Fogger disinfectant device

Abstract

This present invention relates to a portable fogger disinfectant device which is used to disperse a novel disinfecting and sanitizing solution and related propellant to disinfect a room or other enclosed space. The spray material is stored in a pressure-activated cylinder with a nozzle, a sensor and a timer. In one embodiment, the disinfecting and sanitizing solution is comprised of an ethanol, an alkyl comprised of C14, C12, and C16, water as a base for other ingredients, fragrance oils, ethanolamine, a propellant and an ammonium hydroxide.

Claims

1. A disinfecting device comprising; a canister for holding a content under a pressure that is greater than an ambient pressure, wherein the canister is comprised of a top, a bottom, a collar, a nozzle and a curved portion partially encompassing the nozzle, and further wherein the nozzle is disposed centrally of the collar and within the curved portion and comprises an actuator; a disinfecting solution; a propellant used to release the disinfecting solution held under pressure from the canister upon actuation of the nozzle; a cap which covers the nozzle, the collar and the curved portion; and a child safety seal insertable within the nozzle; and wherein the actuator is a flap that is both manually activatable and voice activatable to dispense the disinfecting solution.

2. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a screen to control a droplet size of the disinfecting solution upon dispersal.

3. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the nozzle may be set to disperse the disinfecting solution in a plurality of directions.

4. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 3, wherein a first direction of the plurality of direction is directionally oriented, and a second direction of the plurality of directions is upward to create a mushroom-like dispersal.

5. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the canister comprises a sensor for controlling a release of the disinfecting solution.

6. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the disinfecting solution comprises an ethanol, a compound having an alkyl group, an ammonium saccharinate, a quantity of water, and a fragrant oil.

7. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the disinfecting solution is comprised of an ethanol, a compound having an alkyl group comprised of C14, C12, and C16, a quantity of water, a fragrant oil, an ethanolamine, and an ammonium hydroxide.

8. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 6, wherein the disinfecting solution further comprises a drying element selected from a group including a calcium sulfate, a sodium sulfate, a calcium chloride and a magnesium sulfate, and further wherein the drying element may range in solution from between 0.5 to about 15%.

9. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the nozzle produces a disinfecting solution droplet size ranging between 5-50 microns in diameter.

10. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 9, wherein the disinfecting solution droplet size is between 10 and 35 microns in diameter.

11. The disinfecting device as recited in claim 2, wherein the nozzle comprises a second screen that is interchangeable with the screen to further control the droplet size.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the fogger disinfectant device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and with its cap removed;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one potential formulation of the disinfecting and sanitizing solution for use in the fogger disinfection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of another potential formulation of the disinfecting and sanitizing solution for use in the fogger disinfection device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the nozzle of the portable fogger disinfectant device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the nozzle of the portable fogger disinfectant device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture in the process of being activated by a user;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the fogger disinfectant device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture in a stored condition;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a room with the portable fogger disinfectant product of the present invention placed therein and ready to use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of two potential and differing spray patterns that may be achieved by the portable fogger disinfectant device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(10) The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

(11) Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and with its cap 106 removed. More specifically, the portable device 100 comprises a housing or cylinder 112 having a base 1120 and a collar 1122, wherein the cylinder 112 contains a disinfecting solution 200 under a pressure that is greater than the ambient pressure or the room pressure. The fogger device 100 is further comprised of a nozzle 104 with a flap 108 and a spray opening 110 that is positioned on top of the nozzle 104. The nozzle 104 is coupled to the cylinder 110 through a nozzle cap 102, and is in fluid communication with an interior of the cylinder 112 when activated. The nozzle 104 is moved to an open or activated position by removing the cap 106 of the fogger 100, and pressing the flap 108 in a downward direction towards the cylinder 112, thereby facilitating the release of the disinfecting solution 200 (which is under pressure) from the cylinder 112 through the nozzle opening or orifice 110. In this manner, the disinfecting solution 200 stored inside the cylinder 112 is distributed evenly around the room to disinfect the room.

