U.S. patent application number 14/252294 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for system and apparatus for sanitizing a door opening device or other point of contact.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dean Schumacher. Invention is credited to Dean Schumacher.
Application Number | 20140284499 14/252294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46876284 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284499 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schumacher; Dean |
September 25, 2014 |
SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR SANITIZING A DOOR OPENING DEVICE OR OTHER
POINT OF CONTACT
Abstract
An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may
include a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion
of said point of contact. The housing may have an interior in or
through which the point of contact may be accessed and an anterior
opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may further
include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent configured to
direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where at least a
portion of the point-of-contact surface may be disposed. One or
more of an anterior dome, an inner surface, and a posterior surface
may also be configured to reflect the sanitizing agent toward the
location where at least a portion of the point-of-contact surface
may be disposed.
Inventors: |
Schumacher; Dean; (West
Bloomfield, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schumacher; Dean |
West Bloomfield |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46876284 |
Appl. No.: |
14/252294 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13070044 |
Mar 23, 2011 |
8698100 |
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14252294 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
250/492.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 25/04 20130101;
B08B 7/0057 20130101; A61L 2/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
250/492.1 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface,
comprising: a housing configured to be affixed about at least a
portion of said point-of-contact surface, having an interior in or
through which said point-of-contact surface may be accessed and an
anterior opening for access to said interior; and one or more
sources of a sanitizing agent configured to direct said sanitizing
agent toward a location where at least a portion of said
point-of-contact surface may be disposed.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, said housing further comprising an
inner surface configured to reflect said sanitizing agent toward a
location where at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface
may be disposed.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said inner surface is
substantially cylindrical.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a protective screen
configured to separate at least one of said sources of a sanitizing
agent from a central portion of said interior in or through which
said point-of-contact surface may be accessed.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said protective screen is
substantially cylindrical.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a posterior
opening through which at least a portion of said point-of-contact
surface may extend into said interior; and a posterior surface
configured to reflect said sanitizing agent toward a location where
at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface may be
disposed.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anterior dome
configured to reflect said sanitizing agent toward a location where
at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface may be
disposed.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more
attachment structures for affixing said housing about at least a
portion of said point-of-contact surface.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said one or
more sources of a sanitizing agent is a source of germicidal
ultraviolet (UV) light.
10. A system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface, comprising:
an apparatus configured to be affixed about at least a portion of
said point-of-contact surface, comprising one or more sources of a
sanitizing agent and having at least a first operating state in
which said apparatus directs a first amount of said sanitizing
agent toward said surface and a second operating state in which
said apparatus directs a second amount of said sanitizing agent
toward said surface; and a switch configured to change the
operating state of said apparatus.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said switch comprises a motion
sensor.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said switch comprises a manual
switch.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein said switch comprises a remote
activation system comprising: a remote control; and a receiver
coupled with said apparatus and responsive to said remote
control.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said switch comprises a
timer.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of said one or
more sources of a sanitizing agent is a source of germicidal
ultraviolet (UV) light.
16. A system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface, comprising:
an apparatus comprising: a housing configured to be affixed about
at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface, having an
interior in or through which said point-of-contact surface may be
accessed and an anterior opening for access to said interior; and
one or more sources of a sanitizing agent; wherein said apparatus
has at least a first operating state in which said apparatus
directs a first amount of said sanitizing agent toward a location
where at least a portion of said point-of-contact surface may be
disposed and a second operating state in which said apparatus
directs a second amount of said sanitizing agent toward said
location; and a switch configured to change the operating state of
said apparatus.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said switch comprises a motion
sensor.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said switch further comprises a
timer.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein at least one of said one or
more sources of a sanitizing agent is a source of germicidal
ultraviolet (UV) light.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said apparatus further
comprises a protective screen configured to divide said interior
into a first compartment in which at least one of said one or more
sources of a sanitizing agent is disposed, and a second compartment
in or through which said opening device may be accessed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/070,044, now pending, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for
sanitizing a point of contact for multiple persons. More
specifically, this disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for
sanitizing a surface of a door opening device, an elevator control
panel, an automatic teller machine, or another point of
contact.
[0004] b. Background Art
[0005] Doorknobs, other door opening devices, and other points of
contact for large groups of people, such as automatic teller
machines (ATMs) and elevator buttons or control panels, can be
involved in the spread of communicable germs. In hospitals, germs
communicated through points of contact can lead to increased
patient sickness. In an office environment, germs communicated
through points of contact can lead to sick employees and lost
productivity. In public spaces, germs communicated through points
of contact can lead to a sick populace and spread of disease.
