Abstract
A portable sanitizing system for rapidly dispensing reusable finger coverings for handling contaminated surfaces in a sanitary fashion. A battery operated ultraviolet LED system sanitizes finger coverings which are customized for use with the sanitizing device. The sanitary finger coverings can be rapidly applied to the user's hand without contamination, using a single hand. Repeated sanitization and utilization are similarly rapid and easy. The sanitizer can be carried by the user or attached to their uniform. The reusable finger covers can be custom fit to a variety of hand sizes and are optimally designed to work with the sanitizing device. The implement aids in grasping surfaces securely without touching the surface with the user's bare fingers.
Claims
1. A device for sanitizing an item comprising: a) a housing having an internal chamber; b) means for sanitizing an item received within said chamber; and c) dimensions of said chamber being adjustable to conform to dimensions of said item; d) whereby said item is sanitized within said chamber.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said means for sanitizing comprises a source of light.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said source of light comprises light within wavelengths comprising ultraviolet light.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein said chamber includes a partition dividing said chamber into plural sub-chambers.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein said means for sanitizing comprises a plurality of sources of light.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein said sources of light comprise a plurality of sources of ultraviolet light.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein said sources of light comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).
8. The device of claim 7, wherein at least one LED is located on each of opposed surfaces of said partition.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein said chamber is defined by opposed walls having inner facing surfaces, each facing surface having at least one ultraviolet LED mounted thereon.
10. The device of claim 4, wherein said sub-chambers are sized to receive portions of a no touch tool (NTT).
11. The device of claim 10, wherein said NTT comprises a pair of tongs having two legs connected together, each leg sized to be received in one of said sub-chambers.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein said NTT comprises a thumb covering portion and a finger covering portion, said sub-chambers sized such that said thumb covering portion is receivable within one sub-chamber and said finger covering portion is receivable within another sub-chamber.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein said finger covering portion comprises a single cover enclosing ends of four fingers.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein said finger covering portion comprises a separate cover for each non-thumb finger.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein said chamber includes a cover that may be selectively moved between open and closed positions.
16. The device of claim 4, wherein each sub-chamber includes a forward facing opening, and a door associated with each forward facing opening that may be opened and closed.
17. A device for sanitizing an item comprising: a) a housing having an internal chamber divided into two sub-chambers by a partition; b) means for sanitizing an item received within said chamber comprising a source of ultraviolet light; and c) dimensions of said sub-chambers being adjustable to conform to dimensions of said item; d) whereby said item is sanitized within said chamber.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein said means for sanitizing comprises a plurality of sources of ultraviolet light.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein said sources of light comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).
20. The device of claim 17, wherein said chamber is defined by opposed walls having inner facing surfaces, each facing surface having at least one ultraviolet LED mounted thereon.
21. The device of claim 17, wherein said sub-chambers are sized to receive portions of a no touch tool (NTT), comprising either a pair of tongs having two legs connected together, each leg sized to be received in one of said sub-chambers, or a thumb covering portion and a finger covering portion, said sub-chambers sized such that said thumb covering portion is receivable within one sub-chamber and said finger covering portion is receivable within another sub-chamber.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a the typical position of a bare hand serving a plate of food. The thumb stabilizes the top surface of the plate, which contains food. The remaining fingers support the undersurface of the plate.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the “No Touch Tool” (NTT) consisting of a thumb component attached to a finger component by a fulcrum mechanism. In this embodiment, the finger component encloses all fingers, in the shape of a mitt.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows the NTT attached to the user's hand.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows the user serving a plate of food using the sanitized NTT.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the NTT with a flat rigid front extension. The extension facilitates sliding the finger component under a flat surface, such as a dinner plate.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the NTT, with individual finger components, attached to one another.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the NTT showing the optional insertable fulcrum mechanism for attaching the thumb and finger components. The insertable pads on the aims of the fulcrum mechanism provide support and insulation for handling hot surfaces. The thumb and finger components may be used independently, without the attachable fulcrum mechanism.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a side front perspective view of the sanitizing device constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the “No Touch Tool” or NTT, being inserted into the two horizontal top openings, in the direction of the downward pointing arrowheads. The internal surfaces of the sanitizing device are lined with ultraviolet LEDs, indicated by oval shapes.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows the device of FIG. 8 with the NTT inserted.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows the same side view of the sanitizer of FIGS. 8 and 9 demonstrating insertion of a pair of tongs, as an example of an alternative implement which can be sanitized in the device.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows the device of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 with the pair of tongs fully inserted into the sanitizing device.
