Abstract:
A device for cleaning and sanitizing a moving handrail, such as those found on escalators and moving walkways. The device can automatically and continuously sanitize a handrail as it moves past or through the device, thereby preventing the spread of germs and viruses and encouraging users to make contact with the handrail for safety reasons without worrying about disease transmission.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/479,619, filed Apr. 27, 2011, by Richard Holloway and Luke Schwandt, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present device relates to the field of conveyor devices, particularly escalators and moving walkways that include a moving handrail. 
     2. Background 
     Conveyor devices such as escalators and moving walkways are a common sight in large stores, malls, airports, public transit stations, and other buildings. Most of these devices have a handrail that moves in sync with the stairs or belt on which people stand. The handrails are touched by many users of the conveyor device, and each user can transfer germs, viruses, dirt, grime, and/or other undesirable elements to the handrails. The germs or other elements left behind on the handrails can be transferred to other users who touch the handrails, leading to the transmission of diseases. 
     In the wake of growing concern over the spread of germs and viruses in public areas and the knowledge that handrails are often not routinely cleaned or disinfected, users sometimes avoid touching handrails. While this practice can decrease the chances of disease transmission, a user who avoids holding on to a handrail when on a moving conveyance can be at risk of becoming unbalanced or even falling, possibly injuring themselves in the process. 
     To combat the issues caused by germs in public areas, many facilities have installed hand sanitizer dispensers at various convenient locations. Although hand sanitizer dispensers can be a useful in helping people to keep their hands clean, people may not always take the time to use them or go out of their way to apply hand sanitizer. Some people carry personal bottles of sanitizer with them, but, again, may forget to use them. 
     As an alternative to sanitizing one&#39;s hands, frequently touched surfaces can be sanitized before people touch them. This can prevent the spread of diseases by killing germs and viruses before they reach a person&#39;s hands and are then subsequently transferred to other persons and surfaces. While sanitizing frequently touched surfaces can be effective, it can be onerous and/or labor intensive to constantly sanitize such surfaces manually. 
     What is needed is a device that can automatically and continuously sanitize a moving handrail to aid in the prevention of germ and virus transmission and to encourage users to hold on to handrails for support. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a moving handrail sanitizing device. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a close up isometric view of an embodiment of the moving handrail sanitizing device. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a sanitizer container. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an applicator. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a sponge. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of an applicator. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a second exemplary embodiment of an applicator. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a third exemplary embodiment of an applicator. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a fourth exemplary embodiment of an applicator. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of the support structure. 
         FIG. 10  depicts embodiments of the moving handrail sanitizing device in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a moving handrail sanitizing device  100 .  FIG. 2  depicts a close up isometric view of an embodiment of the moving handrail sanitizing device  100 . A moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can comprise a sanitizer container  102  and an applicator  104 . A connector  106  can couple the sanitizer container  102  with the applicator  104 . The applicator  104  can apply sanitizing substance  108  to a moving handrail  110 . The handrail  110  can be a handrail that moves in conjunction with a conveyor device, such as an escalator, moving walkway, or any other type of conveyance. In some embodiments, the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can further comprise a support structure  112 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a sanitizer container  102 . The sanitizer container  102  can be an apparatus configured to house a portion of a sanitizing substance  108 . The sanitizing substance  108  can be a cleansing agent capable of cleaning and/or disinfecting the handrail  110 . In some embodiments, the sanitizing substance  108  can be a disinfectant, antiseptic, and/or antimicrobial substance. By way of a non-limiting example, the sanitizing substance  108  can be an alcohol-based cleansing agent. In some embodiments, the sanitizing substance  108  can be a liquid. In other embodiments, the sanitizing substance  108  can be a gel, foam, aerosol, or be in any other known and/or convenient state. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitizer container  102  can be comprised of walls  114  that can define a compartment  116  capable of holding a portion of the sanitizing substance  108 , such as a tank, reservoir, basin, or any other type of vessel. In other embodiments, the sanitizer container  102  can be a receptacle configured to accept a separate body that contains a portion of the sanitizing substance  108 , such as a cartridge, bottle, or any other type of housing. In some embodiments, the sanitizer container  102  can be substantially cuboid in shape. In other embodiments the sanitizer container  102  can be cylindrical, spherical, conical, or have any other known and/or convenient geometry. 