[0006] The effect of germs spread through points of contact can be
significantly reduced by sterilizing or sanitizing the surface of
the point of contact periodically, such as after each use of the
point of contact. There is therefore a need for a system and
apparatus to sanitize point-of-contact surfaces to eliminate one or
more of the problems described above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface, such
as, for example, a doorknob, other door opening device, automatic
teller machine, or elevator buttons or control panels, may include
a housing configured to be affixed about at least a portion of the
point-of-contact surface. The housing may have an interior in or
through which the point-of-contact surface may be accessed and an
anterior opening for access to the interior. The apparatus may
further include one or more sources of a sanitizing agent
configured to direct the sanitizing agent toward the
point-of-contact surface. At least one of the one or more sources
of a sanitizing agent may be a source of germicidal ultraviolet
(UV) light.
[0008] A system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface may
include an apparatus configured to be affixed about at least a
portion of the point-of-contact surface. The apparatus may include
one or more sources of a sanitizing agent and may have at least a
first operating state in which the apparatus is configured to
direct a first amount of the sanitizing agent toward the
point-of-contact surface and a second operating state in which the
apparatus is configured to direct a second amount of the sanitizing
agent toward the point-of-contact surface. The system may further
include a switch configured to change the operating state of the
apparatus. The switch may comprise one or more of a manual switch,
a motion sensor, a timer, and a remote activation system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a
sanitizing apparatus for a point-of-contact surface.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an anterior view of the first apparatus
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a first side view of the first apparatus
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a second side view of the first apparatus
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first apparatus
embodiment, taken substantially along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, with an
exemplary point of contact shown in phantom.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
sanitizing apparatus for a point-of-contact surface.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an anterior view of the second apparatus
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a posterior view of the second apparatus
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a system
for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a
system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a
system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a
system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] It is known in the art that certain sanitizing agents may be
used to sanitize objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, other
door opening devices, automatic teller machines (ATMs), or elevator
buttons and control panels. One type of sanitizing agent is
electromagnetic energy of a particular frequency in the ultraviolet
(UV) light spectrum. Ultraviolet light with a wavelength in the
range of about 100 nanometers to about 280 nanometers (referred to
herein as germicidal UV) is known to be deadly to bacteria and
other micro-organisms, killing the micro-organisms, rendering them
harmless, or eliminating their ability to reproduce. Germicidal UV
with a wavelength of about 254 nanometers (a frequency of about
1.18 petahertz (PHz)) is known to be particularly effective. In one
embodiment of the present invention, germicidal UV may be used as
an effective agent for sterilizing or sanitizing doorknobs, other
door opening devices, automatic teller machines (ATMs), elevator
buttons and control panels, and other devices and apparatus that
may be points of contact for a large volume of people, referred to
herein as "points of contact." Similarly, as used herein, a
"point-of-contact surface" refers to any surface of a point of
contact. A system and apparatus for sanitizing such
point-of-contact surfaces may involve germicidal UV or other
sanitizing agents.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference
numerals are used to identify identical components in the various
views, FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment 10 of a
sanitizing apparatus for a point-of-contact surface. Apparatus 10
may include a housing 12 and one or more attachment structures 18.
Housing 12 may include an anterior opening 14 and an interior 16.
As used herein, "posterior" refers generally to the end of an
apparatus or system, such as apparatus 10, proximate to a point of
contact or to a structure to which the point of contact is attached
(e.g., a wall or door). "Anterior" refers generally to the end of
the apparatus or system through or by which a human user may access
the point of contact, such as by extension of a hand through
anterior opening 14. Housing 12 may contain one or more sources of
a sanitizing agent, one or more surfaces to focus and reflect the
sanitizing agent toward a point-of-contact surface, and wiring and
circuitry enabling the one or more sanitizing agent sources to
function. An anterior dome 20 or other anterior structure may be
provided at the anterior end of housing 12 and may be configured to
reflect or direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where the
point-of-contact surface is to be disposed when apparatus 10 is
installed. At least a portion of the point of contact may extend
into interior 16--i.e., the point of contact may be accessed in or
through interior 16. Anterior opening 14 may provide user access to
interior 16--i.e., human access to the point of contact sanitized
by apparatus 10. Attachment structures 18 may be provided to attach
housing 12 to a door, door frame, wall, or other structure to allow
interior 16 to be disposed about a point-of-contact surface.