(12) The cylinder 112 itself may be made out of a non-elastic and non-oxidizing material, such as a metal, alloy, glass, or similar type material. The cylinder 112 has a volume and is configured to store a predetermined amount of disinfecting solution 200 and a propellant at a predetermined pressure that is greater than the ambient pressure. In one embodiment, the volume of the cylinder 112 is in the range of about 500 ml to about 2,250 ml, though the precise volume will depend on the size of the room or enclosed area to be disinfected and sanitized. For example, in one embodiment, the fogger device 100 may offer coverage to an approximately 700-square foot area. In an alternative embodiment, the fogger device 100 may offer coverage to an approximately 1,000-square foot area. Nonetheless, the coverage is not so limited, and the fogger device 100 may be designed for larger or smaller coverage areas as well, as per the needs and preferences of the user. The pressure in which the disinfecting solution 200 and propellent are stored within the cylinder 112 is in the range of about 3 bar to about 15 bar

(13) FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of one potential formulation of the disinfecting and sanitizing solution 200 for use in the fogger disinfection device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. While a number of potential formulations are disclosed herein, the composition of the disinfecting solution 200 preferably comprises about 60% ethanol, 0.09% alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, 20% water as a base for other ingredients, 18% fragrance oils or perfume, and 1.91% ammonium hydroxide by volume. The alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate may be selected from the group consisting of C14, C12 and C16 dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinates. In one embodiment, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate may have approximately 50% C14, 30% C12, and 20% C16 by volume. Alternatively, the alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate may have 60% C14, 20% C12, and 20% C16 concentration. Alternatively, the percentage of ethanol can be in the range 50-65%, and the percentage of water could be in the range of 15-30% of the disinfecting solution 200.

(14) Ethanol is the preferred co-solvent and enhances the solubility of the quaternary ammonium salt and the fragrances, while also drying quickly. Ethanol also kills germs and microbes on surfaces. The alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate is antimicrobial, and also actively kills germs, bacteria, viruses, microbes, and the like. Water is used to adjust the concentration of ingredients to deliver targeted benefits, wherein the ammonium hydroxide controls the pH level of the disinfecting solution 200 and ensures stability and maximizes performance. Fragrance oils used in the disinfecting solution 200 may be one or more of a Cymbopogon martini oil (palmarosa), Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Pogostemon cablin oil (patchouli), Lavandula angustifolia oil (lavender), Pelargonium graveolens extract (geranium), Vanilla planifolia flower extract, Coriandrum sativum fruit oil (coriander), acetyl cedrene, dipropylene glycol, eugenol, linalyl acetate and the like.

(15) Butane or propane may be used as the propellant to disperse the disinfecting material 200 from the cylinder 112. The propellant is preferably inert, and does not form a part of the disinfectant formulation. Nonetheless, the propellant needs to be effective to discharge substantially all of the contents of the cylinder 112 in a relatively short period of time.

(16) FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of another potential formulation of the disinfecting and sanitizing solution 300 for use in the fogger disinfection device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the alternative disinfecting solution 300 of the fogger disinfectant device 100 has a composition of approximately 60% propanol, 0.5% alkyl (comprised of approximately 60% C14, 20% C12, and 20% C16), 10% water as a base for other ingredients, 20% fragrance oils, 4% ethanolamine, and 5% ammonium hydroxide.

(17) In one embodiment, isopropanol may be used in place of the propanol. Also, compressed air may be used as the propellant. Alternatively, butane or propane may be used as the propellant, as described above. Nonetheless, it will be appreciated that the composition of the alternative disinfecting and sanitizing solution 300 may have different percentages by volume (or by weight) of the constituents as per the preferences of the user and/or the manufacturer. For example, in a further alternative embodiment, the liquid disinfecting composition 300 comprises approximately 70% weight by volume (w/v) ethyl alcohol, 5% w/v propylene glycol, 0.8% diethyl phthalate to denature alcohol, 10% fragrance oils and 14.2% water in addition to the propellant to form an aerosol spray.