[0053] FIG. 12 shows the device of FIGS. 8-11 with the side walls adjusted closer together, enclosing the ultraviolet LEDs tightly around the inserted tongs.
[0054] FIGS. 13a and 13b show an embodiment of the device in which the side wall panels tilt outwards on hinges at completion of sanitization.
[0055] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the device with the center panel being removed.
[0056] FIG. 15 shows a slightly smaller embodiment of the device, in which the top lid is replaced with individual door panels covering both horizontal insertion openings on top of the device.
[0057] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment treating two NTTs simultaneously, with separate exit openings for each NTT.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 8-9, a first embodiment of the sanitizing device is shown, generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The NTT 30 is shown being inserted into the two top horizontal openings 11, 13 of the sanitizing device. See also FIGS. 2-4. The NTT 30 is inserted in the downward direction, as indicated by the downward pointing arrowheads 15, 17. The thumb component 31 of the NTT 30 is shown being inserted into the left top horizontal opening 11. The manner of assembly of the NTT 30 is shown in FIG. 7. The finger component 33 of the NTT 30 is shown being inserted into the right top horizontal opening 13 of the device 10. The openings or sub-chambers 11 and 13 are defined by walls 4, 6 and 19. The two components of the NTT 30 are separated by the center wall 19 of the device. The contact surfaces of the thumb and finger components of the NTT are in direct apposition to the ultraviolet LEDs 20 on the center wall module. The center wall or partition 19 is a removable module, as indicated by dotted lines 21 in FIG. 9 at the points of detachment. The vertical side exit openings 23, 25, through which the NTT 30 is removed, are covered by hinged door panels 27, 29. These door panels 27, 29 are hinged to open outward in the direction of removal of the NTT 30. Therefore, during removal, the sanitized NTT 30 only comes in contact with the inner sanitary surface, for example, 28 of the door panel 29 of the exiting door panel. This inner surface 28 is continuously exposed to the ultraviolet LEDs and at all times remains sanitary. This novel design prevents recontamination of the NTT 30 during removal from the sanitizing device.
[0059] The internal surfaces of the walls 4, 6 of the sanitizing device 10 are shown lined with a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs, indicated by ovals 26. The center wall 19 is lined with ultraviolet LEDs 20 as well. The ultraviolet LEDs 20, 26 emit wavelengths of light between 250-300 microns, which is effective at sanitizing multiple infectious microbial agents. The ultraviolet LEDs 20, 26 are powered by rechargeable batteries, which are housed in compartment 24, FIG. 9. A constant-current regulator 22, shown adjacent to the battery compartment, controls operation of the ultraviolet LEDs 20, 26. In some embodiments, the constant-current regulator 22 is an integrated component of the LED assembly. Multiple manufacturers provide an ultraviolet LED with an integrated constant-current regulator as a stock item. An on/off switch 2 is shown on the top panel of the device.
[0060] The top lid 18 of the device is shown in open position. The user manually swivels the top lid into closed position during the sanitization cycle about hinge 16. This prevents exposure of ultraviolet light outside the device during operation. The lid 18 is sized and shaped to accommodate the protruding handle 43 of the inserted NTT or other implement, such as a pair of tongs.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows the device 10 of FIG. 8 with the NTT 30 inserted. The functional end of the NTT, which includes the thumb 31 and finger 33 components, is positioned inside the device 10. The handle 43, which includes the attachable arms 39, 41 and fulcrum 37, extends outside the device. The contact surfaces of both the thumb and finger components of the NTT face the center wall 19 in direct apposition to the ultraviolet LEDs. The lid 18 of the device is shown in open position. The small arrowheads 14 indicate the direction of removal of the sanitized NTT 30 through the vertical side openings 23, 25 of the sanitizing device. The vertical side exit openings of the sanitizing device are covered by door panels 27, 29, which are hinged to open outward, in the direction of removal of the NTT 30. With reference to FIG. 5, the finger component 33′ may have a flat rigid front extension 34 that facilitates sliding the finger component 33′ under a flat surface such as a dinner plate. The embodiment of the NTT device 30′ in FIG. 5 also includes thumb 31′, fingers 33′, fulcrum 37′, and arms 39′, 41′.
[0062] FIG. 9 also highlights the modular, adjustable design of the device. Dotted lines 21 indicate the points of detachment of the individual wall modules and highlight the modular design of the device indicating points of detachment. The trapezoidal shape 12 at the base of the side wall module indicates a guide rail 51 on which the wall 4 slides toward the center wall 19, while remaining attached to the main housing as shown in FIG. 12. The cross-sectional shape of the rail is used to cut-away an exact cross-sectional opening in the wall module, creating a smooth but adherent surface on which the module slides while remaining attached. This is shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, other means are utilized for detachment, reattachment and movability of the wall panels. Such means include a clip, snap, adhesive or magnet. FIGS. 10-12 show the device 10 used to sterilize tongs 60, as an example of an alternative implement that may be sanitized using the sanitizing device. The tongs are shown having legs 61, 63 meeting at apex 65 and having enlarged grabbing ends 67, 69. The NTT 30 or 60 can be slid forward through the openings in the chambers 11 and 13 where the doors 27 and 29 are located to remove the NTT after sterilization has been completed.