Attachment structures 18 may be brackets and screws, as shown, or
other functional attachment structures or devices.
[0023] FIG. 2 is an anterior view of apparatus 10 looking through
anterior opening 14 and through interior 16 to a posterior opening
22. A protective screen 30 (best shown in FIG. 5) has been omitted
for clarity. Interior 16 may be defined as the area within housing
12 between anterior opening 14 and posterior opening 22. Posterior
opening 22 may be provided for a portion of a doorknob, other door
opening device, or other point of contact to extend into interior
16. In an embodiment in which no point-of-contact surface extends
into interior 16, such as, for example, an ATM interface or a set
of elevator buttons, posterior opening 22 may be the opening
through which a sanitizing agent passes to reach the
point-of-contact surface from interior 16.
[0024] Interior 16 may contain one or more sources of a sanitizing
agent. In apparatus 10, the sources may be three ultraviolet (UV)
light bulbs 24. Bulbs 24 may operate at the germicidal range of the
ultraviolet light spectrum and/or have a germicidal coating. In
embodiments where bulbs 24 apply germicidal UV as a sanitizing
agent, bulbs 24 may operate within a wide range of powers and
exposure times, such as, for example, power in the range of about
4-65 watts and exposure times of about 2-10 seconds. However, it
should be understood that less power may be used in conjunction
with a longer exposure time, or more power in conjunction with a
shorter exposure time. Bulbs 24 are not limited to germicidal UV as
a sanitizing agent. Bulbs 24 may sanitize surfaces based on one or
more of: (1) a particular characteristic of the agent or energy
applied (e.g., germicidal UV); (2) the heat resulting from the
application of the sanitizing agent or energy, or (3) the
interaction of the agent with a particular characteristic of the
surface or another substance applied to the surface.
[0025] An inner surface 26 may be configured in shape and material
to reflect or direct the sanitizing agent toward a location where
the point-of-contact surface is to be disposed when apparatus 10 is
installed, thereby increasing the exposure of the surface to the
sanitizing agent. In an embodiment where the point of contact does
not extend into interior 16 (i.e., no point-of-contact surface is
within interior 16), inner surface 26 may be configured to direct
or reflect the sanitizing agent toward the posterior end of
interior 16. Inner surface 26 is shown as a cylinder, but inner
surface 26 may have another shape adapted to a particular
application. Inner surface 26 may comprise aluminum, glass, or
another reflective material, and/or may be coated with a reflective
layer. Inner surface 26 may be configured to support bulbs 24 or
otherwise be coupled with bulbs 24. Additionally, inner surface 26
may be a unitary surface or structure, as shown, or may comprise
multiple pieces or surfaces.
[0026] A posterior surface 28 may also be provided and may be
configured to reflect or direct the sanitizing agent toward a
location where the point-of-contact surface is to be disposed once
apparatus 10 is installed. Posterior surface 28 may be one or more
plates or other insert placed at posterior opening 22, as shown in
FIG. 2, and may be configured to conform to the geometry of the
point of contact. A two-segment posterior surface 28 with a
circular opening, as shown, may be appropriate for use with a point
of contact having a cylindrical extension portion, such as a
doorknob. Although shown as a separate piece from housing 12,
posterior surface 28 may also be integral with housing 12 and may
have a hole or other cut-out portion forming posterior opening 22.
Posterior surface 28 may comprise aluminum, glass, or another
reflective material, or may be non-reflective if reflection from
the posterior end of apparatus 10 is not desired.
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of apparatus 10. Apparatus 10
may have a "longer" side, as shown in FIG. 3, and a "shorter" side,
as shown in FIG. 4. However, it should be understood that the
geometry of apparatus 10 may be adapted to particular points of
contact and particular manufacturing restraints. Additionally, the
size of housing 12 (and the rest of apparatus 10) may be adapted to
a particular application or particular manufacturing
constraints.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of apparatus 10, taken
substantially along line 5-5 in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 includes an
exemplary point-of-contact (shown as a doorknob) in phantom.
Although a gap is shown between apparatus 10 and the phantom door,
apparatus 10 may be configured to be flush with such a door or
other structure or surface. FIG. 5 also includes a protective
screen 30 not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Protective screen 30 may be
provided to separate bulbs 24 (or another source of a sanitizing
agent) from anterior opening 14 and posterior opening 22--i.e.,
screen 30 is disposed between bulbs 24 and a central portion of
interior 16. In effect, protective screen 30 may divide interior 16
into two compartments--a first compartment containing bulbs 24 and
a second compartment providing human access from anterior opening
14 to the point of contact. Protective screen 30 may be provided
for many purposes. For example, one purpose may be to prevent
irritating contact between a user of the point of contact and bulbs
24, which may reach high temperatures and/or may be coated with a
substance that may irritate human skin. Another exemplary purpose
may be to prevent user contact with bulbs 24, which may be fragile.