     In some embodiments, the sanitizing container  102  can comprise one or more clear portions  118 , such as a window. The clear portions  118  can allow the level of sanitizing substance  108  within the sanitizing container  102  to be viewed. In other embodiments, the sanitizing container  102  can comprise a sensor  119  that can automatically monitor the level of sanitizing substance  108  within the sanitizing container  102  and/or be triggered when the level of sanitizing substance  108  reaches a predetermined level. The sensor  119  can send a signal to one or more indicators  188 , as described below with reference to  FIG. 9 . In still other embodiments, the entire sanitizing container  102  can be comprised of a clear or translucent material, such that the level of sanitizing substance  108  within the sanitizing container  102  can be viewed. 
     The sanitizer container  102  can comprise at least one container inlet  120 . The container inlet  120  can be an ingress configured to allow sanitizing substance  108  to enter the sanitizing container  102 . In some embodiments, the container inlet  120  can be an aperture that can be closed with a threaded cap  122 . In other embodiments, the container inlet  120  can be an open top, a hinged lid, a screw top, or any other open and/or closable aperture through which a portion of the sanitizing substance  108  can enter the sanitizer container  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the sanitizing substance  108  can be poured and/or placed directly into the sanitizer container  102  through the container inlet  120 . In other embodiments in which the sanitizing substance  108  is packaged in a separate body such as a cartridge, bottle, or other housing, the body can be inserted into the sanitizer container  102  through the container inlet  120 . 
     The sanitizer container  102  can also comprise at least one container outlet  124 . The container outlet  124  can be an egress configured to allow sanitizing substance  108  to exit the sanitizing container  102 . In some embodiments, the container outlet  124  can be a nozzle. In other embodiments, the container outlet  124  can be a valve, tap, spigot, aperture, or any other mechanism through which a portion of sanitizing substance  108  can exit the sanitizer container  102 . In some embodiments, the container outlet  124  can be located at the bottom of the sanitizer container  102 , such that the sanitizing substance  108  flows by gravity through the container outlet  124 . In some of these embodiments, the sanitizer container  102  can have one or more sloped portions at its bottom, such that the sanitizing substance  108  is funneled by gravity toward the container outlet  124 . In alternate embodiments, the sanitizing container  102  can comprise a pump which can operate to transport the sanitizing substance  108  to a container outlet  124  located at any convenient location on the sanitizer container  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the sanitizing container  102  can comprise one or more attachment points  126 . The attachment points  126  can be protrusions and/or apertures configured to allow the sanitizing container  102  to be coupled with the support structure  112 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connector  106  can convey the sanitizing substance  108  from the sanitizer container  102  to the applicator  104 . In some embodiments, the connector  106  can be a hose. By way of a non-limiting example, a hose connector  106  can be an at least partially flexible tubular member having a substantially circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the connector  106  can be a duct, tube, pipe, cylinder, channel, conduit, or any other type of connection capable of conveying the sanitizing substance  108 . One end of the connector  106  can be coupled with the container outlet  124 . In some embodiments in which the connector  106  is a hose, the container outlet  124  can be a barbed nozzle configured to retain one end of the hose positioned around the nozzle. In alternate embodiments, the connector  106  and the container outlet  124  can have corresponding connections that enable the connector  106  and container outlet  124  to be coupled with one another, such as a threaded screw-on connection. 
     In some embodiments, the connector  106  can comprise one or more valves  128 . The valves  128  can be control elements capable of regulating and/or ceasing the flow of the sanitizing substance  108  through the connector  106 . In some embodiments, one or more valves  128  can be located substantially at the center of the connector  106 . In other embodiments, one or more valves  128  can be located at the proximal end of the connector  106 , at the distal end of the connector  106 , or at any other convenient location on the connector  106 . In some embodiments, the valve  128  can comprise a handle that can be manually operated to regulate the flow of the sanitizing substance  108 . In alternate embodiments, the valve  128  and/or the connector  106  can comprise one or more sensors  129  configured to monitor the flow of the sanitizing substance  108  and/or regulate the flow of the sanitizing substance  108 . The sensors  129  can send a signal to one or more indicators  188 , as described below with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the sanitizer container  102  can be directly coupled with the applicator  104 , such that no connector  106  is needed to convey the sanitizing substance  108  from the sanitizer container  102  to the applicator  104 . 
