40 .mu.W/cm2 at a
distance of 1 meter from the tube. Power intensity of approximately
1400 to 2800 .mu.W/cm2 measured at a distance of 2 inches from the
bulb surface is achieved.
[0035] Again not to be held to theory, it has been reported that to
reach a 99% kill rate of bacillus anthracis a dosage of 8,700 .mu.W
second/cm.sup.2 is required. Thus, in the current example and using
the equation: Intensity X Exposure Time=.mu.W second/cm.sup.2, a
lamp with a minimum power intensity of 1400 .mu./cm.sup.2 at 2
inches from the bulb surface, an exposure time of less than 7
seconds is required. Of course a longer time will improve the kill
rate for bacillus anthracis. Other notable 99% kill rate exposure
requirements for UVC (measured in .mu.W/cm2) are: E-coli=6500,
Salmonella typhosa=6000, Dysentery=4200 and Cholera=6500. It should
be noted that in the example, a 7 second exposure would be
sufficient to provide a 99% kill rate of all the aforementioned
bacteria. Viruses are also killed by UVC, some of the toughest
being poliovirus and rotavirus, which require 21,000 .mu.W/cm for a
99% kill rate. Thus using the lamps of the above example, a 15
second exposure would provide a 99% kill rate. Also molds and
yeasts can be killed by UVC exposure.
FIG. 2 shows the top platform 10 of an exemplary embodiment of the
disclosure, a bottom support layer of the platform 20, containing
perforations 22, sidewalls 24, a top layer 26, a UVC transparent
layer 30, and a reservoir of UVC absorbing liquid 28.
[0036] A switch may be optionally a part of the device which turns
the UVC lamp or lamps on when pressure is applied to the top
platform. The switch also turns off the UVC lamp when pressure is
removed. There may optionally be a time delay between when the
switch becomes depressed and when the lamp is turned on, such
delays allows the top platform to become closed and the UVC
absorbing liquid to flow around the areas which as not intended to
be transparent to the UVC emission. A signal light may be included
which alerts the user that the device has been activated and that
the UVC lamps are emitting radiation, the signal light also
alerting the user when the lights are turned off and that it is
safe to remove the object being sanitized. The signal light may
also be an auditory signal. Sensors may also be present which would
measure the amount of UVC energy emitted when the lamp(s) are
engaged thus measuring a desired amount of radiation. The sensor
may be tied to a control which can shut the lights off after a
desired level of radiation is obtained.
[0037] The top platform 10 becomes transparent to 254 nm radiation
during operation so that any object placed on top of the top layer
26 will receive the desired dosage of radiation. The top layer 26
is deformable so that, in operation when pressure is applied, the
top layer will push the UVC absorbent liquid aside and reach the
UVC transparent layer 30. The top layer 26 may be any of the films
that are mechanically tough to withstand repeated wear and that are
transparent to UVC radiation. Typical materials are the perfluoro
polymer films available from DuPont.RTM. such as Teflon.RTM. and
FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) films. As Teflon.RTM. becomes
thicker its appearance becomes "milky" to visible light. FEP films
are clearer films than Teflon.RTM. and are less presupposed to
scattering. The films are mechanically tough and stretchable and
can readily be adapted for manufacturing of the current device.
Either of these films may be used in the devices of the current
disclosure.
[0038] The bottom layer 20 has the strength to withstand the weight
of an object such as a person standing on the device, such as, for
example, 300 or more pounds. It has surprisingly been found that
Plexiglas, polymethylmethacrylate, which has been described
previously, can withstand 300 or more pounds but is not suitable
for sanitization application since Plexiglas absorbs the UVC
wavelengths which are need to kill the microorganisms of interest.
Some specialty polymer films such as high performance amorphous
ethylene copolymer are 20% transparent to UVC at a thickness of 2
mm. However in order to be used in a support layer 20 the thickness
needs to be significantly larger. According to such physical laws
as the Beers-Lambert law the absorbance of a material increases
proportionally to the thickness of the material, and by association
the transmittance decreases. Normal glass, such as plate glass or
borosilicate glass, cannot be used in the devices designed to be
sanitizing devices as they block essentially all of the useful UVC
radiation. However, these materials can be used as bottom layer 20
if populated with perforations that will allow UVC radiation to
pass through to the top layer of the top platform.
[0039] Research has found that quartz is a suitable material for
the device either as support layer 20 or optional layer 30. When
thick enough, quartz can withstand 300 or more pounds and is over
95% transparent to UVC radiation.
[0040] The support layer 20 is perforated to allow the UVC light to
pass through. The thickness of the support layer 20 is selected to
add strength to the top platform and allow for a reduction in the
thickness of optional layer 30, such as, for example, a quartz
layer. The support layer 20 may be configured for example, as a
honeycomb, an array of circles or open crosshatch and be, for
example, 1 cm thick. The thickness of the support layer 20 may vary
depending on the amount of weight the device is required to
support. The support layer 20 is designed to optimize the amount of
UVC radiation passed through it and onto the surfaces to be
sanitized. Because of the ability of the support layer to hold a
large amount of weight, UVC transparent films, glass, Plexiglas,
polymer films and plastic layers may be used as UVC transparent
layer 30, provided they are thin enough to allow UVC radiation to
pass through.