(18) FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the nozzle 104 of the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the nozzle 104 is surrounded by a curved portion 1020 which extends circumferentially around the area containing the nozzle, except for an open portion where a flap 108 is present. The nozzle cap 102 is securely connected to the collar portion 1122 of the cylinder 112. The nozzle 104 has an opening 110 through which the disinfecting solution 200, 300 is dispersed in the surroundings when the device 100 is activated.

(19) The nozzle 104 may also include a screen or mesh 111 to control the droplet size of the disinfecting solution 200, 300, with the droplet size preferably ranging from about 5 microns to about 50 microns and having a predefined dispensing rate and an effective solution concentration of between 10 to 90%. Droplets sizes for use in the present invention that range between 5-50 microns (?m) in diameter have proven to be the most effective. Preferably, the droplet size is between 10 and 35 microns. Droplets of this size are ideal to tackle pathogens, vector carriers and other pests. In addition, the effective portions of the disinfecting formulation can be applied in concentrations ranging from 10-90%, with the remaining portions making up the propellant, stabilizers, drying agents or other non-treatment components, and more preferably from 30-80% and at flow rates of up to 0.52 quarts per minute (31.7 quarts per hour or nearly 8 gallons an hour).

(20) Application of disinfectants, sanitizing solutions and biocides via aerosol or fogging can significantly reduce the number of viable infectious pathogens in a particular area. Foggers produce micro droplets that float in the air for approximately 10 minutes after application, reaching the most inaccessible parts of a room or area where conventional cleaning or spraying typically can't reach. The smaller the droplet, the longer the particles will remain airborne. About 1 ounce of disinfectant solution 200, 300 will typically cover around 1,000 cubic feet.

(21) Also, based on research, it has been shown that a 10 second drying time allows the ethanol to kill microbes such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. The drying elements may range in solution from between 0.5 to about 15% in solution, and preferably between 2 and 7%. Drying elements may be selected from a group comprised of a calcium sulfate, sodium sulfate, calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate.

(22) FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the nozzle 104 of the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture in the process of being activated by a user 500. More specifically, in order to release the disinfecting material 200, 300 and distribute the same comprehensively and evenly throughout a room or enclosed area, the user 500 will gently press downwardly on the flap 108 of the nozzle 104 in the direction 502 of the cylinder 112. Alternatively, the flap 108 may be programmed to disperse the disinfecting material 200, 300 at a specific time, or can be activated using a voice command through a smartphone application or a voice activated device such as Amazon Alexa? or Google's voice assistant.

(23) When the flap 108 is pressed downwards 502, the nozzle 104 is pushed downwards and the disinfecting material 200, 300 is released as a spray 504 through the opening 110. After initiating use, the nozzle 104 is manually or automatically released, thereby allowing the disinfecting material 200, 300 to escape in a controlled manner. Once dispersed, the disinfecting material 200, 300 should be allowed to air dry, and the composition of the disinfecting material 200, 300 is such that it does not require the user 500 to wipe the surfaces on which the solution 200, 300 is dispersed. The amount of ethanol or other alcohol may be used to control the drying time of the solution 200, 300 from a few minutes to just seconds.

(24) This versatile fogger device 100 of the present invention can be used on all hard surfaces (such as toilets, bins and sinks), soft surfaces (such as sofas, carpeting and mattresses), and the fragrant component of the disinfecting solution 200, 300 leaves a fresh fragrance in the air. The disinfectant device 100 is useful in killing 99.9% of all bacteria, viruses, germs, microbes and the like that it contacts including, without limitation, E. coli and Salmonella as well as cold and flu viruses.

(25) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture in a stored condition. More specifically, the fogger disinfectant device 100 is presented with a cap 106 that covers the nozzle and the flap of the device 100 when not in use, thereby protecting the same from being damaged or inadvertently activated. The cylinder 112 of the fogger device 100 may be made available in different sizes and colors to accommodate different needs. Exact size, measurement, construction and design specifications of the fogger 100 of the present invention may vary upon manufacturing or the particular material that is used. Additionally, the cylinder 112 may have a name tag, name badges, laser-engraving, customizable colors and fonts, embroidery and prints.