[0063] FIG. 12 shows the device of FIGS. 8-11 with the modular side walls 4, 6 moved together, tightly enclosing the ultraviolet LEDs around the inserted tongs 60. In this embodiment, the side wall modules slide on a guide rail 51. The contact surfaces of the tongs are in optimal position for exposure to the sanitizing ultraviolet light, in direct apposition to the ultraviolet LEDs on the center wall panel.
[0064] FIGS. 13a and 13b show an embodiment 70 of the device in which the side wall panels 4′ and 6′ tilt outward on hinges 91, 93 at completion of sanitization. The NTT 30 is removed upward in the opposite direction of insertion, preventing recontamination of the NTT. Two different means for restoring the side walls to the upright position are demonstrated. In the upper FIG. 13a, an elastic band mechanism 99 restores the hinged side walls to the vertical position after removal of the NTT. The elastic bands are indicated by the horizontal oval shapes 99 attaching the side walls. In the lower FIG. 13b, flexible panels 95, 97 on the base of the device restore the side walls to the vertical position.
[0065] FIG. 14 demonstrates the modular design of the device, showing the center wall 19 being removed. This allows larger objects to be inserted into the device, such as a salt shaker. Removal of the center wall 19 also allows greater access to the interior surfaces of the device for more effective cleaning. This figure also shows the plurality of ultraviolet LEDs 20, 26, designated as oval shapes, throughout the interior and center wall surfaces.
[0066] FIG. 15 shows a smaller embodiment 80 of the device, with individual door panels 81, 83 on both horizontal top insertion openings and both vertical side exit openings at 85, 87. The horizontal top insertion door panels are hinged to open downward, into the sanitizing device, in the direction of insertion of the NTT. The vertical side exit door panels are hinged to open outwards, in the direction of removal of the NTT.
[0067] An alternative embodiment of NTT is shown in FIG. 6 and designated by the reference numeral 70. The NTT 70 has separate receptacles for the thumb 71 and fingers 72, 73, 74, 75. They are interconnected by arms 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80. In another embodiment, the thumb and finger receptacles 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 function completely independently without any connections to each other.
[0068] In the embodiment 10 of FIGS. 8-12, the NTT 30 is shown being inserted into the sanitizing device 10, in the direction of the downward facing arrows 15, 17. Any implement used to grasp a dish, glass or other food containing surface, may be inserted, such as the tongs 60 (FIG. 11). Only the contaminated, functional end of the NTT 30 is inserted, which includes the thumb and finger components. The handle of the NTT extends outside the device. The thumb component 31 of the NTT 30 is inserted into the horizontal left top opening 11. The finger component 33 of the NTT 30 is inserted into the horizontal right top opening 13 of the device 10. The thumb and finger components are separated by the center wall 19 of the device as seen in FIG. 9. The contact surfaces of the thumb and finger components of the NTT 30, which are contaminated, face the center wall 19. This orientation places these contaminated contact surfaces in direct apposition to the sanitizing ultraviolet light emitted by the LEDs 20, 26. Once the NTT is inserted, the lid 18 is closed over the top of the device 10 to prevent exposure of ultraviolet light outside of the device. If desired, closure of the lid 18 actuates a spring mechanism (not shown), or other manual means, by which the side wall modules 4, 6 slide together. The side wall modules move along a guide rail 51 (FIG. 12), indicated by the trapezoidal shape at the base of the wall. This action adjustably locates the internal walls of the device, with their embedded ultraviolet LEDs 26 (FIG. 9), against the inserted NTT 30. This process decreases the distance from the contaminated surfaces of the NTT to the surrounding ultraviolet LEDs. Since the intensity of light is exponentially proportional to distance, this novel design optimizes sanitization by maximally shortening this distance. This allows shorter exposure times and lower energy requirements. The ultraviolet LEDs 20, 26 emit light in the wavelengths between 250-300 microns. This range has been shown to sanitize a variety of microbes and is used in many other applications. The virus responsible for the COVID 19 pandemic is particularly sensitive to these wavelengths of ultraviolet light.
