U.S. patent application number 14/226502 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for article sanitizer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Earl Yerby. Invention is credited to Earl Yerby.
Application Number | 20140203188 14/226502 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43305624 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140203188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yerby; Earl |
July 24, 2014 |
ARTICLE SANITIZER
Abstract
A sanitizer for an article comprises an enclosure defining an
internal space. A cage is mounted to the enclosure and extends into
the internal space. A sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage.
At least one hanging element is fixed to the cage, the hanging
element adapted to hang an article therefrom. A sanitizer for a bag
including at least two handles comprises an enclosure defining an
internal space and including a floor and a ceiling. A cage is
mounted to the ceiling of the enclosure and extends into the
internal space. A sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. A
pair of handle hooks is fixed to the cage and each adapted to
engage one handle of the bag for securing the bag around the
cage.
Inventors: |
Yerby; Earl; (Apex,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yerby; Earl |
Apex |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43305624 |
Appl. No.: |
14/226502 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13431587 |
Mar 27, 2012 |
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14226502 |
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12512766 |
Jul 30, 2009 |
8143596 |
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13431587 |
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61268365 |
Jun 11, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
250/455.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20130101; A61L
2202/122 20130101; A61L 2202/23 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/455.11 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10 |
Claims
1. A sanitizer for an article, comprising: an enclosure defining an
internal space; a cage mounted to the enclosure and extending into
the internal space; a sanitizer bulb disposed within the cage; and
at least one hanging element fixed to the cage, the hanging element
adapted to hang an article therefrom.
2. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the at least one hanging
element comprises at least one of a handle hook, a hook, a spring
clip, and a clamp.
3. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the enclosure defines an
opening at a door side, and further comprising a door adapted to
selectively close the opening.
4. The sanitizer of claim 3, further comprising an electronic
circuit electrically connected to the sanitizer bulb and including
a switch, wherein the switch has a position corresponding to a
closed door, such that the sanitizer bulb cannot be illuminated
unless the door is closed.
5. The sanitizer of claim 4, wherein the electronic circuit further
comprises a timer.
6. The sanitizer of claim 4, wherein the switch has a position
corresponding to an open door, further comprising a non-UV light
bulb for illuminating the internal space of the enclosure when the
switch is in the position corresponding to an open door, the non-UV
light bulb electrically connected to the electronic circuit.
7. The sanitizer of claim 4, wherein the electronic circuit further
comprises a bulb socket mounted to the enclosure for receiving the
sanitizer bulb.
8. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes side
walls, a floor, and a ceiling, and the cage is mounted to the
ceiling.
9. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the sanitizer bulb is a UV
bulb.
10. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the sanitizer bulb is a
fluorescent UV bulb.
11. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the cage comprises a metallic
mesh.
12. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the cage comprises a
non-opaque plastic material.
13. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the at least one hanging
element is a pair of hooks, each hook for securing to a hooking
point of the article.
14. The sanitizer of claim 1, wherein the at least one hanging
element is a pair of handle hooks fixed to the cage and each
adapted to engage one handle of a bag for securing the bag around
the cage.
15. The sanitizer of claim 1, further comprising a support stand
fixed to a bottom end of the enclosure, the support stand adapted
for holding the enclosure above a ground surface.
16. The sanitizer of claim 15, wherein the support stand comprises
a pair of wheels, such that the enclosure and support stand may be
tilted until each wheel engages the ground surface for rolling the
sanitizer.
17. A sanitizer for a bag including at least two handles,
comprising: an enclosure defining an internal space and including a
floor and a ceiling; a cage mounted to the ceiling of the enclosure
and extending into the internal space; a sanitizer bulb disposed
within the cage; and a pair of handle hooks fixed to the cage and
each adapted to engage one handle of the bag for securing the bag
around the cage.
18. The sanitizer of claim 17, further comprising an electronic
circuit electrically connected to the sanitizer bulb and including
a switch, wherein the switch has a position corresponding to a
closed door, such that the sanitizer bulb cannot be illuminated
unless the door is closed.
19. The sanitizer of claim 17, wherein the sanitizer bulb is a UV
bulb.
20. The sanitizer of claim 17, further comprising a support stand
fixed to a bottom end of the enclosure, the support stand adapted
for holding the enclosure above a ground surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/431,587, filed on Mar. 27, 2012, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/512,766, filed
on Jul. 30, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,143,596, which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/268,365,
filed on Jun. 11, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to sanitizing, and more particularly
to a sanitizer for articles that utilizes ultraviolet light.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0003] Sports bags, reusable grocery bags, sporting equipment such
as cleats, helmets, and unsanitary as a result of such contact.