       FIG. 4A  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of an applicator  104 . The applicator  104  can be an apparatus configured to apply the sanitizing substance  108  to a moving handrail  110 . In some embodiments, the applicator can comprise a sponge  130 . The sponge  130  can be any type of known and/or convenient synthetic or natural sponge that can absorb sanitizing substance  108  and/or apply sanitizing substance  108  to a handrail  110 . By way of a non-limiting example, the sponge  130  can be an elastomeric, porous polymer. The sponge  130  can have substantially the same width or be wider than the width of a handrail  110 . 
       FIG. 4B  depicts a side view cross section of an embodiment of a sponge  130 . In some embodiments comprising a sponge  130 , the sponge  130  can comprise one or more sensors  131 . The sensors  131  can be embedded into the sponge  130  at a predetermined height. As the sponge  130  applies the sanitizing substance  108  to the handrail  110 , the contact with the moving handrail  110  can wear down the sponge  130 . The sensors  131  can be activated when the top of the sponge  130  is worn down to the predetermined height, such that the sensors  131  come into contact with the moving handrail  110 . The sensors  131  can send a signal to one or more indicators  188 , as described below with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the applicator  104  can comprise a sprayer configured to spray the sanitizing substance  108  on a handrail  110 . In still other embodiments, the applicator  104  can comprise a brush, squeegee, pad, cloth, or any other cleaning tool capable of applying the sanitizing substance  108  to a handrail  110 . 
     The applicator  104  can comprise an applicator inlet  132 . The applicator inlet  132  can be an ingress configured to allow sanitizing substance  108  to enter the applicator  104 . The applicator inlet  132  can be coupled with the connector  106  and be configured to receive the sanitizing substance  108  conveyed by the connector  106 . In some embodiments, the applicator inlet  132  can be formed substantially similarly to the container outlet  124 . In some embodiments, the applicator inlet  132  can be a nozzle. In other embodiments, the applicator inlet  132  can be a valve, tap, spigot, aperture, or any other mechanism through which a portion of sanitizing substance  108  can enter the applicator  104 . In some embodiments in which the connector  106  is a hose, the applicator inlet  132  can be a barbed nozzle configured to retain one end of the hose positioned around the nozzle. In alternate embodiments, the connector  106  and the applicator inlet  132  can have corresponding connections that enable the connector  106  and applicator inlet  132  to be coupled with one another, such as a threaded screw-on connection. 
     In some embodiments, the applicator  104  can comprise a rising mechanism  134 . The rising mechanism  134  can be configured to apply a force to the applicator  104 , such that the applicator  104  can maintain sufficient contact between the applicator  104  and the exterior surface of the moving handrail  110  when desired. In some embodiments, the rising mechanism  134  can be one or more springs. In other embodiments, the rising mechanism  134  can be one or more pistons, motorized arms, scissor lifts, robotic arms, or any other device capable of applying a force to the applicator  104  such that the applicator  104  contacts the handrail  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the rising mechanism  134  can apply constant force to the applicator  104  such that the applicator  104  is in constant contact with the handrail  110 . In other embodiments, the rising mechanism  134  can selectively apply force to the applicator  104 , such that the applicator  104  only comes into contact with the handrail  110  intermittently and/or when desired. In alternate embodiments, the rising mechanism  134  can be absent, such as in embodiments with applicators  104  comprising sprayers that do not need to be in contact with the handrail  110 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts an exploded view of a first exemplary embodiment of an applicator  104 . In this embodiment, the applicator  104  can be a sponge assembly. The sponge assembly can comprise a tray  536 , a sponge  130 , and a base  538 . The tray  536  can comprise a tray floor  540  and tray walls  542  extending away from the tray floor  540  at the edges of the tray floor  540 , such that the tray  536  has an open top. The sponge  130  can be coupled with and/or rest on the tray floor  540  between the tray walls  542 . In some embodiments, the sponge  130  can be removably coupled with the tray  536 , such that the sponge  130  can be replaced when desired. The applicator inlet  132  can be coupled with the tray  536 , such that the sanitizing substance  108  received by the applicator  104  can pool into the tray  536  and be absorbed by the sponge  130 . The base  538  can comprise a base floor  544  and base walls  546  extending away from the base floor  544  at the edges of the base floor  544 , such that the base  538  has an open top. The base walls  546  can be spaced farther apart than the tray walls  542 , such that the tray  536  can at least partially fit inside the open top of the base  538 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more tray walls  542  and/or base walls  546  can have grooves  548  indented into the tops of the tray walls  542  and/or base walls  546 . The grooves  548  can be shaped as arcs substantially similar to the arc of a cross section of a handrail  110 , such that the handrail  110  can come into contact with the sponge  130  housed within the tray  536  without impacting the tray walls  542  and/or base walls  546 . 