[0069] With the NTT 30 inserted and the lid closed, the user turns on the device manually with an on/off switch 2 to begin the sanitization cycle. In some embodiments, closure of the top lid automatically turns on the device, using an electric eye or other electro-mechanical means. The constant-current regulator 22 controls operation of the ultraviolet LEDs. In some embodiments, the constant-current regulator 22 is programmable to adjust exposure time, LED intensity and the ultraviolet LED wavelength. These functions of the constant-current regulators are standard features and are readily available from all LED suppliers. The constant-current regulators are frequently provided by manufacturers as integrated components of the LED chip assembly. Different ultraviolet LED wavelengths are provided based on application. The low energy requirement of ultraviolet LEDs allows operation using consumer grade batteries. The invention utilizes either rechargeable or single use, consumer grade batteries.
[0070] At completion of the sanitization cycle, which is indicated by an audible or visual indicator, the lid 18 is opened by the user. In some embodiments, this triggers releasing the spring mechanism, sliding the side walls back to the open position along the guide rails. In some embodiments, this may be a manual means. The user then grasps the handle 43 of the NTT 30, which extends outside the device, and slides the NTT out of the vertical side exit openings 23, 25, in the direction of the small arrowheads 14. The vertical side exit openings are covered by door panels 27, 29, which are hinged to open outwards, in the direction of removal of the NTT 30. Removal of the NTT in this direction ensures that the sanitized surfaces of the NTT 30 only come in contact with the interior surfaces of the vertical side exit doors panels, which are at all times sanitary. This novel process avoids recontamination of the now sanitized NTT 30, which may occur if removal proceeded through the horizontal top openings. The horizontal top openings are considered contaminated, since they come in contact with the contaminated NTT during insertion.
[0071] The device is a modular design, with the ability to slide, adjust and detach the center and side wall modules. Dotted lines 21 in FIG. 9 around the center and side wall modules of the device indicate detachable edges and the ability disassemble the device. Removal of the wall modules allows more effective cleaning of the device. Removal of the center wall module alone permits larger sized objects to be inserted, such as a salt shaker, for sanitization.
[0072] In another embodiment, not shown, the interior walls of the device are lined with a smooth, durable translucent surface, covering the LEDs. This serves to protect the LEDs from breakage during repeated insertion of objects to be sanitized. A smooth surface also improves the ability to clean the interior surfaces of the device. The smooth translucent surface may be made from any material which allows effective transmission of ultraviolet light, such as quartz. In other embodiments, the surface of the interior walls, between the LEDs, is lined with a reflective material to optimize exposure to all surfaces of the inserted implement, which may be irregularly shaped.
[0073] In another embodiment, FIG. 15, a lighter, smaller sanitizing device is shown. The side wall modules are thinner. In other embodiments, the center wall panel is thinner as well. The top lid is replaced by door panels 81, 83 covering the horizontal top insertion openings (FIG. 15). These door panels are hinged to open inward, in the direction of insertion of the NTT 30, or other implement such as tongs 60. The hinged door panels prevent removal of the NTT 30, or tongs 60 through the horizontal top openings, since they are hinged to only open in the direction of insertion.
[0074] In another embodiment, FIG. 16, a sanitizing device treating two NTTs 30, 30′ simultaneously is shown. This allows the user to always have a sanitized NTT available while the second NTT is being sanitized. Each NTT has separate exit openings with covered door panels 27, 29, 27′, 29′. The interior surface of each door panel remains sanitary due to continuous exposure to the ultraviolet LEDs on the interior of the sanitizing device. The user simply places the contaminated NTT into the device for sanitization, removes their fingers, and inserts them into the second NTT, which has been previously sanitized. The second NTT 30′ is then slid out of the second provided exit opening, through the sanitary exit door panels 27′, 29′. This process is similar to the embodiments treating a single NTT. Providing separate exit openings for each NTT avoids contamination upon removal of the NTT from the sanitizing device. In this embodiment, the on/off switch 2′, battery compartment 24′, and constant current regulator 22′ are located in the base of the sanitizing device. The two NTTs are separated within the sanitizing device by a partition wall 53, 55 to avoid cross contamination while placing the first contaminated NTT into the device and removing the second sanitized NTT. The lid 18′ is mounted on the side wall panel to allow unobstructed removal of either NTT.
[0075] While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible.
[0076] As such, an invention has been disclosed in terms of preferred embodiments thereof, which fulfill each and every one of the objects of the invention as set forth herein above, and provide new and useful ultraviolet LED light sanitizer and devices sanitized thereby of great novelty and utility.
[0077] Of course, various changes, modifications and alterations in the teachings of the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof.
[0078] As such, it is intended that the present invention only be limited by the terms of the appended claims.