[0041] Other support mechanisms are herein disclosed such as, for
example, support posts or beams which can be attached to the center
partition, 32 in FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the top layer of the top
platform, 10, showing the petition, 40, sections in the top layer
that block UVC radiation, 42, and areas that allow UVC radiation to
come through, 46. The areas that allow UVC light to shine through
can be any desired size and shape limited only by the size of the
sections defined by the partition and sidewalls of the top
platform.
[0043] The UVC absorbing material 28 is any liquid which can
readily flow when pressure is applied and which essentially absorbs
UVC radiation. The liquid is between 1 and 500 centipoise which
will allow it to flow when either pressure is applied or when
gravity causes it to flow. Materials such as silicon fluids are
suitable as the UVC absorbing liquid. These materials may flow
through conduits in the partition.
[0044] The top platform may include removable bags 50, as shown in
FIG. 4, made from UVC transparent fluoropolymers including, for
example, Teflon.RTM. and FEP film available from DuPont. The bag
can be removable attached to the structure of the top platform as
depicted by attachment points 52, in FIG. 4. The bags contain the
UVC absorbing liquid which again has a viscosity that allows for
the liquid to move around in response to pressure and will return
to its original position when the pressure is removed. A removable
bag would allow for replacement of the bag when necessary, for
example, in case the surface becomes scuffed and the sanitization
process becomes inefficient, for example, if the UVC emission
becomes absorbed or diffused away from its intended target. Also if
there is a leak somewhere in the top platform a replacement bag may
be used to eliminate the problem. The bag may include a means for
attachment to the device and have a volume large enough to fit into
the area defined by the bottom layer and the sidewalls. As an
example, an exemplary bottom layer is 18'' by 18'' with sidewall of
0.25''. The volume is thus 648 cubic inches or 1325 milliliters. A
bag with dimensions of 18'' long by 18'' wide by 0.25'' deep will
hold 1325 milliliters of the UVC absorbing liquid and fit snuggly
in the cavity of the top platform defined by the bottom layer and
sidewall. In the case where the top platform is situated in a
tilted position, the liquid will flow toward the lower end of the
bag and be stored there. The bag will be flexible enough to remain
attached to the sidewalls of the top platform but will deform to
allow the liquid to flow into and out of the reservoir. The bag may
be used either with a perforated support bottom layer alone or with
a UVC transparent layer, such as for example, quartz, glass,
Plexiglas, polymer or plastic. When a removable bag is employed
there is no need for a UVC transparent layer 30, as the bottom of
the removable bag acts as layer 30.
[0045] The UVC lamps 16 may be situated directly under the areas
object to be sanitized, FIG. 5, or they may be situated at an angle
from such areas as in FIG. 6. The position of the lamps is chosen
so as to allow more or less UVC light from escaping the
housing.
[0046] The device may optionally include a cleaning surface, such
as, for example, a mat, a cloth or other area which is designed to
remove dirt, duct and any debris that might hinder the UVC emission
from exposing the surface of the object intended for
sanitizing.
[0047] The device may further comprise a flap attached to the
outside of the sidewalls of the top platform to help prevent any
extraneous UVC radiation from escaping.
[0048] An object to be sanitized is placed on the top surface of
the top platform of the device and the pressure of the object, or
an auxiliary pressure such as, for example, when a person holding
the object presses down on the object, enough pressure is applied
to cause the UVC absorbing liquid to flow away from these pressure
areas allowing the top layer to either fully or partially come into
contact with the bottom layer. A switch may tum the UVC lamps on
allowing the sanitizing radiation to pass through the bottom layer
and the fluoropolymer top layer to expose the bottom surface of the
object and thereby cause microorganisms to be killed to a desire
preselected level. An optional sensor residing inside the housing,
upon which the UVC light directly impinges, may measure the dosage
of radiation and shut off the lamps when the desired dosage has
been reached. An optional indicator light may tum on when the UVC
lamps are turned on, or make a noise if an auditory signal device
is present, and the light tum off when the UVC lamps are turned
off.
[0049] The bottom layer of the top platform of the current
disclosure may not contain any UVC transparent layers at all. In
this case the perforated support layer is the sole bottom layer of
the top platform and has the same characteristics as
aforementioned. A removable bag, as shown in FIG. 4, made from UVC
transparent fluoropolymers including, for example, Teflon.RTM. and
FEP film available from DuPont is positioned on top of the support
layer. The perforations of the support layer are designed and
situated to allow the bag film material to span the openings in the
support layer.
[0050] Objects that may be sanitizing by the current devices and
methods includes bags, handbags, purses, footwear or other objects,
as well as bare feet, hands, paws, hooves or other anatomical
surfaces. The devices and methods are also suitable for house pets
and farm animals such as horses.
* * * * *