     The rising mechanism  134  in this first exemplary embodiment can be one or more springs  550  coupled with the base floor  544 . The springs  550  can be oriented toward the underside of the tray floor  540  when the tray  536  is positioned inside the base  538 , such that the springs  550  apply a force to the underside of the tray  536  that tends to push the tray  536  away from the base  538 . The base  538  and the tray  536  can be coupled with one another through a sliding mechanism  552 . The sliding mechanism  552  can allow the tray  540  to move vertically with respect to the base  538  while keeping the base  538  and the tray  536  substantially fixed relative to one other horizontally. In some embodiments, the sliding mechanism  552  can comprise one or more protrusions  554  extending from the exterior of the tray walls  542  and one or more corresponding notches  556  in the interior of the base walls  546 , such that the protrusions  554  can be fit into the notches  556 . In other embodiments, the sliding mechanism  552  can comprise one or more protrusions  554  extending from the interior of the base walls  546  and one or more corresponding notches  556  in the exterior of the tray walls  542 , such that the protrusions  554  can be fit into the notches  556 . In still other embodiments, the tray  536  and the base  538  can be coupled with gliders, sliders, or any other mechanism that allows vertical movement of the tray  536  relative to the base  538 . The base walls  546  can comprise an inlet notch  558  and/or aperture positioned to allow the applicator inlet  132  coupled with the tray  556  to move with the tray  536  without impacting the base walls  546  as the tray  536  moves relative to the base  538 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a second exemplary embodiment of an applicator  104 . In this second exemplary embodiment, the applicator  104  can comprise a tray  636 , a sponge  130 , and one or more pistons  660 . The tray  636  can comprise a tray floor  640  and tray walls  642  extending away from the tray floor  640  at the edges of the tray floor  640 , such that the tray  636  has an open top. The sponge  130  can be coupled with and/or rest on the tray floor  640  between the tray walls  642 . In some embodiments, the sponge  130  can be removably coupled with the tray  636 , such that the sponge  130  can be replaced when desired. In some embodiments, tray walls  642  can have grooves  648  indented into the tops of the tray walls  642 . The grooves  648  can be shaped as arcs substantially similar to the arc of a cross section of a handrail  110 , such that the handrail  110  can come into contact with the sponge  130  housed within the tray  636  without impacting the tray walls  642 . The applicator inlet  132  can be coupled with the tray  636 , such that the sanitizing substance  108  received by the applicator  104  can pool into the tray  636  and be absorbed by the sponge  130 . 
     The rising mechanism  134  in this second exemplary embodiment can be the pistons  660 . Each piston  660  can comprise a piston shaft  662 . In some embodiments, the pistons  660  can be pneumatic cylinders. The tray  636  can be coupled with the top of the piston shaft  662 . In some embodiments, the piston  660  can be coupled with a canister  664 . In some embodiments, the canister  664  can be filled with a gas or liquid. By way of a non-limiting example, the canister  664  can be an air compressor. The gas or liquid can flow between the canister  664  and the piston  660  through tubes  666 . The movement of the gas or liquid between the canister  664  and the piston  660  can cause the piston shaft  662  to move up and down, causing the tray  636  to rise and fall. 