Over time, such articles that are not sanitized can promote the
growth of bacteria, mold and fungus, and result in further spread
of disease. Sanitizing devices are known in the art. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,367 to Grossman et al. on Aug. 2, 2005, teaches
a mailbox enclosure for sanitizing mail articles with UV light and
other means. Such a device is not well suited, however, for other
types of articles, particularly articles having an interior space
such as reusable grocery bags, sporting helmets, and the like.
Further, such a device is not easily moved from one location to
another.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,260 to Busted on Aug. 12, 2003, teaches
a surgical tool sterilizing enclosure that utilizes UV light as
well as chemical and other sanitizing agents. Such a device is also
not well-suited for the sanitation of articles having an interior
space, but rather for articles having an outer surface that needs
decontamination. Such a device is also not well-suited for portable
use.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that substantially
sanitizes an article, and particularly an article having an
interior space such as a reusable grocery bag, sporting equipment
such as helmets, shoes, or the like. Such a needed device would be
extremely simple to use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture
and operate. The needed invention would be easily moved from
location to location as needed, such as within a grocery store, for
example. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A sanitizer for an article is provided, the sanitizer
comprising an enclosure defining an internal space. A cage is
mounted to the enclosure and extends into the internal space. A
sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. At least one hanging
element is fixed to the cage, the hanging element adapted to hang
an article therefrom.
[0007] A sanitizer for a bag including at least two handles is also
provided. The sanitizer comprises an enclosure defining an internal
space and including a floor and a ceiling. A cage is mounted to the
ceiling of the enclosure and extends into the internal space. A
sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. A pair of handle hooks
is fixed to the cage and each adapted to engage one handle of the
bag for securing the bag around the cage.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a right-side elevational view of the invention,
partially cut-away to show an internal space within an enclosure
thereof; and
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof, illustrating an
article as attached to a bulb-protective cage thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described
below. The following explanation provides specific details for a
thorough understanding of and enabling description for these
embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the
invention may be practiced without such details. In other
instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown
or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
description of the embodiments.
[0011] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or
plural number also include the plural or singular number
respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below"
and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall
refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular
portions of this application. When the claims use the word "or" in
reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of
the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the
list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items
in the list. Any use of the word "means" herein is intended to
invoke means-plus-function limitation in accordance with 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, sixth paragraph, even if the word "means" follows words
describing the function.
[0012] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a sanitizer 10 for an article 20,
such as a bag 20 having at least one handle 25, or athletic
equipment (not shown) such as shoes, helmets, or the like. A rigid
opaque enclosure 30 is open at a door side 32 and includes at least
one bulb attachment means 40, such as a fluorescent bulb socket 41,
an incandescent lamp socket (not shown), or the like, fixed
internally thereto at one end 34 thereof, such as a top end 38. The
enclosure 30 includes an open internal space 39 therein, and is
preferably made from an opaque acrylic material, or the like. As
such, each side of the enclosure 30 may be adhered with a methylene
chloride and diacetone alcohol adhesive, for example. Sides of the
enclosure may include advertising support means (not shown), such
as J-shaped channels, so that advertising or other printed
materials may be displayed on the sides of the enclosure 30.
[0013] An enclosure door 50, preferably hinged to the enclosure, is
adapted to selectively close the door side 32 of the enclosure 30,
substantially sealing the open space 39 therein and substantially
preventing light from escaping from the internal space 39.
Optionally, interior surfaces of the enclosure 30 may be coated
with an ultraviolet light-reflective coating, such as a mirror,
reflective paint, or the like. A spring (not shown) may be included
for urging the door 50 into its closed position unless pulled
open.
[0014] At least one sanitizer bulb 60, such as a UV fluorescent
bulb, is fixed to the bulb attachment means 40 and extends at least
partially into the open internal space 39 of the enclosure 30. A
rigid, at least partially non-opaque cage 70 is fixed around each
sanitizer bulb 60. Such a cage 70 may be made from a metallic mesh
71, or a non-opaque plastic material (not shown), or the like, or a
combination thereof.
[0015] An article fastening means 80 is fixed to the cage 70 and is
adapted to be selectively fastened to the article 20 for securing
the article 20 to the cage 70. In the embodiment wherein the
article 20 is the bag 20 having handles 25, the bag fastening means
80 may be a pair of handle hooks 81, for example. Other embodiments
designed for alternate articles 20 may be used, such as wherein the
articles 20 are shoes, helmets, or other sporting equipment, or the
like (not shown). In such an embodiment the article fastening means
80 may be spring clips (not shown), hooks, clamps, or the like. In
one embodiment, the one end 34 of the enclosure 30 is a bottom end
31, such that each is sanitizer bulb 60 extends upwardly from the
bottom end 34 of the enclosure 30 and the articles is supported on
the cage 70 by gravity (not shown). In such an embodiment, the bag
20 may be inverted and secured around the cage 70 and held thereon
by gravity.