(26) FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a room 700 with the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention placed therein and ready to use in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the room 700 may include, for example, a sofa 702, table 704, walls 706, ceiling, and floor 708. The fogger disinfectant device 100 is placed appropriately for use in a location that is substantially near the center of the room 700, and at a height calculated to allow the spray 504 that is dispersed therefrom to be able to fall onto or contact all of the various surfaces in the room 700, including those in hard to reach areas. In this manner, the disinfecting solution 200, 300 contacts all surfaces, walls and ceiling including the furniture and other items in the room 700, thereby disinfecting and sanitizing the room 700 without requiring one or more individuals to manually clean and disinfect the room 700. More specifically, the spray 504 is propelled outwardly and upwardly to a height near or at the ceiling and all walls of the room 700. The spray droplets then fall downward and impinge on succeeding upwardly propelled droplets. The net effect is a mushrooming or arching of the spray droplets 504 throughout the entire room, descending to contact all exposed surfaces.

(27) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of two potential and differing spray patterns 800, 810 that may be achieved by the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the nozzle 805 can be set to achieve different spray patterns 800, 810, depending on the positioning of the fogger device. For example, the nozzle 805 and the opening in the curved portion 1020 could be positioned to allow the nozzle 805 to spray directionally versus upwardly.

(28) In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of quick disinfection of a room or an enclosed space is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes the initial step of acquiring a disinfecting fogger device 100 of sufficient capacity to disperse the disinfecting and sanitizing solution 200, 300 onto substantially all of the surfaces in a room 700. The fogger disinfectant device 100 is then placed substantially in the center of the room 700, and at a height that is appropriate for allowing the spray 504 to reach all surfaces in the room 700. Next, the nozzle 104 of the fogger device 100 is activated by pressing downwardly on the flap 108 present on the nozzle head 104. The fogger device 100 is allowed to discharge the disinfectant material 200, 300, and thereafter time is permitted for the disinfectant to contact the surfaces in the room 700. Finally, the room 700 is returned to productive use once the disinfectant solution has dried.

(29) In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a sensor module 109 may be present that may include one or more status sensors, such as a motion, heat source, temperature, humidity sensor or combinations thereof that prevent the device 100 from initiating while the sensor 109, for example, detects activity in the room 700. Further, a timing controller 113 can be programmed with a specific time duration as desired by the user to automatically release the disinfecting solution 200, 300 into the surroundings. In this manner, a user 500 would have time to vacate the room 700 before the dispersion beings. Nonetheless, the sensor 109 may override the timer 113 if, for example, the sensor 109 senses conditions that are not suitable or ideal for disinfection of the room 700.

(30) In one embodiment, the cylinder 112 may contain 8 to 20 ounces or more of the disinfecting and sanitizing solution 200, 300. The expelled liquid droplets 504 are generally benign to all surfaces that they contact, whether made of fabric, wood, paint, paper, etc., and will not stain the same. The disinfecting and sanitizing solution 200, 300 will, however, disinfect and sanitize such surfaces. Ideally, the entire dispersal is accomplished in between one to five minutes, with the droplets drying upon contact. Thereafter, the user 50 may enter the room 700 to collect and dispose of the fogger device 100, and return the room 700 to productive use.

(31) The fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention provides a means to evenly distribute a disinfectant throughout an enclosed area and thus mitigate odors, kill bacteria, eliminate fungi and destroy up to 99.9 percent of germs within the air. The opening 110 according to the present invention provides for vertical propulsion at a 360-degree angle therefore creating a fog type of a mist within the enclosed room where the fogger disinfectant 100 is used. A child safety seal may be inserted within the nozzle or on the packaging 107 to prevent the use of the device by a child. The safety seal may be an adhesive tape, shrink wrap film or other removable element.

(32) With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(33) Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein portable fogger disinfectant product, fogger disinfectant, fogger device, and disinfectant fogger product are interchangeable and refer to the fogger disinfectant product 100 of the present invention.

(34) Notwithstanding the forgoing, the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the portable fogger disinfectant device 100 may be of any size and shape that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits users need and/or preference.

(35) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

(36) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.