     In some embodiments, the piston  660  can operate to directly maintain the pressure of the applicator  104  against the handrail  110 . In other embodiments, the piston  660  can be coupled with the embodiment of the applicator  104  shown in  FIG. 5 , such that the piston  660  can move the applicator  104  into a position proximate to the handrail  110  and the springs  550  can maintain the pressure of the applicator  104  against the handrail  110 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a third exemplary embodiment of an applicator  104 . In this third exemplary embodiment, the applicator  104  can comprise a tray  736 , a sponge  130 , and a scissor lift  768 . The tray  736  can comprise a tray floor  740  and tray walls  742  extending away from the tray floor  740  at the edges of the tray floor  740 , such that the tray  736  has an open top. The sponge  130  can be coupled with and/or rest on the tray floor  740  between the tray walls  742 . In some embodiments, the sponge  130  can be removably coupled with the tray  736 , such that the sponge  130  can be replaced when desired. In some embodiments, tray walls  742  can have grooves  748  indented into the tops of the tray walls  742 . The grooves  748  can be shaped as arcs substantially similar to the arc of a cross section of a handrail  110 , such that the handrail  110  can come into contact with the sponge  130  housed within the tray  736  without impacting the tray walls  742 . The applicator inlet  132  can be coupled with the tray  736 , such that the sanitizing substance  108  received by the applicator  104  can pool into the tray  736  and be absorbed by the sponge  130 . 
     The rising mechanism  134  in this third exemplary embodiment can be the scissor lift  768 . The scissor lift  768  can comprise a first arm  770 , a second arm  772 , a track  774 , and at least one motor assembly  776 . The tray  736  can be coupled with the first arm  770  and the second arm  772 . The first arm  770  and second arm  772  can be coupled with one another at a hinge  778  at substantially the midpoint of both arms  770   772 . The track  774  can be coupled with the support structure  112 . In some embodiments, the track  774  can be a series of grooves. In other embodiments, the track  774  can be rails, paths, slots, or any other type of track. The motor assembly  776  can comprise a motor  780  and one or more wheels  782 . The wheels can be configured to interact with the track  774 . The motor can be configured to power the wheels  782 . In some embodiments, the base of the first arm  770  can be coupled with the support structure  112  and the base of the second arm  772  can be coupled with the motor assembly  776 . In alternate embodiments, the base of the first arm  770  can be coupled with a first motor assembly  776  and the base of the second arm  772  can be coupled with a second motor assembly  776 . 
     In operation, the motor  780  can turn the wheels  782  to move the motor assemblies  776  along the track  774 , thereby moving the base of the second arm  772  relative to the base of the first arm  770 . The movement of the base of the second arm  772  relative to the base of the first arm  770  can cause the angle between the first arm  770  and second arm  772  to change, thereby causing the tray  736  to rise and fall. In some embodiments, one or more of the first arm  770 , the second arm  772 , the tray  736 , the support structure  112  and/or the motor assembly  776  can be hingeably coupled with one another, such that the components of the scissor lift  768  can move relative to one another. 
     In some embodiments, the scissor lift  768  can operate to directly maintain the pressure of the applicator  104  against the handrail  110 . In other embodiments, the scissor lift  768  can be coupled with the embodiment of the applicator  104  shown in  FIG. 5 , such that the scissor lift  768  can move the applicator  104  into a position proximate to the handrail  110  and the springs  550  can maintain the pressure of the applicator  104  against the handrail  110 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a fourth exemplary embodiment of an applicator  104 . In this fourth exemplary embodiment, the applicator  104  can comprise a spray nozzle  884 . The applicator inlet  132  can be coupled with the spray nozzle  884 , such that the sanitizing substance  108  received by the applicator  104  can be sprayed through the spray nozzle  884  towards the handrail  110 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of the support structure  112 . The support structure  112  can be a housing that at least partially encloses the sanitizer container  102 , applicator  104 , and connector  106 . The sanitizer container  102  and/or the applicator  104  can be coupled with the support structure  112 . In some embodiments, the sanitizer container  102  can be mounted on the interior of the support structure  112  at a location higher than the applicator  104 , such that gravity can aid the conveyance of the sanitizing substance  108  from the sanitizer container  102  to the applicator  104  through the connector  106 . 
     The support structure can have one or more access points  186 . In some embodiments, the access points  186  can be hinged doors and/or covers that can be opened to access the interior of the support structure  112 . In other embodiments, the access points  186  can be removable portions of the support structure  112 . In some embodiments, the access points  186  can be locked and require a key to be opened. 
     In some embodiments, the support structure  112  can comprise one or more indicators  188  visible from the exterior of the support structure  112 . In some embodiments, indicators  188  can be lights, signs, screens, or any other type of display that can convey information. By way of a non-limiting example, the indicators  188  can indicate when maintenance of the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  is needed. In some embodiments, the indicators  188  can be in communication with one or more sensors in the applicator  104 , connector  106  and/or sanitizer container  102 , such as the sensors  119 ,  129  and  131 . The sensors can inform the indicators  188  when the level of sanitizing substance  108  is too low, when the sponge  130  is worn out, when a leak is detected in the connector  106 , or when any other malfunction, status, or predetermined condition is detected within the moving handrail sanitizing device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the exterior of the support structure  112  can comprise one or more placards  190 . The placards  190  can comprise text and/or images to convey information such as product names, brand names, model numbers, maintenance information, or any other desired information. 