[0016] An electronic circuit means 90 is electrically connected to
each sanitizer bulb 60 and is adapted to power each bulb 60 for a
present period of time. A switch 130 is preferably included
proximate the door 50 and adapted to electrically close when the
door 50 is closed, such that each sanitizer bulb 60 cannot be
illuminated unless the door 50 is closed and the switch 130 is
closed. The electronic circuit means 90 may include a mechanically
or electronically-driven timer means 91 for timing the duration of
sanitizer bulb 60 activation. A start button 92 may be included as
an interface between a user and the electronic circuit means 90,
the start button 92 when depressed activating each sanitizer bulb
60 and initiating the timer means 91.
[0017] A support stand 100 may be fixed with the bottom end 31 of
the enclosure 30 and adapted for holding the enclosure 30 above a
ground surface 15 for convenient loading and unloading of the
article 20. Such a support stand 100 may further include a pair of
wheels 110 at a lower end 102 thereof, such that the enclosure 30
and support stand 100 may be tilted backward until each wheel 110
engages the ground surface 15 for rolling the sanitizer 10
therealong. A power cord 140 may be fixed with the stand 100 and
electrically connected to the electronic circuit means 90. Article
supports 160 may be fixed with the support stand 100 for storing
and dispensing a plurality of the articles 20.
[0018] Preferably the stand 100 is made from 1''.times.2'' aluminum
tubing, all joints being welded (not shown). The stand 100 may be
wider at the bottom end 102 thereof for additional stability of the
stand 100. Each wheel 110 may be a 4'' diameter coaster, for
example. The stand 100 may further include a handle 170 at a top
end 108 thereof, such that the stand 100 and enclosure 30 may be
tilted back on the wheels 110 while gripping the handle 170, such
as with a conventional hand truck.
[0019] Further, a non-UV light bulb 120, such as an incandescent
bulb 121 or at least one white- colored LED (not shown), may be
included within the enclosure 30 for illuminating the internal
space 39 thereof when the switch 130 detects that the door 50 is
not closed. Such a non-UV light bulb 120 is preferably electrically
connected to the electronic circuit means 90.
[0020] As such, with the article fixed to or around the cage 70,
and with the door 50 closed and the electronic circuit 90
activated, such as by the user pressing the "start" button 92, each
sanitizer bulb 60 is illuminated for the preset period of time to
sanitize the article 20. After the preset time has elapsed, each
sanitizer bulb 60 is deactivated and, optionally, an indicator 150,
such as an LED lamp or the like, is activated to indicate that the
article 20 is substantially sanitized. Upon opening of the door 50,
the non-UV bulb 120 is activated and the indicator 150 is
deactivated.
[0021] While a particular form of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, the specific type of cage 70
and article fastening means 80 may vary according to the type of
article 20 to be sanitized. Accordingly, it is not intended that
the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
[0022] The teachings provided herein can be applied to other
systems, not necessarily the system described herein. The elements
and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined
to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and
applications and other references, including any that may be listed
in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by
reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary,
to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various
references described above to provide yet further embodiments of
the invention.
[0023] These and other changes can be made to the invention in
light of the above Detailed Description. While the above
description details certain embodiments of the invention and
describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the
above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways.
Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation
details, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed
herein.
[0024] Particular terminology used when describing certain features
or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any
specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention
with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms
used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification, unless the above Detailed Description section
explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the
invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also
all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the
invention.
[0025] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the
invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular
field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific
embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above
for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are
possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the
relevant art will recognize Also, the teachings of the invention
provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily
the system described above. The elements and acts of the various
embodiments described above can be combined to provide further
embodiments.
[0026] All of the above patents and applications and other
references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing
papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the
invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems,
functions, and concepts of the various references described above
to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.
[0027] Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above
"Detailed Description." While the above description details certain
embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode
contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the
invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation
details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the
invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology
used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention
should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being
redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,
features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology
is associated.
[0028] In general, the terms used in the following claims should
not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed
Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the
actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed
embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or
implementing the invention under the claims.
[0029] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below
in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various
aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly,
the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after
filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for
other aspects of the invention.
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