Protective screen 30 may be of any suitable shape, material, and
geometry configured to allow the sanitizing agent to pass from
sources 24 to the point-of-contact surface. For example only,
screen 30 may be a relatively rigid plastic cylinder having the
same diameter as anterior opening 14, as shown. Screen 30 may
include gaps, slits, or vents, or may be solid. Protective screen
30 also may be a unitary structure, or may comprise several
segments and/or surfaces.
[0029] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a second embodiment 34 of an
apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface. Apparatus 34
is nearly identical to apparatus 10, but apparatus 34 lacks an
anterior dome. Apparatus 34 may extend less in the anterior
direction from the point-of-contact surface than apparatus 10, but
apparatus 34 may still effectively sanitize the point-of-contact
surface.
[0030] FIG. 7 is an anterior view of apparatus 34. Lacking a
anterior dome, housing 12 and interior 16 may be configured to
extend no further in the anterior direction than do bulbs 24. Bulbs
24 may also be configured in size, shape, and orientation in
apparatus 34 or apparatus 10 for a particular point of contact. For
example, rather than extending axially, as shown (i.e.,
substantially parallel to an axis of the apparatus extending from
anterior opening 14 to posterior opening 22), bulbs 24 may extend
circumferentially, or otherwise normal to the apparatus axis.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a posterior view of apparatus 34 with posterior
surface 28 removed. Apparatus 10 may appear substantially the same
from the posterior perspective, except the interior of anterior
dome 20 would be visible. Posterior opening 22 may be configured in
size and shape to accommodate a particular point of contact.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a system
for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface, designated system 36.
System 36 may include an apparatus 38 for sanitizing a
point-of-contact surface and a manual switch 40. Apparatus 38 may
be apparatus 10, apparatus 34, or another apparatus configured to
sanitize a point-of-contact surface. Apparatus 38 includes an
electrical circuit configured to control sanitizing agent sources
24, shown again as bulbs or lamps. The electrical circuit may
include one or more power supplies (shown as three 6-volt battery
packs) and one or more circuit boards configured to electrically
couple the power supplies with the sanitizing agent sources 24,
such as, for example, through a socket affixed to apparatus 38 into
which lamp 24 may be removably placed. The power supply for the
electrical circuit may also be an external source, such as, for
example, from a wall socket through an appropriate cord.
Additionally or alternatively, apparatus 38 or system 36 may
include a generator to recharge batteries or battery packs within
the circuit. The generator may be coupled to a door, door opening
device, or other device such that the batteries are charged when
the door is opened or closed, the door opening device is turned, or
energy is otherwise imparted to the generator. Switch 40 may
control the current flowing through the electrical circuit, thereby
controlling the power applied to sanitizing agent sources 24 and
thus controlling the amount of the sanitizing agent emitted by
sanitizing agent sources 24.
[0033] Apparatus 38 may have at least two operating states: a first
state in which apparatus 38 directs a first amount of a sanitizing
agent toward a location where a point-of-contact surface may be
disposed after installation of apparatus 38, and a second state in
which apparatus 38 directs a second amount of the sanitizing agent
toward the same location. Switch 40 may change the operating state
of apparatus 38 by controlling the power applied to sanitizing
agent sources 24, as described above. Manual switch 40 may be
integrated into apparatus 38 (such as in housing 12), or may be
located in close proximity to apparatus 38. Switch 40 may be a
button, lever, switch, other binary switching device, or a slider,
dimmer, or other analog switching device.