     In some embodiments, one or more scrapers  192  can be coupled with the support structure  112  at a location proximate to the path of the moving handrail  110 , such that edges of the scraper  192  are proximal to the external surface of the moving handrail  110 . The scrapers  192  can be capable of deflecting and/or removing pieces of debris on the external surface of the moving handrail  110 . In some embodiments, the scrapers  192  can be elongated, substantially rectangular members. In other embodiments the scrapers  192  can extend around the lateral edges of a moving handrail  110 . In still other embodiments, the scrapers  192  can be wipers, brushes, squeegees, wedges, or have any other known and/or convenient geometry capable of deflecting and/or removing pieces of debris. In some embodiments, the scrapers  192  can be positioned at an angle relative to the external surface of the moving handrail  110 . In some embodiments, the scrapers  192  can be positioned on the interior of the support structure  112 . In alternate embodiments, the scrapers  192  can be integral with the support structure  112  and/or positioned on the exterior of the support structure  112 . By way of a non-limiting example, the support structure  112  can be shaped such that the opening through which the moving handrail  110  enters the support structure  112  has minimal clearance, such that the exterior of the support structure  112  functions as a scraper  192  by deflecting debris as the handrail  110  enters the interior of the support structure  112 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts embodiments of the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  in use. In operation, the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can be positioned at a desired location on the path of a moving handrail  110 . In some embodiments, the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can be placed at one end of a moving handrail  110  at a point in which the handrail  110  is moving downward and around a turning point  1094 . By way of a non-limiting example, a moving handrail sanitizing device  100   a  can be placed such that the handrail  110  can enter the support structure  112   a  after the handrail has passed turning point  1094   a  when the handrail is moving in a substantially counterclockwise direction. The applicator  104   a  can apply the sanitizing substance  108  to the handrail  110 , and the handrail  110  can have time to dry as it moves toward turning point  1094   b . By way of another non-limiting example, a moving handrail sanitizing device  100   b  can be placed such that the handrail  110  can enter the support structure  112   b  after the handrail has passed turning point  1094   b  when the handrail is moving in a substantially clockwise direction. The applicator  104   b  can apply the sanitizing substance  108  to the handrail  110 , and the handrail  110  can have time to dry as it moves toward turning point  1094   a . In other embodiments, the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can be positioned at a point in which the handrail  110  is moving in any direction. The applicator  104  can be positioned below the handrail  110 , on the side of the handrail  110 , horizontally, vertically, at an angle, or at any other desired position or orientation. 
     In alternate embodiments, the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can be configured to sanitize moving elements that are not handrails. By way of a non-limiting example, an embodiment could be positioned on the underside of a moving belt device, such as, but not limited to, a conveyor belt at a grocery store checkout. 
     In some embodiments, the applicator  104  can continually apply the sanitizing substance  108  to the moving handrail  110 . In alternate embodiments, the applicator  104  can intermittently apply the sanitizing substance  108  to the moving handrail  110 . In some embodiments with intermittent application of sanitizing substance  108 , the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can comprise an automatic timer  1096 . The automatic timer  1096  can be configured to control the applicator  104  and/or the rising mechanism  134  such that sanitizing substance  108  can be applied to the handrail  110  at predetermined intervals and/or for predetermined periods of time. In other embodiments with intermittent application of sanitizing substance  108 , the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can comprise a counter mechanism  1098 . The counter mechanism  1098  can count how many times a certain section of the moving handrail  110  has passed by the counter mechanism  1098 . The counter mechanism  1098  can be configured to control the applicator  104  and/or the rising mechanism  134  such that sanitizing substance  108  can be applied to the handrail  110  after a predetermined number of handrail revolutions have occurred and/or application of sanitizing substance  108  can cease after a predetermined number of handrail revolutions have occurred. In still other embodiments, the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  can comprise a power switch  1100  configured to turn the moving handrail sanitizing device  100  on and off. 
     Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.