[0034] Apparatus 38 may sanitize a point-of-contact surface when
activated by switch 40. For example, an individual may reach into
apparatus 38, turn a doorknob disposed within interior 16, and open
the attached door. After opening the door, the user may manually
"flip" switch 40, changing apparatus 38 from an "OFF" state to an
"ON" state. In an "ON" state, the electrical circuit of apparatus
38 is configured to energize bulbs 24 such that bulbs 24 emit a
non-zero amount of a sanitizing agent, such as germicidal UV,
toward the doorknob. The shape and materials of interior 16 may
reflect and direct the sanitizing agent (e.g., germicidal UV) onto
the doorknob. Bulbs 24 may be deactivated (i.e., apparatus 38 may
be changed from an "ON" state to an "OFF" state in which bulbs 24
emit a substantially zero amount of the sanitizing agent) upon a
second manual "flip" of switch 40. A user of the door may also flip
switch 40 prior to using the doorknob to sanitize the doorknob
before making contact with the doorknob, then flip switch 40 a
second time to deactivate bulbs 24 such that the user may safely
extend a hand into apparatus 38. In an alternative embodiment,
apparatus 38 may have three discrete operating states: "HIGH,"
"LOW," and "OFF" which may be selected by "flipping" an appropriate
switch. Apparatus 38 may also have four or more discrete operating
states, or may have multiple operating states along an analog
scale.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second embodiment 42 of a
system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface. System 42 may
include many of the same features and functionality as system 36,
but system 42 may change the state of apparatus 38 with a remote
activation system 44. Remote activation system 44 may include a
remote receiver 46 integrated with apparatus 38 and a remote
control 48. Remote receiver 46 may have an independent power
supply, as shown. Remote control 48 may communicate with remote
receiver 46 wirelessly, such as by a radio frequency signal, or
through a wired connection.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a third embodiment 50 of a
system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface. System 50 may
include many of the same features and functionality as systems 36
and 42, but system 50 may include a timer 52 for automatically
deactivating apparatus 38. Timer 52 may be coupled with manual
switch 40 such that timer 52 automatically changes the operating
state of (e.g., cuts power to) apparatus 38 after a set amount of
time after switch 40 is "flipped." As a result, apparatus 38 may
sanitize a surface for a pre-determined amount of time, such as,
for example, 3-5 seconds, upon switch 40 being "flipped." Timer 52
may be configured to allow apparatus 38 to administer an effective
dose of the sanitizing agent before de-energizing the electrical
circuit. For example, timer 52 may allow the circuit of apparatus
38 to remain energized for about 5 seconds after switch 40 is
"flipped."
[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment 54 of a
system for sanitizing a point-of-contact surface. System 54 may
include many of the same features and functionality as systems 36,
42, and 50, but system 54 may include a motion sensor 56 for
automatically activating and/or deactivating apparatus 38. Although
not shown, motion sensor 56 may include an independent power
supply. In an exemplary embodiment, after motion sensor 56 senses
movement (e.g., a hand entering apparatus 38), system 54 may wait
about six seconds (i.e., enough time for a user to access the
point-of-contact and remove the hand), then change the operating
state of apparatus 38 (e.g., from a de-energized "OFF" state to an
energized "ON" state) to sanitize the point of contact. Timer 52
may allow the circuit of apparatus 38 to remain energized for about
5 seconds before de-energizing the circuit. Such an exemplary
embodiment may include two or more timers 52 (e.g., a first timer
to count the passage of time between sensing movement and the
energizing of the circuit, and a second timer to count the passage
of time between the energizing of the circuit and the de-energizing
of the circuit).
[0038] A system and apparatus for sanitizing a point-of-contact
surface, such as, for example, a doorknob, other door opening
device, ATM, or elevator buttons or control panel, as described
herein has many advantages. The reduction of communicable germs in
hospitals, where individuals may have weakened immune systems, may
reduce loss of life and other illness resulting from transmitted
germs. The reduction of communicable germs in the workplace and in
schools may reduce lost work productivity and lost school days. The
size and shape of the apparatus can be tailored to a particular
application, so the apparatus need not unduly add to the bulk of
the point-of-contact and can function with many different points of
contact. The shapes and materials of the apparatus (e.g., anterior
dome 20, inner surface 26, posterior surface 28) may increase the
efficiency and efficacy of the sources of a sanitizing
agent--thereby lowering the necessary power consumption of the
system and apparatus--by reflecting or directing the sanitizing
agent toward a location where the point-of-contact may be disposed.
Additionally, because the sanitizing system and apparatus may
include one or more of, for example, a switch, timer, remote
activation system, or motion sensor, the use and power consumption
of the sanitizing system can be scaled to the frequency that
sanitization is necessary for a particular point of contact.
[0039] Although numerous embodiments of this invention have been
described above with a certain degree of particularity, those
skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed
embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this
invention. All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper,
lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top,
bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and
counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid
the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not
create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation,
or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached,
coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and
may include intermediate members between a connection of elements
and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references
do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected
and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter
contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not
limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *